Officials told to identify new Aasara beneficiaries

Telangana State Chief Secretary SK Joshi instructed officials concerned to identity beneficiaries aged above 57 years for extending them the benefit of Aasara pensions. He convened a tele-conference with district authorities on Monday. The lower age limit for availing the scheme was reduced to 57 from 60 by the government, fulfilling TRS party’s poll promise.

Joshi told the authorities to inform district-wise number of beneficiaries by preparing list with the help of electoral rolls, within three days of time. He stated that only one person from a family would be eligible for providing the monetary



assistance under the scheme. He asked them to ensure the aid to all eligible beneficiaries and added that the enhanced pensions would be disbursed from the ensuing financial year.

The head of State administration told the Collector to take steps to distribute Bathukamma saris from December 19 by involving local public representatives. He informed that 90 lakh saris would be given to the poor. He asked the collectors to take measures to make elaborate arrangements for distributing Christmas gifts on December 18 and food material on December 20.