NSAP Expands Social Security Net as Record Allocation Boosts Rural Employment and Welfare

• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is India's flagship non-contributory social security scheme for BPL elderly, widows, persons with disabilities and bereaved households, administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• It operationalises Article 41 (DPSP — right to public assistance in cases of old age, sickness, disablement) and currently covers 3.09 crore beneficiaries across five sub-schemes.
• Relevant to UPSC for GS-II (welfare schemes, vulnerable sections) and GS-III (inclusive growth, rural welfare).