The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a crucial initiative by the Government of India to financially support vulnerable sections of society, including the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities.
Launched on August 15, 1995, NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Social Security Welfare Schemes.
Key Objectives of NSAP
NSAP is designed to fulfill the Directive Principles outlined in Articles 41 and 42 of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the joint responsibility of Central and State Governments to provide public assistance.
Article 41 explicitly mandates that the State assist citizens facing unemployment, old age, sickness, disablement, or other conditions of need within its economic capacity.
Eligibility for NSAP Scheme
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Should have little or no regular means of subsistence, either from personal income or family support.
Benefits of NSAP
Depending on the State Government’s contribution, NSAP offers monthly pensions ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000.
The central government’s contribution is between ₹300 and ₹500, varying by age group. This program provides essential financial aid to elderly persons, widows, disabled individuals, and families that have lost their primary breadwinners.
Components of NSAP
NSAP comprises five key schemes:
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): This scheme provides a monthly pension to individuals aged 60 and above who live below the poverty line. Beneficiaries aged 60–79 receive ₹300 monthly, while those 80 years and above receive ₹500. States are encouraged to match the Central Government’s contribution to ensure adequate assistance.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Launched in 2009, this scheme supports Below Poverty Line (BPL) widows aged 40–79 with a monthly pension of ₹300.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): This scheme offers ₹300 per month to individuals aged 18 and above with more than 80% disability who live below the poverty line. The amount increases to ₹500 for those aged 80 and above.
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): In case of the death of a household breadwinner, the bereaved family receives a lump sum of ₹20,000. The deceased must have been between 18 and 64 years old.
Annapurna Scheme: This scheme provides 10 kg of free rice monthly to senior citizens who are eligible for IGNOAPS but not covered under it.
| Name of the scheme | NSAP Scheme |
|---|---|
| Website | https://nsap.nic.in/ |
| NSAP | NSAP Guidelines |
Selection Process
The selection of beneficiaries under NSAP is proactive. Applications are collected by reaching out to households, followed by eligibility verification.
The list of eligible beneficiaries is then discussed in the Gram Sabha before being finalized by the sanctioning authority.
NSAP is a significant social security and welfare initiative that supports India’s most vulnerable populations. Through its various schemes, NSAP ensures that the elderly, widows, disabled individuals, and bereaved families receive the financial assistance they need to sustain their livelihoods.