1.8 lakh removed from Rajasthan pension scheme beneficiaries

A total of 180,000 beneficiaries were removed from the old-age pension scheme in Rajasthan for the year 2024-25, according to a recent report in Lok Sabha. The report details changes under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS). Among those removed, 32,531 had their pensions stopped due to being missing. Minister of State for Rural Development, Kamlesh Paswan, reported that there were no removals in Rajasthan during the previous two years, 2022-23 and 2023-24. However, in 2024-25, 25,014 were removed for permanently migrating, and 63,016 were found to be deceased. Additionally, 56,412 individuals were declared ineligible due to age, and 6,697 were removed due to duplicate records. Under IGNOAPS, which is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 years who belong to below-poverty-line households receive a monthly pension of Rs 200. This amount increases to Rs 500 for those aged 80 and above. States are encouraged to add additional funds to the pensions, with some beneficiaries receiving up to Rs 1,000 per month on average from various states. The NSAP guidelines assign states the responsibility for selecting and verifying beneficiaries, distributing pensions, and conducting annual checks.