Principal Correspondent/Ranchi : aking a historic step Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren launched Universal Pension Scheme in Jharkhand, on Jharkhand State Foundation Day. After the launch of this scheme, the implementation of social security schemes in the state has not only been simplified, but the government has also created an open window to cover each eligible beneficiary with a pension scheme. Now under the new rule APL, the mandatory requirement of showing a BPL card has been done away with. The needy beneficiaries can show their voter ID card to register them under Universal Pension Scheme. Every citizen above the age of 60 years will now be covered under the benefits of the pension scheme under the new provisions but said the person should not be a taxpayer.
Widow and destitute women above 18 years of age are eligible for the benefits of the pension scheme. In addition, single women above 45 years of age are entitled to pension benefits. Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren has directed the officers to ensure that not a single beneficiary is left out and every application received for pension is resolved within 30 days. Under the new provisions, the scheme proposes to provide a benefit of Rs.1000/- every month.
Window opens to each eligible beneficiary beyond the prescribed target
Moving forward from the set target of providing pensions to limited beneficiaries, the government now aims to cover every eligible beneficiary under the Universal Pension Scheme. A revolving fund of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for Universal Pension Scheme.
Every needy will be benefited
Various pension schemes are run by the central and state governments under the purview of social security. But, having a limited number of targets every year will leave many people out of benefits. Therefore, to cover every eligible beneficiary, the present government introduced Universal Pension Scheme. This pension scheme is being implemented through the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security, Government of Jharkhand.
Eligibility Criteria to Qualify for Universal Pension Scheme
Chief Minister State Old Age Pension Scheme is for any person above 60 years of age and also, the applicant should not be a taxpayer. Mukhyamantri Rajya Nirakrit Mahila Samman Pension Yojana- Under this, any widow / abandoned woman / destitute above the age of 18 years and single woman of 45 years or more will get the benefit of pension. Swami Vivekananda Nishakt Swavalamban Protsahan Yojana – Any disabled citizen of Jharkhand above 5 years is eligible for pension benefits. Pension Scheme for HIV/AIDS – Any person suffering from HIV/AIDS disease will be covered under this. Any eligible beneficiary can submit his application to the Block Development Officer (BDO) in rural areas or Circle Officer (CO) in urban areas.
Sanjay Pandey
