The Indian constitution has always promoted social justice and economic development. The government (be it the successive party or opposing party) has taken measures like:-

• Secure its citizens means of livelihood
• Compulsory education for children
• Improve public health
• Raise the standard of living and many more.

Indian constitution’s Article 41 heads the State to offer support for senior citizens, unemployed, disabled, etc. One such initiative is Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.

The Indian Government in the Central Budget of 1995-96 included the National Social Assistance Programme based on the principles mentioned above. It is compromised of the following schemes:-

• National Old Age Pension Scheme
• National Family Benefit Scheme
• National Maternity Benefit Scheme
• National Social Assistance Programme

All these schemes were introduced to provide social assistance to BPL households, the aged, etc. These schemes have supported families who lost their prime breadwinners.

National Old Age Pension Scheme from November 2007 was declared as Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.

Declining years are simply inevitable. Old age brings plenty of changes and the most essential of all is “BREAD AND BUTTER”. Post-retirement/ Elderly, you may have reduced or zero income. It will be quite tough or challenging to take care of essential and medical expenses.

You do not have to make any contributions to Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.

It covers those people who are above 60 years (Male & Females) and survive below the line of poverty, BPL card holders.

BPL- Below Poverty Line. This card helps in classifying those people who are financially weak.

• 60 years and above
• Below the poverty line
• No financial support
• No regular income

The process to apply for Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is as follows:

1. An applicant in a rural area should visit the Block Development Office. In the urban, he/ she can go to the District Social Welfare Officer.
2. Go to the nearest Social Welfare Department and apply the form. Share the following details:-

• • Name of the District/State/Block
  • Village Panchayat’s Name
  • Name of the Society
  • Beneficiaries’ Name
  • Name of the Heir’s
  • The next field is House Number. Fill it!
  • Write your Gender
  • Mention your Age (in years)
  • Birth Details
  • Birth Certificate
  • Annual Income Certificate
  • BPL Card
  • Certificate of Domicile
  • A certificate that clarifies about Date of Issuance
  • Mention the number of EPIC

Social Welfare Officer and District Social Welfare Officer will verify your application. Further, the application will be verified by District Level Sanctioning Committee.

Like other pension schemes, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme also requires data for official processes.

• Application form for IGNOAP.
• The certification with age proof will be given by a distinguished medical officer. It will then be attested by the concerned Block medical officer.
• Submit your Income certificate
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) card with the applicant’s name
• Post office passbook or bank office passbook.
• Passport-size photographs.

• Visit the home page of NAPS to track your application and hit on the option Reports.

• On the next screen, hit Payment Pension Details.

Next, click Application Track.

• Enter your Application Number and CAPTCHA code. Hit Submit.

You can get the details.