On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The programme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with revised eligibility criteria and pension assistance for persons with disabilities.
Key Points
- New name: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) → Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
- Duration: 2026–27 to 2030–31 (five years).
- Total outlay: ₹53,428 crore.
- Beneficiaries: Approximately 3.20 crore people across all 36 States and Union Territories.
- Disability pension assistance:
- Up to 79 years of age: ₹375.
- 80 years and above: ₹625.
- Benchmark disability criterion: Reduced from 80% to 40%.
- Minimum age for disability pension: Since birth.
- Implementation: Revised guidelines for disability pension are to be issued and implemented within three months.
- Pension schemes for senior citizens and widows, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form.
Renamed Schemes
| Existing Scheme | New Name |
|---|---|
| National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) | Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana |
| National Family Benefit Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana |
