Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: Rs 1,000 a month for TB patients and how to get it

Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.

Key points

• Rs 1,000 a month for nutrition, during the full treatment period.
• Patients with BMI below 18.5 get extra energy-dense food for the first two months.
• Money is paid directly into the bank account.
• Your TB treatment must be registered in the Ni-kshay system.

So what exactly does a TB patient get?

Every TB patient under treatment gets Rs 1,000 a month as nutrition support.

This amount was doubled from Rs 500 in October 2024. The amount can change, so please confirm on the official site.

It is paid for the whole period of treatment, through Direct Benefit Transfer to the bank account.

Patients who are underweight also get energy-dense nutrition supplements for the first two months of treatment. Their body mass index must be less than 18.5 at diagnosis.

Household contacts of TB patients can also get food baskets through Ni-kshay Mitras, to improve family immunity.

Who can get this support, and who cannot?

The main condition is simple. You must be a TB patient who is getting treatment under the national TB programme.

Your case must be registered in the Ni-kshay system. Your treatment centre or TB officer does this.

The scheme is for all TB patients in India, whatever their income or category.

Private treatment outside the national programme may not be covered. Please check with your nearest TB unit.

Why was this scheme started, and what has changed?

The scheme was launched on September 9, 2022, under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare runs it. Its aim is to support patients with nutrition, tests and vocational help.

In October 2024, the monthly support was doubled to Rs 1,000. Household contacts of TB patients were also brought under the scheme.

What documents should you keep ready?

Keep your Aadhaar card, and a bank account linked with Aadhaar.

Keep your TB treatment card or Ni-kshay ID, which your treatment centre gives you.

Keep a mobile number that is active, so you get updates and OTPs.

How do you apply, step by step?

Most patients do not apply on their own. Your TB treatment centre registers you in the Ni-kshay system.

Go to your nearest government TB unit, or the District TB Officer's office, and say you want the nutrition support.

Give them your Aadhaar and bank details. They will update your record on nikshay.in.

Once your case is verified, the payment starts through your bank account.

How do you check payment, and what if it is stuck?

Ask your treatment centre or TB officer to check your payment status in the Ni-kshay system.

The most common reasons for delay are a bank account not linked with Aadhaar, or wrong details in the record.

You can call the national TB helpline on 1800116666 for help.

Important tips and warnings

Never pay anyone to get this support. Government TB units do not charge for it.

Beware of callers asking for OTP, PIN or money. Only share your details at a government TB unit.

Keep taking your TB medicines on time. Support is only given during the treatment period.

Frequently asked questions

How much money does a TB patient get each month?

The support is Rs 1,000 a month during treatment, after it was doubled from Rs 500 in October 2024. Please confirm the current figure on nikshay.in.

Do I need to apply separately?

Usually no. Your TB treatment centre registers you in the Ni-kshay system, and the support is linked to your case.

Does household contact get money too?

Household contacts are covered mainly through food baskets distributed by Ni-kshay Mitras. They are not paid cash directly under this scheme.

For how long is the support paid?

It is paid for the whole period of TB treatment. The payment stops when treatment ends.

Can I get help if I am underweight?

Yes. Patients with BMI below 18.5 get energy-dense nutrition supplements for the first two months of treatment.