The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of 53,428 crore rupees. The cabinet also approved changes in the criteria for benchmark disability and minimum age criterion for disability pension under Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Additionally, the cabinet approved the strategic restructuring of IDBI Bank.
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of 53,428 crore rupees. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the amount of assistance under the divyangjan pension scheme will now be 375 rupees for the age group of up to 79 years and 625 rupees for 80 years and above. He further clarified that under Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, the criteria for benchmark disability will be reduced from 80 percent to 40 percent for divyangjan. The minister also informed that the minimum age criterion for the disability pension will now be since birth. A total of three crore and 20 lakh beneficiaries across all the 36 States and UTs will benefit from this approval. Mr Vaishnaw added that pension schemes for old aged and widows, and family benefit scheme will continue in their existing form. Furthermore, the cabinet approved the strategic restructuring of IDBI Bank, with a strategic partner selected for the bank and fresh capital to be infused with help from this.
Source:
Akashvani News
