The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore, while expanding disability pension eligibility and increasing assistance.
The programme will be renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The decision, taken by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will benefit 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and Union Territories.
Under the renamed Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, assistance will rise to ₹375 for beneficiaries aged up to 79 and ₹625 for those aged 80 and above.
The qualifying disability threshold will be reduced from 80% to the benchmark disability level of 40%. Eligibility will also begin from birth under the revised minimum-age criterion.
Guidelines covering the changes in eligibility, beneficiary numbers and assistance rates will be issued and implemented within three months.
The old-age and widow pension schemes and the family benefit scheme will continue in their existing form, with new names.
The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme will become Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, while the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme will be renamed Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
The National Family Benefit Scheme will become Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.
Launched on August 15, 1995, the National Social Assistance Programme provides assistance to poor households in fulfilment of the Centre’s responsibilities under Article 41 of the Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy. It receives 100% central assistance to ensure uniform availability of support across the country.
The government said the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, necessitated linking disability pension eligibility to the 40% benchmark. The Act also mandates disability-related assistance to be at least 25% higher than comparable schemes for other categories.
