Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday announced a significant increase in pension amounts for around 1.06 crore beneficiaries, including destitute women, senior citizens, and differently-abled persons, during the discussion on the Governor’s address in the Assembly. The pension will now rise from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per month. The CM noted that this increase was not part of the budget but aligns with promises made in the BJP’s manifesto.
CM Addresses Shankaracharya Controversy
For the first time in the House, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also spoke on the ongoing Shankaracharya controversy. Yogi Adityanath emphasized that no person, including the Chief Minister or ministers, is above the law. Only individuals authorized by the appropriate council can assume the Shankaracharya position. The Yogi Adityanath highlighted the risks posed during the Magh Mela, where millions of devotees were present, noting that attempting to bypass rules could have endangered lives and caused a stampede. He questioned the Samajwadi Party’s handling of the matter, pointing to inconsistencies in previous FIRs and law enforcement actions.
Opposition Criticized on Faith and Development
Targeting the SP, Yogi Adityanath accused the opposition of misleading the public and opposing major development projects tied to faith, including the Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and Mathura-Vrindavan initiatives. He highlighted past restrictions under the SP government, such as prohibitions on Janmashtami celebrations, Kanwar Yatra, and the 84 Kosi Parikrama of Ayodhya. The CM asserted that faith and development together form the foundation of Uttar Pradesh’s renaissance, citing programs like Deepotsav and Rangotsav as examples of cultural pride boosting the state’s economy.
वर्तमान में 1 करोड़ 6 लाख निराश्रित महिलाएं, वृद्धजन और दिव्यांगजन यूपी के अंदर ₹12,000 सालाना पेंशन की सुविधा प्राप्त कर रहे हैं,
सरकार इसको बहुत जल्दी बढ़ाने जा रही है, हमने बजट दे दिया है… pic.twitter.com/LCluGLsYWc
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 13, 2026
Yogi Adityanath also condemned the opposition’s conduct during the Governor’s address, describing it as disrespectful to “mother power” and against the traditions of Sanatan Dharma, which emphasizes respect for women and elders.
Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation : Yogi Adityanath
The Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the shortcomings of previous governments’ welfare schemes, noting that earlier initiatives like the Indira Awas Yojana provided insufficient support, reaching only limited sections of society. In contrast, the current government offers ₹2.5 lakh for urban housing, ₹1.2 lakh for rural housing, additional funds for toilet construction, and honoraria under MGNREGA to aid beneficiaries in completing homes.
Also read : CM Yogi Adityanath Stresses Sanatan Dharma and India’s Cultural Heritage
Due to these coordinated welfare efforts, more than 6 crore people have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty, reflecting the government’s result-oriented approach. Yogi Adityanath further stated that a new housing scheme is being prepared for remaining underserved groups, including sanitation and construction workers, to be announced in the upcoming Budget.
Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the government’s focus extends beyond housing and financial aid to holistic development, encompassing social security, employment, and infrastructure. “Every roof for the poor, respect for the destitute, and rights for the needy”—he said—are central to the government’s mission. The Chief Minister reiterated that government funds belong to the people and must reach every eligible individual without discrimination, setting a benchmark in poverty alleviation for the country.