In 2024, the Indian government continued its focus on social and economic reform, introducing several significant programs to ensure inclusive growth, better living standards, and sustainability. These initiatives were designed to tackle the country's challenges while promoting self-reliance, providing opportunities, and improving the quality of life for citizens across all sections of society. Below is a look back at some of the major government schemes that made a lasting impact this year.

1. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)

The PMGKY remains one of the most crucial schemes introduced to assist individuals who faced hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aimed at providing financial aid to vulnerable populations, it continued to support daily wage workers, migrant laborers, and other disadvantaged groups throughout 2024. The scheme’s impact was far-reaching, helping millions recover from pandemic-induced economic setbacks.

2. Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana

Launched as part of the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Rozgar Yojana focuses on generating new employment opportunities, especially for youth and marginalized communities. In 2024, this scheme played an important role in reducing unemployment rates by providing financial incentives to businesses that hired new workers. The scheme helped create a more self-reliant workforce, boosting India's employment landscape.

3. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

The PLI Scheme continued to be a game-changer in 2024, encouraging manufacturers to invest in critical sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. Designed to make India a global manufacturing hub, the PLI scheme provided incentives for companies to increase production and create high-value jobs. This initiative has steadily improved India’s competitiveness on the global stage.

4. Swachh Bharat Mission (Phase 2)

Building on its earlier success, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Phase 2) sought to further improve sanitation facilities across the country. Launched with an emphasis on rural areas, this program focused on ensuring access to sanitation, promoting cleanliness, and improving hygiene practices. By 2024, the scheme had significantly contributed to better health outcomes in underserved communities.

5. Jal Jeevan Mission

The Jal Jeevan Mission continued its ambitious goal of providing safe and sustainable drinking water to rural households. The mission, which aims to connect four crore rural families to the public water system by 2024, received substantial funding and infrastructure support, driving India’s progress toward achieving Har Ghar Jal (Water to Every Household).

6. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

Affordable housing remained a priority for the government, with PMAY playing a key role in the development of urban housing. This program, designed to provide affordable homes to low-income groups, saw significant progress in 2024, with numerous new housing projects underway. The government continued to offer subsidized loans and interest rates as part of this initiative, making homeownership a reality for millions of urban residents.

7. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, food security measures were strengthened to provide free food grains to low-income families. This scheme, which began during the pandemic, continued to support over 80 crore people in 2024, ensuring that no one went hungry during challenging times. With ongoing subsidies, this initiative was vital in enhancing food security for the most vulnerable populations.

8. Meri Policy Mere Hath

"The projectt titled in Hindi which reads "Meri Policy Mere Hath" offers crop insurance to farmers under the scheme "Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana". The program, which ensures that farmers receive financial support in case of crop losses, saw greater awareness and coverage in 2024. This initiative provided a safety net for agricultural communities facing climate-related risks and unforeseen challenges.

9. Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)

The RUSA scheme provided funding to improve higher education institutions, particularly in rural areas. By 2024, it had facilitated the development of infrastructure, research opportunities, and educational quality in state-run universities and colleges, making higher education more accessible and efficient for students across India.

10. Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)

The SMILE scheme focused on the empowerment of marginalized communities by providing medical support, counseling, skill development, and economic resources. In 2024, the scheme helped numerous individuals re-enter the workforce, improving their financial independence and social standing.

11. Jalshakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain 

In 2024, the Catch the Rain initiative under the Jalshakti Abhiyan focused on rainwater harvesting and water conservation efforts. This program aimed to address water shortages by promoting sustainable water management practices across the country. It not only encouraged individual participation but also supported community-driven water conservation projects.

The year 2024 saw the Indian government making remarkable strides through various initiatives that empowered citizens, boosted economic development, and focused on sustainability. From improving access to basic services such as water and sanitation to supporting job creation and affordable housing, these government schemes are integral to shaping India's future. As we look ahead, the continued success and expansion of these programs will likely be pivotal in addressing the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing nation.