Cabinet Approves Continuation of National Social Assistance Programme with Rs 53,428 Crore Outlay
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of Rs. 53,428 crore. The approval includes three major components: renaming of the scheme and all sub-schemes, revision in eligibility criteria and coverage for disability pension, and continuation of pension schemes for old aged persons and widows along with the family benefit scheme in their existing form.
Scheme Renaming and Restructuring
The programme has been comprehensively renamed from National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) to Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. All sub-schemes have also been renamed: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, and National Family Benefit scheme becomes 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 Rs. 375 per month for beneficiaries in the age group of 0-79 years and Rs. 625 per month for those aged 80 years and above. The eligibility criteria for benchmark disability has been reduced from 80% to 40%, substantially broadening coverage. Additionally, the minimum age criterion for disability pension has been eliminated, making beneficiaries eligible from birth.
Implementation and Beneficiary Coverage
The programme will benefit a total of 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories. Implementation guidelines incorporating the changed eligibility criteria, number of beneficiaries, and revised assistance rates under the disability pension scheme will be issued and operationalized within three months from the approval date.
Background and Constitutional Context
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 align with 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.