Government Schemes

 

Government Schemes and latest Development, Important for Competitive Exams. 

India Installs 7075.78 MW Rooftop Solar Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana; Gujarat Leads the Nation

India has successfully installed 7,075.78 MW of rooftop solar capacity under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, covering nearly 24 lakh households across the country as of December 2025.

🌞 Overview of the Scheme

  • PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY): A demand-driven program launched to promote residential rooftop solar installations.
  • Target: One crore households by FY 2026–27.
  • Financial Outlay: ₹75,021 crore allocated for implementation.
  • Eligibility: All residential consumers with grid-connected electricity connections can apply via the National Portal.

📊 Current Achievements

  • Installed Capacity: 7,075.78 MW rooftop solar in the residential sector.
  • Households Covered: 23.96 lakh households, which is about 23.96% of the target.
  • Top Performing States:
    • Gujarat: 1,828 MW
    • Maharashtra: 1,322 MW
    • Uttar Pradesh: 1,024 MW
      Together, these three states account for nearly 60% of total capacity.

⚡ Benefits to Citizens

  • Free Electricity: Households can generate up to 300 units per month free of cost, reducing dependence on grid supply.
  • Savings: Lower electricity bills and long-term financial relief.
  • Sustainability: Promotes clean energy adoption, reducing carbon footprint.
  • Community Empowerment: Encourages decentralized energy production and local participation.

🔑 Conclusion

The installation of 7,075.78 MW rooftop solar capacity under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana marks a major milestone in India’s renewable energy journey. With nearly 24 lakh households already benefiting, the scheme is on track to meet its ambitious target of one crore households by 2026–27. Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as leaders, showcasing how state-level participation can accelerate national energy transformation.

Q. Which state ranks first in rooftop solar installation under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as of December 2025?
A. Rajasthan
B. Maharashtra
C. Gujarat
D. Karnataka
✅ Answer: C
India has successfully installed 7,075.78 MW of rooftop solar capacity under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, covering nearly 24 lakh households across the country as of December 2025. Gujarat: 1,828 MW, Maharashtra: 1,322 MW, Uttar Pradesh: 1,024 MW

Cabinet Approves ₹7,280 Crore Scheme for Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing

The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme worth ₹7,280 crore to promote the manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magnets in India. This is the country’s first initiative aimed at establishing an annual production capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes of integrated permanent magnets.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that rare earth permanent magnets are among the strongest available and are essential for technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment, electronics, aerospace, and defence systems. The scheme will support complete domestic production — from processing rare earth oxides into metals, converting metals into alloys, and finally manufacturing finished magnets.

Demand for these magnets in India is rising rapidly and is expected to double by 2030, largely due to growth in EVs, renewable energy, and electronics. Currently, India depends mainly on imports for its requirements.

This initiative will enable India to set up its first integrated rare earth magnet manufacturing ecosystem, strengthening self-reliance, boosting skilled employment, and supporting the national goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

The scheme will run for seven years, including a two-year setup period, and production capacity will be allocated to five selected beneficiaries through a global competitive process.

Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund Launched

The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 November 2025 during ESTIC 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, is a ₹1 lakh crore initiative (2025–2031) to promote private sector-led R&D and deep-tech innovation in India. Implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the strategic direction of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the scheme aims to make India a global innovation hub.

Its objectives include fostering technological self-reliance, encouraging industry participation, and supporting strategic sectors such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy security, climate action, and the digital economy.

Key features include flexible financing options (low-interest loans, equity funding, and a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds), simplified funding access, and enhanced industry-academia collaboration. The scheme is expected to boost India’s global competitiveness, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, create high-tech jobs, and generate intellectual property assets.

Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Launched on 30 October 2025

The National launch of the Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) was successfully held on 30 October 2025 in New Delhi, jointly organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Education (Department of School Education and Literacy), and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The event was graced by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Shri Durgadas Uikey, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs.

During the event, the Training Module on Model Youth Gram Sabha and the MYGS Portal were launched to support effective implementation, teacher capacity building, and student engagement in grassroots democracy. The initiative will be implemented in over 1,000 schools across India, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), and State Government Schools.

The Model Youth Gram Sabha is a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting Janbhagidari (public participation) and participatory local governance by involving students in simulated Gram Sabha sessions. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, it seeks to instill democratic values, civic responsibility, and leadership skills among the youth, fostering the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

NAKSHA Programme: Modernizing Urban Land Records in India

The NAKSHA Programme (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) is a pilot initiative launched in February 2025 by India’s Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It aims to modernize urban land records using geospatial and GIS technologies for better governance and transparency.

Covering 157 urban local bodies across 27 states and 3 union territories, the programme spans over 4,484 sq. km, benefiting more than 1.5 crore citizens. It was inaugurated by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.

The initiative uses drone-based mapping, GIS integration, and digital land records to ensure accurate property data, efficient urban planning, and easier dispute resolution. Implemented with support from the Survey of India, NICSI, MPSeDC, and state land departments, NAKSHA is a step toward digital, transparent, and citizen-friendly land governance, with plans for nationwide expansion in the future.

UDAN Scheme Completes 9 Years: 1.56 Crore Passengers Benefited Since 2016

The Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) has enabled over 1.56 crore passengers to travel through 3.23 lakh flights since its launch on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy. Marking its 9th anniversary, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha called UDAN a transformational initiative that made air travel affordable and accessible. The government plans to extend the scheme beyond April 2027 under an Expanded UDAN Framework, focusing on better connectivity to hilly, North-Eastern, and aspirational regions and developing 120 new destinations.

So far, 649 routes have connected 93 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes. Over ₹4,300 crore has been given as Viability Gap Funding, and ₹4,638 crore invested in airport development. The government also introduced Guidelines for Seaplane Operations and launched UDAN 5.5, granting Letters of Intent for 150 new routes connecting 30 water aerodromes across coastal and island regions.

Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana – Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi & CM Nitish Kumar on 26 September 2025 launched Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.

  • Budget: ₹7,500 crore
  • Beneficiaries: 75 lakh women (₹10,000 each in Phase 1, via DBT)
  • Further Support: Up to ₹2 lakh for successful enterprises
  • Sectors Supported: Agriculture, animal husbandry, tailoring, weaving, handicrafts, etc.

Training & Support:

  • SHG resource persons to train and mentor women
  • Development of Gramin Haat Bazaars for product sales

Eligibility:

  • Women 18–60 years, residents of Bihar
  • Not an income tax payer or government employee (self/husband)

Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest govt-funded health assurance scheme, completes 7 years

On 23 September 2025, Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana completed seven years since its launch in 2018 from Ranchi. It is the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme, covering over 55 crore beneficiaries and providing ₹5 lakh annual health cover per family. So far, the scheme has enabled 10.3 crore hospital admissions worth ₹1.48 lakh crore in cashless treatment.

The beneficiary base has expanded to 12 crore families, including ASHA and anganwadi workers (2024), senior citizens above 70 (2024) through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, and nearly 1 crore gig/platform workers. With 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across India, the scheme has strengthened universal health coverage.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹1,500 Crore Incentive Scheme for Critical Mineral Recycling

On 3 September 2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to boost domestic recycling capacity for critical minerals.

  • Tenure: FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31 (6 years).
  • Eligible feedstock: e-waste, Lithium-ion battery (LIB) scrap, and other metal scraps.
  • Scope: Applies to new units, expansion, modernization, and diversification of existing units.
  • Incentives:
    • Capex subsidy: 20% on plant & machinery for timely production.
    • Opex subsidy: Based on incremental sales (40% in 2nd year, 60% in 5th year).
  • Expected outcomes:
    • 270 kilo ton annual recycling capacity.
    • 40 kilo ton annual critical mineral production.
    • Investment of ₹8,000 crore.
    • Creation of ~70,000 jobs.

Co-location of Anganwadi Centres with Schools: Govt Issues Guidelines

On 3 September 2025, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union WCD Minister Annapurna Devi launched the Guidelines for Co-location of Anganwadi Centres with Schools at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

  • The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to ensure holistic care for mothers and children and to strengthen early learning foundations.
  • Anganwadi workers were recognised as the first teachers in a child’s life, with emphasis on using AI and technology to promote Indian languages.
  • The guidelines aim for:
    • Smooth transition of children from Anganwadis to schools
    • Improved health, nutrition, and retention in primary education
  • Nearly 2 lakh schools will be connected with broadband in the next three years to boost digital learning.
  • The programme stresses community participation and integration with NIPUN Bharat and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiatives.

Restructuring of PM SVANidhi Scheme Approved

On 27 August 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, with an extension of the lending period until 31 March 2030.

  • Lending Period Extended: Now up to 31 March 2030 (earlier deadline: 31 Dec 2024).
  • Financial Outlay: ₹7,332 crore.
  • Loan Enhancements:
    • 1st tranche loan → ₹15,000 (earlier ₹10,000).
    • 2nd tranche loan → ₹25,000 (earlier ₹20,000).
    • 3rd tranche loan → remains ₹50,000.
  • Digital Push:
    • UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for beneficiaries after repayment of 2nd loan.
    • Cashback incentives up to ₹1,600 for retail & wholesale digital transactions.
  • Coverage Expansion: From statutory towns → now also includes census towns & peri-urban areas.
  • Beneficiaries: To benefit 1.15 crore vendors, including 50 lakh new vendors.
  • Background: Launched on 1 June 2020 to support street vendors hit by COVID-19.
  • Progress (till July 2025): Over 96 lakh loans worth ₹13,797 crore disbursed to 68 lakh street vendors.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Completes 11 Years

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), one of the world’s largest financial inclusion programmes, completed 11 years on 28 August 2025. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014 and launched on 28 August 2014.

PMJDY is a National Mission on Financial Inclusion, ensuring universal access to banking services. It provides:

  • Basic Savings Bank Accounts for every household
  • Need-based credit, remittances, insurance, and pension facilities
  • RuPay Debit Card to every account holder
  • Zero balance account opening at bank branches or Bank Mitra outlets
  • Mobile banking via USSD, even on basic feature phones

Indian Railways to Offer 20% Discount on Round-Trip Tickets

The Ministry of Railways announced a new round-trip package scheme offering 20% discount on fares for passengers booking both onward and return journeys for the same set of passengers.

Key points:

  • No fare refund will be allowed for tickets booked under this scheme.
  • Bookings start 14 August 2025 for travel from 13 October 2025 onwards.
  • The 60-day advance reservation rule will not apply for return journey tickets.

₹2,000 Crore Grant to NCDC Approved to Boost Cooperatives

On July 31, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a ₹2,000 crore grant-in-aid to the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under a Central Sector Scheme.

The grant will be disbursed over four years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2028–29) at ₹500 crore annually.

This financial support will empower NCDC to mobilize ₹20,000 crore from the open market, which will be extended as loans to cooperative societies.

National Cooperative Policy 2025

India launched the National Cooperative Policy 2025 on 24 July 2025, unveiled by Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home and Cooperation. The policy aims to revive and modernize the cooperative sector.

Key features include a 20-year roadmap (2025–2045), the creation of 2 lakh new PACS by 2026, one cooperative in every village, and a strong focus on digitization, inclusivity, and professional management.

The policy benefits farmers, small entrepreneurs, women, youth, and marginalized communities, aiming to enhance credit access, market linkages, and employment opportunities.

It was drafted by a 48-member committee chaired by Suresh Prabhu, after 17 meetings and 4 regional workshops. States must adopt their own policies by 31 January 2026.

The strategy is backed by constitutional support through the 97th Amendment (2011) and Article 43B, emphasizing autonomy and democratic functioning of cooperatives. The launch of Tribhuvan Cooperative University will further support training and governance in the sector.

World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector

The Government has completed godown construction in 11 PACS across 11 states under the pilot phase of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector.

  • The plan involves developing agri-infrastructure at the PACS level—godowns, custom hiring centers, processing units, and Fair Price Shops—through convergence of existing schemes.
  • Over 500 PACS have been identified for godown construction, with a completion target of December 2026.
  • The Government has also approved the creation of new multipurpose PACS, dairy, and fisheries cooperatives to cover every panchayat and village in five years.
  • The initiative is supported by NABARD, State and UT governments, and other agencies.
  • A project for computerization of functional PACS with an outlay of ₹2,925 crore has also been approved to strengthen rural cooperatives.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Launched to Boost Agriculture in 100 Districts

On 16 July 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, a transformative six-year agricultural scheme starting in FY 2025–26, targeting 100 low-productivity districts across India.

🎯 Key Objectives

  • Improve crop productivity and cropping intensity
  • Promote sustainable farming and crop diversification
  • Enhance post-harvest infrastructure and irrigation
  • Expand credit access for farmers

🏞️ District Selection & Coverage

  • Inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme
  • At least one district from each state/UT
  • Allocation based on net cropped area and operational holdings

🔧 Implementation Mechanism

  • Convergence of 36 central schemes from 11 ministries
  • Coordination with state programs and private sector
  • District-level planning via Dhan-Dhaanya Samitis including progressive farmers

📊 Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Tracked using 117 KPIs via a digital dashboard
  • Supervised by Central Nodal Officers
  • Regular guidance from NITI Aayog

Skill India Mission Marks 10th Anniversary on World Youth Skills Day 2025

The 10th Anniversary of the Skill India Mission was observed on 15 July 2025. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the mission aims to equip youth with industry-relevant, job-ready skills. Over 6 crore youth have been trained through various initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and Skill India Digital Hub, with 45% of beneficiaries being women and a large share from SC/ST/OBC communities.

India’s job-readiness among college students improved from 34% in 2014 to 51% in 2024. With 65% of the population under 35, skilling is key to national development.

Also, World Youth Skills Day 2025 was celebrated on the same day with the theme “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills”, as declared by the United Nations in 2014.

India Marks 10 Years of AMRUT Mission: Transforming Urban Infrastructure Since 2015

India celebrates a major milestone as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) completes 10 years on 25 June 2025. Launched in 2015, AMRUT aimed to improve urban infrastructure and quality of life across 500 cities and towns, focusing on water supply, sewerage, urban mobility, and green spaces.

Over the past decade:

  • ₹77,640 crore in State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) approved
  • ₹35,990 crore committed as Central Assistance
  • ₹79,401 crore worth of projects completed with ₹72,656 crore spent

Key achievements include:

  • Universal tap water and sewer connections
  • Parks developed with 2.5% of project costs for children and the elderly
  • Projects in stormwater drainage, non-motorized transport, and green spaces
  • Capacity building in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for better governance

To scale up its impact, AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021, with an expanded scope to cover all ULBs in India. It aims for:

  • Universal water security and sewerage coverage
  • Outlay of ₹2.99 lakh crore, with ₹76,760 crore as Central share

Under AMRUT 2.0:

  • 3,568 water supply projects worth ₹1.14 lakh crore approved
  • 181 lakh tap connections, 10,647 MLD water treatment capacity added
  • 592 sewerage projects worth ₹67,607 crore approved
  • 67.11 lakh new sewer connections and 6,739 MLD sewage treatment capacity created
  • SCADA technology used in 1,487 projects for real-time monitoring
  • 120 start-ups shortlisted for innovative pilots in 82 cities

Cumulatively, AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 have:

  • 14,828 projects sanctioned worth ₹2.73 lakh crore
  • ₹1.02 lakh crore in Central Assistance (₹47,625 crore disbursed)
  • 2.03 crore tap water connections and 1.5 crore sewerage connections provided
  • 544 water bodies rejuvenated, covering 9,511 acres
  • AMRUT Mitra initiative engaged 10,000+ women from Self-Help Groups
  • ‘Drink from Tap’: 381 projects worth ₹23,490 crore to benefit 8 lakh households
  • 90,000+ individuals trained across states

AMRUT@10 marks a paradigm shift in India’s urban transformation—blending infrastructure development, inclusivity, sustainability, and citizen well-being, laying the groundwork for resilient, future-ready cities.

India Post Launches ‘Gyan Post’ for Affordable Book Delivery

The Department of Posts has launched ‘Gyan Post’, a dedicated postal service to deliver educational, cultural, social, and religious books at affordable rates.
This initiative supports the New Education Policy (NEP) by enhancing access to printed learning materials, especially in rural and remote areas of India.

Key Features of Gyan Post:

  • Minimum rate: ₹20 for packets up to 300 grams
  • Maximum rate: ₹100 for packets up to 5 kilograms (taxes extra)
  • Available at all post offices
  • Tracking facility included for transparency and reliability

The service is designed to bridge the educational divide by promoting cost-effective distribution of knowledge resources.
For more information, users can contact their nearest post office or visit the official India Post website: www.indiapost.gov.in

NDA Government Completed 11 years

On June 5, 2025, as the NDA government completed 11 years at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the poor, describing the past decade as a period of transformative and inclusive governance.

  • In a post on X, PM Modi stated that over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty due to sustained government efforts.
  • He highlighted major welfare schemes such as:
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
    • PM Ujjwala Yojana
    • Jan Dhan Yojana
    • Ayushman Bharat

These schemes have improved access to housing, clean fuel, banking, and healthcare, especially for marginalised communities.

  • PM Modi emphasized the impact of:
    • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
    • Digital inclusion
    • Rural infrastructure development
      in delivering transparent and efficient governance.
  • The Prime Minister reiterated the goal of building an inclusive, self-reliant India, where every citizen lives with dignity.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY):

  • Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic under Atmanirbhar Bharat package.
  • Extended for five years from January 1, 2024, at a cost of ₹11.80 lakh crore.
  • More than 81 crore beneficiaries will receive free food grains monthly under NFSA.

Goa Declared Fully Literate under ULLAS Scheme on Statehood Day

On 30 May 2025, during the 39th Statehood Day celebrations at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir in Panaji, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant declared Goa a fully literate state under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme). This milestone makes Goa the second state in India to cross the 95% literacy benchmark, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goal of achieving full literacy by 2030. Mizoram has become the first state in India to achieve full functional literacy, on 20 May 2025.

Despite the PLFS Report 2023–24 citing Goa’s literacy at 93.60%, the state’s own survey found that it had surpassed the threshold for full literacy.

The achievement was made possible through a Whole-of-Government approach, involving departments like Panchayats, Municipal Administration, Social Welfare, and Women & Child Development. Swayampurna Mitras and field workers helped identify non-literates, assist learners, and raise awareness.

The ULLAS scheme, launched in 2022 and active till 2027, targets adults aged 15 and above, and includes five components:

  • Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
  • Critical Life Skills
  • Basic Education
  • Vocational Skills
  • Continuing Education

So far, over 2.4 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the ULLAS Mobile App, and 1.77 crore learners have appeared for literacy assessments.

Goa’s success under the “Jan-Jan Sakshar” spirit demonstrates the power of volunteerism, inclusive education, and community-driven literacy campaigns, serving as a model for other states to follow in building a Viksit Bharat by 2030.

India Accelerates National EV Charging Grid under PM E-Drive

India has launched a major push toward clean mobility with the rollout of the PM E-Drive scheme, backed by a ₹2,000 crore investment. The initiative aims to set up 72,000 public EV charging stations across India, covering metro cities, highways, airports, toll plazas, and industrial corridors.

The announcement came after an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, with officials from key ministries. The program supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global leader in sustainable transport and energy security.

BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) is being considered as the nodal agency to handle demand aggregation and develop a unified EV super app, which will offer real-time booking, payment integration, and progress tracking.

The EV grid will span 50 national highway corridors and focus on high-traffic zones. The government sees this project as a cornerstone for green economic growth, Make in India manufacturing, and job creation, while paving the way for net-zero mobility.

Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State

Mizoram has officially become the first state in India to achieve full functional literacy, as announced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma on 20 May 2025 in Aizawl. The declaration was made during a ceremony at Mizoram University, attended by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary and other dignitaries.

Building on a strong foundation (91.33% literacy in 2011), Mizoram implemented the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a national adult education program under NEP 2020. A door-to-door survey in 2023 identified 3,026 non-literate individuals, and with the help of 292 volunteer teachers, the state raised its literacy rate to 98.20%, surpassing the Ministry of Education’s benchmark for full literacy (95%).

ULLAS focuses on five areas: foundational literacy, life skills, basic education, vocational training, and continuing education. Nationally, the program has reached over 2.37 crore learners and involved more than 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers.

Mizoram’s success follows Ladakh, which in June 2024 became the first fully literate administrative unit. Mizoram, however, is the first state to achieve this milestone.

10 Years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

On April 8, 2025, India marks 10 years since the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), a flagship government scheme that provides collateral-free institutional finance to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises.

Since its inception in 2015, PMMY has sanctioned over 52 crore loans worth ₹32.61 lakh crore. The average loan size has increased from ₹38,000 in FY16 to ₹1.02 lakh in FY25, reflecting growing credit demand among small businesses.

📈 Key Highlights:

MSME Credit Growth: Lending to MSMEs rose from ₹8.51 lakh crore in FY14 to ₹27.25 lakh crore in FY24, with projections to cross ₹30 lakh crore in FY25.

Women Empowerment: Women account for 68% of Mudra loan recipients. The average loan to women borrowers grew at 13% CAGR, while their savings rose at 14% CAGR.

Social Inclusion: 50% of accounts are held by SC, ST, and OBC entrepreneurs, and 11% by minority communities, improving financial inclusion.

Loan Categories:

  • Shishu: Up to ₹50,000
  • Kishor: ₹50,000 – ₹5 lakh (grew from 5.9% to 44.7% share)
  • Tarun: ₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh
  • Tarun Plus: ₹10 lakh – ₹20 lakh (new addition)

Top States by Disbursal:

  1. Tamil Nadu – ₹3.23 lakh crore
  2. Uttar Pradesh – ₹3.14 lakh crore
  3. Karnataka – ₹3.02 lakh crore
  4. West Bengal – ₹2.82 lakh crore
  5. Bihar – ₹2.81 lakh crore

UT Leader: Jammu & Kashmir with ₹45,816 crore across 21 lakh loans

Sector Impact: The scheme supports units in manufacturing, trading, processing, and services, employing nearly 10 crore people, making it India’s second-largest source of employment after agriculture.

Global Recognition: The IMF has praised PMMY for expanding financial access, promoting self-employment, and supporting women-led businesses.

Implemented By: Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks, NBFCs, and Microfinance Institutions under MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency).

Government Launches Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats Nationwide

New Delhi, March 5, 2025 – The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched a pioneering initiative to promote gender-sensitive governance at the grassroots level. The Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) initiative was unveiled at a National Convention held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

  • The initiative aims to establish at least one Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat in each district, fostering safety, inclusivity, and gender equality.
  • It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening Viksit Bharat through Viksit Panchayats.
  • A dedicated Monitoring Dashboard was launched to track the progress of the initiative.
  • The convention included virtual training programs for elected representatives and officials from selected Gram Panchayats.
  • Best practices and success stories of women-friendly initiatives were presented.

Dignitaries and Participants

The event was attended by Union Minister of State, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel (Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying) and Union Minister of State, Anupriya Patel (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare). Other prominent attendees included Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary.

Representatives from various ministries, State Institutes of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs), and international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) participated. Around 350 delegates, including elected representatives and officials from selected Gram Panchayats, attended physically or virtually.

Upcoming Nationwide Mahila Gram Sabhas

To further strengthen women’s participation in governance, the Ministry will organize Mahila Gram Sabhas nationwide on March 8, 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Kisan Credit Card loans cross 10 Lakh Crore, benefitting 7.72 crore farmers

Over ₹10 lakh crore in loans have been provided under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), benefiting 7.72 crore farmers. KCC offers timely and affordable credit for agricultural inputs.

The government provides a 1.5% interest subvention on short-term agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh, reducing the interest rate to 7% per annum. Additionally, a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive lowers the effective interest rate to 4% for timely repayments.

The total loan amount under KCC has more than doubled from ₹4.26 lakh crore in 2014 to over ₹10 lakh crore in December 2024.

Six Years of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched on 24 February, 2019, has completed six years of providing financial assistance to farmers across India. This initiative, aimed at ensuring stability and enhancing crop production, has played a crucial role in reducing agricultural costs and improving farmers’ economic conditions.

Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, credited directly to their bank accounts in three installments of ₹2,000 each. This financial aid is transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, eliminating middlemen and ensuring that the rightful benefits reach the farmers without any delays or discrepancies.

Over the past six years, the scheme has disbursed approximately ₹3.5 lakh crore to farmers’ accounts, benefiting millions of small and marginal farmers across the country. The 19th installment of the PM-KISAN financial assistance was recently released, providing over ₹22,000 crore to 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore female farmers.

The PM-KISAN scheme has not only provided financial support but has also brought respect, prosperity, and new strength to India’s food providers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing their livelihoods through various initiatives, including the PM-KISAN scheme.

In addition to the financial aid, the government has also dedicated 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to the country, further strengthening the support system for agricultural producers. The scheme has significantly contributed to reducing the cost of agriculture, increasing farmers’ access to the market, and improving their income.

“Shatavari – For Better Health” Campaign Launched

On February 6, 2025, the Ministry of Ayush launched a nationwide species-specific campaign titled “Shatavari – For Better Health” to promote awareness of the medicinal benefits of Shatavari, particularly for women’s health. The event was led by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (IC), along with senior ministry officials.

The campaign aligns with India’s Panch Pran Goal for a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shatavari has been recognized as a key resource in improving women’s health.

Key highlights:

  • NMPB’s Contribution: The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) has previously conducted similar campaigns for Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha.
  • Financial Support: ₹18.9 Lakhs will be provided to eligible organizations to promote Shatavari’s cultivation and usage.
  • Long-term Impact: The campaign will aid in public awareness, sustainable management, and conservation of medicinal plants, reinforcing traditional medicine’s role in India’s healthcare.

This initiative strengthens the Ministry of Ayush’s ongoing efforts in promoting medicinal plants and holistic well-being across the nation.

Govt Increases Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute

On 22 January 2025, the government announced Increase in Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute.

The MSP for raw jute for the 2025-26 marketing season was raised to ₹5,650 per quintal. This is ₹315 higher than the 2024-25 season. The move aims to benefit 40 lakh families involved in jute production.

Scroll to Top