NATIONAL
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME – GOVERNMENT SCHEME
News:
CAG: Govt diverted funds
of pension schemes for publicity of other schemes
What's
in the news?
● The
Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) diverted funds from the National Social
Assistance Programme (NSAP), which includes old age pension schemes, for
publicising some of its other schemes, the Comptroller and Auditor General of
India (CAG) has said.
National
Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
● The
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a centrally sponsored welfare programme administered by the Ministry of
Rural Development.
● This
programme is being implemented in rural
areas as well as urban areas.
Objectives:
● NSAP
aims to provide support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons and bereaved
families on the death of the primary income producer, belonging to
below-poverty-line households.
Features:
● NSAP
represents a significant step towards the fulfilment of the Directive
Principles of State Policy enshrined in Articles
41 and 42 of Constitution of India which enjoin upon the State to undertake
within its means a number of welfare measures.
● These
are intended to secure for the citizens adequate means of livelihood, raise the
standard of living, improve public health, provide free and compulsory
education for children etc.
● NSAP
uses Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode to transfer funds to the beneficiaries
bank accounts or postal accounts.
Components:
NSAP
has Five Sub-Schemes:
1.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):
● Under
the scheme, BPL persons aged 60 years or above are entitled to a monthly
pension of Rs. 200/- up to 79 years of age and Rs.500/- thereafter.
2.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS):
● BPL
widows aged 40-59 years are entitled to a monthly pension of Rs. 200/-.
3.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS):
● BPL
persons aged 18-59 years with severe and multiple disabilities are entitled to
a monthly pension of Rs. 200/-.
4.
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS):
● Under
the scheme a BPL household is entitled to a lump sum amount of money on the
death of a primary breadwinner aged between 18 and 64 years. The amount of
assistance is Rs. 10,000/-.
5.
Annapurna:
● Under
the scheme, 10 kg of food grains per month are provided free of cost to those
senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under NOAPS.