Delhi Government to Conduct Biometric Verification for Pension Beneficiaries

The Delhi government is launching a comprehensive biometric verification campaign for over five lakh beneficiaries of old-age and disability pensions. This initiative aims to update records and ensure that only eligible individuals receive benefits. With a network of 6,000 Common Service Centers assisting in the process, the campaign will include home visits for biometric data collection. Expected to start within a month and conclude in five months, this effort seeks to eliminate ineligible recipients and enhance the integrity of welfare schemes. The initiative also aims to improve transparency and accountability in social welfare programs, benefiting both senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 13:02 IST

Biometric Verification Initiative for Pension Recipients

The Delhi government is set to carry out home visits for biometric verification of over five lakh beneficiaries receiving old-age and disability pensions. This initiative aims to update the records of beneficiaries and ensure that welfare schemes benefit only those who are eligible.

An official stated that to facilitate this process, the relevant department has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Common Service Centers (CSC).

The CSC operates a network of approximately 6,000 centers across Delhi, which will assist the department in conducting the verification at the homes of beneficiaries. The official explained, 'Under this campaign, survey teams will visit homes to collect biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans. They will also take photographs of the beneficiaries and update their records through electronic documentation.'

The verification campaign is expected to commence within the next month and is projected to be completed in about five months. The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure that pension benefits are provided only to eligible beneficiaries, confirming their identities and updating their records.

The official noted that pensions are currently being issued in some cases to individuals who have passed away, moved out of Delhi, or do not meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

This verification campaign will help identify such cases. The official added, 'In some instances, pensions continue to be disbursed despite the beneficiary being ineligible. Verification will help uncover these cases and ensure better utilization of government resources.'

The department believes that this initiative will enhance the accuracy of beneficiary data and prevent potential discrepancies or leaks in welfare schemes.

After removing ineligible beneficiaries from the list, the savings generated can be redirected to other welfare programs and departmental proposals. A dedicated help desk has also been established to address operational issues and assist survey teams.

The proposal for this verification campaign has already received cabinet approval, and the implementation process is currently being finalized.

Current Statistics on Pension Beneficiaries

According to official data, there are currently over 435,000 senior citizens registered under the old-age pension scheme in Delhi. Beneficiaries aged between 60 and 69 receive a monthly pension of ₹2,000, while those aged 70 and above are entitled to ₹2,500 per month.

Officials have indicated that in addition to senior citizens, beneficiaries of pension schemes for persons with disabilities will also be included in this verification campaign. They assert that this initiative will further enhance transparency and accountability in the implementation of social welfare programs.