The Indira Gandhi National Disability Scheme (IGNDPS) was introduced by the Central Government in February 2009 to provide support to disabled individuals in India. As part of the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP), this scheme aims to improve the lives of disabled people by offering them a monthly pension. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance and promote the well-being of individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have a better quality of life.
Implementing Agency
The implementing agency of the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) is the State Government or Union Territory Administration (UT). The scheme is administered by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Benefits
Divyangjan between the ages of 18 and 79 years are eligible to receive a monthly pension of ₹300. For those who are 80 years and above, the pension amount increases to ₹500 per month. This financial support aims to assist individuals with disabilities in meeting their basic needs and improving their overall well-being.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the benefits of the Indira Gandhi National Disability Scheme, a disabled person must meet the following criteria:
- Age: The applicant should be between 18 and 79 years old.
- Residency: The applicant should be a resident of India.
- Disability: The applicant should have a physical or mental disability.
- Degree of Disability: The disability of the applicant should be assessed to be more than 80%.
- Dwarfs: Individuals with dwarfism are also eligible for this scheme.
- Economic Status: The applicant should belong to the Below Poverty Line category.
About The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a Centrally Sponsored social security and welfare programme of the Government of India that provides financial assistance to the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities in the form of social pensions. The NSAP scheme only includes Below Poverty Line individuals as beneficiaries.
The NSAP was launched on 15th August 1995 and is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development. The scheme is implemented in both rural and urban areas and the pension amount is paid directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The scheme currently comprises five components
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): This scheme provides a monthly pension of ₹200/- to BPL persons aged 60 years or above. The pension amount is increased to ₹500/- after the beneficiary turns 79 years old.
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): This scheme provides a monthly pension of ₹300/- to BPL women who are widows and aged 40 years or above.
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): This scheme provides a monthly pension of ₹300/- to BPL persons aged 18-59 years with severe and multiple disabilities.
- National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): This scheme provides a lump sum amount of ₹20,000/- to a BPL household on the death of the primary breadwinner aged between 18 and 64 years.
- Annapurna (also known as Annapurna Scheme): This scheme provides free-of-cost food grains (wheat or rice) to those senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under the NOAPS. The beneficiaries are entitled to receive 10 kg of food grains per month.
The NSAP is a very important social security programme that provides much-needed financial assistance to the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities. The scheme has helped to improve the lives of millions of people across India and has played a significant role in reducing poverty and social exclusion.
- 3 August Current Affairs 2023 in English
- MoU Between Subroto Mukerjee Sports and Education Society and All India Football Federation (AIFF) to Promote Football at Grassroot Level
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Delivers Keynote Address at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony
- Education Ministry Forms Expert Panel on Anti-Discrimination in Higher Education
- Concerns Arise Over Cheetah Deaths at Kuno National Park
