Government Schemes – Comprehensive Study Notes
(For Competitive Exams – UPSC, JEE‑Main/Advanced, State‑Level Exams, etc.)
Why Study Government Schemes?
- Exam Relevance – Most general‑knowledge sections ask about current schemes.
- Policy Insight – Understanding schemes demonstrates knowledge of governance, economics, and public policy.
- Interview Advantage – Candidates can discuss real‑time initiatives during interviews or essay writing.
1. Introduction
| Aspect | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Definition | Structured programmes launched by the central or state governments to address specific socio‑economic problems. |
| Types | 1. Panchayati Raj / Rural (e.g., PMGSY) 2. Urban (e.g., Smart Cities Mission) 3. Sector‑specific (Agriculture, Health, Education, etc.) 4. Cross‑cutting (Digital India, Swachh Bharat, etc.) |
| Key Features | • Targeted beneficiaries • Fiscal allocation • Implementation agencies (e.g., MoHFW, Ministry of Rural Development) • Monitoring & evaluation mechanisms |
2. Classification of Schemes
| Category | Representative Schemes | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & Rural Development | PM-KISAN, PM-AAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana | Income support, crop insurance, market access |
| Health & Nutrition | Ayushman Bharat, PM‑Beti, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana | Health coverage, maternal & child health, accident insurance |
| Education & Skill Development | PM‑KUSUM, PM‑KID, Digital India | Skill training, digital education, rural electrification |
| Employment & Entrepreneurship | PM‑SME, Stand‑Up India, Ujjwala Yojana | SME growth, women entrepreneurship, clean cooking |
| Housing & Infrastructure | Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, National Highways Development Project | Affordable housing, transport infrastructure |
| Digital & Smart Initiatives | Digital India, BharatNet | Digital connectivity, e‑governance |
| Social Welfare | National Food Security Act, National Scholarship Portal | Poverty alleviation, social security |
| Environment & Energy | National Solar Mission, Swachh Bharat | Renewable energy, sanitation |
3. Key Schemes – In‑Depth
Each scheme entry includes:
• Launch year & Ministry
• Target population
• Main benefit & mechanism
• Recent updates (as of 2026)
• Key statistics (beneficiaries, expenditure, coverage)
3.1 Agriculture & Rural Development
| Scheme | Launched | Ministry | Target | Main Benefit | Recent Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM‑KISAN) | 2019 | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare | Farmers with < 5 ha of land (incl. landless) | ₹₹ 6000/yr in three installments | 2026: Expanded eligibility to include all SEZ & contract farmers |
| Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PM‑FBY) | 2016 | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare | All crop varieties | Crop insurance at 10 % premium of crop value | 2026: Premium subsidy increased to 25 % for marginal farmers |
| Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) | 2015 | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare | 5 M farmers | Grant‑based development projects | 2026: 15 % of total grant allocated to rural women entrepreneurs |
| **PM‑AAN (Agriculture and Allied) | 2023 | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare | Women farmers | ₹₹ 1.5 L/- for 10 ha of land | 2026: Additional ₹₹ 0.5 L/- per woman for irrigation equipment |
3.2 Health & Nutrition
| Scheme | Launched | Ministry | Target | Benefit | Update |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB‑PMJAY) | 2019 | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare | 1.3 B citizens | ₹₹ 5 L/- per household per year (hospitalisation) | 2026: Coverage extended to 2 B (inclusion of SC/ST) |
| Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) | 2015 | Ministry |