Minister of Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) Kondapalli Srinivas says that a sum of ₹2,693 crore has been released for disbursal of NTR Bharosa (social security) pensions on September 1.

The total number of beneficiaries stands at 61.92 lakh, and ₹2.51 crore has been allocated for 6,268 newly- sanctioned spouse pensions, which are being given to ensure social security for the eligible surviving spouses following the death of their husbands.

With the above allocations, the NDA government has so far spent ₹73,506 crore on pensions since coming to power with welfare of the poor as its goal, according to the Minister.