India, May 22 -- A government-commissioned study says most social pension beneficiaries spend the money on food, medicines and treatment.

The central pension amount under the National Social Assistance Programme has not been increased since 2012.

The report recommends a national floor pension linked to inflation, saying current support is inadequate for elderly people, widows and disabled people.

The pension amount under the National Social Assistance Programme has not been increased since 2012, even as a study commissioned by the Union Ministry of Rural Development has recommended linking pensions to inflation. A large share of the social pension given to elderly people, widows and disabled people by the central and state governments ...