National Social Assistance Programme Extended Till 2030-31

Why in the News?

• The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
• The programme will have a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
• NSAP has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY).
• Around 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all States and Union Territories are expected to benefit.

About NSAP

• The National Social Assistance Programme was launched on 15 August 1995.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• It is a 100% centrally funded social assistance programme.
• It aims to provide financial support to vulnerable sections, particularly elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities and families that lose their primary breadwinner.
• The programme reflects the principle of Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which asks the State to provide public assistance in cases such as old age, sickness and disability, subject to its economic capacity.

Major Changes

• Old-age pension: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) - Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.
• Widow pension: Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) - Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
• Disability pension: Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) - Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana.
• Family benefit: National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) - Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.

Changes for Divyangjan Pension

• The qualifying disability threshold has been reduced from 80% to 40% benchmark disability.
• The minimum age requirement for disability pension has been removed, allowing eligibility from birth.
• Monthly assistance will be:
  • ₹375 for beneficiaries up to 79 years.
  • ₹625 for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.
• The pension schemes for old-age persons and widows, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form.
• New guidelines on eligibility, coverage and assistance will be implemented within three months.

Significance

• The changes aim to make social assistance more accessible to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
• The reduction in the disability threshold is aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
• The programme strengthens the role of the government in providing basic social security to vulnerable households.

Practice Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):

1. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and is fully funded by the Central Government. 
2. The disability pension under the revised programme requires a minimum of 40% benchmark disability and has no minimum age requirement. 
3. The National Family Benefit Scheme provides a recurring monthly pension to families that lose their primary breadwinner. 
4. The programme has a constitutional basis in Article 41, which directs the State to provide public assistance in cases including old age, sickness and disability, subject to its economic capacity.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Answer: A.।

Explanation:

• NSAP is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and is a 100% centrally funded social assistance programme. Hence, Statement 1 is Correct.
• The revised disability pension lowers the qualifying disability threshold to 40% benchmark disability and removes the minimum age requirement, allowing eligibility from birth. Hence, Statement 2 is Correct.
• The National Family Benefit Scheme provides a one-time financial assistance to eligible families after the death of the primary breadwinner; it is not a recurring monthly pension. Hence, Statement 3 is Incorrect.
• Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy calls upon the State to provide public assistance in cases such as old age, sickness and disability, within the limits of its economic capacity. Hence, Statement 4 is Correct.