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

In news: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan

Schemes | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court intervened after Tamil Nadu faced ₹3,000+ crore reimbursements to private schools for economically disadvantaged students’ admissions, as the Centre declined to share costs under Samagra Shiksha.

About Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:

Launch & Integration: Started in 2018 (by then Ministry of HRD), integrating Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) into one holistic programme.
Benchmark Feature: Treats schooling as a continuous system from pre-primary to Class XII (ages 4–18), removing silos.
Funding Pattern: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with Centre–State sharing (60:40, 90:10 for NE/hilly states), implemented via a single State Implementation Society (SIS).
Policy Alignment: Aligned with NEP 2020 and UN SDG-4 (quality education).
Coverage: 1.16 million schools, 156+ million students, 5.7 million teachers across government & aided institutions.
Upgraded Phase: Samagra Shiksha 2.0 (2021–26) with focus on digital education, vocational training, FLN, and inclusion.

Key Features of the Scheme:

Unified Structure: One umbrella for pre-primary to Class XII, ensuring coherent planning.
Teachers & Technology:
- Continuous teacher training via SCERTs, DIETs, NISHTHA, SWAYAM.
- Digital initiatives: DIKSHA, Operation Digital Board, ICT labs, smart classrooms, AI-based learning tools.
Foundational Literacy & Numeracy: NIPUN Bharat Mission (ages 3–9) for universal reading & numeracy.
Vocational & Skill Education: Subjects like coding, robotics, financial literacy, AI with 1000+ training centres (from Class VI).
Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): Uniforms, textbooks, transport allowance directly credited via IT platforms.
Holistic Development: Integration of sports, physical education, self-defence, soft skills under Khelo India.
Funding Scale: Allocation crossed ₹41,000 crore (2025); nationwide coverage till March 2026 under Samagra Shiksha 2.0.

[UPSC 2017] What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?

Options: (a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.

(b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. *

(d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health-care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

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Microfinance Story of India

PM SVANidhi Scheme extended until 2030

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme.

About PM SVANidhi Scheme:

Launch: June 1, 2020, as Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Purpose: To provide affordable credit to street vendors hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and help them restart/expand their businesses.
Target Group: Urban street vendors in statutory towns and peri-urban/rural areas.
Extension: Restructured and extended up to March 31, 2030.
Beneficiaries: 1.15 crore vendors, including 50 lakh new ones.

Key Features:

Collateral-free Loans (incremental):
- 1st tranche: ₹15,000 (earlier ₹10,000).
- 2nd tranche: ₹25,000 (earlier ₹20,000).
- 3rd tranche: ₹50,000.
Digital Empowerment:
- Timely 2nd loan repayment → eligibility for UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card (for emergent business/personal needs).
- Digital cashback incentives up to ₹1,600 on retail & wholesale transactions.
Capacity Building:
- Training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital skills, and marketing.
- Food safety & hygiene training for street food vendors (with FSSAI partnership).
Implementation:
- Jointly by MoHUA & Department of Financial Services (DFS).
- DFS facilitates loans & credit cards through banks/financial institutions.
Wider Goals:
- Promote financial inclusion & digital adoption.
- Enable vendors’ business expansion & sustainable growth.
- Contribute to inclusive urban economic development.

[UPSC 2011] Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-income groups. This includes both the consumers and the self-employed. The service/services rendered under microfinance is/are:

1. Credit facilities 2. Savings facilities 3. Insurance facilities 4. Fund Transfer facilities

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*

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Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

23% of PM Jan Dhan accounts inoperative

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

Why in the news?

The Government informed Parliament that 23% of the 56.04 crore PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts are inoperative.

About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

Launch: Introduced in 2014 as the world’s largest financial inclusion mission.
Objective: To provide banking to the unbanked, insurance to the unsecured, and credit to the unfunded.
Accounts: Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts with zero balance, minimal paperwork, and e-KYC facility.
Benefits: RuPay debit card with accident insurance, overdraft, micro-insurance, and pension coverage.

Key Features:

Access: Universal banking through branches and Business Correspondents.
Overdraft: Up to ₹10,000 for eligible account holders.
Insurance: Accident cover of ₹1 lakh (₹2 lakh for new accounts post-2018); life cover of ₹30,000 for accounts opened between August 2014–January 2015.
Interoperability: Enabled via RuPay cards and Aadhaar-linked platforms.
Post-2018 Expansion: Coverage extended to all unbanked adults, overdraft limit enhanced, and eligibility age increased from 60 to 65 years.
Direct Benefit Transfers: Strengthened subsidy delivery through the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile).

Do you know?

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines (2009), an account is considered dormant if no transaction occurs for over two years.

[UPSC 2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for

Options:

(a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates

(b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas

(d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities

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Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

Government approves MERITE Scheme

Schemes | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme for implementation in 275 technical institutions across India.

About MERITE Scheme:

Objective: Enhance quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all States and Union Territories, aligned with National Education Policy 2020.
Funding: Central Sector Scheme with ₹4,200 crore outlay (2025–26 to 2029–30), including ₹2,100 crore as World Bank loan.
Beneficiaries: About 7.5 lakh students; aims to boost institutional capacity in technical education.
Collaborations: Works with Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, All India Council for Technical Education, and National Board of Accreditation for implementation support.

Key Features:

Institutional Coverage: Includes National Institutes of Technology, State Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, and Affiliating Technical Universities.
Fund Transfer: Direct funding from a Central Nodal Agency to institutions.
Academic Focus: Multidisciplinary programs, updated curriculum, faculty training.
Gender Inclusion: Special programs for women faculty and reducing gender disparity.
Skill Alignment: Launch of labour market-oriented courses and blended learning models.

[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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Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

Setubandha Scholar Scheme

Schemes | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education
Why in the News?

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division at Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme.

About the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme:
- Objective: Acts as a bridge between traditional Gurukul learning and modern research, enabling the mainstreaming of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into higher education.
- Target Group: Students trained under Gurus or in Gurukul systems for a minimum of 5 years.
- Focus: Encourages postgraduate and doctoral research across disciplines rooted in IKS.
- Institutions Involved: Provides access to mentorship and research facilities at top institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Key Features:
- Financial Support:
  - Postgraduate Scholars: Up to ₹1 lakh.
  - PhD Candidates: Up to ₹2 lakh.
  - Monthly Scholarships: Starting from ₹40,000.
- Eligibility:
  - Age limit: Below 32 years.
  - Minimum 5 years of Gurukul-based learning.
  - No formal degree required—classical knowledge proficiency is the key criterion.
- Scope of Research:
  - Supports 18 disciplines rooted in IKS, including:
    
    Vedic philosophy, Jyotisha, Ayurveda, Rasa Shastra
    
    Vastu Shastra, Dandaniti (political science), Indian arts and education
    
    Traditional law, linguistics, agriculture, and astronomy
- Broader Impact:
  - Fosters integration of ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.
  - Recognizes and rewards excellence in traditional systems of knowledge.
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Railway Reforms

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

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

Why in the News?

PM recently stated that 77 stations in Tamil Nadu are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), positioning the state as a hub for railway transformation.

About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):

Launch: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways.
Goal: Modernise and develop railway stations through phased, long-term upgrades.
Master Plans: Each station gets a tailored roadmap for future improvements.
Focus Areas: Multimodal integration, seamless passenger movement, and upgraded amenities.
National Significance: Integral to India’s infrastructure push under the Viksit Bharat vision.

Key Features of ABSS:

Passenger Comfort: Larger waiting halls, clean toilets, executive lounges, lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, and business-meeting zones.
Accessibility & Connectivity: Expanded circulating areas, barrier-free access for persons with disabilities, and smooth links to other transport modes.
Aesthetic Upgrades: Modern façades, clear signage, landscaping, and consistently clean premises.
Technology & Information: Digital displays, real-time train info, and self-service e-ticketing kiosks.
Sustainability: Energy-efficient systems, green-building elements, and water-conservation measures.
Customised Development: Station facilities scaled to local footfall and needs—no one-size-fits-all approach.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

Which of the statements given above are not correct?

(a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III*

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Judicial Reforms

Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana

Prelims Only Schemes | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

Why in the News?

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched the ‘Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana’, aimed at improving legal aid for defence personnel and their families.

Back2Basics: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

Established under: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (in force from 1995)
Mandate: Ensure free, competent legal aid to the socially and economically disadvantaged
Leadership:
- Patron-in-Chief: Chief Justice of India
- Executive Chairman: Senior Supreme Court Judge
Core Functions:

- Legal literacy campaigns
- Lok Adalats for amicable dispute resolution
- Legal aid in civil and criminal matters
- Outreach in rural and vulnerable communities

About Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana:

Launched by: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
Objective: Provide legal assistance to defence personnel, ex-servicemen, and their families.

Key Features:

- Legal Clinics: Set up at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendra Sainik Boards
- Welfare–Legal Integration: Sainik Boards become legal service hubs
- Paralegal Volunteers: Defence families encouraged to participate, enhancing local legal access

Legal Assistance includes:

- Land and property disputes
- Matrimonial and family matters
- Service-related entitlements
- Utility/civil grievances (e.g., billing disputes)
- Support for personnel in remote/conflict zones

Free Legal Aid in India:

Constitutional Backing

- Article 21 (FR): Access to justice as part of the right to life
- Article 39A (DPSP): Legal aid and equal justice, added via 42nd Amendment Act, 1976

Legal Framework:

- Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: Four-tier system—National, State, District, Taluka
- Section 341, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Legal aid for indigent accused persons

Eligibility Criteria:

- Women and children
- Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
- Persons with disabilities
- Industrial workmen
- Victims of disasters (natural or human-made)
- Persons in custody or shelter homes
- Economically weak (annual income:
  - Below ₹1 lakh generally
  - Below ₹5 lakh for Supreme Court cases)

[UPSC 2020] In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?

1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs 1,00,000

2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs 2,00,000

3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000

4. All Senior Citizens

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 4 only

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Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

[pib] PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)

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

Why in the News?

The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme has been officially launched as the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), effective from 1st August 2025.

About PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY):

Objective: Promote formal employment and inclusive job creation.
Outlay: ₹99,446 crore (Aug 2025 – July 2027).
Aim: 3.5 crore new jobs, including 1.92 crore first-time entrants into the workforce.
Focus: Expanding EPFO coverage and supporting Viksit Bharat vision.
Sectoral Coverage: Open to all sectors, with special focus on manufacturing for long-term growth.

PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)

Key Features:

Incentives for Employees

- Eligible: First-time EPFO-registered workers earning ≤ ₹1 lakh/month.
- Benefit: 1-month EPF wage (max ₹15,000) in two parts — after 6 and 12 months.
- Condition: Completion of a financial literacy programme; Part of the amount is locked in a savings scheme.

Incentives for Employers

- Applies to: New hires with salary ≤ ₹1 lakh/month.
- Minimum hires: 2 (if firm <50 employees), 5 (if ≥50).

Incentive per employee/month:

- ₹1,000 (wages ≤ ₹10,000)
- ₹2,000 (₹10,001–₹20,000)
- ₹3,000 (₹20,001–₹1 lakh)
Manufacturing sector: Extended benefits for 3rd & 4th years.

Payment Mechanism

To employees: Direct Benefit Transfer via Aadhaar-based system.
To employers: Paid to PAN-linked bank accounts.

[UPSC 2024] With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:

1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years

2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary

3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years

4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters

Options: (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3* (c) 2 only (d) 1,2 and 4

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Civil Services Reforms

[pib] PRATIBHA Setu Initiative

Prelims Only Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Civil Service

Why in the News?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the PRATIBHA Setu initiative to channel the potential of civil service aspirants who reach the interview stage but do not make the final merit list.

About PRATIBHA Setu:

Meaning: Stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants.
Purpose: Connects candidates who cleared the interview stage of Union Public Service Commission exams but didn’t make the final merit list with verified employers.
Launch: Rolled out during CSE Examination 2023 results; evolved from the Public Disclosure Scheme (2018).
Objective: Utilizes the Union Public Service Commission’s rigorous selection process to support alternate career pathways for high-performing aspirants.
Talent Pool:
- Scale: Over 10,000 high-performing candidates available for recruitment.
- Merit-Based: Offers employers access to a pre-tested, well-evaluated talent group.

Key Features:

Eligibility:
- Included: Civil Services, Indian Forest Service, Engineering Services, Central Armed Police Forces, Combined Medical Services, etc.
- Excluded: National Defence Academy, Naval Academy, and certain Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations.
Access for Recruiters: Organizations register using Corporate Identification Number through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal.
Platform Tools:
- Functions: Dashboard for shortlisting, wish-listing, and making selections or rejections.
- Data Access: Employers can view candidates’ educational profiles and contact details in digital format.

Impact:

Candidate Benefit: Opens alternate career paths for deserving UPSC aspirants.
Employer Advantage: Enables transparent and efficient hiring from India’s top talent.
Wider Utility: Extends the relevance of the UPSC selection process beyond final appointments.

[UPSC 2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?

Options: (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy*

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

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Prelims Only Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and improving rural livelihoods.

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

Objective: Aims to transform agriculture in 100 low-performing districts by addressing productivity gaps.
Inspiration: Modelled on NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme; first scheme focused solely on agriculture and allied sectors.
Launch: Announced in Union Budget 2025–26 and approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
Approach: Driven by convergence of schemes, collaboration across stakeholders, and healthy competition among districts.

Key Features:

Scheme Integration: Merges 36 schemes from 11 ministries into one unified framework.
Budget & Duration: ₹24,000 crore annual outlay for six years (starting 2025–26).
District Selection:
- 100 districts with low productivity, cropping intensity, and credit access
- At least one district from each state/UT
Focus Areas:
- Boosting productivity
- Promoting crop diversification and sustainability
- Improving irrigation and water efficiency
- Expanding post-harvest storage
- Enhancing credit access
Performance Monitoring: Monthly ranking on 117 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) via centralized dashboard.
Support Mechanism: NITI Aayog to provide capacity-building and reviews.
Expert Note: Credit-based selection criteria may require refinement.

Implementation:

District Planning: Each district to prepare an Agriculture and Allied Activities Plan.
Plan Approval: Handled by District Dhan Dhaanya Samiti, chaired by the Collector and including progressive farmers.
National Alignment:
- Agricultural self-sufficiency
- Soil and water conservation
- Promotion of organic/natural farming
Governance: Committees at district, state, and national levels to guide execution.
Monitoring: Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) to conduct field visits and track progress.
Technical Support: Agricultural universities to serve as knowledge partners.
Expected Outcomes: Boost farm income, create local livelihoods, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat through enhanced agri-productivity.

[UPSC 2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets

2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini truck

3. Consumption requirements of farm households

4. Post-harvest expenses

5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only* (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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Type: Schemes

Why in the News?

About Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:

Key Features of the Scheme:

Why in the News?

About PM SVANidhi Scheme:

Key Features:

Why in the news?

About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

Key Features:

Do you know?

Why in the News?

About MERITE Scheme:

Key Features:

Why in the News?

About the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme:

Key Features:

Why in the News?

About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):

Key Features of ABSS:

Why in the News?

Back2Basics: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

About Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana:

Free Legal Aid in India:

Why in the News?

About PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY):

Key Features:

Why in the News?

About PRATIBHA Setu:

Key Features:

Impact:

Why in the News?

About Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

Key Features:

Implementation:

About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):