This programme provides social assistance to the poor with the aim of ensuring a minimum national standard in addition to the benefits that the states are currently providing or might provide in future. It provides pensions from public funds to citizens in case of unemployment,old age,sickness,disablement and in other cases of undeserved want.The National Social Assistance Programmes (NSAP) which came into effect from 15th August, 1995 represents a significant step towards the fulfilment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 of the Constitution. NSAP at present comprises of 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 Yojna.

Objective:

The Department’s Mission is to develop and apply financial, physical, intellectual and social capital for the welfare of Pensioners, Persons with Disabilities, Transgender persons, Victims of Substance Abuse and Senior Citizens by networking and converging with Community Based Organizations, NGOs, Banks, Universities, Corporates, Government Organizations and other Stakeholders.