Old Age Pension: The Haryana government has recently taken a historic decision: Now the elderly with an annual income of up to ₹ 3.5 lakhs in the state will also get the benefit of old age pension. This announcement has been made by Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, who is currently leading the state
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Under this new demarcation, the beneficiary category has expanded and now more elderly people will be able to join this scheme, which will help in increasing financial self-reliance.
Historical background and development of pension rates
The old age pension scheme era in Haryana has been going on since 1964. It was initially implemented with the aim of social security and support. Initially this scheme was implemented during the United Punjab rule at ₹ 15 per month, which was increased over time. After this:
1966: Haryana adopted this scheme;
1987: Eligibility age was reduced from 65 to 60 years;
From 1999-2004-2009-2014-2021 the pension rate reached ₹200, ₹300, ₹500–700, ₹1000, ₹2500 respectively;
By 01 January 2024 it had increased to ₹3000 per month
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During this period, the eligibility age for pension also changed and the eligibility limit was improved so that the benefits of the scheme could reach wider social classes.
Expansion in eligibility limit – now benefits up to ₹3.5 lakh annual income
Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini recently announced that now those people whose annual income is up to ₹3.5 lakh will also come under the purview of old age pension. Earlier this limit was ₹2 lakh, which was later increased to ₹3 lakh
Hindustan Times
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With the adoption of the new limit:
More elderly people will be eligible;
The scope of social security coverage will increase;
The pension scheme will be more inclusive.
This step is also a confirmation of the government’s commitment to economic security and social justice.
Automatic pension distribution and important benefits
The Chief Minister said that now the pension distribution process in the state has been automated. Data is being verified auto-matically from the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), due to which about 1.40 lakh elderly people are getting pension directly and they do not have to visit government offices.
Hindustan Times
At present, about 18.52 lakh senior citizens are being given pension of Rs 506 crore every month under social security.
The new income limit expansion will further increase the number of beneficiaries and will make more effective and faster functioning possible in pension distribution.
Wide social benefits
This decision is not just financial assistance, but is important from many socio-economic perspectives:
Increasing economic self-reliance: Older people will be able to get a secure financial base for their lifestyle and health care.
Equitable access: Middle-class elderly who fall among the low-income group will still be able to avail the benefits of the scheme.
Regional expansion: Beneficiaries will be able to reach rural and backward areas easily, especially when banking and digital systems are more effective.
Reduced office work: Automated disbursement will reduce paperwork and procedural hassles, providing relief to the elderly.
Related Questions and Information (FAQs)
Q1. Will any elderly now get pension up to ₹3.5 lakh annual income?
No. Eligibility age (now 60 years+) and income including family should be up to ₹3.5 lakh, and there should be no pension from other schemes.
Q2. What will be the pension amount?
As per data till July 2025, the rate of pension is ₹3000 per month. (~₹36,000 annually)
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Q3. What is the process to apply?
Data verification is done through PPP. Eligible elderly are getting benefits automatically
Hindustan Times
Q4. Do other categories like widows or disabled people also get pension?
Yes, widows, disabled and chronically ill persons are also covered under the pension scheme in the state
Hindustan Times
Q5. Who are the additional beneficiaries included?
The government has also announced pension for unmarried men and widowers in the age group of 40–60 years to provide social security
Hindustan Times
Conclusion
The continuous expansion of the eligibility age and income limit of old age pension by the state of Haryana is a laudable step towards social justice. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, several reforms have been made to make the pension amount a solid financial instrument: such as reducing the eligibility age, automated distribution system, and the biggest expansion so far—extending the pension benefit to ₹3.5 lakh annual income limit.
These initiatives aim to not only provide financial support to the elderly but also provide them dignity and security so that they can live a dignified life in the last stage of their lives. This policy can also become an inspiration for other states.
If you want, I can also prepare a “news portal style” coverage on this topic with headlines, sub-headings and important points summarized further.