Srinagar, Apr 03 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an increase in pension amounts for elderly citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS).
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the revised pension rates, effective from April 1, 2025, aim to strengthen financial support for vulnerable sections of society across the Union Territory.
As per the new structure, pensioners will receive rupees 1,250 per month if they are below 60 years, rupees 1,500 if they fall in the 60-79 age group, and rupees 2,000 if they are 80 years or older. The increase applies to beneficiaries covered under both the centrally sponsored NSAP and the UT-funded ISSS.
The government has stated that the enhancement is in line with existing social welfare policies to provide better financial security for the elderly, widows, and other disadvantaged groups.
Under the NSAP, pension amounts have been revised for different schemes. Beneficiaries of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) will now receive 1,500 per month if they are between 60 and 79 years old and 2,000 if they are 80 or above.
The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) will provide 1,250 for widows aged 40-59 years, 1,500 for those in the 60-79 age group, and 2,000 for those aged 80 and above.
Similarly, under the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), persons with disabilities will receive 1,250 if they are aged 18-59 years, 1,500 for those between 60 and 79 years, and 2,000 for those aged 80 and above.
The Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), which is funded by the UT administration, has also seen an increase in pension amounts. Under this scheme, old-age pensioners, including women aged 55-59 years, will receive 1,250 per month, while those aged 60-79 years will get 1,500, and those aged 80 and above will receive 2,000. Widows and divorcees under the scheme will receive 1,250 if they are below 60 years, 1,500 between 60 and 79 years, and 2,000 if they are 80 or older.
The same pension structure applies to persons with disabilities and transgender individuals under the ISSS, ensuring uniformity in financial assistance across different beneficiary categories.
The government has clarified that the enhanced pension will only be disbursed to approved beneficiaries as per the scheme guidelines. Also, pensioners will move to the next higher pension bracket in the month they attain the required age, but the revised payout will be applicable from the following month—(KNO)