The National Old Age Pension Scheme is available to all poor persons aged 65 years or older. Under the NOAPS, the Central Government provides for Rs. 200/- per pensioner per month and the states are urged to contribute an equal amount. The scheme should be implemented as per state guidelines and the old age pension beneficiaries should get the benefit regularly each month before 7th of of the month. After the expansion of the scheme to all old persons below the poverty line, the scheme has been renamed as “Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme”.
NOAPS Court Order Summary
- State governments have been directed to complete the identification of persons entitled to pensions under NOAPS, and to ensure that the pensions are paid regularly.
- Payment of pensions is to be made by the 7th day of each month.
- The scheme must not be discontinued or restricted without the permission of the Supreme Court. This actually applies to all the schemes covered by the interim order of November 28th 2001.
- The NOAPS grants paid by the Central Government to the State Governments under “Additional Central Assistance” should not be diverted for any other purposes.
