Introduction NSAP stands for National Social Assistance Programme. NSAP was launched on 15th August, 1995. It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the Constitution recognizing the concurrent responsibility of the Central and the State Governments in the matter. In particular, Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the limit of its economic capacity and development. Objective of NSAP National Social Assistance Programme is a social security and welfare programme to provide support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons and bereaved families on death of primary bread winner,belonging to below poverty line households. Components of NSAP The NSAP at its inception in 1995 had three components namely National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS, National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS). The National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) was subsequently transferred on 1st April, 2001 from the Ministry of Rural development to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. On 1st April, 2000 a new Scheme known as Annapurna Scheme was launched. This scheme aimed at providing food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under the NOAPS. In February 2009, two new Schemes known as Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) were introduced. Presently NSAP comprises of five schemes, namely – 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) and Annapurna. Eligibility and scale of assistance For getting benefits under NSAP the applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family according to the criteria prescribed by the Govt. of India. The other eligibility criteria and the scale of central assistance under the sub - schemes of NSAP are as follows. Besides the central assistance, states / UT contribute an equal amount as their share: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) : The eligible age for IGNOAPS is 60 years. The pension is Rs.200 p.m. for persons between 60 years and 79 years. For persons who are 80 years and above the pension is Rs.500/ - per month. States and Union Territories supplement the Central share by contributing an equivalent or higher top-up amount. This additional support helps ensure that the beneficiaries receive a reasonable and dignified level of income. Currently, the top-up provided by States and UTs under the old age pension component ranges from Rs.50 to Rs. 5700 per month, leading to an average pension of around Rs.1100 in many of the States/UTs. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) : The eligible age is 40 years and the pension is Rs.300 per month. After attaining the age of 80 years, the beneficiary will get Rs.500/ - per month. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) : his scheme caters individuals aged between 18 and 79 years who have severe or multiple disabilities and belong to families living below the poverty line. The beneficiaries are eligible for central assistance of Rs.300 per month. Beneficiaries who are 80 years and above receive Rs.500 per month, ensuring continued financial support to help them manage their daily needs with dignity. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) : Under this scheme, a household living below the poverty line becomes eligible for lump sum financial assistance in the unfortunate event of the death of its primary breadwinner, provided the deceased was between 18 and 59 years of age. The family receives Rs.20,000 as support to help them cope with the immediate financial difficulties arising from the loss. Annapurna Scheme : Under the scheme, 10kg of food grains per month are provided free of cost to those senior citizens who, though eligible under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), are not receiving old age pension. Source: National Social Assistance Programme Related Resources Guidelines - NSAP