Question : IRREGULARITIES IN PENSION SCHEMES

(a) whether serious irregularities have been reported recently in old age pension scheme in various States including Delhi;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether millions of dead persons are being paid old age pension;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reaction of the Government thereto;

(e) whether the Government has made any enquiry into the alleged scam in old age pension and fix responsibility in this regard;

(f) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and

(g) the steps taken by the Government for effective implementation of the Scheme?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI LALCHAND KATARIA)

(a) to (g). No reports have been received by this Ministry regarding serious irregularities in Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme (IGNOAPS) in various States including Delhi. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) which includes IGNOAPS is under State plan and funds are released as Additional Central Assistance (ACA).Identification of beneficiaries, sanction and disbursement of assistance under the schemes of NSAP are done by State Governments. Hence, complaints received in this Ministry are forwarded to State Government for taking appropriate action. Inquiry through National Level Monitors (NLMs) is also conducted depending on the seriousness of the reported irregularity. For improved monitoring and to eliminate irregularities, States have been advised to conduct annual verification and social audit under NSAP. They have also been advised to prepare data base of beneficiaries and keep it in public domain.