Govt Schemes - January 2025 | General Test Preparation for CUET UG - CUET Commerce PDF Download

Central Government Schemes

MoF Keeps Interest Rate on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4 FY25

In December 2024, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) decided to maintain the interest rates on Small Savings Schemes (SSS) for the fourth quarter of the Financial Year 2024-25 (Q4 FY25), covering the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. This decision reflects the same rates as those notified for the third quarter of FY25.

This marks the fourth consecutive quarter in FY25 that the interest rates on SSS have remained unchanged.

Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes for Q4 FY25:

• Savings Deposit: 4.00%
• Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): 7.5% (maturing in 115 months)
• Public Provident Fund (PPF): 7.10%
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): 8.20%
• National Savings Certificate (NSC): 7.70%
• Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS): 7.40%
• Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (PO-MIS): 7.40%
• Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC): 7.50%

Launch of the 'One Nation, One Subscription' Scheme to Improve Access to Scholarly Resources for Government Institutions

On January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Education (MoE) introduced the first phase of the 'One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS)' scheme. This Central Sector Scheme (CSS) aims to provide government-run Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Central Government Research and Development (R&D) centers across India with access to top-quality scholarly articles and journals.

The scheme received approval from the Government of India (GoI) in November 2024, with a budget of Rs 6,000 crore allocated for its implementation over three years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

The first phase of ONOS is coordinated by INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network), an Inter-University Centre based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, under the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the MoE.

Government Introduces PLI Scheme 1.1 for Specialty Steel to Enhance Domestic Production

On January 6, 2025, at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, Haradanahalli Devegowda Kumaraswamy, launched the second round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Specialty Steel, known as PLI Scheme 1.1.

• Application Period: The applications for PLI Scheme 1.1 will be open from January 6 to January 31, 2025.
• Funding and Duration: The scheme will operate within the previously allocated budget of Rs. 6,322 crore and will be implemented from the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 to FY 2029-30.
• Product Categories: PLI Scheme 1.1 covers five product categories, expanding on the existing PLI Scheme. These categories include: Coated/Plated Steel Products High Strength/Wear Resistant Steel Specialty Rails Alloy Steel Products & Steel Wires Electrical Steel

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UJALA Scheme and SLNP Programme Celebrate a Decade of Energy-Efficient Lighting

On January 5, 2025, the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED's for All (UJALA) scheme, a significant initiative by the Government of India (GoI) in energy efficiency, along with the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), will mark 10 years of successful implementation.

The UJALA scheme is being carried out by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power (MoP). LED bulbs offered through this scheme save nearly 90% of energy compared to Incandescent Lamps (ICLs) and 50% compared to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).

The scheme provides LED bulbs at significantly reduced rates, from around Rs 450 to Rs 500 per bulb in 2014 to Rs 70 per bulb, which has greatly contributed to reducing household energy consumption and promoting environmental sustainability.

TRAI Unveils Draft Order to Enhance PM-WANI Scheme

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), part of the Ministry of Communications, has put forth a draft order aimed at improving broadband tariffs for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme.

Key Proposal Details

• The proposed order suggests that the Fiber to the Home (FTTH) broadband tariff for PDOs should not exceed twice the retail broadband tariff of similar capacity offered by service providers.
• This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, and the Bharat 6G Vision, targeting the establishment of 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030.

Current Status

• As of July 2024, India has successfully deployed 207,642 PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots.

Introduction of the DIA Scheme by the Department of Commerce

In January 2025, the Department of Commerce (DoC) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme. This initiative is designed to boost the global competitiveness of India’s diamond sector. The implementation of this scheme is set to begin on 1 April 2025.

The scheme is open to all diamond exporters who meet the criteria of having annual exports of USD 15 million and holding at least a Two Star Export House status. These exporters will be eligible to receive benefits under the DIA Scheme.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Completed 10 Years

• The scheme was launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. Completion of 10 Years of BBBP marks a significant milestone which aligns with India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047 and the global shift from Women’s Development to Women-led Development.
• Improvement in SRB: The national SRB improved from 918 (in 2014-15) to 930 (in 2023-24). The maximum increase – of 54 points– was recorded in Rajasthan, followed by Haryana (38 points), Himachal Pradesh (33 points) and Gujarat (29 points).
• Increase in Girl’s Enrollment in Secondary Education: The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for girls has increased from 75.51% (in 2014-15) to 78% (in 2023-24). This indicates the positive influence of BBBP’s educational interventions.
• Increased Institutional Deliveries: BBBP also focused on improving healthcare access for women. Institutional deliveries increased from 61% (in 2014-15) to over 97.3% (by 2023-24).

Unified Pension Scheme for Central Government Employees

• In January 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option for central government employees who are already covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
• The scheme aims to offer retirees a guaranteed pension, ensuring financial security and dignity post-retirement.
• As per MoF, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) will monitor UPS regulations and provide operational guidelines.
• The scheme will come into effect from April 01, 2025.
• The central government has increased its contribution from 14% (currently under NPS) to 18.5%.

STATE Government Schemes

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Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Launches KSRTC Arogya Scheme for Cashless Medical Services

In January 2025, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of Karnataka introduced the 'KSRTC Arogya' health insurance scheme aimed at providing cashless medical treatment to employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and their families. The launch took place at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Launches PARTH Yojana

On January 10, 2025, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh launched the PARTH (Police Army Recruitment Training & Hunar) Yojana during the State Level Youth Festival. This initiative is designed to train the youth of Madhya Pradesh for recruitment in the Indian Army, police, paramilitary forces, and related services. The PARTH Yojana aims to foster patriotism, skill development, and enhance the employability of the state's dynamic and patriotic youth.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Launches Maiyyaan Sampan Yojana

• Launch of Maiyyaan Sampan Yojana: In January 2025, Chief Minister Hemant Soren of Jharkhand inaugurated the improved 'Maiyan Samman Yojana' in Namkum, Jharkhand.
• Financial Assistance: The scheme aimed to assist over 56.61 lakh women beneficiaries by transferring Rs 5,000 each to their accounts for two months.
• Initial Launch: The Maiyan Samman Yojana was originally launched in August 2024, providing Rs 1,000 per month to women aged 18 to 50.

MNRE Issued Operational Guidelines for Implementation of Various Components under PMSGMBY

• Operational Guidelines Issued: In January 2025, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released operational guidelines for various components under the 'Prime Minister-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY).'
• Components Covered: The guidelines included the 'Payment Security Mechanism' and 'Central Finance Assistance' components for Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) models and Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) models.
• Corpus Fund Allocation:. corpus fund of Rs 100 crore was allocated under the Payment Security Mechanism to mitigate investment risks in RESCO-based grid-connected rooftop solar models for the residential sector.

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MP CM Mohan Yadav Launches Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission

In January 2025, Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh (MP), inaugurated the "Swami Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission" to mark National Youth Day on January 12th. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The launch took place at the Ravindra Bhavan Auditorium in Bhopal, MP. During the event, CM Yadav also introduced the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission Portal and a theme song dedicated to the mission.

Chhattisgarh Launches 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana' for Landless Labourers

On January 20, 2025, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana' in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This scheme aims to provide financial support to landless agricultural labourer families, helping them improve their net income and overall quality of life. The initiative is designed to offer financial assistance of Rs 10,000 annually to landless agricultural labourers, Baigas, Gunias, and other landless families in the state.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: A Decade of Transforming Lives

On January 22, 2025, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), a flagship initiative by the Government of India (GoI) aimed at securing the financial future of girl children, will celebrate 10 years of successful implementation.

Launch and Purpose

• The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, as part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign.
• SSY is designed to promote the welfare and financial security of girl children in India.

Government Oversight

• The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

Account Details

• Minimum Deposit: To open an SSY account, a minimum deposit of Rs 250 is required. Subsequent deposits can be made in multiples of Rs 50, ensuring that at least Rs 250 is deposited in a financial year.
• Maximum Deposit: The maximum deposit allowed in an SSY account is Rs 1.5 lakh per financial year.