Cabinet approves ₹53,428 crore for NSAP, now Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

Union Cabinet has approved ₹53,428 crore for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31. NSAP is now renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The "Indira Gandhi" prefix is dropped from all its sub-schemes.

Old age pension scheme is renamed Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. Widow pension scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana. Disability pension scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana. National Family Benefit Scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana. Pension for old age and widows, and the family benefit scheme, continue in the existing form.

Disability pension rules change the most. The benchmark disability needed to qualify comes down from 80% to 40%. The minimum age limit is gone, so pension can start from birth. Monthly support for eligible people up to 79 years rises from ₹200 to ₹375. For those 80 years and above, it is ₹625.

The scheme gets full central funding and covers 3.20 crore people in all 36 states and Union Territories. Guidelines on the new disability pension rules will be issued and implemented within three months.