In a significant boost to social security for the elderly, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a major expansion of its National Old Age Pension Scheme coverage over the past year. The state's Social Welfare Department has successfully enrolled nearly 9.83 lakh new eligible senior citizens into the program in 2025, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to a substantial 67.5 lakh.
Digital Drives Cleanup and Expansion
This growth is attributed to a rigorous, technology-backed verification process. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Welfare, Asim Arun, highlighted that the department has leveraged digital monitoring systems and Aadhaar-based verification to streamline the rolls. This initiative led to the removal of 3.32 lakh ineligible or deceased beneficiaries in 2025 alone, following the deletion of 1.77 lakh such names in 2024. This cleanup has been pivotal in making space for genuinely deserving citizens.
Sustained Commitment to Elderly Welfare
The numbers reveal a clear upward trend in the state's commitment. From covering approximately 61 lakh senior citizens in 2024, the scheme's reach extended to 67.5 lakh beneficiaries in 2025. Minister Arun stated that this growth reflects the state government's sustained efforts to strengthen the social security net through direct financial support. The focus remains on ensuring that no eligible senior citizen is left without this crucial pension benefit, as emphasized by Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Amarjeet Singh.
Simplification Through Family ID Integration
To further enhance efficiency and accessibility, the pension scheme has been integrated with the state's Family ID system. This integration allows for the automatic identification and verification of eligible citizens. Once verified, the pension payments are transferred directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts, reducing delays and potential for manual errors. This move towards a simplified, direct benefit transfer system marks a key step in the department's push for transparent and accountable welfare delivery.
The concerted efforts of Uttar Pradesh's Social Welfare Department demonstrate a dual strategy: leveraging technology to purify beneficiary lists while proactively expanding coverage to ensure comprehensive support for the state's elderly population.
