Imphal: Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Monday declared that he would increase the amount of old-age pension from Rs 200 per month after consulting his ministry.

Ramdas made the decision considering the inadequacy of Rs 200 at a time of price hike for essential commodities.

He was addressing reporters after a review of the social justice and empowerment programmes in the state at the conference hall of old secretariat here on Monday.

The meeting was attended by social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen, director-general of police L.M. Khaute, labour commissioner Th. Gopen Meitei, director of social welfare department Jacintha Lazarus and tribal affairs and development secretary Athem Muivah.

According to social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen's report, there are 55,247 pensioners in the state.

Ramdas said the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Castes already enjoyed reservation but there are many in the general category that need reservation. There are many underprivileged families that need reservation such as the Marathas from Maharashtra, Jats from Haryana, Thakurs from Uttar Pradesh and Meiteis in Manipur.

He proposed that these people should also get the privilege of reservation.

The minister said under the Accessible India Campaign, he would try to approve the demand of the social welfare department with 30 disabled-friendly buildings at a cost of Rs 17 crore.

According to a social welfare department report, of the 27 lakh population, the state has 56,000 (2 per cent) of differently-abled persons.

Of which, 2,555 disabled persons have availed of the Chief Ministergi Sotharabasinggi Tengbang (a health scheme), with Rs 1,500 per month.

The Union minister also called on governor Najma Heptulla and chief minister N. Biren Singh. The governor apprised the minister about the vast potentialities of tourism in the state, particularly Loktak lake and suggested to start a direct flight between Imphal and Mumbai.