Monthly pension for senior citizens above 65 years hiked
New hike to be implemented from November 1
Bengaluru, September 18: The state government has increased the monthly pension being given to the senior citizens above 65 years under the Sandhya Suraksha and Indira Gandhi National Senior Citizens Scheme from Rs 600 to Rs 1000 and the new order would be implemented from November 1.
The government has directed the Treasury Directorate director and district treasury officers to distribute the monthly pension as per the revised system from November 1 under the social security schemes. Chief Minister H.D Kumaraswamy in his budget had declared that the old age monthly pension under the Sandhya Suraksha scheme would be increased from Rs 600 to Rs 1000. But the government has included the beneficiaries of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age scheme for the purpose and issued an order.
Currently, the senior citizens above 65 years were being given Rs 600 and it would be increased to Rs 1000. But in the Indira Gandhi National Old Age scheme, Rs 600 pension was being given to those above 60 years. Now, up to 65 years of age, the same structure would continue and beneficiaries above 65 years of age would get Rs 1000.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
