3.4.1. National Social Assistance Program

♤ The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the Constitution recognizing the concurrent responsibility of the Central and the State Governments in the matter.

♤ In particular, Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the limit of its economic capacity and development.

♤ National Social Assistance Programme is a social security and welfare programme to provide support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons and bereaved families on death of primary bread winner, belonging to below poverty line households.

♤ The NSAP at its inception in 1995 had three components namely

o National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS)

o National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)

o National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS)