New Delhi. The Central Government has decided to rename the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) as 'Pradhan Mantri Social Assistance Scheme'. Along with this, the rules of eligibility for disabled pension have also been changed. Now the minimum disability limit for pension has been reduced from 80 percent to 40 percent. At the same time, the condition of minimum age has also been abolished, due to which the disabled people eligible from birth will be able to come under the scope of the scheme.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said on Wednesday that the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Program for five years from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31. A total of Rs 53,428 crore will be spent on the scheme during this period. This is expected to benefit approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and union territories of the country.
Names of these schemes also changed
The government has also decided to change the names of the schemes operated under the National Social Assistance Programme. Now Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme will be known as 'Prime Minister Old Age Pension Scheme', Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme as 'Prime Minister Widow Pension Scheme' and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme as 'Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana'. Similarly, the National Family Benefit Scheme has been renamed as 'Pradhan Mantri Family Benefit Scheme'. Under these changes, social assistance schemes will continue with new names.
What will be the amount of assistance for disabled pension?
According to the Cabinet decision, under Divyangjan Pension, eligible beneficiaries aged 0 to 79 years will be given an assistance of Rs 375 and beneficiaries aged 80 years or above will be given assistance of Rs 625. The minimum limit of benchmark disability for pension has been reduced from 80 percent to 40 percent. Also, the minimum age requirement for eligibility has been abolished.
According to the government, the objective of these changes is to bring more persons with disabilities under the ambit of social security and to bring the eligibility provisions in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Guidelines will be issued within three months to implement the changes made in eligibility, number of beneficiaries and assistance amount. Old age and widow pension and family benefit schemes will continue as per earlier arrangements.
The scheme was started in 1995
The National Social Assistance Program was started on 15 August 1995 with the objective of providing financial assistance to poor families. This scheme is related to the system of providing social assistance in accordance with the Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Article 41 of the Constitution. Under this, the Central Government provides 100% financial assistance, so that eligible beneficiaries across the country can get the benefits of social security.
CM Yogi expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also welcomed the decision of the Union Cabinet. He wrote on social media platform X that the approval to continue the National Social Assistance Program from 2026-27 to 2030-31 is commendable. The Chief Minister said that by increasing the amount of assistance to the disabled and amending the eligibility criteria, coverage and assistance rates, the needy will be able to get the benefits of the schemes more easily. CM Yogi thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decision to provide security and respect to every needy of the society in accordance with the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.
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