In Haryana, the elderly—lovingly referred to as ‘Taus’ and ‘Tais’—have found a strong support system in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which has significantly boosted the state’s Old Age Pension Scheme. Under this scheme, senior citizens now receive ₹3,000 per month, a sum that surpasses the pension amounts offered by many other states. Initiated in 1991 with a modest amount of ₹100 per month, the scheme has seen remarkable growth, particularly since 2014.
A Decade of Transformation: Pension Hike Under BJP Rule
The journey of the Old Age Pension Scheme has been a long one. From 1991 to 2014, under various governments including Congress, Haryana Vikas Party, and the Indian National Lok Dal, the pension amount increased gradually from ₹100 to ₹1,000 over a span of 23 years. However, the most significant changes occurred after 2014, when the BJP took power in Haryana, with Manohar Lal Khattar and Nayab Singh Saini leading the government. In just 10 years, the pension amount increased from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000, making it a key achievement of the BJP’s governance.
Digital Transformation: Online Pension System
Apart from increasing the pension amount, the BJP government has also revolutionized the way pensions are managed in Haryana. As part of its vision for a “Mhara Haryana Nonstop Haryana,” the state has moved the entire pension system online. Now, any resident who turns 60 automatically starts receiving the monthly pension of ₹3,000 through an online system linked to their Family ID. This streamlined process has made it easier for elderly citizens to receive their benefits without hassle.
Pension Beneficiaries Over the Years
The number of beneficiaries of the Old Age Pension Scheme has steadily increased in recent years. According to data from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, the figures are as follows:
2017-18: 15,12,436 beneficiaries
2018-19: 15,69,616 beneficiaries
2019-20: 17,01,761 beneficiaries
2020-21: 17,12,934 beneficiaries
Pension Hikes in Haryana: A Timeline
The following table highlights how the pension amount has increased over the years:
1991: ₹100 per month
1999: ₹200 per month
2004: ₹300 per month
2009: ₹500-700 per month
2014: ₹1,000 per month
2015: ₹1,200 per month
2016: ₹1,400-1,600 per month
2017: ₹1,800 per month
2020: ₹2,250 per month
2021: ₹2,500 per month
2023: ₹3,000 per month
Focus on Social Welfare
The BJP government has not only increased pension benefits but also significantly expanded its overall spending on social welfare. During Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s Congress-led government in 2013-14, only 0.76% of the state’s total expenditure was allocated to social welfare. In contrast, under the BJP government, social welfare spending has risen to 9.25% of the total budget for 2024-25, underscoring the party’s commitment to supporting vulnerable sections of society.
Senior Voters in Haryana
Haryana has a substantial population of elderly voters. Around 10,000 voters are over 100 years old, while more than 2,55,000 voters are aged 85 or above. This demographic plays an important role in the state’s electoral landscape.
The Haryana government’s Old Age Pension Scheme is a shining example of how governance can directly improve the lives of the elderly. With pension amounts now reaching ₹3,000 per month, along with the seamless digital system in place, the BJP government has made strides in ensuring financial security for the state’s senior citizens. The significant increase in pension and the focus on social welfare reflect a decade of progress and transformation under BJP rule in Haryana.
