CM transfers Rs 141.66 crores in Social Security pensions via DBT
my uttarakhand news BureauDehradun, 5 Feb: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today directed the Social Welfare Department to further strengthen and expedite eligibility testing, the verification and the payment processes under all social security schemes. He emphasised that no negligence should occur at any level so that the benefits of government schemes reach the last mile without hindrance.At a ceremony held at the CM’s residence here today, Dhami disbursed the January 2026 pension instalment directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries through a one-click system under various social security pension schemes of the department. This initiative reinforces the state government’s technology-driven, transparent, and sensitive governance model and reflects its strong commitment to social security. On the occasion, Dhami asserted that the government is continuously working for the welfare of the vulnerable, the elderly, specially-abled, widows, farmers, destitute and the needy sections of society. He noted that the objective is to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive scheme benefits through a time-bound, transparent, and technology-based system to avoid inconvenience.The CM also observed that Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and one-click payment systems have not only established effective control over corruption but have also enabled the beneficiaries to receive assistance directly in their bank accounts without cumbersome official procedures. This has strengthened trust between the administration and the public. Under Dhami’s leadership, the pension benefits were provided to 9,47,345 eligible beneficiaries in the state for January 2026. A total of Rs 141.66 crores was transferred into the accounts of beneficiaries through DBT, covering regular pension payments along with arrear disbursements.During this period, the Old Age Pension Scheme accounted for the highest number of beneficiaries, while thousands of citizens also received support through widow, specially-abled, farmer, abandoned women, maintenance grants, Teelu Rauteli and the dwarf pension schemes. This extensive coverage highlights the inclusive and sensitive policies of the state government. Effective implementation of these schemes under Dhami’s leadership resulted in 15,784 new beneficiaries being added to the social security pension fold between 1 December 2025 and 3 February 2026. Simultaneously, to ensure transparency, 1,523 ineligible names were removed from the portal following timely verification of deceased beneficiaries, ensuring that benefits remain restricted to genuine and eligible persons.The government claims that positive outcomes have also emerged from the digital pension portal system, automatic age-eligibility identification, and regular monitoring adopted by the government. Between April 2024 and January 2026, 428 eligible citizens were automatically granted old age pension approvals upon attaining 60 years of age, demonstrating that the eligibility determination and approval process has become simpler, faster, and more humane.Dhami reiterated that it is the government’s resolve to ensure that scheme benefits reach the person standing in the last row with transparency and timeliness. He added that pension schemes are not merely financial aid but a foundation for a dignified life, and the government remains fully committed to the welfare of the poor, the elderly, women, the specially-abled, and farmers. Additional Secretary Sandeep Tiwari and other officials of the Social Welfare Department were present on the occasion.
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