The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is implemented by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, as a centrally sponsored initiative. This scheme provides monthly financial assistance to elderly persons (both women and men) aged 60 years or above, belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme is aimed at ensuring social security for the economically vulnerable senior citizens by transferring the pension amount directly to their bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) process using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
Objectives
- Social Security:
To provide financial assistance to elderly persons from poor families in Bihar. - Economic Support:
To reduce financial hardships and improve the living standards of senior citizens.
Benefits
- Pension Amount:
- Beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 years receive ₹400 per month.
- Beneficiaries aged 80 years or above receive ₹500 per month.
- Disbursement:
Pension amounts are paid directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts via DBT based on the account details provided.
Eligibility
- Residency:
The applicant must be a resident of Bihar. - Age Requirement:
The applicant must be 60 years of age or older. - Economic Criterion:
The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family. - Exclusivity:
The applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.
Application Process
Offline
- Submission:
Eligible applicants must submit a duly filled and signed application in the prescribed format along with the required documents at the Right to Public Service (RTPS) counter located at the block office level. - Acknowledgment:
Upon submission, an acknowledgment receipt is issued by the RTPS counter; keep this receipt for future reference. - Notification:
Applicants will be notified of the application’s approval or rejection via SMS or email. - Sanction Order:
If approved, the Sanction Order can be collected from the same RTPS counter by presenting the acknowledgment receipt and a valid identity card.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card of the applicant.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Identity proof (e.g., Voter ID Card, Driving License).
- Residence proof.
- Proof of age (e.g., Birth Certificate).
- BPL Card or related documents.
- Caste Certificate (if applicable).
- Bank Passbook/Bank account details.
- Any other documents as required by the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the objective of the scheme?
To provide social security and financial assistance to elderly persons from BPL families in Bihar. - Who is eligible for the scheme?
Senior citizens (both men and women) aged 60 and above, who are residents of Bihar and belong to BPL families, and are not receiving any other pension benefits. - How much pension is provided under the scheme?
₹400 per month for beneficiaries aged 60-79 years, and ₹500 per month for those aged 80 years or above. - How is the pension amount paid to beneficiaries?
Through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) process via PFMS, directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. - How can I apply for the scheme?
By submitting the application offline at the RTPS counter at the block office level. - How can I collect the Sanction Order after approval?
The Sanction Order can be collected from the RTPS counter by presenting the acknowledgment receipt and a valid identity card. - What should I do if my application is rejected?
In case of rejection, follow the instructions provided in the communication (SMS/email) or contact the relevant office for further clarification. - Can both men and women apply for the scheme?
Yes, the scheme is open to both genders. - What should I do if I do not receive my pension on time?
You should register a complaint through the designated grievance portal at SSPMIS Portal or call the toll-free number 18003456262. - Can I receive this pension if I am already receiving another social security pension?
No, the applicant must not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.