There are 63372 persons covered under the Old- Age Pension scheme in Nagaland. (For Representational Purpose: File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 7
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio informed that there are 63372 persons covered under the Old- Age Pension scheme in Nagaland.
Replying this to MLA Achumbemo Kikon in starred question at the 6th session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly here today, Dr Rio informed that out of 63,372, beneficiary from IGNOAPS stands 57,402 and another 5,970 under SOAP.
The beneficiaries under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) (60-79 yrs) are paid Rs. 200 per month while IGNOAPS (80 yrs and above) beneficiary gets Rs. 500 per month. Beneficiary under State Old Age Pension (SOAP) gets Rs.200 per month.
The qualifying age to be eligible for Old- Age pension scheme is 60 years and above.
Dr. Rio informed that the budget for IGNOAPS is 100% central grant and State Old Age Pension beneficiaries are covered under state grant.
Around 16,000 eligible persons yet to be covered
Replying to supplementary question, Dr Rio said stressed on the need to assess the right age to give benefit to the Old Age Pension scheme.
As per record available, he said that around 16,000 eligible persons are yet to be covered under Old Age Pension scheme in Nagaland, adding that many eligible persons cannot be covered as the Ministry has put a ceiling limit based on BPL population of 2001 census.
Rio assured that the government will do justice to elderly people when the financial position improves further.
He also called upon the Village Council authority to be more sincere in indentifying the eligibility criteria.
Kikon stated that in Nagaland context, the life expectancy at the moment stands 79.9 years for female and 71.5 years for males.
Kikon stressed on the need to have a separate state policy to take care of the parents and grandparents.
The rule and policy we frame should be in tune with our tradition and culture and our Naga way of life, he said.
Kikon also stressed on the need to enhance the monthly grant to the beneficiaries and also suggested the government to set a separate budget for 85 years and above, especially for those who don’t have any income source.
‘Be little honest and truthful in our claims’
Later, Nagaland Social Welfare Advisor Wangpang Konyak told the floor of the House that the Old Age Pension Scheme is one of the welfare scheme aim to provide financial aids to the citizens who has little or no regular income source, who are in dire need of social security.
It is for the citizens living Below Poverty Lines or old aged persons belonging to the poorest of the poor households, he said.
Stating that there will be more genuine population in the state who are not covered under this scheme, he said “the Ministry has stopped adding new beneficiaries because the number of beneficiaries/ has already saturated in our state.”
This particular welfare schemes is for the BPL but the wrongful inclusion of beneficiaries belonging to Above Poverty Line or wrongful inclusion of non-eligible population is filling the slot saturating the ceiling, he said.
I feel that we are not as honest as we ought to be specially in declaring our income/economic status, he said adding that “when we see wrongful inclusion, we cannot wholly blame the department.”
The Advisor said “If we are little honest and truthful in our claims, I am sure the department will have windows to include more of the genuine vulnerable left-out and deserving applicant. Otherwise, the list will remain more or less saturated with no possibility for further addition defeating the very purpose and objective of the scheme.”
In this, he stressed on the need to educate the public and give awareness which will surely contribute for more coverage and towards meaningful implementations of any schemes.
