On 15 August 2024, the Karnataka Pensioners Association gathered at the community hall in Mangalore to applaud the state government's announcement of a 12% rise in monthly pensions for retired workers across the state.
Chairperson Ramesh Kumar addressed the members, highlighting that the increase will lift the average pension from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 8,400, providing much‑needed relief to senior citizens struggling with rising living costs.
State Minister for Social Welfare, Shashikala Bhat, unveiled the decision during a press conference at the Secretariat, citing recent inflation data and the central government's recommendation to enhance social security for the elderly.
Members of the association, many of whom have been awaiting this adjustment for over a year, expressed gratitude and urged the administration to ensure timely disbursement of the revised amounts.
According to the department's circular, the new pension rates will take effect from 1 October 2024, covering all government‑retired staff, including teachers, police officers and health workers.
Local newspaper reports indicate that the move aligns Karnataka with neighboring states such as Kerala and Goa, which implemented similar hikes earlier this year.
While the pensioners celebrate the development, the association also called for additional measures, such as improved medical facilities and subsidised transport, to further support the aging population.
The announcement has been welcomed by civil society groups, who view it as a positive step toward safeguarding the financial security of the state's senior citizens.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: The Hindu National