💼 Employment Government Schemes 2026
36 schemes — eligibility, registration & benefits
All Employment Schemes (36)
PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2026 — ₹3 Lakh Loan + ₹15,000 Toolkit for 18 Trades | pmvishwakarma.gov.in
PM Vishwakarma Yojana is a central government scheme launched on 17 September 2023 that supports traditional artisans and craftspeople across 18 trades with free skill training (₹500/day stipend), a ₹15,000 toolkit e-voucher, and collateral-free loans up to ₹3 lakh at just 5% interest. Implemented by the Ministry of MSME with a ₹13,000 crore budget over 5 years (FY2023-24 to FY2027-28). Registration is done FREE at Common Service Centres (CSC) using Aadhaar biometric authentication.
E-Shram Card 2026 — Free Registration for Unorganized Workers
E-Shram is a national database for unorganized sector workers providing a Universal Account Number (UAN) card, ₹2 lakh accident insurance, and priority access to 12 government welfare schemes.
MGNREGA / NREGA Job Card 2026 — 100 दिन काम की गारंटी, ₹267/दिन मजदूरी
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household in India. Workers receive ₹267/day (minimum wage varies by state) directly to their bank accounts. With over 15 crore active Job Card holders, MGNREGA is the world's largest employment guarantee programme.
PM Internship Scheme 2026 — ₹9,000/Month Stipend | 1 Crore Youth | pminternship.mca.gov.in
PM Internship Scheme is a flagship Government of India initiative launched in 2024 that places 1 crore young Indians (aged 21–24) in 12-month paid internships at top 500 companies across sectors. Interns receive ₹9,000/month stipend (₹6,000 from government + ₹3,000+ from company CSR), ₹6,000 one-time travel grant, and ₹2 lakh accident insurance under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.
PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 — 2026 Free Skill Training + ₹8,000 Certificate | PMKVY
PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0) is the fourth phase of India's flagship skill training programme launched in 2022. It provides free short-term skill training in 220+ job roles across industry sectors to 1 crore youth. Trainees receive a National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)-linked certificate, ₹8,000 completion bonus, and placement support through top companies.
PM DAKSH Yojana 2026 — Free Skill Training for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities | ₹3,000 Stipend
PM DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) Yojana provides free short-term and long-term skill training to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, and Minorities. Trainees receive ₹1,000–₹3,000 monthly stipend during training, placement support, and industry-recognized certification. Apply at pmdaksh.dosje.gov.in.
Startup India Scheme 2026 — Tax Exemption + ₹10 Crore Funding | Fund of Funds | startupindia.gov.in
Startup India is Government of India's flagship initiative to build a strong startup ecosystem. Recognized startups get: 3-year income tax exemption (80-IAC), 80% rebate on patent fees, government procurement without prior experience requirement, self-certification under 9 labour laws, and access to Fund of Funds (FFS) of ₹10,000 crore. Register at startupindia.gov.in to get DPIIT recognition certificate.
DDU-GKY 2026 — Free Residential Skill Training + Placement for Rural Youth | ddugky.gov.in
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) provides free residential skill training to rural youth from poor families (aged 15-35) and places them in jobs paying minimum ₹10,000/month. It is funded by Ministry of Rural Development and covers food, accommodation, and training costs. Focus on SC/ST/minorities/women — 50% of training must be for these categories.
PMRPY – PM Rojgar Protsahan Yojana 2026 — 12% EPF Employer Share Paid by Govt for 3 Years
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) incentivises employers to create new jobs by paying the employer's full 12% EPF contribution for 3 years for each new employee (earning up to ₹15,000/month). This reduces the cost of hiring, especially for MSMEs and factories. Over 1.52 crore beneficiaries and 1.74 lakh establishments benefited since launch.
NAPS – National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme 2026 — ₹1,500/Month Stipend Share | apprenticeshipindia.org
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) promotes apprenticeship training by sharing 25% of the prescribed stipend (up to ₹1,500/month) with employers who engage apprentices. The scheme covers all designated trades and optional trades under Apprentices Act. Over 50 lakh apprentices trained since launch. Apply at apprenticeshipindia.org as student or employer.
Gig & Platform Workers Social Security Scheme 2025 — PM-JAY + e-Shram Benefits for 1 Crore Workers | eshramnidhi.nic.in
The Gig and Platform Workers Social Security Scheme is India's Budget 2025-26 flagship initiative to extend formal social security to an estimated 1 crore gig and platform workers (Ola/Uber drivers, Swiggy/Zomato delivery partners, Urban Company workers, etc.) who were previously excluded from any welfare net. The scheme extends PM-JAY health insurance (₹5 lakh/year) and e-Shram accident insurance (₹2 lakh) to all registered gig workers through the e-Shram portal. Additionally, aggregator platforms (Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato) are required to contribute 1-2% of their platform fees to a Gig Workers Welfare Fund. India is among the first countries to legislate social security for gig workers at this scale.
NATS — National Apprenticeship Training Scheme 2026 — Stipend for Diploma & Degree Graduates | nats.education.gov.in
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is India's government scheme providing on-the-job training to diploma and degree graduates in government and private establishments, with a monthly stipend of ₹3,542–₹9,000 depending on qualification and establishment type. Administered by the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) under the Ministry of Education, NATS is distinct from NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme under Labour Ministry which covers ITI/vocational). NATS specifically targets engineering diploma holders and graduate engineers for 1-year structured training at India's top public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private companies. Over 5.23 lakh apprentices were engaged in FY2024-25. The scheme is mandatory for establishments with 30+ employees to engage apprentices.
PM SVANidhi 2.0 — Rs 10,000-50,000 Loan to 60 Lakh Street Vendors | pmsvanidhi.mohua.gov.in
PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) provides affordable working capital loans to street vendors. Extended as PM SVANidhi 2.0, the scheme offers: 1st loan Rs 10,000, 2nd loan Rs 20,000, 3rd loan Rs 50,000 — all with 7% interest subsidy. Vendors who repay on time and use digital transactions get 1% cashback. Over 60 lakh loans sanctioned. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs implements via ULBs and microfinance institutions.
Bima Sakhi Yojana 2026 — LIC Women Agent ₹7,000/Month Stipend | bima sakhi lic
Bima Sakhi Yojana is a Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) scheme launched by PM Modi in December 2024 to empower rural and semi-urban women as LIC insurance agents. Enrolled women receive a monthly stipend of ₹7,000 (Year 1), ₹6,000 (Year 2), and ₹5,000 (Year 3) in addition to commission income from policies sold. After the 3-year period, they continue as full LIC agents earning commissions. The scheme targets 2 lakh women over 3 years and provides IRDAI agent licensing and free training.
PM MITRA Mega Textile Parks 2026 — 7 Mega Parks | ₹4,445 Crore | Manufacturing Jobs for Lakhs
Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) is a flagship scheme to develop 7 mega textile parks across India with a total outlay of ₹4,445 crore (2021–2028). The 7 parks are located in: Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Warangal (Telangana), Navsari (Gujarat), Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), and Amravati (Maharashtra). Each park has world-class plug-and-play infrastructure for spinning, weaving, processing, dyeing, printing, and garment manufacturing in one location. PM MITRA aims to create 20 lakh direct and 70 lakh indirect jobs, attract Rs 70,000 crore in investment, and boost textile exports.
Rural Prosperity & Resilience Programme 2026 — Budget 2025 Flagship | Address Rural Underemployment
The Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme is a major Budget 2025 (February 2025) initiative to address rural underemployment in agriculture through skilling, entrepreneurship, agri-investment, and rural infrastructure. The programme has a multi-sectoral approach focused on: (1) Skilling for young rural workers, women, and small/marginal farmers; (2) Entrepreneurship development for rural startups and FPOs; (3) Investment in agri-value chains, food processing, and rural infrastructure; (4) Rural-urban migration pause through local livelihood creation. Phase 1 focuses on 100 priority districts identified for high under-employment. Implemented in convergence with PMKVY, DAY-NRLM, PMEGP, and Make-in-India.
Mission Karmayogi 2026 — National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building | iGOT Karmayogi Platform
Mission Karmayogi — formally the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB) — was approved by the Cabinet in September 2020 to comprehensively reform Indian civil services training and capacity building. The mission targets all 4.6+ million central government employees with role-based, competency-driven, citizen-centric capacity building. The iGOT Karmayogi (Integrated Government Online Training) digital platform offers thousands of online courses for civil servants. Five core principles: (1) Rule-based to Role-based; (2) Behavioural + Functional + Domain competencies; (3) Anytime-anywhere learning; (4) On-demand training; (5) Vocation-based individualised pathway. The Karmayogi Bharat SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) operates the platform. The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) provides strategic oversight.
Skill India Digital Hub 2026 — Free Online Skilling Platform | Education + Employment Aggregator
Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) is a comprehensive digital platform launched in September 2023 by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). SIDH aggregates skill development, education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities in one place. Users can: (1) Access 7,500+ free courses across PMKVY, NCS, and partner platforms; (2) Get personalised skill recommendations using AI; (3) Find job and apprenticeship opportunities via NCS integration; (4) Receive digital skill certificates (NCVET-verified); (5) Apply for entrepreneurship and self-employment loans. SIDH is the ONE-STOP SHOP for skill seekers, integrating PMKVY, NAPS, NATS, NCS, DDU-GKY, eKaushal, ASEEM, and other government skill initiatives.
Apna CSC 2026 — Common Service Centres | 5 Lakh+ Digital Service Outlets | VLE Registration
Common Service Centres (CSC) is one of India's largest digital service delivery networks, operated by the CSC e-Governance Services India Limited under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). With over 5 lakh CSCs across rural and urban India, the scheme delivers 400+ government and private digital services at the village level — Aadhaar enrollment, PAN card, passport, banking, insurance, telemedicine, education, e-courts, FASTag, and more. Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) operate CSCs and earn commission on every transaction. CSC reach: 2.5+ lakh Gram Panchayats covered. Apna CSC mobile app and apnacsc.in allows VLE registration, service catalog access, and earnings tracking.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) 2026 — EPF Contribution Support for New Employees | Establishment Scheme
Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) is a flagship employment generation scheme launched October 2020 to incentivise hiring of new employees post-COVID. The Government of India pays employer + employee EPF contributions (24% of wages) for 2 years for new employees earning up to ₹15,000/month, hired by establishments registered with EPFO. ABRY-1 ended March 2022; ABRY-2 extended till March 2024 covering 60+ lakh new employees. ABRY-3 (relaunched 2024) is currently active for new establishments. Implemented by Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Make in India 2026 — Manufacturing Investment Push | PLI Schemes for 14 Sectors | investindia.gov.in
Make in India is the Government of India's flagship initiative launched 25 September 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. Focuses on 25 sectors including: automobiles, aerospace, biotechnology, chemicals, defence, electronics, food processing, IT/BPM, leather, pharmaceuticals, ports, railways, renewable energy, roads, space, textiles, tourism, wellness. Augmented by Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes for 14 sectors with ₹1.97 lakh crore outlay (2021-2027) — providing 4-6% incentive on incremental production to companies meeting investment + production thresholds.
National Career Service (NCS) Portal 2026 — Free Job Registration, Skill Training & Career Guidance | ncs.gov.in
National Career Service (NCS) Portal (ncs.gov.in) is India's largest online employment exchange and career development platform, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It connects job seekers with employers, provides career counselling, skill development courses, apprenticeship opportunities, and internships — all FREE of cost. Over 1.4 crore registered job seekers, 2 lakh+ employers, and 20 lakh+ job vacancies listed. NCS also integrates with state employment exchanges, making registration valid across all states. Key features: Universal Account Number (UAN) for portability, Model Career Centres in districts, career counselling by trained counsellors, and skill gap assessment. Special focus on youth (18-35 years), women, PwD, and ex-servicemen. NCS Job Fair (Rozgar Mela) organised regularly. Integration with PM Internship Scheme 2026.
NCS Portal 2026 — National Career Service | Free Government Jobs Platform
The National Career Service (NCS) is a flagship mission-mode project under the Ministry of Labour and Employment that operates as India's official free online job portal — ncs.gov.in. NCS connects job seekers, employers, training providers, career counsellors, and placement organisations on a single digital platform. Services include: free job seeker registration, vacancy alerts via SMS/email matching candidate profile, online job application, career counselling at 200+ Model Career Centres (MCCs) across India, free skill training (in partnership with TCS iON, NSDC, and others), aptitude testing, and job fairs/placement drives. NCS covers 52 sectors with detailed career information in video and text format. The portal has registered 4+ crore job seekers and 60+ lakh employers as of 2026. All services are completely free — NCS does not charge any fee at registration, application, interview, or placement stages.
DAY-NULM 2026 — Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Urban Livelihoods Mission
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2014, is the urban counterpart of the DAY-NRLM (rural) and the largest urban poverty alleviation programme in India. DAY-NULM operates across 4,372+ cities and statutory towns and has 7 components: (1) Social Mobilisation & Institution Development (SHG formation, Area Level Federations) with ₹10,000 revolving fund per SHG; (2) Capacity Building & Training; (3) Employment through Skill Training & Placement (EST&P) — short-term skill courses + placement assistance; (4) Self-Employment Programme (SEP) — Mudra-style loans at 7% interest + interest subvention; (5) Support to Urban Street Vendors (PM-SVANidhi linkage — institutional credit, vending zones, social security, skills); (6) Scheme of Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH); (7) Innovative & Special Projects. As of 2026, 9+ lakh urban SHGs are functional with 90+ lakh women members; 12 lakh+ urban poor have been skilled and placed in jobs; 1+ crore Mudra-linked self-employment loans disbursed.
PMFME Scheme 2026 — PM Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises: 35% Subsidy Up to ₹10 Lakh | mofpi.gov.in
Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, launched in June 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, provides financial, technical, and business support to unorganised micro food processing enterprises. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) runs this centrally sponsored scheme with 60:40 centre-state funding (90:10 for NE/Himalayan states). The scheme covers: (1) Credit-linked subsidy of 35% on eligible project cost (max ₹10 lakh per unit — meaning subsidy of up to ₹3.5 lakh); (2) Common Infrastructure for FPOs, SHGs, and Cooperatives — 35% subsidy for shared infrastructure like processing halls, cold rooms, testing labs; (3) Branding & Marketing support for micro food enterprises and FPOs; (4) Capacity building — free training and technical assistance through food technology institutes. 2 lakh micro enterprises are targeted over 5 years (2020-25, extended to 2026).
SAMARTH Scheme 2026 — Free Skill Training in Textiles + ₹8,000-10,000 Stipend | samarth.gov.in
SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) is a demand-driven, placement-oriented skill training scheme implemented by the Ministry of Textiles since 2017-18. The scheme provides free skill training to youth in the entire textile value chain — from spinning, weaving, and knitting to garments, technical textiles, and handlooms. Training centres are run by industry partners (mills, garment factories, training institutions) empanelled by the ministry. Training duration is 3 months (300+ hours). Trainees receive: free training + stipend of ₹8,000-10,000/month during training (paid via DBT) + placement assistance (target: 70%+ placement in textile jobs). For handloom/handicraft sectors (special weavers component), in-situ training is provided at the weaver's home or cluster to upgrade skills without relocation. Budget: ₹1,300 crore for training 10 lakh textile workers by 2020 (revised targets for 2024-26 ongoing).
GeM Portal 2026 — Government e-Marketplace for MSMEs: Sell to Government without Tender | gem.gov.in
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online portal launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for procurement of goods and services by Central/State Government ministries, departments, and PSUs. GeM is India's largest government procurement platform with ₹4 lakh crore+ GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) in FY2024-25. MSMEs, startups, artisans, SHGs, and individual sellers can register as vendors on GeM and supply goods/services directly to government buyers without going through complex tenders. Key features: (1) MSME sellers get 25% procurement preference — government buyers MUST buy 25% of eligible purchases from MSMEs; (2) Zero registration fee for sellers; (3) Startup India registered companies get additional benefits and relaxation in prior experience criteria; (4) Weavers/artisans/SHGs (Weavers GeM) have dedicated sections; (5) Payment within 10 days of delivery (Government policy — no long payment delays). Over 67 lakh seller/service provider registrations. MSME sellers account for 58%+ of GeM GMV.
Udyam Assist Platform 2026 — Free MSME Registration for Informal/Micro Enterprises Without GST | udyamassist.gov.in
Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) is a government portal launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of MSME to bring informal/micro enterprises into the formal MSME ecosystem WITHOUT requiring GST registration or IT returns. Unlike Udyam Registration (which needs PAN + GST), Udyam Assist is designed for the smallest businesses — street vendors, home-based workers, artisans, tailors, mechanics, and micro enterprises that don't file ITR or have GST. Registration on Udyam Assist gives: an Udyam Assist Certificate (UAC) that is equivalent to MSME registration, enabling access to priority sector lending, MUDRA loans, CGTMSE guarantee, GeM registration, and government scheme benefits. UAP is linked with Jan Samarth portal (National Portal for Credit-Linked Schemes). Over 35 lakh informal enterprises have registered since 2023 launch.
CLCSS 2026 — Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme: 15% Subsidy for MSME Technology Upgrade | msme.gov.in
Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) is a Ministry of MSME scheme that provides a 15% upfront capital subsidy (maximum ₹15 lakh per unit) to Small and Micro enterprises for upgrading their plant and machinery to newer, state-of-the-art technology. The subsidy is credit-linked — the enterprise must take a bank loan, and the government pays 15% of the eligible investment (cap ₹1 crore investment → max ₹15 lakh subsidy) directly into the enterprise's loan account, reducing outstanding principal. CLCSS covers 51 approved sub-sectors including food processing, hosiery, hand tools, drugs & pharmaceuticals, stationery, bicycle parts, auto components, packaging, printing, and more. Subsidy is released through Nodal Banks and Agencies (SBI, NABARD, SIDBI, NHB, Bank of Baroda, etc.). Average time from loan sanction to subsidy release: 60-90 days.
National Green Hydrogen Mission 2026 — ₹19,744 Crore Mission for Green Hydrogen Production & Export | mnre.gov.in
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) was approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023 with a budget of ₹19,744 crore (2023-2030) to position India as a global hub for production, export, and domestic use of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is produced by electrolyzing water using renewable energy (solar/wind), making it a zero-emission fuel. NGHM's target: 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per annum green hydrogen production by 2030, reducing India's fossil fuel dependence by ₹1 lakh crore/year and creating 6 lakh green jobs. Key components: (1) SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition): ₹17,490 crore incentive for domestic electrolyser manufacturing (PLI) + green hydrogen production incentive (₹50/kg for 3 years for highest-bidder producers); (2) Green Hydrogen Hubs: 3 designated hub states (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra/Andhra Pradesh) for large-scale production clusters; (3) R&D: ₹400 crore for technology and pilot projects; (4) Pilot projects in fertilizers, steel, shipping, and heavy transport. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) implements.
PM MUDRA Tarun Plus 2026 — New ₹20 Lakh Loan Category for Established MSMEs | mudra.org.in
PM MUDRA Yojana's Tarun Plus category was introduced in the Union Budget 2024-25 to serve established micro and small enterprises that have successfully repaid previous MUDRA Tarun loans (₹5-10 lakh) and need higher credit to scale up. The new Tarun Plus category offers loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh — filling the gap between the existing Tarun (max ₹10 lakh) and formal SME loans (which require collateral). Original MUDRA categories: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,001-5 lakh), Tarun (₹5-10 lakh). Tarun Plus (₹10-20 lakh) is available to enterprises that have a satisfactory repayment track record on previous MUDRA loans, showing responsible credit behaviour. All banks, NBFCs, MFIs, RRBs, and Small Finance Banks offer MUDRA loans including Tarun Plus. Purpose: working capital, machinery purchase, business expansion — NOT for personal expenses.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme 2026 — ₹945 Crore Seed Grants for Early-Stage Startups | startupindia.gov.in
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) was launched in April 2021 with a corpus of ₹945 crore to provide early-stage funding to Indian startups through incubators. DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) is the nodal agency. How it works: Government gives grants to incubators → incubators disburse seed funding to startups. Funding structure for startups: (1) Proof of Concept (PoC): Up to ₹20 lakh (grant — not repayable) for idea validation, prototype development, product testing; (2) Early market validation: Up to ₹50 lakh (as convertible debentures OR conditional debt) for market entry, user acquisition, pilot testing. Target: 3,600 startups by 2025. Eligible incubators: Government-recognized incubators at IITs, IIMs, NITI Aayog centres, state government incubators, and selected private incubators. SISFS specifically targets startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities — NOT just metro-based startups.
TUFS / ATUFS Scheme 2026 — Technology Upgradation Fund for Textile Mills: 15-25% Capital Subsidy | sidb.gov.in
Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), now running as ATUFS (Amended TUFS), is a Ministry of Textiles scheme providing capital investment subsidy (CIS) to textile mills and garment manufacturers for purchase of specified modern machinery. ATUFS provides: Garmenting segment: 15% CIS (max ₹30 crore per unit); Technical Textiles segment: 15% CIS (max ₹200 crore per unit); General textiles (spinning/weaving/processing): 10% CIS (max ₹30 crore per unit); Women-owned SMEs: Additional 10% on top (total 25% CIS). The scheme is interest-reimbursement based through designated lending institutions (SBI, Bank of Baroda, SIDBI, etc.). Eligible machinery: Only Ministry-notified modern textile machinery — not second-hand or refurbished. Budget: ₹17,822 crore over 2016-22, extended for ongoing claims. Over 6,000 textile units supported. ATUFS was particularly crucial for India's technical textile sector (medical textiles, agro-textiles, geo-textiles, industrial textiles).
National Handloom Development Programme 2026 — Weaver Loans, Training & Marketing for Handloom Weavers | handlooms.nic.in
National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) is the comprehensive flagship scheme of the Ministry of Textiles for development of handloom sector in India. India has 35+ lakh handloom weavers — the second largest employment sector after agriculture. NHDP (12th/15th Finance Commission period) integrates multiple earlier schemes: Handloom Weavers' Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, Yarn Supply Scheme, Handloom Marketing Assistance, and Cluster Development. Key components: (1) Weaver Credit Card (WCC): Collateral-free revolving credit up to ₹2 lakh at 7% for yarn purchase and working capital; (2) Yarn Supply Scheme: Subsidized yarn supply through NHDC (National Handloom Development Corporation) depots; (3) MUDRA loans via Handloom Development Banks: Collateral-free business loans; (4) Handloom Cluster development: Infrastructure (common facility centres, yarn depots, training halls); (5) Marketing support: India Handloom Brand, Haat events, international marketing at textile fairs; (6) SAMARTH in-situ training: Skill upgradation at weavers' homes — ₹8,000-10,000 stipend/month.
AVGC Promotion Task Force 2026 — Animation, VFX, Gaming & Comics Industry: India's Creative Economy Hub | investindia.gov.in
India's AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) Promotion Task Force was announced in Union Budget 2022-23 to position India as the global hub for creative content production. Implemented through MeitY and Ministry of I&B, the task force developed the National AVGC-XR Policy (XR = Extended Reality) with a target of $20 billion AVGC-XR market by 2030 and 2.5 lakh skilled jobs. Key initiatives: (1) National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for AVGC-XR: Set up at IIT Bombay + Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune for research and talent development; (2) Centres of Excellence at IITs/NIDs: Animation, gaming, and XR labs; (3) Skill development: National AVGC-XR skill curriculum for 1 lakh professionals; (4) PLI-type incentives: Post-production incentive of 25% on qualifying India spend for international studios that produce content in India; (5) India as VFX production hub: Attracting Hollywood and OTT studios to use Indian VFX talent. India's AVGC sector has 200+ studios (Reliance/DreamWorks, Prime Focus, Makuta VFX, Red Chillies VFX) employing 80,000+ professionals.
PLI Food Processing Scheme 2026 — Production Linked Incentive for Food Manufacturing: ₹10,900 Crore | mofpi.gov.in
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Industry is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) with a budget of ₹10,900 crore (2021-27). The scheme incentivizes food companies to increase domestic production and reduce food imports. PLI for food provides: (1) Sales-based incentive: 4-10% incentive on incremental sales above the base year (2019-20) for domestic food manufacturers — paid annually for 6 years; (2) Innovative/organic products: 10% incentive for the first 2 years, then 5-4-3% tapering; (3) Selected segments: Ready-to-eat meals, processed fruits & vegetables, marine products, mozzarella cheese, organic products, and SME food companies. Selected companies: 61 companies selected (including ITC, Britannia, Nestle, Tata Consumer, Heritage Foods, Kohinoor Foods, etc.) + 39 SME applicants. PLI is encouraging Indian food companies to achieve scale and compete globally — India's processed food export target is $50 billion by 2030.
About Employment Government Schemes in India 2026
MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment at ₹267/day to 25 crore+ active rural job card holders. PMEGP provides 15–35% capital subsidy (up to ₹7.5 lakh) for manufacturing or service enterprises up to ₹50 lakh. PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 trains youth free-of-cost in 700+ job roles with ₹8,000 certification incentive. The Agniveer Scheme recruits 46,000+ youth annually into the armed forces with ₹11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi package after 4 years. PM Internship Scheme 2026 provides ₹9,000/month stipend for 12-month internships at 500+ leading companies. Apply at maandhan.in, pmkvy.gov.in, or joinindianarmy.nic.in respectively.