Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the city government will be providing pension to over 80,000 new pensioners, and a total of 8,50,000 elderly citizens in the national capital. Kejriwal also highlighted the disparity in pension amounts given by the central and state governments, saying that a single engine government in Delhi provides higher pensions compared to a double engine government. He also mentioned that the pension for retired employees was stopped during his time in jail but has now been reinstated.
Arvind Kejriwal Announces Pension for Over 80,000 New Pensioners in Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently announced that the city government will provide pensions to over 80,000 new pensioners, taking the total number of elderly citizens receiving pensions in the national capital to 8,50,000.
The announcement came as a major relief for the elderly population of Delhi, who have long been demanding an increase in their pensions. The new pensioners will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 4,000, which is significantly higher than the current rate of Rs. 2,500.
Background
The pension scheme for elderly citizens in Delhi was launched in 2007 by the Sheila Dikshit government. Initially, only a small number of people were eligible for the pension, but the eligibility criteria were gradually expanded over the years.
In 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Arvind Kejriwal promised to increase the pension amount and expand the eligibility criteria even further. However, the government was not able to fulfill this promise due to financial constraints.
Kejriwal's Announcement
Kejriwal's announcement is a major step towards fulfilling the AAP government's promise. The new pensioners will include construction workers, auto rickshaw drivers, taxi drivers, and other informal sector workers who have not been covered by any pension scheme in the past.
Kejriwal also highlighted the disparity in pension amounts given by the central and state governments. He said that a single engine government in Delhi provides higher pensions compared to a double engine government. This was a reference to the fact that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power both at the center and in Delhi.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the pension scheme?
The pension scheme is available to elderly citizens of Delhi who are above the age of 60 years and meet certain income criteria.
2. What is the amount of the pension?
The pension amount is Rs. 4,000 per month.
3. How do I apply for the pension?
You can apply for the pension by filling out an application form available at the offices of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and other designated centers.
4. What are the documents required to apply for the pension?
You will need to submit the following documents:
5. What are the past events related to the pension scheme?
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