Kohima, March 19 (MExN): Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, the department of Social Welfare and Women Development provides a monthly pension amounting to Rs. 75 per month to aged persons of 65 years and above, under which there are presently 28053 beneficiaries in the state. This was stated in the latest annual administrative report of the social welfare and women development tabled in the budget session by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the portfolio of social welfare and women development. This scheme is part of the National Social Assistance Programme. The report also stated that Under National Family Benefit Scheme, 258 beneficiaries have been covered so far. Under this scheme in the event of the death of the primary breadwinner of family, a lump sum one time grant of Rs. 10,000 is given to the family, the report said.
The department of Social Welfare and Women Development is the nodal agency of for implementation of the centrally sponsored scheme- National Social Assistance Programme, which is funded by the Ministry of Rural development, The report said that a district level committee headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners and assisted by the District Welfare Officer along with the other district level officers implements the National old Age Pension Scheme and National Family Benefit Scheme for the benefit of needy peoples of BPL families. Further, under the Welfare of the Aged programme, the state sector old age pension is provided to the needy persons attaining the age of 70 years at Rs. 100 per month. Presently, there are 8882 beneficiaries under the scheme, the report said.
