The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a sub-scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), introduced by the Government of India on 15th August 1995. It provides financial assistance to senior citizens who are below the poverty line (BPL).
The scheme is fully funded by the central government and is implemented across both rural and urban areas. It ensures a minimum level of financial aid to destitute elderly citizens who have no or little source of income.
Objectives of NSAP
- Provide social assistance benefits to poor households in case of death, maternity, or old age of the breadwinner.
- Ensure minimum national standards of pension, in addition to state-specific benefits.
- Maintain uniform social protection across the country without interruption.
Sub-Schemes Under NSAP
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) includes the following five sub-schemes:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
- National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
- Annapurna Scheme
Benefits
- Senior citizens aged 60-79 years: ₹200 per month.
- Senior citizens aged 80 years and above: ₹500 per month.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant should be a citizen of India.
- The applicant should be living Below Poverty Line (BPL).
- The applicant should be at least 60 years of age.
Application Process
Online Application
- Download the UMANG App or visit UMANG Portal.
- Log in using a mobile number and OTP.
- Search for NSAP and click on “Apply Online”.
- Fill in basic details, choose the mode of payment, upload a photograph, and click on “Submit”.
Documents Required
- Duly filled and self-attested application form.
- Domicile Certificate.
- Residential Proof (Voter ID, Electricity Bill, Aadhaar Card, etc.).
- Age Proof (Birth Certificate from school, municipal authority, SHO, or Medical Board).
- Aadhaar Number.
- Bank Passbook.
- Ration Card.
- Affidavit (duly attested by Judicial/Executive Magistrate) stating that the applicant is not receiving any other pension or financial assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does NSAP stand for, and when was it launched?
NSAP stands for National Social Assistance Programme, launched on 15th August 1995.
Q: What is the objective of NSAP?
To provide financial aid to poor households in case of death, maternity, or old age of the breadwinner.
Q: What are the components of NSAP?
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
- National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
- Annapurna Scheme
Q: Who implements NSAP?
The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Q: What is the eligibility criterion under NSAP?
The applicant must be BPL and aged 60 years or above.
Q: How are beneficiaries identified in rural areas?
Through BPL lists prepared by state governments.
Q: How will beneficiaries be identified in urban areas?
Identification is based on surveys conducted by urban local bodies.
Q: What is the funding pattern of NSAP?
The scheme is 100% centrally funded by the Government of India.
Q: How is IGNOAPS different from the earlier NOAPS scheme?
Earlier, NOAPS provided benefits only to destitute persons, but IGNOAPS covers all BPL individuals aged 60 years and above.
Q: When did IGNOAPS come into effect?
It was launched in November 2007.
Q: What is the pension amount under IGNOAPS?
- ₹200 per month for beneficiaries aged 60-79 years.
- ₹500 per month for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.
Q: Is the pension restricted to only one person in a family?
Yes, the pension is provided to only one eligible member per family.