Early Times Report
Srinagar, Apr 3: In a significant step towards social welfare, the Jammu and Kashmir Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has ordered the enhancement of pensions under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS).
This move marks the fulfillment of a key commitment made by the Chief Minister in the J&K Legislative Assembly on March 7.
As per the revised structure, effective from April 1, 2025, pension beneficiaries will receive increased financial assistance.
“This is not just assistance—it’s our commitment to an inclusive and caring welfare state,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated.
Individuals below 60 years of age will now receive Rs 1,250 per month, while those aged between 60 and 79 years will be entitled to Rs 1,500 per month.
Senior citizens 80 years and above will receive a monthly pension of Rs 2,000, ensuring better support for the elderly.
As per the order, the government has announced significant enhancements in social pensions under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) to provide better financial support to vulnerable sections of society.
Under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), the pension for individuals aged 60-79 years has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, while those aged 80 years and above will now receive Rs 2,000 instead of Rs 1,000.
Similarly, under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), widows aged 40-59 years will receive Rs 1,250 (earlier Rs 1,000), those aged 60-79 years will receive Rs 1,500 (earlier Rs 1,000), and widows 80 years and above will now receive Rs 2,000.
Additionally, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) has been revised, with pensions for disabled individuals in the 18-59 years category raised to Rs 1,250, those 60-79 years receiving Rs 1,500, and those 80 years and above now receiving Rs 2,000.
Furthermore, under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), which is UT-funded, pension rates have been revised across multiple beneficiary groups.
Old Age Pensions have been increased to Rs 1,250 for females aged 55-60 years, Rs 1,500 for those 60-79 years, and Rs 2,000 for those aged 80 years and above.
Similarly, Widow/Divorcee Pensions have been enhanced to Rs 1,250 for widows below 60 years with a legal marriageable age, Rs 1,500 for those 60-79 years, and Rs 2,000 for those 80 years and above.
The Disability Pension has been revised to Rs 1,250 for those below 60 years, Rs 1,500 for those 60-79 years, and Rs 2,000 for those 80 years and above.
A similar structure applies to the Transgender Pension, ensuring increased financial assistance across all age categories. |
