Udaipur, April 11, 2025 - The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has begun preparations to suspend pensions for lakhs of beneficiaries, including single women, the elderly and persons with special needs. A proposal regarding this has already been sent to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). If approved, it could result in pension discontinuation for a large number of people.

According to the proposal prepared by the department, any beneficiary who pays an annual electricity bill of Rs 48,000 or more will be deemed ineligible for pension. Additionally, suggestions have been sought from the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for those whose annual electricity bill of Rs 24,000 or more.

A government survey report has revealed that many pension recipients have annual incomes above the eligibility limit set for availing pension benefits.

Avinash Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, said, "Social security pensions are meant for the poor. We are currently evaluating cases where the annual electricity bill exceeds Rs 24,000. A proposal has been sent to the CMO for suggestions, but no final decision has been made yet. Our aim is to include more genuinely eligible individuals."

At present, the government provides monthly pensions ranging from Rs 1,150 to Rs 1,500 to around 91.85 lakh beneficiaries under various schemes such as:

• Mukhyamantri Vriddhjan Samman Pension Yojana (Senior Citizens)
• Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Pension Yojana (Single Women)
• Mukhyamantri Vishesh Yogyajan Samman Pension Yojana (Persons with Special Needs)