NATIONAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Why in News?
- The Government of India has released updated details (November 2025) about the performance, budget, and digital initiatives under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
- It highlights digitisation of over 2.5 crore beneficiaries, launch of the Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certificate (DLC) App, and the budget allocation of ₹9,652 crore for 2025–26.
- The announcement reinforces NSAP’s role in strengthening India’s social security system and improving welfare delivery for the poor and vulnerable.
Theme: Strengthening India’s Social Security Framework through Inclusive Assistance
BACKGROUND
- Introduced on 15 August 1995, the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme that extends financial support to individuals living below poverty line (BPL).
- Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, the programme operates across both rural and urban areas, representing a major step towards fulfilling the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution.
OBJECTIVES OF NSAP
To provide basic financial and food security to the most vulnerable sections of society —
- Elderly persons,
- Widows, and
- Persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) — belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL)
It helps the government fulfil the Directive Principles of State Policy — ensuring social justice and support to weaker sections.
Implementation System
- Selection of Beneficiaries: Done by Gram Panchayats (in villages) and Municipalities (in towns).
- Payment Mode:
- Mostly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank/post office accounts (about 94%).
- Cash at doorstep allowed in rare cases (for bedridden or very old persons).
- Monitoring:
- Each State/UT appoints a Nodal Secretary to oversee the scheme.
- States must send quarterly progress reports; delay can stop the release of final funds.
FIVE COMPONENTS OF NSAP
| Scheme | Who Benefits | Central Assistance | Age Group | Main Points |
| 1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) | Elderly (BPL) | ₹200/month (60–79 yrs), ₹500/month (80+ yrs) | 60+ | States/UTs can add extra pension (top-up). Avg ~ ₹1100/month in many States. |
| 2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) | Widows (BPL) | ₹300/month (40–79 yrs), ₹500/month (80+ yrs) | 40+ | Helps widows manage daily expenses. |
| 3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) | Persons with severe/multiple disabilities (BPL) | ₹300/month (18–79 yrs), ₹500/month (80+ yrs) | 18+ | ₹243.74 crore released to States/UTs in 2024–25. |
| 4. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) | BPL family after death of main breadwinner | ₹20,000 (one-time) | 18–59 yrs (of deceased) | Helps the family cope with sudden income loss. |
| 5. Annapurna Scheme | Senior citizens eligible for pension but not receiving it | 10 kg food grains/month (free) | 60+ | Provides food security to uncovered elderly. |
BUDGET ALLOCATION
Total Allocation: ₹9,652 crore
| Component | Allocation (₹ crore) |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) | 6645.90 |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) | 2026.99 |
| National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) | 659.00 |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) | 290.00 |
| Annapurna Scheme | 10.00 |
| Management Cell | 20.11 |
| Total | 9652.00 |
DIGITISATION & TRANSPARENCY MEASURES
- All beneficiary details (Aadhaar, bank, address, etc.) are fully digitised.
- Over 2.5 crore beneficiaries have Aadhaar-linked accounts.
- Integration with PFMS (Public Financial Management System) ensures direct and transparent transfer.
- Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Mobile App, launched on 15 July 2025, allows online verification of pensioners’ life status — ending manual verification.
CONCLUSION
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a vital pillar of India’s welfare system.
It ensures that elderly, widows, disabled persons, and poor families receive regular help for their basic needs. With direct transfers and digital reforms, NSAP makes India’s social safety net more inclusive, transparent, and humane.
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