Uttar Pradesh Launches Verification Drive for Old Age Pension Beneficiaries: Ineligible Applicants to Be Removed

Lucknow, April 19, 2025 — The Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched a comprehensive verification drive for beneficiaries of the National Old Age Pension Scheme for the financial year 2025–26. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that only eligible senior citizens continue to receive financial support under this welfare program.

61 Lakh Beneficiaries to Be Verified by May 25

The Social Welfare Department has issued directives to all divisional commissioners and district magistrates across the state. As per the official announcement, the credentials of 61 lakh beneficiaries will be verified by May 25, 2025. The verification will help eliminate deceased and ineligible recipients from the pension rolls and include new, qualified individuals in their place.

Under the current policy, residents aged 60 years or older falling below the poverty line (BPL) are eligible to receive a monthly pension of ₹1,000, disbursed quarterly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

To qualify, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh:

• Rural applicants must have an annual income of less than ₹46,080.

• Urban applicants must have an annual income under ₹56,460.

Verification will be conducted by Block Development Officers (BDOs) in rural areas and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) or Executive Officers in urban zones.

Strict Measures Against Misreporting Officials

To maintain transparency and authenticity, officials have been directed to carry out 10% cross-verification of all verified records. If a living beneficiary is wrongly marked as deceased, disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible official. District Magistrates will be empowered to initiate strict penalties against such misconduct.

Director of the Social Welfare Department emphasized the need for time-bound, high-quality verification to avoid disruption in pension distribution.

Zero Poverty Campaign and Technological Measures

As part of the state’s Zero Poverty Campaign, 25 families from each village have been identified for economic upliftment. Senior citizens in these families will also be screened during the verification process and, if eligible, enrolled for the pension scheme. Their first installment is expected in June 2025.

The state is leveraging technology to enhance transparency. Beneficiaries’ Aadhaar numbers are linked to their mobile and bank accounts. A centralized portal ensures that a person can only draw benefits from one pension scheme, eliminating duplication and fraud.

Minister’s Statement on Elderly Welfare

Minister of State for Social Welfare (Independent Charge) Asim Arun stated, “The double-engine government in Uttar Pradesh is committed to the safety, respect, and health of our elderly population. Through this drive, we will ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive timely support while removing ineligible and deceased recipients.”