The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The approval includes three major components: renaming of the scheme and sub-schemes, revision in eligibility criteria and coverage for disability pension, and continuation of pension schemes for old aged and widows along with the family benefit scheme in their existing form.
Scheme Renaming
The program has been comprehensively renamed with all sub-schemes receiving new titles. The main program NSAP is now called Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) becomes Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is now Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) becomes Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, and the National Family Benefit scheme is renamed Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.
Disability Pension Revisions
Significant changes have been made to the disability pension scheme. The amount of assistance has been enhanced to ₹375 per month for beneficiaries in the age group of 0-79 years and ₹625 per month for those aged 80 years and above. The eligibility criteria have been substantially expanded: the benchmark disability requirement has been reduced from 80% to 40%, and the minimum age criterion has been eliminated, now allowing eligibility since birth.
Continuation and Benefits
The pension schemes for old aged individuals and widows, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form without changes. This approval will benefit a total of 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories in India.
Implementation Timeline
The implementation strategy requires guidelines incorporating the changed eligibility criteria, number of beneficiaries, and revised assistance rates under the disability pension scheme to be issued and implemented within three months from the approval date.
Background and Legal Basis
The National Social Assistance Programme was originally launched on 15th August 1995 to provide assistance to poor households, fulfilling the Central Government's responsibility under the Directive Principles of State Policy in Article 41 of the Constitution of India. The changes in disability pension criteria were necessitated by the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016, which mandates that disability-related assistance must be at least 25% higher than similarly placed schemes for other categories.