When it comes to fostering inclusive growth in a country, extending committed financial aid to underprivileged communities remains vital. In India, the YSR Pension Kanuka—devised by the Government of Andhra Pradesh—stands out as a dedicated effort to lift up socio‑economically disadvantaged groups. By ensuring regular cash transfers, minimising procedural hurdles, and embedding accountability at each stage, the scheme seeks not only to ease immediate financial strain but also to strengthen long‑term economic security.
Below, we explore the scheme’s essence, its salient features, funding and monitoring methods, and provide guidance on how to benefit from it.
What Is YSR Pension Kanuka?
YSR Pension Kanuka honours Chief Minister Yeduguri Sandinti Jagan Mohan Reddy. It was introduced in 2019 to deliver timely monthly pensions to vulnerable citizens, including senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, traditional artisans and other marginalised sections. Beyond mere income support, the programme aims to restore dignity, reduce dependency, and empower recipients to participate more fully in social and economic life. Funds are credited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts via the state’s Navasakam Portal, ensuring transparency, eliminating the role of middle‑men, and providing real‑time audit trails.
Scheme Funding and Implementation
The scheme is financed entirely from the Andhra Pradesh state budget, with annual allocations exceeding ₹15 000 crore in recent years. Payments are routed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) platform. It integrates with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) to track disbursements and minimise leakages. District‑level officers in the Mandal Parishad Development Office (MPDO) and Municipal Corporation coordinate with local Panchayats and wards to validate beneficiary lists, cross‑verify documents and safeguard against duplication or fraud.
YSR Pension Eligibility Criteria
To apply, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:
White Ration Card Holder (BPL Status):
Possess a Below Poverty Line ration card.
No Duplicate Pension Benefits:
Not be enrolled in any other state or central pension scheme.
Residency:
Be a permanent resident of the applying district, verified by utility or land records.
Types of Pensions
The scheme categorises types of pensions based on age, occupation and health condition, with monthly disbursements varying accordingly. The summary table below outlines these categories:
Pension Category
| Eligibility Age/Condition
| Monthly Pension (₹)
|
Dappu Artist’s Pension
| 50 years and above
| 3 000
|
ART (Antiretroviral Treatment) Pension
| Any age; on ART for at least six months
| 2 250
|
Traditional Cobbler’s Pension
| 40 years and above
| 2 250
|
Disability Pension
| Any age; with minimum 40 percent disability
| 3 000
|
Single Women’s Pension
| – 35 years and above for married women separated/divorced for more than 1 year– Unmarried rural: 30 years and above– Unmarried urban: 35 years and above
| 2 250
|
Fisherman’s Pension
| 50 years and above
| 2 250
|
Weaver’s Pension
| 50 years and above
| 2 250
|
Widow Pension
| 18 years and above
| 2 250
|
Transgender Pension
| 18 years and above
| 3 000
|
CKDU (Chronic Kidney Disease) Pension
| Any age; diagnosed with CKDU and under treatment
| 10 000
|
Toddy Tapper’s Pension
| 50 years and above
| 2 250
|
Old Age Pension
| 60 years and above
| 2 250
|
Disbursal Mechanism
In rural regions, the MPDO administers payments, while Municipal Corporations oversee urban areas. Pensions flow from these offices to local Panchayats or ward secretariats and then reach beneficiaries via direct bank credit or manual payment, depending on local infrastructure. Beneficiaries may verify their YSR Pension Kanuka status through SMS alerts, the Navasakam Portal dashboard or by inquiring at the Panchayat office. A unique transaction ID for each payment allows instant tracking and grievance redressal if funds fail to materialise.
Monitoring and Grievance Redressal
To bolster transparency, the state government has instituted a dedicated helpline (Dial 1902) and an online complaints module on the Navasakam Portal. Grievances ranging from non‑payment, delayed remittance or wrongful exclusion are logged in a central database and assigned to district nodal officers for resolution within seven working days.
Benefits of YSR Pension Kanuka
YSR Pension Kanuka offers multiple advantages:
Guaranteed Monthly Income:
A reliable stipend helps cover necessities such as food, utilities, healthcare and education for dependants.
Zero Contributions Required:
Recipients receive funds without any premium, subscription or co‑payment, maximising net benefit.
Minimal Red Tape:
The application and verification processes are streamlined with fewer physical visits and optional online tracking.
Inclusive Coverage:
By spanning various demographics—senior citizens, single women, traditional artisans, differently abled—the scheme fosters broad‑based empowerment and gender equity.
YSR Pension Kanuka Application Process
Follow the steps below to apply to the scheme:
Step 1. Navigate to the official YSR Navasakam Portal (www.navapk.org).
Step 2. Click “Download” on the homepage, then select “YSR Pension Kanuka”.
Step 3. Download the ZIP archive containing pension‑type application forms in Telugu and English.
Step 4. Complete the form corresponding to your category, ensuring accurate entries in all fields.
Step 5. Attach scanned copies or photocopies of required documents:
- White (BPL) ration card
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, Voter ID)
- Proof of identity (e.g., PAN card, driving licence)
- Bank passbook
Step 6. Submit the form and attachments at your local Panchayat or Municipal Corporation office, or upload digitally if the portal’s e‑filing feature is available.
After submission, the Panchayat forwards applications to the Gram Sabha for initial review. Once approved, files advance to the MPDO or Municipal Corporation for final verification. Applicants receive SMS notifications at each stage—from receipt to approval to disbursal—ensuring end‑to‑end visibility.
Life Insurance as a Retirement Solution
Long‑term financial planning extends beyond immediate aid. Life insurance pension plans combine protection and retirement planning, offering death‑benefit support to families while building a retirement corpus. Policyholders can select sum assured, premium payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, annual) and tenure (typically 10–30 years) that align with their budgets. Additionally, contributions under these plans qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, further enhancing net returns. When considering to make a purchase, remember to use a retirement calculator.
Online platforms feature flexible annuity choices:
Immediate Annuity:
Regular payments commence within one month of policy maturity, ideal for those seeking immediate post‑retirement cash flow.
Deferred Annuity:
Payouts begin on a later date elected by the policyholder—useful for individuals with extended work lives or staggered retirement plans.
Riders such as critical‑illness cover, accidental death benefit or waiver of premium on disability can reinforce financial resilience. By integrating comprehensive life cover with any types of pension schemes planning, individuals can secure both present needs and future safeguards.
Ensuring the economic upliftment of society’s most vulnerable is a core governmental duty. The YSR Pension Kanuka represents proactive governance via the provision of fixed monthly pensions to those in need—elderly citizens, widows, single women, artisans and persons with special needs—without imposing any subscription burden. As informed citizens, we should promote awareness of this scheme, assist eligible neighbours in applying and advocate for financial literacy programmes that complement pension support, thereby strengthening our social fabric and promoting truly inclusive growth.
Customers 
Distributor 
Partner with Us 
Employee 
