Do you want to know the features of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme? Asking about, which Government started the old age pension scheme in India? This is a non-contributory pension scheme started by the Govt. of India under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) aims to provide social security to the poor household people in old age, who lack sufficient income and support.
What Are the Objectives of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme?
The objective of IGNOAPS is to improve the quality of life and ensure the well-being of senior citizens by providing them with a monthly pension. This scheme provides financial support to elderly individuals living in poverty and helps them meet their basic needs during their old age.
It is important to note that the old age pension scheme has gone through various modifications over the years, with changes in eligibility criteria, pension amounts and processes.
When Did the Old Age Pension Scheme Start in India?
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme launch date is 19th November 2007. The IGNOAP Scheme was introduced in 1995 as a part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
Under NSAP, two more schemes are in action currently which are:
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Launched in February 2009, BPL widows aged 40-59 years will be given a monthly pension of Rs. 200/-
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Launched in February 2009, BPL people aged 18-59 years with severe and multiple disabilities are provided with a monthly pension of Rs. 200/-
National Family Benefit Scheme: Under this scheme, a BPL household is entitled to a lump sum amount of Rs. 20,000 when the primary breadwinner aged between 18-59 years passes away
Annapurna: As per this scheme, 10 kg of food grains per month are provided free of cost to those eligible seniors who are uncovered under NOAPS
Who Is Eligible for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme?
The people who fall under the category of BPL (Below Poverty Line) with the age of 60 years and above are eligible under this scheme. The criteria for awarding the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme are:
The applicant must be destitute
The applicant shall not be admitted to a poor home
The person must not resort to habitual begging
The person’s age should be 60 years or higher and must apply at the local body near his residence
There must be someone to look after the applicant
What Is the Amount of the Indira Pension Yojana?
The amount of the pension varies from state to state, as some states may provide additional top-ups to the central government's contribution. The scheme is implemented by the respective state governments and the pension is directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
This is a Government of India-funded scheme where people aged between 60 to 79 age group get monthly assistance of Rs. 200 and people aged above 80 years will get a monthly pension of Rs. 500. An additional amount of Rs. 500 from the State Government is provided in some states.
Conclusion
Many people frequently ask, which State Government has announced a universal old-age pension scheme. The answer is Bihar and its CM Nitish Kumar announced Mukhya Mantri Vridha Pension Yojana.
