Jaipur, April 11, 2025: A controversial proposal from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment threatens to disrupt the lives of lakhs of pensioners in Rajasthan, including single women, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals. The plan, now under review at the Chief Minister’s Office, suggests halting pensions for beneficiaries whose annual electricity bills exceed ₹48,000, with discussions also underway for those paying ₹24,000 or more. If approved, this move could strip financial support from millions, raising concerns about fairness and accessibility for the state’s most vulnerable.
Proposal Targets High Electricity Consumers
The government’s rationale hinges on a survey revealing that many pension recipients have annual incomes above the eligibility threshold. The proposal argues that households spending ₹48,000 or more on electricity annually—indicating higher disposable income—should no longer qualify for social security pensions. A lower cutoff of ₹24,000 is also being considered, potentially affecting even more beneficiaries.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has framed the move as a way to ensure pensions reach the truly needy. “Social security pensions are meant for the poor,” said Minister Avinash Gehlot. “We’re reviewing cases where beneficiaries have significant electricity consumption. The proposal is with the CM’s Office, but no final decision has been made.” Gehlot added that the goal is to expand eligibility for deserving individuals, though details remain vague.
Massive Beneficiary Base at Risk
Rajasthan currently supports 91.85 lakh pensioners under schemes like the Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Samman Pension Yojana, Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Pension Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Vishisht Yogyajan Samman Pension Yojana. These programs provide monthly payments of ₹1,150 to ₹1,500, offering a lifeline to single women, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals. For many, this income is critical for basic needs like food, medicine, and shelter.
The proposed cuts have sparked alarm among beneficiaries, many of whom argue that electricity bills are a poor measure of financial hardship. Rural households, for instance, may rely heavily on electricity for farming or small businesses, inflating their consumption without reflecting wealth. Critics also point out that rising power tariffs could push even modest households above the proposed thresholds.
Uncertain Future for Pensioners
No timeline has been set for the Chief Minister’s decision, leaving pensioners in limbo. The proposal has already drawn scrutiny for its potential to exclude deserving recipients while failing to address systemic issues like income verification or support for rising living costs. Advocates for the elderly and differently-abled are calling for transparent criteria and public consultation before any changes are implemented.
As Rajasthan debates this seismic shift in its social welfare framework, the stakes are high. For lakhs of beneficiaries, the outcome will determine whether a vital safety net remains intact or unravels under the weight of new restrictions.
