Setback for 2.2 lakh pensioners in MP:Centre refuses to increase assistance under NSAP despite NITI Aayog’s recommendation

There is disappointing news from Delhi for about 22.5 lakh elderly, widowed, and disabled pensioners in Madhya Pradesh. The Ministry of Rural Development has clarified in the Rajya Sabha that there is currently no proposal to increase the pension amount under the National Social Assistance Programme. This decision will directly affect millions who were expecting higher financial assistance amid rising inflation. The ministry also acknowledged that studies by NITI Aayog and other evaluations had recommended increasing the assistance amount and strengthening the payment system. These studies found that beneficiaries mainly use the pension for essential needs such as food and healthcare, yet the government has currently refused to raise the amount. MP ranks number 2 in country for providing disability pension It should also be noted here that, according to the data presented in the Rajya Sabha, Madhya Pradesh is among the leading states in the country in the field of social security. Specifically, in the case of Disability Pension (IGNDPS), Madhya Pradesh ranks second in the country with 1,01,470 beneficiaries, with only Bihar ahead of it. MP received more money than UP-Bihar The interesting fact is that during the current financial year (till January 31, 2026), the central government has released funds worth Rs 889.77 crore to Madhya Pradesh. This amount is more than the funds received by large states like Uttar Pradesh (813.48 crore) and Bihar (691.80 crore). The complete math of pension Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS): In Madhya Pradesh, the old age pension is fixed at ₹600 per month, but the share of the central and state governments varies by age. Beneficiaries aged 60–79 years receive ₹600, with ₹200 from the central government and ₹400 from the state government. For those 80 years or above, the total remains ₹600, but the central share increases to ₹500 while the state contributes ₹100. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension (IGNWPS): Widows aged 40–79 years in the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category receive ₹600 per month, with ₹300 each from the central and state governments. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension (IGNDPS): Persons aged 18–79 years with 80% or more disability receive ₹600 per month, with ₹300 each from the central and state governments. After 80 years of age, the central government contributes ₹500 and the state government ₹100, keeping the total at ₹600.