How BJP Transformed Haryana’s Old Age Pension Scheme for Senior Citizens

Haryana's elderly population is fortunate to have a strong "support system" in the form of the Old Age Pension Scheme, which provides a monthly pension of Rs 3,000, higher than many other states. Launched in 1991, the scheme has undergone significant changes over the years, with the pension amount increasing steadily.

From 1991 to 2014, various parties like Congress, Haryana Vikas Party, and Indian National Lok Dal governed the state, with Bhajan Lal, Bansi Lal, Om Prakash Chautala, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda as Chief Ministers. However, it was only after the BJP government took over in 2014 that the pension amount saw a substantial increase, rising from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 in just 10 years.

Increase in Pension Over the Years:

• In 23 years (1991-2014), the pension amount increased by Rs 1,000.
• In the last 10 years (2014-2024), under BJP rule with Manohar Lal Khattar and Nayab Singh Saini as Chief Ministers, the pension amount rose from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000.

The BJP government has also digitised the entire pension system, making it easier for citizens to receive their pensions. Once a citizen turns 60, their monthly pension of Rs 3,000 is automatically initiated through the online system via their Family ID.

Haryana has a significant number of elderly voters, with 10,000 voters over the age of 100 and 255,000 voters aged 85 and above. The state's allocation of social welfare expenditure has also increased significantly, from 0.76% of the total budget in 2013-14 to 9.25% in 2024-25.

The beneficiaries of the pension scheme have also increased over the years. In 2017-18, there were 15,12,436 beneficiaries, which increased to 17,12,934 in 2020-21. The pension amount has also increased significantly over the years, from Rs 100 in 1991 to Rs 3,000 in 2023.

Beneficiaries of the Pension Scheme Over the Years:

2017-18: 15,12,436 beneficiaries
2018-19: 15,69,616 beneficiaries
2019-20: 17,01,761 beneficiaries
2020-21: 17,12,934 beneficiaries

Increase in Pension Amount in Haryana:

1991: Rs 100
1999: Rs 200
2004: Rs 300
2009: Rs 500-700
2014: Rs 1,000
2015: Rs 1,200
2016: Rs 1,400-1,600
2017: Rs 1,800
2020: Rs 2,250
2021: Rs 2,500
2023: Rs 3,000

(Source: socialjusticehry.gov.in)