Government Schemes – TISSNET General Awareness (Competitive‑Exam Focus)
Why this topic matters
In a competitive exam such as TISSNET, a deep understanding of government schemes is often tested through current‑affairs questions, analysis of policy impact, and short‑answer/essay sections. A structured, detail‑oriented study note that covers objectives, beneficiaries, implementation mechanisms, and key metrics will help you answer any question with confidence.
1. Introduction
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Scheme | A government‑initiated programme aimed at achieving a specific social, economic, or developmental goal. |
| Central Schemes | Funded and executed by the Union Government. |
| State Schemes | Funded and executed by the respective State Governments. |
| Joint Schemes | Co‑financed by Centre & State; sometimes called dual‑managed schemes. |
Core Objective – Transformative Development: create employment, reduce inequality, improve health/education outcomes, and promote sustainability.
2. Classification of Schemes
| Category | Representative Schemes | Target Group | Core Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | MNREGA, PMKVY, PMSSY, PMAY (housing) | Rural labour, youth, students | Job creation, skill‑development |
| Agriculture & Rural | PM-AAN, PM-URJA, PMGSY, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana | Farmers, rural households | Crop insurance, irrigation, market linkages |
| Health & Nutrition | Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), Swachh Bharat, National Nutrition Mission | Populace, pregnant women, children | Universal health coverage, hygiene |
| Education | Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, KVPY, DTE | Students (K–12, higher education) | Inclusive education |
| Women & Children | Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vikas Yojana, Kanyashree | Women, girls | Empowerment, health & education |
| Social Welfare | National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), PDS, PM-Kisan | Poverty‑stricken | Food security, livelihood |
| Infrastructure | PMGSY, PMSSY, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana | Rural & urban | Roads, water, housing |
| Digital & Innovation | Digital India, Make in India, Startup India | Entrepreneurs & MSMEs | Digital literacy, entrepreneurship |
| Energy & Environment | Saubhagya (Rural electrification), PM-KUSUM (solar), Swachh Bharat | Rural households | Clean energy, waste management |
Tip: Memorize the abbreviations and primary target of each scheme; this will help you identify the scheme quickly during questions.
3. Major Schemes – In‑Depth
(Only the most exam‑relevant schemes are detailed below; for a full list, refer to the official Ministry websites.)
3.1 Employment & Skill Development
| Scheme | Year Launched | Objective | Key Features | Fund Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) | 2005 |