Govt to hike old age pension
Govt
to hike old age pension
HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, March 08, 2013
New Delhi, March 08, 2013
In
what comes as a minor relief to the senior citizens, the government on Thursday
stated that it would enhance the old age pension to Rs. 300
from the present Rs. 200 per month.
However, the pensions could be indexed to inflation, on the pattern of MG-NREGA wages, thus allowing
However, the pensions could be indexed to inflation, on the pattern of MG-NREGA wages, thus allowing
increase
in amount with price rise.
The statement from
rural development minister Jairam Ramesh in the Rajya Sabha comes as elderly
people from across the country stage protests at Jantar Mantar demanding higher
pensions.
National Advisory
Council member Aruna Roy is leading the protest under the banner Pension
Parishad.
The government further
stated that it is mulling universalisation of pensions by removing the BPL and
APL distinction, as applicable now.
Changes could also be
brought in widow pensions to cover widows above 18 years instead of present 40
years. People with 40 percent disability would qualify for disability pensions
instead of 80 per cent as of now.
Though welcoming the
announcement Roy said the government has to implement the changes immediately
to pave way for further en
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