After women, Mahayuti sets eyes on senior citizens; govt to expedite scheme for one-time payment of Rs 3,000

The CM Vayoshree Scheme provides a one-time payment of Rs 3,000 to senior citizens over 65 years of age, deposited into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

Previously, tasks such as beneficiary selection, document verification, and Aadhaar and bank account data collection were managed by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). However, the state government has now directed that these responsibilities be handled by a committee led by district collectors and municipal commissioners. The government had initially allocated Rs 30 crore for these CPSUs.

According to the 2011 census, Maharashtra’s population is approximately 11.24 crore, with around 10-12 percent (1.25 to 1.50 crore) being senior citizens. The government plans to transfer Rs 3,000 to the accounts of 12.5 to 15 lakh eligible senior citizens, totaling an expenditure of Rs 450 crore.

The ruling Mahayuti government is also actively promoting its flagship CM Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, which transfers Rs 1,500 monthly to the bank accounts of women living below the poverty line. With high expectations for the success of this scheme, the government is now focusing on accelerating the DBT scheme for senior citizens.