Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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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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Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren launched the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana (JMMSY). Eligible women aged 21-50 from below poverty line families will receive Rs 1,000 monthly, totaling Rs 12,000 annually via Direct Benefit Transfer.
The state government has also decided to waive agriculture loans up to Rs 2 lakhs. Girls in government schools benefit from the Savitribai Phule Samridhi Yojana, and model schools are strengthening the education system. Loans at subsidized rates are provided under the Mukhyamantri Rojgar Srijan Yojana.

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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 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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Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav recently announced an additional benefit under the Ladli Behna Yojana. Launched on March 15, 2023, the scheme aims to enhance women’s economic independence, improve health and nutrition for women and their children, and boost their role in family decisions. Women aged 21 to 60 receive Rs 1250 per month under the scheme. The program is managed by the Department of Women and Child Development.

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Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed four years since its launch in 2020. It is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The scheme aims to boost the fisheries sector through a combination of initiatives and schemes. PMMSY has two components: Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). India is the 3rd largest fish producer and 2nd in aquaculture globally, with Andhra Pradesh leading. The fisheries sector supports over 30 million livelihoods in India. PMMSY aims for sustainable growth of the fisheries sector through a Blue Revolution.

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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 11th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) was recently held in New Delhi to felicitate INSPIRE–MANAK winners. INSPIRE–MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is a flagship scheme by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It supports innovative ideas from school students and encourages them to pursue science and research careers. The program is implemented jointly by DST and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India. It targets students aged 10-15 in classes 6 to 10, aiming to nurture future innovators and critical thinkers. The scheme promotes creativity and innovation, helping students address societal needs and become responsible citizens and leaders.

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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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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.