Centre reports rise in old age pension disbursements under NSAP
New Delhi, Aug 5: The Central Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the elderly population of India through the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), with a steady increase in funds disbursed under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).
According to data released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), a total of Rs 6,84,392.45 lakh has been released to various States and Union Territories during the financial year 2024-25, reflecting a growing thrust on pension support for senior citizens.
Under NSAP, individuals aged between 60 and 79 years receive a central pension of Rs 200 per month, while those aged 80 years and above are entitled to Rs 500 per month. However, this central amount is considered only a base support. States and UTs are encouraged to provide an equivalent or higher top-up, and at present, these contributions range from Rs 50 to Rs 3,800 per month. As a result, the average monthly pension received by beneficiaries in most parts of the country stands at around Rs 1,000.
While the Central Government releases funds, the responsibility for implementing the scheme and disbursing pensions at the grassroots level lies with the respective States and UTs. The scheme primarily targets elderly individuals living below the poverty line.
A notable development since 2021-22 has been the categorisation of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) beneficiaries under separate budgetary heads. Prior to this, there was no exclusive allocation for these groups. Now, SC and ST beneficiaries are identified from among existing NSAP recipients, and funds are allocated accordingly.
Among the States, Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation in 2024–25, amounting to Rs 1,42,552.11 lakh, followed by Bihar with Rs 1,08,559.09 lakh and Madhya Pradesh with Rs 62,281.04 lakh. Other major recipients include Tamil Nadu (Rs 41,364.57 lakh), West Bengal (Rs 46,051.82 lakh), and Odisha (Rs 30,419.55 lakh). Union Territories and smaller States, such as Ladakh (Rs 460.58 lakh) and Tripura (Rs 4,534.72 lakh), received comparatively modest allocations.
Interestingly, no funds have been released to Goa, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep in the last five years, possibly indicating alternative schemes or lapses in implementation.
In the northeast, Assam received Rs 24,214.09 lakh in 2024–25, while other States like Nagaland (Rs 2,660.39 lakh), Manipur (Rs 1,882.38 lakh), and Meghalaya (Rs 1,827.06 lakh) also saw steady allocations.
Rajasthan received Rs 39,985.88 lakh this year, up from Rs 21,141.34 lakh in 2023–24. Its five-year trend shows fluctuations, with the highest being Rs 44,391.40 lakh in 2022–23. The state-wise and category-wise breakdowns show targeted efforts to reach disadvantaged social groups.
Despite the enhanced central assistance, the government has urged State and UT administrations to scale up their contributions so that elderly citizens receive more meaningful support. An official source stated that the idea is to supplement the modest central pension with a substantial top-up from States, ensuring dignity and basic financial security for the aged.
Some States have already moved in that direction, offering monthly pensions exceeding Rs 3,000 to specific vulnerable categories, including those aged over 80.
The Old Age Pension Scheme remains a vital source of income for millions of elderly Indians, particularly in rural and marginalised communities. With rising life expectancy and demographic shifts, experts believe that there will be increasing demand to revise the central pension amount, which has not changed in years. Until then, timely disbursal, better targeting, and enhanced state contributions remain critical to the scheme’s success.
