NTR Bharosa : AP Eases Pension Application Process for Elderly and Disabled Under NTR Bharosa

NTR Bharosa : The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced additional support for elderly people and persons with disabilities applying for pensions under the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme. Applicants who find it difficult to visit government offices will now receive assistance with filling out forms and completing the application process.

The government has directed VOAs, also known as animators, and VVOBs to help eligible applicants prepare their applications and ensure that their details are entered online without unnecessary delay. Officials have also been asked to visit elderly and disabled applicants who are unable to travel to secretariats and collect the required information from them.

The instructions were issued by SERP CEO Vakati Karuna to the project directors, with officials told to strictly follow the directions. Special attention has been sought to ensure that elderly and disabled applicants do not have to spend long periods waiting at government offices. Drinking water should also be continuously available at village and ward secretariats during the application process.

The new pension application process started on September 7 and applications are being accepted through Swarna Grama and Ward Secretariats. The initial application window will remain open until September 16.

After applications are submitted, authorities will verify the applicants eligibility through several stages. The process includes KYC verification, common eligibility validation, scrutiny, state level validation, government approval and budget approval before the pension is finally sanctioned.

According to the schedule, common eligibility validation will be carried out from September 17 to 21. Eligibility verification and recommendations will take place from September 22 to 24. The government will then complete the approval and budget allocation process between September 25 and 26.

Applicants need to visit their respective village or ward secretariat, complete the application form and submit the required documents. The government has also laid down specific eligibility conditions for those seeking the pension benefit.

For families living in rural areas, the monthly household income should be below Rs 10,000. In urban areas, the monthly household income should be below Rs 12,000. The applicants age will be considered based on Aadhaar records.

Other conditions include not owning a four wheeler, while no family member should be a government employee or already receiving a government pension. Monthly household electricity consumption should be below 300 units, and no member of the family should be paying income tax.

The latest measures are aimed at making the pension application process easier for people who may struggle to complete the formalities on their own, particularly elderly applicants and persons with disabilities. The government has asked field level staff to provide support so that eligible beneficiaries can complete the process without unnecessary inconvenience.