The Delhi government today increased the monthly old-age pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 for senior citizens who have attained the age of 70 years in the city.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, Ms Sheila Dixit, and will benefit around 1.60 lakh old-age pensioners.
However, people in the age bracket of 60 and less than 70 will continue to get Rs 1,000 as old-age pension monthly.
The Delhi government pays old-age pension to 3.16 lakh senior citizens in the city. To be eligible, a senior citizen's annual income should not exceed Rs 60,000.
The hike in old-age pension will come into effect retrospectively from October 1, Ms Dixit said.
“We are concerned about the hardships being faced by persons in the age group of 70 years and above and that is why we have decided to increase the amount,” said Ms Dixit.
The Social Welfare Minister, Mr Kiran Walia, said with the hike, Delhi has become the State giving the highest monthly old-age pension in the country.