India continues its thrust on inclusive growth and development with several new government schemes and policy updates surfacing in the last 24 hours. These initiatives aim to address various societal needs, boost economic activity, and enhance national security.
Social Welfare and Labour Reforms
- Draft Karnataka Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2025: Karnataka has unveiled a significant draft bill aimed at regulating domestic work and extending crucial social security, welfare measures, and decent working conditions to domestic workers. The bill is currently open for public feedback, marking a progressive step towards formalizing and protecting this often-vulnerable workforce.
- Himachal Pradesh's New Welfare Schemes for Orphans: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on October 19, 2025, that the state government will soon launch new welfare schemes specifically designed for orphans and vulnerable children. These schemes will focus on their holistic development, ensuring comprehensive support for their growth and well-being.
- Bihar's Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana: The Bihar government has rolled out a new women-centric scheme providing a ā¹10,000 transfer to 75 lakh women as seed capital for self-employment. The initiative aims to help women start or expand small enterprises, with provisions for up to ā¹2 lakh in additional support for successful ventures.
Education and Digital Initiatives
- Kerala Joins PM SHRI Scheme: In a significant move, Kerala's Education Minister V Sivankutty announced on October 19, 2025, that the state will join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. This decision aims to secure central funds for upgrading select schools across the state, despite previous objections from a coalition partner. The PM SHRI scheme is a Union government initiative to strengthen and upgrade over 14,500 existing schools nationwide.
- National Cyber Safety Mission 2025 Launched: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Cyber Safety Mission 2025 on October 19, 2025. This mission is designed to promote digital awareness and cybersecurity education across schools and colleges, bolstering India's digital security infrastructure and user awareness.
Economic Reforms and Environmental Policy
- Positive Impact of GST 2.0 Reforms Highlighted: The government on October 19, 2025, highlighted the positive outcomes of the GST 2.0 reforms, which were originally rolled out on September 22. These reforms have been attributed to a sharp jump in sales, particularly for electronics and consumer goods, reduced prices for key daily-use items, and a significant boost to consumption, potentially impacting the GDP numbers for the financial year 2025-26.
- NITI Aayog Introduces 'Green Future Index' Initiative: NITI Aayog announced a new 'Green Future Index' initiative on October 19, 2025. This index will serve as a tool to evaluate states based on their performance in sustainability, renewable energy utilization, and climate initiatives, fostering healthy competition and encouraging greener policies across the nation.
- Prime Minister Urges Citizens to Buy Indian Products: On October 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all citizens to celebrate the festive season by purchasing Indian products. This appeal aims to celebrate the hard work, creativity, and innovation of 140 crore Indians and promote local industries.
These recent government actions underscore India's continuous efforts to implement comprehensive policies and schemes for the welfare of its citizens and the nation's progress.