Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

Key Highlights:

• The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) has been renamed to Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
• The Union Cabinet approved its continuation for five years (2026-27 to 2030-31) with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore.
• The disability pension, now Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, has been revised to use a 40% benchmark disability as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
• The minimum eligibility age for disability pension has been removed, making it applicable from birth.
• Central assistance for disability pension increased to Rs 375/month for ages 0-79 and Rs 625/month for 80 years and above.
• The number of beneficiaries under the disability scheme is projected to increase from 8.33 Lakhs to 27.48 Lakhs.
• Other sub-schemes (old age, widow, family benefit) continue in their existing forms with new names.

Detailed Insights:

• NSAP was launched on August 15, 1995, to give effect to Article 41 of the Constitution, providing public assistance.
• It is a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme, ensuring minimum support for Below Poverty Line (BPL) households across the country.
• The program comprises monthly pensions for the old aged, widows, persons with disabilities, and a one-time family benefit.
• States and Union Territories implement these schemes, often adding their own top-ups to the central assistance rates.
• Previously, the disability pension required 80% severe disability and a minimum age of 18 years for eligibility.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 defines Benchmark Disability as not less than 40% of a specified disability.
• The revised disability pension aligns with this 40% benchmark, significantly expanding coverage to more individuals, including children from birth.
• This decision benefits persons with 40-79% disability, children with benchmark disability, and existing beneficiaries through enhanced rates.
• The move brings the disability pension in alignment with other entitlements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, ensuring a common measure across the welfare system.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): A welfare program providing social assistance benefits to the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and bereaved families below the poverty line.
• Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana: The new name for the National Social Assistance Programme, continuing its objectives and sub-schemes.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016: A landmark legislation defining Benchmark Disability and ensuring rights and entitlements for persons with disabilities in India.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A scheme where the central government provides a major share of the funding, but implementation is by state governments.
• Benchmark Disability: As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, a person with not less than 40% of a specified disability.