Content
- National Social Assistance Programme
National Social Assistance Programme
Why in News ?
- The Ministry of Rural Development released an updated performance and digital integration report on NSAP, highlighting full digitization of beneficiaries, Aadhaar-linked transfers, and the launch of a Digital Life Certification (DLC) app (July 2025).
- NSAP continues to support over 3.09 crore beneficiaries across India, reaffirming its role as a major constitutional commitment under Article 41 (DPSP) to provide assistance in cases of old age, sickness, and disablement.
Relevance
- GS 2 (Governance ): Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, Government Policies & Implementation Issues.
- GS 2(Social Justice) : Inclusive Growth, Social Security, and Poverty Reduction.
Background
- Launched: 15 August 1995.
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (fully funded by the Centre).
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
- Coverage: Rural and urban areas.
- Objective: Extend financial and food assistance to vulnerable groups below the poverty line (BPL).
- Constitutional Basis: Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) — “Right to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.”
Objectives
- Provide minimum social security to:
- Elderly persons (old age)
- Widows (destitution)
- Persons with disabilities (divyangjan)
- Families losing primary breadwinner
- Food-insecure senior citizens not receiving pension
Components (Five Sub-Schemes)
| Sub-Scheme | Beneficiaries | Central Assistance | Key Details |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) | Elderly (60+) BPL | ₹200/month (60–79 yrs), ₹500 (80+ yrs) | States may add top-up (₹50–₹5700); avg ₹1100/month |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) | Widows (40–79 yrs) BPL | ₹300/month; ₹500 (80+ yrs) | Financial aid for subsistence |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) | Disabled (18–79 yrs) BPL | ₹300/month; ₹500 (80+ yrs) | ₹243.74 cr released (2024–25) |
| National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) | BPL family on death of breadwinner (18–59 yrs) | ₹20,000 one-time | Immediate financial relief |
| Annapurna Scheme | Senior citizens (eligible for pension but not receiving) | 10 kg free foodgrains/month | Covers non-pensioned elderly |
Implementation Features
- Selection: Gram Panchayats & Urban Local Bodies identify beneficiaries.
- Disbursement:
- 94% via DBT into bank/post office accounts.
- Cash at doorstep in exceptional cases.
- Monitoring:
- State-level Nodal Secretary ensures quarterly reporting.
- Non-reporting → suspension of final quarter funding.
- Flexibility: States may use any implementing department.
Budgetary Allocation (2025–26: ₹9,652 crore)
| Component | Allocation (₹ crore) |
| IGNOAPS | 6,645.90 |
| IGNWPS | 2,026.99 |
| NFBS | 659.00 |
| IGNDPS | 290.00 |
| Annapurna | 10.00 |
| Management Cell | 20.11 |
| Total | 9,652.00 |
Digitization & Reforms
- Digitization: All beneficiary data (name, Aadhaar, account, mobile) digitized.
- Aadhaar Linkage: 2.5+ crore beneficiaries linked.
- PFMS Integration: Ensures transparency, eliminates duplication.
- New Reform (2025):
- Digital Life Certification (DLC) App launched (15 July 2025).
- Allows Aadhaar-based life verification, reducing manual compliance burden.
- Transparency Portal: www.nsap.nic.in
Performance Snapshot (as of 2025)
| Category | Beneficiaries (in lakh) |
| IGNOAPS | 221.0 |
| IGNWPS | 67.0 |
| IGNDPS | 8.33 |
| NFBS | 3.5 |
| Annapurna | 8.31 |
| Total | 309.14 lakh (≈3.09 crore) |
Significance
- Social Security Backbone: Covers vulnerable groups often excluded from formal systems.
- Fiscal Commitment: One of the longest-running social protection programmes.
- Digital Governance Model: Aligns with JAM trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile).
- Reduces Leakages: Direct transfer and Aadhaar verification enhance targeting efficiency.
- Supports SDGs:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Challenges
- Low pension amount vs inflationary pressures.
- State disparities in top-up provisions.
- Exclusion errors due to outdated BPL lists.
- Administrative delays in life certification & beneficiary updation.
Way Forward
- Periodic revision of pension rates to align with living costs.
- Integration with SECC and PM–SHRAM data for inclusion of informal workers.
- Strengthen real-time monitoring dashboard at state and district levels.
- Enhance awareness and grievance redressal for beneficiaries.
- Converge with schemes like PM–Jan Arogya Yojana and PM–Kisan for comprehensive welfare coverage.
