Haryana to encourage people to give up social security pensions

Under fire from the opposition for delay in the release of social security pensions in the state, the Haryana government on Tuesday said it would encourage people to give up social security pensions.

"Soon a scheme would be implemented in the state under which people would be inspired to give up social security pensions on the pattern of a scheme introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give up LPG subsidy," a state government spokesman quoted Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment minister Kavita Jain as saying here.

Jain said the government would acknowledge those drawing social security pension through unfair means but opting to give up the facility on their own.

The minister said those drawing pensions from two sources would also be acknowledged if they gave up one of their pensions.

"The funds thus saved would be utilised for the state's development," she added.

On Tuesday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar transferred social security pensions amounting to about Rs.119 crore for July directly into the bank accounts of over one million eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.

Khattar said the new scheme would ensure complete transparency in disbursement of social security pensions.

Under the first phase of this ambitious scheme, over 10 lakh beneficiaries living in 1,744 villages and all 81 towns in the state would get pensions through banks and post offices.