In a historic move, on the occasion of Jharkhand State Foundation Day, Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the Universal Pension Scheme in Jharkhand. After the launch of this scheme, the implementation of social security schemes in the State has not only been simplified but also the government has created an open window to cover every eligible beneficiary with the pension scheme.

Now, the compulsion to show APL/BPL cards has been abolished under the new rule. The needy beneficiary can show their voter ID card to register themselves under the Universal Pension Scheme. Every citizen above 60 years of age will now be covered under the benefits of the pension scheme, under new provisions. The said person should not be a taxpayer.

Widows and destitute women above the age of 18 Years are eligible for the benefits of the pension scheme. Additionally, single women, above 45 Years, are entitled to pension benefits.

The CM has directed officials to ensure that not a single beneficiary is left behind and every application received for pension should be resolved within 30 Days. Under new provisions, the scheme proposes a benefit of Rs 1000 every month.

Going beyond the set target of giving pensions to the limited beneficiaries, now the government aims to incorporate every eligible beneficiary under the Universal Pension Scheme.  A revolving fund of Rs 100Cr has been allocated for the Universal Pension Scheme.

Under the ambit of Social Security, different pension schemes are run by the Central and State Governments. But, due to a limited number of targets every year, many people would be deprived of the benefit. Given this, to cover every eligible beneficiary, the incumbent government launched the Universal Pension Scheme. This pension scheme is being implemented through the Department of Women, Child Development and Social Security, Government of Jharkhand.

Under the Mukhyamantri Rajya Vridhavastha Pension Yojna  anyone above 60 years of age, who is not be a taxpayer will be covered, while under Mukhyamantri Rajya Nirashrit Mahila Samman Pension Yojna, any widow/ abandoned woman/destitute above 18 years of age and single women above 45 years of age or more will get the benefit of pension.

Under Swami Vivekananda Nishakt Swavalamban Protsahan Yojana any Divyang citizen of Jharkhand above 5 Years is eligible for the pension benefit. Under the Pension Scheme for HIV/AIDS – Anyone suffering from HIV/AIDS disease will be covered under this. Any eligible beneficiary can submit their application to the Block Development Officer (BDO) in rural areas or the Circle Officer (CO) in urban areas.