Govt renames prominent pension schemes

The Indian government has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme with significant financial outlay. Changes will be made to pension schemes, including eligibility criteria and assistance rates. The eligibility for disability pension will now depend on 40% disability against the previous 80%. This initiative aims to benefit 3.20 crore individuals across all states and Union Territories.

The government has approved the proposal of the Department of Rural Development for the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) with a total outlay of Rs. 53,428 crore for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

Along with the proposal, the government has also approved renaming some of the scheme and sub schemes. It has also revised the eligibility criteria, coverage and the rate of assistance for divyangjan pension (disability pension).

The government has also announced the continuation of pension schemes for old aged and widows and the family benefit scheme in its existing form.

New names of scheme and sub pension schemes

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana(प्रधानमंत्री सामाजिक सहायता योजना)Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana (प्रधानमंत्री वृद्धावस्था पेंशन योजना)Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana (प्रधानमंत्री विधवा पेंशन योजना)Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana (प्रधानमंत्री दिव्यांगजन पेंशन योजना)National Family Benefit schemePradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana (प्रधानमंत्री पारिवार लाभ योजना)

What are the changes in the disability pension amount?

The amount of support under the Divyangjan pension program will now be Rs 375 for those aged 0-79 years, and Rs 625 for those aged 80 and above.

Within three months, guidelines regarding the revision in the divyangjan pension scheme will be prepared and implemented. These guidelines will include changes to qualifying criteria, number of beneficiaries and the rate of aid under the pension scheme.

The following changes have been implemented along with increasing the rate of the aid under the scheme:

The criteria for benchmark disability under the scheme will be 40% against 80% at present.

The minimum age criterion for the disability pension will now be since birth.

The government said that a total of 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all the 36 states/UTs will benefit from this approval.

What is the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)?

Introduced on August 15, 1995, the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a fully funded centrally sponsored scheme that extends financial support to individuals living below poverty line (BPL).

Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, the programme operates across both rural and urban areas, representing a major step towards fulfilling the directive principles of state policy enshrined in the constitution.

The NSAP covers old age pension, widow pension, disability pension, family benefit, and food security through Annapurna for those beneficiaries otherwise eligible under Old