Concept / Definition
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), launched on 15 August 1995, is a centrally supported programme providing assistance to eligible vulnerable households. The government's 14 October 2026 release connects its purpose to Article 41, a Directive Principle of State Policy dealing with public assistance in specified circumstances, within the State's economic capacity and development.
Exam-Ready Points
- Article 41 is a Directive Principle, not itself a pension-payment programme.
- NSAP historically includes old-age, widow, disability and family-benefit assistance.
- On 14 October 2026 the Cabinet approved renaming NSAP Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana and renaming its four components. Approval alone does not prove that every new name has become operational.
- The Cabinet approved a disability eligibility threshold of 40% instead of 80%, and announced implementation guidelines within three months. This policy update should not be confused with permanent constitutional wording.
Likely Common Mistakes
- Confusing Article 41 with a Fundamental Right to a fixed pension amount.
- Treating Cabinet approval as proof that revised payments are already being disbursed.
- Describing NSAP as covering only old-age pensions and forgetting the widow, disability and family-benefit components.
Self-Check Questions
- Which constitutional Article does the official NSAP background note cite for public assistance?
- On what date and in which year was NSAP launched?
- What disability-threshold change did the Cabinet approve in October 2026, and why should approval be distinguished from implementation?
Revision time: about 7 minutes.