Cabinet Expands Disability Pension Coverage to 27 Lakh Beneficiaries

On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The programme has been renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Its revised disability pension component, Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, is expected to expand coverage from 8.33 lakh to 27 lakh beneficiaries.

National Social Assistance Programme

NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme administered by the Ministry of Rural Development. It was launched on 15 August 1995 to provide social assistance to eligible households, including older persons, widows and persons with disabilities. The programme is implemented by States and Union Territories, which identify eligible beneficiaries and deliver assistance. The Union Cabinet’s approved outlay of ₹53,428 crore covers the programme’s five-year continuation. A separate estimate gives 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories; the disability pension expansion figure is 27 lakh.

Disability Pension Eligibility and Rates

The minimum age requirement of 18 years has been removed from the disability pension scheme, allowing eligible persons with disabilities to receive assistance from birth. The benchmark disability threshold has been reduced from 80% to 40%, aligning it with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The monthly pension for beneficiaries up to 79 years of age has increased from ₹300 to ₹375. For beneficiaries aged 80 years and above, monthly assistance has risen from ₹500 to ₹625. The revised eligibility criteria and pension rates are to be implemented within three months of the issuance of scheme guidelines.

Legal and Constitutional Context

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, defines a person with benchmark disability as one with at least 40% of a specified disability, as certified by the prescribed authority. The Act recognises 21 specified disabilities and provides for measures relating to equality, non-discrimination and social security. Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State, within its economic capacity and development, to make provision for public assistance in cases including old age, sickness and disablement.

Important Facts for Exams

• The National Social Assistance Programme was launched on 15 August 1995.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was enacted in 2016.
• Article 41 is a Directive Principle of State Policy concerning the right to work, education and public assistance in specified cases.
• The revised pension rates are ₹375 per month for beneficiaries up to 79 years and ₹625 per month for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.

The disability pension scheme’s benchmark disability threshold is 40%, and its minimum age requirement has been removed. The scheme’s revised eligibility criteria and assistance rates are scheduled to take effect within three months of the issuance of guidelines.