Himanta announces new pension scheme

Attending a meeting in Jorhat on Sunday, Assam Finance, Health & Family Welfare, PWD minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a special old-age pension scheme for the individuals above the age of 60.

According to Sarma, the new pension scheme to be named after freedom fighter Kushal Konwar, who was hanged during last phase of the Quit India Movement of 1942-43.

Those above 60 will be covered under the Old Age Pension scheme.

As per the official information, the pensioners would get 250 rupees per month, which Rs 200 will come from GoI under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme and rest of Rs 50 from Assam Government. Incidentally the old age pension is lowest in whole India.

Government is likely to announce the launch of the new old-age pension scheme on the occasion of birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2.

In the meeting, on behalf of Assam Government, Sarma handed over a cheque for Rs. 1 Lakh 25 thousand to Runjun Pegu – the Majuli girl, who clinched Gold medal in National Javelin throw championship.