Centre Renames Indira Gandhi Pension Schemes, Approves Rs 53,428 Crore for Five Years

NEW DELHI: The Union government has renamed three key pension schemes under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), removing former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s name and replacing it with the prefix “Pradhan Mantri”.

The decision was taken at a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet also approved an allocation of Rs 53,428 crore to continue the social security programme for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The programme provides financial assistance to elderly citizens, widows and persons with disabilities from vulnerable sections of society.

New names for pension schemes

Under the changes, the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Old Age Pension Scheme (PM-OAP). The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) will become the Pradhan Mantri Widow Pension Scheme (PM-WP).

Similarly, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Scheme (PM-DP). The National Social Assistance Programme will be known as the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PM-SSY), while the National Family Benefit Scheme will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Family Benefit Scheme.

Disability pension eligibility expanded

The government has also announced changes to the eligibility criteria for disability pensions. The minimum disability threshold, previously set at 80%, has reportedly been reduced to 40%, potentially bringing more beneficiaries under the scheme.

According to the details provided, eligible persons with disabilities will receive central assistance of Rs 375 per month up to the age of 79, while those aged 80 and above will receive Rs 625 per month. The revised eligibility provisions and age-related benefits are expected to widen access to social security assistance.

3.2 crore beneficiaries to benefit

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the programme would continue to provide financial support to around 3.2 crore elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities.

The Centre provides the basic pension amount, while state governments may contribute additional assistance. The funds are transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Launched in 1995 under the government led by then prime minister PV Narasimha Rao, the NSAP was designed to provide social assistance to vulnerable households. The Indira Gandhi prefix was subsequently introduced for key pension schemes during the UPA government’s tenure.

The latest decision marks another change in the naming of centrally sponsored welfare programmes, with the government opting for the “Pradhan Mantri” prefix for the schemes.