Khattar okays monthly Rs 200 hike in social security pensions

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today announced a hike of Rs 200 per month in all social security pensions with effect from January next year, the move which would put an additional burden of Rs 520 crore on the state exchequer.
The hike would be effected from present Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 in old age Samman allowance, widow pension, pension for persons with disabilities and dwarfs pension' with effect from January 1, 2015.
"Every year, the government will effect an increase of Rs 200 so that in the fifth year the amount comes to Rs 2,000," Khattar told reporters after chairing the meeting of his Cabinet in which the decision was taken.

Khattar said it would be a "New Year gift" to all beneficiaries covered under the social security pension.
The hike of Rs 200 will involve a burden of Rs 520 crore on the state exchequer, Khattar said replying to a question.
Notably, before the October 15 polls in Haryana, BJP had promised to give an amount of Rs 2,000 as old age pension if the party was voted to power.

The saffron party for the first time formed government on its own winning 47 seats in the 90-member House.
Yesterday, the opposition Congress members had staged a brief walkout from the Assembly during its first session after the ruling benches had remained non-committal on giving an exact date to implement the poll promise of giving Rs 2,000 old age allowance.

Khattar today said that all the beneficiaries would get pension through bank accounts from February next year.
The Chief Minister said every household would have a bank account as per the policy of Central government and Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojna has been launched to meet the purpose.
Distribution of pensions through bank accounts would also check any type of irregularities, he said, adding that the beneficiaries will be helped to open the bank accounts.
When his attention was drawn on the government's move towards eradication of corruption and showing zero-tolerance towards the menace, he said all the departments have been asked to find out the areas where there could be possibilities of corruption.

To a query, Khattar said the state government would abide by the order of Punjab and Haryana High Court in connection with an ongoing case against sect leader Rampal, as Non Bailable Warrants were issued against him by the High Court today.