The 18th Lok Sabha Elections concluded on June 4, 2024, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came into power for the third consecutive term. The government was formed to aim for holistic national development and ensure the country’s remarkable future. Since coming into power, it has introduced new schemes and initiatives directed towards different social beneficiaries.
The government is ambitious about transforming the country’s socio-economic landscape. Since coming to power, it has focused on housing, health care, employment, and infrastructure development in recognition of the different challenges the citizens face. On September 17, 2024, the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, addressed a press conference in New Delhi highlighting the major decisions and achievements in the first 100 days of the NDA-led government. This article lists schemes NDA 3.0 introduced after the 18th Lok Sabha Elections and their objectives, implementation, and impact on the citizens.
Infrastructure Schemes
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Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGDY)
The finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced Phase-IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna during the announcement of the Union Budget. Under this scheme, the aim is to provide all-weather connectivity to 25,000 rural habitations, which are highlighted now because of the increase in their population.
As of July 23, 2024, 8,10,083 km had been sanctioned, of which 7,65,530 had been completed. The scheme had spent Rs. 3,24,177 crore.
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National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)
On August 28, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved 12 new project proposals under NICDP. The estimated investment is Rs. 28,602 crore. The scheme aims to create a network of industrial nodes and cities to aid economic growth and global competitiveness.
The plan is to undertake these projects across 10 states, built along six major corridors. The benefited regions are Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in AP and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.
It is being built to incorporate a wide range of industries. They plan to create an atmosphere where large industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can invest. These cities will have state-of-the-art infrastructure in alignment with global standards. It will be built ‘ahead of demand’ on the ‘plug-n-play’ and ‘walk-to-work’ concepts. This project is expected to generate huge employment opportunities. An estimated 1 million direct and 3 million indirect jobs will be created through this new age of industrialization. This will enable the economy’s overall development and the regions where these projects will be located.
Healthcare Schemes
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Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
On September 11, 2024, the Cabinet approved an expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). The scheme has been expanded to include citizens above 70 years and above, irrespective of income. The policy is expected to benefit almost 4.5 crore families, covering six crore citizens with health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year.
This scheme is a boon in disguise for the middle class, as the expansion means senior citizens will receive a distinct card, enabling them to access a more comprehensive form of health coverage. The beneficiaries of the scheme who are already covered have the option to receive an additional Rs. 5 lakh per year without affecting the family cover for other members below 70 years of age
Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry
The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, launched a scheme on November 8, 2024, to strengthen the medical device industry.
The Government plans to spend a total of Rs. 500 crore on the entire scheme. The scheme consists of 5 sub-schemes:
- Common Facilities for Medical Cluster Devices: With a budget of Rs 110 cr, the Central Government will assist Medical device Clusters in creating common infrastructure projects like R&D Labs, animal labs, etc.
- Marginal Investment Scheme for Reducing Import Dependence: The government has allocated 180 crore for this sub-scheme. This aims to reduce the dependence of the Indian market on imports. It provides for manufacturing of important components, raw materials, and accessories within the country
- Capacity Building and Skill Development for Medical Devices: This sub-scheme focuses on capacity building and skill development for the medical device sector. The primary goal is to ensure that we have a talented and skilled workforce who can design and develop products for the medical industry. The allocated budget is Rs. 100 crore.
- Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme: This scheme is for helping start-ups and even established companies conduct clinical studies. The scheme aims to benefit the medical industry by allowing an increase in clinical studies. For this scheme, too, the budget is Rs. 100 crore.
- Medical Device Promotion Scheme: Lastly, this scheme, with a budget of Rs. 10 crore, has been developed to provide financial assistance to promote medical device activities. It also provides for the conduct of studies. It supports industry associations and export councils by providing financial assistance to organize conferences and other events that promote medical device-related activities.
Pension Scheme
In August 2024, the government approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which is intended to benefit retirees and their families. Under this scheme, the beneficiaries are entitled to receive an assured pension of 50% of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months before superannuation. This will apply to persons with a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. In the case of lesser service, the minimum qualifying service is 10 years.
The family members of the deceased employees will be entitled to a family pension amounting to 60% of the employee’s pension at the time of the employee’s death. From April 1, 2025, UPS will benefit almost 23 lakh Central Government employees. Additionally, almost 90 lakh employees will be included as certain states adopt this system.
Housing Scheme
The second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) was approved on August 9, 2024. The aim is to provide financial assistance to 1 crore urban poor and middle-class families. The aid will also extend to constructing, purchasing, or renting affordable housing in metropolitan areas within the next 5 years. The government has allocated Rs. 2.30 lakh crore as investment for this scheme.
Sustainable Development Scheme
The government focuses on sustainable development goals and has introduced a scheme here. The PM-eBus Sewa Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme is approved, with a budget of Rs. 3,435.33 crore. The government aims to provide a sustainable method of public transportation. Therefore, they will purchase and operate over 38,000 electric buses from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29.
Entrepreneurship and Business Support Scheme
The Central Government has increased the credit limit for entrepreneurs under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) scheme. Only those who have availed and repaid the loans under the ‘Tarun‘ category are eligible. The increase now stands at Rs. 20 lakh instead of the earlier Rs. 10 lakh. This has been done with the interest of small business owners who have followed the repayment schedules.
These schemes cover different aspects of a citizen’s life in the country, like infrastructure, health, business, housing, sustainability, and pension. They aim to support all sections of society and are great tools for developing our country’s social, economic, and financial aspects.
