HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Nov 17: In a major relief to the senior citizens, old-aged people, widows and physically challenged persons, the state Cabinet has made substantial enhancement to their monthly pension.
A meeting of the State Cabinet held under the chairmanship chief minister Pema Khandu took this decision on Friday.
The old age pension (60 to 79 years) has been enhanced to Rs 1500 from Rs. 200 with the state share of Rs. 1300.
On the similar lines, old age pension scheme for (80 years and above) which was earlier at Rs. 500 has now been enhanced to Rs.2,000 with the state share of Rs. 1500 .
The national widow pension (for both below 80 years and above) is now enhanced to Rs 2,000 from the earlier Rs 300 and Rs 500 respectively.
Similarly, the national disability pension saw a leap of 85% in its grants with the new enhanced amount pegged at Rs. 2,000 against the previous grant amount of Rs. 500/300.
It is worth mentioning that all these social security schemes were hundred percent centrally sponsored programmes.
Good news for Ranganadi project affected people
In another decision, the State Cabinet approved allocation of 1% from the state share of free electricity from the 405 MW hydro electric project on Ranganadi (Panyor) of Yazali for Local Area Development Fund for the project affected areas.
It may be recalled that on July 20 last, the project affected people of 405 MW Ranganadi hydro electric project had apprised the chief minister their grievances.
With this decision of the cabinet, the State Government has fulfilled a long pending demand of those affected by 405 MW Ranganadi hydro electric project of Yazali and adjoining areas.
