AP Pensions Survey: Identifying Bogus Beneficiaries Statewide

The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a thorough survey under the NTR Bharosa scheme to verify social security pensions across the state. This survey, conducted at the village and ward secretariat level, has already revealed several discrepancies, especially in the disability and widow pension categories. Preliminary findings indicate that a significant number of ineligible individuals are receiving pensions.

Key Findings from the Survey

• Fake Pensions Detected:
  During inspections, many ineligible beneficiaries were identified, particularly under the disability category. In some instances, multiple pensions were being claimed within the same family.
• Verification Challenges:
  In certain areas, beneficiaries were not available for verification, making it difficult to identify all ineligible recipients. Despite these hurdles, around 450 out of 11,000 pensioners inspected at their homes were found to be ineligible.
• Disability Category Issues:
  A majority of the discrepancies were found in pensions issued under the disability quota. For instance, individuals in the “hearing-impaired” category were disproportionately flagged as ineligible.

Survey Methodology

To ensure unbiased results, officials from neighboring mandals (sub-districts) were deployed for the inspections. The survey focuses on verifying eligibility based on specific criteria, such as income levels, property ownership, and employment status.

Questions Asked During the Survey

1. Family Income:
   • Is the family’s monthly income below ₹10,000 in rural areas or ₹12,000 in urban areas?
2. Land Ownership:
   • Does the family own more than 3 acres of wetland or 10 acres of dry land (or a combination exceeding 10 acres)?
3. Vehicle Ownership:
   • Does the family own a four-wheeler? (Excluding taxis, tractors, or autos.)
4. Government Employment:
   • Is any family member employed by the state or central government?
5. Electricity Consumption:
   • Is the average monthly electricity usage above 300 units?
6. Residential Property:
   • In municipal areas, does the family own a house with more than 1,000 sq. ft. of built-up area?
7. Income Tax Payments:
   • Does any family member pay income tax?
8. Private Employment:
   • Is any family member working in a private organization?
9. Disability Verification:
   • In cases of disability pensions, officials verify the authenticity of the disability. If needed, they recommend medical examinations.

Statewide Implementation

After completing the pilot project, the government is now preparing to expand the survey statewide. This large-scale verification aims to ensure that only eligible individuals benefit from the pensions while addressing the issue of bogus claims.

By conducting these detailed inspections, the state aims to streamline the pension distribution process, ensuring fairness and accountability in the system.

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