Direct Benefits Transfers

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

10 November 2025 | Schemes | Indian Society
Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies
Why in the News?

New Delhi CM has announced expanding Ujjwala Yojana to families using traditional stoves or coal heaters to improve air quality and promote clean cooking.

About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
- Overview: Introduced in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to poor and rural households.
- Objective: Replace traditional cooking fuels like firewood, dung, and coal with LPG, improving women’s health, reducing indoor pollution, and promoting clean energy.
- Target and Beneficiaries: Initially aimed to provide 8 crore LPG connections to deprived households by March 2020, with each connection issued in the name of an adult woman from the household.
- Financial Support: Government provides ₹1,600 per connection, covering the security deposit, first refill, and stove (hotplate)– all free of cost.
- Subsidy Entitlement: Beneficiaries eligible for up to 12 LPG cylinder subsidies per year (each of 14.2 kg).
- Eligibility Criteria:
  - Adult woman from a poor household without an existing LPG connection.
  - Must belong to SECC 2011, SC/ST, PMAY, AAY, Forest Dweller, Most Backward Class, or Tea/Ex-Tea Garden Tribe categories.
  - Others can apply under “poor household” category by submitting a 14-point self-declaration.
- Application Process: Available both online and offline through oil marketing companies.
- Ujjwala 2.0: Announced in August 2021 to expand coverage by 1 crore new LPG connection, especially targeting migrant workers and urban poor.
  - Financial Assistance: Continued ₹1,600 per connection support with a free stove and first gas cylinder; subsequent refills paid by users.
Achievements:
- LPG Coverage Growth: Expanded national LPG coverage from 62% (2016) to 99.8% (April 2021).
- Employment Generation: Created ~1 lakh jobs in the LPG distribution and logistics network.
- COVID-19 Relief: Provided 14 crore free refills to PMUY households under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP).
- Environmental Impact: Significant decline in biomass stove dependence, improving air quality and reducing household emissions.
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[pib] National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

8 November 2025 | Schemes | Social Justice
Mains Paper 1: Social Empowerment
Why in the News?

PIB has provided an update regarding the progress of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).

About National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
- Overview: Launched on 15 August 1995, NSAP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Objective: To provides financial and food security to individuals living below the poverty line (BPL), fulfilling the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 41) by supporting the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and families suffering the loss of a breadwinner.
- Coverage: It operates across rural and urban India, covering over 3.09 crore beneficiaries.
- Components of NSAP:
1. 1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Provides ₹200/month to citizens aged 60–79 and ₹500/month to those 80+, with States adding top-up support.
  2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Offers ₹300/month to widows aged 40–79 and ₹500/month for those 80+.
  3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Extends ₹300/month to persons aged 18–79 with severe disabilities; ₹500/month for those 80+.
  4. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): Grants a one-time ₹20,000 to BPL families on the death of a breadwinner aged 18–59.
  5. Annapurna Scheme: Supplies 10 kg of free food grains/month to senior citizens eligible for IGNOAPS but not receiving pension.
Implementation and Monitoring Framework:
- Selection: Eligible beneficiaries identified by Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.
- Disbursement: About 94% through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank or post office accounts; cash-at-doorstep allowed in special cases.
- Monitoring: Each State/UT appoints a Nodal Secretary; quarterly progress reports are mandatory, and failure to submit can lead to withholding of funds.
- Transparency Measures: Integration with Public Financial Management System (PFMS) ensures real-time tracking, Aadhaar linkage, and prevention of duplication.
Recent Update (2024–25):
- NSAP disbursed funds of ₹6,143.92 crore (IGNOAPS), ₹2,150.03 crore (IGNWPS), ₹243.74 crore (IGNDPS), and ₹394.29 crore (NFBS & Annapurna).
- 2.5 crore+ beneficiaries have Aadhaar-linked accounts ensuring transparent payments.
- Budget for 2025–26: ₹9,652 crore, with IGNOAPS receiving the largest share (₹6,645.9 crore).
- Digital Life Certification (DLC) mobile app launched in July 2025, enabling Aadhaar-based verification and reducing manual procedures.
- The programme continues to serve as a core pillar of India’s social safety net, enhancing welfare delivery and inclusion through digitisation, DBT, and Aadhaar authentication.
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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

[pib] Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA)

1 November 2025 | Schemes | Social Justice

Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Why in the News?

The Union Health Ministry has achieved three GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles under the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA)”, highlighting India’s leadership in women’s health and preventive care.

Guinness World Records Achieved

Most people registered on a health care platform in one month: 3.21 crore (3,21,49,711).
Most people signed up for breast cancer screening in one week: 9.94 lakh (9,94,349).
Most people signed up for vital signs screening online in one week (State level): 1.25 lakh (1,25,406).

These records reflect unprecedented participation across India’s digital health platforms under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.

About Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA):

Objective: Strengthen women’s, children’s, and family health services, focusing on rural, tribal, and underserved regions.
Launch: Introduced on 17 September 2025 by the PM, jointly led by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Scale: Over 10 lakh health camps at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and District Hospitals.
Screenings: Anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, TB, breast and cervical cancers, sickle cell disease, reproductive health conditions.
Services offered: Maternal, child, adolescent health including antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition counselling, menstrual hygiene, mental health, lifestyle awareness.
Digital Monitoring: SASHAKT portal ensures real-time data tracking and transparency.
Jan Bhagidaari: Collaboration with private hospitals, SHGs, Anganwadis, Panchayati Raj institutions, volunteers.
Tribal Focus: Specialised medical services and tailored counselling for remote and tribal areas.

What is Rashtriya Poshan Maah?

Overview: Part of POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission); celebrated annually since 2018.
2025 Edition: 8th Poshan Maah, aligned with SNSPA for synergised impact.
Aim: Mobilise communities to improve nutrition of children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
Activities: Poshan Panchayats, health and nutrition camps, recipe demos, rallies, school-Anganwadi outreach, Jan Andolan approach.
Focus Areas (2025):
- Anaemia Mukt Bharat and micronutrient awareness.
- Complementary feeding practices for infants and toddlers.
- Poshan-Vatika (nutri-gardens) for food security.
- Promotion of traditional and regional diets for sustainable nutrition.

[UPSC 2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:

1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.

2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

[pib] Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI)

31 October 2025 | Schemes | Agriculture

Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved an enhanced outlay of ₹6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), including ₹1,000 crore earmarked for 50 irradiation units under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) Scheme.

About the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) Scheme:

Objective: To build an end-to-end cold chain and value addition system from farm gate to consumer, ensuring unbroken preservation, reduced losses, and fair returns to farmers.
Overview: A Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), implemented as a component of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
Coverage: Focuses on non-horticultural produce, dairy, meat, poultry, and marine fish, while fruits, vegetables, and shrimp fall under Operation Greens.
Goal: Minimise post-harvest wastage, promote value addition, and provide year-round food availability through modern cold chain infrastructure.
Participation: Open to farmers, FPOs/FPCs, cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs, companies, and PSUs on a demand-driven basis.

Details of the ICCVAI Scheme:

Objectives: Develop pre-cooling, cold storage, processing, and refrigerated transport; strengthen farmer–market linkages; promote modern technologies like irradiation and renewable energy; and enhance food safety and shelf life.
Infrastructure Components:
- Farm-Level Infrastructure (FLI): Pre-cooling, grading, packaging near production zones.
- Processing Centres: Multi-product processing and testing units.
- Distribution Hubs: Multi-temperature storage for aggregation and retail dispatch.
- Refrigerated Transport: Reefer vans and mobile tankers for seamless cold logistics.
- Irradiation Units: For sterilisation and shelf-life extension via ionising radiation.
Financial Assistance:
- 35% of project cost in general areas; 50% in difficult areas (NE, hill states, islands, ITDP regions) or for SC/ST/FPO/SHG entities.
- Grant cap: ₹ 10 crore per project, released in three instalments.
- 2025 Update: Union Cabinet raised PMKSY’s total outlay to ₹6,520 crore, with ₹1,000 crore for 50 irradiation units under ICCVAI.
Eligibility Conditions: Applicants must have net worth ≥ 1.5× the grant (general areas) or equal to the grant (special areas). Each project must integrate Farm-Level Infrastructure with a Distribution Hub and/or refrigerated transport.
Implementation Progress:
- 395 projects approved, 291 operational.
- Created 25.52 LMT preservation capacity and 114.66 LMT processing capacity.
- Generated 1.74 lakh jobs nationwide.

Complementary Government Initiatives:

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Credit-linked subsidy for cold storages up to 5,000 MT.
National Horticulture Board (NHB): Promotes Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storages for horticulture.
Operation Greens (PMKSY): Stabilises supply chains for fruits, vegetables, and shrimp.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹2 crore for cold chain and processing units.
National Centre for Cold-chain Development (NCCD): Think tank for standards, training, and best practices in cold logistics.

[UPSC 2024] With reference to the sectors of the Indian economy, consider the following pairs: Economic activity Sector

1. Storage of agricultural produce Secondary

2. Dairy farm Primary

3. Mineral exploration Tertiary

4. Weaving cloth Secondary

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Options: (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs* (c) Only three (d) All four

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Fertilizer Sector reforms – NBS, bio-fertilizers, Neem coating, etc.

Cabinet approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for Rabi 2025- 26

29 October 2025 | Schemes | Agriculture

Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2025–26 (October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.

About the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme:

Overview: Introduced on April 1, 2010, by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.
Nature: A Central Sector Scheme providing fertilisers at subsidized rates based on nutrient content rather than product type.
Nutrients Covered: Subsidy is fixed per kilogram of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K), and Sulphur (S).
Coverage: Applies to 28 grades of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), NPKS grades, and fortified fertilizers containing micronutrients such as zinc and molybdenum.
Exclusion: Urea is not covered under NBS; it remains price-controlled and sold at a fixed MRP by the government.
Objective: Ensures balanced fertilizer use (optimal N: P: K ratio of 4:2:1) to maintain soil fertility, increase productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Subsidy Mechanism: Subsidy is paid directly to fertilizer manufacturers/importers based on notified per-kg nutrient rates, enabling sale to farmers at affordable prices.
Rationale: Aims to insulate farmers from international price volatility of fertilizer inputs such as urea, DAP, MOP, and sulphur, while maintaining fiscal prudence.
Additional Support: Fertilizers fortified with secondary, and micronutrients are eligible for additional subsidy.
Institutional Role: Department of Fertilizers monitors implementation; state agriculture departments ensure field-level availability and prevent diversion.
Major Benefits:
- Ensures timely and affordable access to fertilizers.
- Promotes balanced nutrient application and soil health.
- Supports food security and agricultural productivity.
- Rationalizes government subsidy expenditure.
- Encourages domestic fertilizer production and reduces import dependence.
Issues:
- Exclusion of urea leads to its overuse and nutrient imbalance.
- Rising fiscal burden; fertiliser subsidy is India’s second-largest after food subsidy.
- Continued chemical fertiliser dependence affects long-term soil sustainability.

[UPSC 2020] With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:
1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for Phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Primary and Secondary Education – RTE, Education Policy, SEQI, RMSA, Committee Reports, etc.

PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme

24 October 2025 | Schemes | Indian Society

Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Why in the News?

The Kerala government has formally signed the PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) agreement with the Union Ministry of Education, seeking approximately ₹1,446 crore to modernize government schools across the State.

About the PM-SHRI Scheme:

Objective: To upgrade and modernize government schools as model institutions of quality education aligned with New Education Policy, 2020.
Purpose: Promote inclusive, equitable, and holistic education, integrating digital tools, environmental awareness, and vocational learning.
Overview: Launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Education as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Scale & Duration: Targets 14,500 schools across India from 2022–23 to 2026–27, after which states will maintain benchmarks independently.
Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Centre: States/UTs with legislature), 90:10 (North-Eastern & Himalayan States), and 100% Central assistance (UTs without legislature).

Key Features of PM-SHRI Schools:

Holistic Learning: Focus on creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking beyond rote academics.
Pedagogical Shift: Promotes experiential, inquiry-driven, and multilingual education with art and technology integration.
Infrastructure Upgradation: Includes Smart Classrooms, Integrated Science & Computer Labs, Vocational/Skill Labs, Atal Tinkering Labs, and Digital Libraries.
Green Practices: Encourages solar power use, waste recycling, rainwater harvesting, and organic gardening to create sustainable campuses.
Assessment Reform: Moves from memorization to competency-based evaluation, measuring conceptual understanding and application.
Innovation Focus: Acts as incubators of educational innovation, influencing reforms across India’s public school system.

Selection and Monitoring Mechanism:

Three-Stage Process:
- Stage 1 – MoU signed by States/UTs committing to NEP-aligned reforms.
- Stage 2 – Identification of eligible schools using UDISE+ data.
- Stage 3 – Challenge Mode competition reviewed by an Expert Committee headed by the Education Secretary.
Monitoring System: Implemented via School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) evaluating academic, infrastructural, and administrative standards.
Accountability: Continuous digital evaluation, reporting, and performance tracking ensure transparency and sustained improvement.

[UPSC 2017] What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana?

1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.

2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.

3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Options: (a) 2 only * (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only

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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

Private players to conserve heritage monuments

9 October 2025 | Prelims Only Schemes | Art and Culture
Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Why in the News?

The Centre has recently proposed to open conservation of protected monuments to private participation, ending the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) exclusive control over this domain.

About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
- Establishment: Formed in 1861 under the Ministry of Culture, ASI is responsible for archaeological research, exploration, and protection of India’s cultural heritage.
- Legal Authority: Enforces the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.
- Scope of Work: Manages about 3,700 centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
- Organisational Structure: Operates through 37 regional Circles and specialist wings such as Science Branch (material analysis), Horticulture Branch (site maintenance), Temple Survey Projects (documentation), and Underwater Archaeology Wing (submerged heritage).
- Institutional Challenges: Faces staff shortages, budget limits, and procedural delays, constraining nationwide conservation capacity.
What is the new Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model for Conservation?
- Purpose: Supplements ASI’s work by allowing private participation in conservation of heritage monuments.
- Participants: Corporates, PSUs, and philanthropic bodies may fund, execute, and monitor restoration projects under ASI supervision.
- Funding Mechanism: Routed through the National Culture Fund (NCF); donations qualify as CSR expenditure with 100% tax exemption.
- Implementation Framework:
  - Empanelment of conservation architects via RFP by the Ministry of Culture.
  - Donors select architects, who jointly engage restoration agencies experienced in structures over 100 years old.
  - Each project must have a Detailed Project Report (DPR) approved by ASI and comply with the National Policy for Conservation, 2014.
- Priority Monuments: 250 sites identified for initial adoption based on region or thematic interest.
- Eligibility: Proven heritage conservation experience, financial competence, and technical compliance with ASI standards.
Difference from ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme:
- Earlier Model (2017, revised 2023): Focused on tourism amenities cafés, ticketing, signage through “Monument Mitras”; excluded structural restoration.
- Current PPP Model: Extends to scientific conservation and architectural restoration under direct ASI oversight.
- Regulatory Control: ASI retains authority over authenticity, ethics, and policy compliance; funding channelled via NCF with technical audit.
- Policy Evolution: Marks a shift from tourism partnership to heritage stewardship, blending private resources with public accountability for monument preservation.
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Organic Farming – Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY), NPOF etc.

[pib] 10 Years of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

7 October 2025 | Schemes | Agriculture

Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Why in the News?

After a decade (2015–2025), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) has evolved from a pilot cluster model into a national ecosystem of training, certification, and market access.

About Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

Launch: Introduced in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare as part of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) to promote organic and traditional chemical-free farming.
Cluster-Based Model: Farmers form 20 ha+ clusters for collective organic adoption, resource sharing, and easier certification & marketing.
Eligibility & Funding Flow: Open to farmers/institutions with land up to 2 ha; applications via Regional Councils → Annual Action Plans → States → DBT to farmers.
Financial Support: ₹31,500/ha over 3 years, covering inputs, training, certification, and marketing.
Certification Systems:

1. NPOP (Third-Party Certification): for export and formal markets.
2. PGS-India (Participatory Guarantee System): community-driven, peer-reviewed certification for domestic markets.
3. Large Area Certification (LAC): initiated in 2020 to fast-track certification in areas with no prior chemical use, reducing conversion time.

Digital Integration: Jaivik Kheti portal links farmers, buyers, input suppliers for transparent, traceable organic trade.

Achievements (as of Jan 2025):

Scale: ₹2,265.86 crore released; 15 lakh ha organic area, 52,289 clusters, 25.3 lakh farmers.
Certification: Sikkim fully organic, Lakshadweep & Dantewada LAC-certified, expansion to Nicobar & Ladakh.
Digital Reach: 6.23 lakh farmers, 19,016 groups, 8,676 buyers on Jaivik Kheti portal.
Institutional Growth: 9,268 FPOs formed; expanded market linkages for premium organic produce.
Ecological Gains: Reduced chemical load, improved soil fertility, local input ecosystems strengthened.

Challenges:

Yield Dip: Transitional productivity loss strains small farmers.
Certification Costs: Verification and residue testing remain expensive.
Market Gaps: Uneven price premiums and weak buyer networks.
Cluster Variation: Success depends on local leadership and coordination.
Sustainability: Post-funding continuity often uncertain; technical gaps persist.

[UPSC 2018] With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:

1. The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

2. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.

3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d)1, 2 and 3

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Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

[pib] PM-SETU Scheme

7 October 2025 | Schemes | Indian Society

Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Why in the News?

PM has launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) Scheme to modernize India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into industry-aligned centers of excellence.

About the PM-SETU Scheme:

Overview: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Objective: Upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs into modern, industry-linked institutions that address evolving global skill demands.
Financing: Supported by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB); co-funded by Centre, States, and Industry.
Implementation Model: Operates on a Hub-and-Spoke structure —
- 200 Hub ITIs act as Centres of Excellence.
- 800 Spoke ITIs extend outreach and training access across districts.
Target: Skill 20 lakh youth over five years through new and revamped programs.

Key Features:

Industry Partnership: Each cluster managed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with an Anchor Industry Partner, ensuring outcome-based, employment-linked training.
Curriculum Reform: New demand-driven, industry-aligned courses and flexible pathways — diplomas, short-term modules, and executive programs.
Infrastructure Modernization:
- Advanced machinery, incubation and innovation centres, and production units in hub ITIs.
- Integration of placement services and trainer-training facilities.
Centres of Excellence (NCOEs): Upgradation of 5 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana into global-standard NCOEs with international collaboration.
Pilot Phase: Begins with Patna and Darbhanga ITIs (Bihar) as the first upgraded hubs.
Youth Empowerment Focus: Links skilling with innovation, startups, and MSMEs to create self-employment opportunities and strengthen India’s human-capital base.

Also in News: National Scheme for ITI Upgradation & NCOEs

Cabinet-approved (May 2025) companion initiative with an outlay of ₹60,000 crore:
- Central Share: ₹30,000 cr; State: ₹20,000 cr; Industry: ₹10,000 cr.
- 50 % of the Central share co-financed by World Bank and ADB.
Purpose: Upgrade 1,000 ITIs and establish 5 NCOEs as Government-owned, Industry-managed skill institutions.
Features:
- Need-based investment flexibility for each ITI.
- Training-of-Trainers (ToT) infrastructure upgrade and training for 50,000 trainers.
- Enhanced alignment of local workforce supply with MSME and industrial demand.
- Introduction of an industry-led SPV model for better accountability and course relevance.

[UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.

3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Type: Schemes

UPSC Notes

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Why in the News?

About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):

Achievements:

Guinness World Records Achieved

PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme

Why in the News?

About the PM-SHRI Scheme:

Key Features of PM-SHRI Schools:

Selection and Monitoring Mechanism:

Private players to conserve heritage monuments

Why in the News?

About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

What is the new Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model for Conservation?

Difference from ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme:

[pib] PM-SETU Scheme

Why in the News?

About the PM-SETU Scheme:

Key Features:

Also in News: National Scheme for ITI Upgradation & NCOEs

Type: Schemes

Why in the news?

Latest Achievements

Objective of PMFME

Features

UPSC Notes

Why in the News?

About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):

Achievements:

Why in the News?

About National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):

Implementation and Monitoring Framework:

Recent Update (2024–25):

Why in the News?

Guinness World Records Achieved

About Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA):

What is Rashtriya Poshan Maah?

Why in the News?

About the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (ICCVAI) Scheme:

Details of the ICCVAI Scheme:

Complementary Government Initiatives:

Why in the News?

About the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme:

Why in the News?

About the PM-SHRI Scheme:

Key Features of PM-SHRI Schools:

Selection and Monitoring Mechanism:

Why in the News?

About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

What is the new Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Model for Conservation?

Difference from ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme:

Why in the News?

About Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

Achievements (as of Jan 2025):

Challenges:

Why in the News?

About the PM-SETU Scheme:

Key Features:

Also in News: National Scheme for ITI Upgradation & NCOEs