Delhi's Elderly Finally Receive Pensions After 5-Month Delay

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi has announced that elderly residents have started receiving their pensions, which had been delayed for five months due to the BJP-led Centre not contributing its share. Out of one lakh beneficiaries, 90,000 received their past dues, with the rest to follow. The scheme provides financial aid to citizens over 60.

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi announced on Friday that the elderly population in the city has begun receiving their long-awaited pensions, which had been stalled for the past five months due to the BJP-led Central government failing to contribute its share.

Of the one lakh beneficiaries, 90,000 received their delayed payments on Thursday, with the remaining beneficiaries set to receive their dues in due course. The delay had caused considerable concern among the city's elderly residents.

Under the current scheme, the Delhi government allocates Rs 2,200 and the Centre Rs 300 per month to each beneficiary. Persons above 60 with an annual family income below Rs one lakh qualify for the pension, with additional funds provided to those over 70 and to members of SC/ST/Minority communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)