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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - June 2023

Jun 2023

Dec 28, 2025

Delhi govt. opens Atal Canteens on Vajpayee's birth anniversary

The Delhi government inaugurated the first batch of 45 Atal Canteens on Thursday to mark the 101^st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative aims to ensure food security with dignity by providing full meals at ₹5. The canteens were launched at multiple locations across the national capital by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with MPs and Union and Delhi Cabinet Ministers. Speaking at the inauguration of an Atal Canteen in Lajpat Nagar, Ms. Gupta said the programme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a society where no one goes hungry and every citizen lives with equality and self-respect.

Delhi government inaugurates 45 Atal Canteens on Vajpayee's 101^st birth anniversary
Full meals provided at a subsidised price of ₹5
Canteens launched across multiple locations in Delhi
Inaugurated by CM Rekha Gupta along with MPs and Cabinet Ministers
Initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi's vision of food security with dignity

Dec 26, 2025

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Marks 25 Years of Transforming Rural Connectivity

One of India's most impactful rural infrastructure initiatives, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) marks its 25th anniversary in December. Launched on 25th December 2000 to ensure all-weather connectivity to previously unconnected rural habitations, the programme has emerged as a key enabler of agricultural growth, employment generation, improved access to education and health services, and poverty alleviation.
Since its inception, over 8 lakh 25 thousand kilometres of rural roads have been sanctioned under PM Gram Sadak Yojana, with more than 7 lakh 87 thousand kilometres completed.

Dec 25, 2025

Two new Indian airlines get NOCs, revive competition after IndiGo crisis

India's civil aviation ministry has granted no objection certificates to Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, enabling fresh competition in the domestic market. A third carrier, Shankh Air from Uttar Pradesh, which already holds an NOC, is expected to begin operations in 2026. The approvals come after IndiGo faced a crisis that highlighted a duopoly, with the Air India Group and IndiGo together accounting for over 90% of the market, and IndiGo alone holding more than 65%. Officials say more players can broaden choice, spur better services and keep prices in check. Regulators emphasise safety and compliance as the sector expands and new airlines enter.

Al Hind Air and FlyExpress received NOCs; Shankh Air also has an NOC and is slated to start in 2026.
IndiGo and Air India together control over 90% of domestic air travel; IndiGo alone >65%.
Move aims to increase competition, improve schedules and lower prices for passengers.
Regulators stress ongoing focus on safety, slots, and regulatory compliance for new entrants.
Policy signals government support for new market entrants in civil aviation.

National interaction on Viksit Bharat Gram-GRAM Act and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act held

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a national-level video conference with Self Help Group members to discuss the Viksit Bharat Gram-GRAM Act and the Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The online event drew massive participation, with over 35.29 lakh participants from more than 2.55 lakh villages. Officials explained key provisions under Gram-GRAM and the Rozgar and Ajeevika schemes, focusing on rural employment, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. The session aimed to clarify eligibility, processes, and benefits for SHG members, and to gather feedback from grassroots groups. The exercise demonstrated the government’s commitment to inclusive rural development via digital outreach.

National-level video conference addressed Gram-GRAM Act and Gramin Ajeevika Act, 2025.
Over 35.29 lakh participants from more than 2.55 lakh villages joined online.
Provisions of Gram-GRAM and Rozgar/Ajeevika schemes explained to SHGs.
Focus on rural employment, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.
Aimed to improve reach and understanding of schemes at the village level.

Dec 24, 2025

DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh given AICTE chair charge

Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh was given additional charge as Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). His appointment follows the end of the term of the previous AICTE chair on December 20. The Education Ministry stated that the arrangement will continue until a regular AICTE Chairman is appointed or until further orders. The move places a senior academia administrator in charge of national technical education policy and regulation during the interim period.

Yogesh Singh appointed as interim AICTE Chairman.
Term lasts until a regular chair is appointed or further orders.
DU Vice-Chancellor takes charge after term end of prior chair.
Ministry specifies interim governance arrangement.

Madhya Pradesh to roll out rolling budget from 2026-27

Madhya Pradesh announced a rolling budget framework, making it the first Indian state to adopt three-year indicative estimates alongside the annual plan. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda said the 2026-27 state budget will reflect public expectations and broader democratic participation. Economists and policy experts attended the Budget Dialogue Programme where Devda revealed indicative budgets for 2027-28 and 2028-29 as part of the reform. The approach enables periodic revisions based on performance and evolving conditions, aiming to enhance transparency and long-term fiscal discipline, with the state seeking to lead in fiscal reform in the public sector.

Rolling budget framework to span three years (2026-27 to 2028-29).
Indicative estimates prepared for 2027-28 and 2028-29.
Aims to enhance transparency and long-term planning.
Announced during Budget Dialogue Programme with economists.
Positioning MP as a forerunner in fiscal reform.

Tax authority launches data-driven NUDGE campaign for AY 2025-26

The Income Tax Department launched a data-driven NUDGE campaign for Assessment Year 2025-26. Using risk analytics, the campaign targets taxpayers with potentially ineligible deductions or exemptions. They are asked via SMS and email to review and correct errors, ahead of the due date for revised ITRs on December 31. The approach aims to boost voluntary compliance by highlighting likely issues and simplifying corrections. Taxpayers are advised to verify deductions and ensure accuracy to avoid penalties or scrutiny, while authorities hope to reduce processing delays and improve tax administration efficiency.

NUDGE campaign for AY 2025-26 launched by IT Department.
Risk analytics identify potentially ineligible claims.
Communications via SMS and email for voluntary corrections.
Revised ITR due by December 31.
Aims to improve compliance and reduce processing delays.

MYAS launches Internship Policy to grow sports talent

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports unveiled a Comprehensive Internship Policy to build a robust pipeline of young professionals for India’s sports ecosystem. The policy commits 452 internships annually across MYAS and its autonomous bodies, including SAI, NADA and NDTL. It aims to expose students to governance, administration, anti-doping, event management, and athlete support services. The initiative aligns with the National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, prioritizing youth empowerment, capacity building, and professionalisation in sports administration. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described the program as a catalyst for developing a skilled workforce in national sport development.

452 internships annually across MYAS and autonomous bodies.
Exposure to governance, administration, anti-doping, event management.
Aligns with National Sports Policy and Khelo Bharat Niti 2025.
Focus on youth empowerment and capacity building.
Aims to professionalise sports administration.

Pension Adalat at IIPA resolves pension grievances

Union Minister Jitendra Singh chaired the 15th Pension Adalat at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. The Adalat examined 1,087 long-pending pension grievances across 24 ministries and departments, with a focus on family pension arrears and processing delays. The event, designed to expedite legitimate dues to pensioners, showcased the government’s commitment to timely benefits and transparency in pension administration. Officials highlighted streamlined procedures and the potential for faster resolution of disputed cases, improving trust in public grievance redressal and social security systems.

15th Pension Adalat chaired by Jitendra Singh.
1,087 long-pending grievances reviewed across 24 departments.
Focus on delays in family pension and disbursal issues.
Aim: faster redressal and rightful pension payments.
Strengthens public grievance redressal framework.

EC publishes draft electoral rolls for 3 states and Andaman & Nicobar

The Election Commission released draft electoral rolls for Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The exercise aims to update voter lists, correct errors, and ensure accuracy ahead of upcoming elections. Local agencies will conduct field checks and address discrepancies reported by citizens. The EC urged voters to verify their details and report any issues. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral integrity and participation across these states and union territory.

Draft rolls released for CG, MP, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar.
Part of Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Voters urged to verify details and report errors.
Aims to improve accuracy ahead of elections.
EC emphasizes inclusivity and participation.

Dec 23, 2025

Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Bill Gets President’s Assent

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, following passage in Parliament in December. The Act replaces the MGNREGA framework and raises rural employment guarantees to 125 days per financial year. It aims to strengthen rural livelihoods through enhanced planning, funding, and delivery mechanisms under the Rural Development Ministry. The Government emphasises empowerment, inclusive growth, and convergence of development initiatives. This policy shift seeks to sustain rural employment and improve targeted outcomes, aligning with the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda and a move toward longer-term, outcome-based rural development strategies.

President assent to VB-G RAM G Act, 2025; replaces MGNREGA.
Rural employment guarantee increased to 125 days per financial year.
New funding, planning, and delivery mechanisms introduced.
Aims for empowerment, inclusive growth, and convergence of initiatives.

Auroville Foundation Recommended for Institution National Importance Status

A Parliamentary panel has recommended recognising the Auroville Foundation in Pondicherry as an Institution of National Importance (INI). The report suggests amending the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988, noting UNESCO resolutions since 1966 supporting Auroville’s mission of international understanding and peace. INI status would place Auroville among premier Indian higher education and research bodies, with implications for funding, governance, and visa procedures. The panel also highlighted that the foundation receives central grants but should become financially self-sustaining, while retaining five-year visas for residents. The recommendation is a significant policy development in India’s cultural and educational landscape.

Parliamentary panel recommends INI status for Auroville Foundation.
Suggests amending Auroville Foundation Act, 1988.
UNESCO resolutions cited in support of Auroville’s international role.
Recommendation includes funding reform and visa considerations.

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