Flash Notes: Govt.

Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 1
Dear students,
The “Flash Notes for Dominate Prelims” on Government
Schemes is a meticulously crafted resource, designed to
provide a detailed analysis of over 120 PYQs (2015–2024).
With a focus on the most frequently repeated schemes in news, this book
comprehensively covers key government initiatives across sectors such as health,
education, social security, agriculture, and rural development, presenting their
structural mandates, objectives, funding mechanisms, and recent updates in a
concise and accessible format.

Special attention has been given to key schemes like

PM-KUSUM, MGNREGS, and Ayushman Bharat, which are discussed in
dedicated sections. These schemes are explained in detail to highlight their
relevance, implementation challenges, and socio-economic impact, making them
indispensable for your preparation. New schemes such as the Digital Agriculture
Mission 2024 and the PM Vatsalya Scheme are also thoroughly analyzed to ensure
coverage of current developments.

Drawing on trends from previous year questions, this book incorporates

Microtheme Analyses, emphasizing recurring high-yield topics. This ensures that
your preparation remains focused on areas with the highest probability of appearing
in the exam.

The content is presented in a structured and logical format, with tables, concise
explanations, and detailed contextual analysis of each scheme. Governance
challenges, policy evolution, and their broader socio-economic implications are
woven into the discussions to provide a well-rounded understanding.

By combining detailed explanations, a PYQ-driven approach, and extensive

research, this book equips you to confidently tackle both conventional and
emerging patterns of the UPSC Prelims.
Drop in your comments and
suggestions to us at [email protected]

Best,
Civilsdaily IAS’ Dominate Prelims Team

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 2
Prelims PYQs Microthemes Distribution
44 Question Count
2010-2024

Souce: CD PYQ Microtheme Tool

The concept: Microthemes are recurring patterns observed in the last 20

years of UPSC Prelims papers. These represent predictable, high-yield areas
and should be your Priority 1. Focus on them specifically, as you should
expect questions from these topics. Only move on to other topics after you
have thoroughly mastered the Microthemes.

These Flash Notes simplified complex UPSC Syllabus

into microthemes, making my Prelims journey
efficient and result-oriented—highly recommended
for every aspirant!
- AIR 2, Animesh Pradhan

With Flash Notes, I could pinpoint high- Crisp, focused, and packed with microtheme
yield microthemes and streamline my insights—Flash Notes transformed how you
revision, making Prelims prep smarter, approach Prelims, ensuring clarity on First-priority
not harder! topics.
- IRMS, Sreelaxmi KV - AIR 48, Aaditya Pandey
UPSC 2023

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 3
Table of Contents
Health 6 Vulnerable Sections 34
National Health Mission 8 Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)
Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana 9 (6
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) 10 Palna Scheme (6
Other Schemes in the News: 10 One Stop Centre Scheme (7
Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent health 10 Aspirational District/Block Program (7
National Nutritional Programmes: 11 Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) (8
Communicable diseases 11
Non-communicable diseases 12
Finance 3(
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) )0
Social Security 13 Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP)
Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGB)
)1
)1
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) 15
RAMP Programme (Reforms and Acceleration in MSME Perfor-
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: 15
mance) )2
NPS Vatsalya Scheme 16
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana )2
Other Schemes in the News: 16
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana )(
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) 16 Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) )(
Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY) 16 IN NEWS: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) )(
Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI) 17
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) 17
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) 18 Education & Human Resource 44
PM Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana 18 Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) )6
PM Kisan Mandhan Yojana 18 APAAR: One Nation, One Student ID Initiative )6
Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers Prithvi Vigyan Scheme for Earth Sciences )7
(SRMS) 19 PM Vishwakarma Scheme )7
REACHOUT Scheme )8
Health Insurance scheme for Weavers 19
VAIBHAV Fellowship )8
National Social Assistance program- Old aged protection 19
PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme )8
Public Distribution System (PDS) 19 PM-YASASVI Scheme )9
PM-AJAY (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana) )9

Rural 20
Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme 21
Model Solar Village 22
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) - Phase IV 22
National Rural Livelihood Mission: 2(
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS) 2(
Digital India Land Record Modernization Program: 2)

Agriculture 2&
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana 26
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana 27
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) 27
National Mission for Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) 28
Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme 28
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) 29
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries Scheme 29
Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) (0
PM-KUSUM (0
IN NEWS: DIGITAL AGRICULTURE MISSION 202( )1
IN NEWS: NATIONAL BEEKEEPING AND HONEY MISSION - 2020
(NBHM) ))

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 5
Health

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 6
Health
Prelims PYQs
2. It runs a compaign for delayed cord clamp- 2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among
ing at the time of child-birth. young children, adolescent girls and women.
$. It provides for periodic deworming to chil- $. To promote the consumption of millets,
dren and adolescents. coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
%. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anae- %. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
[UPSC 2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan
mia in endemic pockets with special focus Select the correct answer using the code
Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider
on malaria, hemoglobinopathies & fluorosis. given below:
the following statements:
How many of the statements given above are (a) % and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and $ only
1. This scheme guarantees a minimum
correct? (c) 1, 2 and % only (d) $ and % only
package of antenatal care services to
(a) Only one (b) Only two
women in their second and third trimesters
(c) Only three (d) All four [UPSC 20%(] Mission Indradhanush’
of pregnancy and six months post-delivery
launched by the Government of India per-
health care service in any government
[UPSC 2022] With reference to Ayushman tains to
health facility.
Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following (a) immunization of children and pregnant
2. Under this scheme, private sector health-
statements : women
carehealthcare providers of certain spe-
1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. (b) construction of smart cities across the
cialties can volunteer to provide services
2. As it aims to achieve universal health cov- country
at nearby government health facilities.
erage, every citizen of India should be part (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like plan-
Which of the statements given above is/are
of it ultimately. ets in outer space
correct?
$. It has seamless portability across the (d) New Educational Policy
(1) 1 only (b) 2 only
country.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the statements given above is/are [UPSC 20%2] With reference to National
correct? Rural Health Mission, which of the following
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following state-
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only are the jobs of ‘ASHA, trained community
ments in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna:
(c) 1 and $ only (d) 1, 2 and $ health workers?
1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the
1. Accompanying women to the health facili-
State Health Departments.
[UPSC 20%&] With reference to the Materni- ty for antenatal care check-up
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal &
ty Benefit Amendment Act, 2&1', consider 2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detec-
neonatal mortality among poor pregnant
the following statements: tion pregnancy
women.
1. Pregnant women are entitled for three $. Providing information on nutrition and
$. It aims to promote institutional delivery
months pre-delivery and three months immunization
among poor pregnant women.
post-delivery paid leave %. Conducting the delivery of baby.
%. Its objective includes providing public
2. This act applies to all organisations with (a) %, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and $ only
health facilities to sick infants up to one
2& or more employees, (c) 1 and $ only (d) 1, 2, $ and %
year of age.
$. It has made it mandatory for every organi-
How many of the statements given above are
sation with 1&& or more employees to have [UPSC 20%2] The endeavour of Janani
correct?
a crèche. Suraksha yojana programme is
(a) Only one (b) Only two
Which of the given statements is/are correct? 1. to promote institutional deliveries
(c) Only three (d) All four
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only 2. to provide monetary assistance to the
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and $ mother to meet the cost of delivery
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following state-
$. to provide for wage loss due to pregnancy
ments in the context of interventions being
[UPSC 20%7] Which of the following are the and confinements
undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat
objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? Which of the statements given above is/are
Strategy:
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition correct
1. It provides prophylactic calcium supple-
among pregnant women and lactating (a) % and 2 only (b) 2 only
mentation for pre-school children, adoles-
mothers. (c) $ only (d) 1, 2 and $
cents and pregnant women.

Observations:
• The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution states that states are primarily responsible for public health and sanitation, as well as the
management of hospitals and dispensaries.
• The federal government also has a role in policy design and financing (healthcare through the Union and Concurrent lists).
• What do you need to do?
• Flagship Mission and the schemes like - ‘NHM; Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, ‘Janani Suraksha yojana programme’ that
are always debated in Parliament.
• Provisions and Features of the Programs and Policies
• Acts and provisions laid by the govt.
• Diseases specific initiatives if any.
Beyond PYQs, we also need to get on other content details like - the main components of the Mission, Committees and structural/
implementation flow-wise changes done by government in the recent years. You need to go thoroughly and in categorized way for at least
with major aspects that are in news.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 7
National Health Mission
About • The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched on 12th April 2005, to provide accessible, affordable
and quality health care to the rural population, especially the vulnerable groups.
• The Union Cabinet vide its decision in 2013 and approved the launch of National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)
as a Sub-mission of an over-arching National Health Mission (NHM), with National Rural Health Mission
(NRHM) being the other Sub-mission of National Health Mission.
Structural Man- The National Health Authority (NHA) oversees the planning and implementation of these healthcare initiatives to
date achieve desired outcomes.
Empowered Programme Committee (EPC):
• EPC is an Executive Committee constituted under National Health Mission (NHM).
• All the Proposals brought before the Mission Steering Group (MSG) are first placed before EPC for examination.
• The EPC under NHM is chaired by the secretariat of Health and Family welfare ministry.
• Powers and Functions:
• The EPC is given flexibility to change financial norms approved by the MSG within a range of 25%, with larger
variations being approved by the MSG.
• The exercise of delegated powers by the EPC would be subject to the condition that a progress report
regarding NHM, alongwith deviation in financial norms, modifications in ongoing schemes and details of new
schemes are placed before Cabinet for information on an annual basis.
Targeted Benefi- The National Health Mission (NHM) targets a variety of beneficiaries, including pregnant women, newborns, and
ciaries sick infants:
• For example, the LaQshya program aims to improve the quality of care for pregnant women in labor rooms, mater-
nity operation theaters, and intensive care units (ICUs).
• The Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) provides free delivery, drugs, diagnostics, diet, blood, transporta-
tion, and exemption from user charges for pregnant women giving birth in public health institutions.
Funding Mecha- • Central and state funds: The central government funds the NHM at a 60:40 ratio with most states and union
nism territories with legislatures. For the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-
Eastern states, the ratio is 90:10.
• International agencies: The NHM also receives funding from agreements with international agencies such as the
World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Features • The National Health Mission (NHM) consists of five main components: Health ID, digital doctor, personal health
record, telemedicine, and pharmacy.
• The private sector also has opportunities to introduce new products and services into the healthcare market
through NHM.
• They can offer their services to patients more easily by leveraging improved accessibility provided by the
mission.
• Every Indian citizen receives a unique health ID under NHM, which contains comprehensive information about
their medical history.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 8
Program The National Health Mission (NHM) comprises several key components aimed at enhancing the healthcare system
Components in India.
Components:
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): This initiative focuses on providing specialized healthcare services to
rural communities, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.
• Priority is given to less privileged regions such as Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, where
healthcare infrastructure is inadequate.
• National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): This scheme is tailored to address the healthcare needs of the urban
poor by offering healthcare services at subsidized rates.
• Tertiary Care Programme: This program, overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs led by the
Prime Minister, focuses on delivering tertiary healthcare services in various regions.
• It addresses both communicable and non-communicable diseases, along with integrating e-health solutions
for improved healthcare delivery.

Major Initiatives:
• Grants to Sub-Centers: Various grants, including resources, funds, or equipment, are provided to healthcare
providers to enhance the quality of services offered to patients.
• Village Health and Sanitation Committees: These committees are responsible for planning and monitoring pub-
lic health services in different areas. Comprising members of the Panchayati Raj, there are approximately 5 lakh
committees across various regions.
• Janani Suraksha Yojana: This initiative encourages women to avail healthcare services from the public sector
during pregnancy, aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates.
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram: Under this scheme, pregnant women can access free healthcare services
during pregnancy and post-delivery, including free check-ups for infants up to one year.
• National Ambulance Services: Managed by NHM, this service provides timely and affordable ambulance services
to individuals by dialing a toll-free number, forming a crucial part of the national healthcare system.
• Comprehensive Primary Health Care: This initiative focuses on improving access to information, communication,
and technology, thereby enhancing the quality of care. It ensures easy access to healthcare services, including
technology, medications, and diagnostics, leading to improved healthcare outcomes.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are community health workers who play a vital role in the National Rural Health Mission
(NRHM), now part of the National Health Mission (NHM). Their responsibilities include:
• Providing information on health and nutrition;
• Helping people access health services like immunizations, ante-natal check-ups, and post-natal check-ups
• Making home visits and counseling women on birth preparedness,
• Promoting attendance at health and nutrition days
• Serving as a member of the Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC)
• Acting as a depot for essential supplies like oral rehydration therapy (ORS), iron folic acid tablets (IFA), and contraceptive pills
• Informing the primary health center of any births or deaths in their designated areas.

Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana

About Launched in September 2018, by PM in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Mandate • Administered under the PM-JAY framework, ensuring structured implementation and integration with India’s health
insurance network.
• Implemented across empaneled hospitals in both urban and rural areas, ensuring nationwide reach.
• Centralized digital system tracks treatments, patient details, and expenses for transparency and accountability.
Aims and • Universal healthcare for senior citizens, ensuring access to essential medical treatments without financial strain.
Objectives • Aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for elderly citizens and their families.
• Encourages preventive care and early medical intervention to address age-related health conditions.
Targeted Senior citizens aged 70 and above.
Beneficiaries
Funding • The scheme is funded under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Mechanism • Eligible senior citizens can receive free treatment for around 2,000 medical procedures.
• Senior citizens who are already covered under AB PM-JAY can receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh
per year.
Features • Coverage includes medical consultations, treatments, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses, complex procedures
such as angioplasty
• Implemented in empaneled hospitals in urban and rural areas
• Centralized digital system for transparency and accountability

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Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
About Launched in 2016 to provide antenatal care services on the 9th of every month at designated government health
facilities
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Implemented by: Government health facilities, including Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health
Centres (PHCs), and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs); Private practitioners can voluntarily participate;
Aims and Objectives To provide quality Antenatal Care (ANC) to all pregnant women, especially focusing on high-risk pregnancies.
Targeted Beneficiaries Pregnant Women who are in the 2nd & 3rd Trimesters of pregnancy
Funding Mechanism It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. It operates within the financial framework of the NHM, utilizing funds that
are already sanctioned for maternal health services.
Features • Services provided free of cost.
• Fixed day ANC services on the 9th of every month.
• General check-up including physical and clinical examinations.
• Laboratory investigations (blood tests, urine tests, etc.).
• Ultrasound to monitor fetal growth.
• Nutritional and lifestyle counseling.
• Screening and identification of high-risk pregnancies.
• Public-Private partnership for ANC service provision.
• Extended services under E-PMSMA, tracking high-risk pregnancies and additional PMSMA sessions beyond
the 9th of the month.

Did you know the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy?

• The Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy is a government initiative to reduce anemia in children, adolescents, and women in India. The
strategy aims to achieve this by:
• 6X6X6 strategy: This strategy targets six age groups and six interventions:
• Beneficiaries: Children (6–59 months), children (5–9 years), adolescents (10–19 years), women of reproductive age (15–49 years),
pregnant women, and lactating women
• Interventions: Prophylactic iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, behavior change communication campaign, testing and
treatment of anemia, provision of iron and folic acid fortified foods in public health programs, and addressing non-nutritional causes
of anemia.

Other Schemes in the News:

Public Health is a State subject; hence, the responsibility of providing medical assistance to patients of all income group is of respective
State/ UT Governments. Given below is the list of categorized version of the schemes under NHM (that were in the news since 2023), to help
you in analyzing the right options during preliminary examination:

Reproductive, • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK): It was launched in June 2011 to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses
Maternal, for both pregnant women and sick infants. Pregnant women receive free diet for up to three days after a normal
Neonatal, Child delivery and up to seven days after a C-section.
and Adoles- • Pregnant women and sick newborns are exempt from user charges for antenatal and postnatal care.
cent health • To apply for JSSK, pregnant women need to provide the Aadhaar card, Domicile certificate, Ration card, and
Janani Suraksha Card.
• Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram(RKSK): The RKSK program was launched by the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare in 2014.
• The program’s goal is to ensure the holistic development of adolescents by providing access to health information
and counseling. The program’s strategies include:
• Community-based interventions, such as outreach by counselors
• Facility-based counseling
• Social and behavior change communication
• Strengthening of Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs)
• Organizing health camps, yoga/meditation/exercise camps, and more
• Establishing a “Question Box” in every school.

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 • Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): This program involves screening of children from birth to 18 years of
age for 4 Ds- Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Development delays.
• Universal Immunisation Programme: Under Universal Immunization Programme, immunization of children starts
as soon as child is born. Vaccination against childhood tuberculosis (BCG), polio (OPV) and maternally transmitted
Hepatitis B (Hep B vaccine) are given to a child immediately after birth.

• Mission Indradhanush (MI): Mission Indradhanush (MI) is a special catch-up campaign under the Universal Immu-
nization Program (UIP).
• It provides free vaccines against 12 life threatening diseases namely: Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis,
Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Pneumonia and Meningitis due to Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles,
Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Rotavirus diarrhea.
• Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 focuses on reaching zero-dose children aged between 0-5
years and pregnant women.
• It aims to eliminate measles and rubella by ensuring that every child under 5 years of age has completed
the two-dose schedule of Measles and Rubella Containing Vaccine (MRCV)
• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): It is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Health Mission (NHM). The
Yojana was launched in 2005, and is being implemented in all states and UTs with special focus on low performing
states.
• It is a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme and it integrates cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery
care.
• It was launched for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, to promote institutional delivery among preg-
nant women especially from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and BPL households.
• Cash assistance: Under the JSY, eligible pregnant women are entitled to cash assistance irrespective of the
age of mother and number of children for giving birth in a government or accredited private health facility.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Explained in above table.
• Navjaat Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (NSSK): The NSSK launched in 2009 is a program that trains health work-
ers on how to provide basic newborn care and resuscitation. It aims to reduce neonatal mortality by ensuring that
health workers are trained to handle common newborn problems.
• National Programme for Family planning: It was launched in 1952. The chief objectives of the programme were:
Lower fertility rates. Slow population growth as a means to push economic growth.
• LaQshya’ programme: Explained in above table.

National Nu- • National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme: NIDDCP is a Central Plan Scheme that aims to pre-
tritional Pro- vent and control iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in India. The program was launched in December 1989 and was
grammes: previously known as the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP).
• MAA (Mothers’ Absolute Affection) Programme: It is a nationwide initiative launched in 2016 to improve infant
and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and child nutrition.
• It includes the guidelines for the hospital implementing the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and
Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act 1992.
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF): It is a government of India program that
aims to prevent and control fluorosis in the country.
• The program was launched in 2009 to address the issue of fluorosis, which is primarily caused by drinking
water with high levels of fluoride.
• National Iron Plus Initiative: It is a program in India that aims to control anemia by providing iron and folic acid
supplements to people of all ages.
• Children: Children aged 6–59 months receive a bi-weekly dose of 20 mg of elemental iron and 100 mcg of
folic acid per ml of liquid formulation.
• School-age children: Children aged 1–5 receive a weekly dose of 45 mg of elemental iron and 400 mcg of
folic acid per child per day.
• Adolescents: Adolescents aged 10–19 receive a weekly dose of 100 mg of elemental iron and 500 mcg of folic
acid, along with biannual de-worming.
• Women of reproductive age: Women of reproductive age receive a weekly dose of 100 mg of elemental iron
and 500 mcg of folic acid.
• Pregnant and lactating women: Pregnant and lactating women receive a daily dose of 100 mg of elemental
iron and 500 mcg of folic acid for 180 days, starting after the first trimester.
Communicable • NACP Phase I (1992-1999): Slow down the spread of HIV infections and reduce morbidity and mortality associated
diseases with AIDS. Key Features include:
• Establishment of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO).
• Initiation of awareness campaigns and surveillance systems.
• Implementation of safe blood transfusion practices.
• NACP Phase II (1999-2006): Reduce the spread of HIV infection and enhance India›s capacity to respond to AIDS.
Key Features include:
• Focus on targeted interventions for high-risk groups.

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 • Adoption of the National AIDS Prevention and Control Policy in 2002.
• Launch of the National Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) program.
• NACP Phase III (2007-2012): Halt and reverse the HIV epidemic. Key Features include:
• Scaling up prevention efforts among high-risk groups and integrating care, support, and treatment services.
• Emphasis on strategic information management and institutional strengthening.
• NACP Phase IV (2012-2021): Consolidate gains made in previous phases and accelerate the reversal of the
epidemic. Key Features includes:
• Focus on quality service delivery and integration with other health programs.
• Enhanced access to ART for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• NACP Phase V (2021-2026): Achieve significant reductions in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by
2025. Key Features include:
• Comprehensive prevention, detection, and treatment services for at-risk populations.
• Targeting a dual elimination strategy for vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child.
• A budget allocation of (15,471.94 crore for implementation.
• Pulse Polio Programme: It was officially launched on October 2, 1994. At the time of its launch, India accounted
for approximately 60% of global polio cases, making it a critical area for intervention.
• The primary objective of the program is to achieve 100% coverage with the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to
interrupt the transmission of the wild poliovirus and ultimately eradicate polio from the country.
• Polio-Free Status: India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 27, 2014.
The last reported case of wild polio in India was in January 2011.
• Vaccination Coverage: The program has successfully immunized millions of children each year, with over 159
million children vaccinated during campaigns as recent as 2021.
• National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP): It is a comprehensive initiative launched on July 28, 2018,
aimed at controlling and eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. This program aligns with global health
commitments, particularly the SDG - 3.3, which aims to end epidemics of communicable diseases, including
hepatitis, by 2030.
• National Rabies Control Programme: It is a strategic initiative launched to address the public health challenge
posed by rabies.
• The NRCP was approved during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2013-2017) and aims to prevent human deaths due
to rabies and control canine rabies transmission.
• The human health component is rolled out in all states and Union Territories, with the National Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC) as the nodal agency.
• Rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins are provided free of charge to all animal bite victims through the
National Free Drug Initiative.
• National Programme on Containment of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR): It is a strategic initiative launched to
combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which poses significant challenges to public health.
• The program was initiated under the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017) as part of a broader effort to address
public health concerns related to antimicrobial resistance.
• The program emphasizes the establishment of a national surveillance network that includes laboratories
generating annual AMR reports and submitting data to the Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS).
• The program is coordinated by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which serves as the focal
point for implementing various activities related to AMR containment.
• State Action Plans for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (SAPCAR) are being developed across
states to tailor interventions based on local needs.
Non-communi- • National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): The NTCP was initiated in 2007-08 during the 11th Five-Year
cable diseases Plan for reducing tobacco consumption and its associated health risks.
• NTCC cell at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) oversees policy formulation, planning,
implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of NTCP activities.
• The primary objectives of the NTCP is to ensure effective enforcement of provisions under the Cigarettes
and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce,
Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA).
• Facilitate the implementation of strategies for tobacco prevention and control as advocated by the WHO
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS):
• National Programme for Control Treatment of Occupational Diseases:
• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD):
• National Mental Health Programme:
• National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI):
• Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP):
• National Programme for the Health Care for the Elderly (NPHCE):
• National Oral Health programme:

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Social Security

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Social Security
Prelims PYQs
to minimize the loss in case of cyber (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
extortion (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
%. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any
third party files a suit [UPSC 20%2] Consider the following:
Select the correct answer using the code 1. Hotels and restaurants
[UPSC 2024] With reference to the Pradhan
given below: 2. Motor transport undertakings
Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM)
(a) 1, 2 and % only (b) %, 3 and 4 only $. Newspaper establishments
Yojana, consider the following statements:
(c) 2 and $ only (c) 1, 2, $ and % %. Private medical institutions
1. The entry age group for enrolment in the
The employees of which of the above can
scheme is 21 to %& years.
[UPSC 20%7] Who among the following can have the ‘Social Security’ coverage under
2. Age specific contribution shall be made by
join the National Pension System (NPS)? Employees’ State Insurance Scheme?
the beneficiary.
(a) Resident Indian citizens only (a) 1, 2 and $ only (b) % only
$. Each subscriber under the scheme shall
(b) Persons of age from 21 to ++ only (c) 1, $ and % only
receive a minimum pension of ) $,&&& per
(c) All State Government employees joining (d) %, 2, 3 and 4
month after attaining the age of 6& years.
the services after the date of notification
%. Family pension is applicable to the spouse
by the respective State Governments [UPSC 20%%] With reference to “Aam Admi
and unmarried daughters.
(d) All Central Governments Employees in- Bima Yojana”. Consider the following state-
Which of the statements given above is/are
cluding those of Armed Forces joining the ments:
correct?
services on or after 1st April, 2&&% 1. The member insured under the scheme
(a) 1 and % (b) 2 and 3
must be the head of the family or earning
(c) 2 only (c) 1,2 and %
[UPSC 20%(] Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yoja- member of the family in a rural landless
na’, which of the following statements is/are household.
[UPSC 202%] With reference to casual work-
correct? 2 The member insured must be in the age
ers employed in India, consider the following
1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension group of $& to 6+ years.
statements:
scheme mainly targeted at unorganized $. There is a provision for free scholarship
1. All casual workers are entitled to Employ-
sector workers. for up to two children of the insured who
ees Provident Fund coverage.
2. Only one member of a family can join the are studying between classes , and 12.
2. All casual workers are entitled to regular
scheme. Which of the statements given above is/
working hours and overtime payment.
$. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for are correct?
$. The government can, by notification, spec-
the spouse for life after subscriber’s death. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and $ only
ify that an establishment or industry shall
Select the correct answer using the code (c) % and 3 only
pay wages only through its bank account.
given below. (d) 1, 2 and $
Which of the above statements are correct?”
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and $ only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) % and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and $ [UPSC 200&] With reference to the scheme
(c) 1 and $ only (c) 1, 2, and $
launched by the Union Government, consider
[UPSC 20%(] With reference to ‘Pradhan the following statements:
[UPSC 2020] In India, under cyber insurance
Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the 1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
for individuals, which of the following benefits
following statements: launched the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima
are generally covered, in addition to payment
1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay Yojana
for the loss of funds and other benefits?
a uniform premium of two percent for any 2. Ministry of Textiles launched the Rajiv
1. Cost of restoration of the computer sys-
crop they cultivate in any season of the year. Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana
tem in case of malware disrupting access
2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses Which of the statements given above is/are
to one’s computer
arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains. correct?
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
wilfully damages it, if proved so
correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
$. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant

Observations:
• The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India lists social security and insurance as a concurrent subject, along with other topics
like employment, unemployment, trade unions, and industrial and labor disputes.
• It is defined as the measures taken to protect employees, unorganized workers, and platform workers. These measures include - income
security and access to healthcare, especially in cases of unemployment, sickness, old age, maternity, work injury, or loss of a breadwin-
ner.
• What do we need to do?
• All insurance/pension to be covered in in-depth detail
• Social security provided by government in various sectors of the economy - Agriculture, Textile, Manufacturing and social welfare
programs.

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Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana:
About Govt. sponsored crop insurance launched in 2016.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare;
Mandate Managed by: Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) and the concerned State.
Aims and To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops
Objectives as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
Targeted All farmers including sharecroppers and tenant farmers can avail it.
Beneficiaries (In 2020, the scheme was made optional for all farmers including farmers who have taken agri-loans)
Funding Central Sector Scheme;
Mechanism • A uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops. (In news)
• In the case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will be only 5%.
Features • All farmers growing notified crops in a notified area during the season who have an insurable interest in the crop
are eligible.
• Earlier to Kharif 2020, the enrolment under the scheme was compulsory for the following categories of farmers:
1. Farmers in the notified area who possess a Crop Loan account/KCC account (called as Loanee Farmers) to whom
credit limit is sanctioned/renewed for the notified crop during the crop season. and
2. Such other farmers whom the Government may decide to include from time to time.
Risks covered under the scheme
• Comprehensive risk insurance is provided to cover yield losses due to non-preventable risks, such as Natural
Fire and Lightning, Storm, Hailstorm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado.
Risks due to Flood, Inundation and Landslide, Drought, Dry spells, Pests/ Diseases also will be covered.
• Post-harvest losses coverage will be available up to a maximum period of 14 days from harvesting for those crops
which are kept in “cut & spread” condition to dry in the field.
• For certain localized problems such as loss/damage resulting from the occurrence of identified localized risks like
hailstorm, landslide, and Inundation affecting isolated farms in the notified area would also be covered.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

About Union Cabinet approved it in August 2024; based on the recommendations of T. V. Somanathan Committee (2023);
W.e.f. from April 1, 2025.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure);
Mandate
Aims and Provide a stable and assured pension for central government employees, offering better retirement benefits and
Objectives inflation protection.
Targeted Central government employees with at least 10 years of service;
Beneficiaries Applies to past retirees of NPS (who have already superannuated).
Funding • Employee Contributions: Under the UPS, employees are required to contribute 10% of their basic salary plus
Mechanism Dearness Allowance (DA) towards their pension fund.
• Government Contributions: The government will contribute 18.5% of the employee's basic salary plus DA. This
represents an increase from the previous contribution of 14% under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
• Additional Funding: There is also a separate pooled corpus funded by an extra 8.5% from the government, which
further supports the pension scheme.
Retirees are entitled to a lump sum payment at superannuation, calculated as 1/10th of their monthly emoluments
for every six months of completed service.
Features • Assured pension of 50% of average basic pay for employees with 25+ years of service
• Minimum pension of 10,000 per month
• Family pension of 60% of the pension drawn before death of the employee
• Inflation protection with pensions indexed to inflation
• Government contribution of 18.5% of basic pay and DA
• Lump sum payment on superannuation based on last drawn pay.

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NPS Vatsalya Scheme
About Announced in the Union Budget 2024 as a new pension plan for minors.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of Finance;
Mandate Implementation: Scheme can be opened through various Points of presence regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory
Authority of India (PFRDA)such as major banks, India Post, Pension Funds and Online platform (e-NPS).
Aims and To secure children’s financial future by allowing parents to invest in a pension account early on.
Objectives
Targeted Children, through accounts opened by their parents
Beneficiaries
Funding Contributions of (500 per month or (6,000 annually
Mechanism
Features • Managed by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
• Contributions benefit from compounding, ensuring long-term wealth growth for the child.
• At 18, Vatsalya account is converted into a regular NPS account for seamless retirement planning.
• Promotes long-term financial security and retirement planning for future generations.

Other Schemes in the News:

Scheme Name Features Launching Date Ministry/Department
Ayushman Bharat It is an entitlement-based scheme that targets Launched in 2018, it offers Ministry of Health and Family
- Pradhan Man- the beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio- a sum insured of Rs.5 lakh Welfare
tri Jan Arogya Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. per family for secondary
Yojana (PM-JAY) • Women account for approximately 49% care and tertiary care.
of the total Ayushman cards created and • PM-JAY is the world’s
approximately 48% of total authorised hospital largest health insurance
admissions. scheme fully financed by
the government.
• Health Benefit Packages
covers surgery, medical
and day care treatments,
cost of medicines and
diagnostics.
Aam Aadmi Bima • Target Group: The scheme is designed for October 2007 Nodal: Ministry of Labour and
Yojana (AABY) individuals aged 18 to 59 years who belong Employment
to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families or those Implementation: The scheme is
slightly above the poverty line, particularly administered by the Life Insurance
those engaged in unorganised sectors such as Corporation of India (LIC) and
agriculture, fishing, and manual labor. is executed through various
• Insurance Coverage: Nodal Agencies appointed by the
• Natural Death: (30,000 government.
• Accidental Death: (75,000
• Partial Permanent Disability: (37,500 (loss of
one eye or limb)
• Total Permanent Disability: (75,000 (loss of
two eyes or limbs or one eye and one limb)
• Scholarship Benefit: The scheme also
provides a scholarship for the children of the
insured, aimed at supporting their education.
• Affordable Premiums: The total annual
premium is (320, with the government
subsidizing 50% of this cost, making it
accessible for low-income families.
• Exclusions: The scheme does not cover
hospitalisation costs or deaths/disabilities
resulting from mental disorders, suicide, illegal
activities, dangerous sports, substance abuse,
or war-like conditions.

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Scheme Name Features Launching Date Ministry/Department
Employees’ • The scheme covers employees earning up to It was established under Nodal: Ministry of Labour and
State Insurance (21,000 per month, including those working in the Employees› State Employment
Scheme (ESI) factories and establishments with ten or more Insurance Act, 1948, Implementation: The scheme is
employees. which came into effect on administered by the Employees’
• Full medical care is provided from the day April 1, 1952. State Insurance Corporation
the employee enters insurable employment, (ESIC), which is responsible for
covering hospitalization, outpatient treatment, managing the contributions and
and maternity benefits without any expenditure disbursing benefits.
ceiling.
• Employees receive 70% of their wages for up to
91 days of certified sickness annually. For long-
term illnesses, an Extended Sickness Benefit
can be availed at an enhanced rate for specific
diseases.
• Female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of
maternity leave with full wages, extendable by
one month based on medical advice, provided
they have contributed for at least 70 days in
the preceding two contribution periods.
• Disablement Benefits:
• Temporary Disablement Benefit provides 90%
of wages during the period of disability due to
employment injury.
• Permanent Disablement Benefit offers a
lifelong monthly payment at the same rate
based on the extent of loss of earning capacity.
• In case of the insured person's death due to
employment injury, dependants receive 90% of
the wage as a monthly payment
Pradhan Mantri • Available to all Indian residents and NRIs aged • The PMSBY was formally Nodal: Ministry of Finance
Suraksha Bima 18 to 70 years with a savings bank account. launched by Prime Implementation: The scheme is
Yojana (PMSBY) The annual premium for the scheme is just Minister Narendra administered by public sector
)20, making it highly accessible. Modi on May 9, 2015, in general insurance companies
• Coverage Amount: Kolkata, West Bengal. and other willing insurers, under
• Accidental Death: (2 lakh • The scheme was the supervision of the Ministry of
• Permanent Total Disability: (2 lakh announced as part of the Finance.
• Permanent Partial Disability: (1 lakh government's initiative to
• Automatic Debit: The premium is enhance social security
automatically debited from the enrolled for the economically
individual's bank account. weaker sections of
• Policy Duration: The scheme provides society.
coverage for one year, from June 1 to May 31,
and can be renewed annually.
• Claim Eligibility: Claims can be made after
a waiting period of 45 days from the date of
enrollment.
• Exclusions: Deaths or disabilities resulting
from suicide, drug abuse, or participation in
illegal activities are not covered.

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Scheme Name Features Launching Date Ministry/Department
Central Gov- • CGHS covers a wide range of medical 1954 Nodal: Ministry of Health and
ernment Health expenses, including in-patient treatment, Family Welfare
Scheme (CGHS) outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, Implementation: The scheme
and prescription medications. It also includes is administered by the Ministry
maternity and child healthcare services, of Health and Family Welfare.
AYUSH treatments, and dental care. Eligibility criteria include
• Beneficiaries can avail themselves of cashless registration under the CGHS
treatment at empanelled hospitals and and obtaining a CGHS card for
dispensaries, ensuring that they do not have to accessing benefits.
pay out-of-pocket for covered services.
• In cases where treatment is sought at non-
empanelled private hospitals or in emergencies,
beneficiaries can claim reimbursement for
medical expenses incurred.
• The scheme aims to make healthcare
affordable for government employees and their
families by providing extensive coverage at
minimal costs.

PM Shram Yogi The scheme provides old age security to workers It was announced in the PM-SYM is a Central Sector
Maan-dhan (PM- in the unorganised sector. Under this scheme, Interim Budget-2019 will be Scheme administered by
SYM) Yojana a pension of Rs 3,000 per month is available at implemented from February the Ministry of Labour and
the age of 60 years. Apart from this, if the worker 15, 2019 by the Ministry of Employment and implemented
dies, his spouse can get 50% of the pension as Labour and Employment. through Life Insurance
family pension. Corporation of India and
• The unorganised workers (home based Community Service Centers
workers, street vendors, mid-day meal workers, (CSCs).
head loaders, landless labourers and similar • LIC will be the Pension Fund
other occupations) whose monthly income is Manager and responsible for
Rs 15,000/ per month or less. Pension pay out.
• The Subscriber should belong to the entry age
group of 18-40 years.
• They should not be covered under New
Pension Scheme (NPS), Employees’ State
Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme or
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
(EPFO).
• He/She should not be an income tax payer.

PM Kisan Mand- Eligibility The PM-KMY was launched • The scheme is administered by
han Yojana • Should be an Indian Citizen on September 12, 2019, by the Department of Agriculture
• For Small and Marginal Farmers Prime Minister Narendra & Farmers’ Welfare, with the
• Entry Age between 18 to 40 years Modi in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Life Insurance Corporation of
• Cultivable land up to 2 hectares as per land India (LIC) managing the pension
records of the concerned State/UT. fund.
Benefits • A Project Monitoring Unit
• Assured pension of Rs. 3000/- month (PMU) has been established
• Voluntary and Contributory Pension Scheme. at the central level to oversee
implementation and ensure
effective management.
• Farmers can enroll through
the nearest Common Service
Centers (CSCs) or online via the
official PM-KMY portal.

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Scheme Name Features Launching Date Ministry/Department
Self Employ- • Since October, 1997, NSKFDC worked as an National Safai National Safai Karamcharis
ment Scheme for Apex Corporation for the all round socio- Karamcharis Finance Finance & Development
Rehabilitation of economic upliftment of the Safai Karamcharis, & Development Corporation(NSKFDC) has been
Manual Scaven- Scavengers and their dependants throughout Corporation(NSKFDC), designated as the Nodal Agency
gers (SRMS) India,through various loan and non-loan based a wholly owned Govt. of for implementation under the aegis
schemes. India Undertaking under of the Ministry of Social Justice &
• Apart from operating various loan and non- the Ministry of Social Empowerment.
loan based schemes for the upliftment of the Justice & Empowerment
target group, NSKFDC is playing a vital role in (M/o SJ&E) was set up on
elimination of manual scavenging - the worst 24th January 1997 as a
surviving symbol of untouchability. Company “Not for Profit”
under Section 25 of the
Companies Act, 1956.
Health Insur- Eligibility The Health Insurance Nodal: Ministry of Textiles
ance scheme • Should be an Indian Citizen Scheme for Handloom Implementation: The State
for Weavers • The weaver should be earning at least 50% of Weavers was launched in Directorate of Handloom verifies
his income from handloom weaving November 2005. applications and forwards them
Benefits: The beneficiaries would avail a to the insurance company,
package of Rs 15,000 that includes both which issues health cards to
pre-existing diseases and new diseases. The beneficiaries.
division in terms of disbursement of the amount
according to the medical conditions stands as-
Maternity benefits (per child for the first two)- Rs
2500, Eye treatment – Rs 75, Spectacles – Rs
250, Domiciliary Hospitalisation- Rs 4000,
Ayurvedic/Unnani/Homeopathic/Siddha- Rs
4000, Hospitalization (including pre and post)-
Rs 15000, Baby coverage-500, OPD and limit per
illness- Rs 7500.
National So- Eligibility criteria: The National Social • The Ministry of Rural
cial Assistance • Should be an Indian citizen Assistance Programme Development oversees the
program- Old • Any person who has little or no regular means (NSAP) was launched implementation of IGNOAPS,
aged protection of subsistence from his/her own source of on August 15, 1995. The ensuring compliance with
income or through financial support from family IGNOAPS was introduced guidelines and evaluating the
members or other sources. as part of this program to effectiveness of the scheme.
Benefits: provide financial assistance • Pensions are typically disbursed
• Central Contribution @ Rs 300 to Rs 500 for to elderly individuals living through direct bank transfers
different age group. below the poverty line. or cash payments at local
• Monthly pension ranges from Rs 1000 to Rs government offices.
3000/ depending upon state’s contribution. • States may also implement their
own methods for distributing
funds based on local conditions.
Public Distribu- Eligibility The Public Distribution • The Ministry of Consumer
tion System (PDS) • Should be an Indian citizen System was originally Affairs, Food & Public
• All families below the poverty line is eligible. established during World Distribution oversees the
• Any family which does not have a member War II as a wartime implementation of PDS.
between ages 15 and 59 years of age. rationing measure. • PDS operates under the joint
• Any family which has a disabled member is However, it underwent responsibility of the Central and
also eligible to avail of benefits under Pradhan significant changes State Governments.
Mantri Awas Gramin Yojana and was relaunched as • The Central Government,
• Those who do not have a permanent job and the Targeted Public through the Food Corporation
only engage in casual labour. Distribution System of India (FCI), is responsible
Benefits (TPDS) on June 1, 1997, for procurement, storage,
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) households receive with a specific focus on transportation, and bulk
food grains at highly subsidized prices. assisting the poor. allocation of food grains.
• Above Poverty Line (APL) households receive • State Governments handle the
food grains at higher prices than those for BPL allocation and distribution of
households. food grains through a network of
• 35 kg of rice or wheat every month, while a Fair Price Shops (FPS).
household above the poverty line is entitled to
15 kg of food grain on a monthly basis.
• Being implemented as ONORC to enable
migrant workers to receive the food grains
wherever they are working.

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Rural

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Rural
Prelims PYQs
2. A specified portion of each MP’s ‘fund [UPSC 20%%] Among the following who are
must benefit SC/ST populations. eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi
$. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”?
basis and the unused funds cannot be (a) Adult members of only the scheduled
carried forward to the next year. caste and scheduled tribe households
[UPSC 2024] With reference to the Digital
%. The district authority must inspect at least (b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL)
India Land Records Modernisation Pro-
1&% of all works under implementation households
gramme, consider the following statements:
every year. (c) Adult members of households of all
1. To implement the scheme, the Central
Select the correct answer using the code backward communities
Government provides 1&&% funding.
given below: (d) Adult members of any household
2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) $ and % only
digitised.
(c) 1, 2 and $ only (d) %, 2 and 4 only
$. An initiative has been undertaken to trans-
literate the Records of Rights from local
[UPSC 20%2] How does the National Rural
language to any of the languages recog-
Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood
nized by the Constitution of India.
options of rural poor?
Which of the statements given above are
1. By setting up a large number of new man-
correct?
ufacturing industries and agri-business
(a)1 and 2 only (b) 2 and $ only
centres in rural areas
(c) 1 and $ only (d) %, 2 and 3
2. By strengthening ‘Self-Help Groups’ and
providing skill development
[UPSC 2020] With reference to the funds
$. By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel
under Members of Parliament Local Area
pumpsets, and micro-irrigation equipment
Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of
free of cost to farmers”
the following statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
1. MPLADS funds must be used to create
(c) 1 and $ only (d) 1, 2 and $
durable assets like physical infrastructure
for health, education, etc.

Observations:
• The Constitution of India’s Seventh Schedule, State list, item 5, lists rural governance as a state subject. Article 40 of the Constitu-
tion’s directive principles of state policy established local bodies and Panchayati Raj as a state subject.
• The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts gave local government constitutional status. Article 243 of the Constitution’s Part
IX mandates the establishment of Panchayats.
What do you need to do?
• All Flagship schemes asked by UPSC CSE
• Other major Schemes in the news that were frequently highlighted with some key observation with respect to its implementation and
governance issues.
• Newly introduced schemes at local governance.

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme

Why in the News? According to recent data, nearly 75% of the allocated funds to the 39 Members of Parliament (MPs) in Tamil Nadu
under the MPLADS from 2019 to 2024 have not been utilised so far.
Launched in It is an ongoing Central Sector Scheme which was launched in 1993-94.
Features and The Scheme enables the Members of Parliament to recommend works for creation of durable community assets
Significance based on locally felt needs to be taken up in their constituencies in the area of national priorities namely drinking
water, education, public health, sanitation, roads etc.
• Under the scheme annual MPLADS fund entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. 5 crore.
• Lok Sabha Members can recommend works within their Constituencies.
• The Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament can recommend works in one or more districts in the State from where
he/she has been elected.
• The Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may select any one or more Districts from any one
State in the Country for implementation of their choice of work under the scheme.
• MPs are to recommend every year, works costing at least 15 per cent of the MPLADS entitlement for the year for
areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste population and 7.5 per cent for areas inhabited by S.T. population.
• In case an elected MP wishes to contribute MPLADS funds outside the constituency or the State/UT, they can
recommend work up to Rs 25 lakh in a financial year.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 21
Nodal Ministry The Ministry of Statistics and Programme; Implementation has been responsible for the policy formulation,
release of funds and prescribing monitoring mechanism for implementation of the Scheme.
Implementation • The role of an MP is limited to the recommendation of a project. The onus is on the district authority to sanction,
execute and complete the recommended project within a particular timeframe.
• MPs do not directly receive funds under MPLADS. The Centre directly transfers the sanctioned amount in two
instalments of Rs. 2.5 crore to the district authorities of the concerned MP’s nodal district after a recommended
project gets approval.

Model Solar Village

About It aims to create one Model Solar Village per district across India.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE);
Mandate Implementation will be done by State/UT Renewable Energy Development Agency under the supervision of the
District Level Committee (DLC).
Aims and Ob- Promote the comprehensive solarization of villages to meet their energy needs entirely through solar power, thus
jectives supporting sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions.
Targeted Ben- Villages across India
eficiaries
Funding Mech- Total financial outlay of (800 crore has been allocated for this component, providing (1 crore per selected Model
anism Solar Village.
Features • Implementation under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
• Solarize all households and public areas with lighting, water systems, pumps, and streetlights.
• One model solar village per district.
• Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 1 crore per village based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• Implemented by State Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) or other nominated entities.
• Fund disbursement is structured as 40% on award of works, 40% after completion, and 20% after 6 months of
operation.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) - Phase IV

About Launched on 25 December 2000 to assist the States through “rural areas” included in the State List under the
Constitution.
Phase IV launched for the financial year 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Rural Development;
It set up the National Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA) to provide Operational and Management
support to the Programme.
Aims and Objectives To build 62,500 km of all-weather roads, connecting villages across India.
Targeted Beneficiaries Villages across India
Funding Centrally Sponsored Scheme; Total outlay of this scheme is Rs. 70,125 crore (Central Share of Rs. 49,087.50
Mechanism crore and Sate Share of Rs. 21,037.50 crore).
Features • Constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads covering 25,000 unconnected habitations with focus on LWE
areas, tribal areas, and remote regions.
• Road Connectivity for 25,000 Villages: All-weather roads will provide reliable access to previously
unconnected rural habitations, improving transportation and accessibility.
• Socio-Economic Transformation: These roads will act as catalysts for socio-economic development in rural
areas, enabling access to government educational institutions, health services, markets, and growth centers.
• Enhanced Infrastructure: The construction will adopt international benchmarks and best practices, such as
using Cold Mix Technology, Waste Plastic, Full Depth Reclamation, and materials like Fly Ash and Steel Slag,
contributing to eco-friendly construction.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 22
National Rural Livelihood Mission:
About It is a Centrally Sponsored Programme, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2011.
Structural • The DAY-NRLM is implemented in a phased manner across various states, with a focus on mobilizing rural poor
Mandate households into self-help groups (SHGs). The implementation is primarily carried out by State Rural Livelihood
Missions (SRLMs), which act as special purpose vehicles for executing the mission at the state level.
• At the district level, the District Mission Management Unit (DMMU) oversees planning and implementation, while
at the block level, the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU) is responsible for executing mission activities.
• This multi-tiered structure ensures effective management and outreach.
• The mission adopts a phased approach, gradually covering various blocks each year with an aim to saturate
mobilization of all rural poor households by 2023-24.
• This allows for focused efforts and better resource allocation.
Aims and Ob- To eliminate rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods and improved access to financial services
jectives for the rural poor households across the country.
Functioning • It involves working with community institutions through community professionals in the spirit of self-help which is
Mechanism a unique proposition of DAY-NRLM.
• It impacts livelihoods by
• Mobilizing rural households into SHGs.
• Organizing one-woman member from each rural poor household into SHGs
• Providing training and capacity building to SHG members
• Providing access to financial resources from their own institutions and banks.
Features Sub Programs:
• Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): It aims to promote agro-ecological practices that increase
women farmers’ income and reduce their input costs and risks.
• Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP): It aims to support entrepreneurs in rural areas to set up
local enterprises.
• Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY): It was launched in August 2017, to provide safe, affordable and
community monitored rural transport services to connect remote rural villages.
• Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY): It aims at building placement-linked skills of the
rural youth and placing them in relatively higher wage employment sectors of the economy.
• Rural Self Employment Institutes (RSETIs): DAY-NRLM, in partnership with 31 Banks and State Governments, is
supporting Rural Self Employment Institutes (RSETIs) for skilling rural youth to take up gainful self-employment.
‘Sangathan Se Samridhhi’ (2023) Campaign for Rural Women - (In news)
• The campaign is a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Samaveshi Vikaas and aims to mobilize 10 crore women
from eligible rural households into SHGs. It aims to mobilize disadvantaged rural communities who are unaware
of the benefits of the DAY-NRLM program.
• The campaign will be organized in all states and form more than 1.1 lakh SHGs through interventions like:
• Organising general Body Meetings of Village Organizations
• Experience sharing by SHG champions to motivate left-out households to join SHGs
• Conducting Community Resource Person drives
• Opening SHG bank accounts, and creation of a common database of SHGs promoted by other stakeholders.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee

Scheme (MGNREGS)
About NREGA was passed on 23 August 2005 and was implemented in February 2006 under the UPA government of PM
Manmohan Singh.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of Rural Development;
Mandate Implemented through Panchayati Raj Institutions. Block Programme Officer shall allot 50% works in terms cost to
the Gram Panchayat.
Gram Sabha shall recommend works and the Gram Panchayat shall identify/approve the works for implementation.
Aims and Ob- • Provide guaranteed employment for rural households.
jectives • Ensure 105 days of wage employment annually to rural poor.
• Address rural unemployment and enhance livelihoods.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 23
Targeted Ben- Must be an Indian citizen, Be at least 18 years old, and Reside in a rural area.
eficiaries
Funding Mech- It is a demand driven wage employment Scheme and funds are released State/UT on the basis of “agreed to” Labour
anism Budget and performance of the States during the year.
Features • Guaranteed 105 days of employment for rural poor.
• Wage payments under DBT.
• Rural infrastructure development.
• Empowerment through guaranteed work opportunities.
• Direct Benefit Transfer for wage payments.

Digital India Land Record Modernization Program:

Why in the News? The Ministry of Rural Development inaugurated ‹Bhumi Samvaad’ - National Workshop on Digital India Land Record
Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
• The Ministry also launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) portal and
Dashboard.
Launch • The DILRMP was approved by the Cabinet on 21st August, 2008. For modernization of land records system in the
country, a modified programme, viz., the National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP), now
renamed as Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), has been formulated.
• Two Centrally sponsored schemes of Computerization of Land Records (CLR) and Strengthening of Revenue
Administration and updating of Land Records (SRA&ULR) were merged.
About • It has been extended to 2023-24, to complete its original targets as well as expand its ambit with a slew of new
schemes.
• It attempts to build upon the commonalities that exist in the arena of land records in various States to develop an
appropriate Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS) across the country, on which different
States can also add State-specific needs as they may deem relevant and appropriate.
• ILIMS: The system contains information on parcel ownership, land use, taxation, location boundaries, land value,
encumbrances and many more.
• Components:
• Computerization of land records.
• Survey/re-survey.
• Computerization of Registration.
• Modern record rooms/land records management centres at tehsil/taluk/circle/block level.
• Training & capacity building.
Benefits • Real-time land ownership records will be available to the citizen.
• Free accessibility to the records will reduce interface between the citizen and the Government functionaries,
thereby reducing rent seeking and harassment.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode of service delivery will further reduce citizen interface with Govt.
machinery, while adding to the convenience.
• The single-window service or the web-enabled “anytime-anywhere” access will save the citizen time and effort in
obtaining RoRs (Record of Rights), etc.
• Automatic and automated mutations will significantly reduce the scope of fraudulent property deals. Conclusive
titling will also significantly reduce litigation.
• Certificates based on land data (e.g., domicile, caste, income, etc.) will be available to the citizen through computers.
Other Related • National Generic Document Registration System: It is a major shift from the existing manual registration system
Initiatives to online registration of all transactions in sale-purchase and transfer of land. It is a big step towards National
Integration and a leap towards ‘One Nation One Software’.
• Unique Land Parcel Identification Number: Being described as “the Aadhaar for land", it is a number that would
uniquely identify every surveyed parcel of land and prevent land fraud, especially in the hinterlands of rural India,
where land records are outdated and often disputed.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 24
Agriculture

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 25
Agriculture
Prelims PYQs
$. Checking the overuse of fertilizers in %. Post-harvest expenses
farmlands. +. Construction of family house and setting
Which of the above statements is/are correct ? up of village cold storage facility
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and $ only Select the correct answer using the code
(d) 1, 2 and $ given below:
[UPSC 20%7] What is/are the advantage/
(a) 1, 2 and + only (b) %, 3 and 4 only
advantages of implementing the `National
[UPSC 20%5] Consider the following state- (c) 2, $, % & + only (d) 1, 2, $, % and +
Agriculture Market’ scheme?
ments :
1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal
1 The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Pro- [UPSC 20%8] With reference to the provi-
for agricultural commodities.
gramme was launched during 1,,6-,' to sions made under the National Food Security
2. It provides the farmers access to
provide loan assistance to poor farmers. Act, 2&1$, consider the following state-
a nationwide market, with prices
2 The Command Area Development Pro- ments:
commensurate with the quality of their
gramme was launched in 1,'%-'+ for the 1. The families coming under the category of
produce.
development of water-use efficiency. ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible
Select the correct answer using the code
Which of the statements given above is/are to receive subsidies food grains.
given below:
correct? 2. The eldest woman in a household, of age
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 1- years or above, shall be the head of the
(c) Both % and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 household for the purpose of issuance of a
ration card.
[UPSC 20%7] Consider the following state-
[UPSC 2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card $ Pregnant women and lactating mothers
ments:
scheme, short-term credit support is given to are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 16&&
The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’
farmers for which of the following purposes? calories per day during pregnancy and for
aims at
1. Working capital for maintenance of farm six months thereafter
1. Expanding the cultivable area under
assets
irrigation.
2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors Which of the statements given above is/are
2. Enabling the banks to assess the quantum
and mini truck correct?
of loans to be granted to farmers on the
$. Consumption requirements of farm house- (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
basis of soil quality.
holds (c) 1 and $ (d) $ only

Observations:
• The Indian Constitution’s Schedule VII, Entry 14 lists agriculture as a state subject. This means that state governments have the power
to make laws and policies related to agriculture within their states.
• The Government of India Act of 1935 placed agriculture in the hands of the states because it is region-specific and depends on local
conditions.
• The Government of India supports states’ efforts in agriculture through policy measures and budgetary allocations.
What do you need to do?
• All Finance Schemes - at initiation and at deployment level too.
• Agricultural Resource-related policies and programs
• Agri-allied; Agri-marketing related policies and programs.
• Schemes in the News.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana

About Recently, the PMKMY (launched on 12th September 2019) has completed 5 successful years.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare;
Mandate Pension Fund Manager: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India
State-wise Registration: Registered farmers are managed by the respective state governments in collaboration with LIC.
Aims and To provide a voluntary, contributory pension scheme for farmers aged 18–40 years, ensuring (3,000/month pension
Objectives after they turn 60 years of age.
Targeted Farmers aged 18–40 years.
Beneficiaries
Funding Central Sector Scheme
Mechanism

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 26
Features • State-wise Registration: Registered farmers are managed by the respective state governments in collaboration
with LIC.
• The scheme encourages a structured approach involving the collection of contributions and government matching
funds.
• Contribution: Farmers contribute between (55 and (200 per month, depending on their entry age.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

About • On 1 February 2019, during the 2019 Interim Budget, then FM Piyush Goyal announced the implementation of this
scheme as a nationwide project.
• Aims to support input costs to ensure proper crop health and income stability.
Structural Man- Nodal Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer›s Welfare;
date Definition of family for the scheme is husband, wife and minor children.
State Government and UT administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme
guidelines.
Aims and Objec- To help farmers procure inputs for crop health and yield, providing financial assistance to support farm income.
tives
Targeted Benefi- Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs), Farmer families with cultivable land
ciaries
Funding Mecha- Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Centre.
nism • Annual financial assistance of (6,000 distributed in three equal instalments of (2,000 every 4 months.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Features • Target group: Farmer families with cultivable land, particularly Small and Marginal Farmers owning up to 2 hectares
of land.
• Identification of beneficiaries is done by State/UT Governments.
• Over 92.6 million beneficiary farmers receiving benefits.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY)

About It was initiated in 2007 as an umbrella scheme for ensuring the holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare;
Mandate Project Screening and Project Approval committees
• State Level Project Screening Committee (SLPSC): It will be constituted by each state for screening RKVY-
RAFTAAR project proposals. It is headed by the Agriculture Production Commissioner or any other officer
nominated by Chief Secretary.
• State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC): It is vested with the authority to sanction specific projects
recommended by SLPSC under each stream of RKVY-RAFTAAR. One representative is required from the
government of India for a committee meeting. It is headed by the Chief Secretary of the State.
Aims and To promote sustainable agriculture and improve agricultural productivity.
Objectives
Targeted Sections: Small and marginal farmers, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), Women, Physically
Beneficiaries challenged, and Other weaker segments of society.
The list of allied sectors as indicated by the Planning Commission will be the basis for determining the sectoral
expenditure:
1.Crop Husbandry (including Horticulture).
2.Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Dairy Development.
3.Agricultural Research and Education.
4.Forestry and Wildlife.
5.Plantation and Agricultural Marketing.
6.Food Storage and Warehousing.
7.Soil and Water Conservation.
8.Agricultural Financial Institutions.
9.other Agricultural Programmes and Cooperation.
Funding Mech- Centrally Sponsored Scheme;
anism Funding Pattern:
1.North East State: 90% from the central government and 10% from the State government
2.Union Territory (UT): 100% from the central government.
3.All other states: 60% from the central government and 40% from the State government.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 27
Features Subsumed programs:
• Soil Health Management
• Rainfed Area Development
• Agro Forestry
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
• Agricultural Mechanization (including Crop Residue Management)
• Per Drop More Crop
• Crop Diversification Programme
• RKVY DPR Component
• Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
Others:
• Increased flexibility for state governments to reallocate funds based on unique requirements of the states.
• Funds allocated to states, with state governments developing Comprehensive Strategic Documents addressing
crop production, climate resilience, and value chains.

National Mission for Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

About It was launched by the Union Cabinet in August 2021
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare;
Implementation: State Department of Agriculture, State Department of Horticulture;
• Central University, ICAR-Institutions, CDDs, SAUs, KVKs, Central agencies/Cooperatives, Oil palm
processors/ Associations, DD Kisan, AIR, DD, TV channels will be the implementing stake holders of the
NMEO-Oil palm.
Aims and Objectives To achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil production by increasing oil palm cultivation and production of crude
palm oil.
Targeted Beneficiaries Oil palm farmers, particularly in the Northeast and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Funding Mechanism Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a special focus on the North east region and the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands.
Features • Targeted increase in oil palm acreage by 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26.
• Crude palm oil production target: 11.2 lakh tonnes by 2025-26, reaching 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.
• Consumer awareness efforts to maintain consumption level of 19.00 kg/person/annum until 2025-26.
• Focus on the Northeast region and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Government to ensure price stability for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) produced by oil palm farmers, reducing
price fluctuation due to international Crude Palm Oil (CPO) prices.
• Scheme aims to reduce India’s reliance on imports of edible oils, particularly palm oil from Indonesia and
Malaysia.
• Oil palm cultivation to be promoted as an alternative source of edible oil production in India.

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

About It was launched in 2020. Duration shall be from FY2020 to FY2032 (10 years).
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare;
Any financial institution can participate;
Institutions must sign a MoU with:
• National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD)
• Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW).
Aims and Objectives To mobilize medium to long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects relating to post-harvest
management infrastructure and community farming assets.
Targeted Beneficiaries Farmers, FPOs, PACS, entrepreneurs, startups, etc.
Funding Mechanism Central Sector Scheme (100% funded and implemented by the central government )
Features • Interest Subvention: 3% on loans up to Rs. 2 crore, with additional rate reductions for NABARD loans for
PACS.
• Credit Guarantees: Under the CGTMSE scheme for loans up to Rs. 2 crore.
• Fund Usage: Supports up to 25 projects per beneficiary across different locations.
• Managed through an online MIS platform with national, state, and district level monitoring committees for
real-time monitoring and feedback.
• Lending Institutions include 24 commercial banks, 40 cooperative banks, and NABARD among others.
• Supported by a user-friendly online portal to facilitate speedy loan sanctions.
• Key changes introduced: Support for FPOs, Broader Eligible Projects, Community Farming Assets,
Integrated Processing Projects, Alignment with PM-KUSUM for joint development of agricultural
infrastructure and clean energy solutions.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 28
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana
(PM-MKSSY)
About Approved in Februrary 2024 as a sub scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying;
Work based digital identities under the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) for improved service
delivery.
Aims and Objectives • Improve the economic sustainability of the fisheries sector.
• Support micro and small enterprises in the fisheries sector.
• Formalize the fisheries sector, including fishers, aquaculture farmers, and fish workers.
Targeted Beneficiaries • Fishers, aquaculture farmers, fish workers, vendors.
• Micro and small enterprises, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Fishery Federations of Producer Organizations
(FFPOs), startups in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Funding Mechanism Central Sector Sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY);
Outlay of (6,000 crores, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27.
Features • Implementation duration: 4 years (2023-24 to 2026-27).
• Employment generation: 1.7 lakh new jobs with 75,000 women targeted.
• Major components include: 1. Formalization of the fisheries sector. 2. Adoption of aquaculture insurance. 3.
Support for microenterprises. 4. Safety and quality assurance systems.
• National Fisheries Digital Platform for 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises.
• One-time incentive for purchasing aquaculture insurance.
• Performance grants for microenterprises (up to 25% of total investment or Rs. 35 lakhs) and special grants
for SC/ST/women enterprises (up to 35% or Rs. 45 lakhs).
• Project management through Project Management Units (PMUs).
• Background achievements: Increased fish production by 79.66 lakh tonnes, shrimp production growth, and
increased shrimp exports.
• Challenges addressed: Formalization of informal sector, access to better quality assurance systems.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries Scheme

About In 2018-19, the KCC facility was extended to fishers and fish farmers to support their working capital needs.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying;
Implementing entities include: Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks, and
Cooperatives participate in executing the scheme.
Aims and Objectives To provide credit facilities to fishers and fish farmers, helping them meet their working capital requirements
and facilitating growth.
Targeted Beneficiaries Fishers, fish farmers, and aquaculture workers
Funding Mechanism • The District Technical Committee (DLTC) determines the funding levels based on local costs per acre, per
unit, or per animal.
• Working capital: It includes the cost of seeds, feed, fertilizers, harvesting, marketing, fuel, electricity, labor,
and rentals.
• Collateral: For loan limits up to Rs 1.60 lakh, no collateral security is required. For higher loan limits,
collateral security is required as per the scheme guidelines.
• Credit limit: The credit limit is valid for 5 years and is subject to annual review.
• Interest subvention: Farmers can avail interest subvention or incentive for prompt repayment.
Features • Credit limit: Rs. 3 lakhs for existing KCC holders (including fisheries activities) with benefits like interest
subvention and prompt repayment incentives.
• New card holders: Rs. 2 lakhs to meet working capital requirements for fisheries.
• Lending rate: 7% with 2% interest subvention by the Government of India (GoI), and an additional 3% for
prompt repayment.
• Loans up to Rs. 2 lakhs have an effective rate of 4% per annum for prompt repayers.
• Integration with JanSamarth Portal, enabling direct online access for beneficiaries to avail loans under 13
government schemes.
• It is a digital platform connecting lenders with beneficiaries, allowing citizens to check eligibility, apply
online, and receive digital approval.
• The scheme helps fishers and fish farmers’ access timely credit for their operational and capital needs.
• Quick processing: Bank authorities to issue KCC within 14 days of receiving a completed application.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 29
Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)
About It aims to sell excess stocks of wheat and rice at predetermined prices in the open market
Structural Nodal Agency: Department of Food and Public Distribution;
Mandate FCI conducts weekly auctions for the OMSS for wheat on the platform of the National Commodity and Derivatives
Exchange Limited (NCDEX).
Aims and • To sell government-owned food grains (wheat and rice) in the open market.
Objectives • Enhance supply and moderate prices, especially during lean seasons and in deficit regions.
• Aim to reduce rice inflation and make rice more affordable for consumers.
Targeted • Bulk consumers (private traders).
Beneficiaries • State Governments/Union Territories.
• Private entities participating in e-auction.
Funding • It is funded by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution through the Department of Food
Mechanism and Public Distribution. The scheme is run by the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
• The price for food grains in the tender includes the reserve price plus additional costs, such as transportation,
fortification costs, and applicable taxes.
Features • Sale of rice and wheat via e-auction.
• e-auctions conducted weekly on the NCDEX platform for transparency.
• Components:
• Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/private traders.
• Sale of Raw Rice Grade 'A' to bulk consumers/private traders.
• OMSS helps enhance supply and moderates prices during the lean season.
• Prevents wastage and deterioration of food grains stored in FCI godowns.
• Provides an alternative source of food grains for government schemes, ethanol production, and biofuel policy.
• Generates revenue for the FCI.

PM-KUSUM
About Launched in 2019 to endow installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas.
Structural Nodal Agency: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy;
Mandate Implemented by the designated departments of the State Government.
Aims and De-dieselisation of the farm sector and enhancing the income of farmers.
Objectives
Targeted • An individual farmer.
Beneficiaries • A group of farmers.
• FPO or Farmer producer organization.
• Panchayat.
• Co-operatives.
• Water User Associations.
Funding Mech- Central government subsidy upto 30% or 50% of the total cost is given for the installation of standalone solar pumps
anism and also for the solarization of existing grid-connected agricultural pumps.
Features Component A: 10,000 MW solar capacity through small solar plants (up to 2 MW each).
• Installed within 5 km radius of notified sub-stations to minimize transmission costs.
• Power purchased by local DISCOM at pre-fixed tariff set by State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC).
Component B:
• 20 lakh solar-powered agriculture pumps installed for farmers.
• Each pump up to 7.5 HP, replacing diesel pumps in off-grid areas.
• 30% subsidy from State Government; remaining cost covered by farmers.
Component C:
• Solarisation of 15 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps.
• Farmers can use solar power for irrigation and sell excess power to DISCOMs at pre-fixed tariff.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 30
 IN NEWS: DIGITAL AGRICULTURE MISSION 2024
In September, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the Digital Agriculture Mission with a budget of Rs. 2,817 Crore, including a central
government share of Rs. 1,940 Crore. This mission aims to transform India’s agriculture sector by creating a robust Digital Public Infra-
structure (DPI) and leveraging modern technologies.
• Digital Agriculture is “ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) and data ecosystems to support the development and
delivery of timely, targeted information and services to make farming profitable and sustainable while delivering safe nutritious and
affordable food for all.”
• It is designed as an umbrella scheme to support various digital agriculture initiatives.
• It includes - Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and supporting IT initiatives by
the Central Government, State Governments, and Academic and Research Institutions.

Mission Components:

AgriStack: Kisan ki Pehchaan

• Farmers’ Registry: Farmers will be given a digital identity (‘Farmer ID’) similar to Aadhaar, which will be linked dynamically to records
of land, ownership of livestock, crops sown, demographic details, family details, schemes and benefits availed, etc. The mission aims to
create digital IDs for 11 crore farmers in stages FY 2026-27.
• Geo-referenced Village Maps: Provides digital maps that connect geographic information with physical land records, aiding in
accurate land management and planning.
• Pilot Projects: Pilot projects for AgriStack have been conducted in six states- Uttar Pradesh (Farrukhabad), Gujarat (Gandhinagar),
Maharashtra (Beed), Haryana (Yamuna Nagar), Punjab (Fatehgarh Sahib), and Tamil Nadu (Virudhunagar).
• Crop Sown Registry: It Records details of crops planted by farmers through mobile-based digital surveys, improving the accuracy of
crop data. It will provide details of crops planted by farmers. The information will be recorded through Digital Crop Surveys, mobile-based
ground surveys, in each crop season.
• Digital Crop Survey: It will be launched nationwide over two years, covering 400 districts in FY 2024-25 and all districts by FY 2025-26.
• Krishi Decision Support System (DSS): Integrates remote sensing data with information on crops, soil, weather, and water resources
to create a comprehensive geospatial system.
• Soil Profile Mapping: Envisions detailed soil profile maps on a 1:10,000 scale for about 142 million hectares of agricultural land.
• Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): It aims to enhance the accuracy of crop yield estimates through scientifically
designed crop-cutting experiments.
• Improves agricultural production estimates, making government schemes such as Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement,
crop insurance, and credit-linked crop loans more efficient and transparent.
• The DGCES will provide yield estimates based on scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments, which will be useful in making
accurate estimates of agricultural production, according to the sources.

Other Schemes Announced by the Government:

•Crop Science to ensure food security and climate resilience by 2047.
•Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences.
•Sustainable Livestock Health and Production.
•Sustainable Development of Horticulture.
•Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
•Natural Resource Management

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 31
Other Initiatives for Digitisation of Agriculture Sector:
• Namo Drone Didi Scheme: The scheme was launched in March 2024 and aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected women Self Help
Group (SHGs) for offering rental services to farmers.
• The implementation period spans from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
• Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for this initiative under the Union budget 2024-25.
• Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP): UFSP integrates Core Infrastructure, Data, Applications, and Tools to ensure seamless
interoperability among various public and private IT systems within the national agriculture ecosystem.
• District Agro-Meteorology Units: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) established 199 District Agro-Meteorology Units in
2018 in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• The aim was to use weather data from IMD to prepare and disseminate sub-district level agricultural advisories.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: SHC is provided to all farmers in the country at an interval of 3 years to enable the farmers to apply
recommended doses of nutrients based on soil test values to realize improved and sustainable soil health and fertility, low costs and
higher profits.
• mKisan Portal: Aims at empowering farmers with mobile technology to receive information and advisories tailored to their preferences via
text or voice messages, and access various databases even without an internet connection.
• Kisan Call Centers: Provides agriculture-related information to farmers via toll-free telephone lines.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): While not exclusively digital, these centers increasingly use technology for agricultural extension services.

Features:
• Improved Crop Yield And Productivity: Digital technologies like remote sensing, GIS (Geographic Information System), and Artificial
Intelligence (AI) can help farmers to optimize their practices, leading to increased yields.
• Enhanced Decision-Making for Farmers: For instance, the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) platform connects over 1,000 mandis
across India, providing price information and market trends to over 1.7 crore farmers as of 2023.
• Precision agriculture techniques enable optimal use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Digital platforms facilitate better coordination between farmers, traders, and consumers, reducing post-harvest losses.
• Financial Inclusion: Digital technologies enable better access to credit, insurance, and other financial services for farmers. For in-
stance,under the PM-KISAN scheme through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Agri-Tech Startups: Platforms like DeHaat and AgroStar offer farmers digital tools for accessing market information, advisory services,
and direct sales channels, which can improve their bargaining power and income.
• E-Learning Platforms: Digital platforms offer training and educational resources to farmers, helping them adopt modern agricultural
practices.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 32
Why India Needs Digital Agriculture Mission?
• Digital Divide and Infrastructure Gaps: For instance, 52% of the Indian population had internet access in 2022. Many rural areas lack
reliable internet connectivity and electricity, hindering the adoption of digital technologies.
• Low Digital Literacy Among Farmers: As per NASSCOM estimates only 2% of Indian farmers use apps in the field. Many farmers,
especially small and marginal ones, lack the skills to effectively use digital tools.
• High Initial Investment Costs: As per the Agriculture Census 2015-16 the average landholding size in India is just 1.08 hectares, making
it difficult for many farmers to afford advanced technologies. Adopting digital technologies often requires significant upfront invest-
ments, which can be challenging for small-scale farmers.
• Integration of Diverse Agricultural Systems: The ICAR has to maintain over 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country to cater to
location-specific agricultural needs. India’s diverse agro-climatic zones and farming practices make it challenging to develop one-size-
fits-all digital solutions.

IN NEWS: NATIONAL BEEKEEPING AND HONEY MISSION - 2020 (NBHM)

It aims to double honey production by 2025. It promotes scientific beekeeping practices to enhance honey production.
Structural Mandate:
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
• Implementer: National Bee Board (NBB)

What is Honey Mission?

• It was launched in 2017 in line with the ‘Sweet Revolution’ under the mission, the KVIC under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises provides the farmers or beekeepers –
• Practical training about the examination of honeybee colonies, identification and management of bee enemies and diseases along with
the management of bee colonies in all seasons.
• Acquaintance with apicultural equipment’s and Honey extraction and wax purification.
What is Sweet Revolution?
• It is an ambitious initiative of the Government of India for promoting apiculture, popularly known as ‘beekeeping’.
• To provide a booster shot to Sweet Revolution, the government launched the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission in 2020 (a
central sector scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare) as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme.
• It aims to accelerate the production of quality honey and other related products.
. The demand for good quality honey has grown over the years as it is considered a naturally nutritious product.
. Other apiculture products such as royal jelly, beeswax, pollens, etc., are also used extensively in different sectors like
pharmaceuticals, food, beverage, beauty, and others.
. Beekeeping is a low investment and highly skilled enterprise model, in which technology application has emerged as a great
enabler for socio-economic growth.
/ Scaling up beekeeping will double farmers’ income, generate employment, ensure food security and bee conservation, and
increase crop productivity.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 33
Vulnerable Sections

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 34
Vulnerable Sections
Prelims PYQs
[UPSC 20%(] With reference to ‘Stand Up [UPSC 20%0] With reference to the National
India Scheme’, which of the following state- Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy,
ments is/are correct? 2&&', consider the following statements :
1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship 1. This policy is applicable only to the per-
among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. sons affected by the acquisition of land
[UPSC 20%&] Consider the following state- 2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI. for projects and not to the involuntary
ments about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Select the correct answer using the code displacement due to any other reason.
Groups (PVTGs) in India: given below. 2. This policy has been formulated by the Minis-
1. PVTGs reside in 1- States and one Union (a) 1 only (b) 2 only try of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Territory. (c) Both % and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are
2. A stagnant or declining population is one correct ?
of the criteria for determining PVTG status. [UPSC 20%%] India is home to lakhs of per- (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
$. There are ,+ PVTGs officially notified in sons with disabilities. What are the benefits (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither % nor 2
the country so far. available to them under the law?
%. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included 1. Free schooling till the age of 1- years in [UPSC 20%0] Two of the schemes launched
in the list of PVTGs. government-run schools. by the Government of India for Women’s de-
Which of the statements given above are 2. Preferential allotment of land for getting up velopment are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha.
correct? business. As regards the difference between them,
(a) 1, 2 and $ (b) 2, $ and % $. Ramps in public buildings. consider the following statements:
(c) %, 2 and 4 (d) 1, $ and % (a) 1 only (b) 2 and $ only 1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in
(c) 1 and $ only (d) %,2 and 3 difficult circumstances such as women
[UPSC 20%(] Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is survivors of natural disasters or terror-
a national campaign to [UPSC 20%0] An objective of the Nations ism, women prisoners released from jails,
(a) Rehabilitate the homeless and destitute Food Security Mission is to increase the mentally challenged women etc. whereas
persons and provide them with suitable production of certain crops through area ex- Swadhar is meant for holistic empower-
sources of livelihood pansion and productivity enhancement in a ment of women through Self Help Groups.
(b).Release the sex workers from their sustainable manner in the identified districts 2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through
practice and provide them with alternative of the country. Local Self Government bodies or reputed
sources of livelihood What are the those crops? Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar
(c) Eradicate the practice of manual (a) Rice and Wheat only is implemented through the ICDS. units set
scavenging and rehabilitate the manual (b) Rice, Wheat and Pulses only up in the states.
scavengers (c) Rice, Wheat, Pulses and Oilseeds only Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) release the bonded labourers from their (d) Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Oilseeds correct?
bondage and rehabilitate them and Vegetables only (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d)Neither % nor 2

Observation: Vulnerable sections are a subject of both the union and state governments in India:
• Legislation: The union and state governments pass bills for vulnerable sections. Both have different ministries that work on vulnerable
sections depending upon the ration and proportion of the population.
• In India we follow decentralized administration through the Panchayati Raj that extends to reach vulnerable sections.
• Commissions: There are national and state commissions for vulnerable sections, such as the National Commission for Women.
What do you need to do?
• As the dimensions are varied across various sectors of the society, you need to be very careful around - Structural implementation of
each scheme/policy, Funding Mechanism and the aims and objectives at specific level.
• Missions and Achievements
• Some census data that are relatable (being asked by UPSC)

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 35
Jiyo Parsi Scheme
About It was launched in 2013-14
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Minority Affairs;
Beneficiaries receive financial assistance online through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode
Aims and Objectives Arrest and reverse the population decline of the Parsi community in India through financial and medical support
for fertility treatments, childcare, and elder care.
Targeted Beneficiaries Parsi community in India
Funding Mechanism Central Sector Scheme (Fully funded and implemented by the central government )
Features • Financial support for infertility treatments
• Childcare and elder care assistance
• Awareness programs within the Parsi community to encourage participation in the scheme
• Successfully facilitated the birth of over 400 Parsi children, aiding in the preservation of the community’s
cultural heritage and identity

Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

(PM-JANMAN)
About It was launched on 15th November 2023, a day also celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Tribal Affairs;
Also in collaboration with 9-line Ministries/ Departments, and the respective state governments.
Aims and Objectives • Provide basic facilities and improve the living standards of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunities in PVTG areas.
Targeted Beneficiaries 75 PVTG communities across 18 states and 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) as its beneficiaries.
Funding Mechanism Includes both Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes;
Total budgetary outlay is ( 24,104 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26
Features • Aimed to reach 4.90 lakh PVTG households by 2026.
• Households to receive (2.39 lakh each in three instalments.
• Largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme targeting PVTGs.
• Provides essential services like housing, drinking water, and sanitation.
• Uses Awaas+ app for data collection, including geo-tagging, household profiles, and bank details for cash
transfers.
• Jobcard requirement for registration; widespread deletion of jobcards affecting eligibility.
• Part of the Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission announced for fiscal year 2023-24.
• Technical challenges include data gathering and jobcard issues.

Palna Scheme
About In July 2022, the Ministry of Women and Child Development revamped the National Creche Scheme into the
Palna Scheme under ‘Mission Shakti.’
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Women and Child Development
Aims and Objectives • To provide quality childcare facilities through Anganwadi-cum-Crches.
• Enable women’s participation in the workforce.
Targeted Beneficiaries • Primarily urban areas where family-based childcare support is limited.
• Working mothers.
Funding Mechanism Centrally Sponsored Scheme;
Fund sharing pattern under National Creche Scheme amongst Centre, States/UTs & Non Governmental
Organisations/Voluntary Organisations is in the ratio of 60:30:10 for States, 80:10:10 for North Eastern States
and Himalayan States and 90:0:10 for UTs.
Features • Aims to set up 17,000 creches under the scheme, with 5,222 approved so far.
• Part of the Samarthya sub-component of Mission Shakti.
• Subsumes the National Crèche Scheme (NCS).
• Focus on establishing combined Anganwadi and creche facilities.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) released for administration and monitoring.
• Childcare services include daycare, supplementary nutrition, early childhood education, and health check-ups.
• Implementation through Anganwadi centres.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 36
One Stop Centre Scheme
About It is a subscheme of umbrella scheme for National Mission for Empowerment of Women including Indira
Gandhi Mattritav Sahyaog Yojana.
It is being implemented since 1st April 2015.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD);
Day to day implementation and administrative matters would be the responsibility of the District Collector/
District Magistrate.
Aims and Objectives • Provide holistic and integrated support to women who have experienced violence.
• Ensure immediate access to a wide range of services including medical, legal, psychological, and counseling
support.
• Address gender-based violence in both privat
Targeted Beneficiaries • Women and girls (below 18 years) who have experienced any form of violence.
• All women, regardless of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Funding Mechanism Centrally Sponsored Scheme;
Funding: 100% financial assistance provided by the Central Government through the Nirbhaya Fund.
Features • Inception: Launched on April 1, 2015.
• Local Administration: Implemented at the district level by the District Collector/District Magistrate.
• Comprehensive Services include: (1 Emergency response and rescue. (2) Medical assistance. (3) FIR/NCR/
DIR filing assistance. (4) Psycho-social support and counseling. (5) Legal aid and counseling. (6) Shelter. (7)
Video conferencing facility.
• Universal Reach: Available to all women, including minors, who have faced violence. Special provisions for
minors in collaboration with child protection laws.

Aspirational District/Block Program

About ABP was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 (ADP was launched in 2018);
which aims to transform districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas.
Structural Mandate Individual Ministries have assumed responsibility to drive progress of districts.
Broad Contours of the Programme:
1. Convergence (of Central & State Schemes)
2. Collaboration (of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors),
3. Competition among districts through monthly delta ranking.
Aims and Objectives Focuses on the strength of each district, identifying low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement and
measuring progress by ranking districts on a monthly basis.
Targeted Beneficiaries 112 districts across the country
Funding Mechanism Convergence of all Central & State Schemes
Features • Development initiative targeting lagging areas based on development parameters.
• Announced in Union Budget 2022-23.
• Initially covers 500 districts across 31 states and UTs, with over half in UP, Bihar, MP, Jharkhand, Odisha, West
Bengal.
• Based on the Aspirational District Programme (ADP).

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Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)
About It focuses on tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.
Structural Mandate Not specified;
Comprises 25 interventions to be implemented by 17-line ministries through funds allocated under Development
Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST) in next 5 years.
Tribal villages covered will be mapped and progress will be monitored on PM Gati Shakti platform.
Aims and Objectives Improve socio-economic conditions of tribal communities through scheme convergence.
Targeted Beneficiaries Tribal communities in 63,000 villages
Funding Mechanism Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Outlay Rs.79,156 crore (Central Share: Rs.56,333 crore and State Share: Rs. 22,823 crore)
Features • Housing, healthcare, education, skill development, livelihoods, infrastructure.
• 25 interventions by 17 ministries; monitored via PM Gati Shakti Portal.
• Pucca houses (PMAY), water supply (Jal Jeevan Mission), road and mobile connectivity, education, healthcare.
• Increase GER, build tribal hostels, and reduce IMR & MMR through Mobile Medical Units.
• Tribal Home Stays, Sickle Cell Disease management (Centers of Competence), 100 Tribal Multipurpose
Marketing Centres (TMMCs) for tribal product marketing.
• Supports 22 Lakh Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders for forest rights and sustainable agriculture, animal
husbandry, and allied activities.
• Special Initiatives: Tribal Home Stays, SCD management, and establishment of Tribal Multipurpose Marketing
Centres (TMMC).

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Finance

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 39
Finance
Prelims PYQs
[UPSC 20%(] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yoja- [UPSC 20%5] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan [UPSC 20%(] Which one of the following
na is aimed at Yojana’ has been launched for is the purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the
(a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into (a) providing housing loans to poor people at Government?
formal financial system cheaper interest rates (a) Providing technical and financial assis-
(b) providing loans to poor farmers for culti- (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in tance to start-up entrepreneurs in the
vating particular crops backward areas field of renewable sources of energy
(c) providing pensions to old and destitute (c) promoting financial inclusion in the (b) Providing electricity to every household in
persons” country the countries by 2018
(d) funding the voluntary organizations (d) providing financial help to marginalized (c) Replacing the coal-based power plants
involved in the promotion of skill develop- communities with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and
ment and employment generation tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and
revival of power distribution companies

Observation: Financial inclusion is a global policy concern, as a large percentage of working-age adults do not have access to the formal
financial sector.
• Financial inclusion is a central subject in India.
• Promotion of financial Inclusion is an important social and financial need of Indian Economy. In order to promote financial inclusion, recently,
Govt. of India has launched several schemes like Prathan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana,Prathan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Prathan Mantri
Suraksha Bima Yojana, Prathan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Atal pension Yojana, Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana, Started India schemes , finan-
cial Literacy schemes etc.
. In India we follow decentralized administration through the Panchayati Raj that extends to reach vulnerable sections.
What do you need to do?
As the dimensions are determined and specific we need to focus on - Aims and Objectives of Scheme.
Beyond Analysis we also need to be ready for - the Structural implementation of each scheme/policy, Funding Mechanism and the aims and
objectives at specific level.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

About Announced in May 2016 by the PM.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Aims and Objectives • Provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and disadvantaged households.
• Reduce reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
Targeted Beneficiaries Rural and disadvantaged households, primarily Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
Funding Mechanism Government of India bears the cost of the subsidy
Features • Launched on May 1, 2016, with Phase I aiming for 8 crore LPG connections by March
2020.
• Phase II (Ujjwala 2.0) aimed to release an additional 1 crore connections, expanded to
1.6 crore.
• Financial assistance of (1600 per connection for BPL households.
• Deposit-free LPG connections with the first refill and a free hotplate.
• Subsidy of (300 per cylinder for up to 12 refills per year (extension announced).
• Beneficiaries eligible for EMI facilities for stove and first refill costs.
• Direct subsidy transfer through the PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 40
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products
(RoDTEP)
About It is a new scheme applicable from 1 January 2021 and is launched by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to
replace the existing MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India Scheme).
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Commerce and Industry;
Managed by Department of Revenue;
Aims and Objectives • Remit duties and taxes on export products to make Indian exports more competitive.
• Promote fair trade by neutralizing the adverse effect of other countries’ subsidies.
Targeted Beneficiaries • Indian exporters (across sectors).
Funding Mechanism In the FY 2023-24, centre has allocated a substantial budget of Rs. 15,070 crores to support RoDTEP Scheme.
Features • Refund of the previously non-refundable duties and taxes: Mandi tax, VAT, Coal cess, Central Excise duty on
fuel, etc., will now be refunded under this particular scheme.
• Automated system of credit: The rebate is issued as a transferable electronic scrip by the Central Board of
Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) in an end-to-end IT environment.
• Quick verification through digitisation.
• Multi-sector scheme: Under RoDTEP, all sectors, including the textiles sector, are covered, so as to ensure
uniformity across all areas.
• Labor-intensive sectors that enjoy benefits under the MEIS Scheme will be given a priority.

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGB)

About It was first launched by GOI on October 30, 2015.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Finance;
Issued by RBI on behalf of the GOI.
Aims and Objectives To reduce dependence on gold imports and shift savings from physical gold to paper form.
Targeted Beneficiaries Residents of India, including individuals, HUFs, trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
Funding Mechanism • The Sovereign Gold Bonds are issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of
India. This ensures a sovereign guarantee for both the principal and interest payments.
• The bonds are made available for subscription in tranches. The RBI notifies the terms and conditions for each
tranche, including the subscription dates and issue price, which is based on the average closing price of gold of
999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).
• SGBs are sold through various channels, including scheduled commercial banks (excluding small finance
banks), designated post offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), and recognized stock
exchanges like NSE and BSE.
Features • Denomination in multiples of grams, with a basic unit of 1 gram.
• Tenor of 8 years with an exit option from the 5th year.
• Minimum investment: 1 gram of gold; Maximum: 4 kg for individuals/HUFs, 20 kg for trusts and entities per
fiscal year.
• Benefits: Eliminates storage risks, free from making charges and purity issues.
• Assured market value at maturity and periodic interest.
• Can be used as collateral for loans with a Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio equal to ordinary gold loans.
• Held in RBI books or demat form to eliminate scrip loss risk.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 41
RAMP Programme
(Reforms and Acceleration in MSME Performance)
About It was launched in 2022.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME);
National MSME Council has been set up by the Ministry to work as an administrative and functional body.
Aims and Objectives • Improve access to market and credit for MSMEs.
• Strengthen institutions and governance.
• Enhance Centre-State linkages and partnerships.
• Address delayed payments and promote greening of MSMEs.
Targeted Beneficiaries • Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
• States/UTs for preparation of Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs).
Funding Mechanism World Bank assisted Central Sector Scheme;
Features Primary components include:
• Preparation of Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) by states.
• Establishment of Apex National MSME Council for monitoring and policy overview.
Sub-schemes under RAMP include:
• MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation (MSME GIFT).
• MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE).
• MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments.
• Green Technology adoption incentives.
• Support for circular economy projects.
• Interest subvention and credit guarantee support.
• Legal support combined with IT tools and AI to resolve payment delays.
• Focus on achieving zero emissions by 2070.
• Encourages eco-friendly practices and sustainable business models.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

About Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has come up with draft guidelines for the central financial assistance and
payment security mechanism
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Power, Government of India;
Two models of implementation:
1. Renewable Energy Services Company (RESCO) model: The company develops and owns the rooftop solar
system for at least five years.
2. Utility Led Asset (ULA) model: The State discom owns the system for five years before transferring ownership
to the household.
Aims and Objectives • Provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries.
• Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
Targeted Beneficiaries Households across India, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Funding Mechanism Central Financial Assistance (subsidy) is capped at a maximum of 3kW capacity:
• 60% subsidy for solar systems up to 2kW capacity.
• 40% subsidy for systems between 2kW to 3kW capacity.
Features • Free electricity of 300 units per month to eligible beneficiaries.
• Investment of (75,000 crores for implementation.
• Financial support through subsidies directly to bank accounts.
• Incentives for renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar systems.
• Highly concessional bank loans to minimize financial burden.
• Expected annual savings of (15,000 to (18,000 for households.
• Supports charging of electric vehicles.
• Entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth with technical skills.
• Incentives for Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats to promote rooftop solar systems.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 42
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
About It was announced in 2015 during Union Budget FY-2016 to extend affordable credit to micro and small
enterprises (MSMEs).
Structural Mandate Prime Minister’s Office;
Loans are disbursed by Member Lending Institution (MLIs).
MUDRA (Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd.) is responsible for refinancing MLIs.
Aims and Objectives To provide financial assistance and support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs through
collateral-free loans.
Targeted Beneficiaries Central Sector Scheme;
Non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs
Funding Mechanism Loans are given by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, MFIs and NBFCs.
Features • Loans categorized as Shishu (up to Rs 50,000), Kishore (Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh), Tarun (Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10
lakh), and Tarun Plus (Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh)
• Collateral-free loans for small scale businesses
• Technological interventions like MUDRA Card and MUDRA MITRA App for easier credit access and information
dissemination.

Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

About Indians took out $17 billion in 2023-24 for overseas travel under the RBI’s LRS; LRS was launched in 2004.
Structural Mandate Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Aims and Objectives To facilitate outward remittances from India by allowing resident individuals to remit a specified amount each
year.
Targeted Beneficiaries Resident individuals (including minors)
Funding Mechanism NA
Features • Governed by FEMA 1999 and regulated by RBI.
• Allows remittance of up to USD 250,000 per financial year (April- March).
• Funds can be used for current or capital account transactions.
• Permissible uses: travel expenses, medical treatment, education fees abroad, gifts and donations, maintenance
of close relatives, investment in shares, debt instruments, and properties abroad.
• Individuals can open and maintain foreign currency accounts abroad.
• Exclusions: Not available to corporations, partnership firms, HUFs, trusts, etc.
• Prohibited transactions include purchase of lottery tickets, foreign exchange trading, and remittances to non-
cooperative countries or entities posing terrorism risks.

IN NEWS: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

About 2024 marks the 10th year of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). PMJDY was launched ten years ago
on 28th August, 2014.
Structural Mandate Nodal: Ministry of Finance -> Department of Financial Services.
A basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account is be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank
Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other account.
Aims and Objectives • Banking the Unbanked: Provide banking services with minimal paperwork.
• Securing the Unsecured: Provide Indigenous Debit cards with accident insurance.
• Funding the Unfunded: Offer micro-insurance, overdraft, micro-pension, and micro-credit facilities.
Targeted Beneficiaries Unbanked adults in India
Funding Mechanism • Basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) accounts with zero balance & zero charges.
• Overdraft facility of up to 10,000 for eligible adults.
• Accident insurance cover up to 2 lakh
Features • Financial literacy programs
• Pension schemes for the unorganized sector
• Inter-operability through RuPay card or Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS). (J-A-M Trinity)
• Guinness book of World Records recognises Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana
• The scheme ensures access to a range of financial services like availability of basic savings bank account,
access to need based credit, remittances facility, insurance and pension.

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Education & Human Resource

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 44
Education & Human Resource
Prelims PYQs
[UPSC 20%7] What is the purpose of Vidyan- 2. National Career Service has been
jali Yojana’? launched in a Mission Mode to improve the
1. To enable the famous foreign campuses employment opportunities to uneducated
in India. youth of the country.
2. To increase the quality of education Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
[UPSC 20%8] With reference to Pradhan
provided in government schools by taking (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the
help from the private sector and the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
following statements :
community.
1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of
3. To encourage voluntary monetary [UPSC 20%7] Recognition of Prior Learning
Labour and Employment.
contributions from private individuals Scheme’ is sometimes mentioned in the
2. It, among other things, will also impart
and organizations so as to improve the news with reference to”
training in soft skills, entrepreneurship,
infrastructure facilities for primary and (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construc-
financial and digital literacy.
secondary schools. tion workers through traditional channels.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the
Select the correct answer using the code (b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for
unregulated workforce of the country to
given below: distance learning programs.
the National Skill Qualification Framework.
(a) 2 only (b) 3 only (c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and
Which of the statements given above is/are
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only urban poor in some public sector under-
correct?”
takings.
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
[UPSC 20%7] With reference to ‘National under the National Skill Development
Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, Programme.
[UPSC 20%7] What is the aim of the pro-
which of the statements given below is/are
gramme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ ?
correct? [UPSC 20%(] SWAYAM’, an initiative of the
(a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting
1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the Government of India, aims at
collaboration between voluntary organi-
certification for competency only through a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural
zations and the government’s education
formal learning. areas
system and local communities.
2. An outcome expected from the b) providing financial and technical assis-
(b) Connecting institutions of higher educa-
implementation of NSQF is the mobility tance to young start-up entrepreneurs
tion with local communities to address
between vocational and general education. c) promoting the education and health of
development challenges through appro-
Select the correct answer using the code adolescent girls
priate techhologies.
given below: (d) providing affordable and quality educa-
(c) Strengthening India’s scientific research
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only tion to the citizens for free
institutions in order to make India a scien-
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
tific and technological Power.
(d) Developing human capital by allocating
[UPSC 20%7] Consider the following in
special funds for health- care and educa-
respect of ‘National Career Service’ :
tion of rural and urban poor, and organiz-
1. National Career Service is an initiative of
ing skill development programmes and
the Department of Personnel and Training,
vocational training for them.
Government of India.

Observation: The overall idea of the Schemes related to Education and Human Resource development is to boost both industry and
employability of youths. This is directly monitored under the central government in India.
• With a view to broadening and improving the future life of the students by providing, the Umbrella Skill India Mission is implement-
ed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
o Skill India Mission(SIM) is a well-organized and well-equipped organization that is a new direction in light of knowledge
in the world of technical education.
o The sole aim of Skill India Mission(SIM) is to spread skillful education to people from all walks of life by removing the fear
of technologies and technical sciences.
• What do you need to do?
o As the dimensions are determined and specific we need to focus on - Aims and Objectives of Scheme.
Beyond Analysis we also need to be ready for - the Structural implementation of each scheme/policy, Funding Mechanism and the
aims and objectives at specific level.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 45
Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN)
About Launched in 2015.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Education under IIT Kharagpur
Aims and Objectives • Harness international expertise in science, technology, and academia.
• Enhance India’s academic resources, speed up quality improvements, and raise scientific and technological
standards.
• Foster collaboration between international scientists
Targeted Beneficiaries • Indian higher education institutions including universities and colleges.
• Indian faculty and students benefitting from exposure to global academic and research practices.
Funding Mechanism Lump-sum amount of up to US$ 8000 (~ (7 lakh) for 12 to 14 hours of contact and up to US$ 12000 (~ (12 lakh)
for 20 to 28 hours of contact can be paid to the foreign experts covering their travel and honorarium.
Features • Honorarium and expenses covered for international experts.
• Short-term courses (1-3 weeks) conducted by foreign experts.
• Payment structure: Up to US$ 8000 (~7 lakh) for 12-14 hours of teaching, and up to US$ 12000 (~12 lakh) for
20-28 hours.
• Initially aimed at India-USA collaboration, later expanded internationally.
• Aimed at improving India’s global competitiveness in science and technology.

APAAR: One Nation, One Student ID Initiative

About It is part of the ‘One nation, One Student ID’ initiative of the Union government, stemming from the new National
Education Policy of 2020.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Education
Aims and Objectives • To create a unique identification system for students across India, from early childhood to higher education.
• To simplify tracking of academic progress through a lifelong student ID.
• To serve as a gateway to Digilocker, enabling secure stora
Targeted Beneficiaries All students across India, starting from early childhood and continuing throughout their academic journey.
Funding Mechanism NA
Features • Unique 12-digit ID assigned to each student.
• Lifelong student ID, tracking academic progress from pre-primary to higher education.
• Functions as a gateway to Digilocker for secure document storage.
• Seamless data transfer between schools via APAAR ID.
• Supports storing certificates and credits from both formal and informal education.
• Integrated with the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), allowing easy access to credits earned throughout the
academic journey.
• No need for physical document submission during school transfers.
• Part of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
• Empowers state governments to monitor educational metrics like literacy rates, dropout rates, etc.

Prithvi Vigyan Scheme for Earth Sciences

About It overarching scheme of the MoES for the period from 2021 to 2026.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Earth Sciences
Aims and Objectives It addresses Earth System Sciences’ 5 components—Atmosphere, Cryosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, and
Geosphere—and includes subschemes like ACROSS, O-SMART, PACER, SAGE, and REACHOUT under MOES.
Targeted Beneficiaries • Poorest 20% of Indian families, especially women.
• Voters who are likely to benefit from increased financial support in the 2024 elections.
Funding Mechanism NA

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 46
Features • Augment and sustain long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth
to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change
• Development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and
understanding the science of climate change.
• Exploration of polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources;

PM Vishwakarma Scheme
About It was launched in 2023 for the period FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME)
Aims and Objectives • Empower traditional craftspeople from diverse sectors such as carpentry, goldsmithing, masonry, and laundry
services.
• Provide financial assistance, training, and recognition to improve skills and livelihood.
• Promote the preservation and development of traditional crafts.
Targeted Beneficiaries • Individuals from the OBC community engaged in 18 traditional crafts and skills such as carpentry, goldsmithing,
boat making, pottery, blacksmithing, etc.
Funding Mechanism Central Sector Scheme
Features • Rs 13,000 crore allocated, fully funded by the Central Government.
• 18 diverse sectors covered, including carpentry, masonry, goldsmithing, boat making, and more.
• Free registration through the PM Vishwakarma portal using biometric-based systems at Common Services
Centres.
• Recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
• Provides financial support, skill development, and market linkages.
• Patron deity Vishwakarma is the symbol of the scheme, aligning with the idea of empowering artisans and
workers.

REACHOUT Scheme
About The Research, Education and Training Outreach (REACHOUT) scheme consists of:
• R&D in Earth System Science (RDESS)
• International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean)
• Program for Development of Skilled manpower in Earth System Sciences (DESK)
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Aims and Objectives Enhance the understanding and dissemination of Earth system sciences through research, education, and
outreach activities.
Targeted Beneficiaries Indian students participating in the International Earth Sciences Olympiad
Funding Mechanism NA
Features • Supports Indian teams in the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)
• Promotes interest in earth system sciences addressing climate change, environmental challenges, and natural
disasters
• National-level prelude through Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) for school students
• Aims to increase India’s participation and success in international earth sciences competitions

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 47
VAIBHAV Fellowship
About It was launched in 2023 to connect the Indian STEMM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and
medicine) diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Science and Technology;
Implemented by: the Department of Science and Technology.
Aims and Objectives • Support India’s scientific research ecosystem by recognizing and awarding outstanding scientists.
• Provide research and innovation support to young scientists across India to encourage participation in national
and international science and technol
Targeted Beneficiaries • Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists working in universities, research institutions, and private
organizations.
• Young and mid-career researchers who have demonstrated exceptional work in their field.
Funding Mechanism NA
Features • Launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Fellowship award: Recognizes top scientists, engineers, and technologists in India.
• Promotes global collaboration in scientific research and development.
• Strengthening innovation and research to promote national development.
• Awardees receive financial support to continue their work and expand collaborations.
• Encourages young and mid-career scientists to engage in cutting-edge research.
• Increases visibility of Indian scientific research at the global level.
• Support for both individual research and institutional collaborations.

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme
About It is designed to provide financial assistance to meritorious students for higher education.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Education
Department of Higher Education will launch the “PM-Vidyalaxmi” portal for students to apply for education loans
and interest subvention, with payments made via E-voucher and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets.
Aims and Objectives To provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education in quality institutions.
Targeted Beneficiaries Meritorious students in top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs)
Funding Mechanism Central Sector Scheme (Fully funded and implemented by the central government )
Features • Loans up to 7.5 lakh with a 75% credit guarantee
• For loans up to 10 lakh, 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period
• Applications via the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal for loans and interest benefits
• Interest support payments through e-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets

PM-YASASVI Scheme
About It has consolidated and enhanced several earlier initiatives, including the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship
Scheme for EBCs and the Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for DNTs, which were
subsumed under this program starting from 2021-22.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Implementing Agency: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
Aims and Objectives To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC),
Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT).
Targeted Beneficiaries OBC, EBC, and De-notified Tribes students
Funding Mechanism No details available
Features • Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
• Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
• Hostel facilities for OBC students
• Selection based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing
Agency (NTA)
• Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 48
PM-AJAY
(Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana)
About It was launched in the fiscal year 2021-22 to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by generating employment
opportunities.
Structural Mandate Nodal Agency: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment;
Districts/ State Governments/Union Territory Administrations as well as Central/State Universities/Institutions
would be the Implementing agencies for this component.
Implementing agencies would send proposals through PMAJAY portal.
Aims and Objectives • Reduce poverty among Scheduled Caste (SC) communities through employment generation, skill development,
and income generation.
• Enhance infrastructure in SC-dominated areas to promote socio-economic upliftment.
Targeted Beneficiaries • Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in India.
• Local communities in SC-dominated villages.
Funding Mechanism Centrally Sponsored Scheme;
Cost norms for construction/expansion of hostels will be as under:
1. North Eastern Region: Rs.3.50 lakh per inmate.
2. Northern Himalayan Regions: Rs.3.25 lakh per inmate.
3. Gangetic Plains & Lower Himalayan Region: Rs3.00 lakh per inmate.
100% Central assistance for hostels for boys ’hostels as well– earlier it was cost sharing with the State.
Features • Development of ‘Adarsh Gram’ (model villages) in SC-dominated areas.
• Grants-in-aid for socio-economic development projects.
• Financial assistance for beneficiaries increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 (or 50% of the asset cost).
• Construction of hostels in higher educational institutions for SC students.
• Merging of previous schemes such as PMAGY, SCA to SCSP, and BJRCY.
• Web-based portal developed for submission, approval, and monitoring of annual action plans.

Flash Notes: Govt. Schemes HQ: Ground Floor, Apsara Arcade, ORN, New Delhi-05 80765 17832 49
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