UP government woos voters with pension scheme

Under the scheme, pension between Rs 500 to Rs 700 would be given to the beneficiaries

In a bid to woo electorate ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Uttar Pradesh government today announced to launch "samajwadi pension scheme" which will benefit over 40 lakh families.

"The cabinet has okayed Samajwadi pension scheme, which will benefit 40 lakh families. Under the scheme, pension between Rs 500 to Rs 700 would be given to beneficiaries", Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

In another important decision, the state government has decided to make 1.70 Shiksha Mitra (ad hoc Primary teachers) as teachers.

"The Shiksha mitras are teaching in primary schools for a long time and have been demanding their regularisation as teachers. They will be accommodated. The concerned department will work on modalities within 10 days", he said.

The cabinet also decided to modernise police stations and control room in Gautam Buddha Nagar and the project will be funded by Noida authority, Yadav said.

The excise policy of the state has also been passed in which the revenue realisation would be 21.4 per cent more than the current fiscal, Yadav said adding that the policy mentions ways to curb smuggling of liquor from other states to UP.

In reply to a question regarding Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's interview to a news channel, Yadav declined to comment.

"It will be better if you dont ask me this. The interview was well advertised. The interviewer was nervous while taking the interview", he added.