Centre Launches Special Apprenticeship Scheme for Northeast Youth
In a major boost to skill development in India's northeastern region, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched a pilot apprenticeship scheme aimed at promoting hands-on industrial training among youth from the region.
The scheme was jointly launched in Aizawl by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram.
The initiative offers an additional ₹1,500 monthly stipend over existing allowances, targeting 26,000 youth to improve access to employment-oriented training opportunities.
May 14, 2025
Maharashtra Launches Policy to Promote Artificial Sand Use
In a step toward environmental sustainability and regulated construction practices, the Maharashtra government approved a new policy to promote the use of artificial sand (manufactured sand or m-sand). The state cabinet, in a meeting decided to make m-sand compulsory for all construction works undertaken by government and semi-government agencies. This move aims to curb the rampant and environmentally damaging extraction of natural river sand.
May 13, 2025
Uttar Pradesh Expands ODOP Scheme with 12 New Products
In a move to further promote local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, the Uttar Pradesh government added 12 new products under its flagship One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, increasing the total to 74 products across the state's 75 districts. This expansion reinforces the government's commitment to empowering artisans, boosting exports, and driving the local economy towards a $1 trillion goal.
The ODOP Scheme was launched in 2018 by the Yogi Adityanath government.
May 12, 2025
Three Jan Suraksha Schemes Complete 10 Years of Providing Social Security Cover
The three Jansuraksha schemes completed 10 years of providing social security cover today. The three schemes- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) were launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 9, 2015. All three schemes were envisioned to extend affordable financial protection to all, particularly the underserved and vulnerable sections of society. These flagship schemes aim to broaden the insurance and pension landscape by shielding citizens against life's uncertainties and fostering long-term financial resilience.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is designed to provide Life Insurance cover for death due to any reason at premium of less than Rs. 2 per day.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is structured to provide accidental death and disability cover for death or disability on account of an accident, up to Rs. 2 Lakh to persons aged between 18-70 years, at a minimal premium of less than Rs. 2 per month.
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) was launched to create a universal social security system for all Indians, especially the poor, the under-privileged and the workers in the unorganised sector. It is an initiative of the Government to provide financial security and cover future exigencies for the people in the unorganised sector. APY is administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the overall administrative and institutional architecture of the National Pension System (NPS).
May 10, 2025
Centre Expands Credit Guarantee Scheme for Start-ups
The Centre notified an expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Start-ups (CGSS). The revised scheme significantly enhances guarantee coverage and reduces associated fees, in a bid to ease access to debt funding for early-stage and innovation-driven enterprises.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced that the ceiling on guarantee cover per borrower under the CGSS was raised from Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 20 crore. Simultaneously, the extent of guarantee coverage was revised to 85% of the amount in default for loan amounts up to Rs. 10 crore and 75% for amounts exceeding that limit.