Hyderabad: The Telangana government has sanctioned monthly pensions for 14,084 newly registered HIV-positive individuals under the Cheyutha scheme. The decision was approved on Monday by Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka, with disbursal set to begin in July.
The new additions come after a pause in fresh enrolments under the HIV category since August 2022. The approvals follow a verification process carried out by the Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TSACS). The final list was generated through the state’s SEARCH platform.
According to officials, the financial assistance is intended to address the dual burden of limited work capacity and recurring medical expenses faced by HIV patients. The government stated that the support aims to improve the living standards of impoverished individuals in this category.
At present, 34,421 people living with HIV are receiving ₹2,016 per month, costing the state ₹6.93 crore monthly. The inclusion of the new beneficiaries is expected to add ₹28.40 crore to the state’s annual welfare expenditure. Officials confirmed that funds have been earmarked.
District-wise data shows the highest number of new beneficiaries in Hyderabad (3,019), followed by Nalgonda (1,388), Sangareddy (1,242), and Suryapet (931). Other districts with substantial numbers include Khammam (954), Karimnagar (833), and Hanamkonda (825).
No new enrolments were recorded in Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Gadwal, Mancherial, Medak, Mulugu, Nagarkurnool, Narayanpet, Nirmal, and Ranga Reddy, officials said.
Earlier this year, the government had cleared pensions for 4,020 dialysis patients. With the inclusion of new HIV beneficiaries, health welfare recipients under the scheme have expanded significantly.
