Annapurna Scheme

The Annapurna Scheme aims to fulfill the needs of Senior Citizens who, despite being eligible, have not received benefits under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS), by providing food security. 10 kg of food grains is to be given to the beneficiary of the Annapurna Scheme “free of cost” every month. The program was introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2000–2001. This scheme is a part of the National Social Assistance Program which was launched in 1995 to provide support to aged persons, disabled persons, widows, and bereaved families after the death of the primary breadwinner.

Objective of the Annapurna Scheme:

It aims to provide food security to satisfy the needs of elderly people who are qualified but have not received benefits from the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS).

Features of the Annapurna Scheme:

• It is a Central Sector Scheme.
• The provision of food assistance is the major goal of this program.
• Under this program, 10 kg of food grains are given away each month to the elderly (above 65 years of age) and indigent who are poor and live on little to no income. 
• The target was set by the Indian government at 52215, which represents 20% of those who are eligible for the National Old Age Pension but are not receiving it for a variety of reasons. 
• The selection of beneficiaries and method of implementation is flexible for the states.
• The food grains are distributed to the State Governments in accordance with the regulations at BPL rates.
• The Gram Sabha choose the program’s beneficiaries, and the Gram Panchayat gives the beneficiaries their entitlement cards.

Eligibility criteria for Annapurna Scheme:

• The applicant must be at least 65 years old.
• The applicant should have no regular source of sustenance from his own income and be in extreme poverty.
• A National Old Age Pension Scheme or State Pension Scheme pensioner is not eligible to apply.

Implementing Authority of the Annapurna Scheme:

At the state level the State Departments of Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS) and at the district level, the District Collector/ Chief Executive Officer and Zila Panchayat are responsible for the implementation of this scheme. The responsibility for spreading information on how to obtain benefits under the Scheme rests with the Gram Panchayats

Allocation of Funds for Annapurna Scheme:

The State Departments of Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS) get funding from the central government in one installment. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and F&CS Department then collaborate to distribute food grains district-by-district upon payment of the cost of food grains at Central Issue Prices (CIP) straight to the FCI offices. At first, the food grains were provided at a reasonable price (Rs.9.80 per Kg). However, starting on 1.11.2000, food grains are provided to BPL families at CIP rates (Rs.4.90 per Kg). 

National Social Assistance Program:

National Social Assistance Program which was launched on 15th August, 1995. It was a crucial step in achieving the Directive Principles outlined in Article 41 of the Constitution. In addition to the benefits that states are already giving or may provide in the future, the program developed a National Policy for Social Assistance for the Poor and seeks to ensure a minimum national standard for social assistance. It is an umbrella program which included 5 schemes: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, National Family Benefit Scheme and Annapurna Scheme.

Related Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Q1. What is Annapurna Scheme?

Ans: The Annapurna Scheme is a central sector scheme which aims to fulfill the needs of Senior Citizens who, despite being eligible, have not received benefits under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS). It was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2000–2001. 

Q2. Who are Eligible under Annapurna Scheme? 

Ans: Eligibility criteria for Annapurna Scheme is:

• The applicant must be at least 65 years old.
• The applicant should have no regular source of sustenance from his own income and be in extreme poverty.
• A National Old Age Pension Scheme or State Pension Scheme pensioner is not eligible to apply.

Q3. Who is the Implementing Authority at State and district level for Annapurna Scheme?

Ans: At the state level the State Departments of Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS) and at the district level, the District Collector/ Chief Executive Officer are responsible for the implementation of this scheme.

Q4. What is National Social Assistance Program?

Ans: National Social Assistance Program which was launched on 15th August, 1995. It was a crucial step in achieving the Directive Principles outlined in Article 41 of the Constitution. This program developed a National Policy for Social Assistance for the Poor and seeks to ensure a minimum national standard for social assistance.

Q5. What was the target set by the government for the Annapurna Scheme?

Ans: The target was set by the Indian government at 52215, which represents 20% of those who are eligible for the National Old Age Pension but are not receiving it for a variety of reasons.