Karnataka bears pension burden as Centre contributes just 4 percent of Rs 11,000 crore: Report
Bengaluru: Karnataka has borne the overwhelming share of social security pension payouts in the last two fiscals, with the Union government contributing only a fraction—just 4% of the total Rs 11,831 crore spent—according to official data cited by Deccan Herald on Monday.
The minimal contribution by the Centre towards pension payments in Karnataka, Rs 564.44 crore in 2023-24 and 2024-25, came under scrutiny during a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly expressed strong displeasure at the Centre’s inaction on revising pension amounts.
“How can a government give just Rs 200 as pension in this day and age? The state government has revised the pension amount while the Centre hasn’t,” DH quoted Chief Minister’s Additional Chief Secretary L.K. Atheeq as saying.
The Union government’s pension amounts, unchanged since at least 2012, range between Rs 200 and Rs 500 per month under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, and the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme.
Meanwhile, Karnataka has significantly increased its contribution, paying between Rs 400-2,000 per month as its share under the three schemes.
In addition to raising pension amounts, the state has expanded the list of beneficiaries by easing the criteria. “For example, the Centre’s guidelines say that a person’s disability should be 75 percent or more in order to receive pensions. The state government has reduced the disability limit to 40 percent and above,” the news outlet quoted Atheeq as saying.
Currently, the Centre’s pension schemes cover 14.14 lakh beneficiaries in Karnataka. In contrast, the total number of beneficiaries under all state-funded pension schemes stands at 82.57 lakh.
Data also revealed a broader trend of underfunding. Between 2014 and 2024, Karnataka experienced a shortfall of Rs 25,926.93 crore under various centrally sponsored schemes due to the Centre not releasing its full share. The central government exceeded its committed contribution in only two financial years—2019–20 and 2023–24.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
RSS has global network of over 2,500 groups for money laundering: Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has alleged involvement of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a money transfer network at global level.
Posting his allegation on his personal ‘X’ account on Saturday morning, Kharge said that he was referring to an issue that had not been dealt with decisively by Indian media houses.
“Here is a crucial story that the Indian media will never touch,” the minister has said, and clarified, “This so-called “body of individuals” has built a global network of over 2,500 affiliated organisations. Through these fronts, the RSS collects “guru dakshina” to fuel its divisive agenda. (sic)”
Kharge has further alleged, “The world’s largest NGO is running amok, laundering money and evading accountability.”
The minister added, “Here is a map of their organisational architecture of their “Vichar Parivaar.” https://rssproject.caravanmagazine.in / @thecaravanindia”
