Providing social security to the vulnerable segment of its population is a major responsibility of welfare state. The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India enjoin upon the to undertake, within its means, a number of welfare measures. In particular, Article 41 of the Constant of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the limit of its economic cap and development. It is in accordance with these noble principles that the Government of India on 1 August 1995 included the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in the Central Budget 1995-96. The NSAP then comprised of National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), National Fa Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS).

On 1st April, 2000 a scheme known as Annapurna Scheme was launched. This Scheme aimed at providing food security meets the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible had remained uncovered under NOAPS. Under Annapurna Scheme, 10 kgs of food grains per month is provided free of cost to beneficiary.

Under NOAPS Rs. 75 per month was being provided per beneficiary to destitutes who 65 years of age or above. The amount of pension was increased to Rs.200 per month w.e.f. 1.4.2 and the States were requested to top up with another Rs.200 from their own resources.

Government India on 13.9.2007 modified the eligibility criteria for grant of old age pension to persons aged 65 y or higher and belonging to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed the Government of India. With the modification of eligibility criteria to cover all persons of 65 years higher and living below the poverty line, the number of beneficiaries under Indira Gandhi National Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) has increased to 153.46 lakhs.

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In February 2009, central government has approved a pension of Rs. 200 per month to widows in the age group of 40-64 years. The estimated number of beneficiaries under Indira Ga National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is 45 lakhs. Similarly central government also introduce a disability pension of Rs. 200 per month under Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Such (IGNDPS) for BPL persons with severe or multiple disabilities between the age group of 18-64 years.