Question : SCHEMES FOR OLD AGE PERSONS

(a) the details of Centrally Sponsored Schemes being implemented for the welfare of senior citizens;

(b) the funds allocated and released by the Union Government to each State for implementation of these schemes during the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the Union Government has received proposals from State Governments under various schemes for the senior citizens during the said period and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the number of old age homes functioning in each State at present and the number of old age persons benefited therefrom?

MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI THAAWARCHAND GEHLOT)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to Parts (a) to (d) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 436 to be answered on 23.12.2014.

(a) & (b) The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), under which assistance is provided to persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and Annapurna scheme are part of NSAP. Old Age Pension is provided under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. Under IGNOAPS, assistance is provided to persons of 60 years and above and belonging to family living below poverty line as per the criteria prescribed by Government of India. Central assistance of Rs. 200/- per month is provided to persons in the age group of 60-79 years and Rs.500/- per month to persons of 80 years and above. Under Annapurna Scheme 10 kg of food grains per month are provided free of cost to those senior citizens who, though eligible under IGNOAPS, are not receiving old age pension. Up to 2013-14, funds were released as Additional Central Assistance (ACA) by the Ministry of Finance/Home Affairs to the States/UTs in combined manner for all the schemes under NSAP. W.e.f 01.04.2014, Scheme-wise funds are being released as CSS by the Ministry of Rural Development to the States/UTs. Details of funds released during the last three years under schemes of NSAP and Scheme wise funds released to the State/UTs for current year (up to December 2014) is at Annexure-I.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had launched the “National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly” (NPHCE) in 2010 to provide dedicated health care facilities to the elderly people through the State health delivery system at primary, secondary and tertiary levels including outreach services. As on date, a total of 104 districts of 24 States/UTs have been covered under NPHCE. Funds released under NPHCE is at Annexure-II.

(c) This ministry is implementing a Central Sector Scheme of integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) under which grants are given for running and maintenance of Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, Mobile Medicare Units etc. Proposal under this Scheme are received through the Sate Governments/UTs. A statement showing State-wise number of proposals received under IPOP Scheme during the last three years and the current year is at Annexure-III.

(d) A statement showing State-wise number of Old Age Homes assisted and beneficiaries covered during the last three year and current years is at Annexure-IV.