Unit-5

GBA
 Constitution of India
India also known as Bharat is a Union of States. It is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic with
a parliamentary system of government. The Republic is governed in terms of the Constitution of India which
was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949 and came into force on 26th January,
1950

The Constitution provides for a Parliamentary form of government which is federal in structure with certain
unitary features. The constitutional head of the Executive of the Union is the President. As per Article 79 of
the Constitution of India, the council of the Parliament of the Union consists of the President and two Houses
known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha).

Article 74(1) of the Constitution provides that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister
as its head to aid and advise the President, who shall exercise his/her functions in accordance to the advice.
The real executive power is thus vested in the Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head.
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• The Constitution of India does not group ministers into ranks but in practice ministers are of four
types seen in India:
• Cabinet Ministers : He is present and he participates in every meeting of the Cabinet.
• Minister of State with independent charge: He is a Minister of State who does not work under a
Cabinet Minister. When any matter concerning his Department is on the agenda of the Cabinet he
is invited to attend the meeting.
• Minister of State: He is a Minister who does not have independent charge of any Department and
works under a Cabinet Minister. The work to such Minister is allotted by his Cabinet Minister.
• Deputy Minister: He is a Minister who works under a Cabinet Minister or a Minister of State
with independent charge. His work is allotted by the Minister under whom he is working.
 Political Party
• A political party basically, is a group of people. These people come together to contest elections in
order to hold power in the government. It is a way to mobilize voters to support common sets of
interests, concerns, and goals. The primary role of the political party is to fix the political agenda
and policies. So, each party tries to persuade people by claiming their policies are better than those
of other parties.
 Functions of a Political Party

• A political party contests elections by putting up candidates.

• In a democratic country a large group of people that has certain similar opinions group together
and form a party. Then then, give a direction to the policies adopted by the government.
• Those parties which lose elections form the opposition. They voice different views and criticise
the government for their failures and mobilize opposition to the government.
• Political parties shape public opinion. With the help of the pressure groups, the parties launch
movements for solving problems faced by the people.
• Parties even offer access to government machinery and welfare schemes. The local party leader
serves as a link between the citizen and the government officer.
 Party System

There are three types of party systems:

• One-Party System
• Two-Party System
• Multi-Party System
 One-Party System

• In a one-party system, there is no competition in this system. Here, the lone party nominates the
candidates and the voters have only two choices i.e.
• Not to vote at all or
• write ‘yes’ or ‘no’ against the name of the candidates nominated by the party
• Such a political system has been prominent in authoritarian regimes and communist countries such
as China, North Korea, and Cuba. Before the collapse of communism, this system was also
prevalent in USSR.
 Two-Party System

• In a two-party system, the power shifts between two major, dominant parties. So, for winning the
elections, the winner will have to get the maximum number of votes. However, please know that
maximum number of votes is not equivalent to a majority of votes.

• So, the smaller parties tend to merge with the bigger parties or they drop out of elections. Such
a parliamentary system prevails in Canada and Great Britain, in which there are two parties
holding the maximum numbers of seats.
 Multi-Party System

• The third and the most common form of government is the multi-party system. In such a system,
there are three or more parties which have the capacity to gain control of the government
separately or in a coalition.

• In case, no party achieves a clear majority of the legislative seats, then several parties join forces
and form a coalition government. Countries like India, follow a multi-party system. Some people
are of the view, that a multi-party system often leads to political instability in a country.
 Pressure Group
• The term “Pressure Group” was first used in the United States of America. A pressure group is a collection of
people actively promoting and defending their common interests.

• It is expected that by putting enormous pressure on the government, these Pressure Groups will effect change in
society and public policy.

• They are also called vested groups or interest groups.

• The Pressure Groups should not be confused with any political party or group as they do not contest any
election. Still, they have certain programs or issues for which they perform certain activities for their fulfillment.

• The common methods used by these Pressure Groups to influence the policy-making and implementation by the
government are correspondence, publicity, propaganda petitioning, debating, and lobbying.
 Role of Pressure Groups in India

• Pressure groups act as a strong link between the government and the public, which helps to keep
the government more responsive to the needs and wishes of the community.
• One of the biggest and most important roles of pressure groups is that they are the voice of
commoners and help to express the views of minorities who don’t even receive a hearing.
• Pressure groups comprise some experts in their field who provide the government with some
relevant information to work for the betterment of society.
• If taken seriously and actively, these pressure groups can also be an alternative source of advice to
the government.
• The pressure groups mostly talk about the rights and freedom of the people, either in a profession
or on legal grounds.
 Types of Pressure Groups in India

• Business Groups: The business groups include the industries and commercial bodies that are
sophisticated and powerful and are the largest of all Pressure Groups in India. For example, the
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

• Trade Unions: Trade unions are not unknown to many UPSC aspirants, as we know that these
groups raise their voices to demand the genuine requirements of industrial workers. Trade unions are
also known as labor groups. For example, the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC).

• Agrarian Groups: As the name implies, agrarian groups represent the farmers of India and their
demands before the government. The recent example that can be coded to this group is related to the
farm bill brought by the Indian government, which was protested by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU).
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• Professional Associations: The professional associations include some major reputed
professionals like doctors’ lawyers, engineers, teachers, and journalists who demand justice or full
means of their criteria from the government. For example Indian Medical Association and the
Indian Federation of Working Journalists.
• Student Organizations: India has many colleges which promote the elections within the
Universities and also promote student organizations. For example, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi
Parishad (ABVP).
• Religious Organizations: Certain organizations in India based on religion play a very important
role in Indian politics. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Anglo Indian Association, and Jamaat-e-
Islami are common examples of religious organizations.
• Caste Groups: Like religion, caste also has a very important place in Indian politics. Most of the
rivalries, clashes, and disputes among the groups in various states in India are because of caste-
based issues only. For example, Kaysth Sabha, Kshatriya Mahasabha, Marwadi Association, etc.
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• Tribal Organizations: The tribal organizations are more prominent and active in regions of
Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh Madhya Pradesh, and some of the northeast states of India. To get their
demands fulfilled by the government, these groups at times carry out insurgencies and create
disturbances in the areas. For example, United Mezo- Federal Organisation.
• Linguistic Groups: India has over 100 types of languages which lead to the formation of different
linguistic groups. For example, Tamil Sangh, Andhra Mahasabha, and Hindi Sahitya Sammelan.
• Ideology-Based Groups: Recently, ideology-based Pressure Groups are also created which
promote their personal ideologies and principles. For example, Democratic Rights Organisations
and Civil Liberties Associations.
• Anomic Groups: Anomic groups are sort dangerous groups who are intense to break through the
political system and get their demands fulfilled by performing drastic activities like riots,
assassinations, demonstrations, etc. For example, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front was
headed by Yaseen Malik.
 Functions of Pressure Groups

• Pressure groups work to sway public policy in the desired direction in every culture, whether
democratic or totalitarian, without being prepared to take on the duties of public office or by
refusing to assume direct responsibility for governing the nation.
• Pressure groups push for favorable administrative and policy choices. They frequently change the
structure of their operations. The interaction of governmental institutions, actions, and attitudes
concerning the breadth or intensity of their interest shapes group politics in pressure groups.
• Suppose the task of formulating policy and carrying it out is given to the central administration
branch. In that case, a pressure group may assume a highly significant, potent, and organized
position even at the national level.
 High Court
• Article 214 of the Indian Constitution states that there shall be a High Court for each state of
India. The High Court is the highest judicial authority in all the states or union territories. The
High Court holds the power to hear appeals coming from the subordinate and district courts. It can
issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights. As per the Article 217, The judges of High
Court shall be appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of
India and the Governor of the state concerned.
 Advantages of High Court in India

• High Courts are the highest judicial authority in each state, and have the power to hear appeals
from lower courts and review the decisions of state government and other administrative bodies.
The High Court also acts on the directions of the Supreme Court in certain cases.

• High Courts have the power to issue all the writs, including habeas corpus, mandamus,
prohibition, certiorari, to enforce the fundamental rights of citizens and to ensure that the actions
of the government and other bodies are valid as per the Indian Constitution.
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• High Courts play an important role in protecting the public rights by providing a means of

redressal against the laws framed by the state government if it is going against the constitution.

• The High Courts are easily accessible to all the citizens from all parts of the state. It also set up

benches in major cities, making it convenient for people to seek justice.

• High Courts have the power to transfer cases from one lower court to another, ensuring that cases

are heard by the most appropriate court

 Challenges faced by High Court in India

• High Courts in India are often suffering with a plethora of civil and criminal cases which
sometimes leads to huge delays in the announcement of verdicts.
• The High Courts are usually situated in the capital city of state and this can be expensive for some
people to visit the courts on all specific dates given by the hon’ble court. This makes it difficult for
them to afford legal representation for a long time.
 Supreme Court
• Article 124 of the Indian Constitution deals with the constitution and establishment of the
Supreme Court in the Country. The Supreme Court of India is the apex court of the country. It is
the final court of appeal for all types of cases, disputes and litigations. The Supreme Court is
situated in New Delhi. It consists of a Chief Justice appointed by the President of India and has 33
other Justices. The Supreme Court is considered as the Guardian of Indian Constitution and so it
has the power to interpret the constitution. The Supreme Court can review and declare null and
void the laws passed by parliament and state legislatures if found to be unconstitutional.
 Advantages of the Supreme Court of India

• As the Supreme Court is the highest legal authority, the decision of the court is final and binding for all.

• The supreme court can intervene in the laws framed by the government and can direct the high courts to take

necessary actions if required.

• The Supreme Court holds the power of judicial review. This means it can check the validity of laws as per the

constitution, and declare null and void if found to be unconstitutional.

• Anybody can file a public interest litigation (PILs) in the Supreme Court. It allows the public to bring issues of

public importance before the court.

• The Supreme Court has the power to transfer cases from one state to another or from one court to another, which

helps to ensure that justice is delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

Challenges faced by the Supreme Court of India

• The Supreme Court also faces a large number of pending litigations and cases, which leads to
delays in the final judgment.
• The Supreme Court is located in New Delhi, which can make it difficult for citizens in other parts
of the country to access its services.
 Who is the Speaker of Lok Sabha?

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, is the presiding officer and the
highest authority in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha elects its speaker, who oversees the House's day-
to-day operations. One of the first duties of the freshly formed House after the general election is to
elect the Speaker. The Speaker's position is a constitutional one. The Speaker is guided by
constitutional laws as well as the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. The
Speaker of the House of Commons is ranked sixth in the country's Warrant of Precedence. The
Speaker's office has sufficient powers to assist her/ him in the smooth conduct of parliamentary
proceedings.
 What are The Powers of The Speaker?

• The Lower House meetings are presided over by the Speaker. In other words, the Speaker

oversees the conduct of business in the Lok Sabha by ensuring member discipline and decorum.

• They protects the rights and privileges of Lok Sabha members, deciding who should speak

when, what questions should be asked, and how the proceedings should be conducted, among

other things.

• In order to break a deadlock, the Speaker uses his or her power to vote. That is when the House

starts a voting procedure the speaker does not cast a vote right away.
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• The Speaker's vote breaks the deadlock only when both sides earn an equal number of votes,
making his/her stance unbiased.

• When a quorum is not present in the House, the Speaker has the authority to adjourn the House or
suspend any meeting until a quorum is present.

• The Speaker sets the agenda for a meeting of the Members of Parliament.
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• The Speaker has vast powers of interpretation when it comes to the Rules of Procedure. Because
he is a member of the House as well as the Presiding Officer, he is responsible for maintaining the
House's discipline.
• Various legislative procedures, such as motions of adjournment, motions of no confidence, and
motions of censure, are also permitted by the Speaker.
• The Speaker of the House of Parliament is in charge of the combined sitting of the two Houses
of Parliament.
• The Speaker is exclusively responsible for endorsing his or her certificate on a Money Bill once it
has been transmitted from the Lower House to the Upper House. In other words, he or she is
granted the crucial authority to determine whether or not a Bill is a Money Bill. It is his/her choice
that is definitive
 Who is President of India?

• The Indian President is the head of the state. He is the first citizen of India and is a symbol of
solidarity, unity and integrity of the nation. He is a part of Union Executive along with the Vice-
President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Attorney General of India.
 How is President elected

• There is no direct election for the Indian President. An electoral college elects him. The electoral
college responsible for President’s elections comprises elected members of:

• Lok Shaba and Rajya Sabha

• Legislative Assemblies of the states

• Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry

 Who does not take part in the President’s elections?

• Nominated Members of Rajya Shaba

• Nominated Members of State Legislative Assemblies

• Members of Legislative Councils both elected and nominated in bicameral legislatures

• Nominated Members of union territories of Delhi and Puducherry

 What is the term of the President’s office?

• Once President is elected, he holds office for five years. He sits in the office even after the
completion of five years given no new election has taken place or no new President has been
elected till then. He can also be re-elected and there is no cap on his re-election.
 What are the qualifications of the President?

• A candidate has to meet some qualifications to be elected as the president. Those qualifications of
the President are:

• He should be an Indian Citizen

• His age should be a minimum of 35 years

• He should qualify the conditions to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha

• He should not hold any office of profit under the central government, state government or any
public authority
 What are the powers and functions of the President of India?

• For every executive action that the Indian government takes is to be taken in his name
• He may/may not make rules to simplify the transaction of business of the central government
• He appoints the attorney general of India and determines his remuneration
• He appoints the following people:
• Comptroller and Auditor General of India
• Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners
• Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission
• State Governors
• Finance Commission of India chairman and members
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• He seeks administrative information from the Union government
• He requires PM to submit, for consideration of the council of ministers any matter on which a
decision has been taken by a minister but which has not been considered by the council
• He appoints National Commissions of:
• Scheduled Castes National Commission for Scheduled Castes
• Scheduled Tribes National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
• Other Backward Classes National Commission for Backward Classes
• He appoints inter-state council
• He appoints administrators of union territories
• He can declare any area as a scheduled area and has powers with respect to the administration of
scheduled areas and tribal areas
 Legislative Powers of President
• He summons or prorogues Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha
• He summons a joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in case of deadlock
• He addresses the Indian Parliament at the commencement of the first session after every general
election
• He appoints speaker, deputy speaker of Lok Sabha, and chairman/deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha
when the seats fall vacant to know the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha .
• He nominates 12 members of the Rajya Sabha
• He can nominate two members to the Lok Sabha from the Anglo-Indian Community
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• He consults the Election Commission of India on questions of disqualifications of MPs.

• He recommends/ permits the introduction of certain types of bills to read on how a bill is passed in
the Indian Parliament.

• He promulgates ordinances

• He lays the following reports before the Parliament:

• Comptroller and Auditor General

• Union Public Service Commission

• Finance Commission, etc.

 Financial Powers of President

• To introduce the money bill his prior recommendation is a must

• He causes Union Budget to be laid before the Parliament

• To make a demand for grants his recommendation is a pre-requisite

• Contingency Fund of India is under his control

• He constitutes the Finance Commission every five years

 Judicial Powers of President

• Appointment of Chief Justice and Supreme Court and High Court Judges are on him

• He takes advice from the Supreme Court however the advice is not binding on him

• He has pardoning power: Under article 72 he has been conferred with power to grant pardon
against punishment for an offence against union law punishment by a martial court or death
sentence.
 Prime Minister
• The Prime Minister of India is the head of the government and country. He is appointed by the
President of India after the political party wins a general election and nominates a candidate for
the post.

• The leader of that political party is hence appointed as the Prime Minister of India.
 Power and function of Prime Minister
• The Prime Minister of India serves the country by performing various functions. He performs his
functions taking responsibilities that are listed below
• The leader of the Country: The Prime Minister of India is the Chief Head of the Government of
India.
• Portfolio allocation: The Prime Minister has the authority to assign respective portfolios to the
Ministers.
• Chairman of the Cabinet: The Prime Minister is the chairman of the cabinet and conducts the
meetings of the Cabinet. He can impose his decision if there is a crucial opinion difference and
conflict among the members.
• Official Representative of the country: The Prime minister represents the country for high-level
international meetings and he is the ambassador of the country.
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• The link between the President and the Cabinet: The Prime Minister acts as the link and bond
between the President and cabinet. He communicates and transmits all decisions of the Cabinet to
the President which is related to the administration of the affairs of the Union and proposals for
legislation.
• Head: The Prime Minister is the head of many organization and programs like Nuclear Command
Authority, NITI Aayog, Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Department of Atomic Energy,
Department of Space and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• Chief Advisor: He also plays the role of chief advisor to the President
 How is a Governor Appointed?

• The Indian President appoints Governor for each state by warrant under his hand and seal. Central
Government is responsible to nominate the governor for each state.
• Unlike elections of the President there is no direct or indirect election for the post of Governor.
• The office of a governor is not a part of the union executive and is an independent constitutional
office. The governor doesn’t serve the union government and neither is subordinate to it.
• The nomination of a governor by the Union and his appointment by the President in India is based
on the Canadian model of government.
 What is the term of the Governor’s office?

• Since the Governor holds the office under the pleasure of the President, his office has no fixed
term. President can remove the Governor and the grounds upon which he may be removed are not
laid down in the constitution.
• Governor may also get transferred from one state to another by the President. He also can be
reappointed.
 Who is qualified to become a Governor?

• He should be an Indian Citizen

• He should be 35 years old or more
• That person is not appointed as the governor who belongs to the state. He shall be an outsider
having no relation with the state he is being appointed to.
• Consultation of the Chief Minister is taken by the President before appointing a governor
 What are the powers and functions of the Governor?

• Every executive action that the state government takes, is to be taken in his name.
• How an order that has been taken up his name is to be authenticated, the rules for the same can be
specified by the Governor.
• He may/may not make rules to simplify the transaction of the business of the state government.
• Chief Ministers and other ministers of the states are appointed by him.
• They appoints the following people:
• State Election Commissioner
• Chairman and Members of the State Public Service Commission
• Vice-Chancellors of the universities in the state
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• They looks over the state budget being laid in the state legislature
• His recommendation is a prerequisite for the introduction of a money bill in the state legislature
• They recommends for the demand for grants which otherwise cannot be given
• Contingency Fund of State is under him and he makes advances out that to meet unforeseen
expenditure
• president consults the Governor while appointing judges of High Court .
• In consultation with the state High Court, Governor makes appointments, postings, and
promotions of the district judges.
• In consultation with the state high court and state public service commission, he also appoints
persons to the judicial services.
 Chief Minister
• They is the head of the state government. While the governor is the nominal executive of the state
government, the person who becomes the chief minister is the real executive of the government.
The real executive is called ‘de facto’ executive that means, ‘in fact, whether by right or not.
• According to Article 164 in the Indian Constitution, Governor appoints Chief Minister. However,
the Governor cannot appoint any random person as the Chief Minister but has to follow a
provision.
• A leader of the party that has got the majority share of votes in the assembly elections, is appointed
as the Chief Minister of the state
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• When no party gets a majority in the elections, governor exercises his own discretion and appoint
a Chief Minister accordingly.
• In a case where no party has won the majority votes, Governor appoints the member of the largest
party or one from the coalition if occurs as the Chief Minister and then he is given 1 month time to
prove confidence in the house.
• If the incumbent dies in the office, Governor at his own discretion can appoint a Chief Minister
however, the ruling party nominates a member and Governor usually appoints that person as the
Chief Minister. This person then has to prove confidence within a specified time.
• A person not belonging to either house (Legislative Assembly & Council) can also be appointed as
the Chief Minister, however, within six months of his tenure as a CM he should be elected to either
house without which he ceases to be a CM.
• Chief Minister can belong to any house in the State Legislature.
 What is the term of Chief Minister’s office?

• The term of Chief Minister is not fixed and he holds his office during the pleasure of the
governor.
• Governor cannot remove him any time.
• Governor cannot even dismiss him till the time he enjoys the support of the majority of the house.
• When CM loses his majority support, he has to resign and Governor dismisses him then.
What is the main function of the Chief Minister?

• The CM of the state performs functions in relation to the different categories of people:
• In relation to the Council of Ministers
• In relation to the Governor
• In relation to the State Legislature
• Other than that, he also performs the following functions:
• He chairs the State Planning Board
• He is a vice-chairperson of the concerned zonal council by rotation, holding that office for a
period of one year at a time
• He is a member of Inter-State Council and National Development Council which are headed by
the Prime Minister.
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• All activities of the ministers are guided and controlled by the Chief Minister
• If he resigns, the entire council of ministers collapses.
• All government policies are announced by him on the floor of the house
 Speaker of Lok Shaba

• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, is the presiding officer and the
highest authority in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha elects its speaker, who oversees the House's
day-to-day operations. One of the first duties of the freshly formed House after the general
election is to elect the Speaker.
 What are The Powers of The Speaker?

• The Lower House meetings are presided over by the Speaker. In other words, the Speaker
oversees the conduct of business in the Lok Sabha by ensuring member discipline and decorum.
• The protects the rights and privileges of Lok Sabha members, deciding who should speak when,
what questions should be asked, and how the proceedings should be conducted, among other
things.
• In order to break a deadlock, the Speaker uses his or her power to vote. That is, when the House
starts a voting procedure, the speaker does not cast a vote right away. The Speaker's vote breaks
the deadlock only when both sides earn an equal number of votes, making his/her stance unbiased.
• When a quorum is not present in the House, the Speaker has the authority to adjourn the House or
suspend any meeting until a quorum is present.
• When a decision of the House is required on a motion filed by a member, the Speaker calls the
question before the House to seek the decision.
The Speaker and His Constitutional Power

• The country's Parliamentary sessions are presided over by a presiding official known as the
Speaker. In a parliamentary democracy, the Speaker represents the dignity and freedom of the
House, and because the house represents the country, the speaker becomes a symbol of the
country's freedom and liberty.
 Who is the Speaker of Rajya Sabha?

• The presiding officer of the Rajya Sabha is the Chairman of the Sabha which is an ex-officio post.
The Vice President of the country becomes the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and thus becomes the
authority to preside over the affairs of the house. It is important to note that he is not the member of the
house. It is not allowed to vote in the first instance but can vote when there is equality of votes. In
simple words, he has a casting vote.

• The salary and allowances of the Chairman are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India. The motion
to remove him from his post can only be done in the Rajya Sabha and he is not allowed to preside
over the session during his removal proceedings. The rest of the duties and powers are similar to the
Speaker of the Lok Sabha except he does not decide on the bill whether it is a money bill or not.
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• Thus, the Speaker is a very crucial post in the parliament. It is a constitutional office which shows
the importance of the office. It is very important to note that there is no path that needs to be taken
before entering into the office of Speaker. The speaker can not preside over the house in case of
his removal proceedings and in that case, a person chosen by the house used to preside over the
house. These days the office of Speaker because of the controversies related to the money bill as
well as defection cases. In such cases, the Speaker needs to take decisions as per the
constitutional provisions and in favour of the people of the country.
 Government Scheme
• Indian Government at all levels announces Welfare Schemes for a cross section of the society from
time to time. These schemes could be either Central, State specific or a joint collaboration between
the Centre and the States. In this section we have attempted to provide you an easy and single
point access to information about several welfare schemes of the Government and their various
aspects including eligible beneficiaries types of benefits scheme details etc.
 Atal Pension Yojana

• Atal Pension Yojana was passed in the Union Budget of 2015-16 by the then Late Honorable Finance Minister, Mr Arun
Jaitley. This scheme is a pension scheme which aims at providing pension to the unorganised sector of the society such as
the maids, gardeners, delivery boys, etc. Even the Private sector employees or employees who work in an organisation
which does not provide pension benefits to them can also apply for this scheme.

Atal Pension Yojana is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). This scheme
provides options for getting a fixed pension starting from Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 on attaining the age of 60 years. The
individuals who can avail this scheme must be between the age of 18 and 40 and should contribute for a minimum of 20
years.
Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All (UJALA)

• The Government of India introduced the Unnat Jeevan by Affordable LEDs and Appliances for All Scheme in 2015. This
scheme is implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of four Public Sector Undertakings under
the Ministry of Power. This scheme enables the price-sensitive customers to buy LEDs at affordable rates.

This scheme aims to promote every household to have LED-powered appliances. This scheme is of utmost importance to
enable the country’s broad base of price-sensitive customers to purchase LEDs at affordable rates. Every domestic
household in the country can obtain the benefits under this scheme if they have a metered connection from their respective
Electricity Distribution Company.
 Ayushman Bharat Yojana

• Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a health protection scheme which provides health insurance to the citizens of
India. It was launched on 23 September 2018. It is an initiative under the existing National Health Protection
Scheme and also referred to as Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Scheme (AB-NHPS).

Under this scheme, insurance coverage of up to Rs.5 lakh on a family floater basis is provided to the
beneficiaries every year. The insurance coverage provided is for receiving primary, secondary, and tertiary
healthcare services. The poor deprived rural families and identified occupational category of urban workers’
families based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) are eligible to avail this scheme as beneficiaries.
 Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin, previously the Indira Awaas Yojana scheme, came into effect from 1
April 2016. This scheme was effected for addressing the gaps in the rural housing program and for achieving
the Government’s commitment to providing “Housing for All’’ by 2022.

This scheme aims to provide a pucca house which has all the necessary amenities to the houseless and to the
households living in kutcha and dilapidated houses. The beneficiaries under this scheme are all the houseless
and households living in zero, one or two-room houses with kutcha hall and kutcha roof as per SECC (Socio-
Economic and Caste Census) data.
 Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a social welfare scheme launched by the Government on 1 May
2016. It is a scheme by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for providing LPG connections
to women belonging from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) household. LPG connections are
provided at a concessional rate to the women living below the poverty line under this scheme.

This scheme aims to envisage a smoke-free Rural India by providing LPG connections to the
entire nation and benefit around five crore families. Any adult woman belonging to a low-income
family who does not have an LPG connection in her household is considered as an eligible
beneficiary under this scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM) (Old Age
Protection)

• Voluntary and contributory pension schemes

• Monthly contribution ranges from Rs.55 to Rs.200 depending upon the entry age of the
beneficiary.
• Under this schemes, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching
contribution is paid by the Central Government.
• Eligibility
• Should be an Indian Citizen
• Unorganised Workers (working as street vendors, agriculture related work, construction site
workers, workers in industries of leather, handloom, mid-day meal, rickshaw or auto wheelers, rag
picking, carpenters, fisherman’s etc.
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• Age group of 18-40 years
• Monthly income is below Rs.15000 and not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS (Govt. funded).
• Benefits
• After attaining the age of 60 yrs, beneficiaries are entitled to receive monthly assured pension of
Rs.3000/-.
• On death of the beneficiary, spouse is eligible for 50% monthly pension.
• If husband and wife, both joins the scheme, they are eligible for Rs. 6000/- monthly pension
jointly.
 Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Eligibility
• Should be an Indian Citizen
• In the age group 18 to 50 years
• Having Jandhan or saving bank account with Aadhaar.
• Auto-debit from bank account on consent
• Benefits
• Rs.2 lakh on death due to any cause
• Premium @ Rs.436/- year
 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Mandhan Yojana

• Eligibility
• Should be an Indian Citizen
• For Small and Marginal Farmers
• Entry Age between 18 to 40 years
• Cultivable land up to 2 hectares as per land records of the concerned State/UT
• Benefits
• Assured pension of Rs. 3000/- month
• Voluntary and Contributory Pension Scheme
• Matching Contribution by the Government of India.