Yash Chopra Foundation expands Welfare Initiatives with Launch of Saathi Program 2026
Mumbai: The Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF) has announced the launch of its Saathi Program 2026, the Foundation’s flagship annual welfare initiative aimed at providing consistent, dignity-led support to film industry workers facing financial stress, health vulnerabilities, and limited access to essential services.
In 2026, the Saathi Program will support registered film industry workers, known as Saathis, with a renewed focus on recurring, everyday needs rather than one-time relief measures. The program has been designed to offer stability and reassurance to workers and their families across the year.
“True support is not occasional—it is consistent. Through the Saathi Program 2026, we are committed to standing by film industry workers by addressing their everyday needs with dignity, stability, and care,” said a spokesperson from the Yash Chopra Foundation."
Core Areas of Support
The Saathi Program 2026 delivers structured assistance across four critical focus areas:
- Ration Support: Ensuring monthly household food security
- Healthcare Support: Preventive care, medicines, diagnostics, and access to treatment
- Education Support: Assistance for children’s schooling and learning needs
- Travel Assistance: Support for essential travel, including annual hometown visits
Special Focus & Reservation for Vulnerable Groups
The Saathi Program 2026 places special emphasis on the most vulnerable sections of the film industry workforce through priority consideration and reservation:
- Retired Film Industry Workers (60+ years)
With limited or no active income, retired workers often face rising medical and living expenses. Saathi 2026 ensures priority support for retired Saathis, helping them live with dignity, security, and continued care.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
Film industry workers with physical disabilities that impact work continuity and earning capacity receive focused and sustained support, recognizing their higher healthcare needs and long-term challenges.
Who the Saathi Program Serves
- Active film industry workers registered with recognised film unions
- Low-income households with monthly earnings below ₹30,000
- Families supporting school- or college-going children
- Older workers managing ongoing health and medical needs
What’s New in Saathi Program 2026
- Increase in annual support per Saathi, strengthening year-round assistance
- Ration and education continue as core pillars of the program
- A flexible benefit structure allows assistance to be tailored to individual needs
- Healthcare support now prioritizes medicines, diagnostics, and emergency escalation
- Simplified, app-led delivery improves accessibility and reduces claim rejections
A Year-Round Commitment
Through the Saathi Program 2026, the Yash Chopra Foundation reiterates its commitment to the workforce that powers Indian cinema behind the scenes. By focusing on food security, healthcare, education, and essential support, the program moves beyond short-term relief to provide consistent, dignity-led assistance throughout the year.
Guided by data and grounded in real-life needs, Saathi Program 2026 stands as a dependable support system for film industry workers and their families—offering stability today while nurturing hope for the future
Saathi Enrollment 2026 Link
For more information, please email us at: contact@yashchoprafoundation.org
