All About Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme

The elderly, people who were once contributors to the economy when they had the physical might to do whatever it took to earn for themselves and their families, often get ignored once they are unable to do so. As per a new report from the United Nations, over 40% of the elderly population in India falls below the poverty line. Nearly 18.7% of them have no income at all. [1] Coupled with the fact that at this stage of life, they are more in need of money due to recurring health problems, this is a very grave problem. A big step towards solving this problem is providing them with pensions. This pension is often provided to the elderly by state governments for their welfare. One such scheme is the Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme. Let’s see what we need to know about it.

Understanding the Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme

Also called the Y.S.R. Pension Kanuka, the Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme aims to provide financial aid to the state’s economically weaker section falling below the poverty line, including the elderly, widowed women, and PWDs (persons with disabilities). 

Key Features Of The Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme

Wide Coverage

Although the scheme is called a pension scheme, the scheme covers not just senior citizens but also provides financial aid to widows, people with disabilities, and people belonging to other backward communities.

Monthly Income

The Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme provides its beneficiaries with a monthly income based on the category of the beneficiary they belong to. Thus, as a steady stream of income, this scheme leads to financial security for the receivers.

Accessible To Those Who Deserve

The application and tracking process for the Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme is quite simple and straightforward. This is a great help to the potential beneficiaries, and more and more people who deserve to be aided through this scheme can apply for it.

Money Given To Beneficiaries

The government of Andhra Pradesh has increased the pension amount significantly, which will help the selected beneficiaries. After revision, the following amounts shall be paid to the beneficiaries as per the category:

• Old Age Pension: ₹4,000
• Widows: ₹4,000
• Weavers: ₹4,000
• Toddy Tappers: ₹4,000
• Dappu Artists: ₹4,000
• Fishermen: ₹4,000
• Single Women: ₹4,000
• Transgender: ₹4,000
• Partially disabled: ₹6,000
• Disabled: ₹15,000

Eligibility Criteria For The Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme

Since the scheme covers a wide range of beneficiaries, different eligibility criteria exist for different categories. Some of the common ones are mentioned here.

Senior Citizens:

• The applicant must be a resident of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• The applicant must be above 60 years of age. (For applicants belonging to the Scheduled Tribes, their age must be above 50 years.)
• The household of the beneficiary should not have any of the reasons for elimination (these reasons will be mentioned later in the article).

Widows:

• The applicant must be a resident of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• She should either be widowed or abandoned by her husband.
• Her age must be 18 years or above.
• The household of the beneficiary should not have any of the reasons for elimination.

PwD (Person with Disability):

• The applicant must be a resident of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• The minimum level of disability must be 40%. There is no age limit for this category of 
• The household of the beneficiary should not have any of the reasons for elimination.

Weavers:

• The applicant must be a resident of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• The applicant must be a weaver with a minimum age of 50 years.
• The household of the beneficiary should not have any of the reasons for elimination.

Elimination Criteria For Households

The applicant would automatically be disqualified if any of the following conditions are found regarding the household of the applicant:

• The household earns more than ₹10,000 per month in rural areas or ₹12,000 in urban areas.
• The total land holding of the family is more than 3 acres of wetland or 10 acres of dryland or 10 acres of wet and dryland put together.
• Family owns a four-wheeler.
• Any member of the family is a government employee or pensioner.
• The monthly electricity consumption of the family is more than 300 units.
• The family owns more than 750 square feet of built-up area in municipal areas.
• Any member of the family pays income tax.

How To Apply For The Scheme

The application process can easily be completed from the comfort of one’s home through the online process: 

• Go to the website https://navasakam.apcfss.in/processguidelines.html and download the application form for the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme.
• Take a printout of the form, fill it out, attach the required documents, and submit it to the concerned authorities.
• Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive the pension directly in their bank account.

Required Documents

• Aadhar Card
• Electricity bill
• Address Proof
• PAN Card
• Passport Size Photo
• Proof of eligibility, such as an ID card for weavers, a Toddy Tapper Certificate (from the Excise Department, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh), a gender identity certificate (issued by the competent medical authority) for transgenders, etc.

Impact Of The Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme

Poverty Alleviation

Providing economically backward citizens with a regular stream of income helps reduce poverty by giving the poor citizens money to manage their day-to-day expenses and live a dignified life.

Women Empowerment

Since widows and poor women without any other support are given financial aid, they are free to manage their expenses and take the lead in making financial decisions for their families. This leads to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Better Standard Of Living For The Poor

Since a regular stream of income is provided to the beneficiaries, they can spend it on their medical needs and the education of their family members. This leads to raising the standard of living for the poor.

Conclusion

In summary, vulnerable groups in Andhra Pradesh depend heavily on the Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme, also known as the YSR Pension Kanuka, for their financial security and general well-being. In old age or during times of disability, eligible beneficiaries in this social welfare program receive a regular stream of income. Several pension categories are offered by the scheme, including Weavers Pension, Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, and Disabled Pension. Easy access and transparency are the goals of the scheme, which offers a direct benefit transfer and streamlined application procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the Andhra Pradesh Pension Scheme still called so?
Ans - No. The Andhra Pradesh state government has renamed the existing pension amount with a new name, NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme 2024.

Q2. Is there any contact or email we can contact to clear our doubts regarding this scheme?
Ans - Yes. You may send your queries in the form of an email to info@ysrnavasakam.in

Q3. When Choosing A Beneficiary, Is There Any Prioritization?

Ans - Yes, the prioritization is as follows: 

• Practicing artisans (weavers, toddy tappers, barbers, washermen, potters, blacksmiths, carpenters, cobblers, animal herders, village artists, etc.) and other backward classes.
• Daily labourers (daily wage labourers, agricultural labourers, and migrant labourers). 
• Nomadic tribes that have no permanent residence.
• Households with destitute/orphans. 
• Households with “Person with Disability”. 
• Other poor households.

References

1. https://india.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/20230926_india_ageing_report_2023_web_version_.pdf