Panchayat Raj & Rural Development Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao today informed the Assembly that the government was providing Asara pensions to all eligible persons in the State.
During question hour in the Assembly on Tuesday, the minister said some 35 lakh people were getting Asara pension in the State. The government was wedded to help the poor so that they can live with self-respect, Jupalli said, adding that the government was always thinking n humanitarian grounds about welfare of the poor and the downtrodden sections. The State government has started another pension scheme to help single women, who were living lonely. The new pension scheme would be effective from April, he announced.
The minister said the government has set up medical boards across the State to lend a helping hand for the handicapped persons. A total of 9.33 lakh disabled persons filed applications, of which 6.37 lakh have been identified as eligible for pensions. The pensions would be distributed through post offices to avoid inconvenience to these people, Jupalli said, adding that the government would also consider if there are any new applications for the handicapped pensions. (NSS)