Rajasthan Government Boosts Social Security Pension to Rs 1,300 Per Month
In a significant development for welfare beneficiaries, Rajasthan's Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot declared on Wednesday that the state government has elevated the monthly social security pension to Rs 1,300. This announcement was made during the Zero Hour in the Assembly, following concerns raised by MLA Harimohan Sharma regarding pension disbursements.
Steady Pension Increases Over Two Years
Minister Gehlot detailed the phased enhancements implemented by the current administration since assuming office. The pension amount has seen consistent growth, starting from Rs 1,000 previously. In 2024, it was raised to Rs 1,150, followed by an increase to Rs 1,250 in 2025, and ultimately reaching Rs 1,300 per month in 2026. Gehlot emphasized that these adjustments reflect the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations through structured financial aid.
Minister Assures Timely Payments Without Backlog
Addressing allegations of delays, Gehlot firmly stated that pension payments are executed regularly and without any pending dues. "There are no outstanding arrears under the social security pension scheme," he asserted. "Payments are processed promptly at the end of each month, ensuring beneficiaries receive their funds without interruption." According to the minister, over 91 lakh pensioners across Rajasthan are currently benefiting from various social security initiatives, underscoring the scheme's extensive reach.
MLA Alleges Four-Month Pension Withholding
Contrary to the minister's claims, MLA Harimohan Sharma accused the government of withholding social security pensions for four months, releasing the arrears only after the Assembly session commenced. "The government failed to disburse pensions for four consecutive months," Sharma alleged. "It was only when the session began that the pending amounts were finally issued." He further criticized the irregular pension hikes, noting that increases have not been implemented as frequently as necessary.
Political Undertones in Pension Management
Sharma added a political dimension to the issue, highlighting that the department is led by a Gehlot. "It is interesting that one Gehlot was known for championing the welfare of the poor, while another has allegedly delayed pensions for months," he remarked. This comment points to perceived disparities in governance approaches within the same political framework, raising questions about the consistency and effectiveness of social security measures.
The debate underscores ongoing tensions between the government's portrayal of efficient welfare delivery and opposition claims of administrative lapses, impacting millions of pensioners reliant on these funds for their livelihood.
