Pension to the aged, widows, physically challenged and leprosy patients will now be disbursed via a biometric system throughout Himachal Pradesh, the government on Wednesday said.

Monthly pension of Rs 330 was being given to beneficiaries in Una district only, and now this will be extended to other parts of the state, an official spokesman said.

Besides opening a savings account in a designated bank, every eligible pensioner would be issued a smart card, which would have the photograph and finger impression of the beneficiary.

The bank would also appoint customer service providers at a fixed service delivery point in some villages according to the number of pensioners to ensure timely distribution of pension, he said.

For those unable to walk, pension would be given at their doorsteps, and in case the pension was not disbursed on time, it would be deposited in the savings account.