(a) whether the Government proposes to reduce the prescribed age limit for widows from 40 years to 18 years under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS);
(b) if so, the details thereof and the time-frame for the same; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)
(a) to (c): No Madam. At present there is no proposal to reduce the prescribed age limit for widows from 40 years to 18 years under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS). The widow pension scheme under National Social Assistance Programme, being a welfare scheme, is targeted to extend benefits only to persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL Category) as per laid down criteria in the Guidelines.
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