Introduction
India’s welfare schemes are designed to reduce inequality and uplift marginalized communities, as mandated by Article 38 of the Constitution. From rural employment to child nutrition, these programs aim to provide social, economic, and political justice.
Whether you’re a beneficiary, researcher, or policymaker, this post simplifies India’s welfare landscape.
1. Rural Development Schemes
1.1 Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
Objective: Lift families above the poverty line via self-employment.
Key Features:
Forms Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for bank credit.
60% women beneficiaries, 50% SC/ST focus.
Eligibility: BPL families.
1.2 National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM / Aajeevika)
Goal: Reduce poverty through grassroots institutions.
Benefits:
Revolving fund of ₹10,000–15,000 per SHG.
Skill development for sustainable income.
1.3 Mahatma Gandhi NREGA (2005)
Guarantees 100 days of unskilled work/year.
Key Rights:
Wages under Minimum Wages Act.
Unemployment allowance if work isn’t provided in 15 days.
1.4 Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)
Provides ₹75,000 for rural housing.
Priority: SC/STs, widows, ex-servicemen.
2. Child Welfare Schemes
2.1 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Since 1975, covers:
Supplementary nutrition.
Immunization & health check-ups.
Preschool education.
2.2 Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
Prevents abuse via:
Emergency outreach (CHILDLINE 1098).
Foster care & adoption support.
2.3 Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY)
Post-birth grant for BPL families with girl children.
Funds accessible at age 18/marriage.
3. Women Empowerment Schemes
3.1 Short Stay Homes (SSH)
Shelters for women facing exploitation.
Run by NGOs with central funding.
3.2 Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)
Microcredit loans for poor women.
Components: Gold Credit Card, Housing Loans.
3.3 SABLA Scheme
For adolescent girls (11–18 years).
Focus on nutrition, health, and vocational training.
4. Disability Support Schemes
4.1 ADIP Scheme
Free aids/appliances (wheelchairs, hearing devices).
4.2 National Handicapped Finance Corp (NHFDC)
Low-interest loans for self-employment.
4.3 Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation
Funds NGOs running special schools.
5. National Social Assistance Program (NSAP)
Pensions for:
Elderly (IGNOAPS).
Widows (IGNWPS).
Disabled (IGNDPS).
6. Youth Development Schemes
6.1 Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)
Sports & leadership programs for rural youth.
6.2 National Service Scheme (NSS)
Community service for college students.
Conclusion
India’s welfare schemes are lifelines for marginalized groups, but challenges like awareness gaps persist. By leveraging programs like NREGA, ICDS, and RMK, citizens can access critical support.
Call to Action:
Check eligibility at https://www.india.gov.in/.
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