The YSR Pension Kanuka is a flagship pension scheme of the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh government implemented by the state’s Panchayati Raj & Rural Development Department. The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2019 to provide monthly pension to senior citizens, widows, transgender, toddy tappers, cobblers, fishermen, artists, weavers, single women and the differently-abled people.

The pension scheme hit the headlines recently after the Election Commission of India (ECI) stopped the pension distributions until the period of the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha polls is over. The development comes after the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) accused the ruling dispensation of luring citizens to vote for the party amid the elections. The chief minister has promised the pensioners to raise the pension amount to Rs 4,000 if voted to power.

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Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh High Court refused to overturn the EC order in favour of a plea filed by “Citizens for Democracy”, a civil rights organisation. Reddy accused the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, who is contesting the election from the Kuppam parliamentary seat, of orchestrating the complaint to the EC. However, the TDP party has dismissed his allegations.

Pension Benefits

The beneficiaries of the YSR Pension Kanuka scheme receive a monthly pension of Rs 2,250. Furthermore, those who are differently-abled get Rs 3,000 per month. The pensions are distributed through the government’s village and ward-level volunteers at the pensioners’ doorsteps for convenience. The government claims its pension distribution system is transparent and well organized to disburse the old age pensions at people’s doorstep efficiently.

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Eligibility and Other Benefits

Those applying for the pension must be a resident of Andhra Pradesh and must belong to Below the Poverty Line (BPL) category. They must also produce a ration card and other necessary documents for eligibility. YSR Pension Kanuka scheme offers monthly pensions for various categories of people, including senior citizens, widows, weavers, toddy tappers, fishermen, single women, traditional cobblers, and artists. The differently-abled people get a monthly pension of Rs 3,000. During election rallies, the chief minister has vowed to increase the monthly pensions to Rs 4,000 to help them cope with the rising food prices and other essentials.