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Type: Schemes

  • Utility Led Aggregation Model to Boost PM Surya Ghar Scheme

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Government is pushing Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) model to achieve PM Surya Ghar target of 1 crore rooftop solar households by March 2027.

    What is Utility Led Aggregation (ULA)

    Under ULA model:

    • DISCOMs install rooftop solar
    • For households that:
      • Cannot afford solar systems
      • Lack infrastructure

    DISCOMs:

    • Pay upfront cost
    • Recover later through electricity savings

    PM Surya Ghar Targets

    • Target: 1 crore households
    • Achieved so far: 35 lakh households
    • ULA expected to add: 30 lakh households
    • Total expected: 65 lakh households

    Current Implementation

    • ULA installations sanctioned: 12.58 lakh households
    • States/UTs include:
      • Andhra Pradesh
      • Odisha
      • Kerala
      • Telangana
      • Bihar
      • Tripura
      • J&K
      • Andaman & Nicobar
      • Ladakh

    PM Surya Ghar Scheme

    • Free electricity up to 300 units per month
    • Rooftop solar for households
    • Subsidy + loan support

    Renewable Energy Growth

    • 55.3 GW added in 2025-26
    • Solar power: 44.6 GW
    • Non fossil capacity: Nearly 50% installed capacity
    • But electricity generation: Only 25%
    • Reason:Solar and wind are intermittent
    [2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: 
    I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. 
    II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. 
    III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III

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  • Jiyo Parsi Scheme: Government Push to Arrest Declining Parsi Population

    Schemes | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Minority Affairs organised a Universal Parsi Registration Drive, resulting in around 300 new registrations on the Jiyo Parsi portal.

    About Jiyo Parsi Scheme

    • Launched: 2013–14
    • Type: Central Sector Scheme
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
    • Objective: Arrest declining population of Parsi community

    Why the Scheme Was Launched

    Parsi population in India:

    • 1941: ~1,14,000
    • 2011 Census: ~57,000
    • Continuous decline due to:
      • Low fertility rates
      • Late marriages
      • Ageing population

    Who are Parsis

    • Followers of Zoroastrianism
    • Migrated from Persia (Iran) to India
    • Mainly settled in: Mumbai and Gujarat 
    [2011] In India, if a religious sect/community is given “the status of a national minority”, what special advantages is it entitled to? 1 It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions. 2 The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha. 3 It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    PM-KUSUM 2.0 and Battery Storage Integration

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    On March 28, 2026, the Central Government announced the extension of timelines for existing projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme. Simultaneously, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) revealed that it is formulating PM-KUSUM 2.0, which may feature a major technical shift: the inclusion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

    Need for Battery Storage in PM-KUSUM 2.0

    The primary driver for incorporating battery storage is the divergence between solar power availability and agricultural load patterns:

    • Load Demand: Agricultural power demand typically rises in the morning and remains steady throughout the day, often persisting after sunset.
    • Solar Generation: Peaks around noon and tapers off sharply toward the evening.
    • The Solution: BESS will store surplus solar power generated during peak sunlight hours to be used when generation falls but irrigation demand continues, thereby improving grid stability and ensuring reliable daytime power for farmers.
    • Policy Debate: The Ministry of Power has suggested up to four hours of battery storage, while the MNRE has proposed a two-hour capacity for the initial rollout.

    What is PM-KUSUM?

    • Launched in March 2019, PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). 
    • Its primary goal is to provide energy security to Indian farmers while de-dieselizing the agricultural sector and increasing farmers’ income through solar power.

    Current Progress of PM-KUSUM (as of Feb 2026)

    While the target was 34.8 GW by March 2026, the actual implementation has been slower:

    ComponentTarget/ObjectiveProgress (Approx. Feb 2026)
    Component A10,000 MW Decentralized Solar Plants839.4 MW installed
    Component BStandalone Solar Pumps (Off-grid)Over 10 lakh pumps installed
    Component CSolarization of Grid-connected Pumps6,636.9 MW total (IPS + FLS)
    Total Progress34.8 GW (Target)12,164 MW (Actual Installed)
    [2024] Consider the following: 
    1 Battery storage 
    2 Biomass generators 
    3 Fuel cells 
    4 Rooftop solar photovoltaic units 
    How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”? 
    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

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  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    UDAN Scheme Revamp: Subsidy Extended to 5 Years 

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in News

    The Union Cabinet approved a revamped UDAN scheme with ₹28,840 crore outlay, extending airline subsidies and shifting funding to government budget support.

    About UDAN Scheme

    • Full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik
    • Launched: 2017
    • Ministry: Civil Aviation
    • Objective:
      • Improve regional connectivity
      • Make air travel affordable
      • Develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 airports

    Key Changes in Revamped UDAN

    1. Subsidy Extended

    • Earlier subsidy period: 3 years
    • New subsidy period: 5 years
    • Purpose:
      • Improve route viability
      • Prevent route discontinuation

    2. Funding Shift

    • Earlier: Subsidy funded through levy on airfares
    • Now: Subsidy funded directly from government exchequer

    Why Revamp Was Needed

    • Many routes became non viable after subsidy ended
    • CAG findings: Only 7% to 10% routes viable after subsidy
    • Status of routes:
      • Total routes launched: 663
      • Routes discontinued: 327
    • Airports revived: Total: 95
      • Discontinued: 15 airports
    [2024] Consider the following airports: 
    1 Donyi Polo Airport 
    2 Kushinagar International Airport 
    3 Vijayawada International Airport 
    In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

    PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News

    • Government shared progress of rooftop solar installation under the scheme in Parliament.

    Key Achievements

    • 25.87 lakh rooftop solar (RTS) systems installed across India
    • Coverage: Both rural and urban households
    • Beneficiaries: 32.02 lakh households (as of March 16, 2026)

    About the Scheme

    • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
    • Launched: February 2024
    • Aim:
      • Promote rooftop solar adoption
      • Provide free/subsidised electricity to households
      • Reduce electricity bills
    [2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: 
    1. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. 
    2. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. 
    3. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building. 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III

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  • Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

    Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme: Boosting India’s Biologics & Biosimilars Sector

    Schemes | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Why in the News

    The Government has announced the Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore (5 years) to strengthen India’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem and enhance global competitiveness.

    What is Biopharma SHAKTI?

    • A flagship initiative to:
      • Promote biologics and biosimilars manufacturing
      • Support R&D, clinical trials, and innovation
    • Goal: Make India a global biopharma hub and ensure affordable healthcare

    Key Objectives

    • Build a self-reliant biopharma ecosystem
    • Reduce import dependence
    • Improve global competitiveness
    • Promote innovation-driven manufacturing

    Major Components of the Scheme

    • Funding Support: Discovery Grant Fund and Equity Fund for drug development
    • R&D Ecosystem
      • Strengthening: National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
      • Creation of a National Biopharma R&D Network
    • Clinical Trials Expansion
      • 1,000 accredited trial sites across India
      • Led by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
    • Manufacturing Boost
      • Incentives for: Fermentation-based bulk drugs and Biopharma manufacturing inputs
    • Devices & Packaging
      • Develop ecosystem for: Drug delivery devices and Advanced packaging. 
    • Biosimilars & Biologics Production: Biosimilars (cost-effective versions of biologics) and Emerging biologics like gene therapies.
    • Regulatory Strengthening: Strengthen Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
      • Create scientific review cadre
      • Faster and globally credible approvals

    What are Biologics & Biosimilars?

    • Biologics: Medicines derived from living organisms (e.g., vaccines, monoclonal antibodies)
    • Biosimilars: Cheaper versions of biologics with similar efficacy
    • Not identical (due to complexity of biologics)
    • Must show no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, and effectiveness
    [2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, consider the following: 
    1. They are man-made proteins. 
    2. They stimulate the patient’s immune system to fight the specific disease. 
    3. They are produced using animal cells only. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) All the three

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  • Pension Reforms

    New Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-2026) Removes Higher Pension Clause

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters,Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News

    The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation approved EPS-2026, which removes a key clause that earlier allowed employees to opt for higher pension based on salary above ₹15,000. The decision was taken at the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) chaired by Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Background

    • The Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 had a provision under Paragraph 11(4) allowing employees and employers to jointly opt for pension contributions based on salary above the wage ceiling (₹15,000 per month).
    • This option had to be exercised within one year (2014-15) after the amendment.

    Change in EPS-2026

    • The EPS-2026 has removed Paragraph 11(4), calling it “obsolete.”
    • Reason:
      • The clause applied only to a limited time window after the 2014 amendment.
      • The new scheme is being aligned with the Code on Social Security 2020.

    Supreme Court Intervention Earlier

    • In November 2022, the Supreme Court of India allowed eligible employees to apply for higher pension if they had missed the earlier option.
    • Government data:
      • 15.24 lakh applications received
      • 3.93 lakh demand letters issued
      • 1.24 lakh pension payment orders issued

    Key Provisions in New PF Rules

    • Even though EPS-2026 removed the higher pension clause:
      • The Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme still allows employees and employers to jointly contribute above the wage ceiling.
      • Employees may also make additional voluntary contributions, though employers are not obligated to match them.

    EPFO’s Concerns

    The EPFO earlier argued that:

    • EPS was meant mainly for low-income workers.
    • Higher pension options created “reverse subsidy” where lower-paid workers indirectly supported higher-paid employees.
    • The pension fund faces an actuarial deficit.

    Significance

    • Aligns pension rules with the new labour codes.
    • Limits the higher pension option in the new scheme.
    • Continues to raise debates on pension adequacy and fund sustainability.
    [2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1. All casual workers are entitled to Employees Provident Fund coverage. 2. All casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment. 3. The government can, by notification, specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    NITI Aayog Report on MSME Scheme Convergence 

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    In January 2026, NITI Aayog released a report proposing convergence of MSME schemes to reduce duplication, improve efficiency and strengthen last mile delivery.

    About the Report

    • Title: Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes
    • Prepared by Administrative Staff College of India
    • Analyses 18 centrally administered MSME schemes
    • Recommends information convergence and process convergence
    • Focus on better coordination, outcomes and resource utilisation

    Key Facts about MSME Sector

    • GDP contribution about 29 to 30 percent
    • Employment over 28.7 crore, second only to agriculture
    • Share in exports about 45 to 46 percent
    • Total MSMEs more than 6.3 crore
    • Around 51 percent located in rural areas
    • Government MSME budget increased sharply from 2019–20 to 2023–24, raising efficiency concerns

    Why Convergence is Needed

    • Multiple schemes with overlapping objectives
    • Fragmented implementation across ministries
    • High compliance burden for MSMEs
    • Duplication of resources and limited outreach
    • Weak translation of spending into outcomes

    Framework for Convergence

    1. Information Convergence
    • Integration of central and state government data
    • Enables evidence based policymaking
    • Improves coordination and governance
    1. Process Convergence
    • Alignment and rationalisation of schemes
    • Merging similar components
    • Collaboration across ministries and states
    • Creation of a unified MSME support ecosystem
    [2023] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 

    1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore

    2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme and Shipbuilding Development Scheme  

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth,Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways notified operational guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS).

    Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS)

    • Objective Strengthen domestic shipbuilding and global competitiveness
       • Valid till 31 March 2036
       • Financial assistance 15 to 25 percent per vessel based on vessel category
       • Graded support for small normal large normal and specialised vessels
       • Stage wise disbursement linked to milestones
       • Shipbreaking Credit Note provides 40 percent of scrap value for vessels scrapped in Indian yards
       • Provision for National Shipbuilding Mission

    Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS)

    • Focus on long term capacity and capability creation
       • Greenfield shipbuilding clusters and brownfield yard expansion
       • India Ship Technology Centre under Indian Maritime University
       • Greenfield clusters get 100 percent capital support via 50 50 Centre State SPV
       • Brownfield projects get 25 percent capital assistance
       • Includes Credit Risk Coverage Framework for pre shipment post shipment and vendor default risks
    Consider the following pairs: [2023]

    1. Kamarajar Port: First major port in India registered as a company. 

    2. Mundra Port: Largest privately owned port in India. 

    3. Visakhapatnam Port: Largest container port in India. 

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 

    (a) Only one pair 

    (b) Only two pairs 

    (c) All three pairs 

    (d) None of the pairs

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) 

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Installation of rooftop solar power plants is being expedited in Rajasthan under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to reduce transmission and distribution losses and improve power supply quality.

    About Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme

    • Launched in July 2021
       • Implemented by the Ministry of Power
       • A reforms based and results linked scheme
       • Time period FY 2021 22 to FY 2025 26
       • Total outlay Rs. 3,03,758 crore
       • Objective is to transform the electricity distribution sector

    Key Objectives

    • Reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT and C) losses to 12 to 15 percent at pan India level
       • Reduce ACS ARR gap to zero by 2024 25
       • Ensure financially sustainable and operationally efficient DISCOMs
       • Improve quality, reliability, and affordability of power supply

    Prelims Pointers

    • RDSS replaced earlier distribution sector schemes
       • Focuses on smart metering and digitalisation
       • Links financial support with reform performance
       • Rooftop solar under RDSS helps reduce AT and C losses by local generation
    Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government? [2016]

    (a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy 

    (b) Providing electricity to every household in the countries by 2018 

    (c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time 

    (d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies

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