(a) whether the Government had constituted a Task Force to prepare a proposal for a
comprehensive National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP);
(b) if so, the details thereof including the terms of reference;
(c) whether the Task Force has since submitted its report to the Government;
(d) if so, the salient features thereof; and
(e) the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI LALCHANDKATARIA)
(a)to (e) A Task Force was constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. Mihir Shah, Member, Planning Commission
to prepare a proposal for a Comprehensive National Social Assistance Programme. The Task Force considered all
the issues, demands and suggestions relating to pensions received from various quarters.
The Task Force has
submitted its Report to the Ministry.
The recommendations of the Task Force relate mainly to eligibility criteria,
quantum of assistance, processes relating to identification, sanction and disbursement, and strengthening the
administrative structure.
The recommendations of the Task Force have been examined in detail by the Ministry
of Rural Development and accepted with some modifications. The action has been imitated to take the approval
of the Competent Authority.