APRIL - 2024

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Government
Schemes
(1st to 15th April 2024)

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Contents
Government Schemes (1st to 15th April 2024) ............................................................................................................. 2
FIRST SECTION .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP ................................................................................... 4
1.1 Skill India Mission ............................................................................................................................................. 4
MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES ................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Production Linked Incentive scheme “National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage ... 5
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE ............................................................................................................. 6
1.3 Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) ....................................................................................................... 6
MINISTRY OF FINANCE.................................................................................................................................................. 7
1.4 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) ........................................................................................................... 7
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 9
1.5 National Quantum Mission............................................................................................................................... 9
MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ........................................................................................10
1.6 MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme ...............................................................................................................10
MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY...........................................................................................................12
1.7 R&D Scheme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission...........................................................................12
SECOND SECTION........................................................................................................................................................13
1.8 Postal Life Insurance Scheme .........................................................................................................................13
1.9 Gramin Dak Sevaks (Grant of Financial Upgradation) Scheme, 2024 ............................................................14

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 FIRST SECTION

MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

1.1 Skill India Mission

Why in News?
• The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has issued guidelines for training
assessors in domain and platform skills, with an aim to focus on learning outcomes and competency-based
assessments for skills training by different awarding bodies.
• Guidelines stress standardization in assessor training for a robust and scalable assessment model.
o Assessors must be certified on the national skills qualification framework before assessing batches
in skilling verticals.
o Standardization aims to create a level playing field and build employer confidence in certified
skilled workforce.
o Responsible entities for assessor training include National Skill Trainers’ Institutes, Directorate
General of Training (DGT), sector skill councils (SSCs), skill universities, and private training
providers.

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 MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

1.2 Production Linked Incentive scheme “National Programme on Advanced

Chemistry Cell Battery Storage
Why in News?

• PLI scheme for National Programme on ACC Battery Storage has been discussed in India Energy Storage
Week 2024 (IESW 2024) curtain raiser event.
• India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is celebrating its 10th anniversary edition of the India IESW Conference
and Exhibition this year. The IESW 2024 is scheduled on July 1-5, 2024 in New Delhi.

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 MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

1.3 Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

Why in News?
• The government has released an explainer related to Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA). ABHA is
an integral component of ABDM aiming to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated
digital health infrastructure of the country.
• Any individual can enrol in ABDM to generate a Health ID or ABHA, free of cost.
• ABHA does not mean the eligibility of a person for the particular scheme including AB-PMJAY. ABHA
integrates electronic health records, facilitating the storage and retrieval of patient information. This helps
in maintaining medical histories and streamlining healthcare delivery.

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 MINISTRY OF FINANCE

1.4 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

Why in News?
• Disbursals under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) crossed ₹5 lakh crore in FY24.
• Disbursals amounted to ₹5.20 lakh crore, up from ₹4.40 lakh crore in the previous fiscal year.
• Loan Distribution Details:
o Loans sanctioned in FY24 were ₹5.28 lakh crore.
o Nearly 70% of loan beneficiaries are women.
• Cumulative Disbursal and Institutional Support:
o Since 2015, approximately ₹46 lakh crore has been disbursed through Mudra loans.
o Institutional support includes guarantees provided by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee
Company Ltd. (NCGTC) for eligible micro units.

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 MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1.5 National Quantum Mission

Why in News?
• Government of India celebrated World Quantum Day 2024 on April 14, 2024.

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 MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

1.6 MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme

Why in News?
• Quality Council of India (QCI) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) have partnered to promote awareness and
participation in the MSME Competitive Lean Scheme (MCLS).
• Focus of MoU - facilitating adoption of lean principles and sustainable practices among LUB members, who
are primarily MSMEs.
• Initiatives Under MoU:
o Roadmap includes awareness programs, camps, and consultations at state and district levels.
o A designated nodal officer from each organization will handle all MCLS-related matters.
• Role of NABET (Implementing Agency):
o NABET will encourage LUB members to register for MCLS and provide necessary support.
o It will assist members in progressing through Lean Basic, Lean Intermediate, and Lean Advance
levels of the scheme.

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 MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

1.7 R&D Scheme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission

Why in News?
• Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India has issued Guidelines for implementation of
R&D Scheme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

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 SECOND SECTION
1.8 Postal Life Insurance Scheme
Why in News?
• Central government has approved reversionary bonus for Postal Life Insurance Scheme (PLI) and Rural
Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) Scheme for FY 2024-25.
• Postal Life Insurance Scheme rates:
o Whole life assurance (WLA): ₹76 per thousand of sum assured (₹60 per thousand for RPLI)
o Endowment assurance (EA): ₹52 per thousand of sum assured (₹48 per thousand for RPLI)
o Anticipated endowment assurance (AEA): ₹48 per thousand of sum assured (₹45 per thousand for
RPLI)
o Terminal bonus rate: ₹20 per sum assured of ₹10,000, up to maximum of ₹1,000 for WLA and EA
policies with term of 20 years or more.
• Rates effective from April 1, 2024, with interim bonus applicable until future valuation is completed.
• Latest policy holder figures (FY21-22):
o Postal Life Insurance Scheme - over 47.5 lakh
o Rural Postal Life Insurance Scheme - over 57.81 lakh

Postal Life Insurance (PLI):

• Established on February 1, 1884, initially as a welfare scheme exclusively for the benefit of postal
employees.
• Expansion: In 1888, the scheme was extended to cover employees of the Telegraph Department.
• Gender Inclusivity: Notably, in 1894, PLI became one of the first insurance schemes to cover female
employees of the Posts and Telegraphs (P&T) Department, at a time when most other insurance
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 providers did not offer coverage to women.
• Coverage Extension: Over time, PLI expanded its coverage to include:
o Employees of the Union Government and State governments.
o Central and State public sector undertakings.
o Universities and government-aided educational institutions.
o Nationalized banks.
o Local bodies and autonomous bodies.
o Joint ventures with at least 10% government or PSU stake.
o Credit cooperative societies.
o Inclusion of Defense and Paramilitary Forces:
• Inclusion of Defense and Paramilitary Forces: PLI also provides insurance coverage to:
o Officers and staff of the defense services.
o Paramilitary forces.
• Objective: to offer insurance protection to a wide spectrum of government and public sector employees,
thereby promoting financial security and welfare among these groups.
• Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI):
o Introduction: RPLI was introduced on March 24, 1995, based on recommendations from the
Official Committee for Reforms in the Insurance Sector, chaired by former RBI Governor R.N.
Malhotra.
o Target Audience: RPLI was specifically designed to cater to the insurance needs of rural
communities.
o Focus on Weaker Sections and Women Workers: The scheme aims to benefit weaker sections of
society and women workers in rural areas by providing them with insurance coverage.
o Insurance Awareness: Additionally, RPLI seeks to enhance insurance awareness and penetration
among the rural populace, promoting financial inclusion and security.

1.9 Gramin Dak Sevaks (Grant of Financial Upgradation) Scheme, 2024

Why in News?
• Ministry of Communications has unveiled a financial upgradation scheme to improve service conditions
and remove stagnation in service of more than 2.56 lakhs Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs) working in the
Department of Posts.
• The GDSs serve as the backbone of the Department of Posts in rural areas and play a vital role in delivering
postal and financial services to the remotest part of our nation.

• Applicability: The scheme shall be applicable to all GDS engaged on regular basis in accordance with the
GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules.
• Every Gramin Dak Sevak will get three financial upgradations on completion of 12, 24 and 36 years of
service amounting to Rs 4,320/-, Rs. 5,520/-, and Rs 7,200/- per annum respectively.
• This is in addition to the remuneration provided to GDS in the form of ‘Time Related Continuity
Allowance (TRCA)’.

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Government
Schemes
(16th to 30th April 2024)

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Contents
Government Schemes (16th to 30th April 2024) ..........................................................................................................15
FIRST SECTION ............................................................................................................................................................17
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT .........................................................................................................................17
1.1 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) .........................................17
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE ..............................................................................................19
1.2 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme .....................................................................................................................19
MINISTRY OF FINANCE................................................................................................................................................21
1.3 National Pension System (NPS) ......................................................................................................................21
1.4 PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage and Augmentation Drive) Scheme...................22
1.5 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.................................................................................................................................23
SECOND SECTION........................................................................................................................................................25
1.6 PRAYAAS Scheme............................................................................................................................................25
1.7 Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-II (Government Producer Scheme) .....................26
1.8 Tea Development & Promotion Scheme ........................................................................................................27
1.9 EV Policy for Promotion of Manufacturing of EVs in India .............................................................................28
REFERENCE SECTION ..................................................................................................................................................28

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 FIRST SECTION

MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-

NRLM)
Why in News?

• Reserve Bank of India has released the master circular on DAY-NRLM. The Master Circular consolidates and
updates all the instructions/guidelines on the subject issued till date.

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 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

1.2 Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

Why in News?

• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has partnered with RBI Innovation Hub
(RBIH) to fast-track digital agri lending. NABARD will integrate its e-KCC loan origination system portal with
the Public Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit (PTPFC) of RBIH.

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• NABARD has developed the loan origination system portal to facilitate digital Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan
processing for cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

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 MINISTRY OF FINANCE

1.3 National Pension System (NPS)

Why in News?
• NPS assets under management (AUM) grew by 30.5% in 2023-24, reaching ₹11.73 lakh crore, driven
largely by the non-government sector's increased
participation.
• Growth was fueled by 9.47 lakh new subscribers from
the non-government sector, with 8.10 lakh joining
the 'all citizen model' and 1.37 lakh being corporate
employees.
• Equity assets constitute around 18% of the overall
AUM, while for the Retail and Corporate Segment, it is
relatively higher at around 40-45%.

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 MINISTRY OF TOURISM

1.4 PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage and Augmentation

Drive) Scheme
Why in News?
• Simhachalam temple town in Visakhapatnam will undergo an infrastructure overhaul under the Central
Government’s PRASHAD scheme, at an estimated cost of ₹54 crore.

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MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

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 1.5 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Why in News?
• ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme has been in the news recently.

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 SECOND SECTION

1.6 PRAYAAS Scheme

Why in News?
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in association with Women’s World Banking (WWB)
inked an MoU with Jeevika, Bihar State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) and UMED, Maharashtra-SRLM to
extend Prayaas scheme to SHG individual women through cluster level federations (CLFs).
• This partnership will catalyse SIDBI’s goal of impacting 500,000 informal micro enterprises by piloting the
direct credit under partnership arrangements by 2025.
• SIDBI in the pilot phase will partner 35-40 CLFs across Bihar and Maharashtra with a target of serving
affordable credit of up to`Rs 2 lakh to 5,000 women entrepreneurs.

• Run by: Small Industries Development Board of India (SIDBI)

• Objective:
o To facilitate access to affordable credit to informal micro-entrepreneurs/ micro-enterprises
(IMEs) for their livelihood enterprise promotion
o The scheme provides door-step assistance with the help of Partner Institutions, who assist SIDBI
in the credit processes including collection of application information, digital documentation,
collections, etc.
o A faster credit delivery is ensured with the help of seamless digital integration between OPI and
SIDBI and with the help of Prayaas App/ portal.
• Partner Institutions:
o Financial Intermediaries (BC/ MFI/ SHPI/ NBFC/ FinTech’s, etc.)
o Non-Financial Intermediaries (Corporates, Aggregators, etc.)
• Operational Areas: PAN India
• Scheme Impact (Status as of December 2023)
o Number of beneficiaries: More than 1,59,000 beneficiaries have been assisted under the
scheme.
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 o Scheme coverage: The scheme is operational in 400+ districts of 27 States/UTs.
o Assistance to women beneficiaries: More than 87% of the beneficiaries assisted under the
scheme are women entrepreneurs.
o Assistance to Socially Backward sections: More than 70% of the assisted beneficiaries belong to
the socially backward sections of society.
• The scheme offers up to Rs 5 lakh loan in partnership with financial and non-financial intermediaries to
women and micro entrepreneurs.
• SIDBI has a dedicated corpus of Rs 1,000 crore earmarked for the programme.

1.7 Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-II (Government

Producer Scheme)
Why in News?
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has denied further extension to the timeline of CPSU Scheme
Phase-II.
• The deadline to meet the target of 12,000 MW grid-connected solar PV projects is 30th September 2024.
• Status of implementation: Under this Scheme, the Government has so far sanctioned about 8.2 GW
capacity of solar PV power plants

• Launch: March 2019.

• Objective: To establish 12,000 MW of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power projects by
government producers with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support, aimed at self-use or for
government/government entities, either directly or through Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• Implementation Agency:
o For first two tranches bid out till 31.12.2020: Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI)
o For subsequent tranches: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA).
o Implementing agency will handle the scheme on behalf of MNRE including conducting bidding on
VGF basis, for selection of Government Producers for implementing this Scheme.
o Implementing agency will be given a fee of 1% of the VGF disbursed for conducting bidding,
handling the funds, monitoring of the projects and managing all aspects of the Scheme.
• Tenure: 4 years (FY19-20 to 22-23) – increased till 30 Sept 2024.
• Financial Outlay: VGF support of Rs. 8,580 crores for the setup of solar projects.
o Maximum permissible VGF has been kept at Rs. 0.55 crore/MW (0.70 crore/MW earlier).
o The VGF is utilized to bridge the cost gap between domestic and imported solar modules.
o The VGF provided can be used by Government Producers as their equity in solar power projects
being setup by them under this scheme.
• Eligibility: Eligible entities are government producers who can set up solar power projects for self-use or
for use by other government entities.
• Key Features:
o Pricing: The power usage charge has been set at a maximum of Rs. 2.45/unit, excluding other
charges like wheeling, transmission, and cross-subsidy surcharges.
o Viability Gap Funding: VGF is provided to make up for the price difference between domestic and
imported solar components, enhancing competitiveness of domestic manufacturing.
o Funding Disbursement: VGF is released in two stages—50% on awarding the contract and the
remaining 50% upon successful project commissioning.

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 o Timeline for project commissioning: The solar power projects under this scheme shall be
commissioned within a period of 30 months from the date of letter of award.
o Comprehensive Support: The scheme also supports the setup of projects in Solar Parks under the
UMREPP/Solar Park Scheme and the CPSU Scheme Phase-II, allowing combined benefits.
o Extended Scope: New sub-components are included for encouraging the setting up of blending
and packaging units, research on blends and value-added products, quality assurance measures,
and technological interventions like drone surveillance and blockchain for better management
and traceability in solar projects.

1.8 Tea Development & Promotion Scheme

Why in News?
• The financial assistance for the Tea sector under ‘Tea Development & Promotion Scheme’ has been
increased by 82% from Rs. 290.81 crores to Rs.528.97 crore for next 2 financial years (2024-25 & 2025-26).

• Launch Year: 2021

• Tenure: 2021 to 2026 (15th Finance Commission Cycle)
• Objective:
o To improve the production, productivity, quality of the Indian teas in order to remain competitive
in global markets.
o Focus on the development of the small tea growers, their collectivization for moving up in value
chain.
o Value addition in teas for better price realization and share in export markets
o Explore the potential of tea grown in North-Eastern States
o Focus in improving the per capita consumption of tea
o Improving tea exports from India to high value markets
o Encouraging research and development and other technological innovation to bring transparency
in the entire supply chain as envisaged in the Tea Act, 1953
• Scheme has the seven major components covering the broad areas of Indian Tea Industry:
o Component 1: Plantation Development for small tea growers
o Component 2: Sector Specific Action Plan for NITI Forum for North East
o Component 3: Market Promotion
o Component 4: Welfare of Workers (wards of the small tea growers)
o Component 5: Research and Development
o Component 6: Regulatory Functions & Auction Reforms
o Component 7: Establishment expenses.
• Eligibility: Small tea growers including members of self-help groups and Farmers Producer Organizations
having Tea Board registration or identity smart card (QR based) issued by Tea Board, having unique
identification number generated.
• Setting up of 800 SHGs and 330 FPOs has been envisaged in the next 2 financial years with an increased
assistance of Rs 105.5 Cr.
• This will increase coverage of small tea growers from 1000 to more than 30,000 in the next two years.
• A new separate sub-component of Quality Assurance has been included in the scheme with an outlay of
Rs 39.9 Crore. Out of this Rs 20 Crore has been provided for setting up / upgradation of Tea testing
laboratories.

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 1.9 EV Policy for Promotion of Manufacturing of EVs in India
Why in News?
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry has approved an E-Vehicle Policy.

Key Highlights
• Policy mandates a minimum investment of Rs 4150 Cr, with no cap on maximum investment for
companies setting up electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturing facilities.
• A timeline of 3 years is set for establishing manufacturing units and commencing commercial
production of EVs.
• Businesses meeting the investment and domestic manufacturing criteria will be allowed to import up to
8,000 EVs annually at a reduced import duty of 15% for vehicles priced at $35,000 (which includes
Vehicle cost, insurance and freight charges) and above, against current import taxes of 70% to 100% on
imported cars, depending on their value.
o Duty foregone on the total number of EV allowed for import would be limited to the investment
made or ₹6484 Cr (equal to incentive under PLI scheme) whichever is lower.
o A maximum of 40,000 EVs at the rate of not more than 8,000 per year would be permissible if the
investment is of USD 800 Mn or more.
o The carryover of unutilized annual import limits would be permitted.
• Policy specifies that at least 25% of components must be procured domestically, aiming for a
localization level of 25% by the 3rd year and 50% by the 5th year.
• Investment Guarantee: Companies must back their investment commitment with a bank guarantee,
which will be invoked in case of non-achievement of DVA and minimum investment criteria.
• Aimed at promoting the country as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EVs).

REFERENCE SECTION

SchemesTap – March 2024

Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana:
• Indian Bank has partnered with Tata Power Solar Systems to offer financing for customers under the
Centre's Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Scheme to install solar rooftop systems in
residences.
Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Automobile and Auto-Components:
• Automobile and auto parts makers in India invested a total Rs 13,000 crore in the past year for
manufacturing green vehicles and related parts under PLI Auto scheme.
• 8 automakers and parts suppliers – Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, Ola Electric, Toyota
Kirloskar Auto Parts, TVS Motor Company, Sona BLW Precision Forgings, Delphi TVS Technologies have
invested and got approval under the PLI scheme.
• It is estimated that in the five-year period, the PLI scheme will lead to incremental production of over Rs
2.3 lakh crore, creating more than 7,50,000 jobs.

SchemesTap – January 2024

Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor's Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANIDHI):
• As of 31st March 2024, interest subsidy of Rs 147.82 crore has been released to scheme beneficiaries.
• Total number of 84.51 lakh loans have been disbursed under PM SVANidhi Scheme, out of these, over
30.11 lakh loans have been repaid so far.
• Out of the total outlay of Rs. 2096.49 crore, over 60% or 1262.49 crore has been utilized.
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