Kakinada, Oct 23rd: All eligible women, aged more than 60 years will get pension in November through the YSR Abhayahastam scheme. The basic eligibility to receive the Rs 500 pension is that the women should be enrolled as members in Self-Help Groups. A total of 26,553 women have been identified from the district to get pensions. According to sources the total SHG members in the district are 7, 30,345. Of these 5, 55,464 members were identified as eligible for Abhayahastam scheme from all the 60 mandals. As the last date of enrolment is October 31, the district administration and leaders of SGH are busy in enrolling the women.

Though the  scheme was envisaged for women in the 18-59 years age group, it was extended to those above 59 years as desired by the late YSR. However women above 59 years will have to pay the 10 year premium of Rs 3,600 in a lump sum to eligible for a minimum pension of Rs 500. Speaking to the media, Mr. B. Rama Rao, project director, District Rural Development Authority, said that government was planning to distribute pensions on AP Formatoion Day on November 1. However, there were no official instructions on the distribution date yet.