Govt announces 50,000 new pensions for seniors

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced the expansion of the Senior Citizen Financial Assistance Scheme with the addition of 50,000 new pensions for the elderly in Delhi. An estimate allocation of Rs 149 crore has been earmarked for the initiative over the incoming fiscal.

The announcement comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah will formally inaugurate the expanded pension scheme. Gupta said the decision was aimed at supporting financially vulnerable elderly citizens of the capital.

Applications for the new pensions will be processed through the e-District Portal, with beneficiaries selected on a first-come, first-served basis. The CM assured that the eligibility process would remain transparent. “If the number of beneficiaries increases and more funds are required, the government will immediately expand the budget,” she said.

Emphasising the importance of senior citizens, Gupta said, “They are the heritage of our society. With 50,000 new pensions, thousands of families will receive emotional support. This reflects our government’s commitment to ensure that the elderly live with dignity and respect.”