National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) - 1995 Background: A recent study indicates that the monthly old-age pension of ₹200 to ₹500 provided by the Central Government under NSAP has lost a significant portion of its value due to years of inflation. The report states inflation has reduced the value of pensions by approximately 45%. To maintain the same purchasing power, a ₹200 pension should now be approximately ₹353. About NSAP Launched in 1995, it is a social welfare scheme providing financial aid to the poor and vulnerable. Under IGNOAPS, the Centre provides ₹200/month for those aged 60–79 and ₹500/month for those 80 and above. Currently, over 221 lakh people benefit from this. It is a 'Centrally Sponsored Scheme'. Managed by the Ministry of Rural Development. Constitutional Basis: Based on Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which urges the state to provide public assistance to those in need. Key Beneficiaries Elderly living below the poverty line (BPL). Widows and Persons with Disabilities (PwD). Families who have lost their primary breadwinner. Sub-schemes under NSAP Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (1995): Old age pension for the poor. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme. (2009): Pension for widows. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (2009): Pension for persons with disabilities. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS - 1995): One-time grant after the death of a primary breadwinner. Annapurna Scheme (2000): Food security for eligible seniors not receiving a pension. DigiLocker Background: Gujarat, along with five other states, was honored for its outstanding contribution to expanding the use of DigiLocker in state government services. About DigiLocker Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India mission. It is an officially recognized government app following high security standards. Allows users to store authentic…
