The Union Cabinet approved a five-year continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme, covering the financial years from 2026-27 through 2030-31. The package carries an announced outlay of Rs 53,428 crore and continues the central framework for pensions and family assistance delivered through states and Union Territories.
The programme will be renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with new names for its old-age, widow, disability and family-benefit components. The Cabinet retained the existing form of the old-age and widow pensions and the family benefit scheme, while approving changes to disability support.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision would cover 3.2 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and Union Territories. Detailed guidelines on revised eligibility, beneficiary numbers and disability-assistance rates are due to be issued and implemented within three months.
