More than 83,000 getting oldage pension

Agartala, Sep 15 (UNI) More than 83,000 people are getting the National Oldage(NOP) pension in Tripura and the number has increased during the last eight years, according to official sources.

During 1998-1999 the total number of beneficiaries under the NOP scheme was more than 15,000. The number of such beneficiaries increased after 1999-2000 when more than 15,000 people received such benefits in the state and in 2004-2005 the figure was more than 69,000. At present it crossed 83,000.

The state government provides Rs 125 per month as old age allowance to those living below the poverty line (BPL) and crossed 65 years. The amount was recently raised to Rs.250 per month.

Financial assistance of Rs 10,000 would be provided if one earning member of a BPL family at the age of 20 or more died. During 2004-05 more than one thousand such persons were provided financial help and during 2005-06 so far 594 people had attained such benefit, sources added.

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