Rural social assistance and welfare programmes in India constitute a crucial pillar of the country’s development strategy, aimed at addressing poverty, vulnerability, social exclusion, and inequality in rural areas where a significant proportion of the population resides. These programmes are designed to provide income support, food security, health protection, housing, social security, and livelihood opportunities to disadvantaged and marginalized sections such as small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other vulnerable groups. Rooted in the constitutional vision of social justice and equity, rural welfare initiatives in India have evolved over time in response to changing socio-economic conditions, development priorities, and governance reforms. One of the most important components of rural social assistance in India is the social security framework for the poor and vulnerable. The National Social Assistance Programme represents a landmark initiative in this regard. Introduced as a centrally sponsored scheme, it provides direct financial assistance to elderly persons, widows, and persons with disabilities belonging to below poverty line households. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme ensures a minimum pension to senior citizens who lack regular income support, helping them meet basic needs and maintain dignity in old age. Similarly, the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme provides financial support to widows, many of whom face economic hardship and social marginalization in rural areas. The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme addresses the specific vulnerabilities of persons with severe disabilities by offering regular pension support. In addition, the National Family Benefit Scheme offers one-time assistance to families in the event of the death of a primary breadwinner, thereby cushioning sudden economic shocks. Food security is another critical dimension of rural welfare, given the persistence of poverty, malnutrition, and food insecurity in many parts of rural India. The Public Distribution System has been a long-standing mechanism to ensure access to essential food grains at subsidized prices. Under the National Food Security Act, a large proportion of the rural population is entitled to receive rice, wheat, and coarse grains through the Targeted Public Distribution System. Antyodaya Anna Yojana focuses on the