Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the PM-KISAN scheme for five more years (2026-27 to 2030-31) with a total outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore, and expanded the Khelo India programme with a combined allocation of ₹36,441 crore for National Sports Federations.
What does the PM-KISAN extension mean?
- Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000, transferred directly to their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Since its launch in February 2019, over ₹4.47 lakh crore has been released through 23 installments, benefiting 9.49 crore farmers in the latest round. Notably, women farmers received over ₹1.06 lakh crore, making up nearly one in four beneficiaries.
- The scheme is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% central funding, ensuring timely support for purchasing seeds and other inputs at the start of crop cycles.
What is the Khelo India expansion?
- The Khelo India programme, launched in 2018, will now receive a combined allocation of ₹36,441 crore over five years, nearly eight times higher than the previous budget.
- This expansion aims to connect grassroots talent to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) through a structured pathway, strengthening India's sporting ecosystem.
- Andhra Pradesh has specifically sought ₹1,000 crore for state-specific sports projects under this scheme.
What is the Samudra Manthan Scheme?
- The Cabinet also launched the Samudra Manthan Scheme, a National Offshore Exploration initiative under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
- It aims to catalyze reserve accretion of over 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent, boosting domestic energy security.
Exam Connect
PM-KISAN → Launched in 2019, a Central Sector Scheme with 100% central funding
Khelo India → Managed by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, includes Youth Games, University Games, Winter Games
Samudra Manthan → Under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, targets offshore oil reserve accretion