Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently informed the Lok Sabha on the National Coastal Mission Scheme. The National Coastal Mission Scheme was launched in 2014 as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Its goal is to address climate change impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities through adaptation and mitigation. The scheme is implemented by State Governments of Coastal States and Union Territory Administrations

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The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) has achieved only 30% of its targets so far, raising concerns about meeting its 2026 deadline. It was launched in 2019. PM-KUSUM aims to reduce diesel use in farming, ensure water and energy security, boost farmers’ incomes, and reduce environmental pollution. The goal is to add 34.8 GW of solar capacity by March 2026. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy oversees the scheme.

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The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released guidelines for the “Model Solar Village” under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative aims to create one Model Solar Village per district across India, promoting solar energy adoption and self-reliance. A total of ₹800 crore is allocated, with ₹1 crore for each selected village. Eligible villages must be revenue villages with over 5,000 people (or 2,000 in special category states). Villages compete based on their installed renewable energy capacity, with winners receiving ₹1 crore.The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana provides 300 units of free electricity per month to 1 crore households, with a ₹75,000 crore investment. Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats will be incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems.

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An evaluation of 254 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) by NCERT identified issues like lack of transparency in fund use, weak infrastructure, teacher shortages, low salaries, and student safety concerns. KGBVs, launched in 2004, are residential schools for girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in educationally backward areas. They aim to improve access and quality of education for girls in regions with low female literacy and high gender gaps. The scheme reserves 75% of seats for these disadvantaged groups and 25% for girls from poor families.

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The Department of Post under the Union Ministry of Communication launched the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana to promote stamp collecting among students. The scheme aims to encourage philately as a hobby from a young age. Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav announced it at a stamp exhibition in Ahmedabad. Philately involves collecting and studying postage stamps and related items. The scheme is open to students in classes VI to IX from recognised schools. It aims to develop interest and research in stamps among children across India.

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Odisha CM Mohan Majhi launched the Subhadra scheme, promising ₹50,000 to one crore women aged 21 to 60. The scheme has a total budget of ₹55,825 crore and will run from 2024-25 to 2028-29. Funds will be disbursed in five annual installments of ₹10,000, with two payments of ₹5,000 each. Payments will be made directly to beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. A Subhadra debit card will be issued, and incentives of ₹500 will be given to top digital transaction users in each gram panchayat and urban local body.

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The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved the “Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana” to support vulnerable women and parents of disabled children. The scheme aims to aid in the education and well-being of these children. Rs 53.21 crore has been allocated for the scheme for the financial year 2024-25. Eligible beneficiaries include children of widows, destitute women, divorced women, and parents of disabled children with an income under Rs 1 lakh per year. Eligible parents of children under 18 will receive Rs 1,000 per month for educational, nutritional, and health expenses. Support is provided for higher education and vocational courses.

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Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Dev Sahay announced that on September 2, during the Tija-Pora festival, he will release the 7th installment of the Mahtari Vandan Scheme. The scheme will provide Rs. 1,000 each to 7 million eligible women. Eligibility includes Chhattisgarh residents aged 21+ as of January 1, 2024, including married, widowed, divorced, or abandoned women, excluding income taxpayers and government employees. Tija-Pora celebrates the role of bulls and buffaloes in farming, marking the end of the agricultural season. The Government of Chhattisgarh introduced the Mahtari Vandana Yojana to provide financial aid to women in need. The scheme was initiated by the Prime Minister of India. It aims to support women in Chhattisgarh by offering financial benefits to those who qualify.

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The Union Cabinet approved the PM E-DRIVE Scheme to promote electric mobility, replacing the FAME programme. It has a budget of Rs 10,900 crore over two years, proposed by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The scheme aims to boost electric vehicle adoption by offering upfront incentives for EV purchases. It focuses on building the required charging infrastructure to support EV use. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and improve air quality. The scheme promotes EVs, mass public transport, and advanced EV technologies to enhance sustainability.

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Women-owned micro and small enterprises will now receive 90% credit guarantee coverage under the CGTMSE scheme. The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) was launched by the Ministry of MSME in 2000. Its goal is to increase institutional credit flow to MSEs, particularly for new-generation entrepreneurs and underserved sectors. The scheme allows credit access without collateral or third-party guarantees. CGTMSE was set up by the Ministry of MSME and SIDBI to implement the scheme. The funding comes from the Government of India and SIDBI, with a 4:1 contribution ratio.