National Social Assistance Programme

National Social Assistance Programme Latest News

The National Social Assistance Programme is serving as a key pillar of India’s social security system through its various components  and providing essential support to citizens in need. 

About National Social Assistance Programme

• It was introduced in 1995 as a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme that extends financial support to individuals living below poverty line (BPL).
• Nodal Ministry: It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.

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Five sub-schemes of  Social Assistance Programme

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  • It extends financial assistance to elderly citizens aged 60 years and above who belong to families living below the poverty line by the Government of India.
  • Under this scheme, individuals between 60 and 79 years of age receive Rs.200 per month from the Central Government, while those aged 80 years and above are provided Rs.500 per month.
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
  • Under this scheme, financial assistance is extended to widows aged between 40 and 79 years who belong to families living below the poverty line, as identified by the Government of India.
  • Each eligible beneficiary in this age group receives Rs.300 per month as central assistance. For widows who are 80 years and above, the amount of central assistance is Rs.500 per month.
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
  • It caters individuals aged between 18 and 79 years who have severe or multiple disabilities and belong to families living below the poverty line.
  • The beneficiaries are eligible for central assistance of Rs.300 per month. Beneficiaries who are 80 years and above receive Rs.500 per month.
•  National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
  • Under this scheme, a household living below the poverty line becomes eligible for lump sum financial assistance in the unfortunate event of the death of its primary breadwinner, provided the deceased was between 18 and 59 years of age.
  • The family receives Rs.20,000 as support to help them cope with the immediate financial difficulties arising from the loss.
• Annapurna Scheme: Under the scheme, 10kg of food grains per month are provided free of cost to those senior citizens who, though eligible under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), are not receiving old age pension.

Source: PIB