Cabinet Continues NSAP Through 2030–31 and Approves New Scheme Names

What happened

On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Department of Rural Development's proposal to continue NSAP for five years, rename the programme and its sub-schemes, revise disability-pension eligibility and rates, and continue old-age and widow pensions and family benefits in their existing form.

Key facts

• Five-year outlay ₹53,428 crore; intended coverage 3.20 crore beneficiaries across 36 States/UTs.
• Approved umbrella name: Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Approved component names: Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.
• The approved disability eligibility threshold changes from 80% to 40%; minimum age becomes since birth. Approved disability assistance: ₹375 for ages 0–79 and ₹625 for ages 80 and above.
• The government says implementation guidelines will be issued and implemented within three months. The release does not state that revised payments have begun.
• NSAP was launched on 15 August 1995; its social-assistance rationale is linked to Article 41 of the Constitution.

Why it matters

The decision connects Directive Principles, social protection, disability inclusion and the difference between Cabinet approval and implementation.

Exam takeaway

Remember Article 41, the 1995 launch, ₹53,428 crore over five years and the approved 40% disability criterion; do not assume rollout.