Question : Implementation of NSAP

(a) whether the Government implements various schemes like Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP);

(b) if so, the details thereof including physical and financial progress during the last three years, scheme and State-wise;

(c) whether the Supreme Court has observed that there is a huge gap in implementation of the NSAP; and

(d) if so, the steps being taken by the Government in evaluating, monitoring and effective implementation of the scheme?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) & (b) Government implements pension schemes such as Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) and Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Under the above schemes, the targeted beneficiaries are provided with monthly assistance ranging between Rs.200-500 depending on age of the beneficiary and category of the pension. Details of Physical & Financial Progress during the last three years under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) are given in Annexure.

(c) & (d) In its judgment dated 13th December, 2018 in the matter of Writ Petition (c) No. 193 of 2016, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has not pointed out any significant gap in implementation of NSAP Programme. However, as part of reforming NSAP, Government has initiated a comprehensive third party evaluation study. The broad terms of reference of the study, inter-alia, include documentation of best practices and to bring about uniformity in the implementation of the scheme in all States/ UTs and to suggest changes in assistance and criteria of these schemes under NSAP.


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