Newly Launched Govt Schemes: In 2024, when the Modi government came back to power for the third time, it introduced several schemes as promised. These include initiatives ranging from Bima Sakhi Yojana to One Nation One Subscription. The Modi government has particularly focused on schemes related to women and students in its third term. Let’s take a look at the new schemes introduced by the Modi government in 2024.
1. Bima Sakhi Yojana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ under the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). Under this scheme, two lakh women insurance agents will be appointed over the next three years. The ‘Insurance Sakhi Yojana’ aims to empower women by appointing women aged 18-70 years, who have passed at least the 10th grade, as insurance agents. To promote financial literacy and insurance awareness, these women will undergo special training and receive an honorarium for the first three years.
Under the scheme, the female agents will receive an honorarium of Rs 7,000 per month in the first year, Rs 6,000 per month in the second year, and Rs 5,000 per month in the third year. In addition to the honorarium, insurance rakhis will also earn a commission. LIC plans to appoint two lakh insurance women over the next three years. After receiving training, these women can work as LIC agents. Graduates among the insurance sakhis will also have the opportunity to qualify for the role of development officer at LIC.
2. One Nation One Subscription Scheme
The Modi government has approved the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ scheme, designed with the youth in mind. The scheme aims to provide nationwide access to research articles and journal publications. Here are the key details:
- Total Allocation: Rs 6,000 crore for three years (2025-2027).
- Purpose: To expand access to quality higher education and promote research and development.
- Scope: The scheme will benefit all higher educational institutions managed by the Central or State Government, as well as research and development institutions of the Central Government.
- Implementation: A national ‘subscription’ will be coordinated by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Additional Benefits: It complements the ANRF initiative to foster a culture of research and innovation, and will provide access to journals through an integrated portal managed by the Department of Higher Education.
3. PAN 2.0 Scheme
The government has launched the Rs 1,435 crore ‘PAN 2.0’ project, aimed at transforming the use of Permanent Account Number (PAN) in digital systems. Key points of the PAN 2.0 scheme include:
- Objective: To make PAN a ‘common business identifier’ for all digital government systems.
- Benefits:
- Improved taxpayer registration services through technology-driven transformation.
- Enhanced access and quicker service delivery with better quality.
- Single source and uniformity of data for greater efficiency.
- Eco-friendly processes with a focus on security and infrastructure optimization for cost savings and agility.
4. PM-Vidyalakshmi Yojana
The Modi government launched the PM-Vidyalakshmi Yojana to provide financial assistance to meritorious students to help them pursue quality higher education without financial constraints. Key points include:
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in top Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), as per the NIRF rankings, including government and private institutions.
Loan Facility: Students can avail loans without collateral or a guarantor to cover tuition fees and other course-related expenses.
5. PM Internship Scheme
The PM Internship Scheme offers opportunities for youth aged 21-24 years. Key features:
- Duration & Assistance: Interns receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for 12 months and a one-time grant of Rs 6,000.
- Target: 1.25 lakh internships in the current financial year, with an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore.
6. PM E-Drive Scheme
This amazing scheme was Launched with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, the PM E-Drive Scheme encourages electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure development. Key details:
- Subsidy for Electric Two-Wheelers: Rs 5,000 per kWh in the first year, halved to Rs 2,500 per kWh in the second year.
- Duration: The scheme runs from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.
7. PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishonnati Yojana
Two major agricultural schemes with an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore have been approved to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure food security. These schemes are PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).
- PM-RKVY: This scheme will focus on promoting sustainable farming.
- Krishonnati Yojana: This scheme will aim to ensure food security and self-reliance in the agricultural sector.
A total of Rs 1,01,321.61 crore will be allocated to these two schemes. Of this, Rs 57,074.72 crore is earmarked for RKVY, while Rs 44,246.89 crore will go to the Krishonnati Yojana.
Additionally, 18 existing agricultural schemes have been integrated into these two initiatives. The central government will implement these schemes in collaboration with state governments.
8. Skill Loan Scheme
The Revised Skill Loan Scheme offers loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh for skill development:
- Target: Help 25,000 students annually.
- Expanded Eligibility: Includes regional rural banks and NBFCs, in addition to scheduled banks.
9. PM Solar Ghar Yojana
PM Solar Ghar Yojana Launched on February 15, 2024, this scheme provides subsidies for rooftop solar panel installations:
- Subsidy: Up to 40% of the cost of solar panels.
10. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
The government expanded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above:
- Coverage: Free health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh per family.
- Beneficiaries: 4.5 crore families, including 6 crore senior citizens.
Key Benefits
- Target Group: All senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
- Coverage Amount: Free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family.
- Beneficiaries: Approximately 4.5 crore families, including 6 crore senior citizens.
- Eligibility: No socio-economic status restrictions for senior citizens in this age group.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The expansion ensures senior citizens have access to essential health services.