Launched in 2006-07 by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, the “INDIRAMMA Old Age Pension (Rural)” scheme aims to provide monthly financial assistance to destitute senior citizens in rural areas. The scheme is designed to ensure that those who have little or no means of subsistence and lack family support can live with dignity. Eligible citizens are identified by their respective Gram Sabhas, and the Panchayat Secretary disburses the pension on the first day of every month.
Benefits
- Pension Amount:
The exact scale of the pension is notified by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. - Mode of Disbursement:
Pension is disbursed directly by the Panchayat Secretary in the presence of the Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat members, and office bearers of the Village Organization. - Timing:
Pensions are disbursed on the first date of every month.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the INDIRAMMA Old Age Pension (Rural) scheme, an applicant must:
- Belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- Be a local resident of the district in a rural area.
- Not be covered under any other pension scheme.
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Be destitute, meaning having little or no means of subsistence and no family or relatives to depend upon.
Eligible citizens are identified by their respective Gram Sabhas, and the register of eligible persons is shared with the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) by the Panchayat Secretary.
Application Process
Offline
- Identification:
The Gram Panchayat, during Gram Sabhas, identifies eligible citizens and maintains a register. - Recommendation:
The Panchayat Secretary sends a Gram Sabha resolution recommending eligible individuals to the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO). - Verification and Sanction:
The MPDO scrutinizes the eligibility and sanctions the pension based on the municipality-wise allocation. - Disbursement:
The pension is then disbursed by the Panchayat Secretary on the first day of every month.
Documents Required
- Proof of Age (e.g., Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate)
- Domicile Certificate
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the timeline for completing the selection process for new pensioners?
The selection and verification process is conducted through Gram Sabhas and is typically completed well before the monthly disbursement cycle. - How are grievances related to the pension scheme addressed?
Grievances are handled by the Panchayat Secretary or can be escalated to the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) and other designated government officials. - What is the significance of the Pensions Acquittance List in the disbursement process?
It serves as a record ensuring that pensions are disbursed correctly and on time to all eligible beneficiaries. - How are pensions disbursed through Mandal Samakhya and Village Organizations?
The Panchayat Secretary disburses the pensions in coordination with local village organizations, ensuring transparency and accountability. - How often are pension disbursement reports submitted?
Disbursement reports are typically submitted on a monthly basis. - What is the purpose of the Pensions Register maintained by the Gram Panchayat?
It records the list of eligible pensioners and facilitates the smooth disbursement of benefits. - What is the role of the Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) in the pension scheme?
The MPDO reviews the recommendations from the Gram Sabha, verifies eligibility, and sanctions the pension funds. - What happens if a pensioner does not turn up for disbursement?
In such cases, the local authorities may follow up to ensure the beneficiary receives the pension or take appropriate administrative measures. - How are pensions disbursed to beneficiaries?
Pensions are disbursed on the first day of every month by the Panchayat Secretary directly at the village level. - What is the preference order for filling old-age pension vacancies?
Vacancies are filled based on the eligibility criteria, with preference given to those who are destitute and have no other means of support. - How are death vacancies in pension schemes filled?
If a pensioner passes away, the vacancy is updated in the register and new eligible candidates are identified through the Gram Sabha process. - What is the age requirement for receiving an Old Age Pension?
Applicants must be 65 years of age or older. - What is the purpose of the INDIRAMMA programme?
The programme aims to provide financial security and support to destitute senior citizens, ensuring their basic needs are met and promoting their dignity.