Even before the elections, central officials working on the agenda of the new government have started preparing for the economic security of the elderly. It is said that a new pension scheme can be brought for all the elderly, so that in the coming time, non-government workers and the elderly who do their business also get so much money that they can take out their medicine and daily expenses. NITI Aayog has also given suggestions to the government for the economic security of the elderly.
This includes health insurance as well as pension. According to the report, 78 per cent of the people in the country do not have any pension facility and only 18 per cent of the elderly above 60 years of age have health insurance. At present, the government provides pension to widows and disabled persons, including senior citizens, under the National Pension System (NSAP).
Under this scheme, the central government gives Rs 200 per month to those up to 79 years of age and Rs 500 per month to those above 80 years of age. The state government will contribute to this fund. About three crore elderly people are given pension under NSAP. The new government to be formed in June can increase its contribution to the pension amount.
NITI Aayog in its suggestion has suggested to include those working in the unorganized sector along with senior women in the pension program along with developing micro pension products. Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile (JAM) data can be used for delivery of pension products. There is also an emphasis on ensuring pensions for the economic security of the elderly because by 2031, 13.2 per cent of the country’s population (about 18 crore) will be above 60 years of age. Millions of elderly people become poor every year due to lack of pension and health insurance facilities.
Government employees get pension after retirement. Those working in the organized sector do not get enough money in the form of pension so that they can live their lives in a dignified way. There is currently no pension for those who run their own businesses. Although the Atal Pension Yojana has been launched for the unorganized sector, it will take more than 10 years to mature.
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