02-07-2025
Over 35.78L benefit from pension scheme for destitute widows
Lucknow: The state govt's pension scheme for destitute women is currently benefiting over 35.78 lakh recipients across Uttar Pradesh. In the first quarter of 2025–26, 47,800 new beneficiaries were added, with each receiving Rs 3,000 for the first three months of the year.
"This payout was made to 35.78 lakh women between April and June this year—an increase of 47,800 from the last quarter of 2024–25," said a govt spokesperson. Of these, 28,56,821 beneficiaries are from rural areas, while 7,21,290 are from urban regions.
Deputy director of the women welfare department and nodal officer of the pension scheme, BS Niranjan, said that the govt is focusing on including the maximum number of beneficiaries from rural and underdeveloped areas.
Awareness campaigns are being conducted to ensure all eligible women are informed about the scheme and enrolled. Nodal officers have been appointed at the block and tehsil levels to simplify the application process, enabling the identification of 28,56,821 beneficiaries in rural areas.
To avail of the scheme, a woman must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh, above 18 years of age, and widowed. Additionally, her annual family income should not exceed Rs 2 lakh, and she must not be receiving a pension under any other central or state govt scheme.
