Content

1. National Social Assistance Programme

National Social Assistance Programme

Why in News ?

• The Ministry of Rural Development released an updated performance and digital integration report on NSAP, highlighting full digitization of beneficiaries, Aadhaar-linked transfers, and the launch of a Digital Life Certification (DLC) app (July 2025).
• NSAP continues to support over 3.09 crore beneficiaries across India, reaffirming its role as a major constitutional commitment under Article 41 (DPSP) to provide assistance in cases of old age, sickness, and disablement.

Relevance

• GS 2 (Governance ): Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, Government Policies & Implementation Issues.
• GS 2(Social Justice) : Inclusive Growth, Social Security, and Poverty Reduction.

Background

• Launched: 15 August 1995.
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (fully funded by the Centre).
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
• Coverage: Rural and urban areas.
• Objective: Extend financial and food assistance to vulnerable groups below the poverty line (BPL).
• Constitutional Basis: Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) — “Right to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement.”

Objectives

• Provide minimum social security to:
  • Elderly persons (old age)
  • Widows (destitution)
  • Persons with disabilities (divyangjan)
  • Families losing primary breadwinner
  • Food-insecure senior citizens not receiving pension

Components (Five Sub-Schemes)

Implementation Features

• Selection: Gram Panchayats & Urban Local Bodies identify beneficiaries.
• Disbursement:
  • 94% via DBT into bank/post office accounts.
  • Cash at doorstep in exceptional cases.
• Monitoring:
  • State-level Nodal Secretary ensures quarterly reporting.
  • Non-reporting → suspension of final quarter funding.
• Flexibility: States may use any implementing department.

Budgetary Allocation (2025–26: ₹9,652 crore)

Digitization & Reforms

• Digitization: All beneficiary data (name, Aadhaar, account, mobile) digitized.
• Aadhaar Linkage: 2.5+ crore beneficiaries linked.
• PFMS Integration: Ensures transparency, eliminates duplication.
• New Reform (2025):
  • Digital Life Certification (DLC) App launched (15 July 2025).
  • Allows Aadhaar-based life verification, reducing manual compliance burden.
• Transparency Portal: www.nsap.nic.in

Performance Snapshot (as of 2025)

Significance

• Social Security Backbone: Covers vulnerable groups often excluded from formal systems.
• Fiscal Commitment: One of the longest-running social protection programmes.
• Digital Governance Model: Aligns with JAM trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile).
• Reduces Leakages: Direct transfer and Aadhaar verification enhance targeting efficiency.
• Supports SDGs:
  • SDG 1: No Poverty
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Challenges

• Low pension amount vs inflationary pressures.
• State disparities in top-up provisions.
• Exclusion errors due to outdated BPL lists.
• Administrative delays in life certification & beneficiary updation.

Way Forward

• Periodic revision of pension rates to align with living costs.
• Integration with SECC and PM–SHRAM data for inclusion of informal workers.
• Strengthen real-time monitoring dashboard at state and district levels.
• Enhance awareness and grievance redressal for beneficiaries.
• Converge with schemes like PM–Jan Arogya Yojana and PM–Kisan for comprehensive welfare coverage