The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Government of India, designed to provide social security and welfare benefits to vulnerable populations. The scheme aims to address the needs of the destitute through various sub-schemes, including old-age pensions, widow pensions, disability pensions, and family benefits. This article provides an overview of the scheme’s key principles, components, and implementation guidelines.
Historical Background
The NSAP was introduced on Independence Day in 1995, with the aim of providing a basic level of financial support to the destitute. Over the years, the scheme has evolved and expanded to include various sub-schemes, including:
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Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Provides pensions to elderly individuals.
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Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Provides pensions to widows.
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Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Provides pensions to persons with severe disabilities.
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National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): Provides a one-time lump sum assistance to bereaved families.
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Annapurna Scheme: Provides free food grains to eligible beneficiaries not covered under IGNOAPS.
Initially transferred to the State Plan as Additional Central Assistance (ACA) in 2002-03, the NSAP was reconverted into a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in 2014.
Key Principles of NSAP
The NSAP is guided by several key principles:
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Universal Coverage: The scheme aims to cover all eligible persons, ensuring that no one is left out due to procedural hurdles.
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Proactive Identification: Emphasis is placed on actively identifying and reaching out to eligible beneficiaries.
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Transparency and Accessibility: The process for application, sanction, appeal, and review is designed to be transparent and user-friendly.
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Regular Disbursement: Pensions and benefits should be disbursed regularly, preferably at the doorstep of the beneficiaries.
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Electronic Transfers: Preference is given to electronic transfers to bank/post office accounts.
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Robust Social Audit: Social audits and annual verifications are conducted to ensure accountability.
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Key Role for Local Self-Government Institutions: Local bodies are given a central role in the implementation of the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria and Scale of Assistance
The scheme is applicable to persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories. The eligibility criteria and scale of assistance for each sub-scheme are as follows:
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IGNOAPS: Pension of Rs. 200 per month for individuals between 60 and 79 years of age and Rs. 500 per month for those 80 years and above.
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IGNWPS: Pension of Rs. 300 per month for widows aged 40-64 years, which increases to Rs. 500 per month after the age of 80.
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IGNDPS: Pension of Rs. 300 per month for individuals with a disability level of 80% and above, which increases to Rs. 500 per month after the age of 80. Dwarfs are also eligible for this pension.
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NFBS: A one-time lump sum assistance of Rs. 20,000 to the bereaved family upon the death of a breadwinner (aged 18-60).
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Annapurna Scheme: 10 kg of food grains (wheat or rice) per month to eligible beneficiaries not covered under IGNOAPS.
Implementation and Monitoring
The implementation of the NSAP involves several steps:
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Awareness Generation: Promoting awareness about eligibility criteria and application procedures through various channels.
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Proactive Identification: Identifying eligible beneficiaries through outreach programs.
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Verification: Verifying applications through a designated officer or team.
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Sanction: Issuing sanction orders to eligible beneficiaries.
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Disbursement: Providing pensions and benefits through bank/post office accounts or electronic money orders.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Conducting regular monitoring and social audits to ensure transparency and accountability.
Key Features of Implementation
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States are required to maintain a database of eligible beneficiaries and upload it in the public domain.
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The scheme emphasizes the use of technology for efficient fund management and disbursement.
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The scheme promotes convergence with other government programs to maximize benefits for the beneficiaries.
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Grievance redressal mechanisms are in place to address complaints and ensure timely action.
Financial Aspects
Central assistance to States/UTs under NSAP is determined based on the BPL population of the state. The Central Government releases funds to the State Consolidated Fund, which then disburses funds to implementing agencies. The scheme also allows for administrative expenses, with a cap of 3% of the total funds.
Conclusion
The National Social Assistance Programme is a vital social security net for the most vulnerable populations in India. By providing financial assistance, pensions, and food security, the scheme aims to ensure a basic level of support for the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and bereaved families. The emphasis on transparency, accountability, and outreach underscores the government’s commitment to reaching those in need and improving their quality of life.