Which of the following scheme of Indian government provides financial help to widows, elderly, people with disability in form of pension ?

Correct option is B

The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1995 to provide financial assistance in the form of pensions to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities belonging to households below the poverty line.

Key Components of NSAP

1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):
   • Provides a pension to elderly individuals aged 60 years or above.
2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS):
   • Offers financial support to widows aged 40 years or above.
3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS):
   • Provides assistance to persons with disabilities aged 18 years or above with a severe disability.
4. Annapurna Scheme:
   • Provides 10 kg of free food grains per month to eligible senior citizens not covered by the IGNOAPS.

Information Booster

1. NSAP is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
2. The amount of assistance varies across states, as the scheme is supplemented by state governments.
3. Funds are directly transferred to beneficiaries' accounts under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
4. It ensures social security for the most vulnerable sections of society.
5. Helps in improving living standards and reducing poverty.

Additional Knowledge

• SGRY: Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana aimed at rural employment but was merged with MGNREGA in 2006.
• SAGY: Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana focuses on village development but not pensions.
• MGNREGA: Guarantees 100 days of rural employment but does not involve pensions.
• NSAP plays a vital role in India's social welfare system, offering dignity and financial stability to marginalized groups.