Union Cabinet continues the National Social Assistance Programme as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana with a ₹53,428 crore outlay

14 October 2026

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The programme is renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Its four components are renamed the Pradhan Mantri Vriddhavastha Pension Yojana (old age pension), the Pradhan Mantri Vidhwa Pension Yojana (widow pension), the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana (disability pension) and the Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana (family benefit). For the disability pension, monthly assistance rises to ₹375 for beneficiaries aged 0-79 and ₹625 for those aged 80 and above, the benchmark disability threshold falls from 80 per cent to 40 per cent, and the minimum age criterion becomes birth; detailed guidelines on eligibility, beneficiary numbers and rates are to be issued within three months. About 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories are covered. The old age, widow and family benefit components continue in their existing form. NSAP was launched on 15 August 1995 and draws on Article 41 of the Constitution.