Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recently requested special central grants due to the state’s large tribal population, challenging geographical conditions, and Naxal activities. During a meeting with the 16th Finance Commission, he highlighted rapid development efforts in Naxal-affected areas through the ‘Niyad Nellanar Yojana,’ which aims to provide basic amenities like education and health. The CM noted that mining activities are causing additional environmental and health costs, with GST benefiting other states more than Chhattisgarh.

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The Haryana government has launched the IT Saksham Yuva Scheme 2024 to empower youth and create jobs for 5,000 individuals in its first phase. Part of the ‘Mission 60,000,’ the scheme aims to employ at least 60,000 young people from poor families. Graduates and post-graduates with IT backgrounds will complete a three-month course, leading to placements in various state departments and private entities. This initiative focuses on fostering a skilled workforce for economic growth.

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $240.5 million in loans to advance rooftop solar system installations across India, enhancing renewable energy access. The financing supports the Solar Rooftop Investment Programme under the Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF), with funds from ADB’s Clean Technology Fund and Ordinary Capital Resources. Loans will be distributed through the State Bank of India and NABARD. India’s rooftop solar capacity is 11.08 GW, with significant potential for expansion.

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Launched on May 10, 2023, the ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ (PBPB) initiative aims to upskill Anganwadi workers to enhance early childhood care, education, and nutrition services for children under six. By June 2024, 11,364 State Level Master Trainers and 1,877 Anganwadi Workers have been trained. The program focuses on transforming Anganwadi centres into learning hubs with quality infrastructure and play equipment. It includes two curriculum frameworks: “Navchetana” for children from birth to three years, emphasizing holistic stimulation, and “Aadharshila” for children aged three to six years, covering all developmental domains. Special attention is given to Divyang children.

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The Centre has allowed state governments to directly buy rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) without e-auctions under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). The OMSS enables FCI to sell surplus wheat and rice from the central pool at predetermined prices to traders, bulk consumers, and states. This is in addition to maintaining buffer stocks for the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and other welfare schemes. The scheme aims to ensure food security and control market prices during lean seasons, especially in deficit regions. States can procure food grains for their needs beyond NFSA allocations.

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The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), announced in the 2019 Interim Budget, aims to provide social security to unorganized workers. Implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment through LIC and CSCs since February 15, 2019, it targets approximately 42 crore workers. LIC manages the pension fund and payouts. By the end of July 2024, over 50 lakh unorganised sector workers had enrolled in this Central Sector Scheme.

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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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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister announced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana to empower youth. The scheme provides financial support to young entrepreneurs, aiming to establish one million MSME units across the state. Over 16.2 million young people have gained employment through state investments. 62 lakh youth have connected with self-employment opportunities through Central and State Government schemes. A dedicated start-up fund has been established to finance new ventures and further boost entrepreneurship.