Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme – Sikkim

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) – Sikkim

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is an initiative launched by the Department of Women & Child Welfare, Government of Sikkim, in 2014. This scheme is aimed at providing financial support to elderly citizens who are economically disadvantaged, specifically those aged 60 years and above from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Overview of the Scheme

Under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), eligible elderly individuals receive a monthly pension to help them lead a dignified life. The pension amounts are determined based on age and economic conditions:

• ₹ 1500/- monthly for individuals aged 60 to 69 years.
• ₹ 2000/- monthly for individuals aged 70 years and above.
• ₹ 2500/- monthly for individuals aged 80 years and above.

Beneficiaries will continue to receive this pension for as long as they are alive, providing essential financial support in their later years.

Key Benefits

• Financial assistance through monthly pensions tailored to age groups.
• Ensures social security for elderly citizens living below the poverty line.
• Continuous financial support as long as the beneficiary remains alive.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a resident of Sikkim.
• Must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
• Must be at least 60 years old.
• Must not have any other source of income.
• Must not be receiving salary, pension, or family pension from any Central or State Government.
• Must have a bank account opened under the “Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana”.

Note: If both spouses qualify for the pension, only one will receive it. In the event of the pensioner’s death, the pension can be transferred to the spouse, provided they are also over 60 years old.

Note: Beneficiaries are required to submit a “Life Certificate” in November each year. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of the pension payments.

Application Process

Offline Application

To apply offline, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit your local Gram Panchayat, Municipality, or Municipal Corporation office to inquire about the application process and collect the application form.
• Step 2: Complete the application form, attach self-attested mandatory documents, and submit it to the designated authority.

After submission:

• The Selection Committee will scrutinize the application.
• Approval will be granted by the Secretary, and a copy of the decision will be sent to relevant district authorities and the applicant.
• Pension payments will be made through the Direct Benefit Transfer System or an alternate method as determined by the authorities.
• Verification of the beneficiary’s continued existence may be conducted if necessary.

Online Application

To apply online, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official website: https://pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in.
• Step 2: Click on “Create Account” and fill in the required details (Username, Gender, First Name, Last Name, Email, Mobile Number, and Password). Complete the Captcha and click “Register.”

For the application:

• Step 1: Log in to the official website.
• Step 2: Click “Apply Now” and complete all mandatory fields while uploading the required documents.
• Step 3: After successful submission, note down the system-generated application number for future reference.

Applicants will receive updates regarding their application status via SMS.

Official Resources

For more information, visit the official source: myScheme.gov.in