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India Extends Social Assistance Programme and Expands Disability Support

The Union Cabinet approved a five‑year extension of the National Social Assistance Programme, renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.

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Key Points

5 points

Extension period: 2026‑27 to 2030‑31.

Total government spending: 53,428 crore Indian rupees.

Eligibility lowered to 40% disability; no minimum age.

Monthly pension amounts: 375 rupees (up to 79 years) and 625 rupees (80+ years).

Beneficiary count expected to reach 3.20 crore households overall.

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The scheme will continue to provide old‑age, widow, and family benefits, and it widens disability pension eligibility.

The disability pension now covers persons with at least 40% disability, removing the previous 18‑year age minimum.

Monthly assistance increased to 375 rupees for beneficiaries up to 79 years old and 625 rupees for those 80 and above.

The number of disability beneficiaries is expected to rise from about 8.3 million to 27.5 million.

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5 words

beneficiary

A person who receives the financial help.

pension

A regular sum of money given to someone, often each month, as support.

benchmark disability

A disability that is at least 40% severe, as defined by law.

Union Cabinet

The group of senior ministers who make important decisions for the country.

outlay

The amount of money that the government plans to spend.

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