Central Government Schemes of India

The Government of India introduces various welfare schemes and initiatives every year to boost economic development, support vulnerable sections of society, and improve public services. These schemes, implemented by different ministries and departments, aim to address issues such as poverty, education, health, employment, agriculture, and infrastructure.

1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Launched in 2014, PMJDY is a flagship financial inclusion program. Its objective is to provide affordable access to financial services like bank accounts, remittances, credit, insurance, and pensions to the unbanked population. Under this scheme:

• Zero balance savings accounts are opened.
• Accidental insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh is provided.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of subsidies is facilitated.

2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

Introduced in 2015, PMAY aims to provide “Housing for All” by 2022. It has two components:

• PMAY (Urban): Targets urban poor including slum dwellers.
• PMAY (Gramin): Focuses on providing pucca houses in rural areas.

Beneficiaries are eligible for interest subsidies on housing loans under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).

3. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. It aims to provide free health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10 crore poor families.

It has two main components:

• Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for primary healthcare.
• PM-JAY for hospitalisation coverage.

4. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Initiated in 2019, PM-KISAN provides income support of ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments to all small and marginal farmer families. The amount is transferred directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

This scheme ensures farmers have access to basic financial support for crop and family needs.

5. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

Enacted in 2005, MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

Key features:

• Promotes rural livelihood and infrastructure.
• Mandates employment provision within 15 days of demand.
• Wage payments are made through bank/post office accounts.

6. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, PMGKAY provided free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act. It aimed to ensure food security during the crisis and has been extended in various phases depending on the situation.

7. Make in India

This initiative, launched in 2014, aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging domestic and foreign investment. It covers 25 sectors, including automobiles, textiles, chemicals, and electronics.

Objectives:

• Enhance skill development.
• Boost job creation.
• Increase manufacturing growth.

8. Skill India Mission

The Skill India Mission was launched in 2015 to train over 40 crore people in different skills by 2022. It includes:

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
• Vocational training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

9. Digital India Mission

Launched in 2015, Digital India aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It promotes:

• Digital infrastructure as a core utility.
• Governance and services on demand.
• Digital empowerment of citizens.

Key initiatives include e-Governance services, DigiLocker, BharatNet, and Common Service Centres (CSCs).

10. Startup India

Startup India, launched in 2016, promotes entrepreneurship and supports startups by providing funding, tax exemptions, and simplified compliance norms.

Major benefits:

• Self-certification under labor and environmental laws.
• Easier patent filing process.
• Income tax exemption for 3 years.

11. Stand-Up India

Introduced in 2016, this scheme facilitates bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a new enterprise in manufacturing, services, or trading.

12. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Launched in 2015, APY aims to provide a pension to workers in the unorganized sector after the age of 60. The government co-contributes 50% of the total contribution or ₹1,000 per annum, whichever is lower, for a period of 5 years for eligible subscribers.

13. Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provides LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households to reduce dependence on unclean cooking fuels.

Launched in 2016, this scheme promotes women’s health and environmental sustainability.

14. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

Launched in 2014, SBM aimed to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management.

• SBM (Urban): Focused on building toilets, public sanitation, and waste collection.
• SBM (Gramin): Encouraged the construction of household toilets in rural areas.

The mission has significantly improved sanitation and hygiene across India.

15. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

While not a scheme per se, NEP 2020 is a transformative policy aimed at overhauling the Indian education system. It emphasizes:

• Holistic, multi-disciplinary education.
• Foundational literacy and numeracy.
• Vocational education and digital learning.

16. PM Gati Shakti Yojana

Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to integrate infrastructure development across various sectors through digital platforms. It brings together 16 ministries for coordinated planning and execution of projects, improving logistics efficiency and reducing costs.

17. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

Introduced to boost domestic manufacturing and exports, PLI provides financial incentives to companies in key sectors like electronics, pharma, textiles, and more.

It encourages large-scale manufacturing and makes Indian industries globally competitive.

18. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

This scheme was launched in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio and promote education and empowerment of the girl child. It involves coordinated efforts of the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education.

19. National Solar Mission

Part of India’s renewable energy goals, this mission aims to promote solar energy usage, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure energy security.

It targets installation of 100 GW of solar power capacity, contributing to the global fight against climate change.

20. One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)

ONORC enables migrant workers and beneficiaries to access subsidized food grains from any fair price shop in India using their Aadhaar-based ration cards. It promotes portability and food security across states.

Conclusion

Central Government schemes in India play a critical role in driving inclusive development, reducing poverty, and empowering citizens. From health and education to infrastructure and innovation, these programs are strategically designed to ensure equitable growth. Effective implementation, awareness among citizens, and periodic reforms are key to realizing their full potential.

As India progresses, these schemes continue to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of society and the global economy.