MANIPUR: PROPOSAL TO INCREASE NATIONAL OLD AGE PENSION

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Ramdas Athawale, on Monday, stated that the National Old Age Pension amount of Rs 200/-per month is measly, considering the rising prices of essential commodities and high cost of living.

Addressing media persons at the press conference at Old Secretariat conference hall, Imphal, Shri Ramdas Athawale said that the matter will be put up for discussion with the Ministry to increase the pension amount to help the beneficiaries.

The Minister today held a review meeting with officials concerned on schemes' implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Stating that it was his maiden visit to the State as per the directive of Hon'ble Prime Minister to review the schemes' implemented in the State.

A total of 55,247 Old age persons are receiving old age pension under National Old Age Pension Scheme at the rate of Rs 200/- per month.

Ramdas Athawale said that he is happy to learn that Manipur has low rate of cases of atrocities compared to other region. Last year, a total of 3 cases were reported while for 2018-19 only one case has been registered so far.

The scheme of Integrated programmes for older persons under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India being implemented in the State has 16 Old Aged Home, 17 Multi Service Centres and 2 Mobile Medicare which are run by Non-Governmental Organisation in different district of Manipur, added the Minister.

The State Government provides Rs 1,500/- per month per beneficiary under schemes for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and persons with disabilities with high support needs. There are 2,555 beneficiaries availing the benefits of the scheme.

Self employment loan with 20-25% subsidy were provided to the persons with disabilities through Manipur State Co-operative Bank Ltd. Scholarship to the students with disabilities. The loan amount ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 8,000 per annum. During the financial year 2017-18, 88 students with disabilities were provided the scholarship.