Hyderabad, Oct. 31 -- The Telangana government has extended the 'instant pension facility' to additional categories, ensuring that wives of deceased pensioners receive social security pensions immediately.

The move benefits wives of persons with disabilities, toddy tappers, weavers, dialysis patients, and HIV and filariasis-affected individuals.

Until now, the instant pension facility was only available to wives of old-age pensioners. The Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, headed by Minister Danasari Anasuya, recently issued orders to expand the facility.

Under the new guidelines, if the wife of a deceased male pensioner is below 57 years of age, she will be eligible for a widow pension. If she is 57 years or older, she wi...