Ministry of Rural Development

Timeline

1. 14 Oct2026
   Schemes

   Cabinet continues NSAP to 2030-31 and renames it PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana¹²³⁴

   The Union Cabinet approved continuing the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of Rs 53,428 crore. The programme is renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana and the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme becomes the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. The disability pension now needs 40 percent benchmark disability instead of 80 percent, with no minimum age; assistance is Rs 375 a month up to age 79 and Rs 625 from age 80.

   • Cabinet decision announced 14 October 2026
   • NSAP continued for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore
   • NSAP renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana; IGNOAPS renamed Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
   • Disability pension: benchmark disability threshold cut from 80 percent to 40 percent, minimum age removed (from birth); Rs 375 a month up to age 79 and Rs 625 from age 80
   • Old age and widow pensions and the family benefit scheme continue in their existing form; about 3.20 crore beneficiaries across 36 States and UTs
   • Revised guidelines due within three months

   New to this? Cabinet approves a scheme worth Rs 84,084 crore: how do you read that story? 4 min
2. 21 Dec2025
   Legislation

   VB-G RAM G Act replaces MGNREGA with 125-day guarantee⁵⁶⁷

   The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill was passed by Parliament in mid-December 2025 and became an Act after Presidential assent, with a gazette notification on 21 December. It replaces the MGNREGA of 2005 and raises guaranteed rural wage employment per household from 100 to 125 days.

   • Gazette notification: 21 December 2025 after Presidential assent (one outlet says assent was on 20 December)
   • Replaces MGNREGA 2005
   • Guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household a year, up from 100
   • States can declare a pause of up to 60 days a year in peak farm seasons
   • States to bear 40 percent of scheme cost

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Sources

1. PMO India
2. All India Radio News
3. DD News
4. Business Standard
5. The Week
6. DT Next
7. Deccan Herald