New Policies and Schemes Announced on Independence Day
On August 15, 2025, during his 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled several ambitious reforms and new schemes aimed at propelling India towards a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047.
A major announcement was the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. This significant new scheme, with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, is designed to encourage employment among the nation's youth. Under this initiative, the government will provide a financial incentive of ₹15,000 to individuals securing their first job in the private sector, aiming to benefit over 3.5 crore young people and help formalise the workforce.
The Prime Minister also promised a "Diwali gift" to the nation in the form of next-generation GST reforms. These reforms are intended to simplify the tax regime, reduce compliance costs, and make essential goods more affordable for citizens, especially benefiting small businesses and everyday consumers. He urged states to cooperate in implementing these proposed changes.
Further emphasizing self-reliance, PM Modi stated that Made-in-India semiconductor chips would be available in markets by the end of the year, and highlighted ongoing initiatives in solar, hydrogen, and nuclear power sectors to achieve energy self-reliance. The government has also launched the National Critical Mission to ensure self-reliance in critical minerals, with exploration underway at over 1,200 locations. A new strategic initiative, the 'Sudarshan Chakra' Mission, was also announced, focusing on developing a powerful, next-generation weapon system under the 'Make in India' initiative. Additionally, a High-Powered Demography Mission was introduced to address demographic changes and infiltration threats.
Major Infrastructure Inaugurations in Delhi
On August 17, 2025, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated two significant National Highway projects in Delhi, valued at approximately ₹11,000 crore. These projects include the Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). The 10.1 km Delhi section of the Dwarka Expressway, built at a cost of about ₹5,360 crore, will provide multi-modal connectivity to key areas like Yashobhoomi, DMRC Blue and Orange lines, the upcoming Bijwasan railway station, and Dwarka cluster Bus Depot. The UER-II, along with new links to Bahadurgarh and Sonipat, constructed at a cost of around ₹5,580 crore, aims to ease traffic on Delhi's Inner and Outer Ring Roads and major junctions, significantly improving connectivity and reducing travel time in the National Capital Region.
Ongoing Schemes and Initiatives
In related news, the Union Cabinet had earlier approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) on July 16, 2025. This scheme, with an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years starting 2025-26, merges 36 existing schemes from 11 ministries. It aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable practices, and support 1.7 crore farmers across 100 identified districts.
Furthermore, district authorities are actively conducting financial literacy camps as part of a broader central campaign. This initiative aims to increase financial awareness among rural residents, women, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections, covering topics such as KYC renewal, digital financial literacy, responsible borrowing, fraud prevention, and enrollment in social security schemes like the Atal Pension Yojana.