Athawale says to increase pension amount for beneficiaries in Manipur

[caption id="attachment_192830" align="aligncenter" width="565"] Ramdas Athawale (L) seen during a press conference in Manipur on Monday.[/caption] Our Correspondent Imphal, July 2 (EMN): Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said the National Old age pension amount to INR 200 per month is measly, considering the rising prices of essential commodities and high cost of living. Speaking to reporters during his two day maiden visit to Manipur on Monday, Minister Ramdas said that the matter will be put up for discussion with the Ministry on the provisions to increase the pension amount to help the beneficiaries. Stating that his visit was made as per the directive of Prime Minister to review the schemes implemented in the state, he said in Manipur, a total of 55,247 old age persons are receiving old age pension under National Old Age Pension Scheme at the rate of INR 200 per month. The Ministry is providing scholarships to categories under SC, ST, OBC, Old age and differently-abled persons. OBC students’ availing the scholarship benefits is 10,435, SC students availing Pre-matric scholarship is 1,440 and Post -matric is 7,567. There are 20,000 ST students availing Pre-matric scholarship while 54,000 ST students are availing the Post-matric scholarships. Ramdas said that he is happy to learn that Manipur has low rate of cases of atrocities compared to other region. Last year, a total of 3 cases were reported while for 2018-19 only one case has been registered so far. The Minister elaborating on the 50% reservation in the state stated that ST population which constitutes 48.86 population of the state is entitled 31% reservation, SC population constituting 3.68% with 2% reservation and OBC is entitled 17% reservation. The scheme of Integrated programmes for older persons under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India being implemented in the state has 16 Old Age Home, 17 Multi Service Centres and two Mobile Medicare which are run by Non-Governmental Organisation in different districts of Manipur, added the Minister. Under the schemes for empowerment of persons with disabilities, there are 19 special schools for mentally challenged and 21 Vocational Training Centre as well. The State Government provides INR 1,500 per month per beneficiary under schemes for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and persons with disabilities with high support needs. There are 2,555 beneficiaries availing the benefits of the scheme. Self employment loan with 20-25% subsidy were provided to the persons with disabilities through Manipur State Co-operative Bank Ltd. Scholarship to the students with disabilities. The loan amount ranges from INR 3,000 to INR 8,000 per annum. During the financial year 2017-18, 88 students with disabilities were provided the scholarship. Prior to his press conference which was attended by Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen and officials of the department, the visiting minister also chaired a review meeting with officials concerned on schemes implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Later he called on the state governor Dr Najma Heptulla and chief minister N Biren singh separately.