Yogi’s Masterstroke: 1.18 Crore Pensioners to Get Rs 1500, Promise Fulfilled Before Elections!

Lucknow: The Yogi government has delivered a big gift to pensioners by fulfilling its election manifesto promise. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced in the assembly on Friday that old age, destitute widow women, and disability pensions will increase from Rs 1000 to Rs 1500 per month. This will benefit 1.18 crore beneficiaries in the state.It is believed that the increased amount will be implemented from April 1, 2026. This includes 67.50 lakh old age pensioners, 38.58 lakh widow pensioners, and 11.50 lakh disability pensioners. Before 2017, the pension was Rs 300; the BJP government raised it to Rs 500, then Rs 1000—now Rs 1500.The budget has allocated Rs 8950 crore for old age pension, Rs 3500 crore for widow pension, and Rs 1470 crore for disability pension. Ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, this move could secure strong support from the pensioner class and their families. Political circles are calling it an ‘election gambit’.