The Central flagship, National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), a welfare programme launched by the Government to provide financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities living below the poverty line in urban and rural areas is all set for a makeover.
Soon after taking the charge as the Union Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, new Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan indicated that he was keen to restructure the scheme being the important economic and social security cover for the vulnerable groups in the society.
“We have to structure the project for an ideal life for the elderly, widows and the disabled, for which we have to take every problem seriously, and for this, if there is a need to change the rules and regulations of the scheme, then amendments should also be made,” he told his officials.
The NSAP includes several schemes such as the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), among others. These schemes provide monthly pension amounts to eligible beneficiaries to support their livelihood and improve their quality of life. However, the pension amount has been very paltry. The last revision to the pension amount was in 2012, when the central contribution increased from Rs 200 per month to Rs 500 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
For IGNDPS and IGNWPS, central contribution was enhanced to Rs 300 per month. For those below 80 years, it has been Rs 200 per month since 2007. The CAG in its report last year had found gaps in the scheme. Now, the new Minister at the Helm, the officials said that the scheme is poised for improvement, expanded scope, or may be adapted to new circumstances or needs. It can also imply that there might be reforms or restructuring underway to enhance the program’s impact or efficiency.
Emphasising on the importance of District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committees (DISHA), he said that there is a need to strengthen the Disha Committees further.
The Minister added that he will write a letter to all the newly elected MPs to request them to ensure that the meetings of Disha Committees are held on time so that every small problem and progress can be continuously paid attention.
DISHAs have been formed to ensure better coordination among all the elected representatives in Parliament, State Legislatures and Local Governments (Panchayati Raj Institutions/Municipal Bodies) for efficient and time-bound implementation of the central welfare schemes in the States.
The Rural Development Minister emphasised on implementing the action plan for the next 100 days in a strong and effective manner. He said that we all have to work together with full strength on every scheme of rural development, only then Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a developed India will be fulfilled.
Minister of States for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Shekhar Pemmasani, Kamlesh Paswan, Rural development Secretary, Shailesh Kumar Singh and senior officials of the Ministry were also present in the meeting.
