Oppn stages boycott in MP Assly over increase in old age pension

Bhopal, Feb 22 (UNI) The entire opposition today staged a walkout in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly demanding increase in the National Old Age Pension and accusing the government of not being sensitive to the welfare of elderly.

After the matter was raised by Dr Sunilam (SP) during the Question Hour, Woman and Child Development Minister Kusum Mehdele said increase in old age pension, which was Rs 275 per month at present in the state, was not being considered.

''The state government will increase the pension amount as per its convenience,'' she said.

Leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi and Dr Sunilam said the Centre has increased the old age pension amount by Rs 75 to Rs 200. Hence, the state government must increase its share to Rs 200 so that total old age pension amount becomes Rs 400.

The Minister reiterated that there was no such compulsion and the government will increase the amount when it thinks suitable.

Upon this, opposition members starting speaking in one voice and staged a walkout led by Ms Devi.

UNI