Monthly Government

Current Affairs MonthlySchemes

Capsule I
Capsule|February 2021
September 2020

1|Page
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

Government Policies and Schemes

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Launches ‘NIDHI 2.0’ Scheme
 Om Birla, the Speaker of Lok Sabha inaugurated the NIDHI 2.0 (National Integrated
Database of Hospitality Industry) scheme on September 27, 2021, i.e. World Tourism Day.
 The Ministry of Tourism, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the
Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) also signed an MoU to actively promote and
support ‘sustainability initiatives’ in the tourism sector.
Govt extends Emergency Credit Line Guarantee scheme till March 2022
 The Government of India has decided to extend the timeline of the Emergency Credit Line
Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) till March 31, 2022.
 The last date of disbursement under the scheme has also been extended to June 30, 2022.
 As of 24th September 2021, about 95% of the total guarantees issued are for loans
sanctioned to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
Power Ministry approves 'Dispute Avoidance Mechanism'
 The Power Ministry, on 29 September 2021, has given approval to the "Dispute Avoidance
Mechanism" through an 'Independent Engineer' (IE) for hydro projects.
 The IE can have open communication with all the key stakeholders in the project that can
play an effective role in the avoidance of disputes.
 The initial term of appointment of IE would be for a period of five years or a contract period.
MSME Minister Narayan Rane launches IndiaXports 2021 Portal
 Union Minister for MSMEs Narayan Rane virtually inaugurated the India Export Initiative and
IndiaXports 2021 Portal of India SME Forum in New Delhi on 29 Sept'21.
 IndiaXports aims to orient MSMEs free of cost, with the objective of focussing on the
untapped export potential in existing tariff lines.
 It also features an Info Portal which serves as a knowledge base for exports by Indian
MSMEs.
Centre government renames Mid-Day Meal programme to PM Poshan
 The Union cabinet has renamed the flagship school meal programme Mid-Day Meal as PM
Poshan.
 PM Poshan will now cover pre-primary students also.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the continuation of the
‘National Scheme for PM POSHAN in Schools’ for the five year period 2021-22 to 2025-26
with the financial outlay of ₹ 54061.73 crores from the central government.
Bajra to be included under Haryana's Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana
 The Haryana government has decided to include Bajra from Kharif season 2021 under the

2
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

'Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana'.

 Under the scheme, farmers get compensation for selling their crops at a price lower than
that fixed by the government.
 To avail of the benefits of the ''Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana'', the state's farmers have to
register themselves on the ''Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB)'' portal.
Jitendra Singh launches Amrit Grand Challenge Program titled “जनCARE”
 The “AmritGrand Challenge Program” titled “जनCARE” was launched on 28 September 2021.
 It has been launched to identify 75 startup innovations in telemedicine, digital health, AI,
blockchain, and other technologies.
 It was launched by the Union Minister of State Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh at
the 10th Biotech Innovators Meet of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council.
National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030
 Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya launched the National
Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030 (NAPRE) on 28 Sep 2021.
 A "Joint Inter-Ministerial Declaration Support Statement” for the elimination of dog
mediated rabies from India by 2030 through One Health Approach, was also launched.
 33% of global rabies deaths are recorded in India.
PM Modi to launch Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission on September 27
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi would launch the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
on September 27, 2021, via video conferencing.
 The nationwide rollout of the ABDM coincides with the third anniversary of Ayushman
Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
 Currently, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is being implemented in the pilot phase in six
Union Territories.
KSUM launches IPL 2021 to boost innovation and entrepreneurship
 Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched an Innovators Premier League (IPL) 2021 as
part of its flagship IEDC(Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre) program.
 The IPL seeks to provide a gamified learning platform to students and institutions to explore
as well as experiment with unconventional ideas.
 The League began on 18 September 2021 and will end on December 30, 2021.
Kerala to open digital de-addiction centres for children
 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 25 September 2021 has announced the setting up
of ''digital de-addiction centers''.
 The center aims to bring children addicted to online games into the mainstream society.
 He also declared 20 more police stations as 'child-friendly, taking the total of such stations
to 126 in the Kerala.

3
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

Ministry of Law and Justice launches "Ek Pahal” drive

 The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, has launched the "Ek Pahal” drive
across the country from 17th September 2021 till 2nd October 2021.
 The drive aims to encourage mass registration under Tele-Law.
 The medium of Tele Law effectively provides pre-litigation advice to beneficiaries by panel
lawyers through a huge network of 51,434 Common Service Centres across the country.
India's first Atal Community Innovation Center launched
 India's first Atal Community Innovation Center was inaugurated at Vivekananda Global
University, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
 Government has setup the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog.
 ACIC aims to support and nurture innovative ideas that can take the shape of big ideas and
help transform society for a better tomorrow.
Heavy Industries Ministry notifies PLI scheme for auto sector
 The Heavy Industries Ministry on 23 September 2021 notified the Rs 25,938 crore production-
linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the auto sector.
 Its prime objectives include overcoming cost disabilities, creating economies of scale, and
building a robust supply chain in areas of advanced automotive technology products.
 Total Incentive per entire Group company(ies) is capped at Rs 6,485 crore.
Centre to procure 200 drones to expedite land mapping
 The Central government has decided to procure 200 drones under the Survey of Villages for
Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Area (Svamitva) project.
 The government aims to complete the survey and mapping of about 6.62 lakh villages in the
country by the end of 2024.
 Svamitva is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of the Panchayati Raj.
Tripura CM Biplab Deb unveils Agar policy 2021
 Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb has unveiled the 'Tripura Agar Policy 2021' which aims to
transform the economy of the state.
 The policy aims to double the agarwood plantations by the year 2025.
 The potential of Agar trade in the state is estimated to be around Rs 2,000 crores.
 The scientific name of the Agar tree, an aromatic plant, is Aquilaria malaccensis.
Mansukh Mandaviya to inaugurate 'Arogya Manthan 3.0' on September 23
 Union Minister for Health Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the virtual inaugural session
of the third anniversary of AB PMJAY, which will be celebrated as 'Arogya Manthan 3.0', on
September 23, 2021.
 The anniversary of the AB-PMJAY is also observed as 'Ayushman Bharat Diwas'.
 AB PM-JAY stands for Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

4
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

Rajasthan governor inaugurates drip irrigation system at Raj Bhavan

 Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra on 22 September 2021 inaugurated the drip irrigation
system, Azolla production, and vermicompost units at the garden of Raj Bhavan.
 The units were set up by Sri Karan Narendra Agricultural University, Jobner.
 Azolla acts as nutritious food for cows and livestock, which increases milk production.
Andhra Pradesh to set irradiation facility to boost agri exports
 The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to set up an irradiation facility at the
Mallavalli Model Industrial Park in Krishna district to reduce post-harvest losses and boost
agriculture exports.
 The proposed facility will be the first-of-its-kind in the state with a Gamma irradiation
facility and a packhouse that will open new markets and avenues of income for exporters
and farmers alike.
DoT issues order to enable people to get mobile SIM at doorsteps
 The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued an order that enables customers to
apply for a new mobile connection online and get the SIM delivered at their doorsteps by
using any eligible document stored in Digilocker.
 Customers would have to pay Re 1 for the process of authentication through Aadhaar-based
e-KYC services UIDAI for getting new mobile connections.
Govt sets 307.33 mt foodgrain production target for 2021-22 crop year
 The Centre has set a target of 307.33 million tonnes of foodgrains production for the current
2021-22 crop year ending June 2022.
 This target is slightly lower than the estimated output for the 2020-21 crop year at a record
308.65 million tonnes.
 The targets for rice, wheat, and pulses have been set at 121.10 million tonnes, 110 million
tonnes, and 25 million tonnes.
TRAI designates TEC as testing-and-certification agency for CAS
 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) designated the Telecommunication
Engineering Centre (TEC) as a testing-and-certification agency for Conditional Access
System (CAS) and the Subscriber Management System (SMS).
 The TEC would carry out the overall administration, coordination, and execution of testing
and certification of the CAS and SMS.
More than 1.77 lakh artisan registered on Government e-Marketplace
 As many as 28,374 artisans and 1,49,422 weavers have registered themselves on the public
procurement portal Government e-Marketplace (GeM) as of 30 August 2021, the Textiles
Ministry informed on 20 September 2021.
 GeM, launched in 2016, is a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common use

5
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

Goods and Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs.

FSSAI to introduce 'front of package label' to regulate junk food
 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has decided to introduce front-of-
package (FoP) labeling on packaged foods to help consumers make healthier food choices.
 FoP labels seek to provide simple nutrition information in a more accessible location instead
of on the back of packages.
 IIM Ahmedabad has been asked to conduct a survey on the nature of FoP labels on
products.
Food Ministry issues uniform specifications for foodgrains procurement
 The Food Ministry has issued uniform specifications for foodgrains to be procured by the
Centre in order to ensure that farmers get a due price without any rejection of their crops.
 For the first time, the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs and Food issued uniform specifications for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) for
grade A & Common Rice.
Ration card-related services now available at common services centres
 Services related to ration cards, updating card details and seeding with Aadhaar, would now
be available at over 3.7 lakh common services centres (CSC) across the country.
 The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has tied up with CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd to
streamline ration deliveries and strengthen the public distribution system (CSC) in semi-
urban and rural areas across the country.
Ministry of Commerce to celebrate 'Vanijya Saptah’ from 20 to 26 Sept
 The Ministry of Commerce is organizing special events and programmes during 20-26
September 2021, as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
 It will observe the ‘Vanijya Saptah’ during the period 20-26 September 2021.
 The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) would launch platforms
namely National Single Window System and Industrial Park Rating System.
Over 1 crore informal workers registered on e-Shram portal
 The labor ministry informed on 19 September 2021 that over one crore unorganised workers
have registered themselves at e-Shram portal.
 e-Shram portal is India's first national database on unorganised workers.
 As per the Economic Survey 2019-20, there are an estimated 38 crore unorganised workers
(UW) in the country, which would be targeted to register on this portal.
Home Minister Amit Shah launches Ujjwala 2.0 scheme
 Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Ujjwala 2.0 scheme on 18 September 2021
during his day-long visit to Madhya Pradesh.
 Ujjwala 2.0 scheme aims to cover 10 million more beneficiaries in the second phase of the

6
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

scheme.
 Under Ujjwala 2.0, migrant workers can avail a free cooking gas connection on the basis of a
self-declaration without any need for documents like address proof.
UP CM distributes tool kits to 21,000 beneficiaries under VSSY
 On the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on
17 September 2021 distributed tool kits to 21,000 beneficiaries under 'Vishwakarma Shram
Samman Yojana' (VSSY).
 Under VSSY, youths are imparted training in traditional work like carpentry, tailoring,
blacksmith, goldsmith, pottery shop, and running sweat meat shop.
J&K LG launches senior citizens national helpline ''Elderline-14567”
 Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on 17 September 2021 launched the senior citizen's
national helpline ''Elderline-14567” in Jammu and Kashmir.
 The Elderline would serve as a vital support system to comfort the distressed elderly through
a dedicated decentralized call center, extending emotional care and support, health
services, and other aids to needy senior citizens.
KVIC launches SPIN Scheme to empower potters' community in Varanasi
 Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched a unique scheme called SPIN
(Strengthening the Potential of India) on the occasion of "Sewa Diwas", the birthday of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
 It also set up a pottery cluster under SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of
Traditional Industries Scheme) in Varanasi to empower over 1100 people of the marginalized
potters' community.
Centre launches phase 2 of Visvesvaraya PhD scheme
 The central govt launched the second phase of the Visvesvaraya PhD scheme on 17 Sept'21.
 It has been launched with an aim to promote research in 42 emerging technologies in
electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) and information technology
(IT)/information technology-enabled services(ITES).
 The scheme was initiated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in 2014.
Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana launched
 Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and Information
Technology launched Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana on 17 September 2021.
 It is a program under the aegis of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
 Indian Railways will impart training to 50000 candidates over a period of three years.
 Initially, the training will be provided to 1000 candidates.
Telangana unveils its Information Technology policy for next 5 years
 Telangana has unveiled its Information Technology policy for the next five years.

7
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

 State Information Technology and Industries Minister K. Taraka Ramarao formally launched
the second IT Policy in Hyderabad on 16 September 2021.
 The focus is on digital empowerment of citizens, innovation and entrepreneurship, and
taking the innovation ecosystem to global levels.
Culture Ministry announces e-auction of gifts received by PM
 The Ministry of Culture has decided to organize an e-auction of gifts and mementos
between 17 September and 7 October 2021, received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 Among others, the memorabilia include sports equipment of the medal-winning Olympians
and Paralympians and a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
 Proceeds from the e-auction would go to the Namami Gange Mission.
Government approves PLI scheme for drones and drone components
 The government has approved the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and
drone components.
 The total amount allocated for the PLI scheme for drones and drone components is Rs 120
crore spread over three financial years.
 The government has agreed to widen the coverage of the incentive scheme to include
developers of drone-related IT products also.
Kerala govt announces comprehensive Caravan Tourism Policy
 Kerala has announced a comprehensive, stakeholder-friendly Caravan Tourism Policy.
 It promises the visitors safe, customized and closest-to-nature travel experience.
 The two major components of this activity are Tourism Caravans and Caravan Parks.
 There will be two types of caravans.
 In one model, two guests shall be accommodated, while the other is for a family of four
members.
Assam govt to set up innovation fund with SIDBI to promote start-ups
 The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has agreed to set up an innovation
fund in partnership with the Assam government to promote start-ups.
 It would support and promote self-help groups to the enterprise level and bring them into
the formal sector of the economy.
 Efforts would also be taken to create clusters to promote 'one district-one-product initiative'.
I&B Ministry launches account on Telegram for fact-checking
 The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry on 14 September 2021 launched its
account on the social media platform Telegram to counter fake news.
 It was launched as 'PIB Fact Check', which aims to verify information related to the Centre
and disseminate it to its subscribers.
 PIB Fact Check is the only central government fact-checking arm, which was established in

8
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

November 2019.
J-K LG inaugurates digital banking and agricultural training programs
 The Lieutenant Governor of the Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on 14 September 2021
inaugurated three digital banking and agricultural training programs.
 The programs are Digipay Sakhis, Krishi Sakhis, and Pashu Sakhis.
 The Digipay program would provide door-to-door banking services to the people living in
rural areas.
 The Pashu Sakhi would impart training about the vaccination of livestock.
Agriculture Ministry signs 5 MoUs with private companies
 Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has signed five MOUs with private companies for
taking forward Digital Agriculture.
 The companies include CISCO, Ninjacart, Jio Platform Limited, ITC Limited, and NCDEX e-
markets Limited.
 A Digital Agriculture mission has been initiated for 2021-2025 by the government for projects
based on technologies like blockchain, use of drones and robots etc.
MoS Minority Affairs inaugurates Water Supply Scheme at Halpal
 Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla inaugurated Water Supply Scheme at
Halpal in Kupwara town on 13 September 2021.
 The scheme will provide potable drinking water to 5,000 population.
 It was completed at a cost of 2.82 crore rupees.
 He also reviewed COVID mitigation efforts made by the district administration.
Government to start PM Adarsh Gram Yojna covering 36,000 villages
 Tribal Affairs Ministry will start Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojna covering 36,000 villages
across the country.
 Those villages with a 50 percent tribal population would be given priority under it.
 1,700 tribal villages in Assam will be converted into model villages.
 Another 184 new Van Dhan Kendra to be set up in the state would benefit nearly 60
thousand people.
Assam to form joint company with NDDB to boost dairy sector
 A joint venture company would be formed by the Assam government and the National Dairy
Development Board (NDDB) for the promotion of the dairy sector in the Assam.
 The Chairman of the company would be the state's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary
Minister.
 There would be an equal shareholding pattern between the state government and the
NDDB.

9
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

Centre releases Rs 496 crore for in-situ management of crop residue

 The Central government has released Rs 496 crore for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and
Punjab to subsidize machinery required in-situ management of crop residue during 2021-22.
 It aimed at addressing air pollution, in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) due to
stubble burning in the adjoining states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Five day women entrepreneurship exhibition begins in Srinagar
 An all-womens' entrepreneurship exhibition was organized at the Kashmir Haat in Srinagar
on 11 September 2021.
 The exhibition was organized by Exceeding Event Expectations (EREIGNIS) in collaboration
with Jammu and Kashmir handicraft and handloom department.
 This five-day event is for all women entrepreneurs who have their own startups or are
already into business.
Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurates Food processing unit in Madhya Pradesh
 Union Minister of State Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated a food processing unit 'Sahara
Frozen Foods' (SFF) set up in Morena, Madhya Pradesh on 12 Sep'21.
 The inaugural ceremony was part of the government's celebration of food processing week
to commemorate 75 years of India's independence.
 SFF has been set up with a central grant of Rs10 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan
SAMPADA Yojana.
Ludhiana opens Punjab's first breast milk pump bank
 Ludhiana district administration opened a breast milk pump bank in the premises of the
mother and child hospital in the Civil Hospital.
 It is the first such kind of bank in the Punjab where health workers would pump out the
breastmilk and will give it to the newborn as most of the newborns are unable to latch the
milk or mothers face severe pain while breastfeeding.
Gujarat rolls out ‘Vatan Prem Yojana’ for rural development
 Gujarat government plans to undertake public welfare projects to the tune of ₹ 1,000 crores
jointly with non-resident Gujaratis by December 2022 under its ''Vatan Prem Yojana''.
 Gujaratis living anywhere in the country and abroad can pick up villages, projects and
agencies of their choice by making a monetary contribution of 60 percent, with the
government contributing the remaining 40%.
Satyendar Jain inaugurates Urban microgrid system in Delhi
 Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain inaugurated the city's first urban microgrid system set
up at Shivalik in Malviya Nagar that would save 115 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
 The microgrid (Solar + Battery) system is set up under the Indo-German solar partnership
project.

10
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

 The system is capable of ensuring continuous supply from solar and stored battery energy
saving from any outages
NDMC launches web app for e-waste management
 The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has launched a web application for the
management of electronic waste.
 The portal would facilitate the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of e-waste
by providing a platform for citizens and vendors for the management of e-waste.
 The three empanelled firms would collect the e-waste from the house of residents.
Govt enhances scope of Transport and Marketing scheme for agri exports
 The government on 10 September 2021 has enhanced the scope of the Transport and
Marketing Assistance scheme for specified agriculture products and increasing the rates of
assistance.
 Dairy products, which were not covered under the earlier scheme, would now be eligible for
assistance.
 The rates of assistance have been increased, by 50 per cent for exports by sea and 100 per
cent through air.
Govt launches drive to on-board street vendors for digital payments
 The Central government launched a special drive in 223 cities to onboard more than 8 lakh
street vendors to start accepting and making digital payments.
 The drive has been launched under the PM SVANidhi scheme.
 The special drive aims to accelerate the onboarding of street vendors on the UPI QR code
and handhold them to start accepting and making digital payment transactions.
Govt announces new MRO policy for civil aviation space
 The Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia announced a new policy for Maintenance,
Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for civil aviation space.
 Under the new policy, the rate of lease rental would be decided through bidding instead of
having pre-determined AAI (Airports Authority of India) rates.
 The ministry has identified eight airports to set up MRO facilities.
Bengal govt revises family pension of employees
 The West Bengal government has decided to revise the family pension of its employees and
raise the monthly income ceiling from Rs 3,600 to Rs 9,000.
 The move comes in the wake of recommendations by the 6th Pay Commission.
 Prior to 2006, widows, unmarried and divorced women were not entitled to family pensions
after the death of government employees.
Railway Min flags off indigenously designed equipment for viaduct
 Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 9 September 2021 flagged off indigenously designed

11
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

and manufactured equipment to expedite the construction of a viaduct for the Mumbai-
Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor.
 The full span launching equipment-Straddle Carrier and Girder Transporter has been
indigenously designed and manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
MPPTCL sets up cyber security system to prevent hacking
 The Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited (MPPTCL) on 9 September 2021
has set up a cyber security system in the State Load Dispatch Centre at Jabalpur to protect
the power supply network from hacking across the state.
 Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce a cyber security
system to protect its power supply network.
MP govt earmarks Rs 2.77cr funds to set up bamboo-based industries
 The Madhya Pradesh government has earmarked a grant of Rs. 2.77 crore for setting up
bamboo-based industries in different parts of the state.
 The state government has identified 10 areas for setting up bamboo-based industries in the
state.
 Funds will be given mainly to bamboo treatment and seasoning plants, bamboo processing
centres and value addition units, bamboo waste management, etc.
PMGDISHA drive for 100% Digital Literacy of all digital villages
 Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, launched the PMGDISHA drive
and announced a campaign for 100% Digital Literacy of all digital villages.
 The PMGDISHA drive has been launched under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital
Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA).
 Under the drive, a three-day certification drive for rural citizens would be conducted from
September 8 to 10, 2021.
Govt hikes wheat MSP by Rs 40 to Rs 2,015 per quintal
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, on 8
September 2021 hiked the minimum support price for wheat by Rs 40 to Rs 2,015 per quintal
to boost production as well as farmers' income.
 MSP is the rate at which the government buys grain from farmers.
 Currently, the government fixes MSPs for 23 crops grown in both Kharif and rabi seasons.
Cabinet approves Rs 10,683 crore PLI scheme for textiles
 The Cabinet has approved the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme worth Rs 10,683
crore for textiles sector with an aim to boost domestic manufacturing and exports.
 It has been approved for textiles for MMF (man-made fibre) apparel, MMF fabrics and ten
segments of technical textiles.
 The government expects investments of more than Rs 19,000 cr into the sector during the 5-

12
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

year period.
TN announces Welfare Board for journalists
 The Tamil Nadu government on 7 September 2021 announced a welfare board for journalists
and an increase in financial support to families of press, media persons who die in harness.
 The government also announced the institution of the ''Kalaignar Ezhuthukol Award'' for
journalists making exemplary journalistic contributions towards social development and the
uplift of marginalized people.
9 islands in Lakshadweep to be seaweed hub
 The Lakshadweep administration has launched a program to turn its nine inhabited islands
into a hub of seaweed cultivation.
 The initiative is in line with a study by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute that
revealed the potential for the production of quality seaweeds in the pollution-free lagoons
of Lakshadweep for high-end utilization like pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
Manipur CM launches 'Go To Hills 2.0' outreach campaign
 Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on 6 September 2021 launched an outreach
programme ''Go To Hills 2.0''.
 It aims to ensure that people in remote places avail benefits of various welfare schemes at
their doorsteps.
 Under the outreach programme, the state administration provided assistance worth Rs 51.52
cr for several departments such as agriculture, horticulture, health, and education.
Gujarat govt hikes DA for staff, pensioners to 28 pc
 The Gujarat government approved an increase of 11 per cent in Dearness Allowance to state
government employees and pensioners with retrospective effect from July 1, 2021.
 It has pegged the new rate at 28 per cent.
 This DA revision would benefit some 9.61 lakh state government and panchayat employees,
as well as 4.5 lakh pensioners covered under the 7th Pay Commission.
Himachal Pradesh govt signs 27 MoUs
 Himachal Pradesh Government on 5 September 2021 signed 27 Memorandums of
Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 3,307 crore with various industrial organizations.
 A total of 6 MoUs worth Rs 1,000 crore were signed for setting up ethanol plants in the State.
 Himachal is the only state in the region to have a State-of-the-art Defence Park at
Nalagarh.
Smriti Irani inaugurates 'PM Matru Vandana Week' programme
 Union Minister Smriti Irani on 5 September 2021 inaugurated the 'Pradhan Mantri Matru
Vandana (PMMV) Week' programme organised at the community health centre in Amethi.
 In the programme, pregnant women were given information related to healthy living and

13
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

better care.
 Under PMMV, assistance amounting to Rs 14.52 crores has been given to 42,000
beneficiaries in Amethi.
Ayush Ministry launches 'Ayush Aapke Dwar' campaign
 Ayush Ministry has launched the campaign 'AYUSH AAPKE DWAR' from more than 45
locations across the country.
 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the campaign from Mumbai.
 The campaign aims to distribute medicinal plant saplings to 75 lakh households in one year.
 The medicinal plants include Tejpatta, Stevia, Ashoka, Giloy, Ashwagandha, Lemongrass,
Tulsi, Sarpagandha and Amla.
J-K L-G launches Tourist Village Network initiative
 Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on 3 September 2021 launched the
Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Village Network under Mission Youth.
 The objective of the initiative is to adopt best practices recognizing the uniqueness of each
village and showcasing the landscapes, local values, and traditions, besides encouraging
film shooting and offering financial incentives.
Assam to amend policy to fix sports job quota
 The Assam government has decided to amend its sports policy to reserve a certain
percentage of jobs for athletes.
 Under the sports policy of the state, appointment letters as inspectors in the excise
department were also handed over to 2014 World Cup silver medallist archer Sanjay Boro
and 2019 Women World Boxing Championship bronze winner Jamuna Bora.
Kerala launches ILGMS portal
 The Kerala government on 3 September 2021 has launched a portal, an integrated local self-
government management system (ILGMS),
 It aims to provide the people access to the service of the panchayat offices from home.
 The ILGMS is an open-source software developed by Information Kerala Mission.
 The project was launched across 153-gram panchayats in the State and 150 more would be
added.
UP govt to conduct special drive to make roads 'pothole-free'
 The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to conduct a 30-day special drive from
September 15 to November 15, 2021, to make the roads in the state "pothole-free".
 As per the ministry of road transport and highway (MoRTH), Uttar Pradesh (UP) made up for
the largest share - 15% of total road accident deaths in the country in 2019.
Odisha govt forms a new technical committee
 The Odisha government on 3 September 2021 decided to form a technical committee to

14
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

oversee the implementation of a contingency crop plan.

 The committee has been set up under the chairmanship of the vice-chancellor of Odisha
University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
 The technical committee has been directed to submit its report by September 6, 2021.
Arunachal CM launches 2 credit-linked schemes
 Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched two credit-linked schemes in the
state to boost the agriculture and horticulture sectors and to ensure the doubling of farmer’s
income.
 The government has earmarked a subsidy amount of Rs 60 crore against the Atma Nirbhar
Krishi Yojna and another Rs 60 crore against the Atma Nirbhar Bagwani Yojana under the
credit-linked schemes.
Odisha launches new e-receipt model
 The Odisha government on 2 September 2021 rolled out a revamped platform e-Receipt 2.0.
 In the new system payment gateway service providers of Indian Bank and Axis Bank were
integrated with the Odisha Treasury portal.
 Service legal agreements were signed between the state government and Indian Bank and
Axis Bank for use of payment gateways - Bill desk and CC Avenue.
Govt appoints Atul Bhatt as CMD of RINL
 The Central Government has appointed Atul Bhatt as chairman and managing director
(CMD) of steel company Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL).
 RINL is a special steel-making player based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had earlier given in-principle approval for 100
percent disinvestment of government stake in RINL.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constitutes a committee
 Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has constituted a ten-member committee to
review guidelines of the Journalists Welfare Scheme.
 It would be headed by Shri Ashok Kumar Tandon, renowned Journalist and Member, Prasar
Bharati.
 Its recommendations would enable the Government to frame guidelines afresh for the
benefit of the journalists.
Himachal Pradesh CM launches State Food Commission's website
 Himachal Pradesh (HP) Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on 1 September 2021 launched the
website of the state's food commission.
 The website was launched on the occasion of the first foundation day of the Himachal
Pradesh State Food Commission.
 The main objective of the website is to spread awareness about the right to food in the

15
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

state.
Maharashtra Govt to set up medical colleges under PPP
 Maharashtra government on 1 September 2021 decided to set up new medical colleges and
super-speciality hospitals across the state on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.
 A high-powered committee headed by the state chief secretary would examine the
provisions of the scheme to be made applicable to the health sector and give approvals
accordingly.
Punjab CM launches 'Innovation Mission Punjab'
 Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on 1 September 2021 launched 'Innovation Mission Punjab'
(IMPunjab).
 It is a public-private partnership that brings in global investors and experts to catalyze
startups.
 The Mission would mobilize a global pool of ambassadors and partners for investment,
mentorship, and market access.
First-ever nation-wide quiz on sports and fitness
 Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur on 1 September 2021
launched the Fit India Quiz, which is the first-ever quiz on fitness and sports, in New Delhi.
 The nation-wide quiz would give a chance to compete on a national platform and an
opportunity to win a total cash prize of more than Rs 3 crores for their schools.
APY total enrolments crosses more than 3 crore
 The enrolments under Atal Pension Yojana have crossed 3.30 crore as of 25th August 2021.
 APY is a guaranteed pension scheme of the Government of India and is administered by
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
 Under the scheme, a subscriber would receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs.1,000 to
Rs. 5,000 per month, depending upon his contribution, from the age of 60 years.
Department of Rural development sign an MoU with DAHD
 The Department of Rural Development (DRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) on 1 September 2021.
 The MoU is aimed at leveraging the SHG platform for rural economic growth through the
convergence of the DAHD, DRD, and National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
CIL starts pilot project to replace use of diesel with LNG
 National miner Coal India Ltd (CIL), Ministry of Coal has initiated the process of retrofitting
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) kits in its dumpers.
 This is significant as the world’s largest coal miner uses over 4 lakh kilolitres of diesel per
annum with an annual expense of over Rs. 3,500 crores.
 The move would help CIL reduce its carbon footprint drastically and achieve sustainable

16
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

goals.
Smriti Irani inaugurates NUTRI GARDEN at AIIA
 Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani on 1 September 2021
inaugurated NUTRI GARDEN to mark the beginning of Poshan Maah 2021 at All India
Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA).
 Plantation drive and distribution of plants having health and nutritional benefits were
carried out for patients and health care workers like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Musli, and
Yashtimadhu.
Karnataka to formulate special health programmes
 Karnataka government would formulate a special program to focus on the health and
education of children and women in the Raichur, Yadgir, and Kalaburagi districts of the
state.
 These districts were identified as aspirational districts by National Institution for
Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and have severe problems of malnutrition among children
and women.
Seven Union Ministers launches Yoga Break mobile app
 Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal, along with six Union Ministers, launched the
Yoga Break (Y-Break) mobile application at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on 1 Sep 2021.
 The 5-minute ‘Yoga Break Protocol’ consists of very useful Yoga practices devised to de-
stress, refresh and re-focus on work to increase the productivity of individuals at the
workplace.
Nagaland plans to attain 100pc literacy by 2030
 The Nagaland government has made an ambitious plan of attaining 100 percent literacy by
2030 through strengthening anganwadi centers and early childhood education besides
improving infrastructure.
 The current literacy rate of the North-eastern state is 79.55 percent.
 Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio earlier unveiled the Nagaland SDG Vision 2030 - Leaving no one
behind.
Indore : First district to inoculate 100% eligible population
 Indore has become the first district in the entire country with a population of more than 10
lakh to inoculate 100% eligible population with the first dose of the Covid19 vaccine.
 Bhuvneshwar city has covered its population with both doses.
 Municipal Corporation Indore was made the nodal agency in the entire campaign to
vaccine all in the district.
Himachal Pradesh : 1st dose vaccinated state
 Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to administer the first dose of the

17
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

Covid-19 vaccine to 100 percent of its adult population.

 Till 31 August 2021, 51.45 percent of India's adult population has been vaccinated with at
least one dose and 15.34 percent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated.
Goa CM launches a scheme
 Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the 'Save Water to Get Free Water' scheme on
31 August 2021.
 Under the scheme, households in the state would not be charged for water consumption up
to 16,000 liters.
 Goa would also become the first state in the country to supply water free of cost to its
citizens.
President’s colour to be awarded to Naval Aviation
 President Ram Nath Kovind would award the President's Colour to Indian Naval Aviation at
a ceremonial parade at INS Hansa in Goa on September 6, 2021.
 During the occasion, a Special Day Cover would be released by the Postal Department.
 The President's Colour is the highest honour bestowed on a military unit in recognition of its
exceptional service to the nation.
Smriti Irani inaugurates Poshan 2.0
 Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani on 31 August 2021
inaugurated Poshan 2.0 and urged all aspirational districts of the country to make a
commitment to establish a Poshan Vatika (nutrition garden).
 The nutrition month is being started from 1 September 2021 for the protection of Severe
Actual Malnourished (SAM) children.

Madhya Pradesh govt to appoint Olympian Vivek Sagar as DSP

 Madhya Pradesh cabinet has decided to appoint Vivek Sagar Prasad, a member of the
Olympic bronze medal-winning Indian Hockey Team as Deputy Superintendent of Police
(DSP).
 Vivek Sagar Prasad is an Indian field hockey player who plays as a midfielder for the Indian
national team.
 In January 2018, he became the second-youngest player ever to debut for India at 17 years,
10 months, and 22 days.
Bihar govt to introduce 'catch-up courses' programme
 Bihar government has decided to introduce "catch-up" courses for flood-affected students in
the state,
 The move would ensure that students are on track with their studies once the schools
reopen.

18
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

 About 35.06 lakh hectares (37.24%) in Bihar state are flood-affected.

 29 out of 38 districts are moderate to very high flood-affected.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches web portal
 The Union Minister for Home & Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah launched the web portal for
registration of units under the 'New Central Sector Scheme' for Industrial Development of
Jammu and Kashmir.
 The web portal would attract investment of more than Rs. 50,000 crore in Jammu and
Kashmir and would lead to the inclusive, all-around development of the Union Territory.

19
 Government Schemes Current Affairs | September 2021

20