Government Schemes [India & States] Current Affairs MCQs

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PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahiis) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is approved for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide skill training through Short-Term Training, Upskilling/Re-skilling, and Entrepreneurship Development Programs. Training is conducted by empanelled institutes. It targets SCs, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers. A Union minister recently emphasized its importance in empowering marginalized communities.

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Union Minister Dr. Virender Kumar visited Jammu to review the implementation of Social Justice and Empowerment schemes. He distributed PPE kits and Ayushman health cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (Safai Mitras). This was done under the NAMASTE scheme, which stands for National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem. NAMASTE aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and sustainable livelihood of sanitation workers in urban India. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The National Safai Karamchari Financial Development Corporation (NSKFDC) is the implementing agency.

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₹12,000 crore allocated for station redevelopment in FY 2025-26 under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) was launched in February 2023 by Indian Railways for station redevelopment. It focuses on long-term, phased development with master plans tailored to each station. It aims to improve passenger amenities, traffic circulation and inter-modal integration.

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

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

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The Uttar Pradesh government distributed ₹100 crore in loans to 2,500 beneficiaries in Gorakhpur and Basti under the CM Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA). 2,100 trainees received toolkits under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. MYUVA scheme aims to create 1 lakh young entrepreneurs yearly by offering interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh. The government allocated ₹1,000 crore for 2024-25.

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The Maharashtra government disbursed ₹17,500 crore to 2.38 crore women under the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana by December 2024. The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in 2024, provides financial support to economically disadvantaged women aged 21 to 65. Eligibility includes being a permanent resident of Maharashtra, with a family income of less than ₹2.5 lakh and no income taxpayer in the family. Beneficiaries receive ₹1,500 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

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

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The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to provide hands-on industry experience. It is a 12-month apprenticeship program with 1,25,000 vacancies across various sectors. The scheme helps participants develop industry-relevant and soft skills like teamwork and communication. Eligible candidates include 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or Graduates aged 21-24 years. Applications are open online from October 12, 2024, to March 12, 2025. Selected interns will receive a ₹5000 monthly stipend and a one-time benefit of ₹6000.

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The Global Engagement Scheme was recently discussed in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. It is initiated by the Ministry of Culture to promote India’s cultural heritage globally. The scheme showcases India’s folk, classical, and contemporary art forms on the international stage. It strengthens bilateral cultural ties by encouraging collaborations with foreign nations. Artists from Maharashtra have participated in international cultural festivals under this scheme.