WATCH | UP CM Yogi Adityanath announces welfare scheme, Opposition gives it 'Pension for Sadhus' spin

After Uttar Pradesh CM  Yogi Adityanath announced that the pension scheme for old aged people, handicapped people and widows, the Opposition has given a religious spin saying that the pension is for Sadhus (Hindu seers).

On Monday, CM Yogi Adityanath had announced the renewed pension scheme saying that Uttar Pradesh government has increased its monthly pension for all destitute people by a sum of Rs 100, to a total of Rs 500.

"The state government has decided that all destitute people (including women, disabled etc) will get a pension of Rs 500 per month compared to the Rs 400 they were receiving earlier," he said.

READ | UP Government To Give Pension Of Rs 500 To Destitute People

When former Uttar Pradesh CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was asked about the scheme, he made it appear that the scheme was for Sadhus, and that the scheme was brought for Hindu appeasement.

“Not just them, but people who participate in Ram Leela should also get pension. Ram should get pension, Lakshman should get pension, Sita should get pension. And, if you still have money left in your coffers, spare some for pension to Raavan," he said.

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Details of the pension scheme in UP:

- The proposal is in an infancy stage

- The state to hold special camps for sadhus in assembly constituencies

- The sadhus eligible for old age pension - who are entitled to it and usually don't have credentials like Aadhaar etc.

- The idea is to identify Sadhus who otherwise don't enrol or benefit from such schemes

- The idea is to ensure that due to lack of awareness Sadhus don't lose out on the scheme

- This is part of/extension old age and disability pension schemes

- The sadhus can't apply as they don't have the required documents

- The next week's cabinet meeting will be held in Kumbh (next Tuesday)

- The state is likely to make an announcement in Kumbh if it is passed

- The entire cabinet will be present in Kumbh next Tuesday