Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana: NSAP renamed, ₹53,428 crore outlay
Why in the news
On 22 October 2026 PIB released details of the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, the new name of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which the Union Cabinet approved on 14 October 2026.
Key facts
- Outlay: ₹53,428 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Disability threshold cut from 80% to 40%, the benchmark disability level under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- The minimum age of 18 for disability pension has been dropped, so eligibility now begins at birth.
- Disability pension beneficiaries will rise from 8.33 lakh to 27.48 lakh.
- Total coverage goes from about 3.09 crore to about 3.20 crore beneficiaries in all 36 States/UTs.
- Revised guidelines are to be issued and implemented within three months.
| Age group (disability pension) | Old monthly aid | New monthly aid |
|---|---|---|
| 0-79 years | ₹300 | ₹375 |
| 80 years and above | ₹500 | ₹625 |
About the scheme
NSAP was launched on 15 August 1995 under the Ministry of Rural Development to give effect to Article 41 of the Constitution. It is fully centrally funded. Its four components are now the PM Vridhavastha Pension Yojana (old age), PM Vidhwa Pension Yojana (widows), PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana (disability) and PM Parivar Labh Yojana (one-time family benefit). The disability pension began in February 2009 as the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme. Beneficiaries must still be from BPL families.
Exam angle
- Link NSAP to Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy.
- Remember the 80% to 40% threshold change and the new ₹375/₹625 rates.
- Only the disability component was revised; the other three continue as before.