Why in the News?
The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme, aimed at supporting meritorious students, is facing slow uptake due to technical issues, including login failures and frequent auto logouts
About the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:
|
Details |
| Objective |
A Central Sector Scheme to provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education in quality institutions. |
| Eligible Students |
Students gaining admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), including government and private institutions. |
| Annual Family Income Criteria |
Up to ₹8 lakh for students who do not qualify for other government scholarships or interest subsidies. |
| Eligibility Based on NIRF Rankings |
• Top 100 institutions in overall, category-specific, and domain-specific NIRF lists.
• State government-run institutions ranked 101-200.
• All Central government-governed institutions. |
| Loan Amounts |
• Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a 75% credit guarantee.
• For loans up to ₹10 lakh, 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period. |
| Target Beneficiaries |
Approximately 1 lakh students each year, with preference for students in technical or professional courses from government institutions. |
| Financial Outlay |
₹3,600 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31. |
| Expected Impact |
Benefit for 7 lakh new students through interest subvention during the scheme’s duration. |
| Application Process |
Applications can be submitted via the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal for loans and interest benefits. |
| Payment Processing |
Interest support payments through e-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets. |
| [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:
(a) 2 only* (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
The material cost for the PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme has been increased by 9.5%, resulting in an additional cost of ₹954 crore to be incurred by the Centre in the 2025-26 financial year.
About PM-POSHAN Scheme:
- The PM-POSHAN Scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at providing a hot, cooked meal to children studying in government and government-aided schools across India.
- Launched under the Ministry of Education, it focuses on improving children’s nutritional status, school participation, retention, and attendance.
- The scheme complements POSHAN Abhiyan and Mission POSHAN 2.0 to improve nutrition among children and mothers.
Key Features:
- Target Group: It serves 11.20 crore children in Balvatikas (pre-primary classes) and Classes 1-8 in 10.36 lakh schools. Special focus is placed on disadvantaged children from low-income backgrounds.
- Nutritional Goals: The scheme provides balanced meals to meet children’s nutritional needs.
- Primary Students: 20g pulses, 50g vegetables, 5g oil.
- Upper Primary Students: 30g pulses, 75g vegetables, 7.5g oil.
- Model: The Centre provides 100% funding for food grains through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), while States contribute to meal implementation.
- Funding Pattern:
- 60:40 between Centre and States/UTs with the legislature.
- 90:10 for Northeastern and Himalayan States.
- 100% central funding for UTs without legislature.
- 26 lakh metric tonnes of food grains are provided annually, with transportation costs covered by the Centre.
- It also has a component to promote the development of School Nutrition Gardens in schools
- Social Audit of the scheme is made mandatory in all the districts.
| [UPSC 2014] Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of Inclusive Governance?
1 Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking
2 Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts
3 Increasing the government spending on public health
4 Strengthening the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Select the correct answers using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to expand the manufacturing capabilities of passive electronic components in India.
About Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme:
- The scheme is designed to promote the manufacturing of select electronic components in India, such as resistors, capacitors, relays, switches, sensors, and connectors.
- It focuses particularly on passive electronic components, while active components like semiconductors fall under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
- The scheme has a tenure of 6 years, with a 1-year gestation period.
- The scheme offers 3 types of incentives:
-
- Turnover-linked incentive: Based on revenue.
- Capex-linked incentive: For investments in plants and machinery.
- Hybrid incentive model: A combination of both turnover and capex incentives.
Achievements and Growth in the Electronics Sector:
- Domestic Production Growth: India’s electronics production has grown from ₹1.90 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to ₹9.52 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17%.
- Export Growth: Electronics exports have increased from ₹0.38 lakh crore in FY 2014-15 to ₹2.41 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR of over 20%. India is now the second-largest mobile phone producer globally.
- Future Projections: By 2026, India’s electronics production is projected to reach USD 300 billion.
|
Government Initiatives for Electronics Growth:
- Make in India (2014): Aimed at boosting India’s manufacturing sector and transforming it into a global hub for design and manufacturing.
- Phased Manufacturing Programme (2017): Focused on increasing domestic value addition in mobile phones and their parts.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme (2020): Aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing in mobile phones, electronic components, and semiconductor packaging, offering 3-6% incentives on incremental sales.
- Semicon India Program (2021): With a financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore, this scheme promotes the domestic semiconductor industry.
- Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) (2021): Provides a 25% financial incentive for capital expenditure in electronic goods manufacturing.
- Increased Budget for 2025-26: The allocation for electronics manufacturing has been raised from ₹5,747 crore in FY 2024-25 to ₹8,885 crore in FY 2025-26.
| [UPSC 2016] Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in:
(a) Andhra Pradesh (b) Gujarat (c) Maharashtra (d) Uttar Pradesh |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
Why in the News?
April 8, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched to fund micro and small enterprises.
About the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
- The PMMY, launched in 2015 is a Central Sector Scheme designed to provide financial support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs previously excluded from the formal financial system.
- MUDRA stands for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd., a financial institution established to support the development and refinancing of micro-enterprises
- It aims to foster grassroots entrepreneurship and remove barriers to accessing loans, especially for businesses that lack collateral.
Loan Categories:
-
- Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000 for new or small businesses.
- Kishore: Loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh for growing enterprises.
- Tarun: Loans from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh for more established businesses with greater capital needs.
- TarunPlus: Loan limit up to ₹20 lakh for more established and larger businesses (since July 2024).
Key Features:
- Collateral-Free Loans: PMMY loans do not require any collateral, making them accessible to those without assets.
- Member Lending Institutions (MLIs): These include Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
- Credit Guarantee: Loans are backed by the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU), which was established in 2015 to provide security to financial institutions offering loans under PMMY.
- MUDRA Card: A MUDRA card is issued to manage the working capital portion of the loan, providing convenience to the borrower.
MUDRA 2.0:
- MUDRA 2.0 (launched in Union Budget 2024) is an upgraded version of the original PMMY, designed to extend its outreach, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
- This version introduces additional services such as financial literacy programs, business mentorship, and comprehensive business support, aiming to improve the overall impact of the scheme.
- Enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme (ECGS) is a new feature introduced to encourage more lending to small and microenterprises by reducing the risk for financial institutions.
|
Successes of PMMY:
- Massive Loan Disbursement: Over ₹32.61 lakh crore disbursed through 52 crore loans, benefitting millions.
- Inclusivity: 69% of loans are held by women, 51% by SC/ST and OBC entrepreneurs.
- Job Creation: Promoted self-employment and business growth in rural and semi-urban areas.
- MSME Credit Growth: Lending increased from ₹8.51 lakh crore in FY14 to ₹27.25 lakh crore in FY24.
- International Recognition: Praised by IMF for expanding financial access, especially for women-led businesses.
Challenges:
- Increase in NPAs: Rising defaults due to lack of collateral.
- Disbursement Delays: Some banks face challenges in meeting loan targets.
- Fraud Risk: Collateral-free loans are susceptible to misuse and fraud.
- Larger Loan Limits: Higher limits under TarunPlus raise default risks for banks.
- Default Risk: Some borrowers exploit the system through “evergreening” tactics.
| [UPSC 2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
(a) bringing small entrepreneurs into the formal financial system.
(b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops.
(c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons.
(d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Palna Scheme
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has informed that 1,761 Anganwadi-cum-Creches are operational across the country under the Palna Scheme.
About the Palna Scheme
- Launched to address childcare needs for working mothers, the Palna Scheme provides day-care facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
- In 2022, the National Creche Scheme was reorganized and renamed Palna Scheme under the Samarthya sub-scheme of Mission Shakti.
- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with a 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and State/UT Governments (90:10 for North-Eastern and Special Category States). UTs without legislature receive 100% funding.
- Target Audience: Provides services for all mothers (irrespective of their employment status), offering a safe, hygienic, and supportive environment for children.
- Creche Services: Includes day-care, early stimulation, preschool education, nutrition, health check-ups, and immunization support.
Other Creche Schemes:
- Standalone Creches: Independent creches are providing care for children aged 6 months to 6 years. They include provisions for one Creche Worker and one Creche Helper. Services include sleeping arrangements, health monitoring, and education.
- Anganwadi-cum-Creches (AWCC): A key component of Palna Scheme, these creches combine Anganwadi services with daycare for working mothers.
- Staffing: Includes an Anganwadi Worker, Helper, and Creche Worker and Helper.
- Target: Establish 17,000 new AWCCs by 2024-25, with 11,395 already approved as of March 2025.
- Objective: To provide childcare in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring last-mile delivery.
- Honorarium: ₹6,500 for Creche Workers in standalone crèches and ₹5,500 for AWCC Workers.
|
About Mission Shakti
- Mission Shakti is the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s flagship scheme, designed to strengthen women’s safety, security, and empowerment in India.
- The scheme supports women-led development by addressing issues affecting women across their life-cycle.
- Components:
- Sambal: Focuses on women’s safety, with initiatives like the One Stop Centre (OSC), Women Helpline (WHL), and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).
- Samarthya: Empowering women through sub-schemes like Ujjwala, Swadhar Greh, and the Palna Scheme. It integrates support for childcare and maternal health.
- Gap Funding for Economic Empowerment: A new initiative to support financial gaps in women’s enterprises.
| [UPSC 2019] With reference to the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017, consider the following statements:
1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave
2. This act applies to all organisations with 20 or more employees
3. It has made it mandatory for every organisation with 50 or more employees to have a crèche.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH to enhance global recognition and development of AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
About the Scheme
- The scheme focuses on promoting AYUSH systems internationally, contributing to their global growth.
- The scheme is announced on the AYUSH website, and applications are invited through open advertisements.
- Proposals are screened by a committee and approved for financial assistance based on needs and activity limits.
- Key Components of the Scheme:
-
- International Exchange of Experts & Officers: Facilitates deputation of AYUSH experts for international conferences and training.
- Incentives for Drug Manufacturers: Provides financial support for international propagation and product registration.
- Market Development Support: Supports exhibitions, conferences, and market surveys for international market development.
- Promotion through Young Postgraduates: Deploys young postgraduates to promote AYUSH abroad through NGOs.
- Translation and Publication: Funds the translation and publication of AYUSH literature in foreign languages.
- AYUSH Information Cells/Health Centres: Establishes AYUSH cells and health centers in foreign countries through Indian missions.
- International Fellowship Programme: Offers fellowships to foreign nationals to study AYUSH courses in India.
Significance of Yoga and AYUSH in India’s International Outreach
- The International Day of Yoga (IDY) was declared by the United Nations in 2014, with ₹161 crore spent on its promotion. IDY celebrations spread Yoga’s global message.
- Yoga is now part of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), making it compulsory for students from Class I to Class X.
- The Yoga Certification Board (YCB) under the Ministry of Ayush certifies yoga professionals and accredits institutions, ensuring quality and standards in Yoga practice.
- The Ministry of Ayush has signed 24 Country-to-Country MoUs and 51 Institute-to-Institute MoUs to promote Indian traditional medicine systems globally.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MGNREGS
Why in the News?
The Centre has announced a hike in the wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the financial year 2025-26, with an increase ranging from 2-7%.
Wage Revision Under MGNREGS:
- 2025-26 Wage Hike:
- Wage increase: 2.33%-7.48%, with ₹7 to ₹26 rise.
- Haryana records the largest hike of ₹26, bringing the wage to ₹400 per day (highest in India).
- Wage Calculation:
- Wages are linked to the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).
- Previous Hikes:
- Goa had the largest hike of 10.56% in 2024-25.
- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand had the smallest at 3.04%.
|
About MGNREGS
- The MGNREGS, launched in 2005, guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually for rural households.
- It provides a legal right to work, focusing on unskilled manual labour.
- Unique Features:
- 100 days of employment for rural households, with adult members volunteering for unskilled work.
- If employment isn’t provided within 15 days, an unemployment allowance is paid.
- Work must be offered within 5 km of the applicant’s residence.
- The Centre funds 100% of unskilled labour costs, 75% of skilled labour and materials, and 6% of administrative costs.
- Key Provisions under MGNREGS
-
- Rural households are entitled to 100 days of employment. Additional days are allowed during natural calamities or for Scheduled Tribe households.
- Citizens can conduct social audits to ensure transparency, with all records open to public scrutiny.
- Worksites must provide crèches, drinking water, and first aid.
- Workers more than 5 km from the worksite receive a travel allowance of 10% of the wage rate.
Recent Challenges surrounding MGNREGS:
- Delayed Payments: ₹11,423 crore owed for wages and administrative costs as of January 2025, with workers facing delays of weeks or months.
- Inadequate Wage Rates: Wage rates are not linked to inflation, with the highest wage for 2024-25 at ₹374 in Haryana, below the national minimum wage.
- Technological Challenges: Issues with Aadhaar-based payments and mobile monitoring systems have led to non-payment or misdirected funds.
- Budget Constraints: Budget allocations have decreased from 0.4% of GDP in FY22 to 0.2% in FY25, impacting workdays and payments.
- Social Audit Irregularities: Irregular audits by Gram Sabhas raise concerns about accountability and transparency.
|
| [UPSC 2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”?
(a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households
(b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households
(c) Adult members of households of all backward communities
(d) Adult members of any household |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)
Why in the News?
The Centre has decided to discontinue the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) starting from March 26, 2025, considering evolving market conditions.
The short-term deposits (1-3 years) will continue at the discretion of individual banks based on commercial viability, highlighting a shift towards flexible, shorter-term options.
About Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) and its Features
- The GMS was launched in November 2015 as an enhanced version of the Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme.
- The main goal was to mobilize idle gold from households and institutions into the formal economy, thereby reducing the country’s reliance on gold imports and improving the current account deficit (CAD).
- Objectives: Aimed at mobilizing gold, reducing gold imports, and utilizing gold to generate interest as a financial asset, thereby strengthening the economy.
- The GMS included three deposit options:
- Short-Term Gold Deposit (STGD): 1-3 years
- Medium-Term Gold Deposit (MTGD): 5-7 years
- Long-Term Gold Deposit (LTGD): 12-15 years
- Interest and Redemption:
- Short-Term Deposits: Interest rates determined by individual banks; redemption could be in cash or gold.
- Medium- and Long-Term Deposits: Fixed interest rates at 2.25% (medium-term) and 2.5% (long-term), with cash redemption only.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to individuals, institutions, and government entities.
- Gold tendering accepted only at designated Collection and Purity Testing Centres (CPTC) or through GMS Mobilisation Agents.
- Deposits were accepted only if the value exceeded ₹1 lakh.
Reasons for Discontinuation
- The Finance Ministry discontinued the Medium-Term and Long-Term Deposits due to changes in the gold market.
- Gold prices surged by 41.5% from ₹63,920 per 10 grams in January 2024 to ₹90,450 per 10 grams by March 2025.
- This rise in gold value reduced the attractiveness of schemes like GMS for both depositors and the government.
- With the closure of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, the government aims to shift towards more market-oriented solutions for gold-related financial products.
| [UPSC 2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of the Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?
1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector
3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports
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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD)
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Revised National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), enhancing its scope and funding to modernize and expand the dairy sector across India.
About the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
- It is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD).
- The scheme has been operational since February 2014, initially targeting the development of dairy cooperatives and expanding infrastructure to support dairy activities.
- In July 2021, the scheme was restructured to align with the goals of the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-2026), to run from 2021 to 2026 with an enhanced budget.
- It focuses on providing technical and financial assistance to improve the dairy infrastructure in India, including enhancing milk procurement, processing, and marketing capabilities.
- It also aims to provide training facilities for dairy farmers, improving their skills and fostering rural development.
Revised Components of NPDD Scheme:
The Revised NPDD, a Central Sector Scheme, is designed with two primary components that focus on dairy infrastructure development and cooperative strengthening:
Component A: Dairy Infrastructure Improvement
- This component focuses on improving essential dairy infrastructure, such as the installation of milk chilling plants, advanced milk testing laboratories, and certification systems for quality assurance.
- Special attention is given to the North Eastern Region (NER), hilly areas, and Union Territories (UTs), where support is provided for the formation of new dairy cooperative societies and the strengthening of milk procurement and processing systems.
- Grant support will be provided for the formation of 2 Milk Producer Companies, ensuring a more efficient procurement system.
Component B: Dairying through Cooperatives (DTC)
- This component focuses on fostering dairy development through cooperative models in partnership with the Government of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- It aims to sustainably develop dairy cooperatives, improve production, processing, and marketing infrastructure in 9 key states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- This component seeks to introduce international best practices in cooperative management and dairy technologies.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2013] Which of the following grants direct credit assistance to the households?
1. Regional Rural Banks
2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
3. Land Development Banks
Select the correct answer using codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-YUVA Scheme
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, launched the PM-YUVA 3.0 (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors) on 11th March 2025.
About the PM-YUVA Scheme
- PM-YUVA 3.0 was launched on 11th March 2025, building upon the success of the first two editions, which focused on themes like national movement and democracy.
- It is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, aimed at mentoring young authors below the age of 30.
- The scheme’s objectives include fostering a new generation of writers who can explore topics such as:
- Contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Nation Building
- Indian Knowledge System
- Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)
- Background:
- PM-YUVA 1.0 (2021): Focused on India’s National Movement & unsung heroes.
- PM-YUVA 2.0 (2022): Focused on Democracy and Constitutional Values.
- The scheme was designed to promote reading, writing, and book culture in India while showcasing Indian literature and heritage globally.
- The National Book Trust (NBT), India, is the implementing agency responsible for executing the scheme.
- The scheme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to empower youth, develop creative leaders, and encourage capacity building in India’s younger generation.
Important Features of PM-YUVA 3.0
- An All-India Contest will be held through MyGov from 11 March 2025 to 10 April 2025.
- 50 authors will be selected across three themes.
- Evaluation of proposals will be completed by April 2025, and the final list of selected authors will be announced between May-June 2025.
- Each selected author will receive a ₹50,000 monthly scholarship for six months, totaling ₹3 lakh per author.
- Authors will also receive a 10% royalty on successful publications of their books.
- Books created under the scheme will be published by the National Book Trust and translated into other Indian languages, promoting literary exchange and supporting the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
- Applicants who have qualified for PM-YUVA 1.0 and PM-YUVA 2.0 are not eligible for this edition.
PYQ:
[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?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
Why in the News?
According to the RBI, bad loans in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme segment increased by 42% over the last four years, reaching ₹97,543 crore by December 2024, up from ₹68,547 crore in March 2021.
About the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
- The KCC Scheme is a government-backed credit initiative designed to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers for agricultural and allied activities.
- Launched in 1998 on the recommendation of NABARD (R.V. Gupta Committee), the scheme aims to ensure easy access to institutional credit, reducing farmers’ dependency on moneylenders and informal credit sources.
-
- Provides short-term credit for crop cultivation and post-harvest needs.
- Supports working capital requirements for farm mechanization, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and other allied agricultural activities.
- Helps meet household consumption needs of farmers.
- Allows credit access for investment in agriculture-related businesses.
- Credit and Repayment System:
- Farmers can avail collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh.
- Interest rates start as low as 4% per annum (with government interest subvention for timely repayment).
- The loan limit was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in Budget 2025-26.
- Revolving credit system allows farmers to withdraw and repay as needed within the sanctioned limit.
- Repayment schedules are linked to the crop harvesting cycle, ensuring no undue financial burden.
- Implementation: Commercial Banks; Regional Rural Banks (RRBs); Small Finance Banks; Cooperative Banks.
-
- Comes with insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to protect against crop loss.
- Covers fisheries and animal husbandry farmers (since 2018-19).
Successes and Limitations of the KCC Scheme:
| Successes |
Failures |
- Increased Financial Inclusion: 7.3 crore active accounts, reducing reliance on moneylenders.
- Higher Agricultural Productivity: Easy access to inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery.
- Increased Support: Interest subvention makes loans affordable; loan limit raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh (Budget 2025-26).
- Promoted Rural Development: Covers women farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and non-farm activities.
|
- Rising NPAs: Discussed above.
- Loan Misuse: Funds diverted for non-agricultural expenses, increasing defaults.
- Low Financial Literacy: Many farmers unaware of repayment terms, leading to debt traps.
- High Credit Dependency: Continuous borrowing without income growth raises financial risks.
|
PYQ:
[2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
- Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
- Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
- Consumption requirements of farm households
- Post-harvest expenses
- Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 4 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme
Why in the News?
Punjab has fully utilized ₹4,713 crore allocated under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), making it the top-ranked state in India for implementing this scheme.
As a result, Punjab has been granted an additional ₹2,337 crore to further expand its agricultural infrastructure projects.
What is the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme?
- The AIF is a ₹1 lakh crore financing facility launched by the Government of India in July 2020 to support post-harvest agricultural infrastructure and community farming assets.
- AIF provides medium- to long-term debt financing at subsidized interest rates, along with credit guarantee support, to eligible beneficiaries.
Key Features of the AIF Scheme:
- Total Corpus & Disbursement: ₹1 lakh crore, disbursed over 10 years (2020-21 to 2029-30).
- Interest Subvention & Loan Benefits:
- 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹2 crore.
- Credit guarantee support through CGTMSE and NABSanrakshan.
- Maximum interest rate capped at 9% for a 7-year tenure.
- Eligible Projects:
- Post-harvest infrastructure: Warehouses, cold storage, silos, drying yards, sorting, and packaging units.
- Processing & Value Addition: Food processing plants, oil mills, flour mills, kinnow and cashew processing.
- Technology-driven solutions: Drone projects, hi-tech farm equipment rental centers.
- Renewable energy: Solar-powered irrigation and cold storage units.
- Integration with Other Government Schemes: Can be combined with State & Central subsidies for maximum benefit.
- Implementation & Monitoring:
- Managed via online MIS platform for real-time tracking.
- National, State & District-level monitoring committees ensure effective execution.
Eligible Beneficiaries Under AIF:
- Individual Farmers: Seeking on-farm storage or processing units.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): For community-based infrastructure.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) & Joint Liability Groups (JLGs): Engaged in agricultural activities.
- Cooperative Societies & Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS): For collective farming and value addition.
- Startups & Agri-Tech Companies: Developing post-harvest management solutions.
- State Agencies & PPP Projects: Government-backed rural infrastructure projects.
- Entrepreneurs & Agripreneurs: Working in food processing and value addition.
PYQ:
[2017] Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme?
1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme (LHDCS)
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the revision of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
The revised scheme, with a total outlay of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26, includes a new component called “Pashu Aushadhi” to improve the availability of generic veterinary medicines.
What is LHDC Scheme?
| About |
- Government of India initiative launched in 2022.
- Aims to improve animal health, control livestock diseases, and enhance veterinary services.
- Revised with ₹3,880 crore outlay for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- Includes “Pashu Aushadhi” for affordable veterinary medicines.
|
| Features of LHDC |
- Disease Control & Vaccination: Targets FMD, Brucellosis, PPR, CSF, Lumpy Skin Disease. Mass vaccination and eradication.
- Veterinary Healthcare: Expansion of veterinary hospitals and Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs).
- Disease Surveillance: Strengthened disease reporting and monitoring systems.
- “Pashu Aushadhi”: Affordable, high-quality veterinary medicines with ₹75 crore allocation.
Sub-Components:
- Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP): Focuses on eradicating high-risk livestock diseases.
- Establishment & Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD-MVU): Expands mobile veterinary units (MVUs) for better access to veterinary care.
- Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Provides financial support to states for disease prevention and control.
- Economic Benefits: Prevents livestock mortality and improves milk, meat, and wool production.
|
| Implementation & Funding |
Strategy: Coordinated efforts by Central and State Governments; monitoring and assessment mechanisms.
Funding: ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26:
- 100% central funding for CADCP and non-recurring ESVHD components.
- 60:40 share for other components and ASCAD.
- 90:10 funding for North Eastern and Himalayan States.
- 100% Central funding for Union Territories.
|
PYQ:
[2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.
[2012] Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Suposhit Maa Abhiyan
Why in the News?
Lok Sabha Speaker launched the third phase of the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at empowering mothers and improving the health of pregnant women and newborns.
What is Suposhit Maa Abhiyan?
- The Suposhit Maa Abhiyan is a maternal and child health initiative launched by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in March 2020 in Kota, Rajasthan.
- It aims to eliminate malnutrition among pregnant women and newborns by providing nutritional support, medical care, and health awareness.
- Social workers and volunteers identify underprivileged pregnant women. Registration through community outreach programs and online platforms.
-
- Nutritional Support: Monthly 17 kg nutrition kits for pregnant women.
- Medical Assistance: Regular health check-ups, blood tests, and medication support.
- Health Cards: Track maternal health, nutrition levels, and medical history.
- Adoption Model: One pregnant woman per family can be adopted for support.
- Awareness Drives: Sessions on maternal care, infant nutrition, and postpartum health.
- Mortality Rate Reduction: Increased normal deliveries, healthier newborns, and improved maternal health.
Phases of the Campaign:
-
- 1,000 pregnant women received balanced nutrition kits.
- Medical check-ups, medicines, and delivery support provided.
-
- 3,000 women received nutrition kits for 9 months.
- Expanded health monitoring and medical consultation services.
-
- 1,800+ pregnant women identified for continuous health monitoring.
- Monthly nutrition kits and health card tracking introduced.
PYQ:
[2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
[2017] Which of the following are the objectives of the ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
- To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
- To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
- To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Soil Health Cards Scheme
Why in the News?
It has been 10 years since the Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.
What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?
- The SHC Scheme was launched to analyze soil quality and provide personalized recommendations to farmers for nutrient management and soil fertility improvement.
- The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- It has been integrated into Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2022-23 under the Soil Health & Fertility component.
Key Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme:
- SHC evaluates 12 parameters, including:
- Macronutrients: N, P, K, S.
- Micronutrients: Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B.
- Physical & Chemical Properties: pH, EC, OC.
- Samples collected twice a year (post-Rabi and Kharif).
- Grid-based sampling: 2.5 ha in irrigated areas, 10 ha in rain-fed areas.
- SHC Portal & Mobile App enable online tracking, GPS-tagged samples, and QR-coded test results.
- Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs): 665 VLSTLs established across 17 states for local soil testing.
- School Soil Health Programme: Implemented in 1020 schools, with 1000 soil testing labs and 125,972 students enrolled.
Successes and Limitations of SHC:
Success:
- Crop Yields & Productivity Increased (8-10%) through optimized fertilizer application.
- Farmers saved up to ₹5,000 per hectare by using balanced fertilizers.
- 665 Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) established, improving soil testing accessibility.
- Technological integration (SHC Portal & Mobile App) ensures real-time monitoring.
- Encouraged sustainable farming practices, reducing soil degradation and nutrient depletion.
Limitations and Challenges:
- Many farmers are unaware of SHC benefits and continue traditional farming methods.
- Reports often reach farmers too late for implementation.
- Limited soil testing labs and trained staff in remote areas.
- Farmers need training to interpret SHC reports and apply recommendations.
|
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following statements:
The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at-
1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 arid 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project NAKSHA
Why in the News?
Union Minister of Rural Development has inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs).
What is Project NAKSHA?
- It is an AI-driven urban land survey and digitization initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development.
- Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, the project aims to modernize urban land records through geospatial mapping, drone technology, and AI.
- Launched in February 2025, the initiative will digitize and update land records in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs) in its pilot phase.
- Survey of India is the technical partner, conducting aerial mapping and high-resolution imaging to create accurate, tamper-proof property records.
- The Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) is developing an end-to-end web-GIS platform.
- National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) will provide storage and data security.
- The Survey of India will provide orthorectified imagery for accurate mapping.
- Project NAKSHA builds on:
- Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) for digitizing rural land records.
- SVAMITVA Scheme, using drone technology to map village properties.
-
- Pilot phase funding: ₹194 crore, fully financed by the Government of India.
- Overall Phase 1 budget: ₹5,000 crore for nationwide expansion.
Aims and Objectives of Project NAKSHA:
- Standardizing urban property ownership details to eliminate land disputes.
- Ensuring fraud-proof, legally valid land documentation.
- Drone surveys and satellite imagery for precision mapping.
- Detecting encroachments, illegal constructions, and land use changes.
- Providing spatial data for urban expansion and infrastructure projects.
- Digital land records enable seamless property transactions and ownership transfers.
Features and Provisions:
- 150+ cities covered in the first year, with full urban coverage in five years.
- AI-enabled classification to identify disputed, encroached, or illegal land parcels.
- Web-GIS Platform for Land Record Management to be developed by MPSEDC, ensuring real-time data access and updates.
- States and UTs to conduct field surveys and ground verification.
PYQ:
[2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
(c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY)
Why in the News?
Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget announced the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY).
About the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY):
- The PMDKY aims to enhance agricultural productivity, crop diversification, storage infrastructure, irrigation, and credit access.
-
- Identifies 100 districts with low productivity, moderate cropping intensity, and below-average credit access.
- Develops panchayat/block-level storage and expands irrigation coverage.
- Ensures affordable short-term & long-term loans for farmers.
- Uses data-driven governance & district rankings.
-
- Implementation: Jointly executed by Central & State Governments.
- Funding: Drawn from existing schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
- Evaluation: Assessed based on yield improvements, credit flow, and irrigation expansion.
PYQ:
[2015] ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for:
(a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
(b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas
(c) promoting financial inclusion in the country
(d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SASCI Scheme
Why in the News?
The Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects across 23 states, allocating ₹3295.76 crore under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme for the Financial Year 2024-25.
What is the SASCI Scheme?
- The SASCI Scheme was launched in FY 2020-21 to support state capital expenditure and drive economic growth.
- Initially introduced as a post-COVID recovery measure, it has been expanded in FY 2023-24 with an allocation of ₹1.3 lakh crore.
- The scheme funds infrastructure projects, urban reforms, tourism development, and sustainability initiatives.
- Structural Mandate: The scheme has eight parts based on states’ share of central taxes:
- General Capital Assistance (₹1 lakh crore): Allocated based on states’ share of central taxes.
- Vehicle Scrappage & Testing Facilities: Incentives for phasing out old vehicles & setting up automated testing centers.
- Urban Planning Reforms: Encourages modern land-use planning & governance improvements.
- Urban Finance Reforms: Strengthens municipal revenue models & financial sustainability.
- Housing for Police Personnel: Funds residential units for police & their families.
- Cultural & Economic Development (Unity Malls): Promotes One District One Product (ODOP), Make in India & local entrepreneurship.
- Digital Libraries at Panchayat/Ward Levels: ₹5,000 crore for library infrastructure & digital learning access.
- Development of Iconic Tourist Centres: Global-scale branding & infrastructure for major tourism hubs.
Features & Significance:
- Boosts capital investment to stimulate demand and job creation.
- Encourages reforms in urban governance, infrastructure, and sustainability.
- Promotes responsible tourism and global branding of iconic destinations.
- Strengthens local industries through One District One Product (ODOP).
- Improves public services like policing, water supply, and rural roads.
PYQ:
[2016] Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India?
- Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
- Loans received from foreign governments
- Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories
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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Swavalambini Initiative
Why in the News?
The NITI Aayog has launched Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:
- It is a program to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
- Aims and Objectives:
- Empowerment: To inspire and equip young women to become job creators and leaders, thereby contributing to economic development in Northeast India.
- Skill Development: To provide structured training that covers essential business aspects, enhancing participants’ entrepreneurial competencies.
- Provisions and Features:
- Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A two-day session introducing 600 female students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): An intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected participants, covering topics such as financial planning, market access, legal compliance, and business networking.
- Mentorship: Six months of dedicated mentorship to assist participants in transforming their business ideas into viable enterprises.
- Faculty Development Programme (FDP): A 5-day training for faculty members to enhance their ability to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs effectively.
PYQ:
[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
- Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
- Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GREAT Scheme
Why in the News?
As of February 4, 2025, 4 startups have been approved under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ Scheme.
About GREAT Scheme:
- The GREAT Scheme is a government initiative under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
- Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it provides financial support to startups working in technical textiles.
- The scheme focuses on Medical Textiles, Industrial Textiles, and Protective Textiles, fostering innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
- It aims to promote entrepreneurship in technical textiles by funding early-stage innovations.
-
- Financial Support: Startups receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh for up to a period of 18 months.
- No Royalty Requirement: Unlike private funding, the government does not take a share of the startup’s profits.
- Upfront Contribution: Startups must deposit 10% of the allocated grant (e.g., ₹5 lakh for a ₹50 lakh grant).
- Sector Focus: Covers Medical, Industrial, and Protective Technical Textiles.
- Budget Allocation: Part of the ₹375 crore funding for FY 2025 under NTTM.
Back2Basics: National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
- Launched in 2020 to make India a global leader in technical textiles through research and innovation.
- Budget of ₹1,480 crore, focusing on medical, industrial, protective, and geo-textiles.
- Supports R&D, skill development, and investment in high-performance textiles for defense, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Includes Production-Linked Incentives (PLI), PM MITRA Parks, and quality control regulations to boost manufacturing.
- Aims to increase India’s technical textiles market to $40-50 billion with 15-20% annual growth.
|
PYQ:
[2013] Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. |
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