National Social Assistance Programme: 3.09 crore beneficiaries
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What happened
- NSAP, started on 15 August 1995, is a fully funded centrally sponsored scheme for people below the poverty line, run by the Rural Development Ministry in rural and urban areas [PIB].
- It covers 3.09 crore people, including 221 lakh under the old age pension (IGNOAPS) and 67 lakh under the widow pension (IGNWPS) [PIB].
Background
- NSAP covers old age, widow and disability pensions, family benefit and Annapurna; PIB links it to the Directive Principles [PIB]. Article 41 directs the State to provide public assistance in old age, sickness and disablement [Constitution].
Why it matters
- Central pension amounts are small, so states top them up. That creates large differences between states.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-11-07): NSAP, started on 15 August 1995, is a fully funded centrally sponsored scheme for people below the poverty line, run by the Rural Development Ministry in rural and urban areas.
- Central pension amounts are small, so states top them up. That creates large differences between states.
Quotable data pointIt covers 3.09 crore people, including 221 lakh under the old age pension (IGNOAPS) and 67 lakh under the widow pension (IGNWPS).
PIB: PIB Backgrounder: NSAP, 7 Nov 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: NSAP components. · Mains: social security for the elderly.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
NSAP began on
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Ministry implementing NSAP
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Which DPSP article mentions public assistance in old age?
Answer (b) & explanation
Source: Constitution of India (Legislative Dept).
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: PIB Backgrounder: NSAP, 7 Nov 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending