In a move aimed at strengthening its social welfare initiatives, the Andhra Pradesh coalition government has announced the sanctioning of 71,380 new pensions under the spouse category of the NTR Bharosa scheme. This expansion ensures financial continuity for spouses following the death of a primary pension beneficiary.
The government introduced the spouse transfer provision under the NTR Bharosa scheme to safeguard the livelihoods of elderly and differently-abled individuals. Effective from November 1, 2023, this policy guarantees that if a pension recipient passes away, their surviving spouse becomes eligible to receive the pension starting the next month.
As part of the latest drive, applications were invited from December 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, and following thorough verification, 71,380 applicants were approved. Each newly sanctioned beneficiary will receive a monthly pension of ₹4,000.
The distribution of these new pensions will commence across Andhra Pradesh on June 12, marking the first anniversary of the coalition government’s tenure.
To avail of the pension, eligible women must visit their local village or ward secretariat with the necessary documentation, including the death certificate of their spouse and their own Aadhaar card. Upon verification, if documents are submitted by the end of a given month, pension payments will begin from the following month.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring that families do not suffer financial hardship due to the loss of a pension-earning member.