Enhanced pensions to take effect tomorrow

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu issued an open letter to pension recipients across the State on Saturday, emphasising the government’s commitment to fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people. The CM announced that the revised “NTR Bharosa Pension” will be delivered to beneficiaries at their homes starting July 1.
In his letter, CM Naidu stated that the State government is dedicated to the welfare of its people. As promised in the manifesto, the pensions will increase by Rs 1,000. He expressed satisfaction with the revision of pensions for the disabled, which will now be Rs 6,000 per month. From July 1, these increased pensions will be distributed directly to the beneficiaries’ homes. Addressing potential financial challenges, he assured that the government is making decisions to support public welfare from the very beginning.
The CM mentioned that the increase in pensions will result in an additional monthly expenditure of Rs 819 crore for the government. He criticised the previous administration for the difficulties faced by beneficiaries in receiving their pensions, particularly during the elections when beneficiaries endured hardships in the summer heat. The CM reaffirmed that the increased pensions will be retroactively provided for April, May, and June.
Under the “NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme,” the enhanced pension amounts will be distributed to various groups on July 1. The monthly pension will increase from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for Old Age Pensioners, Widows, Weavers, Toddy Tappers, Fishermen, Single Women, Traditional Cobblers, Transgender individuals, ART (PLHIV), and Dappu Artists. The pension for disabled persons will rise from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000, and for those with multiple disabilities or leprosy, it will increase to Rs 15,000.
For individuals with chronic diseases such as bilateral elephantiasis (Grade 4), kidney, liver, and heart transplants, the pension will rise from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. The enhanced pensions will be effective from April 1, 2024, and disbursed on July 1, 2024, including three months’ arrears. Consequently, beneficiaries will receive Rs 7,000 in July 2024 and Rs 4,000 monthly thereafter.
Additionally, the government will continue providing Rs 10,000 per month to individuals with CKDU on dialysis (both private and government), Sickle Cell disease, Thalassemia, and severe hemophilia (with less than 2% factor 8 or 9), without any increase. The Sainik welfare pensions and Amaravati Landless Poor will continue to receive Rs 5,000 per month, and beneficiaries under Abhayahastam will receive Rs 500 per month, with no changes in these amounts.