Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-05-05

Background: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2019 to supplement the financial needs of all landholding farmer families. It aims to provide income support to farmers to enable them to meet expenses related to agriculture and allied activities, as well as domestic needs. Current Context: The government continues to disburse installments of PM-KISAN, ensuring direct benefit transfer to eligible farmers. Recent reports indicate ongoing efforts to onboard new beneficiaries and address any discrepancies in the database to ensure seamless fund flow. The scheme has been instrumental in providing a crucial financial cushion to millions of farmers across the country. Impact: PM-KISAN has significantly improved the financial stability of small and marginal farmers, reducing their dependence on informal credit sources. It has also contributed to increased investment in agricultural inputs and improved farming practices, thereby boosting agricultural productivity and rural economy.

Background: The National Health Mission (NHM) was launched in 2013, subsuming the National Rural Health Mission and the National Urban Health Mission. It aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all citizens, with a focus on underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized populations. Key components include maternal and child health, disease control, and strengthening health infrastructure. Current Context: NHM continues to be a cornerstone of India's public health strategy. Recent initiatives focus on expanding the reach of primary healthcare services, improving diagnostic facilities, and leveraging technology for better health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on achieving Universal Health Coverage and addressing health inequities across different regions. Impact: NHM has led to significant improvements in key health indicators, such as reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, increased institutional deliveries, and better control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. It has strengthened the public health system, making healthcare more accessible to a larger segment of the population.

Background: The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in 2017. Its primary objective is to make at least 40% of rural households digitally literate by March 2027. The scheme aims to empower citizens with digital skills, enabling them to participate in the digital economy and access various online services. Current Context: PMGDISHA is actively working towards its target of digitally empowering rural citizens. Training centers are operational across the country, providing courses on basic digital operations, internet usage, and online financial transactions. The scheme is continuously being monitored to ensure quality of training and effective reach to the intended beneficiaries. Impact: The scheme has significantly increased digital literacy rates in rural areas, enabling individuals to access government schemes, online education, and e-commerce opportunities. It has bridged the digital divide, fostering greater inclusion and empowering citizens with the skills necessary to navigate the increasingly digital world.