Social Welfare and Inclusion - Economy | UPSC Learning

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Social Welfare and Inclusion

Social Welfare and Inclusion

Medium⏱️ 7 min read95% Verified
economy

📖 Introduction

<h4>PM SVA Nidhi Scheme: Empowering Street Vendors</h4><p>The <strong>PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVA Nidhi) Scheme</strong> is a special micro-credit facility designed to empower street vendors. It aims to provide them with access to affordable working capital loans.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Target Beneficiaries:</strong> Street vendors, hawkers, pushcart vendors.</li><li><strong>Key Feature:</strong> Provides <strong>UPI-linked credit cards</strong> to facilitate digital transactions.</li><li><strong>Credit Limit:</strong> Offers a credit limit of up to <strong>₹30,000</strong> for working capital needs.</li></ul></div><p>This initiative is crucial for enhancing the <strong>financial inclusion</strong> of an often-marginalized segment of the urban informal economy. It helps them rebuild their livelihoods and integrate into the formal financial system.</p><h4>Identity Cards for Gig Workers: Ensuring Social Security</h4><p>The government is focused on extending social security benefits to the rapidly growing segment of <strong>gig workers</strong>. This involves a robust registration process to bring them under a protective umbrella.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Registration Platform:</strong> Gig workers are encouraged to register on the <strong>e-Shram portal</strong>.</li><li><strong>Benefits Ensured:</strong> Registration provides access to essential <strong>social security</strong> and <strong>health benefits</strong>.</li><li><strong>Health Coverage:</strong> Benefits are primarily provided under the <strong>PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)</strong>, offering health insurance coverage.</li></ul></div><p>This move addresses the vulnerabilities faced by gig workers, providing them with a safety net and formal recognition of their contribution to the economy.</p><h4>Atal Tinkering Labs: Fostering Innovation in Schools</h4><p>To cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship from a young age, the government is significantly expanding the reach of <strong>Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)</strong> across the country.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Expansion Target:</strong> <strong>50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs</strong> are planned for establishment.</li><li><strong>Implementation Timeline:</strong> These labs are to be set up in the <strong>next five years</strong>.</li><li><strong>Location:</strong> Primarily established in <strong>government schools</strong>.</li></ul></div><p>These labs provide students with hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.</p><h4>Expansion of Medical Education: Boosting Healthcare Capacity</h4><p>Recognizing the critical need for more healthcare professionals, the government is undertaking a significant expansion of medical education infrastructure and capacity.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Immediate Increase:</strong> An addition of <strong>10,000 new medical seats</strong> is targeted.</li><li><strong>Long-term Goal:</strong> The aim is to achieve a total increase of <strong>75,000 medical seats</strong> within a <strong>five-year period</strong>.</li></ul></div><p>This expansion is vital for addressing the doctor-patient ratio, improving healthcare access, and strengthening the public health system across India.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>For UPSC Mains, these schemes can be cited as examples of government efforts towards <strong>inclusive growth</strong>, <strong>human resource development</strong>, and <strong>social justice</strong>. Remember to link them to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).</p></div>
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💡 Key Takeaways

  • PM SVA Nidhi provides UPI-linked credit cards up to ₹30,000 for street vendors, boosting financial inclusion.
  • e-Shram portal registers gig workers for social security and health benefits under PM Jan Arogya Yojana.
  • 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools aim to foster innovation among students.
  • Expansion of medical education targets 75,000 new seats in five years to strengthen healthcare.
  • These initiatives are critical for India's inclusive growth, human capital development, and social justice goals.

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📚 Reference Sources

Official websites of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (PM SVA Nidhi)
Official e-Shram portal and Ministry of Labour & Employment
NITI Aayog (Atal Innovation Mission)
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare