Indian government schemes and policies

India is the world’s largest electoral democracy. The Government schemes and policies are a reflection of the mindset of the people of India. The Government is focusing on the improvement of the balance of payment situation of India through a focus on the Make in India scheme. 

The Government is also focusing on marketing products that are unique to India. The Ayush Industry is short for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH). Although homoeopathy was invented in Germany, homoeopathy synergizes well with the other forms of therapy in the group. The AYUSH Industry of India has grown to a business volume of over a lac crores. The Government of India is also encouraging start-ups in India through the Startup India Venture Capital scheme which focuses on new start-up ventures. The Indian Government also funds agri-business projects under this scheme.

The focus of research, development, and innovation

The Government accelerates Vigyan Program which is targeted to provide impetus to scientific research and development. The program is conducted through the Science and Engineering Research Board. The AGNII and the Atal Innovation Mission schemes are meant for improving standards of innovation. This Innovation Mission was set up by the NITI Aayog to encourage and promote innovative entrepreneurship. The PM Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme aims at providing nourishment and nutrition across the country. Schemes like the Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research promote more basic skills of writing and the expression of ideas. The Choice Based Credit system of the Government seeks to allow a learner to learn according to his choice of subjects and time convenience while getting proper accreditation and certificates for the courses he or she has successfully passed. Research in social sciences is promoted by the Government through the Impress Scheme. The Impress scheme stands for Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences. Social science development is significant as it gives an understanding of society at an individual’s thought level. The EQUIP or the Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Program seek to double the Gross Enrolment Ratio in the field of higher education. It also seeks to bring children from academically backward areas towards quality education. The National Education Policy 2020 had been put in place to upgrade education at all levels and expand its reach to everyone in the country. The government has also shown its intent on putting an end to ragging with its Anti-Ragging policies. This stance of zero tolerance towards ragging along with policies that encourage education has provided a three-sixty-degree upliftment to the learning and education environment in the country.

Focus on schemes for the upliftment of the poor, preventing exploitation of children, and promoting quality education for children

Schemes like the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan have been set up with the objective of upliftment the poverty-stricken in the country. The National Child Labour Project Scheme is to end the exploitation of children. This NCLP scheme is pivotal as children are the future of the country. This policy also prevents the criminalization of children due to lack of education and means to earn their daily bread by proper, legal means. The School Education Shagun Scheme has also targeted creating a better future with the impetus for children’s education. 

How many schemes are currently running?

In the year 2022, there are over 700 Central sector schemes and over 60 Central sponsored schemes currently being run in the Republic of India. The Government of India’s social welfare and social security schemes are funded either by the central government, state government, or both. The Schemes which are fully funded by the central government are known as central sector schemes. The schemes funded primarily by the centre and implemented by the states are known as centrally sponsored schemes.