30-Jul-2021: Government released Rs. 2814.50 crore for payment to the beneficiaries of NSAP under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana Package in 2020-21

Under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), monthly pension at the rate of Rs.300/- p.m.  to widows in the age group of 40 to 79 years and Divyangjan in the age group of 18-79 years and Rs.200/- p.m. to old age persons in the age group of 60 to 79 years belonging to  below poverty line households is being paid. The amount of pension is increased to Rs. 500/- per month in respect of these beneficiaries on reaching the age of 80 years and above. Under the National Family Benefit Scheme of NSAP, a one-time lump-sum amount of Rs.20,000/- is paid to a bereaved family, on the death of primary breadwinner, aged between 18-60 years.

In order to handle the difficult time on account of spread of COVID-19, the Government released  an amount of Rs.2814.50 crore to States/UTs for payment of ex-gratia of Rs. 1000 (in two installments of Rs.500 each) to the old aged, widows and Divyangjan beneficiaries of NSAP under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana Package (PMGKYP) in 2020-21.

Government has conducted a comprehensive third party evaluation study of NSAP to inter-alia suggest, changes in assistance and criteria related to various schemes included under NSAP.