Mamata Banerjee Launches 'Yogyasree' for SC/ST Students in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced a comprehensive social welfare scheme named 'Yogyasree'. The initiative aims to provide free training modules for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in West Bengal. This move came ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, reflecting the government's commitment to educational empowerment.
The Yogyasree scheme encompasses the establishment of fifty training centres across the state. These centres will offer cost-free training for SC and ST students, focusing on entrance and competitive examinations. Additionally, 46 centres will provide similar opportunities for those aspiring to secure government jobs and pursue careers in civil services.
In conjunction with the Yogyasree scheme, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also initiated an anti-ragging toll-free number for students. She emphasised the importance of displaying notifications in all colleges and universities to raise awareness about this helpline, ensuring a safer and more inclusive educational environment.
Jan 06, 2024
PM Modi Approves PRITHVI VIGYAN Scheme
The Union Cabinet approved Rs. 4800 crore for PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) scheme, an overarching initiative comprising five on-going sub-schemes related to earth sciences, at a cost of Rs. 4,797 crore over a five-year period from 2021-26. The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to club the sub-schemes.
The schemes are "Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services", "Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology", "Polar Science and Cryosphere Research", "Seismology and Geosciences" and "Research, Education, Training and Outreach". The overarching scheme of 'PRITHvi Vigyan' (PRITHVI) will enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programmes across different MoES institutes.
The objectives of the overarching "PRITHVI" scheme includes augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record vital signs of the earth system and change, development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards, and understanding the science of climate change.
Jan 04, 2024
Jammu and Kashmir First UT to Implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Jammu and Kashmir took a significant step towards empowering its vibrant community of artisans and craftspeople by becoming the first Union Territory (UT) to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY). This initiative, launched by the Central government in September 2023, aims to uplift and recognise the crucial role these skilled individuals play in preserving and enriching India's cultural heritage.
The inauguration ceremony, held virtually, witnessed the participation of Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, and Secretary of the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The ceremony also saw the commencement of the training program for the first batch of 30 trainees (Viswakarmas) specializing in 'darzi craft'.
Recognition and Certification: The scheme provides formal recognition to artisans and craftspeople through the issuance of PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards. This recognition not only validates their skills and expertise but also opens doors to new opportunities and market access.
Financial Support and Incentives: To further empower Viswakarmas, the scheme provides them with a daily stipend of Rs. 500 during training. Additionally, upon successful completion of the program, each trainee receives a free modern toolkit worth Rs. 15,000. This financial support alleviates financial constraints and equips artisans with the necessary tools to kick start their entrepreneurial ventures.
Jan 03, 2024
Rajasthan Seeks Integration of Chiranjeevi Scheme with Ayushman Bharat
The newly elected BJP government in Rajasthan is making strides to merge its state health insurance scheme, Chiranjeevi, with the central Ayushman Bharat programme. This move, pending approval from the Union Health Ministry, aims to create a unified initiative called the Ayushman Bharat Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme.
The merged scheme is set to retain the comprehensive coverage of Rs. 25 lakh without any reduction.
The integration aligns with the state government's directive to issue new health cards by January 26, synchronised with national efforts to cover all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Chiranjeevi scheme, initially designed to benefit over 1.42 crore families, continues to provide extensive coverage, with final figures awaiting confirmation from the health ministry.
Dec 31, 2023
Patnaik Launches 3rd Phase of Odisha's Health Scheme
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the third phase of the state's flagship health scheme – Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY).
With this third phase of expansion, it is estimated that over 1.10 crore families, covering nearly 90% of the population of the state, will be provided health assurance under BSKY.
In this phase of expansion, all rural families of Odisha, except regular government employees and income tax payees who are presently not covered under the BSKY, will be eligible to receive the BSKY Nabin Card.