Union Cabinet Approves ₹53,428 Crore for National Social Assistance Programme for Five Years

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for another five years, covering the financial years 2026–27 to 2030–31.

A total budget allocation of ₹53,428 crore has been approved for the programme. According to the information provided, the extended scheme is expected to benefit approximately 3.20 crore people across all 36 states and Union Territories of India.

The NSAP is a social welfare programme designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable sections of society, particularly eligible elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities from economically disadvantaged households. The programme aims to provide a basic level of social support to people who may have limited sources of income.

Why Is the NSAP Important?

For many elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities, regular financial assistance can help meet essential expenses. Social security support is particularly important for people who have limited family support or are unable to earn a stable income.

By continuing the programme for five more years, the government aims to maintain support for eligible beneficiaries across the country. The allocation of ₹53,428 crore will fund the programme during the 2026–27 to 2030–31 period.

Who Can Benefit?

The NSAP includes different assistance schemes for eligible groups, including:

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Financial assistance for eligible elderly people.

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Assistance for eligible widows.

Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Support for eligible persons with disabilities.

National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): Financial assistance to an eligible household following the death of its primary breadwinner.

Annapurna Scheme: Food-grain assistance for eligible elderly people who meet the scheme's conditions.

Eligibility requirements and the assistance provided can vary by scheme and applicable government rules. Beneficiaries should check the latest guidelines with their state or Union Territory administration.

What Happens Next?

The five-year extension will allow the programme to continue through the 2030–31 financial year. The expected reach of around 3.20 crore beneficiaries highlights the scale of the social assistance system.

The ₹53,428 crore allocation is the total budget stated for the five-year period. It should not be interpreted as an annual allocation or as an equal payment to every beneficiary. Individual assistance depends on the relevant scheme, eligibility rules and applicable benefit rates.

The key objective of the NSAP is to provide a basic social safety net to eligible vulnerable people across India.

Important Updates : The official Cabinet announcement includes additional details that should be added to the story above. The decision is not only about extending the programme; it also introduces new scheme names and changes to disability pension eligibility.

New name: NSAP will be renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.

Disability pension: The benchmark disability requirement will be reduced from 80% to 40%, and the minimum age requirement will be removed, allowing eligible beneficiaries to qualify from birth.

Revised assistance: The disability pension will be ₹375 for beneficiaries aged 0–79 and ₹625 for those aged 80 and above.

Other benefits: Old-age and widow pension schemes, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form.

Implementation: The government says revised guidelines covering disability pension eligibility, beneficiary numbers and assistance rates will be issued and implemented within three months.

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