(2) old age pension to very poor Explanation: The National Social Assistance Scheme (NSAS) or National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a flagship welfare programme of the Government of India initiated on 15 August. 1995. It provides a pension for the elderly who live below the poverty line. Article 41 of the Indian Constitution directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the limit of its economic capacity and development.