The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from FY27 to FY31, with a total outlay of Rs 53,428 crore. The programme will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with changes to disability pension eligibility criteria and assistance amounts.

The revised framework includes renaming the existing schemes, expanding coverage under the disability pension programme and increasing financial assistance for eligible beneficiaries. Pension schemes for senior citizens and widows, along with the National Family Benefit Scheme, will continue in their existing form.

Under the revised structure, the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, while the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme will become the Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana. The disability pension scheme will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, and the National Family Benefit Scheme will be known as the Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.

Changes in Disability Pension

The government has revised the eligibility criteria for disability pensions, reducing the benchmark disability requirement from 80% to 40%. The minimum age requirement has also been removed, making individuals eligible for the scheme from birth, subject to the applicable conditions.

Under the revised assistance structure, beneficiaries aged 0–79 years will receive Rs 375, while those aged 80 years and above will receive Rs 625 under the disability pension scheme.

Coverage and Implementation

The approval is expected to benefit approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories. The Department of Rural Development will issue guidelines covering the revised eligibility criteria, beneficiary numbers and assistance rates under the disability pension scheme within three months.

The continuation of the programme aims to maintain social security support for vulnerable sections of society while expanding access to disability pensions.