Raised A Matter Regarding Need For Universal Old Age Pension
SHRI RAMA CHANDRA KHUNTIA (ODISHA): Mr. Vice-Chairman, Sir, as we all know, the changed socio-economic scenario and the rise in longevity has added to the disadvantage of the elderly people, especially in the unorganised sector. We live in a country where 30 per cent people belong to the unorganised sector. They are totally dependent on their daily wage earnings. They are not covered by any medical care or social security scheme.
While, on the one hand, their lifespan has increased, elderly people no longer enjoy the protection of their wards and other relatives and are now required to fend for themselves. Their physical condition does not even allow them to collect water from the wells with their own hands. They are unable to live by themselves.
Their demand is non-contributory pension for those who are above the age of 55 while the eligibility for women should be 50 years without any distinction on the lines of the BPL and the APL; it should be for all the people. Presently, the Centre pays Rs.200/- as pension to those who are above 60 years and Rs.500/- to those who are above 80 years. As you know, for a person to live in this world, a minimum of 2,400 calories per day is required. Rs.200/- may not be enough for purchasing rice even for a week. So, it is high time that the Central Government should consider raising the pension to Rs.2,000/- per month. According to an estimate, if their pension is enhanced to Rs.2,000/-, the State would have to bear about Rs.3.6 lakh crores a year. It will benefit about 10 crore people. It may be difficult for the Central Government, but it is hoped that the Central Government will bear the cost. A cess has been proposed on the industrial sector to raise the needed funds and provide relief to the Government, which is very much required.
Today, thousands of elderly people, with the help of some NGOs, are staging dharna at Jantar Mantar from 7.00 a.m. – it has already been started -- to 11 a.m. Through you, Sir, I urge upon the Government to consider the demand and increase the pension of all elderly people. Thank you.
ी ईर िंसह (हिरयाणा): महोदय, म वयं को इस िवषय से सबं करता हूँ।
DR. BHALCHANDRA MUNGEKAR (NOMINATED): Sir, I also associate myself with the point made by the hon. Member.
SHRI Y.S. CHOWDARY (ANDHRA PRADESH): Sir, I also associate myself with the point made by the hon. Member.
SHRI HUSAIN DALWAI (MAHARASHTRA): Sir, I associate myself with the point made by the hon. Member.
डा. िवजयलमी साधौ (मध्य देश): महोदय, मवयं को इस िवषय से सबं
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