Cabinet Approves Continuation of National Social Assistance Programme
Cabinet · Governance · Posted 14 OCT 2026 4:06PM
What happened
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of Rs. 53,428 crore. The scheme and its sub-schemes have been renamed, and revisions were made to the eligibility criteria, coverage, and assistance rates for the divyangjan pension.
Why it matters for UPSC
This decision relates to welfare administration and the implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 41), making it important for the governance and social justice syllabus.
Key objectives
- Continue the National Social Assistance Programme with an outlay of Rs. 53,428 crore for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Rename NSAP and its sub-schemes to Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana and respective Pradhan Mantri pension/benefit yojanas.
- Revise disability pension criteria: benchmark disability reduced to 40% and minimum age set to since birth.