India’s NSAP transforms lives with ₹9,652 crore social security push in 2025-26
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), a fully funded centrally sponsored scheme, has been supporting vulnerable sections across India since its inception on 15 August 1995. Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, NSAP covers both rural and urban areas, providing financial and food security to over 3.09 crore beneficiaries today.
NSAP comprises five sub-schemes: 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 Scheme. These sub-schemes merge financial security, food security, and digital governance to ensure timely and dignified support.
As of October 2025, over 2.21 crore people benefit from IGNOAPS alone, which provides assistance to citizens aged 60 and above living below the poverty line. The total budget allocation for NSAP in 2025-26 is ₹9,652 crore, with IGNOAPS receiving the largest share at ₹6,645.90 crore. NSAP supports vulnerable groups, ensures direct benefit transfer, integrates welfare into financial inclusion, and helps reduce destitution, hunger, and social exclusion, contributing to SDGs 1, 2, and 10. However, challenges persist, including low and non-indexed central assistance amounts, lack of documentation among potential beneficiaries, and variations in final pension amounts across States due to dependence on State top-ups.
NSAP, with its objectives of providing basic social security, ensuring minimal financial protection, promoting inclusive growth, and operationalising the spirit of the Directive Principles of State Policy, continues to be a significant social security intervention in India. Despite challenges, it remains committed to supporting the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.
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