Cabinet Approves Continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for Five Years From 2026-27 to 2030-31

Key Highlights:

• The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
• NSAP will be renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, and its sub-schemes will also be rebranded with "Pradhan Mantri" prefixes.
• Eligibility criteria for Divyangjan pension have been revised, reducing the benchmark disability from 80% to 40% and removing the minimum age criterion.
• Assistance rates for Divyangjan pension are now ₹375 for ages 0-79 and ₹625 for 80 years and above.
• The approval is set to benefit a total of 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States/UTs.

Detailed Insights:

• The original National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was launched on August 15, 1995, to provide assistance to poor households.
• Its establishment fulfilled the Central Government's responsibility under Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
• The scheme ensures 100% central assistance to provide uniform benefits to beneficiaries nationwide.
• The changes in Divyangjan pension align with the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016, which mandates a 40% benchmark disability.
• The Act also requires disability-related assistance to be 25% higher than similarly placed schemes for other categories.
• Pension schemes for old aged, widows, and the family benefit scheme will continue in their existing forms without changes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): A social security and welfare program providing financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Guidelines in the Indian Constitution for the state to establish a just society, including social security.
• Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016: Indian legislation promoting and protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
• Benchmark Disability: A specified disability of 40% or more, as certified by a medical authority, for availing benefits under various schemes.