Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections (Social Justice).
Syllabus: UPSC Mains GS2: welfare schemes, vulnerable sections, health, education, poverty, hunger
Social justice for UPSC GS-II: constitutional provisions, SCs, STs, OBCs, women, children, disabled and elderly, key laws and schemes, commissions and gaps.
On 14 October 2026 the Union Cabinet extended the National Social Assistance Programme for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31, with Rs. 53,428 crore. It is renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The disability pension now needs 40% benchmark disability instead of 80%, starts from birth, and pays Rs. 375 or Rs. 625 a month.
UPSC angle: Prelims: launch date, new names, outlay, 40% benchmark, Article 41. · Mains GS-II: welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; DPSPs; rights of persons with disabilities.
14 Oct 2026
EPFO is reminding establishments that the Amnesty Scheme, 2026 for retrospective regularisation of Provident Fund Trust exemption status closes on 28 December 2026. It covers trusts recognised under the Income Tax Act but without a formal exemption order under the EPF Act or the Code on Social Security.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Amnesty dates and legal sections. · Mains GS-III: social security and labour compliance.
13 Oct 2026
The Centre released ₹1,423.30 crore to States and UTs over 2022-23 to 2024-25 to implement the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. States report 217 Exclusive Special Courts in 15 States and UTs. Yet 65,646 cases were registered in 2024 and 3,92,006 were pending trial at year end.
UPSC angle: Prelims: PCR Act year; Art. 17. · Mains: Why do atrocity cases see low conviction?
1 Oct 2026
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a 100 per cent centrally sponsored scheme of the Social Justice Ministry, launched in 2021-22. It merges three older schemes and works through Adarsh Gram, grants-in-aid and hostels. By 8 September 2026, 18,093 villages had been declared Adarsh Grams.
UPSC angle: Prelims: funding pattern; merged schemes.
28 Sep 2026
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, launched on 23 September 2018, marked eight years in September 2026. It gives cashless hospital cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family a year. It has funded about 13.25 crore admissions worth ₹2.03 lakh crore, and over 48.51 crore people, about 33% of India, hold Ayushman cards.
UPSC angle: Prelims: PM-JAY cover amount; four pillars. · Mains: Has PM-JAY reduced out-of-pocket expenditure?
22 Sep 2026
From 1 October 2026, domestic LPG consumers must complete Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) to book refills at the subsidised regulated price (PIB, 19 September 2026). By 19 September, 27.43 crore consumers, 89.9%, had done it. Those who opt out can still buy 5 kg or 10 kg cylinders at market price, without subsidy.
UPSC angle: Mains: Aadhaar authentication in welfare: efficiency vs exclusion.
19 Sep 2026