Uttarakhand CM Dhami Mandates Zero-Delay Pension Delivery to Eligible Beneficiaries

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday directed the Social Welfare Department to further strengthen eligibility verification, monitoring mechanisms, and payment processes under all social security schemes to ensure that benefits reach only eligible citizens without delay or negligence. The directive came as part of the state government’s ongoing push for transparency and efficiency in welfare delivery.

The Chief Minister issued the instructions after transferring the January 2026 pension installment to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through a one-click digital system from his residence in Dehradun. Officials said the initiative reflects Uttarakhand’s emphasis on technology-driven, citizen-centric governance and aims to minimize procedural hurdles for beneficiaries.

Addressing senior officials, Dhami said the state government remains committed to the welfare of senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, farmers, destitute individuals, and other vulnerable sections of society. He stressed that pensions must be delivered in a timely, transparent, and hassle-free manner, adding that digital platforms play a key role in ensuring accountability at every stage.

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Highlighting the benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the Chief Minister said the system has helped curb corruption and eliminated the need for beneficiaries to repeatedly visit government offices. “Funds are being transferred directly into bank accounts, which strengthens trust between citizens and the government,” he said, while calling for continued vigilance in verifying eligibility.

In January 2026, a total of 947,345 eligible beneficiaries received pension benefits under various social security schemes, with ₹141.66 crore transferred directly into their accounts through DBT. The amount included both regular monthly pensions and pending arrears. Old-age pension beneficiaries formed the largest group, followed by widows, persons with disabilities, farmers, abandoned women, and recipients under schemes such as Teelu Rauteli and dwarf pension.

Officials said reforms in the digital pension portal have yielded measurable results. Between December 1, 2025, and February 3, 2026, 15,784 new beneficiaries were enrolled, while 1,523 ineligible names were removed after verification. Between April 2024 and January 2026, 428 citizens were automatically approved for old-age pension upon turning 60, underscoring the efficiency of automated eligibility checks. Reiterating his commitment, Dhami said social security pensions are not merely financial assistance but a foundation for a dignified life.

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