Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, launched the NPS Vatsalya scheme for minors on 17 September 2024 in New Delhi. The event was attended by schoolchildren and held in 75 locations across India. The scheme was initially announced in the 2024-25 union budget. NPS Vatsalya is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
It allows parents or guardians to open an account for their children to save for future financial needs. The funds accumulate until the child turns 18, after which they are transferred to a standard NPS account.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Odisha’s Subhadra Yojana on his 74th birthday, alongside railway and highway projects. Subhadra Yojana aims to empower women, offering 50,000 rupees over five years to eligible women aged 21-60. Over one crore women will benefit, with 1,250 crore rupees transferred to 25 lakh women. He also inaugurated railway and highway projects worth 2,800 crore and 1,000 crore rupees, respectively.
Modi launched the Awaas+ 2024 app and new PMAY guidelines.

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Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) are more efficient in handling rape cases and those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. FTSCs were launched in 2019 under a centrally sponsored scheme, extended until 2026.
The Centre funds FTSCs through the Nirbhaya Fund, and the Department of Justice implements the scheme. The goal is swift disposal of rape and POCSO cases. Currently, 755 FTSCs, including 410 exclusive POCSO courts, are operational across 30 states/UTs. In 2022, FTSCs resolved 83% of cases, compared to 10% in conventional courts.

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The Finance Ministry announced that the second edition of the Direct Tax Vivad se Viswas scheme 2024 (VSV 2.0) will soon be operational. This scheme aims to reduce ongoing income tax litigations. VSV 2.0 allows taxpayers and the Income Tax Department to resolve disputes through a streamlined appeals process. It covers appeals pending as of July 22, 2024, and waives penalties and interest for settlements, ensuring no prosecution for resolved cases. The scheme excludes certain cases, such as those involving searches or serious offenses. Its goal is to provide a cost-effective way to settle disputes, easing the litigation burden on taxpayers and the judicial system.

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The Bihar government recently approved the “Mukhyamantri Gramin Setu Nirman Yojana” (MGSNY) to improve rural infrastructure. The scheme aims to enhance connectivity by constructing 1,000 small bridges in rural areas. It focuses on remote regions that struggle with poor infrastructure. The initiative will help address accessibility issues during monsoon seasons when rivers overflow and cut off villages.

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Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha recently launched Chief Minister’s Scholarship for Achievers Towards Higher Learning (CM-SATH) scheme for students from low-income families. It aims to provide financial support to deserving students in Tripura. This initiative targets students whose family income is up to Rs 2,50,000 and who do not receive any other government scholarships. The program is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities for children from low-income families, similar to initiatives in other states.

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The Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi’ initiative on September 27th, World Tourism Day. It aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting tourism for social inclusion, employment, and economic growth.
The initiative was piloted at six tourist destinations across India, including Orchha, Gandikota, Bodh Gaya, Aizawl, Jodhpur, and Sri Vijaya Puram. It aims to train individuals, such as drivers, hotel staff, and shopkeepers, to enhance the tourist experience and act as ambassadors. The initiative promotes cleanliness, safety, and hospitality, inspired by ‘Athithi Devo Bhava.’

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The Assam government has launched the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme to combat child marriage and support girl students in pursuing higher studies. The scheme provides monthly stipends: Rs 1,000 for Classes 11-12, Rs 1,250 for degree students, and Rs 2,500 for post-graduate students. To qualify, students must attend classes regularly, demonstrate discipline, perform well in exams, and delay marriage until after completing their post-graduation. This initiative aims to empower girls and promote education in Assam.

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The Anna Bhagya Scheme (ABS) is a cash transfer initiative launched in Karnataka, aimed at enhancing food security by providing unconditional cash transfers to beneficiaries, enabling them to purchase food grains. This innovative approach has shown to improve household welfare, increase financial inclusion, and facilitate savings among marginalized communities. The scheme was introduced as a response to the unavailability of additional rice for distribution, marking a significant shift from traditional food rationing methods. Recent studies indicate that ABS has positively impacted consumption patterns and financial behavior among its beneficiaries.

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The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme allocates ₹1261 Crores to empower 14,500 Women Self Help Groups from 2024 to 2026. It provides drones for agricultural services, specifically for applying fertilizers and pesticides. The initiative, under the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to enhance efficiency in farming and create sustainable livelihoods for women, while also promoting the use of advanced technology in agriculture. The operational guidelines emphasize training and support for effective implementation.