Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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A total of Rs 32.44 Crore was allocated for Pre-matric and Rs 387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarships under the PM YASASVI scheme. Aimed at Other Backward Class (OBCs), Economically Backward Class (EBC), and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) students, it covers Classes 9-12, offering scholarships for top-tier education. Hostel facilities are provided for OBC students. Eligibility requires an annual income below Rs 2.50 Lakhs, studying in a Top Class School, and permanent residence in the respective State/UT. Entitlement ranges from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1,25,000 p.a., covering tuition and hostel fees. The implementing agency is the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

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The Government of Tamil Nadu introduces the Ungalai Thedi Ungal Ooril Scheme 2024, offering citizens monthly access to state government schemes and scholarships. This initiative aims to review project performance, inspect infrastructure, and address public concerns, ensuring effective implementation of government programs.

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The Union Minister for Women and Child Development announced the establishment of One Stop Centres (OSCs) in over 700 districts nationwide, under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The initiative aims to offer comprehensive support for women facing violence, providing immediate access to medical, legal, psychological, and counseling services. The target group includes all women, including girls under 18, without discrimination. The funding comes from the Nirbhaya Fund, with 100% financial assistance from the Central Government. District Collectors/Magistrates oversee day-to-day implementation.

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The GHAR (Go Home and Re-Unite) Portal, developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), facilitates the digital monitoring and repatriation of children under the Juvenile Justice Act. It expedites repatriation by tracking cases, transferring them to relevant authorities, and facilitating communication with State Governments for translators or experts. Child Welfare Committees use the portal’s checklist to identify children in need, linking them to government schemes for family strengthening during restoration.

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The Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana, a Rs 498 crore project by the central government, aims to transform the Kamakhya Temple pilgrimage experience in Guwahati, Assam. Enhancements include infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity, temple beautification, and facilities for devotees. The initiative is expected to boost tourism in the Northeast, drawing a large number of devotees to the revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. The temple, with Tantric significance, is atop Nilachal Hill and hosts the annual Ambubachi Mela.

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The Odisha government announces the Nua-O scholarship, providing annual financial aid to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Male students receive Rs 9,000, while females get Rs 10,000. SC/ST and Nirman Shramik male students receive Rs 10,000, and females get Rs 11,000. The initiative, part of the Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha scheme, focuses on skilling youth, allocating a budget of Rs 385 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26. The scholarship targets students in state universities and aided colleges, excluding Income Tax payers and government employees’ children. Around 4.5 lakh undergraduates and 32,000 postgraduates are expected to benefit.

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The Prime Minister of India launched PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a ₹75,000 crore initiative providing 300 units of free electricity per month to 1 crore households. The scheme promotes rooftop solar systems through incentives to Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats. The Central Government ensures no financial burden on citizens, offering subsidies and concessional bank loans. Benefits include annual savings, electric vehicle charging, entrepreneurship, and job opportunities in solar-related fields.

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The Rajasthan government introduced the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Pension Yojana, offering a monthly pension of Rs. 2,000 to eligible workers aged 60 or above. The initiative aims to support laborers and street vendors, ensuring their welfare by helping them meet daily needs independently. This special scheme underscores the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable sections in Rajasthan.

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Union Minister Hardeep Puri praised PM SVANidhi for restoring street vendors’ dignity during the pandemic. Launched on June 1, 2020, the scheme provided affordable working capital loans, totaling ₹10,678 crore, to over 60.94 lakh street vendors. The initiative, overseen by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, distributed loans to 10,000 vendors at the PM SVANidhi Mega Camp, benefitting those severely affected by Covid-19 lockdown.

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The ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises offers artisans and craftsmen affordable loans, skill training, modern equipment, and promotes digital transactions. With a budget of Rs 13,000 crore, the scheme covers 18 businesses and is set to run for five years until the financial year 2027-28, aiming to boost the growth and development of the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector.