Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana Approved
PIB Backgrounder · Governance · Posted 22 OCT 2026 2:17PM
What happened
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and renaming of the National Social Assistance Programme to Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore, significantly revising the disability pension criteria and increasing beneficiary coverage.
Why it matters for UPSC
This decision is significant for UPSC as it illustrates welfare schemes, social security measures, and the implementation of statutory rights for persons with disabilities in governance and social justice.
Key objectives
- Approved continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years (2026-27 to 2030-31) with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore.
- Renamed the programme to Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana along with its four sub-schemes.
- Revised the disability pension by lowering the benchmark disability requirement from 80% to 40% under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, removing the minimum age of 18 years, and raising central assistance rates.
- Expanded disability scheme beneficiaries from 8.33 Lakhs to 27.48 Lakhs.