<span style="color: #222222;">In the wake of  COVID-19 pandemic the Himachal Pradesh state government has provided special relief to more than 5 lakh social security pension beneficiaries by making advance payment of Rs 217.86 crore. Amid statewide curfew the task of paying the social security pension to the  beneficiaries was a big challenge. In such a situation the personnel of the Social Justice and Empowerment and the Indian Postal Service Department played a significant role in providing advance payment in tribal and non tribal areas of the state.<br />''<br />''"A special relief to the beneficiaries  of social security pension has been given for six months in advance to the  tribal areas while three months  for the  non-tribal areas of the state.The 90-year-old Shankaru Devi from Gohan village of Kangra district had no place of happiness when the postman came to her residence during the curfew with Rs 4500  as a advance old age pension for three months.Shankaru Devi is alone at this age and social security pension is only her source of income.Similarly, more than 3.85lakh old age people in the state have been provided pensions.During the lockdown, the state government not only ensured the timely disbursement of social security pension but also approved new 43026 pension cases.Not only this, the social security pension of widows and PwD has also been increased from Rs 850 to Rs 1000 per month.On the other hand, next six months pension have been provided in advance in tribal areas of Pangi, Bharmour, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts. Due to timely pension, all needy people across the state are now living their lives with pride and thanking the state government.</span><br />