Central government schemes are an essential part of the public policy framework in most countries. The primary objective of these schemes is to provide support to various sections of society and to promote inclusive growth and development. These schemes can be in the form of subsidies, grants, loans, or tax benefits, and they are designed to address various socio-economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, education, healthcare, rural development, and many others.
In many countries, the central government schemes are also aimed at promoting specific sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing, to drive economic growth and development. For example, the Make in India scheme in India was launched to promote manufacturing and industrial development, while the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is aimed at providing crop insurance to farmers.
The implementation of central government schemes is usually the responsibility of the concerned ministries or departments of the government. These ministries or departments are responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring the schemes to ensure that they are achieving the desired objectives. In some cases, central government schemes are implemented in collaboration with state governments, local bodies, or other stakeholders to ensure that they are effectively implemented at the grassroots level.
In many countries, the central government schemes are also subject to periodic review and evaluation to assess their effectiveness and impact. Based on these evaluations, the schemes are either modified or discontinued to ensure that they continue to serve their intended purpose.
Overall, central government schemes are an important tool for governments to promote socio-economic development, support vulnerable sections of society, and drive economic growth and development. These schemes play a critical role in creating a more equitable and inclusive society and promoting sustainable development.
Some of the popular Central Government schemes in India, along with their benefits, features, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the process to apply for these schemes.
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Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
Overview: PMJDY is a financial inclusion scheme launched in August 2014 to provide access to financial services to the unbanked population of India. Benefits: PMJDY offers a range of benefits, including a zero-balance savings account, debit card, insurance coverage, and overdraft facilities. Features: The scheme aims to provide access to financial services to all households in the country by opening bank accounts for them. Eligibility: Any citizen of India who is above the age of 10 can open a PMJDY account. Documents required: The only document required to open a PMJDY account is the Aadhaar card or any other government-approved ID proof. Process: Individuals can visit any bank branch or banking correspondent to open a PMJDY account.
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Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
Overview: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a cleanliness drive launched by the Government of India in 2014 to promote cleanliness and hygiene in the country. Benefits: The primary benefit of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is improved public health and hygiene. Features: The scheme aims to achieve a cleaner and more hygienic India by promoting sanitation and hygiene practices. Eligibility: The scheme is open to all citizens of India. Documents required: No documents are required to participate in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Process: Individuals can participate in the scheme by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings and promoting hygiene practices.
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Ayushman Bharat:
Overview: Ayushman Bharat is a national health protection scheme launched in 2018 to provide health insurance coverage to economically weaker sections of society. Benefits: The scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year. Features: Ayushman Bharat aims to provide access to quality healthcare services to the underprivileged sections of society. Eligibility: The scheme is open to individuals who fall under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 database. Documents required: The scheme requires individuals to provide their Aadhaar card or any other government-approved ID proof. Process: Individuals can apply for Ayushman Bharat through the online portal or by visiting the nearest empanelled hospital.
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Digital India:
Overview: Digital India is an initiative launched in 2015 to promote digital infrastructure and services in the country. Benefits: The scheme aims to improve digital literacy and promote online services across the country. Features: The scheme aims to provide access to digital infrastructure and services to all citizens of India. Eligibility: The scheme is open to all citizens of India. Documents required: No documents are required to participate in Digital India. Process: Individuals can participate in the scheme by using online services and promoting digital literacy among others.
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Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
Overview: PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme launched in 2016 to provide financial support to farmers in case of crop failure. Benefits: The scheme provides financial support to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural calamities or other unforeseen events. Features: PMFBY aims to provide a comprehensive insurance cover to farmers at an affordable premium. Eligibility: The scheme is open to all farmers in the country. Documents required: Farmers need to provide documents related to land ownership, cultivation, and crop details to apply for the scheme. Process: Farmers can apply for the scheme through the online portal or by visiting the nearest bank branch or insurance company.
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Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):
Overview: PMAY is a housing scheme launched in 2015 to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. Benefits: The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries to purchase or construct a house. Features: PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to all eligible beneficiaries by 2022. Eligibility: The scheme is open to individuals from the economically weaker section (EWS), low-income group (LIG), and middle-income group (MIG) categories. Documents required: Applicants need to provide documents related to identity, address, income, and property ownership to apply for the scheme. Process: Individuals can apply for the scheme through the online portal or by visiting the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):
Overview: PMUY is a scheme launched in 2016 to provide free LPG connections to women from below poverty line (BPL) households. Benefits: The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries to purchase a new LPG connection. Features: PMUY aims to provide clean cooking fuel to all eligible beneficiaries and promote the use of clean energy sources. Eligibility: The scheme is open to women from BPL households. Documents required: Applicants need to provide documents related to identity, address, and BPL status to apply for the scheme. Process: Individuals can apply for the scheme through the online portal or by visiting the nearest LPG distributor.
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Atal Pension Yojana (APY):
Overview: APY is a pension scheme launched in 2015 to provide financial security to the unorganized sector workers. Benefits: The scheme provides a guaranteed pension amount to subscribers after they attain the age of 60. Features: APY aims to provide social security to the unorganized sector workers and promote a culture of savings. Eligibility: The scheme is open to all citizens of India aged between 18 and 40 years. Documents required: Applicants need to provide documents related to identity and address to apply for the scheme. Process: Individuals can apply for the scheme through the online portal or by visiting the nearest bank branch.
In conclusion, Central Government schemes play a crucial role in promoting socio-economic development, supporting vulnerable sections of society, and driving economic growth and development in India. The above schemes are just a few examples of the various schemes implemented by the Central Government to achieve these goals. The eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process may vary depending on the scheme. Therefore, individuals must carefully read the scheme details before applying for any scheme to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documents.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Central Government schemes mentioned:
- What is the eligibility criteria for the PM-KISAN scheme?
Ans: The PM-KISAN scheme is open to all farmers in the country who have cultivable land in their name. - What are the benefits of the National Pension System (NPS)?
Ans: The NPS offers various tax benefits and allows individuals to choose their pension fund managers and investment options. - Who can apply for the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
Ans: The Ayushman Bharat scheme is open to all families listed in the SECC 2011 database and covers up to 5 members of the family. - What is the objective of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?
Ans: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to achieve a clean and hygienic India by promoting cleanliness and sanitation practices. - What documents are required to apply for the PM Fasal Bima Yojana?
Ans: Farmers need to provide documents related to land ownership, cultivation, and crop details to apply for the scheme. - What is the eligibility criteria for the PMAY scheme?
Ans: The PMAY scheme is open to individuals from the economically weaker section (EWS), low-income group (LIG), and middle-income group (MIG) categories. - Who can apply for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana?
Ans: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is open to women from below poverty line (BPL) households. - What is the age limit to apply for the Atal Pension Yojana?
Ans: The Atal Pension Yojana is open to all citizens of India aged between 18 and 40 years.