Cabinet clears Rs 53,428 crore for social assistance scheme, revises disability pension norms

Govt clears ₹53k-cr for social aid scheme; revises disability pension norms

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an outlay of ₹53,428 crore for the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, while widening eligibility for disability pensions and renaming the programme and its component schemes

Centre removes Indira Gandhi’s name from three pension schemes

A decision of this effect was taken during the meeting of the Union Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Cabinet clears ₹53,428 crore for social assistance scheme, revises disability pension norms

The scheme will be renamed the 'Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana', while its pension and family benefit components will also be renamed, according to an official statement

Disability pension revised: Coverage expanded to 27 lakh, benefits raised

The Centre has renamed Indira Gandhi’s old-age, widow and disability pension schemes under new Pradhan Mantri schemes, alongside renaming the National Family Benefit Scheme

Cabinet clears Rs 53,428 crore for social assistance scheme, revises disability pension norms

The Union Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore for the National Social Assistance Programme. This approval will support the program's continuation from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with updated eligibility criteria. Monthly assistance rates for disability pension beneficiaries will increase with adjustments for age and disability severity.

Cabinet approves continuation of National Social Assistance Programme for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31

Additionally, its constituent sub-schemes have also been renamed: the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is now the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.