Government strengthens social security support for people in Himachal

8.42 lakh beneficiaries availing social security benefits statewide

Nearly one lakh new beneficiaries added in three years

The State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has placed inclusive growth, welfare and social justice at the core of its governance agenda. A strong and responsive social security system reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable sections of society. Through a series of progressive reforms and people-oriented initiatives, the State Government is ensuring that economic support reaches beneficiaries in a timely, dignified, and transparent manner, strengthening the social safety net across the state.

One of the most significant reforms introduced by the State Government was the decision to remove the income ceiling and the requirement of Gram Sabha approval for widowed, deserted and single women, as well as for persons with 40-69 percent disability seeking social security pensions. This step has greatly simplified access to pensions and reduced procedural hurdles, especially for women and persons with disabilities who often face difficulties in navigating administrative systems.

As a result of these reforms, nearly 8.42 lakh beneficiaries across the state are currently receiving social security pensions. These include senior citizens, widows, single women and Divyaangjans under various categories. Of these, 1,04,740 beneficiaries were receiving the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension, 5,04,253 the Old Age Pension, 25,414 the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension, 1,26,808 the Widow, Destitute and Single Woman Pension, 1,340 the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension and 78,291 the Disability Relief Allowance. Over the last three years, 99,799 new pension cases have been approved which reflects the government’s sustained effort to widen the social safety net and ensure that no eligible person is excluded.

Enhancing the adequacy of benefits has been another key focus of the Sukhu-led government. From February 2024, the monthly pension for women up to the age of 69 years was increased to Rs. 1,500 which has strengthened their financial security and independence. The Chief Minister has also directed departments to ensure the speedy release of pending payments under the Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana, with special attention to remote and tribal regions such as Pangi, Lahaul-Spiti, Dodra Kwar and Kupvi, reaffirming the government’s commitment to regional equity.

Special emphasis has been laid on the welfare of  Divyaangjan through a comprehensive and inclusive support framework. The State Government provides disability relief allowance without any income limit or conditions which is ensuring universal access. Social security pensions for persons with disabilities range from Rs. 1,150 to Rs. 1,700 per month. In the field of education, Divyaang students are provided monthly scholarships ranging from Rs. 625 to Rs. 5,000, without any income restriction. Under this initiative, 3,100 students have benefitted with an expenditure of Rs. 3.77 crore.

Recognising the social and emotional dimensions of welfare, the government also offers marriage incentive grants ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 for marriages involving Divyaang persons. So far, 212 beneficiaries have received financial assistance amounting to Rs. 74.49 lakh. In addition, Divyaangjans and elderly persons residing in special homes and old-age institutions are provided an Utsav Anudan of Rs. 500 per person on major festivals, ensuring that festive occasions are inclusive. Under this initiative, 2,128 Divyaang beneficiaries have received Rs. 75.43 lakh.

Apart from this to strengthen governance and service delivery, the Chief Minister has emphasized the use of modern information technology-based systems for beneficiary identification, approval and pension disbursement. This digital transformation is helping ensure transparency, accuracy and timely payment of benefits.

Overall, the reforms and welfare initiatives undertaken by the State Government reflect a clear shift towards a compassionate and inclusive model of governance. By removing eligibility barriers, enhancing financial support, and focusing on dignity and ease of access, the government under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is reinforcing social security not merely as assistance, but as a right bringing the promise of welfare closer to every household in Himachal Pradesh.