Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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The Union government launched the ‘Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs’ as announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The scheme provides collateral-free loans up to ₹100 crore for purchasing plant, machinery, or equipment. The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd (NCGTC) offers 60% guarantee coverage to lending institutions. Borrowers must be MSMEs with a valid Udyam Registration Number. The guaranteed loan amount is capped at ₹100 crore, though the total project cost can be higher. At least 75% of the project cost must be used for equipment or machinery purchase.

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The Arunachal Pradesh government approved the revamp of the Dulari Kanya Scheme. The fixed deposit for institutional births of girl children increased from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000. The scheme is run by the Directorate of Family Welfare, Department of Health & Family Welfare. It aims to end gender preference, promote institutional delivery, ensure child immunization, prevent child marriage, and empower girls.

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The Soil Health Card Scheme has completed 10 years since its launch in 2015. It helps State Governments issue soil health cards to farmers. The card provides nutrient status of soil with recommendations for better soil health and fertility. It helps farmers choose suitable crops based on soil condition. Soil is monitored regularly, and a report is given every 3 years. This ensures farmers have updated soil data even if conditions change. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is the nodal agency for the scheme.

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Haryana Witness Protection Scheme, 2025 was launched by Haryana government to protect witnesses in serious criminal cases. It applies to offences punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment of seven years or more, including Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act cases. Witnesses are categorized into three levels based on threat perception. Protection measures include separating witnesses from the accused, monitoring communication, and close security. Witnesses may get new identities or relocation based on threats. A Witness Protection Cell will be set up in each district to implement the scheme.

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Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the NAKSHA initiative (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations). NAKSHA aims to modernize urban land records and increase transparency in property ownership and transactions. It is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) and is implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development. The initiative focuses on mapping towns and cities for better land governance.

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Karnataka government has introduced ‘Pragati Patha’ scheme. It will develop 7,110 km of rural roads at a cost of Rs 5,190 crore. The scheme aims to improve rural connectivity across the state. The scheme is different from the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

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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.

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The government launched the Modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme to support Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs). It helps convert sugarcane-based ethanol plants into multi-feedstock plants using maize and damaged food grains (DFG). The scheme offers 6% annual interest subvention or 50% of the bank interest rate, whichever is lower. The subvention is available for five years, including a one-year moratorium. This initiative aligns with the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme, promoting biofuel production and energy sustainability.

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The Delhi government approved the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana on International Women’s Day. It provides Rs 2,500 per month to women aged 21-60 from weaker economic sections earning up to Rs 3 lakh annually. The scheme aims to empower women with financial support and self-employment opportunities. It has various forms, including monthly allowances, subsidized loans for micro-enterprises, and vocational training. The scheme is designed to help women achieve stable incomes and contribute to their families’ well-being.

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On March 9, 2023, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda launched two welfare schemes for girls in Tripura—Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. Under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, BPL families will receive a Rs 50,000 bond for newborn girls, expected to grow to Rs 10 lakh by the time they turn 18. The Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana will provide free scooties to 140 meritorious girls in Higher Secondary from all education boards.