While discussing key challenges and issues related to the welfare of the poor, senior citizens, widows, and disabled people in India, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development has recently pointed out that the Central government should consider an increase in the existing pension amounts. This increase could significantly help uplift the economic conditions of these vulnerable groups.
Concerns Raised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee
The committee highlighted several significant issues in its discussion. Firstly, it critically addressed the government’s “passive” attitude towards raising pensions, which had been proposed in earlier reports as well. The current minimal pensions asset do not adequately fulfill the needs of the recipients.
The implementation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was another top concern for the committee. It expressed disappointment over how the program could not reach the most deprived sections of society effectively. The committee further noted that the assistance amounts provided under different components of this program, which ranged from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 per month, were meagre and insufficient.
The state governments’ casual approach towards implementing the provision of unemployment allowance also attracted the committee’s attention. Moreover, the Department of Rural Development (DoRD) was criticized for issues in executing the flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.
MGNREGA Scheme: Observations by the Committee
According to the committee, the MGNREGA scheme faced multiple problems. Amidst the increased demand for work under MGNREGA, triggered by economic distress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a lack of work supply. Additionally, delays in fund release discourage participation and conflict with the scheme’s underlying spirit.
The committee also drew attention to wage disparities across different states. It questioned how a single scheme providing guaranteed work for a hundred days to willing individuals from rural settings could have inconsistent payment modalities across the country’s length and breadth. This disparity goes against the Constitutional provision of equal pay for equal work.
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Administered by the Ministry of Rural Development, NSAP is a welfare program that operates in both rural and urban areas. Launched initially on 15th August 1995 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, it was integrated into the ‘Core of Core’ schemes of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in 2016.
Currently, it includes five components: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), Annapurna Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme. The National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS), initially part of NSAP, was transferred from the Ministry of Rural development to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Important Schemes of Department of Rural Development
The Department of Rural Development administers several essential schemes. These include the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission (SPMRM), and Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
