Introduction

In a show of dedication towards socio-economic development, the Indian government has earmarked significant funds for its flagship schemes for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The allocation has been made across a range of sectors including rural employment, social assistance, housing, water supply, health, agriculture, and nutrition security.

Why in News: Government's Massive Funding Allocation

- The government has allocated a major chunk of the budget to various schemes.

- The 'Core of Core Schemes' includes the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program with an allocation of ₹86,000 crore, and National Social Assistance Program with ₹9,652 crore.

Key Focus: Housing, Water Supply, and Health

- The 'Core Schemes' bracket includes funds for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY) assigning ₹80,671 crore, Jal Jeevan Mission/National Rural Drinking Water Mission with ₹70,163 crore, and the National Health Mission with an allocation of ₹38,183 crore.

Crucial Investments: Agriculture and Nutrition

- Under the umbrella of 'Major Central Sector Schemes', an allocation of ₹14,600 crore has been made for the Crop Insurance Scheme, ₹60,000 crore for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, and a massive ₹2,05,250 crore for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

GK Part: Understanding the Government Schemes

1. History

- All these schemes have been introduced by the Central Government of India at different time phases to strengthen the social and economic structure of the country. For instance, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was launched in 2005, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna was introduced in 2015.

2. Geography

- These schemes are not region-specific and are implemented nationwide to achieve uniform development.

3. Importance

- Each scheme targets vital aspects of Indian society. For example, MGNREGA provides wage employment in rural areas, while the PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to all, and Jal Jeevan Mission focuses on providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections.

4. Additional Information

- The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi provides income support to all landholding farmers' families across the country, the Crop Insurance Scheme helps farmers to insure their crops against any unforeseen circumstances. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana is a food security scheme to provide free food grain to approximately 80 crore people in India.

Conclusion:

These budgetary allocations for Indian government schemes in 2024-2025 signify the intense focus on fostering an inclusive and sustainable socio-economic environment. Targeting different segments of society and stretches across various domains, these specific allocations aim to uplift the rural economy, provide social assistance, enhance healthcare facilities, promote housing, ensure water supply, aid farmers, and secure nutrition. This broad span of schemes is a testament to India's comprehensive development plan, crucial for upcoming government evaluation exams.