Cabinet approves continuation of National Social Assistance Programme for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31
The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of NSAP as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana with a ₹53,428 crore outlay until 2031.
In a major boost to social security, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has officially approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for a five-year period. Spanning from 2026-27 to 2030-31, the massive initiative comes with a total financial outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
A Major Rebrand: From NSAP to PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana
The government has decided to overhaul the identity of the long-standing programme. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) will now be known as the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. This rebranding extends to all its constituent sub-schemes to ensure a more unified identity under the new banner.
The new names for the sub-schemes are as follows:
- Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana: Formerly the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).
- Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana: Formerly the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS).
- Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana: Formerly the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS).
- Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana: Formerly the National Family Benefit Scheme.
Significant Relief for Divyangjan
One of the most impactful changes in this approval involves the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana. The government has significantly lowered the barrier for entry and increased the financial support for persons with disabilities.
Under the new guidelines, the criteria for 'benchmark disability' has been slashed from the current 80% to just 40%. Furthermore, the minimum age for receiving this pension has been adjusted to start from birth, ensuring much earlier support for those in need.
The revised rates of assistance for the Divyangjan pension are:
- ₹375 per month for the age group of 0 to 79 years.
- ₹625 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
These changes align with the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016, which mandates that disability-related assistance should be higher than other similar social welfare schemes.
Continuity for Elderly and Widows
While the disability pension sees significant structural changes, the government has opted for stability in other areas. The pension schemes specifically designed for the elderly, widows, and the family benefit scheme will continue in their existing forms to ensure that no vulnerable citizen is left without support during this transition.
The Cabinet has directed that the detailed guidelines—covering the new eligibility criteria, the number of beneficiaries, and the specific rates of assistance—will be issued and implemented within the next three months.
A Legacy of Social Responsibility
Originally launched on August 15, 1995, the NSAP was established to assist poor households, fulfilling the Central Government's responsibility under the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 41 of the Constitution). By providing 100 per cent central assistance, the government aims to ensure that social security benefits are distributed uniformly across every corner of the country.