Overview of Social Welfare Schemes in Nagaland

The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, is the nodal agency for implementing various social security and welfare schemes. These schemes are designed to provide financial assistance and support to the most vulnerable sections of society, including senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities. The state primarily implements schemes under the Centrally Sponsored National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), along with its own state-specific initiatives.

Key Social Assistance Schemes (NSAP)

Nagaland implements the following key pension schemes under the National Social Assistance Programme:

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):

  Provides a monthly pension to individuals aged 60 and above who belong to a household living below the poverty line. The scheme offers a higher pension amount for beneficiaries who are 80 years and older.

• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS):

  Offers a monthly pension to widows aged 40 and above who are from a household living below the poverty line. This provides crucial financial support to women who have lost their spouses.

• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS):

  Provides a monthly pension to persons with severe or multiple disabilities (80% or more) who are aged 18 and above and living below the poverty line.

• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS):

  A one-time lump-sum grant of ₹20,000 is given to a household in the event of the death of the primary breadwinner between the ages of 18 and 59.

Nagaland State-Specific Pension Scheme

In addition to the central government schemes, the Government of Nagaland also has a state-funded pension program:

• State Old Age Pension Scheme:

  This scheme provides a monthly pension to indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland who are 70 years of age or older. The application and verification process for this scheme is also managed by the District Welfare Officer.

Application Process and Required Documents

The application for these schemes is primarily done through an offline process at the district level. Here is a general guide:

1. Application Form: Obtain the prescribed application form from the District Social Welfare Office or the concerned village/town council office.
2. Local Recommendation: The application form must be duly recommended and certified by the Village Council Chairman (VCC) or Town Committee Chairman (TCC), who will verify the applicant's age and economic status.
3. Document Submission: Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the `District Welfare Officer (DWO)` of your respective district.
4. Verification: The DWO and a district-level committee will conduct a final verification before sanctioning the pension.

Commonly Required Documents:

• Passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of Age (e.g., Birth Certificate, school leaving certificate).
• Proof of Residency/Domicile (e.g., Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate).
• Aadhaar Card.
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) certificate or proof.
• Bank passbook (for direct fund transfer).
• Relevant certificates (e.g., Disability Certificate, Death Certificate of spouse).

Important Official Portals and Contact

• Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland: The official website for all state-specific social welfare schemes. https://dsw.nagaland.gov.in/
• NSAP - National Social Assistance Programme: The central portal for NSAP schemes. https://nsap.nic.in/
• District Welfare Officer (DWO) Offices: For all applications and inquiries, contact your respective District Welfare Officer. Contact details can be found on the main Social Welfare Department website.
• Directorate of Social Welfare:
  • Address: Below NBCC Convention Hall, New Secretariat Road, Kohima, Nagaland. Pin code: 797004.
  • Phone: 0370-2270042
  • Email: socialwelfarengl@gmail.com

It is recommended to visit the official Department of Social Welfare website or the District Welfare Office for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding scheme guidelines, eligibility, and application procedures.