Cabinet approves continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of Rs. 53,428 crore. The programme and its sub-schemes have been renamed: NSAP is now Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, IGNOAPS is Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, IGNWPS is Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, IGNDPS is Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, and the National Family Benefit scheme is renamed Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana. Revisions were made to the divyangjan pension scheme to change the benchmark disability criteria to 40%, lower the minimum age criterion to since birth, and revise assistance rates. Pension schemes for old-aged and widows, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form.