Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a non-contributory old age pension scheme that covers Indians who are 60 years and above and live below the poverty line.^[1]^[2] The pension scheme is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) that was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in August, 1995.

Eligibility

All individuals above the age of 60 who live below the poverty line are eligible to apply for IGNOAPS.^[3]

Pension Amount

All IGNOAPS beneficiaries aged 60-79 receive a monthly pension of Rs. 200. Those 80 years and above receive a monthly pension amount of Rs. 500. ^[4]

Computerisation of database & Operationalisation of NSAP-MIS

On the occasion of the launching of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Hon’ble Finance Minister in his speech indicated that all out efforts should be made to include details of every beneficiary in a computerized data base. A system should be devised so as to credit the amount of pension payable to each beneficiary directly into his account either in a Post Office or in a scheduled commercial bank. In compliance of the said directions and also in order to increase the transparency and accountability in the implementation, it had been decided to computerize the data base of the beneficiaries under various schemes of NSAP. NIC has been accordingly entrusted with the project and the software development. The software captures all the essential processes from identification till termination of the pension. The legacy date of more than 1 crore beneficiaries has been placed on the NSAP website. States have been asked to start operationalising the software for the districts for which data has been uploaded.

Monitoring of the scheme

Annual verification and Social Audit has been introduced under NSAP. All the States are to complete the Annual verification by 30 June and the Social Audit by 30 September, each year. A checklist for the schemes under NSAP is provided to the National Level Monitors (NLMs) during their field visits. Each NLM is advised to visit the district, block and village level offices and meet the government functionaries, public representatives and the beneficiaries to get feedback on the implementation of the schemes under NSAP. Monthly meeting of the Divisional Head with the Nodal Officers of each State/UT is held in Delhi. Also a quarterly Performance Review Committee meeting is also held.

References

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