Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeDepartment of Food & Public Distribution
National Food Security Act and Targeted Public Distribution System
What the scheme does
A rights-based food-security framework implemented through the Targeted Public Distribution System.
Who it is for
States and Union Territories identify Priority Households and Antyodaya Anna Yojana households within their allotted coverage. Eligibility, ration cards and grievance handling are administered by the state or UT.
Current benefit
Priority Households are entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month. Antyodaya Anna Yojana households are entitled to 35 kg per family per month. Pregnant women, lactating mothers and children have separate nutrition entitlements under the Act.
How to access it
Apply for or update a ration card through the relevant state or UT food and civil-supplies system. The state identifies eligible households and distributes foodgrains through Fair Price Shops.
Conditions to know
Keep the state-issued ration card and any identity or family documents required by the state. Household identification and Priority/AAY classification are state responsibilities under the Act.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: NFSA 2013; rights-based food security; up to 75% rural and 50% urban coverage; 5 kg per Priority Household person and 35 kg per AAY household per month.
PolitySocial welfareEconomy
Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeMinistry of Rural Development
National Social Assistance Programme
What the scheme does
A social-assistance framework supporting eligible vulnerable people through pension and related assistance components.
Who it is for
The programme covers vulnerable people in Below Poverty Line households identified by states and UTs. Age, disability, widowhood, household and state conditions differ across its five components.
Current benefit
NSAP has five components: old-age pension, widow pension, disability pension, National Family Benefit Scheme and Annapurna. Central assistance includes ₹200 a month for eligible old-age beneficiaries aged 60–79 and ₹500 at age 80+, while states may add their own top-up; other component amounts follow their current rules.
How to access it
Apply through the state or UT social-welfare, panchayat, municipal or designated pension portal or office. The state verifies BPL and component eligibility, then processes payment through its implementation system.
Conditions to know
Keep BPL or state-identified household records, age, widowhood or disability documents, bank details and other state-required proof. State top-ups and actual disbursement can be higher than the Central share.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: launched 15 August 1995; five components; BPL social assistance; Central pension share plus possible state top-up; Ministry of Rural Development.
Social welfareRural developmentGovernance
Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana
What the scheme does
An umbrella programme for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes through its notified components.
Who it is for
The scheme serves Scheduled Caste communities through its notified development, livelihood, residential-school and grant components. Eligibility and selection are determined by the applicable component, state or district implementing authority and current guidelines.
Current benefit
PM-AJAY brings together development of SC-dominated villages, grants to state or UT governments and institutions, and support for livelihoods, skill development and residential education under its components. The type and amount of support depend on the approved component and implementing authority.
How to access it
The relevant state, district, institution or implementing agency identifies and processes beneficiaries under the active component. Check the Ministry or state social-welfare department’s current notices rather than relying on a generic single application claim.
Conditions to know
The correct conditions depend on the component: community-development projects, livelihood support and residential education have different implementing and selection routes. Verify the current state or ministry notice for the specific benefit.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana; Scheduled Caste socio-economic development; village development, grants, livelihoods, skills and residential education components.
Social justiceGovernanceSocial welfare
Social Welfare & Empowerment
Central schemeMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment
SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise
What the scheme does
An umbrella scheme focused on rehabilitation, welfare and livelihood support for specified marginalised groups.
Who it is for
SMILE has separate components for the comprehensive rehabilitation and welfare of transgender persons and for support for persons engaged in begging. Access depends on the relevant component, identification and implementation channel.
Current benefit
For transgender persons, the official component includes skill development and livelihood support, medical-health support, Garima Greh shelters, the National Portal for Transgender Persons and protection-cell measures. The scheme also has a component for rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging; benefits vary by component and local delivery.
How to access it
Use the official transgender-person portal or the relevant state social-welfare, shelter, health or rehabilitation channel for the applicable component. Local implementation agencies guide enrolment and services.
Conditions to know
The two components must be kept separate in answers: transgender-person welfare and rehabilitation, and support for persons engaged in begging. Eligibility, documentation and service points depend on the component and state implementation.
Exam answer in one line
Remember: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise; welfare and rehabilitation of transgender persons, plus a separate component for persons engaged in begging; Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Social justiceSocial welfareGovernance