Ranchi: National Naari Shakti Mahila Sangathan on Sunday demanded that the state govt raise the monthly pension for widows, deserted and destitute women from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500, bringing it on a par with the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana.The demand was raised at a meeting in Ranchi, where the organisation highlighted the financial hardships faced by vulnerable women.National president of the group, Aarti Behera, said the disparity in benefits was “not only unfair but also painful”. She said women who had lost their husbands or had been deserted often had to manage household expenses, children’s education, healthcare and other needs without adequate financial support.The organisation said eligible women aged between 18 and 50 years under the Maiya Samman scheme receive Rs 2,500 a month, while beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Rajya Nirashrit Mahila Samman Pension Yojana and other social security pension schemes receive Rs 1,000.It demanded that the pension for widows, deserted and destitute women be increased to at least Rs 2,500, and that parity be maintained between the two categories of welfare assistance. The group also sought additional financial support and priority for such women, citing their vulnerable circumstances.The organisation said that rising prices of essential commodities, medicines, electricity and other household expenses have made it increasingly difficult for beneficiaries dependent on the existing pension to meet their monthly needs.
