West Bengal Government Introduces the "Nodi Bandhan" Scheme
West Bengal government introduced the "Nodi Bandhan" scheme as part of its 2025-26 budget. The budget allocated substantial funds for the Ghatal Masterplan, which focuses on flood prevention in West Midnapore.
Nodi Bandhan translates to "River Bond" and aims to interconnect rivers and wetlands. This will create diverse livelihood options for the communities living in these areas. The programme is designed to promote sustainable development through nature-based solutions. The initiative reflects the state's commitment to addressing environmental challenges while encouraging economic growth.
The primary objectives of Nodi Bandhan include combating natural disasters, preventing river erosion, and enhancing job opportunities. The scheme targets multiple districts affected by river erosion, particularly Murshidabad and Malda. It aims to create a resilient infrastructure that supports local economies and protects communities from the adverse effects of climate change.
Feb 14, 2025
Government revises Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) guidelines
The agriculture ministry revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), increasing the procurement limit of crops to 25% from 20%. The guidelines were revised to encourage states to implement the MIS. The MIS is implemented on the request of the state/UT government for procurement of various perishable agricultural/horticultural commodities such as tomato, onion, potato, etc, for which minimum support price (MSP) is not applicable and there is a reduction of at least 10% in market prices in states/UTs as compared to the rates of the previous normal season.
Feb 12, 2025
Centre Plans to Extend Atal Jal Scheme to 5 more States
The Centre plans to extend the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a scheme aimed at improving groundwater sustainability in seven water-stressed states, to five more states, including Bihar, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Jal Shakti Ministry informed the Standing Committee on Water Resources that it has received in-principle approval from the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, for the expansion of Atal Bhujal Yojana with an outlay of Rs. 8,200 crore to be implemented in five additional states, viz., Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, with the condition that the scheme may be restructured as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)".
Feb 03, 2025
Textbooks in Indian Languages under Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme
The Union Budget 2025 introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, a new initiative to provide digital books in Indian languages for school and higher education students. Announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, this scheme aims to make learning more accessible by offering study materials in regional languages.
Under this scheme, students across schools and universities will have access to textbooks and learning resources in digital formats. The move aligns with the government's push to integrate technology into education while promoting linguistic diversity.
Jan 30, 2025
Government Approves Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme to Strengthen MSME Manufacturing Sector
The Government of India approved introduction of Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS- MSME) for providing 60% guarantee coverage by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) for credit facility up to Rs. 100 crore sanctioned to eligible MSMEs under MCGS-MSME for purchase of equipment/machinery.