Push to boost scheme coverage in urban villages of Noida, Gr Noida

Noida: Welfare camps are being held across 36 locations in Noida and Greater Noida's urban villages to boost enrolment under state pension and welfare schemes. The camps, which began on Monday, will run till Sept 22.Officials said the initiative targets residents of urban villages who often miss out on benefits due to lack of awareness or income certificate issues. While many exceed the Rs 56,000 annual income cap set for various schemes, a sizable population still falls within the eligibility bracket but lacks proper documentation."Urban villages have dense populations, but many remain outside the coverage net. We've directed village accountants to issue correct income certificates to eligible residents," said Satish Kumar, district social welfare officer, Gautam Buddha Nagar.

According to official data, the district currently has 15,731 beneficiaries under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, 15,892 under the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, and 4,115 under the Divyang Pension Scheme. Each receives Rs 1,000 per month, disbursed quarterly.

Other departments, including Agriculture, Child Development, Skill Development, and Food & Civil Supplies, are also part of the outreach to promote wider scheme awareness.Officials have urged residents to attend the camps and avail themselves of the services.