Why in news:
- The Haryana council of ministers has recently made significant amendments to the Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme, expanding its benefits to include pensioners receiving the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
Key Points:
- This decision aims to enhance financial support for senior citizens in Haryana, particularly those whose Employees Provident Fund pensions fall below the threshold for receiving additional government assistance.
Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme
- The Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme was initiated by the Haryana government to provide financial assistance to senior citizens aged 60 and above who are residents of Haryana.
- The scheme has evolved over the years, with various amendments aimed at increasing the allowance and expanding eligibility criteria. As of now, beneficiaries receive a monthly allowance of ?1,800, which is set to increase to ?3,000.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the Old Age Samman Allowance, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Applicant must be 60 years or older.
- Residency: Must be a domicile and resident of Haryana.
- Income: The combined income from all sources, including that of a spouse, must not exceed ?3,00,000 per annum.
Previously, individuals receiving pensions from any government or local body were excluded from this scheme. However, this recent amendment specifically addresses EPF pensioners who earn less than ?3,000 per month.
Key features of the Amendment
- Inclusion of EPF Pensioners: The amendment allows EPF pensioners with monthly pensions below ?3,000 to qualify for the Old Age Samman Allowance. This change acknowledges that many retirees may not have sufficient income from their EPF benefits alone.
- Financial support structure: The combined total of the government allowance and the EPF pension will now ensure that eligible retirees receive at least ?3,000 per month. This adjustment is crucial for enhancing the financial security of elderly citizens who rely on limited income sources.
- Broader implications: By including EPF pensioners in this scheme, the Haryana government aims to alleviate poverty among senior citizens and ensure that they have access to basic financial support during their retirement years. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to enhance social security for vulnerable populations within the state.