In a significant decision the State Government has enhanced monthly pension to Rs 1000 from Rs 200 in favour of Old Aged, Widows and Physically Challenged persons.The enhanced amount will be paid to the beneficiaries with effect from April, 2016 by the Social Welfare Department.This was announced by the Minister for Social Welfare Mr. Sajad Gani Lone, here today.Announcing the decision, the Minister thanked Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti for her unflinching support for the upliftment of down trodden and agreement with the decision to enhance the pension.The Minister said that the decision will benefit about 5.70 lakh beneficiaries of the State who are currently registered with the Department of Social Welfare. He said the enhancement of the monthly pension under the National Assistance Programme (NASP) and Integrated Social Assistance Programme (ISSS) will have the additional financial implication of about Rs 3.50 crore as the annual budget will record an increase from Rs 400 crore to Rs 750 crore.
Mr. Sajad Lone reiterated the government’s resolve to provide each and every facility to the people of the state at their door steps. He said the decision is aimed at alleviating suffering of the weak and under privileged.The Minister said to provide better facilities to the beneficiaries of the Social Welfare Department, a lot of reforms and structural changes are taking place to ensure that benefits of the welfare schemes reach to the disempowered sections.Divulging some measures the Minister said that for special marriage assistance scheme, the bride is now required to self-certify her marriage date to avail the assistance instead of an affidavit before the judicial magistrate. He said that similarly in case of widow certificate, a self certification attested by two village community members would be required instead of a certificate from SHO concerned which was the norm earlier.