In Haryana, the elderly population, commonly referred to as ‘Tau-Tai,’ are now beneficiaries of a substantial monthly pension of Rs.3,000 under the old age pension scheme. This increase, which stands out compared to many other states, highlights the state’s commitment to the welfare of its senior citizens. The scheme, which began in 1991 with a modest Rs.100, has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly after 2014 under the leadership of the BJP government.
A Historical Overview of Pension Increases
From 1991 to 2014, the old age pension in Haryana rose slowly from Rs.100 to Rs.1,000, spanning across different governments. Parties such as Congress, Haryana Vikas Party, and Indian National Lok Dal governed during this period but failed to implement significant hikes in the pension. However, post-2014, under the BJP-led government, the pension amounts saw a rapid increase, reaching Rs.3,000 by 2023.
This timeline highlights the pension increases over the years:
- 1991: Rs.100
- 1999: Rs.200
- 2004: Rs.300
- 2009: Rs.500-700
- 2014: Rs.1,000
- 2015: Rs.1,200
- 2016: Rs.1,400-1,600
- 2017: Rs.1,800
- 2020: Rs.2,250
- 2021: Rs.2,500
- 2023: Rs.3,000
BJP Government’s Contribution
The most notable surge in pension amounts came after 2014, following the formation of the BJP government under Manohar Lal Khattar and Nayab Singh Saini. The BJP‘s commitment to improving social welfare under its “Mhara Haryana Nonstop Haryana” vision led to a dramatic increase in pension amounts, digitizing the process for easier access. Now, when citizens turn 60, they automatically receive Rs.3,000 per month, thanks to a system linked to their family ID.
Beneficiaries Over the Years
The number of beneficiaries under the old age pension scheme has also grown over the years, showing the scheme’s expanding reach.
- 2017-18: 15,12,436
- 2018-19: 15,69,616
- 2019-20: 17,01,761
- 2020-21: 17,12,934
Impact on Elderly Voters
The scheme has made a considerable impact on the elderly voter demographic in Haryana, which includes 10,000 voters over 100 years old and 2,55,000 voters aged 85 or above. This group plays a significant role in the state’s electoral process, and the increased pension highlights the government’s efforts to address their needs.
Increased Budget Allocation for Social Welfare
Under the Congress government in 2013-14, social welfare expenditure accounted for only 0.76% of the total state budget. In contrast, the BJP government has significantly boosted this figure, allocating 9.25% of the 2024-25 budget to social welfare initiatives. This rise demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that the elderly population receives the care and support they deserve.
Haryana’s old age pension scheme is a testament to the state’s dedication to uplifting its senior citizens, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive and welfare-driven governance.
