The YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Government in Andhra Pradesh has ensured that old and bedridden pensioners receive their pensions on time, after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) tried to stop the distribution of ‘YSR Kanuka Pensions’ to over 64 lakh beneficiaries in the state.
The government issued Budget Release Orders (CBROs) totaling Rs 147,341,05,000 through different departments to ensure that pensions could be distributed on April 3, 2024. The funds were released ahead of time due to banks being closed on April 1, 2024.
Despite allegations from the TDP, the government had been efficiently distributing pensions through 2.6 lakh village volunteers who personally verified beneficiaries and helped them in case of any difficulties due to old age.
However, after the Election Commission denied permission to distribute pensions with the help of volunteers, the government is looking for alternatives. Pensioners may now have to personally go to village secretariats to collect their pensions.
Challenges faced by pensioners due to these changes include having to rush to village secretariats, travel to other villages for pensions, and difficulties in verifying addresses for beneficiaries living with their children. Additionally, ailing pensioners who were previously served at home now have to visit village secretariats personally.
