Kohima, October 31 (MExN): The Director of Social Welfare, in a rejoinder, has clarified some points that could be misleading following an article by Kehounei-U Thernuo, NLSF President and B. Meyikangzuk Phom, NLSF Asstt. General Secretary. “According to Central norm, Rs. 200/- per month is provided to beneficiaries under the age group of 60-79 years and Rs. 500/- per month for 80 years and above,” stated Kevito T. Shohe, Director of Social Welfare.
“Regarding allegation that many beneficiaries were under age against the norms, it may be mentioned that the selection is done in the District Level Selection Board under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner of the respective district,” said the press release from the Director.
To ensure transparency in disbursement of pension, the Department of Social Welfare had adopted a new procedure for payment of pension through Post Office by money order which was to be delivered at the door step of the pensioners. This, however, could not be made viable.
Since the Department is disbursing ‘Old Age Pension’ in all districts for the year 2011-12 at present, it has clarified that “the amount being paid is Rs. 2000/- @ Rs. 200/- per month which is only Central share for a period of 10 months. The short payment is due to short receipt of fund from the Central government”.
The Department goes on to explain that “the actual requirement of fund during the year for payment of 12 months was Rs. 13, 06, 17, 600 against which only Rs. 1127.74 Lakh was provided by the Ministry, barely sufficient for 10 months only. The Department is initiating proposal to the Government of India to release the backlog amount.”
The amount entitlement, according to the Department of Social Welfare, for each beneficiary is Rs. 300/- per month which is inclusive of State share of Rs. 100/- beside Rs. 200/- as Central share. The government is considering the release of the backlog of State share for 2011-12 and the same will be paid as soon as released.
“As per central norm, only 47,893 senior citizens are covered out of 1,20,000 eligible persons identified in the State,” said the press release.
