Parties woo elderly voters with higher pension

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, August 7

As the Haryana Assembly elections near, the opposition parties are focusing on senior citizens and promising a substantial increase in their old-age pension on assuming power.

The BJP is providing Rs 3,000 per month as old-age pension to senior citizens, while the Jannayak Janata Party earlier announced to raise it to Rs 5,100, the Congress promised to raise it to Rs 6,000 a month, the INLD-BSP alliance has gone a step further by promising to increase it to Rs 7,500 per month.

The INLD, in its manifesto, has committed to providing Rs 7,500 monthly pension to senior citizens. “The INLD-BSP alliance is going to contest upcoming elections in Haryana. The INLD promised Rs 7,500 as old-age pension. We are working on the vision of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal. We will fulfil the promise if voted to power,” said Rakesh Sihag, Media Coordinator of INLD.

The Congress has already made multiple announcements, with former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda promising to increase the old-age pension to Rs 6,000 during various rallies. “The Congress will raise the pension to Rs 6,000 if voted to power,” said Parag Gaba, a senior Congress leader.

However, the BJP is yet to unveil its future plan regarding the old age pension. “We have promised to raise the pension by Rs 200 per year, which has seen an increase from Rs 1000 in 2014 to Rs 3,000 in 2024. A manifesto committee will decide the future promise,” said Praveen Attrey, media secretary to the CM Political experts say all parties focus on different age groups and promises accordingly.

“Old-age pension is a part of the social security scheme. It is also essential for the survival of many people across the state. Ahead of the elections, all political parties announce different schemes. It is also a part of that appeasement scheme, which they announce as per their assessment,” said Dr Kushal Pal, a political expert and Principal, Indira Gandhi National College, Ladwa.

Focus on senior citizens

• BJP is providing ~3,000 a month as old-age pension to senior citizens; Jannayak Janata Party has announced to raise it to ~5,100
• Congress promises to raise the old-age pension to ~6,000 per month; INLD-BSP alliance has promised to increase it to ~7,500 a month