PMJAY Expanded to Include Informal Sector Workers
2026-09-09Background: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), launched in 2018 under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, provides health insurance cover to vulnerable families. It aims to reduce catastrophic health expenditures and improve access to quality healthcare services. Current Context: In a significant move, the Union Government announced the expansion of PMJAY to include a new category of beneficiaries: informal sector workers and their families, who were previously not covered. This initiative aims to bridge existing gaps in healthcare access. Impact: This expansion is expected to bring millions of additional individuals under the ambit of health insurance, significantly reducing their out-of-pocket medical expenses and strengthening India's journey towards universal health coverage.
Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Over 90% Rural Household Tap Connections
2026-09-09Background: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households by 2024. It is a flagship program under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Current Context: The Ministry of Jal Shakti released its latest progress report, highlighting that over 90% of rural households across the nation now have functional tap water connections. Several states have achieved 100% saturation, demonstrating significant strides. Additionally, new initiatives focusing on sustainable water resource management and greywater treatment were announced. Impact: This achievement significantly improves public health, reduces the drudgery of women and girls in fetching water, and contributes to overall rural development and well-being. The new initiatives will ensure long-term water security.
