Government planning to increase the old age pension from Rs.200 to Rs.500 per month thanks to GST

1.0 Introduction   

For all those who are complaining about price rise after GST, good news has come. Government is planning to increase the amount of pension for old age, widow, and disabled persons.

The important thing to note is that this will be happening all because of goods and services tax (GST). As according to official estimates our government is planning to incur an additional expenditure of Rs 10,000-12,000 crore to increase the old age pension, widow pension etc. This has happened due to increase in government revenue which is completely on account of GST.

It is also proposed to reduce the eligibility of BPL widow pensioners from 40 years to 18 years.

2.0 Pension plan     

The plan is to cover 3 social pensions – old age, widow and disabled. Ministry is planning to raise the old age pension from Rs 200 to Rs. 500 of which center will pay Rs 300 and states Rs 200.

Ministry is in favor of instituting widow pension for those aged 18-39 years and also agreeing to pay a one-time grant for remarriage.

On disability, the ministry is ready to change the eligibility criteria from 18 years to the person date of birth and from 80% disability to 40% disability.

This is great news for the aforesaid and people and the entire country welcomes this step of the government of India.

According to estimates, the central government will need around 22,000 crores as funds to take this step and the state government will be providing 40% share i.e. 10,000 crore amount to the same.

3.0 Learn about the schemes

There are three government schemes which are being rationalized to increase the scope as well as the pension amount. Let us learn about these three schemes:

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): This scheme is for old age citizens who are above 60 years of age and who are below poverty line.This scheme is to help people in old age. They are provided Rs.200 per month. Now the government is planning to increase the pension from Rs.200 to Rs.500 per month.

• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): This scheme was introduced on February 2009 for mentally as well as physically disabled people. Any one between ages 18-59 is eligible for this scheme. A cash pension of Rs.300 is provided per month

• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWS): This scheme is for widow between the age of 40-59 and who are below poverty line. The aid of Rs.300 per month is provided.

The schemes mentioned are implemented by states through municipalities and panchayat.

4.0 How to avail the schemes

As said in Mahatma Gandhi’s word ‘poverty is the worst form of violence’. India is a country of rich and poor and in order to remove the line between rich and poor government has implemented some schemes. Since everyone deserving should be able to access this easily, the government has made it simple to avail the scheme.

• Any applicant fulfilling the criteria mentioned above can approach gaon Panchayat/ VCDC/ VDC or Block office and submit an application.

• The documents required for the scheme are as follows:

          a) Aadhar card,

          b) Voter ID/ ration card/ bank passbook/ Pan card – Any one

Verification of applicant will be done within 2 weeks from the date of application. The officers will do necessary verification for sanction or rejection.

5.0 Distribution of Pension

To ensure efficiency the government has selected electronic mode for pension distribution. The will receive directly in their /post office account. The mode of door step payment is also available in some special cases.

6.0 Conclusion

The scheme is implemented and adopted by our government for the benefit of the deprived sections of society. With the introduction of the pension amount is to be increased to provide the best benefits. In case of any query e us at info@hubco.in

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