National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is being implemented across the country as a social security programme, for vulnerable sections of the society such as old aged, widows and disabled persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL). The rate of Central assistance under NSAP pension schemes including National Old Age Pension Scheme, National Widow Pension Scheme and National Disability Pension Scheme was last revised in 2012.

NSAP caters to more than 3 crore BPL beneficiaries and as per the information collected from States/UTs, about 5.9 crore additional pensioners are supported by state-funded social pension schemes. Therefore, around 9 crore beneficiaries are receiving pension benefits either under Central pension schemes and/or under State-specific social security pension schemes, many of which have expanded coverage and higher assistance levels tailored to local needs. At present, States are giving top up amount to the beneficiaries ranging from ₹50/- to ₹5700/- per month. As a result, NSAP pensioners are getting monthly pension on an average of Rs. 1100/- in several States/ UTs. State/UT-wise details of top-up paid by the States/UTs are at Annexure.

From time to time, various impact assessment and evaluation studies have been carried out to assess the impact of NSAP schemes by the Ministry and NITI Aayog. The assessments indicate satisfactory implementation at the grassroots level, with most beneficiaries expressing overall satisfaction with the processes of selection, sanction, and disbursement of pensions. The studies also find that pension support has helped beneficiaries meet essential expenses such as food, healthcare, etc., thereby reducing their dependence on family members for these needs. At the same time, they have recommended further strengthening of the programme through measures such as improving adequacy of assistance, ensuring timely and regular payments, enhancing beneficiary verification and monitoring systems etc.

At present, there is no proposal under consideration to revise the rate of assistance under NSAP.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

***

RC/PU

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2287305) आगंतुक पटल : 125