The proposed changes cover three pension schemes and the National Social Assistance Programme under the rural development ministry.
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has taken up a proposal to rename several social welfare schemes, including those named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with the proposed new names replacing her name with the prefix 'PM', sources said.Thus here's the proposed changes as per sources:
- (IGNOAPS) would be known as .
- would be PM National Widow Pension Scheme
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme would be known as PM National Disability Pension Scheme.
- Name of National Social Assistance Programme under rural development ministry changed to PM Shayata Yojna.
About the schemesThe Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme provides monthly financial assistance to people aged 60 and above belonging to below poverty line (BPL) households. The central government contributes Rs 200 per month for beneficiaries aged 60-79 and Rs 500 for those aged 80 and above.
The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme provides financial assistance to widows aged 40 and above from BPL households, with central assistance of Rs 300 per month, rising to Rs 500 after the age of 80.Meanwhle, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme provides a monthly pension to BPL individuals aged 18 and above with severe or multiple disabilities. Central assistance is Rs 300 per month, increasing to Rs 500 for beneficiaries aged 80 and above. The fourth, The National Social Assistance Programme, launched on August 15, 1995, is a centrally sponsored social security programme aimed at providing financial support to vulnerable BPL households.
It covers old-age, widow and disability pensions, along with family assistance and food security benefits.