What programmes has the government adopted to help the elderly people and poor and destitute women?

The programmes adopted by government to help the elderly people and poor and destitute women are -

1) National Old Age Pension Scheme: The National Old Age Pension Scheme is a part of National Social Assistance Programme, which came into effect from 15th August 1995 and the objective of this scheme is to provide social assistance to old age persons.

2) National Family Benefit Scheme: The National Family Benefit Scheme is a part of National Social Assistance Programme, which came into effect from 15th August 1995 and objective of this scheme is to provide social assistance and benefits to the eligible families.

3) National Maternity Benefit Scheme: The National Maternity Benefit Scheme was launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development of Government of India in 1995. The pregnant woman who is of or above 19 years of age and has BPL card is eligible for the benefits of this scheme. Under this scheme Rs.500 per pregnancy is paid to women for pre-natal and post-natal maternity care up to first two live births.

4) Public Distribution System: Public Distribution system is a programme of government under which government sponsored chain of shops are entrusted with the responsibility of distribution of basic food and non food items to the needy section at very cheap prices. These shops are commonly known as ration shops.