The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has renamed the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The programme will now be the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The Cabinet took the decision on 14 October 2026. Moreover, it approved the scheme’s continuation from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore. As a result, about 3.20 crore beneficiaries in all 36 States and UTs will keep getting support.
New Names of the Sub-Schemes
The Cabinet also renamed four sub-schemes as follows:
- IGNOAPS: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is now Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
- IGNWPS: Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is now Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana
- IGNDPS: Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme is now Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana
- NFBS: National Family Benefit Scheme is now Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana
Bigger Benefits in the Disability Pension
The disability pension sees the biggest reform. First, the benchmark disability for eligibility falls from 80% to 40%. Second, the minimum age criterion will now be “since birth”. Also, monthly assistance rises to Rs 375 for beneficiaries up to 79 years. Similarly, those aged 80 and above will get Rs 625 per month. Earlier, these rates stood at Rs 300 and Rs 500.
Link with the Disability Rights Law
The changes follow the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Notably, this Act uses 40% as the benchmark disability. Moreover, it requires disability-related assistance to be 25% higher than similar schemes for others. Meanwhile, old age and widow pensions and the family benefit scheme continue in their existing form. Finally, detailed guidelines will follow within three months.
About the National Social Assistance Programme
The Centre launched NSAP on 15 August 1995. It gives shape to Article 41 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy. Moreover, the scheme offers 100% central assistance, so benefits remain uniform across the country.
Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana: Key Facts for Revision
- Old name: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), launched in 1995
- Cabinet approval: 14 October 2026
- Outlay: Rs 53,428 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31
- Disability benchmark: Lowered from 80% to 40%
- Divyangjan pension: Rs 375 a month; Rs 625 at 80 years and above
- Constitutional basis: Article 41 (DPSP)
Why Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, welfare schemes are regular prelims topics. So, remember the new names, the outlay and the 40% disability benchmark. Also, link the scheme with Article 41 and the disability rights law. For official updates, also visit NSAP. Next, for a related story, read about Lakhpati Didi in Uttarakhand.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.