About

• The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a pivotal welfare initiative of the Government of India, aimed at providing financial support and basic social security to the most vulnerable citizens, especially those living below the poverty line (BPL).
• It was launched on 15 August 1995 under the Ministry of Rural Development and extends its benefits to both rural and urban populations.​

Objectives and Scope

• The main goal is to ensure a basic standard of living and dignity for elderly people, widows, persons with disabilities, and bereaved families upon the death of the primary breadwinner.​
• It is a fully funded centrally sponsored scheme and represents the government’s commitment to the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 41 of the Indian Constitution.​

Key Features

• Includes universal financial assistance through various pension and benefit schemes for the needy.​
• The selection of beneficiaries is carried out by Gram Panchayats and Municipalities.​
• Benefits are usually transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into bank or post office accounts; doorstep delivery is allowed for severely incapacitated beneficiaries.​
• Progress and disbursement are actively monitored at both central and state levels.​

NSAP Scheme Components

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): ₹200/month for persons 60–79 years, ₹500/month for persons 80+ years.​
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): ₹300/month for widows 40–79 years, ₹500/month for widows 80+ years.​
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): ₹300/month for severely disabled persons aged 18–79, ₹500/month for those 80+.​
• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): One-time ₹20,000 assistance to BPL families on the death of the breadwinner (aged 18–59).​​
• Annapurna Scheme: 10 kg of free food grains per month to eligible senior citizens not covered by the pension scheme.​​

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