Kohima, Nagaland, March 7 (HBTV): With increasing life expectancy in Nagaland 79.9 years for females and 71.5 years for males, discussions around old-age pension schemes have gained momentum. In the rural areas, many elders are living well into their 80s and 90s, yet financial support remains minimal, with just INR 200 per month for those above 60 years and INR 500 per month for those above 80 years.

Naga People’s Front legislator Achumbemo Kikon has proposed a state-specific pension policy, highlighting the growing elderly population, especially in villages where traditional care-giving practices are disappearing. He suggested an enhanced pension of INR 600-700 for those above 85 years to encourage families to care for their elders at home rather than sending them to old-age homes, something not in line with Naga cultural values.

In response, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio pointed out that currently 63,372 senior citizens in Nagaland are covered under the Old Age Pension Scheme. The breakup of the beneficiaries is Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) with 57,402 beneficiaries; and State Old Age Pension (SOAP) with 5,970 beneficiaries.  

Under the existing scheme, the IGNOAPS (60-79 years) grants INR 200 per month (INR 2,400 per annum); IGNOAPS (80+ years) grants  INR 500 per month (INR 6,000 per annum); and SOAP grants INR 200 per month (INR 2,400 per annum).

The chief minister said that while the IGNOAPS is 100% centrally funded, SOAP is covered under the state grant. However, many elderly citizens remain uncovered due to outdated census data and limitations imposed by the central government.

Achumbemo Kikon stressed the urgent need for an increase in state-funded pensions, particularly for those above 85 years who have no other source of income. He also proposed setting up old-age homes in big villages for elders who have no relatives to take care of them, as many prefer to remain in their native places rather than move to urban centres. He urged village councils to play a proactive role in identifying genuine beneficiaries and ensuring that pensions reach the right people.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio acknowledged the issue, emphasizing that 60 is no longer an age to retire from active life. While financial constraints remain, he assured that the government would work towards justice for the elderly.