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| Government Schemes Current Affairs October 2026 |
Government Schemes Current Affairs October 2026 covers key changes in India's welfare programmes, clean-energy support, small-business financing and financial inclusion. Important updates include the launch of the GOBARdhan Scheme on 1 October, the Union Cabinet's social assistance decision on 14 October, and a financial inclusion registration campaign running from 21 October to 31 December 2026.
This exam-focused update explains the purpose of each initiative, the ministry involved, the main beneficiaries and the figures worth remembering for SSC, Banking, Railway, UPSC and State PSC examinations.
Last Updated: 25 October 2026, 11:55 AM IST | Reviewed by Vijay Sah
Key points at a glance: GOBARdhan has a ₹23,731 crore outlay and a ten-year framework; the National Social Assistance Programme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana; the Government approved a ₹10,000 crore commitment for the SME Growth Fund; and a financial inclusion campaign is scheduled to continue through 31 December 2026.
Government Schemes: Quick Highlights
| Topic | Date | Key Update |
|---|---|---|
| GOBARdhan Scheme | 1 October 2026 | Launched as an integrated Central Sector Scheme for the compressed biogas sector, with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore. |
| SME Growth Fund | 6 October 2026 | Union Cabinet approved a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore towards the fund. |
| National Social Assistance Programme | 14 October 2026 | Approved for continuation through 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore and renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. |
| Financial Inclusion Campaign | 16 October 2026 | Registration drive announced for 21 October to 31 December 2026. |
| DDU-GKY 2.0 rollout | 25 September 2026 | Training batches for around 70,000 rural youth were expected to start during October 2026. |
| PM-DAKSH update | 22 October 2026 | Government report confirmed that PM-DAKSH had been subsumed under PMKVY from 2024-25. |
GOBARdhan Scheme: Compressed Biogas Development
The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the GOBARdhan Scheme on 1 October 2026. The Union Cabinet had approved the scheme on 6 August 2026 with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore. It provides a ten-year framework covering financial years 2026-27 to 2035-36 for the development of India's compressed biogas (CBG) sector.
The programme aims to increase domestic compressed biogas production nearly tenfold, to around 5 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD). It brings several forms of support into one framework, including assured offtake, a pricing framework, capital assistance, pipeline infrastructure, credit guarantee support and an ecosystem challenge fund.
The government also unveiled the GOBARdhan Handbook and launched a unified portal to support applications and scheme implementation. Organic material such as cattle dung and crop residue can be processed into biogas, while the process can also produce organic manure.
Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Exam Point: Remember the launch date, ₹23,731 crore outlay and the scheme's connection with compressed biogas. GOBARdhan is a Central Sector Scheme, not a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Source: Press Information Bureau: GOBARdhan Scheme launch, 1 October 2026.
SME Growth Fund: ₹10,000 Crore Government Commitment
On 6 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore towards the establishment of the Small and Medium Enterprises Growth Fund (SME Growth Fund). The decision follows the direction set out in the Union Budget 2026-27.
The fund is intended to provide growth-stage equity capital to small and medium enterprises with viable businesses and the potential to expand. The support is designed to help businesses scale up manufacturing, adopt technology, expand into overseas markets and strengthen their position in supply chains.
The official announcement states that the government commitment will be provided to an Alternative Investment Fund established under the SME Growth Fund framework. A major share of the allocation is intended for small and medium manufacturing-focused enterprises. Businesses operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities are also within the fund's intended coverage.
Ministry: Ministry of Finance.
Who may benefit: Growth-oriented small and medium enterprises, particularly manufacturing businesses and eligible enterprises in industrial clusters.
Exam Point: The ₹10,000 crore figure is the Government of India's commitment towards the fund. It should not be described as a direct cash grant to every small business.
Source: Press Information Bureau: SME Growth Fund approval, 6 October 2026.
Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from financial year 2026-27 through 2030-31. The programme was renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
The decision also renamed its four components:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) became Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) became Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) became Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana.
- The National Family Benefit Scheme became Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.
The most notable policy change concerns disability pension. The approved benchmark disability criterion was reduced from 80% to 40%, and the minimum age requirement was removed so eligibility can begin from birth, subject to the scheme's other eligibility conditions. The approved central assistance is ₹375 per month for beneficiaries aged 0-79 years and ₹625 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
The old-age pension, widow pension and family benefit component continue in their existing form under the Cabinet decision. The government stated that revised guidelines on the disability pension's eligibility, coverage and assistance would be issued and implemented within three months.
Nodal department: Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development.
Beneficiaries: Eligible poor households covered by the programme, including older people, widows, persons with disabilities and families qualifying for the family benefit component. The government announcement stated that 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories would benefit from the approval.
Exam Point: Distinguish the overall outlay of ₹53,428 crore from the monthly disability pension rates of ₹375 and ₹625. The latter depend on the beneficiary's age group and the scheme's eligibility requirements.
Source: Press Information Bureau: NSAP continuation and renaming, 14 October 2026.
Special Saturation Campaign for Financial Inclusion Schemes
On 16 October 2026, the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance announced a special registration campaign scheduled from 21 October to 31 December 2026. Its purpose is to connect eligible people who have not yet enrolled in relevant financial inclusion schemes and banking services.
The campaign is planned at Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body levels. The official announcement identifies several focus areas:
- Registration of eligible citizens under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
- Opening eligible Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts, including for families belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Reactivating inoperative PMJDY accounts.
- Completing re-KYC, Aadhaar seeding where applicable, and pending Central KYC (C-KYC) formalities.
- Updating nominations and spreading awareness about unclaimed deposits and digital-fraud precautions.
The press release describes the campaign and its implementation arrangements, including preparations in Punjab. It does not mean that every eligible person is automatically enrolled; registration and account-related formalities may still be required.
Ministry: Ministry of Finance, through the Department of Financial Services.
Exam Point: Memorise the campaign period: 21 October to 31 December 2026. PMJDY is associated with access to banking, while PMJJBY and PMSBY are insurance schemes and APY is a pension scheme.
Source: Press Information Bureau: Special Saturation Campaign, 16 October 2026.
DDU-GKY 2.0: Rural Youth Skill Training
In a release dated 25 September 2026, the Ministry of Rural Development said training batches under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0 were expected to begin across most States and Union Territories from October 2026.
The release reported that 24 States and Union Territories had allocated targets of 5.6 lakh to more than 1,200 projects. Across those 24 States and Union Territories, around 70,000 rural youth were expected to start training in 2,015 batches during October 2026. The programme provides placement-linked skill training for poor rural youth, with training durations ranging from three to twelve months.
The release also stated that more than nine lakh training targets had been allocated across 31 participating States and Union Territories for the two-year period 2026-28. These figures describe planned targets and expected batches, not a confirmation that every candidate had already started training.
Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
Exam Point: DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme focused on placement-linked skill training for poor rural youth. Do not confuse the number expected to start training in October with the total targets allocated for 2026-28.
Source: Press Information Bureau: DDU-GKY 2.0 rollout, 25 September 2026.
PM-DAKSH: Status and Exam-Relevant Facts
A Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment report dated 22 October 2026 reviewed the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) scheme. Launched in 2020-21, it was designed to provide skill training to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers.
The report stated that 1,87,305 candidates were trained and 96,162 were placed during 2020-21 to 2023-24. It also explained that, from 2024-25 onwards, PM-DAKSH was subsumed under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to avoid duplication between training programmes.
Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Exam Point: PM-DAKSH is useful for questions on skill development for disadvantaged groups. Its merger into PMKVY from 2024-25 is an important status update; do not describe it as a separate, unchanged scheme currently operating independently.
Source: Press Information Bureau: PM-DAKSH factual report, 22 October 2026.
Government Schemes: Important One-Liners
- GOBARdhan was launched on 1 October 2026 for the compressed biogas sector.
- The GOBARdhan Scheme has an approved outlay of ₹23,731 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
- The SME Growth Fund received Cabinet approval for a ₹10,000 crore government commitment on 6 October 2026.
- NSAP was renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana on 14 October 2026.
- The revised disability pension assistance approved under the renamed programme is ₹375 per month for ages 0-79 and ₹625 for ages 80 and above.
- The special financial inclusion registration campaign is scheduled to run from 21 October to 31 December 2026.
- DDU-GKY 2.0 provides placement-linked skill training to poor rural youth.
- PM-DAKSH was subsumed under PMKVY from financial year 2024-25.
Government Schemes Current Affairs MCQs
Q1. On which date was the GOBARdhan Scheme launched?
A. 1 October 2026
B. 6 October 2026
C. 14 October 2026
D. 21 October 2026
Correct Answer: A. 1 October 2026
Q2. What is the approved outlay of the GOBARdhan Scheme?
A. ₹10,000 crore
B. ₹23,731 crore
C. ₹53,428 crore
D. ₹5,600 crore
Correct Answer: B. ₹23,731 crore
Q3. The SME Growth Fund is intended primarily to support which group?
A. School students
B. Pensioners
C. Growth-oriented small and medium enterprises
D. International organisations
Correct Answer: C. Growth-oriented small and medium enterprises
Q4. What is the new name approved for the National Social Assistance Programme?
A. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana
B. Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
C. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
D. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
Correct Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
Q5. What monthly central assistance was approved for disability pension beneficiaries aged 80 years and above under the renamed programme?
A. ₹250
B. ₹375
C. ₹500
D. ₹625
Correct Answer: D. ₹625
Q6. The special financial inclusion registration campaign is scheduled to end on which date?
A. 31 October 2026
B. 30 November 2026
C. 31 December 2026
D. 31 March 2027
Correct Answer: C. 31 December 2026
Q7. DDU-GKY is mainly associated with which area?
A. Placement-linked skill training for poor rural youth
B. Urban metro rail construction
C. Crop insurance for all farmers
D. Pension support for senior citizens
Correct Answer: A. Placement-linked skill training for poor rural youth
Q8. From which financial year was PM-DAKSH subsumed under PMKVY?
A. 2020-21
B. 2022-23
C. 2023-24
D. 2024-25
Correct Answer: D. 2024-25
Quick Revision Table
| Scheme or Initiative | Ministry / Department | Remember |
|---|---|---|
| GOBARdhan | Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas | ₹23,731 crore; compressed biogas |
| SME Growth Fund | Ministry of Finance | ₹10,000 crore government commitment |
| Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana | Department of Rural Development | ₹53,428 crore for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31 |
| Financial Inclusion Campaign | Department of Financial Services | 21 October to 31 December 2026 |
| DDU-GKY 2.0 | Ministry of Rural Development | Placement-linked training for poor rural youth |
| PM-DAKSH | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment | Subsumed under PMKVY from 2024-25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the GOBARdhan Scheme?
GOBARdhan is a Central Sector Scheme launched on 1 October 2026 to develop India's compressed biogas sector. Its approved outlay is ₹23,731 crore for a ten-year framework from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
2. What is the new name of the National Social Assistance Programme?
It has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The Union Cabinet approved its continuation for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
3. What is the purpose of the SME Growth Fund?
The fund is intended to provide growth-stage equity capital to small and medium enterprises with expansion potential. The Government of India approved a commitment of ₹10,000 crore towards its establishment on 6 October 2026.
4. Which schemes are covered by the financial inclusion registration campaign?
The campaign includes registration support for PMJJBY, PMSBY and Atal Pension Yojana, as well as PMJDY account opening or reactivation, KYC updates and nomination-related work.
5. Is PM-DAKSH still a separate scheme?
According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's report dated 22 October 2026, PM-DAKSH was subsumed under PMKVY from financial year 2024-25 to avoid duplication.
Also Read
Sources referred: Press Information Bureau: GOBARdhan Scheme, Press Information Bureau: SME Growth Fund, Press Information Bureau: National Social Assistance Programme, Press Information Bureau: Financial Inclusion Campaign, Press Information Bureau: DDU-GKY 2.0, Press Information Bureau: PM-DAKSH.
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