Now Reading: Telangana pension scheme fails many, Narkuda study shows
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Telangana pension scheme fails many, Narkuda study shows
Telangana raised social security allocation from Rs 22,085 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 23,158 crore in 2025-26, but an opinion piece in Telangana Today argues that budget numbers hide failures. Using Narkuda…
The Story in Brief
Telangana raised social security allocation from Rs 22,085 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 23,158 crore in 2025-26, but an opinion piece in Telangana Today argues that budget numbers hide failures. Using Narkuda Gram Panchayat as a case study, the authors say many eligible elderly and disabled persons do not receive their Rs 2,160 monthly pension under the Cheyutha (earlier Aasara) scheme on time. The state has paid about Rs 4,700 crore to nearly 37 lakh people between October 2018 and June 2021.
Narkuda has 3,057 residents, with over a third from Scheduled Castes. The piece identifies barriers: low awareness, digital applications that older people cannot navigate without help, and outdated surveys that exclude informal workers. Even enrolled beneficiaries face delays due to administrative glitches. The authors argue that coverage figures can be misleading.
The Indian Opinion
The Telangana government often cites rising pension budgets as proof of welfare success. But the Narkuda story shows that ‘more money’ alone does not mean ‘money reaches.’ Claims of inclusion ring hollow when a poor widow does not know she is eligible or cannot complete an online form. The real test will come when the state audits not just disbursal but awareness and ease of access. How many of the 37 lakh listed beneficiaries actually get their pension on the first of every month? That number would settle the debate.
Source: telanganatoday.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
