Starting next financial year, all categories of widows in Madhya Pradesh will be entitled to avail the Social Security Pension scheme, according to the annual budget presented in the state assembly on Wednesday.

Presenting the budget for 2017-18 financial year, Finance Minister Jayant Kumar Malaiya said the amount paid under the Social Security Pension scheme had also been increased to Rs 300 from Rs 150.

The decision had been taken in view of the poor economic condition of the widows in the society, according to the Finance Minister.

The widows, who are either gainfully employed or already availing family pension, have been kept out of the purview of the scheme.

Detailing the budgetary allocation for the scheme, Malaiya said Rs 1,501 crore has been earmarked for the social security plan.

The budget also proposes to raise allocations for better irrigation capacity, improving education and medical facilities, better funding for social welfare schemes for the poor and enhancing the network of roads in the state.