21/08/2023
Government diverted funds of pension schemes for publicity of other schemes
CAG: Govt diverted funds of pension schemes for publicity of other schemes
- Recently, the CAG stated, The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) diverted funds from the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for publicising some of its other schemes.
- Funds of Rs 2.83 crore were diverted for campaigning in respect of other schemes of the ministry.
- The planned IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities under NSAP were not undertaken as envisaged.
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that provides financial assistance to the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities in the form of social pensions.
- It represents a significant step towards the fulfilment of the Directive Principles in Article 41.
- Article 41 directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement.
- Eligibility: The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- It is being implemented in rural as well as urban areas.
- According to the CAG report, about 4.65 crore beneficiaries availed the old age, widow, disability pensions and family benefit annually during 2017-21.
- Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development
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
Prelims Takeaway
- National Social Assistance Programme
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India
