No.

J-11013/1/2007-NSAP Government of India Ministry of Rural Development Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi September 24, 2007 OFFICE MEMORANDUM Subject: Modification of the eligibility criteria for Central assistance under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) as part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). . The undersigned is directed to refer to the guidelines of National Old Age Pension Scheme(NOAPS) under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). As per the existing criteria pension under NOAPS is granted to a person aged 65 years or higher and a destitute in a sense of having little or no regular means of subsistence from his / her own sources of income or through financial support from family members or other sources. In order to determine destitution, the criteria, if any, currently in force in the State / UT Government could also be followed. The Government of India reserved the right to review these criteria and suggest appropriate revised criteria. Accordingly the criteria has been reviewed and following decisions have been taken by the competent authority :I Name of the Scheme

The National Old Age Pension Scheme will now be known as Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme(IGNOAPS). It will come into existence from 19.11.2007. II apply : i) ii) III The age of the applicant (male or female) shall be 65 years or higher. The applicant must belong to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed by the Government of India Eligibility Criteria of Beneficiary For purpose of claiming Central assistance, the following criteria shall

Amount of pension

The Central Assistance under IGNOAPS will be provided at the rate of Rs.200 per month per beneficiary.

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Mode of Payment

The pension is to be credited, where feasible, into a post office or public sector bank account of the beneficiary. V Certificate of coverage

The States / UTs are required to furnish a certificate that all eligible persons have been covered under IGNOAPS. 2 -

VI

Number of eligible beneficiaries under IGNOAPS

The number of eligible beneficiaries to be assisted under IGNOAPS will be determined as per the field report of all the beneficiaries who satisfy the eligibility criteria. VII Allocation of Funds

The funds for operation of the schemes relating to IGNOAPS and National Family Benefit Scheme as part of National Social Assistance Programme and Annapurna will continue to be released in a combined manner but will be allocated separately.

Sd/(Nilam Sawhney) Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India

Secretary (in charge of NSAP) All States/Union Territories