This document summarizes Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4274, addressed to the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment on August 19, 2025, regarding the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and its impact on Scheduled Castes (SC). The query focuses on the utilization of funds allocated under the NSAP for the welfare of SC beneficiaries over the preceding ten years, details of unutilized funds, and the need for budget enhancement.
The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, responded that separate budget provisions for SC beneficiaries have been made since the financial year 2021-22. The response provides a breakdown of funds allocated, released, and unutilized under the NSAP for SC beneficiaries from FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25:
* **2021-22:** Allocation: ₹1,655.03 Crore; Released: ₹1,597.56 Crore; Unutilized: ₹57.47 Crore
* **2022-23:** Allocation: ₹1,722.54 Crore; Released: ₹1,808.86 Crore; Unutilized: ₹0.0 Crore
* **2023-24:** Allocation: ₹1,735.36 Crore; Released: ₹1,733.19 Crore; Unutilized: ₹2.17 Crore
* **2024-25:** Allocation: ₹1,732.86 Crore; Released: ₹1,732.86 Crore; Unutilized: ₹0.0 Crore
The response also notes that a proposal for revamping the NSAP, including revisions to eligibility criteria, assistance rates, and sharing arrangements with states, was considered during the 15th Financial Commission cycle (2021-26). However, the government approved the continuation of NSAP schemes in their present form. The annual overall budget outlay under NSAP is determined based on actual requirements, considering the total number of beneficiaries and the rate of assistance.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: A ministry in the Government of India responsible for the welfare and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized groups.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
National Social Assistance Component Programme Scheme: A scheme aimed at providing social assistance to specific vulnerable groups in India.
Dr. Alok Kumar Suman: A member of Lok Sabha who raised a question regarding the National Social Assistance Component Programme Scheme.
Scheduled Castes: A group of historically disadvantaged communities recognized by the Constitution of India, also known as SC.
Shri Ramdas Athawale: Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment who provided the answer to the question in Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Rural Development: A ministry in the Government of India responsible for rural development and poverty alleviation programs.
National Social Assistance Programme: A social welfare program providing financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities. Also known as NSAP.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4274
TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025
NATIONAL SOCIAL ASSISTANCE COMPONENT PROGRAMME SCHEME
4274. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:
Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is fact that.funds allocated under the National Social Assistance Component
Programme Scheme are not utilised for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes of the country during
the last ten years;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details about the unutilized funds under the National Social Assistance Programme during
the last ten years; and
(d) whether it is fact that budget allocated under the National Social Assistance Component
Programme for Scheduled Castes urgently need enhancement, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)
(a) to (c): As per information provided by Ministry of Rural Development separate budget
provision for Scheduled Caste (SC) beneficiaries is made from 2021-22. The details of funds
allocated, released and unutilized in SC heads under National Social Assistance Programme
(NSAP) for the period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25 are as given below:
(Rs. In Crore)
Financial Year Allocation Released Unutilised funds
2021-22 1,655.03 1,597.56 57.47
2022-23 1,722.54 1,808.86 0.0
2023-24 1,735.36 1,733.19 2.17
2024-2025 1,732.86 1,732.86 0.0
(d): Based on various recommendations and evaluation studies, a proposal for revamping of
NSAP, which inter-alia included revision in eligibility criteria, rate of assistance and sharing
arrangement with the States was considered during continuation of NSAP for the 15th Financial
Commission cycle (2021-26). However, Government had approved continuation of NSAP
schemes in its present form. The annual overall budget outlay under NSAP is sought as per
actual requirements based on total number of beneficiaries and rate of assistance.
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