Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme – In 2007, the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was expanded to include the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development. The term also refers to the “National Old Age Pension Scheme”. This scheme, known as IGNOAPS (NOAPS), aims to provide financial assistance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) individuals seeking social protection. In this article, we will explore the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, including its key features, eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and the application process.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme 2025
Introduced as part of the National Social Assistance Program in 2007, this scheme was formerly known as the National Old Age Pension Scheme. The National Social Assistance Programme, managed by the Ministry of Rural Development of India, consists of five key components. Currently, more than 2 crore Indians are enrolled in IGNOAPS, which supports 73% of all beneficiaries under the NSAP.
For individuals over 60, the pension structure offers ₹200 per month for those aged 60 to 79, while individuals aged 80 and above receive ₹500 per month.
The implementation of IGNOAPS represents a significant stride towards achieving the objectives set forth in Articles 41 and 42 of the Indian Constitution, aimed at providing welfare services and enhancing national standards for senior citizens from low-income families. The beneficiaries are identified based on the BPL list created by states and union territories as per guidelines established by the Ministry of Rural Development.
States and Union Territories are responsible for funding the pensions, primarily following the directives set by the central government.
Atal Pension Yojana
Highlights of IGNOAPS
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme |
| Objective | To provide pensions to economically disadvantaged individuals |
| Target Beneficiaries | Elderly citizens above 60 years |
| Application Method | Online |
| Official Website | www.nsap.nic.in |
Objectives of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
The NSAP is a crucial social security initiative designed to aid senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, and families suffering from the death of their primary provider.
Under IGNOAPS, pensioners will receive a monthly payment. Since it is a non-contributory plan, beneficiaries do not need to pay any contribution to availing the pension amount.
Monthly Pension Amounts under IGNOAPS
- IGNOAPS is accessible to individuals aged 60 and above.
- Individuals aged 60 to 79 receive ₹200 per month.
- Beneficiaries aged 80 and beyond are entitled to ₹500 per month.
Features of IGNOAPS
- States and Union Territories can adopt IGNOAPS by designating a Nodal Secretary, coordinating with relevant departments, and reporting on the scheme’s progress through quarterly updates.
- Eligible senior citizens in India receive a monthly pension under the IGNOAPS program.
- The pension scheme does not require any contributions, meaning recipients do not have to pay anything to receive their pension.
Benefits of IGNOAPS
- Seniors aged 60 and above from BPL households in India receive a monthly pension.
- The central government contributes ₹200 per month for senior citizens under 80 years and ₹500 for those aged 80 and above.
- States may supplement these amounts, resulting in pensions ranging from ₹200 to ₹1000 per month, depending on state contributions; for example, Jammu and Kashmir provides ₹400 per month.
- The scheme is a non-contributory program; thus, no contribution is required from recipients to avail the pension.
- The pension is available to all BPL household members who are 60 years or older, not just one individual.
Documents Needed for IGNOAPS Application
The necessary documents for applying include:
- Completed application form
- Age verification certificate from a medical officer
- Income certificate
- Below Poverty Line card
- Bank passbook
- Passport-sized photo of the applicant
- Ration card
- Proof of identity and address
- Bank account details
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOAPS
- Applicants must be at least 60 years old.
- They must belong to households below India’s poverty line.
- They should have little or no financial assistance from family or other income sources.
Challenges Faced by IGNOAPS
- The use of BPL lists has resulted in notable inclusion and exclusion errors in beneficiary identification.
- The current model relies on outdated data from the 2001 census and the 2004-05 poverty rates for beneficiary selection.
- Scheduled Tribes (ST) typically experience lower life expectancy, potentially excluding them through the set age limit.
- Those residing in slums or working informally face more complications.
- Physical decline may force labor-intensive workers to retire early.
- The retirement age in certain regions, such as Rajasthan, has been adjusted, allowing women to retire at 55 and men at 58.
- The benefits are skewed, often favoring men, leading to unequal resource distribution that particularly impacts women. Even among pensioners, states demonstrate gender disparity.
- In 13 out of 19 states investigated, eligible female beneficiaries outnumber actual recipients.
Applying for IGNOAPS
The application process varies by state. Typically, it is overseen by social welfare departments. Some states like Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Goa, and West Bengal may have different protocols.
To apply:
- Obtain the application form from the relevant social department, which is available free of charge from the Block Development Officer or the appropriate Executive Officer.
- Fill in your details, including your name, house number, village name, block specifics, district, and state.
- Provide your date of birth, age, information about the beneficiary and heirs, annual income, and Voter ID number.
- Submit the completed application form and required documents to the designated official.
- Await a review of your application by the appropriate authorities.
- The eligibility for income and poverty status will be assessed based on documents verified by a Gazetted Officer and local Revenue authorities.
- The Tehsil Social Welfare Officer will review the application afterward.
- If accepted, the application moves to the District Social Welfare Officer for processing. Funding is allocated based on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Final approval is granted by the District Level Sanctioning Committee.
Checking Pension Payment Status
Applicants can easily check their pension payment status online by following these steps:
- Visit the NSAP webpage.
- On the homepage, locate and click on the “Report” option.
- Under the “Beneficiary Search, track, and payment details” section, find and click on “Pension Payment Details.”
- Select the option for “Sanction Order No/Application No.”
- Input your Sanction Order/Application number and the accompanying Code, then click the ‘Submit’ button.
- Your pension payment details will be displayed for your reference.