Why in news?

The Union government continues to highlight the National Social Assistance Programme as a key pillar of its social safety net. The scheme, which provides direct income support to elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities living below the poverty line, has been allocated higher funds in recent budgets. States are also being encouraged to top up the pension amounts to enhance coverage. The programme was highlighted in November because of discussions around budget allocations and beneficiary outreach.

Background

• The NSAP was introduced in 1995 as a fully centrally-funded social security scheme for people living below the poverty line. It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and aims to provide a measure of social assistance to destitute and vulnerable citizens.
• Beneficiaries are identified by Gram Panchayats in rural areas and by municipalities in urban areas. Funds are transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
• As of 2025, the programme covers over three crore beneficiaries across the country. States can provide additional top-up amounts from their own budgets, which helps raise the pension above the central contribution.

Components of NSAP

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Provides a monthly pension to persons aged 60 years and above from families below the poverty line. Beneficiaries aged 60-79 receive Rs. 200 per month from the Centre, while those aged 80 and above receive Rs. 500 per month.
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Gives pensions to widows aged 40 to 79 years who live below the poverty line. Widows aged 40-79 receive Rs. 300 per month; those aged 80 and above get Rs. 500 per month.
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Assists individuals aged 18 to 79 years with severe or multiple disabilities from poor households. Beneficiaries receive Rs. 300 per month, rising to Rs. 500 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): Provides a one-time assistance of Rs. 20,000 to a bereaved household below the poverty line when its primary breadwinner (aged 18-59 years) dies.
• Annapurna Scheme: Senior citizens eligible for IGNOAPS but not receiving a pension are entitled to 10 kg of foodgrains per month free of cost.

Significance

• NSAP ensures a basic level of income security for destitute elderly people, widows and disabled persons, thereby reducing extreme poverty and vulnerability.
• The scheme complements state-level pension schemes and welfare initiatives, allowing states to customise benefits according to local needs.
• Direct transfer of benefits through DBT minimises leakages and improves financial inclusion among the poorest households.

Sources: Press Information Bureau