Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched the Banglar Bari housing scheme, fully funded by the state government. The first installment of ₹60,000 was distributed to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts. More than 28 lakh beneficiaries have been identified, with each receiving ₹1.2 lakh by December 2025. Beneficiaries in Junglemahal and remote areas will get ₹1.3 lakh. The scheme addresses delays in funds from the Centre under PM Awas Yojana. The state will bear ₹14,773 crore for the scheme, with 16 lakh more beneficiaries to be covered by 2026.

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The ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’, announced by Delhi government, promises free medical care for all Delhi citizens aged 60 and above, regardless of income. The scheme will cover treatments in both government and private hospitals, reflecting an extension of existing health policies. The Delhi government allocates significant funds for healthcare, exceeding the budget for the national Ayushman Bharat scheme, aiming to ensure comprehensive medical support for its senior citizens.

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IIM Bangalore conducted two studies under the SAAR-Sameeksha Series of the Smart Cities Mission, focusing on education and women’s safety improvements. 50 impact assessment research studies are part of the Sameeksha Series. “Smart Cities and Academia Towards Action & Research (SAAR)” program is a joint initiative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and and leading Indian academic institutions. The initiative aims to document key projects and improve urban development by involving academia in assessing and providing feedback on smart city projects.

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The Union Cabinet extended a one-time special package for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme. DAP is the second most-used fertilizer in India after urea and is rich in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Phosphorus in DAP promotes root development and accelerates plant growth. It dissolves quickly in soil, releasing essential nutrients for plants. The NBS scheme provides subsidies based on nutrient content to ensure affordable fertilizers for farmers. The scheme promotes balanced fertilization, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers oversees the NBS scheme.

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Maharashtra is reviewing beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Scheme, launched in June 2024. Scheme supports women from economically weaker sections with ₹1,500 per month. Only women with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible. Budget also included free LPG cylinders for BPL families and free electricity for farmers. Scheme’s annual cost is ₹46,000 crore, raising concerns over financial sustainability. Finance department warned the expenses could affect payment of government salaries. Government aims to reduce beneficiaries to ease the financial burden.

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Madhya Pradesh launched the PARTH Yojana (Police Army Recruitment Training & Hunar) to train youth for careers in the Army, police, and paramilitary forces. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav unveiled the scheme at the State-Level Youth Festival. The initiative fosters patriotism, skill development, and employability among energetic youth. Training includes physical fitness, written exam coaching (general knowledge, math, English), and personality development. Divisional-level training centers will be set up, managed by district sports and youth welfare officers. Rural youth coordinators and departmental employees will support the program. The scheme aims to channel youth enthusiasm into meaningful employment opportunities.

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Uttarakhand government exempted solar entrepreneurs from mandatory GST registration under the Mukhyamantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana. This initiative aims to encourage renewable energy investments and simplify processes. Launched in 2020, the scheme promotes self-employment through solar energy farming. The goal is to produce green energy and offer job opportunities to Uttarakhand’s youth and returning migrants. Each beneficiary is allocated a 25-kilowatt solar plant under the scheme.

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The industry has urged the government to extend the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for Export-Oriented Units (EOUs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) until September-end amid global economic uncertainties. RoDTEP was introduced under the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20, effective from January 1, 2021. The scheme offsets taxes and duties on exported goods that are not otherwise refunded. It aims to boost exports by reducing taxes on exported products. RoDTEP replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Scheme (MEIS) to ensure WTO compliance. The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance administers RoDTEP, which follows global trade principles.

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Odisha became the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), converging it with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana. The scheme offers ₹5 lakh per family annually, with an extra ₹5 lakh for women, benefiting 1.03 crore families. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi, attended by key union and state ministers. AB PM-JAY covers 45% of India’s population, with 8.19 crore hospital admissions recorded since inception. Odisha’s 4.5 crore beneficiaries will access cashless treatment in over 29,000 hospitals, enhancing healthcare for 86% of the population.

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The Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) to develop degraded and rainfed areas. Activities include ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, nursery raising, and pasture development. WDC-PMKSY 1.0 improved groundwater, surface water, crop productivity, and farmers’ income. In 2021-22, 1150 projects covering 50 lakh hectares were sanctioned under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 with ₹12,303 Crores. 56 new projects worth ₹700 Crores are sanctioned in 10 top-performing states, covering 2.8 lakh hectares to improve farmers’ income, combat land degradation, and enhance climate resilience.