About
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Government of India in 15 August 1995 under the Ministry of Rural Development. It provides financial assistance to vulnerable sections of society, particularly elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities and families who have lost their primary breadwinner.
NSAP aims to provide a basic level of social security and support to eligible beneficiaries, especially those belonging to economically weaker households.
Eligibility
Eligibility varies according to the specific component of NSAP. Generally, beneficiaries must:
- Belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household, as applicable under the relevant scheme guidelines.
- Satisfy the age or other category-specific conditions prescribed for the particular component.
- Be an eligible senior citizen, widow, person with severe or multiple disabilities, or bereaved family, depending on the scheme.
- Meet the applicable requirements of the State/UT and Government of India guidelines.
- Provide the required identification and bank/post-office account details for receiving assistance.
Major Features
- Central Government social security programme implemented through States and Union Territories.
- Provides financial assistance to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged beneficiaries.
- Covers major categories such as:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
- National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
- Annapurna Scheme
- Supports direct transfer of benefits to eligible beneficiaries through appropriate payment channels.
- Helps provide a minimum level of social protection to vulnerable households.
- States and UTs may provide additional assistance from their own resources over and above the Central assistance.
