The Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a government-backed scheme launched by the Government of India to provide financial assistance to Tuberculosis (TB) patients for their nutritional needs during treatment. Under this scheme, eligible TB patients receive Rs. 1,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to support a proper diet and recovery. The scheme ensures that patients complete their treatment without financial stress and contributes to the goal of eliminating TB from India.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Nikshay Poshan Yojana. |
| Date of Launch | 2018. |
| Benefits Provided | Rs. 1,000 per month financial assistance to TB patients. |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | All notified TB patients are registered under the Nikshay system. |
| Responsible Agency | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. |
| How to Apply | Automatic enrollment through the Nikshay Portal after TB diagnosis (No direct application). |
| Free Scheme Updates | WhatsApp | Telegram |

Introduction of Nikshay Poshan Yojana: A Brief Insight
The Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a government-backed welfare scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018 to provide nutritional and financial support to patients suffering from Tuberculosis (TB). Under this scheme, the government provides financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to all notified TB patients so that they can maintain proper nutrition during their treatment period and recover faster. The scheme plays an important role in reducing the financial burden on patients and improving treatment outcomes.
This scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). It is supported by the National TB Elimination Programme framework and operates through the Nikshay Portal, which is a web-based patient management system developed by the Central TB Division in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The name “Nikshay” itself means “Ni” (End) and “Kshay” (TB), reflecting the government’s goal to eliminate tuberculosis from India.
The main objective of Nikshay Poshan Yojana is to provide financial support to TB patients so that they can afford nutritious food and continue their treatment without interruption. The scheme also complements major healthcare initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which provides health insurance coverage to economically weaker families, ensuring complete healthcare support. The scheme covers both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB patients and ensures that the financial assistance is directly transferred into the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and timely payments.
All TB patients who are diagnosed and notified under the Nikshay system are eligible to receive benefits under this scheme. Patients registered in both government and notified private health facilities are included, provided their details are updated in the system and verified by health authorities.
There is no need for a separate application process under this scheme. Once a patient is diagnosed with TB, health officials register the patient on the Nikshay Portal, generate a unique Nikshay ID, and initiate the DBT process after verification. The system also helps in tracking treatment progress and ensuring that benefits are provided throughout the treatment period.
In case of any assistance, patients can visit their nearest government hospital, TB centre, or contact the NI-KSHAY Helpdesk for support. The scheme ensures that no TB patient is left without support, making it a crucial initiative in India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis.
This scheme is especially beneficial for economically weaker TB patients who often struggle to maintain proper nutrition during treatment. By ensuring monthly financial support, the government aims to reduce treatment default rates and improve recovery outcomes, which directly supports India’s mission to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025.
Further, you can explore the complete list of Indian Government welfare schemes here.
Latest Update on Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Increased Monthly Assistance
The Government of India has significantly increased the monthly nutritional support under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Effective from 1st November 2024, the monthly assistance has been doubled from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per month for all TB patients. The government also approved an additional allocation of Rs. 1,040 crores to support this expansion and ensure better nutritional outcomes for TB patients.
Note: TB patients registered on the Nikshay Portal before 1st November 2024 will continue to receive Rs. 500 per month until further updates from state authorities. Only newly registered patients from 1st November 2024 onwards will receive Rs. 1,000 per month.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Government of India provides financial and nutritional support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana to help TB patients maintain proper nutrition during their treatment period and improve recovery outcomes.
- Financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per month is provided to TB patients.
- The benefit is given for the entire duration of TB treatment.
- The amount is transferred directly into the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The scheme covers both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB patients.
- Patients from both Government and notified Private Health Facilities are eligible to receive benefits.
- The financial support helps patients meet their nutritional needs during treatment.
- The scheme encourages treatment adherence and reduces dropout rates.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Government of India provides benefits under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana only to eligible TB patients who are identified and registered under the National TB Elimination Programme through the Nikshay Portal.
- The beneficiary must be a diagnosed Tuberculosis (TB) patient.
- The patient must be notified and registered on the Nikshay Portal.
- Both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB patients are eligible.
- Patients receiving treatment from the Government or notified Private Health Facilities are eligible.
- The beneficiary must have a valid bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Aadhaar details (preferred) should be available for identification and verification.
- The patient must be undergoing treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Documents Required to be Attached
The Government of India provides benefits under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana through the Nikshay Portal, where TB patients are registered and verified by health authorities. Although there is no direct application form, the following documents and details are required for identification, verification, and smooth transfer of financial assistance.
- Aadhaar Card of the TB Patient (preferred for identification and DBT).
- Bank Account Details (for Direct Benefit Transfer of ₹1,000 per month).
- Proof of TB Diagnosis (issued by the Government or a notified Private Health Facility).
- Nikshay ID (generated after registration on Nikshay Portal).
- Mobile Number (for communication and updates).
Additional Requirements During Treatment:
- Patient must be registered and notified on the Nikshay Portal.
- Bank account should be active and linked for DBT.
- Treatment details must be regularly updated by health officials in the system.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
The Government of India does not provide a direct public application process for the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. TB patients are automatically enrolled under the scheme through the Nikshay Portal by health authorities at the time of diagnosis. The process works as follows :
Step 1 – Diagnosis of TB Patient: The patient is diagnosed with Tuberculosis at a Government hospital or a notified Private Health Facility.
Step 2 – Registration on Nikshay Portal: The concerned health official registers the patient on the Nikshay Portal and generates a unique Nikshay ID.
Step 3 – Submission of Details: Patient details such as Aadhaar, bank account information, and mobile number are updated in the system.
Step 4 – Verification Process: The registered details are verified by health authorities under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Step 5 – Activation of DBT: After successful verification, the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) process is initiated for the beneficiary.
Step 6 – Monthly Financial Assistance: The amount of Rs. 1,000 per month is credited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account during the treatment period.
Step 7 – Monitoring of Treatment: The patient’s treatment progress is regularly monitored and updated through the Nikshay system to ensure continuous benefit.
Conclusion
The Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a crucial initiative by the Government of India that directly supports TB patients by providing monthly financial assistance for nutritional needs. By linking financial aid with treatment monitoring through the Nikshay system, the scheme ensures better recovery, reduces treatment dropouts, and strengthens India’s fight against Tuberculosis. Eligible patients should ensure proper registration to receive uninterrupted benefits.
Important Links Available
- Nikshay Portal (TB Patient Registration and DBT System).
- National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) Official Website.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Official Website.
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana Scheme Details on Nikshay Portal.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- For any assistance related to Nikshay Poshan Yojana, beneficiaries can visit their nearest Government Hospital or TB Treatment Centre.
- Patients can also contact their District TB Officer (DTO) or local health worker (ASHA/ANM) for help regarding registration, treatment, and DBT benefits.
- NIKSHAY Helpdesk :-
- Toll-Free Helpline Number :- 1800116666
- Email :- helpdesk.nikshay@rntpc.org
- Central TB Division (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) :-
- Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi – 110011, India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Nikshay Poshan Yojana?
Ans. Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a government scheme that provides financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month to TB patients for nutritional support during their treatment.
Q. Who launched Nikshay Poshan Yojana?
Ans. The Government of India launched this scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as part of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Q. How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
Ans. Eligible TB patients receive Rs. 1,000 per month during the entire duration of their treatment.
Q. Who is eligible to get benefits under Nikshay Poshan Yojana?
Ans. All TB patients who are diagnosed and registered on the Nikshay Portal under NTEP are eligible for benefits.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for this scheme?
Ans. Aadhaar is preferred for identification and DBT, but the main requirement is that the patient must be registered on the Nikshay system.
Q. How can a patient apply for Nikshay Poshan Yojana?
Ans. There is no direct application process. Patients are automatically enrolled when they are diagnosed and registered by health officials on the Nikshay Portal.
Q. How is the payment made to beneficiaries?
Ans. The amount is transferred directly into the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q. Can private hospital patients get benefits under this scheme?
Ans. Yes, TB patients diagnosed in private hospitals are also eligible if they are notified on the Nikshay system.
Q. What is Nikshay Portal?
Ans. Nikshay is a web-based patient management and tracking system used by the government to register TB patients, monitor treatment, and transfer benefits.
Q. What should I do if I am not receiving the payment?
Ans. You should contact your nearest TB centre, health worker, or District TB Officer to check your registration and bank details.
Q. For how long will the financial assistance be provided?
Ans. The financial assistance is provided for the entire duration of the TB treatment.
Q. What is the helpline number for Nikshay-related issues?
Ans. You can contact the NI-KSHAY Helpdesk at toll-free number 1800116666 for assistance.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.
