The Government of Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has consistently worked to bring financial security to the most vulnerable sections of society. The Kushthavastha Pension Yojana, administered by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, is built on that purpose.The scheme provides monthly financial assistance to persons who have developed disabilities due to leprosy and whose family income is not sufficient to meet basic needs. In 2021, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath raised the monthly pension from Rupees 2500 to Rupees 3000. Today, more than 13000 people across Uttar Pradesh receive this assistance every month, up from 4765 in 2016-17.WHO CAN APPLYAny permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh who has developed a disability due to leprosy can apply under this scheme. There is no age restriction. There is no minimum disability percentage. Even a one percent leprosy-caused disability is sufficient to qualify.Income Limits: The applicant’s annual family income must be within the following limits:Rural: Up to Rs 46,080 per annum.Urban: Up to Rs 56,460 per annum.The applicant must not be receiving any other government pension.Beneficiary selection is based on a disability certificate issued by the Chief Medical Officer of the concerned district.WHAT THE SCHEME PROVIDESEvery eligible beneficiary receives three thousand rupees per month.The amount is disbursed every quarter, in April, July, October, and January, directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through PFMS and treasury e-payment.HOW TO APPLYEligible persons can apply online at sspy-up. gov. in by selecting Disability and Leprosy Pension, filling the application form, uploading documents, and submitting. A registration number is provided for tracking.Those without internet access can walk into the nearest Jan Suvidha Kendra or Lokvani centre for assisted application.Documents required: Aadhaar card, income certificate, CMO-issued leprosy disability certificate, residential proof, and passport-size photograph. Rural applicants must submit a Gram Sabha resolution. Urban applicants must submit their bank passbook.The Kushthavastha Pension Yojana is the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment that no person disabled by leprosy is left without support.
