In response to the starred questions raised by MLA Achumbemo Kikon regarding the total population in Nagaland covered under the Old Age Pension Scheme, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio informed the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on 7 March 2025 that a total of 63,372 beneficiaries are currently enrolled in the scheme. This includes 57,402 beneficiaries under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and 5,970 beneficiaries under the State Old Age Pension (SOAP).
Dr Rio explained the financial assistance provided to beneficiaries under these schemes. Beneficiaries aged between 60 and 79 years under the IGNOAPS receive Rs. 200 per month, while those aged 80 years and above are entitled to Rs. 500 per month. Similarly, beneficiaries under SOAP receive Rs. 200 per month. The qualifying age for eligibility is 60 years and above, and while the budget for IGNOAPS is entirely funded by the Central Government, SOAP beneficiaries are covered under the State Grant.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon expressed concern about the changing dynamics of Naga society, where modern technology and improving living standards have distanced the younger generation from their parents and grandparents. He proposed that the State Government should formulate a policy to address this shift and ensure that elderly citizens are cared for within their families, rather than being placed in old age homes. He also suggested that the State Government consider increasing the pension amount from the state budget, as the central policy could not accommodate such enhancements. Additionally, Kikon proposed the establishment of old age homes in large villages with significant populations.
Wangpang Konyak, Advisor to the Social Welfare Department, responded to the supplementary questions, confirming that 63,372 beneficiaries are currently covered under the scheme. He noted, however, that the Ministry has ceased adding new beneficiaries due to the scheme reaching its saturation point. Konyak explained that the Old Age Pension Scheme is intended for Below Poverty Line (BPL) citizens or elderly individuals from the poorest households. He emphasized that wrongful inclusion of Above Poverty Line individuals or non-eligible populations has led to saturation. Konyak urged honesty in availing the scheme to ensure more deserving, vulnerable individuals are included in the future, calling for greater public awareness and education to help streamline the process.
Dr Rio acknowledged that 60 years should not be considered the age to retire and suggested that the retirement age may need to be reviewed. He further revealed that there are 16,000 eligible beneficiaries who remain uncovered by the scheme, as the ceiling limit based on the 2001 Census data has restricted their inclusion. Dr. Rio also pointed out the issue of bogus pension recipients and stressed the role of village councils in identifying legitimate beneficiaries. While the possibility of increasing the pension amount is under discussion, Dr Rio emphasized that ensuring the rightful beneficiaries benefit from the scheme remains a priority.
In response to a question by MLA Dr Kekhrielhoulie regarding the procedure for leasing or allotting land patta(s), Deputy Chief Minister (Home), Y Patton affirmed that authorities are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned department before reallocating land or property. He confirmed that the procedural formalities outlined in the Land Revenue Department Notification No. LR/4-9/82 dated 10/11/93 must be followed.