Social Assistance refers to welfare programs provided by the government without requiring prior contributions from beneficiaries. Unlike Social Insurance, which is funded by employees and employers, Social Assistance is funded entirely by the government and targeted at the poor, elderly, disabled, unemployed, or socially disadvantaged groups.
It is a crucial component of India’s social security system, aiming to promote economic justice and alleviate poverty through non-contributory benefits.
Key Features of Social Assistance:
- Non-contributory: Beneficiaries do not need to pay into the system.
- Means-tested: Often based on income level or social criteria.
- State-funded: Fully or partially financed by the central or state government.
- Targeted: Aimed at the most vulnerable populations such as women, children, disabled, and aged citizens.
Major Social Assistance Schemes in India:
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
A centrally sponsored scheme that provides financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and disabled persons in Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
Includes:
- 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)
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):
Though partially contributory via work, it includes social assistance principles by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
Public Distribution System (PDS):
Provides subsidized food and essentials to BPL families under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
Ensures nutritious food to children in government schools, addressing malnutrition and promoting education.
Scholarships and Education Aid:
Pre- and post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/Minority students under various state and central schemes.
Legal and Constitutional Backing:
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV of the Constitution (Articles 38, 39, 41, and 47) guide the state to promote welfare, right to work, education, public assistance, and raise the standard of living.
- Though not enforceable by law, these articles form the moral basis for enacting Social Assistance laws.
Importance of Social Assistance:
- Reduces poverty and inequality.
- Provides safety net for the most vulnerable.
- Ensures basic human dignity and social inclusion.
- Promotes socio-economic justice as envisioned by the Constitution.
Mnemonic to Remember Major Social Assistance Programs:
“WOMEN FIGHT BACK”
W – Widow Pension (IGNWPS)
O – Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS)
M – Mid-Day Meal Scheme
E – Educational Scholarships
N – National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
FIGHT – Food Security (PDS)
BACK – BPL-based Cash benefits (NSAP), Assistance for Disabled (IGNDPS), Children nutrition programs, Kisan & rural job programs (MGNREGA)
