The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) approved an outlay of ₹53,428 crore for the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with revised eligibility criteria and assistance rates for disability pension beneficiaries.
The revised eligibility criteria, beneficiary coverage and assistance rates under the disability pension scheme will be implemented within three months of the issuance of guidelines, the statement read.
The scheme will be renamed the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana’, while its pension and family benefit components will also be renamed, according to an official statement.
Launched on August 15, 1995, the NSAP provides assistance to poor households as part of the Centre’s responsibility under Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution. The Centre provides 100% central assistance under the programme to ensure uniform availability of support to beneficiaries across the country.
The Cabinet’s approval is expected to benefit 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union territories. The pension schemes for the elderly and widows, along with the National Family Benefit Scheme, will continue in their existing form.
