Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Andhra Pradesh Sees Drop in Social Security Pensions
In Andhra Pradesh, the number of social security pensions has decreased by nearly 3 lakh in two years.
A report by LibTech India found that the government has not approved new pensions since January 2024.
About 1.53 lakh widows were found eligible for pensions in April 2026, but these pensions were not sanctioned by July 2026.
The Alluri Sitharama Raju district, which has the highest Adivasi population, has one of the lowest pension-to-ration-card ratios.
Despite allocating a large budget for pensions, the government has not addressed the drop in pension numbers.
LibTech India has urged the government to reopen pension enrolment and set up a transparent mechanism for challenging pension cancellations.
The number of social security pensions in Andhra Pradesh dropped by nearly 3 lakh from July 2024 to July 2026.
The government has not sanctioned new pensions under regular categories since January 2024.
About 1.53 lakh widows were found eligible for pensions in April 2026, but these pensions were not sanctioned by July 2026.
Alluri Sitharama Raju district has the sixth-lowest pension-to-ration-card ratio at 39.64%.
The Andhra Pradesh government allocated Rs 27,719 crore to the NTR Bharosa pension scheme in the 2026-27 budget.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh government, LibTech India, Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP)
- What
- Drop in social security pensions in Andhra Pradesh
- When
- From July 2024 to July 2026
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India
- Why
- Freeze on new pensions since January 2024, administrative issues, and delays in sanctioning eligible pensions
Government's Pension Policy
Critics' Concerns
Pension Sanctioning
Government's Pension Policy
The government has not sanctioned new pensions under regular categories since January 2024, citing administrative reasons.
Critics' Concerns
Critics argue that the freeze on new pensions is causing hardship, especially for eligible widows and Adivasi communities.
Budget Allocation
Government's Pension Policy
The government allocated Rs 27,719 crore to the NTR Bharosa pension scheme, showing commitment to pensioners.
Critics' Concerns
Critics point out that despite the high budget allocation, the actual number of pensions has decreased, indicating inefficiencies.
- Initial Pension Count
- 65,18,496 (July 2024)
- Current Pension Count
- 6,21,9807 (July 2026)
- Drop in Pensions
- 2,98,689
- Eligible Widows
- 1.53 lakh (April 2026)
- Pension-to-Ration-Card Ratio in Alluri Sitharama Raju District
- 39.64%
- Budget Allocation for NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme
- Rs 27,719 crore (2026-27)