National Social Assistance Programme

National Social Assistance Programme

 

The National Social Assistance Programme is a nationwide social security initiative introduced on 15 August 1995 to provide financial and food-based support to the most vulnerable sections of society living below the poverty line. Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, the programme covers both rural and urban areas and reflects the constitutional commitment to social justice by ensuring minimum income support and food security for citizens lacking stable livelihoods and social protection.

Components and Coverage under NSAP

NSAP currently supports more than 3.09 crore beneficiaries across the country through five major components: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, National Family Benefit Scheme, and the Annapurna Scheme. Each State and Union Territory is allotted a scheme-wise ceiling on beneficiaries to maintain balanced implementation and fiscal discipline.

Old Age, Widow, and Disability Pension Schemes

Under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, elderly persons aged 60–79 years receive ₹200 per month as central assistance, while those aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month. States and Union Territories supplement this amount, leading to higher effective pensions in many regions. The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme provides ₹300 per month to widows aged 40–79 years and ₹500 per month to those aged 80 years and above. The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme supports persons with severe or multiple disabilities aged 18–79 years with ₹300 per month, increasing to ₹500 per month for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.

National Family Benefit and Annapurna Schemes

The National Family Benefit Scheme offers a one-time financial assistance of ₹20,000 to below-poverty-line families in the event of the death of the primary breadwinner aged between 18 and 59 years, helping households manage immediate economic distress. The Annapurna Scheme addresses food security by providing 10 kilograms of food grains per month free of cost to elderly persons who are eligible for old age pension but are not receiving pension benefits.

Implementation, Monitoring, and Disbursement Mechanism

Beneficiary identification is undertaken at the grassroots level by Gram Panchayats and Municipalities to ensure local verification and inclusion. Benefits are primarily disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer into bank or post office accounts, with limited provision for doorstep cash delivery in exceptional circumstances. States and Union Territories implement the schemes through designated departments and submit quarterly progress reports under a monitored framework.

Budget Allocation and Digitisation Initiatives

For the financial year 2025–26, the total budget allocation for NSAP is ₹9,652 crore, with the largest share directed toward old age pensions. The programme has been extensively digitised, with beneficiary details linked to Aadhaar and bank accounts and integrated with the Public Financial Management System to enhance transparency and reduce leakages. A mobile-based Digital Life Certification system has also been introduced to simplify annual verification and improve ease of access for beneficiaries.

Overall Significance of NSAP

The National Social Assistance Programme functions as a central pillar of India’s social security framework by providing sustained income support and food security to elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities, and families facing sudden economic shocks. Through digitisation, direct transfers, and structured monitoring, the programme strengthens inclusive welfare delivery and contributes to a more equitable social safety net.

MCQ :

 

1. The National Social Assistance Programme was introduced in which year?
2. 1989
3. 1991
4. 1995
5. 2000

 

2. The National Social Assistance Programme is implemented by which Union Ministry?
3. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
4. Ministry of Home Affairs
5. Ministry of Rural Development
6. Ministry of Finance

 

3. The primary objective of the National Social Assistance Programme is to provide:
4. Employment opportunities
5. Social security to vulnerable citizens
6. Skill development support
7. Housing assistance

 

4. NSAP is applicable to beneficiaries belonging to which category?
5. Below Poverty Line households
6. All rural households
7. Urban informal workers
8. Scheduled Caste households only

 

5. Which of the following is NOT a component of NSAP?
6. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
7. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
8. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
9. National Family Benefit Scheme

 

6. Under IGNOAPS, individuals aged 80 years and above receive central assistance of:
7. ₹300 per month
8. ₹400 per month
9. ₹500 per month
10. ₹600 per month

 

7. Under IGNWPS, widows between 40–79 years receive central assistance of:
8. ₹200 per month
9. ₹250 per month
10. ₹300 per month
11. ₹500 per month

 

8. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme provides assistance to persons with:
9. Any physical disability
10. Temporary disability
11. Severe or multiple disabilities
12. Occupational injuries only

 

9. The age group eligible under the National Family Benefit Scheme is:
10. 18–59 years
11. 21–60 years
12. 40–79 years
13. 60 years and above

 

10. The lump-sum assistance provided under NFBS is:
11. ₹10,000
12. ₹15,000
13. ₹20,000
14. ₹25,000

 

11. Under the Annapurna Scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive food grains per month:
12. 5 kg
13. 8 kg
14. 10 kg
15. 12 kg

 

12. Identification of beneficiaries under NSAP is primarily done by:
13. District Collector
14. State Secretariat
15. Gram Panchayats and Municipalities
16. Central Government agencies

 

13. The preferred mode of benefit disbursement under NSAP is:
14. Cash payments
15. Cheque payments
16. Direct Benefit Transfer
17. Smart card system

 

14. For the year 2025–26, the total budget allocation for NSAP is approximately:
15. ₹6,500 crore
16. ₹8,200 crore
17. ₹9,652 crore
18. ₹11,000 crore

 

15. Digitisation of NSAP beneficiaries primarily aims to:
16. Increase pension amounts
17. Reduce beneficiary numbers
18. Improve transparency and prevent duplication
19. Replace state governments’ role