Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) Sikkim: Monthly Pension for BPL

The “Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)” was launched in 2014 by the Department of Women & Child Welfare, Govt. of Sikkim. Under this scheme, elderly citizens above 60 years belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category are provided with a monthly pension. The pension amounts vary based on age:

• ₹1500 for those aged between 60 and 69 years.
• ₹2000 for those aged 70 years and above.
• ₹2500 for those who have attained the age of 80 years and above.

The beneficiary receives the pension for life, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Benefits

• Monthly Pension:
  • ₹1500/- for individuals aged 60–69 years.
  • ₹2000/- for individuals aged 70 and above.
  • ₹2500/- for individuals aged 80 and above.
• The pension is payable as long as the beneficiary is alive.
• Pension is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer into the beneficiary’s bank account.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a resident of Sikkim.
• The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
• The applicant should have attained the age of 60 years or above.
• The applicant must not have any other source of income.
• The applicant should not be receiving any salary, pension, or family pension from the Central Government or any other State Government.
• The applicant must have opened a bank account under the “Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.”

Note 1: If both husband and wife are eligible, only one member of the family will receive the pension. In the event of the death of the pensioner, the pension will be transferred to the surviving spouse (if they are 60 years or older) upon surrender of the passbook.

Note 2: Every beneficiary must submit a “Life Certificate” in the prescribed format each November. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of pension payments, as it will be presumed that the beneficiary has either died or migrated outside Sikkim.

Exclusions

• Applicants receiving a pension from the Central/State Government, Local/Statutory Bodies, or any organization substantially financed by these entities are not eligible for this scheme.

Application Process

Offline / Online

1. Step 1:
   Approach your concerned Gram Panchayat, Municipality, or Municipal Corporation office. Consult with the designated authority regarding the application procedure and collect the application form.

2. Step 2:
   Fill in all the mandatory fields on the application form. Attach all required (self-attested) documents and submit the form to the designated receiving authority.

Post-Application Processes:

1. Upon receiving the application in the prescribed form, it will be scrutinized by the Selection Committee. Approval is then granted by the Secretary.
2. A copy of the order for the grant and payment of pensions will be forwarded to the District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Gram Vikash Adhikari, and the respective Panchayats.
3. The pension is distributed through the Direct Benefit Transfer System or any other system decided by the competent authority.
4. If necessary, an officer from the Social Justice, Empowerment and Welfare Department will verify the continued existence of the beneficiary and other details by visiting the village.
5. Each beneficiary must submit a “Life Certificate” in November every year; failure to do so will result in the cessation of pension payments.

Documents Required

• 3 recent passport-sized photographs.
• Attested photocopy of the Sikkim Subject Certificate or Certificate of Identification (Income Certificate, Caste Certificate, as applicable).
• Attested photocopy of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Certificate.
• Birth Certificate, Electoral Photo Identity Card, or any other valid document as proof of age.
• Attested copy of Aadhaar Card.
• Attested photocopy of the first page of the Bank/Post Office Passbook along with the latest updated account details.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should be the monthly pension under this scheme?
   The monthly pension varies by age: ₹1500 for 60–69 years, ₹2000 for 70+ years, and ₹2500 for 80+ years.

2. How long will a beneficiary receive the monthly pension?
   The pension is payable for the lifetime of the beneficiary, subject to the submission of the annual “Life Certificate.”

3. What is the age limit for this scheme?
   Beneficiaries must be 60 years of age or older.

4. Is this scheme applicable for both husband and wife?
   Only one member per family is awarded the pension. In case of the pensioner’s death, the pension may be transferred to the surviving spouse (if 60 years or older).

5. Is this scheme applicable only for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category?
   Yes, the scheme is exclusively for BPL families.

6. Is a person drawing any other pension from the Central/State Government eligible?
   No, individuals receiving a pension from any other government or statutory body are not eligible.

7. What is the mode of application?
   The application can be made both offline and online.

8. How can I register under this scheme?
   Registration involves visiting the designated office (Gram Panchayat, Municipality, or Municipal Corporation) or the online portal as instructed.

9. How will the pension be distributed?
   Pension payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiary’s bank account.

10. Is it mandatory to submit a “Life Certificate” every year?
    Yes, beneficiaries must submit a “Life Certificate” in November every year to continue receiving the pension.

Sources and References

• Website