India, Oct. 25 -- The Delhi government has begun a survey of beneficiaries under its old-age pension scheme to verify their eligibility, with around 20% of recipients estimated to be potentially excluded following the exercise, according to officials familiar with the development.

The survey, which will be conducted by a third-party agency, is expected to be completed within three months. The exercise aims to verify details of existing beneficiaries and identify those who may no longer meet the eligibility criteria for receiving financial assistance under the scheme.

"There will be a door to door survey. It is estimated that some of the beneficiaries might have passed away. There might also be cases where a woman is receiving pension on...