Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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There are many gaps in the Scheme for Care and Support to Victims. The Scheme for Care and Support to Victims by the Ministry of Women and Child Development aids minor pregnant girl child victims under the POCSO Act. Funded by the Nirbhaya Fund, it offers integrated support from case reporting until age 18, with possible aftercare until 23. Features include health insurance, legal aid, and financial assistance of ₹6,000 initially and ₹4,000 monthly under Mission Vatsalya.

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Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister urged Naxalites to integrate into mainstream society, seeking their input for a new surrender rehabilitation policy. Emphasizing dialogue, the government offers development initiatives like the Niyad Nellanar scheme, providing essential amenities to villages near security camps in the Naxal-affected Bastar region. This effort aims to ensure holistic development beyond anti-Naxal operations, fostering equality and progress in tribal areas.

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Haryana government faces backlash over e-initiatives, turning into an election issue. Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) and Meri Fasal Mera Byora draw criticism. PPP suffers privacy concerns and discrepancies, causing inconvenience. Meri Fasal Mera Byora, though beneficial, suffers from poor implementation and loopholes, leading to fraud and corruption. PPP aims for ‘paperless’ and ‘faceless’ delivery of state benefits, providing unique family IDs. Meri Fasal Mera Byora, launched in 2022, aims to facilitate farmer grievances under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

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The Ministry of Renewable Energy warns farmers against fake websites and apps soliciting registration fees for solar water pump installation under PM-KUSUM Scheme. Launched in 2019, PM-KUSUM aims to de-dieselise farming, boost farmer income, and ensure energy security. It targets adding 34,800 MW of solar capacity by March 2026 with Rs 34,422 crore funding. Farmers receive subsidies up to 30-50% for solar pumps and grid-connected plants. Implemented by state governments under MNRE.

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Jharkhand’s Chief Minister has directed officials to expedite the construction of 2 lakh houses under the ‘Abua Awas’ scheme’s first phase, launched in November 2023 to aid those excluded from PM Awas Yojana benefits. The state plans to allocate over Rs 15,000 crore over two years from its funds to provide three-room houses to the needy, including laborers, farmers, tribals, and Dalits. Stringent measures against irregularities and negligence by officials have been emphasized.

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The Indian government approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to strengthen forensic infrastructure, aiding the criminal justice system. Approved on June 19, 2024, by the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, the NFIES will be implemented by the Home Ministry. It supports new criminal laws effective July 1, 2024, requiring mandatory forensic investigation for severe crimes. NFIES includes new campuses for the National Forensic Sciences University and additional Central Forensic Science Laboratories.

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The Meghalaya Lokayukta has notified former officials of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) over alleged irregularities in implementing the Saubhagya scheme. Launched in October 2017, Saubhagya aims for universal household electrification nationwide, providing free LED bulbs and essential electrical items to BPL families. It emphasizes last-mile connectivity in rural areas and Solar Photovoltaic systems for remote villages. Urban connections target economically poor households, excluding non-poor urban dwellings from benefits.

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Labor Minister Lakhan Lal Devangan launched the Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramikon Ke Bachon Hetu Nihshulk Coaching Sahaayata Yojana in Chhattisgarh. This scheme provides free coaching to economically weaker children of registered construction workers across 10 districts. It covers exams like PSC, CG Professional Examination Board, SSC, and banking and railway recruitments. Children of deceased workers since June 9, 2020, and beneficiaries of Nirman Shramik Mrtyu Evam Divyaang Sahaayata Yojana are eligible. Coaching is available in hybrid mode for flexibility.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the NTR Bharosa pension scheme on 1 July 2024, delivering pensions personally to beneficiaries. The scheme, a promise fulfilled by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, increases monthly pensions for various categories: from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for elderly, widows, and others, and up to Rs 15,000 for severely disabled individuals. The initiative aims to enhance social security, with Rs 4,408 crore distributed to 6.531 million beneficiaries across 28 categories.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sanctioned seven new private sector projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. Established to promote self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the TDF is a Ministry of Defence program executed by DRDO. It supports MSMEs and startups, providing up to 90% funding for projects costing up to INR 50 crore, with a maximum development period of four years.