Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana: The Central Government has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for the next five years. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal from the Ministry of Rural Development to continue this scheme from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31. A total budget of Rs 53,428 crore has been allocated for this purpose. This government decision is expected to benefit approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across the country.
Under this decision, changes have been made to the name, eligibility criteria, and assistance amount of the ‘Divyangjan’ (Persons with Disabilities) Pension Scheme. Meanwhile, it has been decided to continue the existing arrangements for the Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, and the National Family Benefit Scheme.
Renaming of the ‘Divyang’ Pension Scheme
The Central Government has decided to rename the ‘Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme’ to ‘Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana’. Additionally, changes have been made to the conditions regarding the specified percentage of disability and the minimum age requirement.
The objective of this new framework is to bring more persons with disabilities under the ambit of the pension scheme and provide them with financial assistance.
Pension now available for 40 percent disability
In line with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the eligibility criteria have been relaxed. Previously, the scheme required an 80 percent disability level; this has now been reduced to a 40 percent benchmark disability. Consequently, eligible individuals with a specified disability of 40 percent or more will now be able to avail the benefits of the scheme.
Furthermore, it has been announced that the minimum age limit for the pension has been set at zero years. This means that children with disabilities from birth—provided they meet other eligibility criteria—will also be covered under the pension scheme.
How much has the pension amount been increased?
Under the new rates, the monthly assistance amount for the ‘Divyangjan’ pension has been increased.
For the age group of 0 to 79 years: The amount has been increased from Rs 300 to Rs 375 per month. 80 years and above: Increased from Rs 500 to Rs 625 per month.
These changes will provide eligible beneficiaries with greater financial assistance than before.
New guidelines to be issued within three months
According to the government, detailed guidelines regarding new eligibility criteria for disability pensions, the number of beneficiaries, and assistance rates will be issued within the next three months. Following this, the new system will be implemented at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, there are no changes at present to the remaining terms or the assistance amounts for old-age pensions, widow pensions, and the National Family Benefit Scheme. These schemes will continue to operate under the existing framework.
