Question : Pension to Senior Citizens and Women

(a) the details of the schemes formulated by the Government regarding grant of pension to the senior citizens, women and unemployed persons in the country along with the amount of pension provided under the schemes;

(b) the number of senior citizens, women and unemployed persons provided pension in the country and the amount of pension provided to them during the last three years, State/UT-wise;

(c) the details of the monthly pension being given to penurious senior citizens and women, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government has received any representations regarding increasing the central monthly pension for senior citizens and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(e) whether reports of penurious senior citizens and women not getting pension have come to the notice of the Government from various States and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)

(a) to (e): The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) has no provision for extending pension scheme to unemployed persons. Under National Social Assistance Programme(NSAP) following five welfare components are being administered: i) Old Age Pension, ii) Widow Pension, iii) Disability Pension, iv) Family Benefit Scheme and v) Annapurna Scheme.

The amount of pension provided to Senior Citizens (IGNOAPS) and Women (IGNWPS) during the last three years, State/UT-wise is at Annexure.

In respect of first three schemes targeted beneficiaries are provided with monthly financial assistance ranging between Rs.200-500 as the case may be. Under National Family Benefit scheme below poverty line (BPL) households are entitled to a one-time lump-sum amount of money to the tune of Rs.20,000/- on the death of primary breadwinner aged between 18 and 59 years whereas under Annapurna scheme, 10KG of food grain per month is provided free of cost to those senior citizens which are otherwise eligible but are not receiving the old age pension.

From time to time, several representations have been received about the issues of non-inclusion and amount of assistance being inadequate. Since the task related to identification of beneficiaries is left with the States/UTs, these representations are duly forwarded to respected State Govts/UTs for appropriate action. Furthermore, the NSAP guidelines issued by Ministry of Rural Development encourages States/UTs to provide for an additional amount at least an equivalent amount to the assistance provided by the Central Government so that the beneficiary can get a decent level of assistance. Many States have already implemented this provision.

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