Kathmandu, June 6
Nepali Congress lawmakers have urged the government to give the senior citizen allowance from the age of 65. Currently, the government provides Rs 2,000 a month to people above the age of 70.
Speaking at the House of Representatives on Thursday, NC treasurer Sita Devi Yadav and chief whip Bal Krishna Khand said that the senior citizen allowance should he handed out from the age of 65.
The erstwhile Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government had decreased the retirement allowance age from 70 to 65.
“The average life expectancy in 52 districts in Nepal is lower than 65 which is why we feel that the age should be decreased from 70. I don’t know why the government is increasing the age barrier,” questioned Khand.
NC lawmakers have also asked the government to give a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 to citizens who are chronically ill.
While Gagan Thapa was Health Minister, he had announced that patients suffering from kidney failure, cancer and spinal injuries would be provide a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000. However, that decision was never implemented.
