Cabinet Renames the National Social Assistance Programme as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

14 October 2026National

The Union Cabinet approved on 14 October the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a Rs 53,428 crore outlay as 100% central assistance, and renamed it the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. It covers 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories. Its four components were renamed the Vridhavastha, Vidhawa, Divyangjan and Parivar Labh schemes. Disability pension rises from Rs 300 to Rs 375 a month up to age 79 and Rs 500 to Rs 625 at 80-plus, with the benchmark disability threshold cut from 80% to 40% and the minimum age bar removed.

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The National Social Assistance Programme was launched on 15 August 1995 and is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development | NSAP gives effect to Article 41 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle under which the State is to provide public assistance in old age, sickness and disablement | The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was enacted in 2016 and recognises 21 disabilities

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