Top 10 Must-Know Sarkari Yojnas for 2024

India’s government has consistently introduced various Sarkari Yojanas (government schemes) aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of its citizens. These schemes are designed to benefit different sections of society, including the poor, women, children, and marginalized communities. As we step into 2024, it’s essential to be aware of the most impactful and beneficial government schemes that can make a difference in your life or the lives of those around you. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Top 10 Must-Know Sarkari Yojnas for 2024.

1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor by 2024. The mission focuses on ensuring that every family has a pucca house with water connection, toilet facilities, 24×7 electricity supply, and access to cooking gas. The scheme is divided into two components: PMAY-Urban and PMAY-Gramin. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries can avail of subsidies on home loans for the construction, purchase, or enhancement of their houses.

Key Features:

• Interest subsidy on home loans under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).
• Focus on affordable housing in partnership with public and private sectors.
• Special provisions for women, economically weaker sections, and low-income groups.

2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a financial inclusion initiative aimed at ensuring access to financial services like banking, savings accounts, remittances, credit, insurance, and pensions. Launched in 2014, PMJDY has been a significant step toward financial inclusion, especially for the rural population. As of 2024, the scheme continues to play a crucial role in bringing unbanked sections of society into the formal financial system.

Key Features:

• Zero balance savings accounts with overdraft facilities.
• Access to RuPay debit cards.
• Accidental insurance cover and direct benefit transfers.

3. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is one of the world’s largest health insurance schemes, providing coverage to over 10 crore families. It aims to offer free health coverage up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme primarily targets economically vulnerable families based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.

Key Features:

• Cashless and paperless access to services in public and empaneled private hospitals.
• Covers almost all secondary and many tertiary hospitalizations.
• No cap on family size, age, or gender.

4. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central sector scheme providing income support to all landholding farmer families in the country. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments directly into their bank accounts. This scheme aims to supplement the financial needs of farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields.

Key Features:

• Direct income support for farmers.
• Timely cash transfer through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Coverage of all small and marginal farmers.

5. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a social campaign aimed at addressing the declining child sex ratio and promoting the education and empowerment of the girl child. The scheme focuses on changing societal attitudes and creating awareness about the importance of gender equality. As we approach 2024, BBBP continues to play a vital role in improving the status of the girl child in India.

Key Features:

• Mass communication campaigns to create awareness.
• Focus on preventing gender-biased sex-selective elimination.
• Promotion of girl child education and protection.

6. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission aims to make India clean and open defecation free. The mission has two components: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and Swachh Bharat Mission-Rural. The scheme focuses on promoting sanitation and hygiene, particularly in rural areas, and providing every household with access to toilets.

Key Features:

• Construction of individual household latrines (IHHL).
• Community toilets and solid waste management systems.
• Behavioral change and awareness campaigns on sanitation.

7. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana is aimed at providing financial support to micro and small enterprises. The scheme offers loans up to ₹10 lakhs under three categories: Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun. PMMY is crucial for encouraging entrepreneurship and generating employment, especially among the youth and marginalized sections of society.

Key Features:

• Loans without collateral for micro and small businesses.
• Flexible repayment terms and low-interest rates.
• Encourages the establishment of small enterprises and startups.

8. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

The Atal Pension Yojana is a government-backed pension scheme primarily targeted at the unorganized sector workers. Under APY, subscribers receive a fixed minimum pension ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month, depending on their contribution, after they reach the age of 60. This scheme is part of the government’s effort to provide a safety net to the working poor.

Key Features:

• Guaranteed minimum pension for subscribers.
• Co-contribution by the government for eligible beneficiaries.
• Tax benefits under Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act.

9. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana is an accidental death and disability insurance scheme. It offers coverage of ₹2 lakhs for accidental death and full disability, and ₹1 lakh for partial disability, at a nominal premium of ₹12 per year. The scheme is available to all Indian citizens aged between 18 and 70 years and plays a crucial role in providing affordable insurance to the economically weaker sections.

Key Features:

• High coverage at a minimal premium.
• Simple enrollment and renewal process.
• Coverage for accidental death and disability.

10. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Initiatives

While not a standalone scheme, the initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 are set to transform India’s education system by 2024. The NEP focuses on holistic and multidisciplinary education, flexibility in learning, and the integration of vocational education. The policy aims to make education more inclusive, equitable, and aligned with global standards.

Key Features:

• Introduction of a new curriculum framework that emphasizes critical thinking and creativity.
• Focus on early childhood care and education (ECCE).
• Increased access to higher education with flexible degree options.

Conclusion

As we move through 2024, staying informed about these Sarkari Yojanas can help you take advantage of the benefits offered by the government. These schemes are designed to uplift various sections of society, promote economic growth, and ensure a better quality of life for all citizens. Whether you are a farmer, a small business owner, a student, or part of the unorganized sector, these must-know Sarkari Yojanas for 2024 are essential for your financial security and overall well-being.