National Social Assistance Programme

👵 National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) (Pensions)

Objective of the Scheme

The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a Central Sector Scheme that provides a social safety net through financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and persons with severe disabilities. It aims to ensure a minimum basic level of financial support for destitute individuals and families.

Key Schemes Under NSAP

The NSAP umbrella covers five major schemes. The three most common pension schemes relevant at the Gram Panchayat level are:

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): For the elderly.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): For widows.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): For persons with severe disabilities.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility criteria vary slightly by scheme but share a common framework:

Scheme	Primary Eligibility Criteria
IGNOAPS	Must be 60 years or above and belong to a household below the poverty line (BPL).
IGNWPS	Must be a widow between 40 and 79 years of age and belong to a BPL household.
IGNDPS	Must be a person with severe/multiple disabilities (80% or more) between 18 and 59 years and belong to a BPL household.
Common Criteria	Must be identified as a destitute person, possessing little or no regular means of financial support from own sources or through financial support from family members.

Benefits Provided

The Central Government contribution is paid to the beneficiaries. This is often topped up by the Maharashtra State Government under the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar/Shravanbal Seva Rajya Nidhi Yojana to reach the final pension amount.

Scheme	Central Contribution Rate (Monthly)
IGNOAPS (60-79 years)	₹200/- per month
IGNOAPS (80 years & above)	₹500/- per month
IGNWPS	₹300/- per month
IGNDPS	₹300/- per month

The total amount received by the beneficiary (Central + State share) will be higher than these central rates.

Application Process

Obtain Form: Collect the application form for the relevant pension scheme (e.g., IGNOAPS) from the Petgaon Gram Panchayat Office or the Taluka Sanjay Gandhi Yojana Office.
Documentation: Attach all necessary documents (proof of age, BPL card, disability certificate, or widow certificate).
Submission: Submit the complete application form, verified by the Gram Sevak, to the Taluka Sanjay Gandhi Yojana Office (part of the Tehsildar’s/Tahasildar’s office) for final sanction and processing.
Verification: The application is reviewed and verified against BPL lists and other records before the pension is approved and transferred to the bank account.

Required Documents

Proof of Age (Aadhaar Card, Birth Certificate, or other government document).
Below Poverty Line (BPL) Certificate/Proof of BPL status (e.g., SECC data inclusion).
Bank Account details (Mandatory for DBT).
For Widows: Death Certificate of the husband.
For Disabled: Disability Certificate (80% or more) from the District Medical Board.

For More Information & Assistance

Local Contact: Petgaon Gram Panchayat Office or Gram Sevak (for application guidance and forms).
Block Contact: Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar/Pension Yojana Office at the Tahasildar’s (Tehsildar’s) Office, Mul.
Official Website: National Social Assistance Programme Portal