Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is facing a complex dilemma regarding the state's social security pension scheme, a key issue that fueled the formation of the coalition government. While the scheme, which provides pensions to over 65 lakh people, was a popular initiative, its high cost – Rs. 3500 crore per month – is putting a strain on the state's finances.
The Chandrababu government, which increased the pension amount to Rs. 1000, has initiated a study to examine the pension system across the state. Preliminary findings indicate the existence of around 2,50,000 fake beneficiaries. These include individuals who have manipulated their age on Aadhaar, those claiming disability pensions despite not being disabled, and individuals falsely claiming single-women or widow status. Additionally, government employees are suspected of exploiting the system, denying rightful beneficiaries their pensions.
While the government aims to address this issue by eliminating fake beneficiaries, it's a delicate situation. Removing these individuals from the scheme could lead to public anger and criticism from the opposition, who might accuse the government of targeting vulnerable populations. This creates a challenging scenario for Chandrababu, who must balance the need for fiscal responsibility with the potential political backlash.
The government is currently grappling with this dilemma, weighing the options and seeking a solution that minimizes negative consequences. It remains to be seen how Chandrababu will navigate this tightrope walk and address the issue of fake pensions while protecting the interests of genuine beneficiaries.