Question : SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

(a) Whether there is any social security programme for senior citizens;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is any proposal to bring forward a suitable legislation to protect them; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SMT. SUBBULAKSHMI JAGADEESAN)

(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. There are several such programmes. The details are at Annexure.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) Does not arise.

Annexure

Reply to Parts (a) & (b) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2263 for answer on 22.7.2004

Social Security Programmes for Senior Citizens


(i) Annapoorna Scheme – by State Governments/UT Administration:

Under the Annapoorna Scheme being implemented by the States/UT Administration, 10 kgs. of food grains per beneficiary per month are provided free of cost to those senior citizens who though eligible have remained uncovered under the old age pension scheme. The beneficiary must be 65 years and above and destitute, having little or no regular means of subsistence from either own sources of income or through financial support from family members or other sources.


(ii) Antyodaya Scheme – by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution:

Government of India has launched the Antyodaya Scheme in December 2000. 1.5 crore families identified from amongst the BPL families are provided food grains at the rate of 35 kgs. per family per month. The food grains are issued @ Rs.3/- per kg. for rice and Rs.2/- per kg. for wheat.


(iii) State Old Age Pension Scheme - by State Govts./UT Administration:

Under the Old Age Pension Scheme, monthly pension is given at variable rates by the States/UTs to the destitute old.


(iv) Varishta Pension Bima Yojana by Ministry of Finance (Insurance Div.)

The Government has launched a special pension policy called the `Varishta Pension Bima Yojana` guaranteeing an annual return of 9% in the form of monthly pension scheme to senior citizens. Indian citizens aged 55 years and above, are eligible (no upper age ceiling). Pension will be paid during the lifetime of the pensioner. The minimum pension is Rs. 250 per month and maximum pension is Rs. 2,000 per month. This monthly pension will start from the month following the payment of the lump-sum amount by the citizen.