The Indian government has introduced a series of new schemes and policy enhancements aimed at fostering skill development, boosting social security, improving accessibility, and strengthening local governance. These initiatives, announced between October 4th and 6th, 2025, underscore the government's commitment to inclusive growth and efficient public service delivery.
PM-SETU Scheme Launched for Skill Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, a significant initiative valued at over 62 thousand crore rupees. The scheme is designed to give a decisive push to education, skilling, and entrepreneurship across the country.
Under PM-SETU, 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) nationwide will be upgraded to meet current industry skill requirements and anticipate future demands over the next decade. This upgradation will involve introducing modern machinery and leveraging a hub-and-spoke model, comprising 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs. The Prime Minister emphasized that PM-SETU will connect India's youth with global skill demands, preparing the "Yuva Shakti" to lead the future. As part of this broader initiative, 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs have also been inaugurated in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States and Union Territories.
New Ration Card Rules Introduce Monthly Financial Benefit
In a move to enhance food security and provide financial assistance to low and middle-income households, the Indian government has introduced new rules for the Ration Card system in 2025. A notable update is the provision of a ā¹1000 monthly benefit for all eligible ration card holders. This amount will be directly transferred to the bank account linked with the ration card, ensuring quick and secure delivery. The new rules aim to simplify access to benefits, reduce paperwork through digital verification, and prevent fraudulent claims, ensuring greater transparency in support delivery.
Draft Rules for Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities
The Centre has proposed the establishment of an online Assistive Technology Portal and drafted the Assistive Technology (Standards and Accessibility) Rules, 2025. This comprehensive framework aims to regulate the standards and accessibility of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. The proposed portal will streamline certification, procurement, tracking, distribution, and grievance monitoring of such devices.
The rules classify assistive technology into essential (e.g., wheelchairs, spectacles), specialized (e.g., screen readers, prosthetics), and emerging categories (e.g., AI-enabled devices). All products will need to conform to standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or other notified authorities. Government procurement will prioritize certified manufacturers, and schemes will be framed by central and state governments to offer subsidies, reimbursements, and insurance coverage for these devices, including provisions for repair and replacement.
People's Plan Campaign 2025-26 Launched
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the People's Plan Campaign (PPC) 2025-26, themed "Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas" Abhiyaan, on October 2nd, 2025. This nationwide campaign initiates the process for preparing Panchayat Development Plans (PDPs) for the Financial Year 2026-27. The PPC aims to strengthen participatory, transparent, and accountable local governance by tasking Gram Sabhas with reviewing existing Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) using digital platforms like eGramSwaraj and Meri Panchayat App. This helps assess progress, identify delays, and prioritize unfinished projects, particularly those linked with unspent Central Finance Commission grants.
Updates to Post Office Recurring and Time Deposit Schemes
In 2025, the government has also introduced updates to the popular Post Office Recurring Deposit (RD) and Time Deposit (TD) schemes to make them more competitive and investor-friendly. These changes include enhanced digital facilities, allowing investors to make monthly deposits online through India Post's mobile app and internet banking services. Furthermore, premature withdrawal rules have been simplified, enabling investors to withdraw up to 50 percent of their balance after one year, offering greater flexibility for financial emergencies. The government's focus is on modernizing these safe and reliable savings instruments while maintaining their security.