Delhi Government Increases Old-Age Pension Scheme By 80,000 Beneficiaries

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 25, 2024, stated that 80,000 more beneficiaries will be brought under the Old-Age Pension Scheme. The number of beneficiaries has now reached 5.3 lakh. In a press conference, Kejriwal elaborated on the increased monthly incentives: people aged between 60 and 69 years will get Rs 2,000, while those who are 70 years old and above will get Rs 2,500. Apart from that, beneficiaries belonging to SC, ST, and minority communities will get an additional Rs 500 as part of the monthly pension.

The Delhi government has launched an online application portal to smoothen the process. Some 10,000 applications have already been registered at www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in. However, the window will remain open only until some 80,000 applications reach the department or for three weeks, whichever is earlier.

Kejriwal has condemned that the BJP government stopped pension schemes, during his imprisonment. He referred to it as "a sin to stop the pensions of old people." Moreover, according to him, not only did his government resume this pension but also increased the amount of recipients.

Also Read: Activate UAN, Link Aadhaar To Access ELI Scheme Benefits, Says Labour Ministry

Eligibility Criteria

The beneficiary should have been a resident of Delhi for five years as on the date of application. Annual family income must not exceed Rs 1,00,000 and must be including rent or interest from savings. Should have an Aadhaar-linked, singly operated bank account in Delhi for pensions. No Central or State government or other organization support must be received by the applicant.

All applicants above 60 years of age are also entitled to submit the documents for providing age, residency, and income, which can be submitted under the forms of an Aadhaar card, a voter ID card, a school certificate, or ration cards, amongst others.

1. Online Registration: 

There is a need for every candidate to get registered in the e-District portal at www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in by entering their Aadhaar number. Applications can also be submitted to the District Social Welfare Office. 

2. Documents Upload: 

It will be required to upload the scanned documents of age proof, address proof and income declaration. Candidates from the SC/ST age group 60-69 years require a caste certificate and minority candidates shall provide a self-declaration from them in respect of their religion with proper verification done.

3. Verification: 

The District Social Welfare Office will scrutinise applications and may call applicants for further document verification. The status of applications is generally updated within 45 days of submission. Approved beneficiaries will have payments deposited directly into their bank accounts. 

Documents Required Proof of Age: 

Birth certificate 

Aadhaar card 

PAN card

School Leaving Certificate 

Passport

Residence Proof:

Aadhaar Card.  

Voter ID.  

Ration Card.  

Electricity/ Water/ Telephone Gas/Broadband bills. 

Property Documents.