Current Affairs

NSAP extended to 2030–31, renamed 'PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana'

14-10-2026 · English

NSAP extended to 2030–31, renamed 'PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana'

Topics: Welfare Schemes · 14 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi on 14 Oct 2026 approved continuing the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) from 2026–27 to 2030–31 at a cost of ₹53,428 crore, renaming it 'Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana'. The disability-pension threshold was lowered from 80% to 40% disability, with eligibility from birth, and the amount raised to ₹375 a month (0–79 years) and ₹625 (80+). About 3.20 crore beneficiaries in 36 States/UTs.

Key facts

Approval14 Oct 2026 – Union Cabinet; 2026–27 to 2030–31; ₹53,428 crore
New namesNSAP → PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana; IGNOAPS → PM Vridhavastha Pension; IGNWPS → PM Vidhawa Pension; IGNDPS → PM Divyangjan Pension; NFBS → PM Parivar Labh Yojana
Disability pensionThreshold 80% → 40%; from birth; ₹375 (0–79), ₹625 (80+) – earlier ₹300 / ₹500
UnchangedOld-age ₹200 (60–79), ₹500 (80+); widow ₹300; family benefit ₹20,000 (one-time)
BeneficiariesAbout 3.20 crore; 36 States/UTs

Background

  • NSAP – launched 15 Aug 1995; Ministry of Rural Development; 100% centrally funded. Article 41 (Directive Principle) – right to public assistance in old age, sickness, disablement and similar cases.
  • NSAP components: old-age pension (IGNOAPS), widow pension (IGNWPS), disability pension (IGNDPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and Annapurna (10 kg free foodgrain a month).
  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 – 'benchmark disability' means 40% or more; the new change aligns with this.

Tamil Nadu link: Tamil Nadu adds its own top-up to the central pension and runs social security pensions for the elderly, widows and the disabled through its Revenue Department.

Source: ANI, Upstox, Indian Masterminds, 14 Oct 2026; PIB fact sheet (Nov 2025)

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