NSAP Pension Rs 200 Same Since 2012: Real Value Eroded 45% | CLAT 2027

Constitutional & Legal Framework

Article 41 (DPSP) — Directs the State to make effective provision for “the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want.”

Article 38 — Mandates the State to minimise inequalities of income, status and opportunity.

Article 39(d) & 42 — Equal pay for equal work and just/humane conditions of work.

NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development, with implementation responsibilities shared between Centre and States.

CLAT 2027 Angle

CLAT often pairs DPSP-based questions (Articles 36–51) with current welfare schemes. Remember: NSAP has 5 sub-schemes — IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS, NFBS, Annapurna. Distinguish from PM-KISAN (farmers, Min. of Agriculture) and PMAY (housing). The DPSPs are non-justiciable (Article 37) but “fundamental in the governance of the country” — courts have repeatedly read them with Article 21 to expand the right to dignified life.

Key Facts — Five NSAP Schemes

• IGNOAPS — Rs 200/month (age 60–79 BPL) / Rs 500/month (80+)
• IGNWPS — Widow pension: Rs 300/month (40–79) / Rs 500/month (80+)
• IGNDPS — Disability pension: Rs 300/month (18–79) / Rs 500/month (80+)
• NFBS — One-time Rs 20,000 on death of primary breadwinner (18–59)
• Annapurna — 10 kg foodgrains free per month to destitute seniors without IGNOAPS
• Status: All amounts unchanged since 2012
• Real value erosion: ~45% (CPI rose from 100 in 2012 to 191 in 2024)
• Equivalent today: Rs 200 (2012) ≈ Rs 382; Rs 500 ≈ Rs 955

Mnemonic — “OWD-NA” (Old, Widow, Disabled, NFBS, Annapurna)

Old age (IGNOAPS) · Widows (IGNWPS) · Disabled (IGNDPS) · NFBS (death benefit) · Annapurna (foodgrains). All 5 = NSAP. Article 41 is the parent DPSP.

Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions

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