In a major boost for the elderly population of Haryana, the state government has increased the old age pension to Rs. 3,000 per month, a noteworthy rise compared to many other states. Under the leadership of the BJP government, the pension scheme has undergone significant transformations, with a sharp increase in the amount over the past decade. This marks a substantial improvement from when the pension was initially introduced at just Rs. 100 in 1991.
A Journey of Incremental Growth
Haryana’s old age pension program, which started in 1991, saw slow progress during the initial years, with the pension amount rising from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1,000 over a span of 23 years. However, since 2014, under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the pension has witnessed a steep rise, increasing to Rs. 3,000 by 2023. The rapid increase reflects the BJP government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, with their vision of ‘Mhara Haryana Nonstop Haryana’ at the core.
The government also digitized the process, ensuring that every eligible elder in the state, upon reaching 60 years of age, automatically receives Rs. 3,000 per month. This automation is linked to their family ID, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Pension Amount Increase Timeline
| Year | Pension Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 100 |
| 1999 | 200 |
| 2004 | 300 |
| 2009 | 500-700 |
| 2014 | 1,000 |
| 2015 | 1,200 |
| 2016 | 1,400-1,600 |
| 2017 | 1,800 |
| 2020 | 2,250 |
| 2021 | 2,500 |
| 2023 | 3,000 |
Growing Number of Beneficiaries
The number of pension recipients in Haryana has also increased steadily, reflecting the state’s growing elderly population. The beneficiaries of the pension program grew significantly between 2017 and 2021, with over 17 lakh elderly citizens currently benefiting from the scheme.
| Year | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 15,12,436 |
| 2018-19 | 15,69,616 |
| 2019-20 | 17,01,761 |
| 2020-21 | 17,12,934 |
Senior Citizen Voters: A Crucial Segment
Haryana has a significant elderly voter base, with 10,000 voters above the age of 100 and 2,55,000 voters aged 85 or above. This demographic has become increasingly important, especially as the BJP government prioritizes welfare measures targeted at the elderly.
Increased Focus on Social Welfare
The BJP government has significantly boosted its social welfare spending, raising it to 9.25% of the total state budget in 2024-25, a considerable jump from the Congress government’s expenditure of just 0.76% in 2013-14. The increase in pension and social welfare funding reflects the BJP’s focus on supporting the elderly and ensuring their well-being.
This development has made Haryana a leader in providing social security for its senior citizens, with the old age pension scheme setting an example for other states across India.
