Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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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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Mizoram launched the Bana Kaih initiative to support small entrepreneurs and farmers. The scheme offers financial assistance to farmers growing ginger, turmeric, Mizo chilli, and broomsticks. Farmer societies in villages will purchase these crops, with minimum prices set by the government. Farmers will receive support prices if they sell below these rates; no government intervention if prices are higher.

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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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Telangana launched the ‘Telangana Darshini’ scheme to provide students with immersive learning experiences through educational tours. The programme is managed by the Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture Department. It aims to take school and college students to heritage sites, historical monuments, urban areas, and scientific institutions across the state. The initiative is tailored for students from class 2 to graduation, offering learning experiences suited to different age groups. The scheme promotes meaningful engagement with the state’s history, culture, and modern developments.

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The RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme is extended for domestic tariff area (DTA) units until September 30, 2025. Launched in January 2021 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, RoDTEP refunds un-reimbursed taxes, duties, and levies to exporters. It replaced the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), which was challenged at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for non-compliance with global trade rules. RoDTEP ensures that exporters receive compensation for costs incurred during production and distribution.

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The Ministry of Heavy Industries launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme. The scheme aims to boost the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and create essential charging infrastructure nationwide for cleaner transportation. Key components include subsidies for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and other emerging EVs. It offers e-vouchers for EV buyers and promotes e-ambulances, e-buses, and e-trucks. Public charging stations will be established in cities with high EV use, supported by a financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years.

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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 Union Health Ministry has increased monthly nutrition support for TB patients under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) was launched in April 2018 under the National Health Mission. It is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). The scheme aims to provide nutritional support to TB patients. All notified TB patients are eligible beneficiaries of the scheme.

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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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PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI) is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aimed at providing financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT). It merged earlier programs like the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric and Pre/Post-Matric Scholarships for EBCs and DNTs starting in 2021-22. The scheme provides scholarships from Class 9 to post-secondary studies. The objective is to empower disadvantaged groups by removing financial barriers, ensuring they complete their education.