State to consider mode of payment for beneficiaries

The State government is contemplating changes in the mode of payment for beneficiaries covered under a host of social security schemes such as old age pension.

At present, the payment is made through money order. The proposal to change the mode is under examination of the government in view of the Central Bureau of Investigation unearthing, in September last, a major scam in the disbursement of old age pension, according to an official of the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department.

Electronic clearing service is one of the modes being considered by the authorities. The official points out that in certain districts of Andhra Pradesh, biometric cards have been issued to beneficiaries of similar schemes.

With the assumption of office by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, the relief amount has been enhanced from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000. The annual outlay is likely to go up to around Rs. 2,800 crore and the number of beneficiaries is 23.7 lakh.

Marriage assistance

According to an order issued by the Department on the enhancement of marriage assistance from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 for women graduates or diploma holders along with four grams of gold, the benefit will be given to only one girl in a family. Another official explains that this is one of the existing conditions, which will be applicable in respect of the other scheme wherein the assistance money is Rs. 25,000 along with gold.

Procurement

Now, the authorities are discussing various options for the procurement of gold. Among the options are purchase through institutions or open tenders.

There is a plan to distribute gold in the form of coins, the official adds.