Context
- The Union Cabinet has approved continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
- The approval also includes renaming of the programme and major sub-schemes and important reforms in the disability pension component.
About National Social Assistance Programme
- NSAP is a centrally funded social assistance programme with 100% central assistance, launched on 15 August 1995.
- It provides financial support to vulnerable Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, particularly the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities and bereaved families.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and covers both rural and urban areas.
- The programme reflects Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which calls for public assistance in cases such as old age, sickness and disablement.
Major Components
- Old Age Pension: ₹200 per month for eligible persons aged 60–79 years and ₹500 for those aged 80 years and above.
- Widow Pension: ₹300 per month for eligible widows aged 40–79 years and ₹500 for those aged 80 years and above.
- Disability Pension: Earlier provided ₹300 per month to eligible persons aged 18–79 years with severe or multiple disabilities and ₹500 for those aged 80 years and above.
- National Family Benefit Scheme: Provides ₹20,000 one-time assistance to a BPL household after the death of its primary breadwinner aged 18–59 years.
- Annapurna Scheme: Provides 10 kg of foodgrains per month to eligible elderly persons who remain uncovered by old-age pension.
Key Changes Approved in 2026
- NSAP has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
- Major sub-schemes have been renamed:
- Old Age Pension → Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
- Widow Pension → Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana
- Disability Pension → Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana
- Family Benefit Scheme → Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana
- Under the Divyangjan Pension Yojana:
- benchmark disability eligibility has been reduced from 80% to 40%;
- the minimum age requirement has been removed, allowing eligible beneficiaries to be covered from birth;
- assistance has increased to ₹375 per month for ages 0–79 and ₹625 for those aged 80 years and above.
- The old-age pension, widow pension and family benefit provisions continue in their existing form.
- The programme is expected to cover around 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories.
Significance of the Reform
- Wider disability coverage: Lowering the disability threshold to 40% expands eligibility.
- Lifecycle protection: Coverage from birth removes an important age-related exclusion.
- Stronger social security: Continued pension and family assistance provide minimum income support to vulnerable households.
- Administrative continuity: The reforms update the programme while retaining its core social assistance structure.
FAQs
Q1. When was NSAP launched?
It was launched on 15 August 1995.
Q2. Which ministry implements NSAP?
The Ministry of Rural Development.
Q3. What is the new name of NSAP?
Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
Q4. What is the revised disability criterion?
A benchmark disability of 40%, compared with 80% earlier.
Q5. What is the approved outlay for 2026-27 to 2030-31?
₹53,428 crore.
