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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - November 2025

Nov 2025

May 26, 2026

Railways inaugurates CHIRAG Centre for governance analytics

Indian Railways opened the CHIRAG Centre, the Centre for HR Information Systems, Research and Analytics in Governance. The centre focuses on improving the use of human resources data and governance analytics within railway operations. Officials say CHIRAG will support e-governance and public sector reforms by enabling data-driven decision-making across departments. The centre aligns with ongoing administration modernisation and aims to share analytics insights to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in rail transport. It represents a strategic step toward stronger governance and digital transformation in the railways sector.

CHIRAG Centre for HR information systems and analytics inaugurated.
Aims to enhance governance analytics in Railways.
Supports e-governance and public sector reforms.
Promotes data-driven decision making in operations.
Part of broader digital transformation in rail governance.

National AI & Digital Water Summit held in Bengaluru

India hosted its first National AI and Digital Water Summit in Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The event focused on artificial intelligence applications in water management, smart metering, and digital utilities. Delegates discussed urban water stress, climate challenges, and governance strategies to improve efficiency, conservation, and service delivery. The summit demonstrates a growing emphasis on data-driven governance and sustainable water security, linking technology with municipal infrastructure and resource management. It is expected to influence policy discussions and pilot projects across cities facing water challenges.

First National AI and Digital Water Summit in Bengaluru.
Focus on AI in water management, smart metering, digital utilities.
Addresses urban water stress and climate challenges.
Highlights data-driven governance and urban infrastructure.
Could shape policy and pilot projects in cities.

May 25, 2026

Department of Space approves space facilities in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat

The Department of Space approved Common Technical Facilities in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu on 22 May 2026 to support India’s private-space sector. These shared hubs provide testing, validation, and integration infrastructure for space hardware, enabling startups and large industries to access high-end space testing capabilities. The program seeks to accelerate domestic space manufacturing and R&D by providing governance and shared resources through the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) framework. The facilities will serve multiple actors in the evolving space ecosystem.

22 May 2026: DoS approval for Common Technical Facilities
Locations: Gujarat and Tamil Nadu
Purpose: testing, validation, integration for space hardware
Targets startups and large industries
Supports private-space ecosystem via IN-SPACe

May 24, 2026

Amit Shah inaugurates Million Minds Tech Park and GREMI City Campus in Ahmedabad

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Million Minds Tech Park and GREMI City Campus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The combined investment is around ₹1,600 crore, developed by Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited. Million Minds Tech Park costs ₹1,100 crore and aims to be a Global Capability Centre hub, boosting tech innovation. GREMI City Campus costs ₹500 crore and will promote education and training in real estate and urban development. The projects will support sectors such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cyber security, finance, and research and development. The inauguration signals Gujarat’s growing technology ecosystem and national aims to expand skilled employment.

Inauguration location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Total investment: ₹1,600 crore (Million Minds Tech Park + GREMI City Campus).
Tech Park cost: ₹1,100 crore; aims to be a Global Capability Centre hub.
GREMI City Campus cost: ₹500 crore; focuses on real estate and urban development education.
Sectors targeted: AI, ML, data science, cyber security, finance, R&D.

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.

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