The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is one of five sub-schemes in the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). This scheme aims to provide money help and social security to eligible Indian citizens.

IGNOPS is a part of National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) from the Government of India under the Ministry of Rural Development.

The scheme provides benefits to the citizens of India aged 60 and above living below the poverty line. Any Indian national who is 60 years or above, living below the poverty line can apply for this pension scheme and get a monthly pension.

NSAP Program Details

On 15th August 1995, the Government of India launched the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). Under NSAP there are five sub-schemes for the benefit of destitute person in the country. One of them is Indira Gandhi old age pension scheme, the scheme is fully funded by the centrally government. 

This initiative aims to provide financial assist to the destitute, persons lacking regular means of income, either from their own sources or family support are defined as destitute. 

State governments and UTs identify eligible individuals to provide basic financial aid under NSAP scheme. The Ministry of Rural Development oversees the scheme, which operates in both rural and urban areas.

NSAP aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy in India’s Constitution, emphasizing citizen welfare, livelihood, living standards, public health, and compulsory education for children.

The program signifies a vital step in fulfilling these constitutional principles, underscoring the state’s responsibility to implement various welfare measures within its means for the well-being of its citizens.

Sub-Schemes Under National Social Assistance Program (NSAP)

The five sub schemes under National Social Assistance Program are:

1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
2. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
4. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
5. Annapurna Scheme

Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme Details

Also Read: Social Welfare Schemes in India- A Detailed Guide

Objectives of NSAP

Objectives of NSAP are:

Providing Social Assistance

The primary aim of the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) is to extend social assistance benefits to impoverished households during critical life events, such as the death, maternity, or old age of the family’s primary bread earner.

Ensuring Minimum National Standards

NSAP endeavors to establish minimum national standards, supplementing existing and potential future benefits provided by individual states. The objective is to create a baseline level of support for all eligible individuals.

Ensuring Uniform Social Protection

Another key objective is to ensure a consistent and uninterrupted provision of social protection to beneficiaries throughout the country, promoting uniformity in assistance regardless of geographical location.

Application Process for IGNOAPS Scheme

Below is the application process for IGNOAPS 

Rural Identification Process

In rural areas, the identification of NSAP scheme beneficiaries is based on the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list prepared by States/Union Territories (UTs). This process follows guidelines issued by the Ministry of Rural Development (MORD), specifically designed for the BPL Census of 2002.

Urban Eligibility Determination

Urban areas identify eligible NSAP scheme beneficiaries through the BPL list required for the poverty alleviation program of the Ministry of Urban Housing and Poverty Alleviation. This ensures that those in need within urban settings are recognized for assistance under the scheme.

Disbursement Channels

Besides the traditional channels of disbursing benefits through banks, Post Office Savings Banks, or Postal Money Order, the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) may utilize alternative methods.

These include disbursing assistance in public meetings, such as Gram Sabha gatherings in rural areas, and through neighbourhood/mohalla committees in urban areas. This approach facilitates broader outreach and ccessibility for beneficiaries.

Benefits of NSAP

Under this scheme, each beneficiary receives Rs. 600 per month, providing crucial financial support during challenging circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for receiving assistance under NSAP are as follows:

• The applicant should be a citizen of India.
• The applicant should be living Below the Poverty Line (BPL).
• The applicant should be at least 60 years of age.

Documents Required

Following are the documents required for application under IGNOAPS

• Application form, duly filled and self-attested (The application form should be filled according to guidelines of the scheme).
• Domicile Certificate
• Residence proof documents shuch as Voter card, Electricity Bill, Aadhar Card
• Age Proof documents such as Birth Certificate issued by the School last attended or Municipal authority or SHO or through Medical Board)
• Aadhar card Number
• Bank Passbook
• Ration Card
• Affidavit stating that the applicant is not in receipt of any pension/ financial assistance from any other source, duly attested by Judicial Magistrate/Executive Magistrate.

Conclusion

The Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme stands as a vital support system for elderly citizens in India. Offering financial assistance to those in their sunset years, it plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the aging population.

By providing a monthly pension, the scheme not only contributes to the economic well-being of senior citizens but also underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and security in the latter stages of life.

The scheme’s simplicity and direct impact make it a significant step towards fostering social welfare and inclusivity.