Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The government introduced new rules for the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), effective from 1 October 2024. SSY, launched in 2015 under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” campaign, is a small-deposit savings scheme for girl children. Guardians can open an SSY account for their girl child, who must be under 10 years old and an Indian resident. The scheme allows a minimum deposit of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh annually, with deposits for 15 years and maturity at 21 years. Partial withdrawal up to 50% is allowed for education after age 18. SSY offers tax benefits under Sections 80C and 10 of the Income Tax Act. New rules require the transfer of guardianship from grandparents to legal guardians or parents, else the account will be permanently closed.

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The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) has completed five successful years. It was launched on September 12, 2019. It provides social security to land-holding small and marginal farmers across India. The scheme is a voluntary old-age pension program offering Rs. 3,000 per month to eligible farmers after they turn sixty. Farmers contribute monthly to the pension fund, with the central government matching their contributions.

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The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh raised concerns about irregularities in the previous government’s implementation of the School Jatan Yojana. Mukhyamantri School Jatan Yojana is launched by Chhattisgarh government. It is designed to improve infrastructure and facilities in government schools. It focuses on building new classrooms, renovating existing structures, and enhancing amenities like libraries and restrooms. The scheme aims to create a better learning environment through improved seating and upgraded facilities. This initiative is expected to boost student enrollment and satisfaction for both students and teachers.

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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.

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The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, approved the ‘PM E-DRIVE Scheme’. The scheme, called PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement, is launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme aims to support local manufacturing of electric vehicle (EV) components with a Rs 10,900 crore outlay. It replaces the previous FAME scheme and includes a phased manufacturing programme to encourage domestic production. The new scheme mandates local assembly of parts for subsidy eligibility, addressing past issues of companies misusing subsidies by selling imported vehicles. The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance electric mobility and reduce reliance on imported components while ensuring quality checks on manufacturers.

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Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Nagar Unnayan Prakalp’ project. The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank with Rs 530 crore. It aims to improve drinking water infrastructure in 12 cities. The plan aims to solve water issues for over 75,000 families in three years. It includes laying 305 km of pipelines, building 25 deep tubewells, 18 iron removal plants, four water treatment plants, and 19 reservoirs. The second phase will cover eight more cities, including Agartala.

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In May 2021, the Madhya Pradesh government promised Rs. 5,000 per month and free education for children who lost their family’s sole earner to Covid-19. Two schemes, Sponsorship Scheme and Mukhyamantri Bal Ashirwad Yojana, were introduced for this purpose. Despite these promises, many children have not received financial aid since January 2023. Ayushman Bharat cards for healthcare support were also promised but remain inactive for many. These unfulfilled commitments have left many children in distress, without the promised financial and medical support.

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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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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the expanded Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme. The scheme will cover all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their socio-economic status. Each eligible senior citizen will receive a benefit cover of ₹5 lakh per year in empanelled hospitals across India. This expansion is part of a ₹12,850 crore health initiative aimed at benefiting 60 million senior citizens. Senior citizens from families already under AB-PMJAY can access an additional ₹5 lakh cover. Those not covered by the scheme will also receive up to ₹5 lakh annually on a family basis. The expansion will be supported by an outlay of ₹3,437 crore.

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Prime Minister Modi celebrated a decade of the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, honoring India’s veterans and ex-service personnel. OROP ensures uniform pensions for personnel retiring in the same rank and service length, regardless of retirement date. Pensions are re-fixed based on the average pensions of 2013 retirees in the same rank and service length. Arrears are paid in installments, with family pensioners and gallantry awardees receiving it in one go. Pensions are re-fixed every five years, managed by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.