Cheques of Rs 16.40 lakh given to widows under welfare scheme

New Delhi, May 8 (UNI) Delhi Finance Minister A K Walia today distributed cheques amounting to Rs 16.40 lakh to 104 widows as part of a financial assistance scheme.

Cheques of denomination of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 were presented to them at a simple ceremony organised at the Minister's residence.

While 58 widows up to the age of 45 received cheques amounting to Rs 20,000, the rest were given cheques of Rs 10,000.

The financial assistance for widows is meant for initiating an earning effort for the family.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Walia said all cases pertaining to the Widow Financial Assistance Scheme and the Old Age Pension Scheme in his constituency had been attended.

He had in his budget speech announced raising of old age pension from Rs 400 to Rs 600 per month and a new scheme of pension of Rs 600 to widows.

UNI