India

Andhra Pradesh Opens New Pension Applications Under NTR Bharosa Scheme From September 7

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Andhra Pradesh Opens New Pension Applications Under NTR Bharosa Scheme From September 7
Photo: Preliminary eligibility scrutiny will be conducted from September 17 to 21 (Photo | PTI)

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government will accept new pension applications under the NTR Bharosa Scheme from September 7 to 16, offering eligible senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups a chance to be included in the social security net if they have been excluded so far. Applications will be collected at Swarna Gramam and Swarna Ward centres throughout the state. A structured timeline has been set for processing these applications, covering online registration, e-KYC, field verification and final approval. Preliminary eligibility checks will take place from September 17 to 21, followed by physical and departmental verification, eligibility assessment and recommendations between September 22 and 24. The Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty will then prepare budget proposals, with government approval expected to be finalized on September 25 and 26. Pensions will be sanctioned to eligible beneficiaries in phases thereafter. Applicants must submit prescribed forms along with Aadhaar, a rice card or income certificate, and category-specific documents. For widow pensions, a husband's death certificate is required, while persons with disabilities must provide a SADAREM certificate confirming at least 40% benchmark disability. Handloom workers, fishermen, Dappu artistes, cobblers, toddy tappers and transgender applicants must submit relevant departmental certificates. Currently, Andhra Pradesh provides pensions to 61,92,396 people, with a monthly expenditure of Rs 2,694 crore, covering nearly 12.88% of the state's population. The state leads the country in social security coverage based on pension amount, number of beneficiaries, monthly spending and annual allocation. Under the revised pension structure, senior citizens and widows receive Rs 4,000 per month, persons with disabilities get Rs 6,000, those with chronic diseases receive Rs 10,000, and completely bedridden individuals can receive up to Rs 15,000. The state government has spent a total of Rs 73,508 crore on the pension scheme as of September 1, 2026. Officials noted that this new application window provides another chance for eligible individuals who have not yet been receiving pensions to be included in the scheme.

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