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October 26, 2025 India Unveils New Schemes for Farmers, Digital Mobility, and Economic Growth

In the last 24 hours, the Indian government has rolled out and highlighted several key initiatives aimed at bolstering various sectors, including agriculture, digital infrastructure, media, and trade. Notable developments include a new financial assistance scheme for farmers to purchase Uriya fertilizer, the launch of a government-backed ride-hailing app 'Bharat Taxi', and significant reforms to support traditional media amidst digital transformation. Furthermore, efforts to promote digital inclusion through AI-powered language platforms and enhance the ease of doing business by simplifying customs procedures have been announced.

The Indian government has introduced a series of new schemes and policy updates across multiple sectors, reinforcing its commitment to national development and citizen welfare. These initiatives, primarily announced or highlighted on October 25th and 26th, 2025, span agriculture, digital services, media, and economic reforms.

Support for Farmers and Agricultural Sector

A significant new scheme has been launched to provide financial assistance of ₹11,000 to farmers for the purchase of Uriya fertilizer, effective from October 26, 2025. This initiative aims to make essential agricultural inputs more affordable, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers by offsetting a substantial portion of fertilizer costs and enhancing crop productivity.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, assured support for paddy farmers affected by recent rains through the existing PM Fasal Bima Yojana, and announced plans for a new scheme in collaboration with state governments to prevent future losses. Additionally, two new schemes are set to be implemented: the 'Dalhan Mission' to boost pulse production with Union government support, and 36 schemes under the Pradhan Manthri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM DDKY) to improve agricultural productivity and profitability in districts of Tamil Nadu where production is below the national average. The Union Cabinet also approved the 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' for 2025-2031, with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore, targeting 350 lakh tonnes of pulses and benefiting 2 crore farmers through improved seeds, post-harvest infrastructure, and assured procurement.

Advancements in Digital Infrastructure and Mobility

On October 25, 2025, the Indian government unveiled 'Bharat Taxi', a new ride-hailing application designed to transform urban transportation. This app aims to promote digital innovation, enhance urban mobility, and foster competition with private players like Ola and Uber, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision.

In a move towards linguistic inclusivity, India's 22 scheduled languages are going digital with the help of AI platforms such as Bhashini, BharatGen, and Adi-Vaani. These initiatives are integrating support for all scheduled languages and numerous tribal dialects into the national digital infrastructure, ensuring that citizens can access information and services in their native languages across governance, education, and healthcare.

Media Reforms and Information Dissemination

The government is actively working on reforms to protect and support traditional media (print, radio, and television) amid the rapid digital shift. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans for Television Rating Point (TRP) reforms, a review of advertisement rates for print and television media, and the integration of the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), and Press Information Bureau (PIB). This integration aims to streamline information flow, strengthen journalistic access to authentic data, and empower regional media. Furthermore, a chatbot is being developed to assist in fact-checking online content and videos.

Boosting Ease of Doing Business

To enhance transparency and simplify trade, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has consolidated 31 separate Customs Duty notifications into a single comprehensive document, Notification No. 45/2025, which will come into force on November 1, 2025. This measure is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business by providing a unified and structured format for all existing benefits and duty exemptions, making it easier for importers, exporters, and customs officials to access accurate information.

Other Key Policy Updates

  • **Healthcare Infrastructure:** The Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) continues to make significant progress in building pandemic-ready healthcare infrastructure across India. The President of India is also set to inaugurate Yashoda Medicity in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, on October 26, 2025.

  • **Employee Benefits:** Central Government Employees under the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) now have access to extended LC75 and BLC investment options, offering greater flexibility in retirement planning.

  • **Tribal Welfare:** The state government in Himachal Pradesh is implementing various welfare schemes for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the Pangi region of Chamba district, including the Tribal Women Empowerment Scheme which provides loans for business ventures.

  • **Fisheries Sector Development:** Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, conducted an outreach program in Kochi to raise awareness about welfare and livelihood enhancement schemes under the National Fisheries Development Programme (NFDP). Nine integrated coastal villages in Kerala have been selected for development with full central funding to promote climate-resilient and technology-driven fisheries.

  • **Anti-Naxal Operations:** The Union Government's robust strategy has led to a 53% reduction in Naxal violence over the past decade, with a clear goal to achieve a Naxal-Free India by March 2026 through a blend of security, development, and rehabilitation initiatives.

  • **Odisha State Initiatives:** The Odisha Cabinet approved the Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) scheme with an outlay of ₹4,182 crore over five years (2025–2030) to boost the state's aviation sector and position it as a leading aviation hub. Additionally, the Odisha government gave its approval to 33 industrial projects worth ₹1.46 lakh crore, including a massive coal-to-chemical project by Adani Enterprises Limited, expected to generate approximately 4.7 lakh employment opportunities.

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