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 (NSAP) for a five-year period from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of Rs. 53,428 crore. The programme and its sub-schemes have been renamed: NSAP becomes Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana; IGNOAPS becomes Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana; IGNWPS becomes Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana; IGNDPS becomes Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana; and the National Family Benefit Scheme becomes Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana. Furthermore, the disability pension scheme has been revised to lower the benchmark disability criteria from 80% to 40%, set the minimum age criterion to since birth, and adjust assistance rates, while old-age, widow, and family benefit schemes continue in their existing forms.