Government Schemes Current Affairs 10 October 2026

Last Updated: 09 October 2026, 10:55 AM IST | Reviewed by Vijay Sah

Government Schemes Current Affairs is an important topic for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC, Police and other competitive examinations. Questions are commonly asked about the objectives of government schemes, beneficiary groups, implementing ministries, financial assistance and important recent developments.

In this article, we cover selected government schemes and initiatives relevant to exam preparation as of 10 October 2026. Special attention is given to recent developments involving PM-RAHAT, the SME Growth Fund, the People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27 and GOBARdhan. Established schemes such as PM-KISAN and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin are also included for revision.

Important: Scheme benefits and eligibility conditions may depend on official guidelines, state implementation and beneficiary verification. Always consult the relevant government portal before applying.

Latest Government Scheme Updates: October 2026

1. SME Growth Fund: ₹10,000 Crore Government Commitment

On 6 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore towards establishing the Small and Medium Enterprises Growth Fund (SME Growth Fund). The initiative aims to provide growth-oriented equity capital to promising small and medium enterprises.

The fund is intended to help viable businesses expand their operations, improve manufacturing capacity, adopt advanced technologies and strengthen their competitiveness. The initiative also considers industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Approval date: 6 October 2026
Government commitment: ₹10,000 crore
Primary focus: Growth capital for high-potential SMEs
Related policy: Union Budget 2026–27

Exam point: The SME Growth Fund is associated with financing and scaling small and medium enterprises, rather than being a direct cash-transfer scheme for individual households.

Official source: Press Information Bureau — SME Growth Fund

2. People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27: “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas”

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj began the People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27, titled “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas,” around the special Gram Sabha activities held on 2 October 2026. The campaign supports participatory and evidence-based planning by Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Under this campaign, Gram Panchayats will prepare their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for the financial year 2027–28. Local residents and elected representatives can discuss development priorities, identify service gaps and review the implementation of citizen-centric schemes.

Lead ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Campaign: People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27
Theme: Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas
Planning target: Panchayat Development Plans for FY 2027–28

Exam point: Remember the difference between the campaign year, 2026–27, and the financial year for which the development plans are being prepared, 2027–28.

Official source: PIB — People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27

3. PM-RAHAT Scheme: Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims

The Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM-RAHAT) Scheme was launched for nationwide implementation on 13 February 2026. It aims to ensure timely medical treatment for eligible road accident victims and reduce preventable deaths caused by delays in emergency care.

The scheme provides treatment cover of up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim, subject to a maximum period of seven days from the date of the accident, under the scheme's applicable provisions. It covers victims of road accidents involving motor vehicles, subject to the official framework.

Full name: Prime Minister–Road Accident Victims’ Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment Scheme
Nationwide implementation: 13 February 2026
Treatment cover: Up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim
Maximum treatment period under the cover: Seven days from the accident date
Relevant ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Exam point: PM-RAHAT concerns cashless treatment for road accident victims. Do not confuse it with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, which is a separate health assurance programme.

Official source: PIB — PM-RAHAT implementation status

4. GOBARdhan: Boost to the Compressed Biogas Sector

In a recent development, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced the launch of the GOBARdhan Scheme on 1 October 2026 to accelerate the development of India’s compressed biogas sector. The Union Cabinet had approved GOBARdhan as India’s National Unified Scheme for Compressed Biogas, with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore, in August 2026.

The initiative is relevant to waste-to-wealth efforts, bioenergy development and the promotion of compressed biogas. It connects waste management with energy production and supports the broader goal of improving domestic energy resilience.

Key sector: Compressed biogas (CBG)
Cabinet approval: August 2026
Announced outlay: ₹23,731 crore
Launch announcement: 1 October 2026
Lead ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Exam point: GOBARdhan is associated with compressed biogas and waste-to-wealth, not with a direct housing or pension benefit.

Official source: PIB — Petroleum and Natural Gas releases

Important Government Schemes for Competitive Exams

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

PM-KISAN is a Central Sector Scheme that provides income support to eligible landholding farmer families. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments through direct benefit transfer.

Launch/operational date: Operational from 1 December 2018
Annual assistance: ₹6,000 per eligible farmer family
Payment method: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Funding: 100% by the Government of India
Implementing authority: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Eligibility is subject to the scheme guidelines and exclusions. Not every person working in agriculture automatically qualifies.

Official source: PM-KISAN Portal

6. Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)

PMAY-G aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to eligible rural households that meet the scheme’s criteria. The Union Budget 2026–27 documents refer to the objective of providing 4.95 crore pucca houses by March 2029 through the programme.

Sector: Rural housing
Beneficiaries: Eligible rural households
Assistance mentioned in Budget 2026–27 documents: ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in specified North-Eastern and hilly areas, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
Goal: Housing for eligible rural households

Actual eligibility, assistance and instalment release depend on applicable guidelines, beneficiary selection and the location of the household.

Official reference: Union Budget 2026–27 — Notes on Demands for Grants

7. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is a government health assurance programme intended to help eligible beneficiary families access hospital care under the scheme’s rules. The programme is distinct from PM-RAHAT, which addresses treatment following road accidents.

Sector: Health and healthcare access
Primary purpose: Hospitalisation cover for eligible beneficiaries
Important distinction: PM-JAY and PM-RAHAT are separate programmes with different purposes and eligibility frameworks

Readers should check the official Ayushman Bharat portal and current eligibility rules before relying on any coverage details.

Official portal: National Health Authority

8. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was introduced to expand access to clean cooking fuel by supporting eligible women from poor households in obtaining LPG connections under the applicable scheme rules.

Sector: Clean cooking fuel
Primary beneficiaries: Eligible women from poor households
Objective: Improve access to LPG for cooking and reduce dependence on traditional solid fuels

Connection support and any additional assistance depend on the applicable government rules and the beneficiary’s eligibility.

Official portal: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

9. Lakhpati Didi Initiative

The Lakhpati Didi initiative supports the economic empowerment of women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with a focus on enabling women to earn sustainable annual household income at the target level defined by the programme.

In February 2026, the Prime Minister’s Office reported a revised target of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by March 2029. The initiative is linked to women’s livelihoods, SHG-based enterprise development and rural economic empowerment.

Primary beneficiaries: Women associated with Self-Help Groups
Focus: Sustainable livelihoods and income generation
Target reported in February 2026: 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by March 2029

Official source: PIB — Key initiatives announced in February 2026

10. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund supports investment in post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. It is intended to strengthen agricultural supply chains and improve infrastructure around the storage, handling and marketing of farm produce.

In February 2026, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that the loan target associated with the fund would be doubled from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore.

Sector: Agriculture infrastructure
Focus: Post-harvest management and community farming assets
Loan target announced in February 2026: ₹2 lakh crore

Official source: PIB — Agriculture Infrastructure Fund announcement

Government Schemes Revision Table

Scheme / Initiative	Main Purpose	Important Fact
SME Growth Fund	Growth equity for eligible high-potential SMEs	₹10,000 crore commitment approved on 6 October 2026
People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27	Participatory Panchayat planning	Plans being prepared for FY 2027–28
PM-RAHAT	Cashless treatment for road accident victims	Up to ₹1.5 lakh, subject to scheme conditions
GOBARdhan	Compressed biogas and waste-to-wealth	₹23,731 crore outlay approved in August 2026
PM-KISAN	Income support for eligible farmer families	₹6,000 annually in three instalments
PMAY-G	Rural housing	Target of 4.95 crore pucca houses by March 2029, as cited in Budget documents
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY	Hospitalisation assurance for eligible beneficiaries	Health programme, separate from PM-RAHAT
PM Ujjwala Yojana	Clean cooking fuel access	Supports eligible women in poor households
Lakhpati Didi initiative	Women’s livelihoods and income generation	Target of 6 crore by March 2029 reported in February 2026
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund	Post-harvest and community farming infrastructure	Loan target announced at ₹2 lakh crore in February 2026

Important Government Schemes One-Liners

PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families in three equal instalments.
PM-RAHAT is designed to provide cashless treatment to eligible road accident victims.
The PM-RAHAT treatment cover is up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim, subject to scheme conditions.
The SME Growth Fund received a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore approved on 6 October 2026.
The People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27 is known as “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas.”
The People’s Plan Campaign is led by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Gram Panchayat Development Plans are being prepared for financial year 2027–28 under the campaign.
GOBARdhan is associated with the compressed biogas sector.
The Union Cabinet approved an outlay of ₹23,731 crore for GOBARdhan in August 2026.
PMAY-G focuses on rural housing for eligible households.
PM Ujjwala Yojana promotes access to LPG connections for eligible women from poor households.
The Lakhpati Didi initiative focuses on income generation and livelihood opportunities for women associated with SHGs.
The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund supports post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and PM-RAHAT are separate government programmes.
Official scheme eligibility and benefits should be verified through the relevant government portal.

Government Schemes Current Affairs MCQs

Q1. How much government commitment was approved for the SME Growth Fund on 6 October 2026?

A. ₹2,000 crore
B. ₹5,000 crore
C. ₹10,000 crore
D. ₹25,000 crore

Answer: C. ₹10,000 crore

Q2. The SME Growth Fund primarily aims to support which group?

A. School students
B. High-potential small and medium enterprises
C. Road accident victims only
D. Pensioners only

Answer: B. High-potential small and medium enterprises

Q3. Which ministry leads the People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27?

A. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
B. Ministry of Defence
C. Ministry of External Affairs
D. Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Answer: A. Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Q4. What is the theme of the People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27?

A. Digital India, Digital Villages
B. Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas
C. One Nation, One Tax
D. Make in India

Answer: B. Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas

Q5. Panchayat Development Plans are being prepared under the campaign for which financial year?

A. 2025–26
B. 2026–27
C. 2027–28
D. 2028–29

Answer: C. 2027–28

Q6. PM-RAHAT is related to which area?

A. Rural housing
B. Road accident victim treatment
C. Agricultural exports
D. School education

Answer: B. Road accident victim treatment

Q7. What is the maximum treatment cover per victim under PM-RAHAT, subject to the scheme rules?

A. ₹25,000
B. ₹50,000
C. ₹1.5 lakh
D. ₹5 lakh

Answer: C. ₹1.5 lakh

Q8. GOBARdhan is associated with which sector?

A. Compressed biogas
B. Space exploration
C. Higher education loans
D. Urban metro rail only

Answer: A. Compressed biogas

Q9. What annual income support is provided under PM-KISAN to eligible farmer families?

A. ₹3,000
B. ₹4,000
C. ₹6,000
D. ₹12,000

Answer: C. ₹6,000

Q10. PMAY-G primarily focuses on which area?

A. Rural housing
B. Defence manufacturing
C. Urban metro operations
D. International trade

Answer: A. Rural housing

Q11. Which initiative focuses on improving income and livelihood opportunities for women associated with Self-Help Groups?

A. Lakhpati Didi initiative
B. PM-RAHAT
C. GOBARdhan
D. PMAY-G

Answer: A. Lakhpati Didi initiative

Q12. Which scheme is intended to improve access to LPG cooking connections for eligible women from poor households?

A. PM-KISAN
B. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
C. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
D. SME Growth Fund

Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are government schemes?

Government schemes are programmes or initiatives designed to deliver public services, financial assistance, infrastructure, social protection or development support to eligible individuals, communities and businesses.

2. Which government scheme was in the news in October 2026?

Recent developments include the SME Growth Fund approved on 6 October 2026, the People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27, the GOBARdhan launch announcement and the implementation of PM-RAHAT.

3. What is the SME Growth Fund?

The SME Growth Fund is an initiative for providing growth-oriented equity capital to promising small and medium enterprises. The Union Cabinet approved a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore on 6 October 2026.

4. What is the main purpose of PM-RAHAT?

PM-RAHAT aims to ensure timely cashless treatment for eligible road accident victims, with treatment cover of up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim under the scheme's conditions.

5. What is the annual benefit under PM-KISAN?

Eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments, subject to the scheme's eligibility criteria and exclusions.

6. Where can I check government scheme eligibility?

Visit the National Portal of India or the official portal of the relevant scheme. Eligibility, documents and application procedures vary from one scheme to another.

7. Are these government schemes useful for competitive examinations?

Yes. Questions about scheme objectives, ministries, beneficiary groups, financial assistance and recent announcements are relevant to many competitive examinations. Candidates should also revise the latest official notifications.

Conclusion

Government Schemes Current Affairs is a vital section for competitive exams, bridging the gap between public policy and key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and rural development. For October 2026, keep a close eye on the SME Growth Fund, PM-RAHAT, GOBARdhan, and the People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27.
To stay ahead, make sure to thoroughly revise the objectives, nodal ministries, and key statistics. Since eligibility criteria change frequently, always verify updates from official government portals before your final revision.