Cabinet extends NSAP till 2030-31 with ₹53,428 crore; renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

📅 14 October 2026 📍 India Must know

On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with ₹53,428 crore and renamed it Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.

Summary

The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi on 14 October 2026 approved continuation of the Department of Rural Development's National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. NSAP becomes the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, and its sub-schemes are renamed: IGNOAPS as PM Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, IGNWPS as PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana, IGNDPS as PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana and the National Family Benefit Scheme as PM Parivar Labh Yojana. For divyangjan pension, the benchmark disability is lowered from 80% to 40%, eligibility starts from birth, and assistance is ₹375 (0-79 years) and ₹625 (80 years and above). About 3.20 crore beneficiaries in all 36 States/UTs will benefit.

Key facts

Decision: Union Cabinet, 14 October 2026
Outlay: ₹53,428 crore
Period: 2026-27 to 2030-31 (five years)
New name: Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
Sub-schemes renamed: PM Vridhavastha Pension Yojana (IGNOAPS), PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana (IGNWPS), PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana (IGNDPS), PM Parivar Labh Yojana (NFBS)
Divyangjan pension: Benchmark disability 40% (was 80%); minimum age: from birth
Rates (divyangjan): ₹375 (0-79 years); ₹625 (80+ years)
Beneficiaries: 3.20 crore in all 36 States/UTs
Background: NSAP launched 15 August 1995 under Article 41 (DPSP); 100% central assistance
Ministry: Department of Rural Development

Practice MCQs 4 questions

In October 2026, the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was renamed as:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

PIB (PRID 2323264): NSAP is renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.

Q2 Advanced

Under the revised divyangjan pension approved in October 2026, what is the benchmark disability criterion?

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Correct answer: C — 40%

PIB: the criterion for benchmark disability will be 40% against 80% at present, in line with the RPwD Act 2016.

Q3 Advanced

What total outlay was approved in October 2026 for continuing NSAP from 2026-27 to 2030-31?

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Correct answer: D — ₹53,428 crore

PIB: total outlay of ₹53,428 crore for five years.

Q4 Advanced

NSAP, launched on 15 August 1995, fulfils the Central Government's responsibility under which Article of the Constitution?

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Correct answer: A — Article 41

PIB background: NSAP fulfils the Centre's responsibility under the Directive Principles in Article 41 (right to public assistance in old age, sickness, disablement).