Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the GREEN Meghalaya Plus (GMP) Scheme to enhance and conserve forest cover. The scheme aims to expand forest conservation by offering monetary rewards for protecting forested areas. It follows the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) principle, supporting individuals and communities committed to conserving natural forests for at least 30 years. This initiative is part of the state’s PES program launched in 2022 and targets an additional 50,000 hectares for conservation. So far, over 3,000 individuals and communities have benefitted, conserving more than 54,000 hectares of natural forest.

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The Centre has extended benefits of the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme for EPFO subscribers and their families until further notice. EDLI was launched in 1976 to provide social security benefits to private-sector employees.
The scheme is managed and administered by Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and offers term life insurance to employees. It covers organizations registered under the EPF and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. EDLI works with EPF and the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). The benefit amount depends on the employee’s last drawn salary. The nominee receives a lump-sum if the EPF member dies during service.

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The Rajasthan College Education Commissionerate directed 20 government colleges to paint their facades and entry halls orange under the Kayakalp Scheme. The Kayakalp Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2015 under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aims to promote cleanliness and improve healthcare quality. It focuses on cleanliness, hygiene, infection control, and eco-friendly practices in Public Health Facilities (PHFs). The scheme rewards PHFs for outstanding cleanliness and hygiene and encourages regular assessment. Assessments occur at three levels: internal, peer, and external, with scores documented yearly to track improvements.

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The Ministry of Culture implements the “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s cultural heritage globally. The Festival of India (FoI) is organized abroad to foster people-to-people connections and cultural ties. Artists showcase diverse fields like folk music, dance, theatre, puppetry, classical and contemporary arts. Indian folk art and music are also promoted through grants to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies. These grants support cultural programs and activities in foreign countries, enhancing India’s global cultural presence.

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Chief Minister of Telangana announced the extension of the Rythu Bharosa Scheme after Sankranti. The scheme will continue providing Rs. 500 bonuses for high-quality rice varieties in the next season. The Rythu Bharosa Scheme, also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS), was launched in 2018-19 to support farmers with their initial investment needs. The announcement aims to address concerns within the farming community and prepare for upcoming local body elections.

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme. The aim is to support retired athletes’ career development through education, internships, and skill enhancement. Eligibility includes retired athletes aged 20-50, with achievements in recognized events. The program offers 16 specialized courses like Strength & Conditioning, Sports Nutrition, Yoga, and Sports Entrepreneurship. It combines academic learning with internships to provide practical exposure. The objective is to fill the human resource gap in the sports sector and offer career paths for retired athletes.

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Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched a special mobile app to select beneficiaries for the Indiramma housing scheme. The app will aid in verifying applicants’ eligibility through field visits and data collection. It ensures transparency and efficiency in identifying deserving beneficiaries for the housing program. Each of the 119 Assembly constituencies will see construction of 3,500 houses, prioritizing dalits, tribals, disabled persons, sanitation workers, and transgenders.

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The Prime Minister launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana. The scheme is an initiative by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to empower women aged 18-70 with Class 10 education. Women will receive specialized training, financial literacy, and insurance awareness. They will get a stipend of Rs. 7,000 in the first year, Rs. 6,000 in the second, and Rs. 5,000 in the third year. Female agents will also earn commissions, starting with Rs. 48,000 in the first year. The goal is to appoint 2 lakh Bima Sakhis in three years, with the possibility of future development officer roles.

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Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, providing Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to eligible women in Delhi. If AAP wins the upcoming Assembly elections, the amount will be increased to Rs 2,100. The scheme was approved by the Delhi Cabinet and will start after the elections, with registration beginning on Friday. The scheme was initially announced in the 2024-25 Delhi Budget with Rs 2,000 crore allocated for 5 million beneficiaries. 12 states already have similar schemes providing monthly stipends to women.

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Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav launched ‘Jan Kalyan Parv’ and ‘Mukhya Mantri Jan Kalyan Abhiyan’ to highlight government initiatives and connect people to welfare schemes. ‘Jan Kalyan Parv’ (11-26 December) focuses on inaugurating and laying foundations for development works. ‘Mukhya Mantri Jan Kalyan Abhiyan’ (11 December-26 January) will conduct door-to-door surveys to link people to 34 schemes, 11 target-based schemes, and 63 services. CM announced a goal to increase the state’s economy share to 5% from 4%. Campaigns target the poor, youth, farmers, and women, linking them to 34 schemes, 11 target-based schemes, and 63 services.