Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
- PMMVY is a flagship maternity benefit scheme launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
- It provides financial assistance to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM).
- The scheme promotes improved nutrition and positive health-seeking behaviour.
Integration under Mission Shakti
- PMMVY was integrated under Mission Shakti from 1 April 2022.
- The benefit structure was simplified from three instalments to two.
- Maternity benefits were extended to the second child, provided the child is a girl.
Financial Assistance
- ₹5,000 is provided in two instalments for the first living child.
- ₹6,000 is provided for the second child if the child is a girl.
- Benefits are linked to: Early pregnancy registration,Antenatal care, Child immunisation.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Financial assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the DBT mechanism.
- Ensures transparency and timely disbursement of benefits.
Special Provisions
- Fresh eligibility is provided in cases of miscarriage or stillbirth.
- Financial assistance acts as partial wage compensation, enabling adequate rest before and after childbirth.
Achievements (as on 30 April 2026)
- Total beneficiaries covered: 4.27 crore.
- Total amount disbursed: ₹20,150 crore.
Impact
- Improved maternal health and nutritional outcomes.
- Encouraged institutional deliveries.
- Reduced financial burden on pregnant women.
- Facilitated access to nutritious food, antenatal check-ups, and medical care.
- Contributed to safer motherhood and healthier babies.
Promotion of Gender Equity
- Additional incentives for the girl child promote gender equality.
- Strengthens women’s welfare and child development.
Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme
- Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has organized a national-level seminar on the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme in New Delhi.
About the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme
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- The SHP Development Scheme is a renewable energy initiative implemented by the Central Government to promote the installation of small hydro power projects (with capacities ranging from 1 to 25 MW) across India, particularly in remote and difficult terrains.
- Implementation Period: March 2026 (for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31).
- Implementing Agency: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
- Objective: To harness untapped small hydro power potential in remote and rural areas, reduce power distribution losses through decentralized power generation, and achieve a power generation capacity of 500 Gigawatts (GW) from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
Key Features
- Financial Allocation: A total of ₹2,584.60 crore has been allocated for this scheme; it is expected to attract investments worth approximately ₹15,000 crore in the sector.
- Project Preparation: A dedicated sum of ₹30 crore has been allocated under the scheme to support state and central agencies in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for future projects.
- Focus on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’: To avail support under this scheme, all machinery and equipment required for the projects must be sourced entirely from domestic sources.
- Decentralized Nature: By focusing on projects ranging from 1 MW to 25 MW, the scheme promotes decentralized power generation; this reduces the need for long-distance transmission lines and minimizes grid losses.
National SC-ST Hub Scheme
- Context: As India moves towards the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ (Developed India @2047), the ‘National SC-ST Hub’ (NSSH) scheme launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in October 2016 has been creating a transformative impact by empowering Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs.
About the National SC-ST Hub Scheme
Objectives
- To create a robust support system for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
- To assist Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in achieving the 4% procurement target mandated under the ‘Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises’.
Beneficiaries
- Existing SC/ST entrepreneurs.
- Individuals from the SC/ST community aspiring to start a business.
Key Benefits:
- Encourages the achievement of the 4% procurement target.
- Supports participation in vendor development programs.
- Provides guidance and advice for business growth.
- Collects and shares information regarding SC/ST enterprises.
- Provides industry-specific toolkits to trained participants.
Key Focus Areas
- Strengthening vendor development.
- Increasing participation in government procurement.
- Creating a reliable database of SC/ST entrepreneurs.
- Enhancing opportunities to access finance and credit facilities.
