National Social Assistance Programme
Introduction to the Topic:
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a centrally sponsored welfare scheme launched in 1995 by the Government of India. It aims to extend social pension and financial support to the poor and vulnerable segments of society. Rooted in Article 41 of the Indian Constitution, which emphasizes the right to public assistance in cases of old age, disability, sickness, and unemployment, NSAP plays a pivotal role in the government’s social security net.
Objectives:
NSAP seeks to:
Provide basic financial support to destitute individuals in the form of social pension.
Promote social justice and human dignity for the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and bereaved families.
Ensure inclusive development through targeted interventions for the most vulnerable.
Target Audience:
- Elected Representatives of PRIs of Assam and Officials from PNRD deptt, Govt of Assam
The programme targets individuals and households belonging to the Below Poverty Line
Key Components/Features:
NSAP comprises four main schemes:
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Financial assistance of ₹250/month (60–79 years) and ₹550/month (80+ years).
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): ₹1250/month (₹300 central + ₹950 state)(40-79 years) and 1450/month (₹500 central + ₹950 state)(80+years)
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): ₹300/month (₹500 for 80+ years).
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): One-time grant of ₹20,000 to the bereaved BPL household upon the death of the primary breadwinner.
Additionally, Assam has implemented the Swahid Kushal Konwar Sarbajanin Briddha Pension Achoni, a state-funded pension scheme for elderly individuals left out of the central schemes.
Implementation Guidelines:
The programme is implemented at three tiers:
District Level: Zilla Parishads/DRDAs
Intermediate Level: Anchalik Panchayats/Block Development Offices
Local Level: Gaon Panchayats in rural areas and urban local bodies in towns/cities
Beneficiaries are enrolled via online portals, verified annually, and pensions are disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode via PFMS. Identification of new beneficiaries is facilitated through Gram Sabhas, based on BPL lists, with priority given to inclusiveness and awareness generation.
Achievements/Success Stories of Assam State:
Assam achieved 100% DBT implementation under NSAP and received national recognition in 2018.
Introduction of social audit mechanisms in Assam since September 2020 has enhanced transparency and accountability.
The scheme has seen the enrollment of over 11.7 lakh beneficiaries under the state pension scheme (OAPFSC) as well as 75 Lakhs under NSAP.
Grievance redressal systems and yearly verification practices have strengthened the overall delivery mechanism.
NSAP stands as a critical pillar in India’s welfare infrastructure, supporting millions of vulnerable citizens with dignity and stability