NSAP - Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme 2026
The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme provides monthly financial support to individuals aged 60 and Read More... above who are living below the poverty line. Read less
Details
The Indian government is committed to supporting its senior citizens, especially those facing financial hardship. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a key part of this effort, offering a vital income support to elderly individuals who are Below Poverty Line (BPL).
What Is This Scheme?
The IGNOAPS is a component of the larger National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). Launched to ensure a basic level of financial security, it provides a monthly pension to eligible senior citizens. This scheme aims to help the poor and destitute elderly people lead a life with dignity.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is designed for Indian citizens who meet specific age and income criteria. If you are 60 years or older and your household falls under the Below Poverty Line category, you can apply for this pension.
Why This Scheme Is Important
NSAP, including IGNOAPS, reflects India's constitutional commitment to social welfare. It aims to provide a safety net for vulnerable populations, ensuring a minimum standard of living and uniform social protection across the country. The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among the elderly and ensuring they receive consistent financial aid.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must belong to a household living Below the Poverty Line (BPL).
- Must be at least 60 years of age.
How To Apply
To apply for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, you typically need to fill out a prescribed application form. The process usually involves submitting this form along with the required documents to the relevant local authorities, such as the Gram Panchayat in rural areas or the Municipal Corporation in urban areas.
For detailed guidelines and to find the application proforma, you can refer to the official scheme guidelines. It is advisable to contact your local government office for the most current application procedures and any specific instructions for your area.
Documents Required
- A duly filled and self-attested Application Form (proforma as per scheme guidelines).
- Domicile Certificate.
- Proof of Residence (e.g., Voter ID, Electricity Bill, Aadhar Card).
- Proof of Age (e.g., Birth Certificate from a competent authority, School Certificate, or Medical Board Certificate).
- Aadhar Card number.
- Bank Passbook copy.
- Ration Card.
- An affidavit, attested by a Judicial or Executive Magistrate, stating that you are not receiving any pension or financial aid from any other source.
FAQ’s
What is the pension amount given under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme?
Under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), the central government provides ₹ 200 per month per beneficiary up to the age of 79. For beneficiaries aged 80 and above, the amount increases to ₹ 500 per month. State governments may also contribute additional amounts, meaning beneficiaries could receive anywhere between ₹ 200 to ₹ 1000 monthly depending on state-specific contributions.
Can more than one person in a family receive a pension under IGNOAPS?
Yes, all individuals within a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family who are 60 years of age or older are eligible to receive an old age pension under the IGNOAPS.
How are beneficiaries identified in rural and urban areas?
In rural areas, new beneficiaries are identified from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list prepared as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Rural Development for the BPL Census 2002. In urban areas, identification follows the BPL list prepared for poverty alleviation programs by the Ministry of Urban Housing and Poverty Alleviation.
What happens to existing beneficiaries whose names are not on the new BPL list?
Existing beneficiaries who were eligible under the old criteria will continue to receive their pension without any interruption, even if their names are not on the updated BPL list.
When was the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) launched?
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was launched on August 15, 1995.
What are the main goals of the NSAP?
The NSAP aims to provide social assistance to poor households during times of old age, death of a breadwinner, or maternity. It strives to ensure minimum national standards for social protection, making sure benefits are uniformly available to beneficiaries across the country without any disruption.
What are the different schemes that are part of NSAP?
Currently, NSAP includes five main components: the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), and the Annapurna Scheme.
Who is responsible for implementing NSAP schemes?
NSAP schemes are implemented across states and Union Territories, primarily by the Social Welfare Departments. However, in some states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Meghalaya, and West Bengal, the Rural Development Department handles implementation. The program covers both rural and urban areas.
What is the fundamental requirement to receive benefits under NSAP?
To be eligible for benefits under the NSAP, the applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, as defined by the criteria set by the Government of India.
How does IGNOAPS differ from the older National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS)?
The earlier NOAPS provided pensions to destitute individuals aged 65 or above with little to no regular income. IGNOAPS has expanded this, making pensions available to individuals aged 60 and above from households below the poverty line, not just the destitute.
When did the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme officially start?
The National Old Age Pension Scheme was renamed and formally launched as the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) on November 19, 2007.
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