Srikakulam, Sept 23: Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation Atchannaidu has said that the government does not have sufficient funds to provide new pensions to all applicants at once. He made the remarks while inaugurating the temporary buildings of the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Girls Residential School at Laveru mandal headquarters in Srikakulam district.
The minister said that the state had witnessed an unusually severe impact of El Niño, which, according to him, was unprecedented in the last 40 years. He also revealed that around 16 lakh applications had been received for new pensions.
16 Lakh Applications for New Pensions
Atchannaidu said the government would have to mobilise substantial financial resources to provide pensions to all the applicants simultaneously. However, he stated that the government currently did not have the funds to extend pensions to everyone at once.
His comments have caused concern among beneficiaries who have been waiting for approval of their applications for new pensions.
Beneficiaries Awaiting Pensions
The issue of new pensions has gained significance ahead of the upcoming local body elections, with many eligible applicants hoping that the government would announce fresh pension allocations.
Opposition parties have alleged that several eligible beneficiaries have been facing difficulties after not receiving new pensions for nearly two years. The government has been working on the process of accepting and examining applications for new pensions, but the minister’s remarks about the shortage of funds have reportedly caused disappointment among applicants.
New Pensions Become Political Issue
With local body elections approaching, the issue of new pensions has emerged as an important political topic. Many applicants and their families are closely watching the government’s next move on the matter.
Atchannaidu’s comments have also triggered discussion in political circles over the possible impact of the pension issue on the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ahead of the local body elections.
The government is now expected to face pressure from applicants and opposition parties over the timing and implementation of new pension allocations.
