Question : IGNOAPS Beneficiaries

(a) whether it is true that Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), a centrally sponsored scheme was introduced to help eligible elderly citizens by providing them with direct cash pensions;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is aware that the banks and treasury officials are returning the pension amount to the Government without verifying the details of the beneficiaries;

(d) if so, whether the Government has taken note that the said officials are responsible for depriving the pension benefits to thousands of beneficiaries in Karnataka;

(e) if so, whether the Government has taken any action against the officials responsible for the said irregularities; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) & (b): Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a Centrally Sponsord Scheme under which central assistance is provide to the elderly persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Under IGNOAPS, central assistance of Rs. 200/- per month is provided to the beneficiaries of age of 60-79 years and Rs.500/- per month is provided to the beneficiaries of age of 80 years and above. As the objective is to provide door step delivery, the modes of pension payments are Banks, Post Office Accounts, Money Order and cash disbursement as per the suitability of the beneficiaries. A total of 2.14 crore eligible elderly persons are getting benefitted under IGNOAPS.

(c) to (f): No instance of returning the pension amount to the Government by the Banks and Treasury officials without verifying the details of the beneficiaries has been brought to the notice of the Government.

*****