Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Social Welfare Department organized a pension installment distribution program for beneficiaries at the CM residence. During the program, the CM issued several important instructions for the benefit of pension beneficiaries across the state. The Chief Minister strongly stated that all pension amounts provided under the Social Welfare Department must be transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the 5th of every month, so that no elderly, disabled, widow, farmer, or vulnerable section faces financial difficulties. The CM issued strict instructions that any delay in pension payments will not be tolerated.
During the pension installment distribution program, CM Dhami disbursed November pension installments worth ₹13,982.92 lakh to 938,999 beneficiaries. The CM directed the department to make the entire pension scheme system more simple, fast, timely, and effective.
The CM clarified that the state’s social security schemes are a lifeline for the most vulnerable, needy, and disadvantaged sections of society. Therefore, transparency, verification, and implementation of these schemes must be a top priority. He also clearly instructed all departmental officials to conduct regular internal audits of pension schemes to ensure that no ineligible person receives benefits. Government assistance reaches only those who truly deserve it.
He also directed that all social security schemes of similar nature be integrated through integration, eliminating duplication and ensuring that benefits reach the right individuals quickly. The CM ordered that local products be given absolute priority in all government functions and events across the state.
He said that only local products from Uttarakhand should be used in any memento, gift, or honor material. He promoted the new tradition of presenting books instead of bouquets, calling it a time-, money-, and resource-saving initiative.
Calling for a more simple program, the CM said that this is not only a good administrative practice but also a step towards good governance and strengthening Uttarakhand’s cultural identity. The Social Welfare Department provides schemes such as old-age pension, widow pension, disability pension, farmer pension, abandoned woman pension, maintenance grant, pilgrimage priest pension, and dwarf pension.
Under these schemes, pensions are being transferred directly to the accounts of over 9.38 lakh beneficiaries every month through the DBT system. This digital transaction system is not only a significant step towards transparency and good governance, but also frees beneficiaries from unnecessary office visits. An annual provision of ₹13,982.92 lakh has been allocated for all these schemes.
