National Old age pension Scheme

Basics This issue relates to the Exclusion of Old aged from the society Age group – more then 65 years. One of the most neglected social group – Scheme launched in 1995 as part of the National Social Assistance Program. In it was transferred to the State Governments and from Centrally Sponsored Scheme to State plan. Decreased commitment and priority.

National Old age pension It is the first and by far the most significant scheme implemented at the national level to address the basic survival needs of the aged destitutes in the country. NOAPS was started in 1995 as part of NSAP and at that time the quantum of benefit was fixed at Rs. 75 per month per pensioner. The three eligibility criteria laid out for the scheme include: BPL Status Destitute status Above 65 years of age

Revision of Asistance In the financial year 2006–2007, the central contribution to the pension amount under NOAPS has been increased from Rs. 75/- to Rs. 200/- per month per pensioner and it was recommended states should contribute an equal amount. It reduced the no. of beneficiaires using 28% poverty estimate. the GoI allocates funds for only 50% of the people below poverty line. The formula used by the GoI to calculate the number of people is as follows: Population * Poverty Ratio * Proportion of 65+ age group in total population * 0.5

IGNOAPS…. Again in Nov. 2007, GOI universalised the scheme among the old people who are above 65 years and BPL.

Supreme court Orders State govt. should complete the identification of persons entitled to pensions under NOAPS and it should be ensure that the pensions are paid regularly. Payments of pension is to be made by the 7 th day of the month. The scheme must not be discontinued or restricted without the permission of Supreme court.

What to Check? Total number of Aged people in the village. Number of pensioners in the village. Regularity in distribution of pension. Do BPL aged people(65 years) get the Benefit of NOAPS What amount of pension did they receive. Did they get the same amount of pension every month. Who disburse the pension to the beneficiary. Did they receive the benefit before 7 th of every month. Did the beneficiaries complain that they have to pay bribes to receive the benefit. Number of people who ever applied for the pension but their names have not yet been included in the list. Is the gram sabha is involved in identifying the beneficiaries? If yes than the people who have been recommended by the gram sabha received the benefit?

How? Recognize the issue and old aged. Involve the community in the struggle. Study the NOAPS and link it to the rights of the excluded Take a stock of the situation Check the implementation of Supreme Court orders. File complaints to Local administration and take it to the SC Commissioners.

Find out what is happening In your area regarding the implementation of Sc order. Surveys and informal enquires can be done for understanding the situation. Involve the gram sabha and other institutions like PTA,vigilance committee, mahila mandals and all concerned persons of the village in the enforcement of SC orders. In case of any violation of the Sc order starts at local level. If it does not work try to approach the concerned officers. If case of no responses approach to collector because collector is bound to register your complaint under the SC order. The public hearing is one of the good option to draw attention of the public as well as the government. If no action was taken on your complaint move to the advisor of the SC. Redressel mechanism

Central allocation of Old Age Pensions increased from Rs.75 to Rs.200 and coverage doubled to include all BPL old people above the age of 65. Increased budgetary allocation for ICDS, NOAPS, MDMS & NMBS. Sector Reforms in some States (PDS – Chhattisgarh) Managed to restrict the lowering of the poverty line (and therefore BPL quotas by GoI) from 36% to 26% Increased off-take of food-grains through TPDS for BPL and Antodaya families