IndiaCabinet extends NSAP to 2030-31, renames it Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
The five-year continuation carries an approved outlay of ₹53,428 crore and aligns disability-pension eligibility with the benchmark-disability threshold under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
THE INDIQA Research DeskPublished 15 Oct 2026Updated 30 Oct 20261 min read
The Union Cabinet has approved continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The programme has also been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, while its core role remains social assistance for eligible elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities and bereaved poor households.
A significant change concerns disability pension. The benchmark-disability criterion is being aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, lowering the relevant threshold from 80% disability to 40% and widening the potential coverage of eligible persons. The decision should be read as a redesign within the existing centrally sponsored social-assistance architecture, not as a new contributory insurance scheme.
For civil-services preparation, the programme links Directive Principles, social protection and Centre-State implementation. Article 41 directs the State, within its economic capacity, to make effective provision for public assistance in cases such as old age, sickness and disablement. The policy question is how benefit adequacy, identification, fiscal sharing and last-mile delivery affect the effectiveness of such assistance.
CIVIL SERVICES VIEWStudy this development
GS-IIWelfare schemes for vulnerable sections; Directive Principles; social protectionPrelims: HighMains: HighModerate
Why this matters
Cabinet approved continuation of NSAP for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with ₹53,428 crore and renamed it Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
Key facts
- Approved outlay: ₹53,428 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- NSAP is renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
- Benchmark disability threshold for the revised pension is 40%.
- Article 41 is a Directive Principle linked to public assistance.
Key terms
- NSAP
- Article 41
- RPwD Act 2016
- benchmark disability
Arguments, challenges and policy responses
- Adequacy and targeting of social pensions
- Fiscal federalism in welfare delivery
- Disability inclusion after the RPwD Act
India’s context
The decision affects a nationwide safety net for vulnerable households and changes the disability-pension eligibility architecture.
Keep in mind
Do not confuse a non-contributory social-assistance programme with a contributory social-insurance scheme.
Practice question
Evaluate how non-contributory social assistance can be made more inclusive without weakening fiscal sustainability and delivery accountability.
Revision summary
- NSAP continues through 2030-31 with ₹53,428 crore.
- Disability-pension threshold aligns with 40% benchmark disability.
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