General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - February 2025

Feb 2025

May 23, 2026

Odisha Finance Department to Issue Vehicle Guidelines in 15 Days

The Odisha Finance Department will issue guidelines within 15 days to identify categories of officers eligible for government vehicles and to frame rules for the use of privately owned electric vehicles for official purposes. The forthcoming guidelines are part of Odisha’s broader push toward sustainable public mobility and emission reductions. Officials say the document will clarify eligibility, fleet allocation, and oversight mechanisms, ensuring a transparent transition for government mobility needs. The move aligns with the state’s EV mandate and aims to balance operational requirements with budget and environmental goals.

Guidelines to be issued within 15 days to identify eligible vehicle‑holding officers.
Rules to govern use of privately owned electric vehicles for official tasks included.
Part of Odisha’s broader strategy for sustainable public transport.
Aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with emissions targets.

ShramMitra App Aims to Modernise Worker Hiring in Haryana

The Haryana government has launched the ShramMitra mobile application to connect workers and employers directly through smartphones. Introduced by Labour Minister Anil Vij, the app replaces reliance on traditional labour chowks and aims to streamline job matching for daily wage and skilled workers. The app is developed by the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and provides a direct communication channel to reduce delays and confusion in hiring. Officials describe ShramMitra as a major labour market reform intended to enhance transparency, speed of placement, and oversight of working conditions in Haryana.

ShramMitra app launched to connect workers with employers via smartphones.
Initiated by Labour Minister Anil Vij; replaces traditional labour chowks.
Developed by the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
Aims to reduce delays and improve transparency in job placement.

Odisha Mandates Electric Vehicles for Government Use

Odisha has mandated electric vehicles for all new government two‑wheelers and four‑wheelers from 1 June 2026, per an order issued on 21 May 2026 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The rule also covers four‑wheelers hired for official work. The policy aims to reduce fossil fuel use, with senior officers required to carpool and departments instructed to achieve at least a 10% monthly reduction in fuel consumption. The Odisha Finance Department will issue guidelines within 15 days to identify officer categories eligible for government vehicles and to set rules for using privately owned electric vehicles for official purposes.

From 1 June 2026, all new government two‑wheelers and four‑wheelers must be electric in Odisha.
Order issued on 21 May 2026 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Policy requires senior officers to carpool; target 10% monthly fuel reduction.
Guidelines to identify eligible officers and regulate private EV usage to follow within 15 days.

Kerala Creates Dedicated Cabinet-Level AI Portfolio

Kerala has created a cabinet-level Artificial Intelligence portfolio, making it the first Indian state to formalise AI as a separate administrative identity. The portfolio will be placed under Kerala’s Industries and Commerce Department and will coordinate AI initiatives alongside Information Technology, Startups, Mining and Geology, and Handlooms and Textiles. Senior IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty has been assigned the AI portfolio, as disclosed in an official Gazette notification. The move signals a sharper state governance framework for AI, guiding procurement, data policy, talent development, and digital public services. Officials emphasise that the AI department will support policy design, project implementation, and cross‑sector collaboration to accelerate innovation in governance and industry.

Kerala establishes a cabinet-level AI portfolio, a first for an Indian state.
AI portfolio is placed under the Industries and Commerce Department along with IT, Startups, and other sectors.
PK Kunhalikutty (IUML) is the appointed AI portfolio holder.
Aim is to guide AI governance, procurement, data policy, and public service delivery.

Arunachal Kiwi Mission Aims Global Organic Kiwi Growth

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the Arunachal Kiwi Mission, a ₹167 crore cluster‑based initiative to transform Arunachal Pradesh into India’s premium organic kiwi hub. The mission covers cultivation to branding, exports and agri-tourism, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit North East vision. Scindia noted Arunachal Pradesh contributes more than 50 percent of India’s kiwi production, about 7,050 metric tonnes annually, yet farmers receive lower prices than imported kiwis. The initiative seeks to strengthen the entire kiwi value chain and expand domestic and global markets by coordinating state and Centre efforts.

Arunachal Pradesh kiwis account for over 50% of India’s production (~7,050 MT annually).
₹167 crore Arunachal Kiwi Mission aims to build a premium organic kiwi hub.
Focus areas include cultivation, post‑harvest, branding, exports and agritourism.
Part of PM Modi’s ‘Viksit North East’ plan to boost regional agriculture and markets.

May 22, 2026

Kerala Forms Cabinet-Level AI Portfolio Under New UDF Government

Kerala became the first Indian state to create a cabinet-level Artificial Intelligence portfolio as part of a cabinet restructuring under the UDF government. The AI portfolio is placed under the Industries and Commerce Department, alongside Information Technology, Startups, Mining and Geology, and Handlooms and Textiles. PK Kunhalikutty was named to lead the portfolio, signalling a formal administrative identity for AI policy within the state. The move intends to coordinate state-level AI development, data governance, and partnerships with industry. Officials see this as a platform to attract investments, talent, and innovative startups for growth.

Kerala creates state-level AI portfolio; cabinet-level status.
Portfolio placed under Industries and Commerce Department with IT and startups.
PK Kunhalikutty named head; signifies formal AI governance.
Aims to attract investment, talent, and startups in AI.

JEEVAN app and SHATAYU dashboard launched for elderly care

On 22 May 2026, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the JEEVAN mobile app (Joint Elderly Empowerment and Virtual Assistance Network) to strengthen support for senior citizens. The New Delhi event also introduced the SHATAYU Dashboard to boost caregiving services. JEEVAN provides information on government schemes and welfare programmes, emergency assistance, and details of senior citizen homes, with a user-friendly interface and accessibility features. The platform aims to improve safety, healthcare access, and social inclusion for elders nationwide, with collaboration to map geriatric care resources and caregivers across districts.

Launch date: 22 May 2026
App: JEEVAN for senior citizens; SHATAYU dashboard launched
Features: schemes, welfare, emergency aid, homes, accessibility
Goal: enhance safety, healthcare access, social inclusion
Stakeholders: central and state governments to map resources

ShramMitra App Launched in Haryana to Replace Traditional Labour Chowk System

Government of Haryana launched the ShramMitra mobile application to modernize worker hiring. Announced by Labour Minister Anil Vij, the app connects workers and employers directly through smartphones, reducing delays and dependence on traditional labour chowks. Developed by the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, ShramMitra aims to streamline daily wage and skilled labor markets and improve transparency, records, and grievance redressal. The platform supports job matching, work verification, and micro-credentialing, while enabling easier access to welfare benefits. Officials describe it as a major labour market reform that could scale to other states. The app is available on Android devices across Haryana.

SharamMitra connects workers and employers via smartphones.
Launched by Haryana Labour Minister; developed by the Welfare Board.
Aims to reduce delays, improve transparency, and welfare access.
Could scale to other states if successful.

May 21, 2026

Ayush Anudan Portal Boosts Ayush Grid Initiative

The Ayush Anudan Portal was launched to digitize grant management in the AYUSH sector under the Ayush Grid initiative. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced the platform, which handles proposal submission, document verification, approvals, and real-time monitoring. The portal replaces paper-heavy processes, aiming to speed funding for AYUSH institutions and make grants more transparent. It centralizes grant-related workflows across central schemes and provides faster tracking of applications. Developed by the Ministry of Ayush, the portal is expected to reduce delays and administrative complexity while promoting greater efficiency in grant administration.

Ayush Anudan Portal launched to digitalize grants.
Part of the Ayush Grid initiative; announced by Prataprao Jadhav.
Streamlines proposal submission, verification, approvals, and monitoring.
Aims to reduce delays and increase transparency in grants.

May 20, 2026

India and Vietnam sign MoU on AI and quantum technology in Hanoi

In Hanoi on 19 May 2026, during a ministerial meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang, India and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding on artificial intelligence and quantum technology. The agreement strengthens the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and coincides with the 136th birth anniversary of Ho Chi Minh. The MoU envisages collaboration on AI and quantum research, joint exercises and technological exchanges to bolster regional security and defence capabilities. The talks emphasized institutional cooperation, information sharing, and capability development between Indian and Vietnamese defence establishments.

MoU signed in Hanoi on AI and quantum technology.
Participants: Rajnath Singh and Phan Van Giang.
Part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Aligned with Ho Chi Minh’s birth anniversary commemoration.
Focus on joint research, exchanges and defence-tech collaboration.

May 19, 2026

IAS Officer Saurabh Vijay Takes Charge as UIDAI CEO

Senior IAS officer Saurabh Vijay of the 1998 Maharashtra cadre officially took charge as Chief Executive Officer of UIDAI on 18 May 2026. He brings extensive administrative experience from state and central government roles. UIDAI manages the Aadhaar program, which is the world’s largest biometric identity system. In his new role, Vijay will oversee UIDAI’s governance and digital governance initiatives across India. He previously held senior positions in multiple departments, and his appointment comes as the agency expands its mandate and faces privacy and data security considerations amid rapid digitization.

Appointment date: 18 May 2026
Office: UIDAI CEO
Background: 1998 Maharashtra cadre IAS
Role: oversee Aadhaar and digital governance
Context: expansion of UIDAI mandate and privacy considerations

West Bengal Introduces Free Bus Travel for Women and Annapurna Yojana

West Bengal approved free bus travel for women on state-run buses and launched the Annapurna Yojana on 18 May 2026. Free travel begins on 1 June 2026 and applies to all state buses, benefiting students and working professionals in rural and urban areas. The Annapurna Yojana provides ₹3,000 per month to eligible women beneficiaries from 1 June 2026 via direct benefit transfer. Automatic inclusion of Lakshmir Bhandar recipients is planned, with a new portal to verify eligibility and remove ineligible entries. The scheme aims to improve mobility and household finances for women across the state.

Approval date: 18 May 2026
Free bus travel starts: 1 June 2026
Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000 monthly to beneficiaries
Automatic inclusion: Lakshmir Bhandar recipients
New portal: eligibility verification and cleanup

Andhra Pradesh Announces Incentives for Third and Fourth Child Under New Policy

On 17 May 2026, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a new policy in Srikakulam district to encourage larger families. The state will provide ₹30,000 for the birth of a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child as direct financial support. Officials say the policy responds to declining fertility rates and rising incomes that influence family size. The move marks a shift from earlier population-control norms in several states. Analysts caution about potential social implications, but supporters view the policy as a measure to address long-term demographic and economic planning. The policy is under review for implementation details and governance mechanisms.

Policy announced: 17 May 2026
Beneficiaries: families having a third or fourth child
Financial support: ₹30,000 (third child) and ₹40,000 (fourth child)
Rationale: declining fertility rates and changing family patterns
Considerations: potential social implications and governance needs

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