Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare held a workshop on the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025, on January 23, 2025, chaired by the Secretary (Pension). The workshop included Anubhav Nodal Officers from Ministries, Departments, 12 Public Sector Banks, and Central Public Sector Enterprises. The ANUBHAV Awards Scheme, initiated in 2016 by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare for retiring Central Government employees, acknowledges their experiences.

Notes:
A Parliamentary committee urged the government to develop a clear SOP and obtain approvals for timely completion of projects under the PRASHAD scheme. The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014. It aims to enhance cultural preservation and spiritual tourism at pilgrimage sites across India. Key objectives include improving infrastructure, connectivity, and conservation of heritage sites. It promotes local employment through skill development and supports eco-friendly tourism. The scheme is 100% publicly funded, with additional support from CSR and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

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Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ (BGBO) scheme to bridge the rural-urban development gap. The scheme has a budget of ₹5,000 crore over five years and aims to develop 60,000 villages. It focuses on improving basic infrastructure for better living conditions in rural areas, covering 80% of the state’s population. Villagers will plan and implement projects, with 40% of funds reserved for tribal areas. Transparent governance ensured through district collectors and social audits.

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The restructured National Bamboo Mission was launched in 2018-19 as a centrally sponsored scheme. It supports both government and private sectors for bamboo cultivation on non-forest land, market establishment, product development, and tool creation. The funding pattern is 60:40 (Centre-State), except for NE & Hilly states (90:10) and Union Territories (100%). Key goals include increasing quality planting materials, expanding bamboo cultivation, improving post-harvest management, and reducing reliance on bamboo imports. The mission is implemented through state nodal departments nominated by respective state/UT governments.

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The government has revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). MIS is now a part of the PM-AASHA scheme (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanraksan Abhiyan), which ensures fair prices for farmers. PM-AASHA includes the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), and Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS). MIS prevents distress selling of perishable farm produce. It is implemented upon request from State/UT governments. A 10% drop in market prices compared to the previous season is required for activation. The procurement limit for crops has been increased from 20% to 25% of production.

Notes:
The West Bengal government announced the “Nodi Bandhan” scheme in the 2025-26 budget to develop Bengal’s riverine areas and check erosion along the Ganga. “Nodi Bandhan” aims to link rivers and wetlands, creating livelihood opportunities. The scheme will support pisciculture, irrigation, and small-scale industries related to agriculture and fisheries.

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Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) launched the J. C. Bose Grant (JBG) scheme. It is a restructured version of the J. C. Bose Fellowship under the former Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). The grant recognizes senior Indian scientists and engineers for their outstanding contributions. It supports senior-level researchers with proven excellence in publications, patents, technology transfers, awards, and grants. It covers multiple fields, including science, technology, agriculture, medicine, humanities, and social sciences at the interface of S&T.

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Uttarakhand government launched the Chief Minister Single Women Self-Employment Scheme. The scheme aims to support women’s economic independence. Single, deserted, or widowed women will receive financial assistance up to ₹2 lakh. The initiative helps women start their own businesses and achieve self-reliance.

Notes:
The Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hostel Scheme is a scheme launched by the Uttar Pradesh government. The Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hostel Scheme is a significant initiative aimed at providing residential facilities for students, particularly those from marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes (SCs), who might face difficulties in pursuing higher education due to financial constraints or lack of accommodation. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, is implementing this scheme and other initiatives related to educational opportunities for marginalized communities.

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Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the Lado Laxmi Yojana to support women financially. Under this scheme, women in Haryana will receive Rs 2,100 per month. The announcement was made during the state’s budget presentation for the financial year 2025-26. The total budget for Haryana was Rs 2,05,017 crore. The scheme aims to provide economic security and empowerment to women.