New Delhi: The Old Age Pension Scheme in Haryana, which began in 1991 with a monthly payment of just ₹100, has seen substantial growth over the years. Today, the elderly in the state, fondly known as Tau-Tai, receive ₹3,000 per month, making Haryanas pension scheme one of the most generous in India.Ease with online pension systemAlthough the pension amount only rose to ₹1,000 between 1991 and 2014, a remarkable transformation occurred after the BJP came to power in the state. Under the leadership of Manohar Lal Khattar, the pension amount tripled, reaching ₹3,000 within a decade, reflecting a massive leap in financial support for the elderly.One of the notable advancements of the BJP government was the digitization of the old age pension system. Now, once any individual in Haryana turns 60, the pension is automatically initiated through the online system linked to the family ID, ensuring timely and efficient disbursement of funds.Increase in social welfareHaryana has a significant number of elderly voters. The state boasts over 10,000 centenarians and 2,55,000 voters aged 85 and above. This demographic holds considerable influence, making the old age pension scheme a critical factor in government welfare strategies.Under the previous Congress government, led by Bhupendra Singh Hooda, only 0.76% of the states budget was allocated to social welfare. However, in the current 2024-25 budget, the BJP government has increased this allocation to 9.25%, underscoring its commitment to the welfare of the elderly.The elderly in Haryana are financially better off compared to their counterparts in many other Indian states, thanks to the states progressive pension policies. The increase in pension has provided much-needed financial security for the elderly, contributing to a more dignified old age.
