Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said that the government plans to extend pension benefits to 50,000 additional elderly residents of the national capital. Gupta said that the government has allocated a budget of Rs 149 crore for the Senior Citizen Financial Assistance Scheme, for this financial year.
The scheme will be launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 17 as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday celebrations, at Thyagraj Stadium.
Officials said that people have to submit applications through the e-District Portal and that the eligibility process will remain completely transparent.
Officials said that the beneficiaries will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
“If the number of beneficiaries grows in the future and additional funds are required, the government will provide further budgetary support without delay…The government’s aim is to support the financially weak senior citizens,” said Gupta.
“Senior citizens are the heritage of our society. Delhi government aims to ensure that no elderly person feels lonely or helpless. With 50,000 new beneficiaries, thousands of families will receive financial relief and emotional support,” the CM said.
Gupta also announced that her government has plans to establish 10 new resource centres, which will be directly benefiting nearly 12,500 children. These centres will integrate medical, educational, and counselling services under one roof, ensuring a holistic approach to children’s diverse needs.
Further, in another event, Gupta launched an internship programme and handed over offer letters to 85 interns who will be working with government departments on various policies, schemes and projects.