Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation and operational restructuring of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for a five-year period from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.

• The umbrella initiative has been officially renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, supported by a total financial outlay of Rs.53,428 crore.
• Administered by - The Ministry of Rural Development.
• This centrally sponsored welfare program provides financial safety nets via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to below-poverty-line (BPL) households across all 36 States and Union Territories.

Scheme Restructuring

Major Policy Changes

• Lowering the Benchmark Disability Threshold
  • Previous Requirement - Beneficiaries required a minimum of 80% severe disability to qualify.
  • Revised Criterion - Lowered to 40% Benchmark Disability, aligning the scheme directly with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
• Removal of Minimum Age Restriction
  • Previous Requirement - Restricted to individuals aged 18 years and above.
  • Revised Criterion - The lower age limit of 18 years has been abolished, making financial assistance available from birth (0 years).
• Enhancement of Central Assistance Rates
  • Age Bracket 0–79 Years - Central financial assistance increased to Rs.375 per month.
  • Age Bracket 80 Years & Above - Central assistance increased to Rs.625 per month.
  • In compliance with the RPwD Act 2016, pension assistance for persons with benchmark disabilities is structured to be at least 25% higher than assistance offered under other social security categories.

Strategic Significance

• Constitutional Imperative - Originally launched on August 15, 1995.
• Social assistance schemes operationalize state obligations under Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which directs the State to secure public assistance in cases of old age, sickness, and disablement.
• National Coverage - The scheme covers approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories.
• Implementation Roadmap - Revised operational guidelines are scheduled to be formally issued and adopted by state governments within three months of the Cabinet announcement.

Reference

PIB | Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana