New Delhi: 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. Briefing media after the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Cabinet has approved an outlay 53,428 crore rupees for the social security net. He said, the amount of assistance under divyangjan pension scheme will now be 375 rupees for the age group of up to 79 yrs and 625 rupees for 80 yrs and above.
Mr Vaishnaw said that under Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, the criteria for benchmark disability will be 40 percent against 80 percent at present for divyangjan. He said, under it , the minimum age criterion for the disability pension will now be since birth. He informed that a total of three crore and20 lakh beneficiaries across all the 36 States and UTs will be benefitted from this approval.He said, Pension schemes for old aged amd widows and family benefit scheme will continue in its existing form.
The Cabinet also approved the strategic restructuring of IDBI Bank. Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Bank plays an important role in the growth of MSME and new industries. He informed that strategic partner has been selected for the bank, and fresh capital will be infused with the help of this. Mr Vaishnaw said that the Government of India and LIC will retain 34 percent stake in the restructured entity.
[DD News]