West Bengal: Government Schemes and Projects

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West Bengal: Government Schemes and Projects

West Bengal is located in the eastern part of India. It is bounded on its north by Bhutan and the state of Sikkim, on its east by Bangladesh, on its northeast by the state of Assam, on its south by the Bay of Bengal, on its southwest by the state of Odisha, on its northwest by Nepal, and on its west by the state of Bihar. It is 4th most populas and 6th largest in terms of state GDP among Indian states. The Growth rate was 13.35% in 2014–2015. Government pf the state has launched various schemes and [rojects for socio-Economic Development of the state.

  1. Social Security Yojana:-

The scheme would subsume five old beneficiary schemes running in the state for self employed and people working in the unorganized sector.. The five earlier schemes which have been subsumed to form the new scheme are-

  1. State Assistance Scheme for Provident Fund for Unorganized Sector
  2. West Bengal Unorganized Sector Workers’ Health Security Scheme
  3. Social Security scheme for Construction Workers
  4. West Bengal Transport Workers Social Security Scheme
  5. West Bengal Bidi Workers Welfare Scheme

At present about 85 Lakh people are being benefited jointly by all the 5 schemes. Under the new Social Security Yojana, about 5 crore people would be benefited while about 1 Crore would get direct benefit of the scheme.

2.  PM UjjwalaYojana:-

This scheme was launched in august 2016 in West Bengal to target 1.06 Crore BPL households in the state. Three oil Marketing companies – IOC, HPCL and BPCL would invest around Rs 540 crore in adding to the bottling capacity to meet the additional demand post PMUjjwalaYojana launch in the state.

  1. KanyashreePrakalpa scheme:-

Department of Women Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal (DWD&SW) has launched the KanyashreePrakalpaYojana( in 2013) – a conditional cash transfer scheme with the aim of improving the status and well being of the girl child in West Bengal by incentivizing schooling of all teenage girls and delaying their marriages until the age of 18. The scheme has two components:

  1. Annual Scholarship of Rs. 500/-(Rupees Five hundred only)
  2. One time Grant of Rs. 25,000/-(Rupees Twenty-five thousand only)

The Annual Scholarship is for unmarried girls aged 13-18 years enrolled in classes VIII-XII in government recognized regular or equivalent open school or equivalent vocational/technical training course.

 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has received the highest prize in United Nations Public Service Awardin 2016 for the State Government’s KanyashreePrakalpa (Girl Child) scheme in The Hague, Netherlands.

  1. SABOOJ SATHI:-

Government of West Bengal has declared a scheme titled “SaboojSathi” for distribution of bi-cycles to about 40 lakh students of class IX to XII in all Govt. run/ Govt. aided/ Govt. sponsored schools anMadrashas in financial year (2015-16). Objective of scheme is to empowerthe students, specially the girls and reduce drop outs in higher Education.

  1. Utkarsh Bangla Scheme:-

This scheme launched in 2016 for school dropouts in the state. The scheme aims of providing vocational training to school dropouts by providing training; ranging from 400 to 1200 hours free of charges. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will be trained in driving, repairing television, tailoring  and other electronic equipment’s, beautician courses etc.

6.  Cashless Treatment for State Govt Employees and Pensioners:-

The government employees and pensioners covered by the West Bengal Health Scheme, 2008 are now getting the facility of medical treatment in Government hospitals, in hospitals managed by local bodies like municipalities, in State aided hospitals and in selected Speciality Hospitals outside the State. The employees and pensioners can also get the facility of medical treatment in empanelled Private Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Institutions, Clinics, Laboratories, Diagnostic Centres within the State of West Bengal and National Capital Region (NCR) at Delhi. Cashless medical treatment up to Rupees one lakh will be provided to the beneficiaries for undergoing treatment in private empanelled hospitals within the state including NCR.

  1. GatiDharaSchem for the unemployed youth of state. Launched by Ministry of Labor and EMPLOYMENT, Government West Bengal. Under the Scheme, the eligible applicants will be provided a loan of Rs. 10,00,000 for purchasing vehicle along with ‘subsidy’ of 30% or Rs. 1,00,000 over that loan. Means applicant need to repay only Rs. 9,00,000 and subsidy. The loanwill be given to unemployed persons aged between 20 and 45 .The scheme Motives, increase the employment through transport service.

 

  1. Gitanjali Scheme(earlier Amar Thukana scheme):-

The scheme was launched with an objective to provide proper shelters to the economically weaker section of Society as well as to create additional employment opportunities for construction workers etc. The cost of such dwelling units for new construction on beneficiary’s land in rural areas varies across the span and terrain of the state as follows owing to different Soil and climatic conditions:

(a)  Rs. 1.67 lakh for beneficiaries in general residing in Rural areas of plains;

(b) Rs.  1.23 lakh for fishermen residing in non-coastal areas to be implemented by Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries Department;

(c) Rs. 1.94 lakh for beneficiaries residing in the forest fringe areas of Sunderbans (to be implemented by Forest Department), and, for beneficiaries residing in other non-forest Coastal areas to be implemented by Sundarban Affairs Department and Fisheries Department;

(d) Rs.  2.51 lakh for beneficiaries residing within the forest fringe areas and forest villages in hill areas of Darjeeling district (Rs. 3 lakh within the forest villages of Jalpaiguri district ) to be implemented by Forest Department. 

 

  1. Fair Price Shops:

The Government rolled out fair price seed shops, fair price vegetable shops in 2014  and prices of the food grains were kept under close watch. The Government is also launching Fair Price Diagnostic Centres.

 

  1. Boost for Culture:

Kolkata is often called the “Cultural Capital of India”. Two important developments that took place in the year 2014 is the inauguration of the NazrulTirtha and Mothers Wax Museum.

  1. Awards Galore:

In 2014, West Bengal was adjudged as the Best State in All India Skill Competition 2013. Kolkata received the safest city award by India Today group in 2014.  The e-Abgari project of the Excise Department, West Bengal has bagged the Platinum Award conferred by the Skoch Foundation. During the Republic Day parade at New Delhi in 2014, the state’s tableaux won the first prize.

  1. Programme For Tribal People:-

Government in 2016 constituted 2 task force one for development of Advasis in Tarai- Dooars and other for development of Gorkhas in Darjeeling hills.

 

  1. Micro Business Credit Card :-

The state government launched this scheme in 2015 in association with SBI to boost MSME sector in the state.First of this kind scheme in India will also help farmers to set up businesses of upto 5 lakhs capital cost. Loan will be provided free of collateral.

 

Some of the major initiatives taken by the government to promote West Bengal as an Investment destination are:

  • In the budget 2016-17, Government of West Bengal proposed to increase the funds allocated to Public Works (Roads) Department, from US$ 246.28 million in 2015-16 to US$ 399.95 million in 2015-16.
  • The state government of West Bengal has proposed an investment of US$ 8.2 billion for the budget 2015-16. It has allocated US$ 99.67 million for constructing Asia Highway 2, which will connect Nepal Border (Kakarbhita) to Bangladesh Border (Banglabandha). Tri national road link project of state government.
  • The state government has set up an integrated leather complex on the eastern fringe of Kolkata.
  • The State’s Textile Policy 2013-18 aims to increase the sector’s contribution to  at least 10.0 per cent of the state GDP by 2022-23 from 6.1 per cent in 2014-15. This would provide employment to at least 10 million people.
  • Under the Smart City Program, the state government has announced plan to build 7 Smart Cities in West Bengal. The 4 cities of New Town Kolkata, Durgapur, Bidhannagarand Haldia, have already been selected under the central government’s flagship Smart Cities project.
  • The West Bengal government is planning to generate 180 megawatt of solar power during 2016-2018. So far only seven megawatt of solar power is produced in West Bengal, which is very poor, compared to states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. has identified 1,300 government buildings, schools and hospitals for setting up solar panels. In 2016-17, the target is to generate 61 megawatt of power, whereas in 2017-18, the target is 120 megawatt.
  • West Bengal power project 2017:- To promote sectors of Power Electronics and Drives, Power Systems, RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, etc.

 

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The Government of West Bengal has implemented a number of schemes and projects to improve the lives of its citizens. These schemes and projects cover a wide range of areas, including agriculture, Animal Husbandry, fisheries, Forestry, health, education, Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, housing, transport, energy, water Resources, Environment, tourism, Sports, culture, science and technology, information technology, space, defence, home affairs, finance, commerce and Industry.

Some of the key schemes and projects implemented by the Government of West Bengal include:

  • Agriculture: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to improve Irrigation facilities in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the construction of new irrigation projects, renovation and modernization of existing irrigation projects, and for the development of Water Resources.
  • Animal Husbandry: The National Livestock Mission (NLM) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to improve the productivity and profitability of the livestock sector in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the development of infrastructure, for the promotion of animal husbandry, and for the development of human resources.
  • Fisheries: The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to promote Sustainable Development of the fisheries sector in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the development of infrastructure, for the promotion of fisheries, and for the development of human resources.
  • Forestry: The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to increase the forest cover in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the afforestation of degraded land, for the development of forest nurseries, and for the promotion of tree plantation.
  • Health: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to provide health insurance coverage to over 100 crore people in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance for hospitalization and treatment of diseases.
  • Education: The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to provide universal elementary education in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the construction of new schools, for the renovation and modernization of existing schools, and for the training of teachers.
  • Infrastructure: The Bharatmala Pariyojana is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to develop a Network of national highways in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the construction of new highways, for the renovation and modernization of existing highways, and for the development of wayside amenities.
  • Housing: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to provide housing for all by 2022. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries for the construction or renovation of their houses.
  • Transport: The UDAN Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to connect unserved and underserved Airports in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the development of airports, for the operation of air Services, and for the promotion of air travel.
  • Energy: The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to provide skill training to youth in the country. The scheme provides financial assistance to states for the training of youth in various trades and occupations.
  • Water Resources: The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is a central government agency that is responsible for the development of water resources in the country. The NWDA undertakes the construction of Dams, canals, and other water infrastructure projects.
  • Environment: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is a central government ministry that is responsible for the management of the environment in the country. The MoEFCC undertakes a number of schemes and projects to protect the environment, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
  • Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism is a central government ministry that is responsible for the development of tourism in the country. The Ministry of Tourism undertakes a number of schemes and projects to promote tourism, including the Incredible India campaign.
  • Sports: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is a central government agency that is responsible for the development of sports in the country. The SAI undertakes a number of schemes and projects to promote sports, including the Khelo India programme.
  • Culture: The Ministry of Culture is a central government ministry that is responsible for the promotion of culture in the country. The Ministry of Culture undertakes a number of schemes and projects to promote culture, including the National Museum, the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
  • Science and Technology: The Department of Science

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about West Bengal: Government Schemes and Projects:

  1. What are some of the government schemes and projects in West Bengal?

Some of the government schemes and projects in West Bengal include:

  • Khadya Sathi Yojana: This scheme provides free food grains to the poor and Population/”>vulnerable sections of the population.
  • Swasthya Sathi Yojana: This scheme provides free health care to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population.
  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: This scheme provides training and financial assistance to the youth to acquire skills and get employment.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: This scheme provides financial assistance to the poor to construct houses.
  • Ujjwala Yojana: This scheme provides free LPG connections to the poor.
  • Saubhagya Yojana: This scheme provides electricity connections to the poor.
  • Jal Jeevan Mission: This scheme provides piped water to all households in the state.
  • Swachh Bharat Mission: This scheme aims to make the state clean and free from open defecation.

  • Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: This scheme aims to make the country self-reliant.

  • What are the benefits of these schemes and projects?

The benefits of these schemes and projects include:

  • Improved access to food: The Khadya Sathi Yojana provides free food grains to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population, which helps to improve their access to food and Nutrition.
  • Improved access to health care: The Swasthya Sathi Yojana provides free health care to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population, which helps to improve their access to health care and reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Improved skills and employment opportunities: The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana provides training and financial assistance to the youth to acquire skills and get employment, which helps to improve their skills and employment opportunities.
  • Improved housing conditions: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana provides financial assistance to the poor to construct houses, which helps to improve their housing conditions.
  • Improved access to LPG: The Ujjwala Yojana provides free LPG connections to the poor, which helps to improve their access to clean cooking fuel and reduce their dependence on firewood and other polluting fuels.
  • Improved access to electricity: The Saubhagya Yojana provides electricity connections to the poor, which helps to improve their access to electricity and improve their Quality Of Life.
  • Improved access to water: The Jal Jeevan Mission provides piped water to all households in the state, which helps to improve their access to water and improve their Health and Hygiene.
  • Improved sanitation conditions: The Swachh Bharat Mission aims to make the state clean and free from open defecation, which helps to improve the sanitation conditions in the state and reduce the incidence of diseases.

  • Improved economic development: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan aims to make the country self-reliant, which helps to improve the economic development of the country and create more jobs.

  • What are the challenges faced in implementing these schemes and projects?

Some of the challenges faced in implementing these schemes and projects include:

  • Lack of coordination: There is often a lack of coordination between the different government departments involved in implementing these schemes and projects, which can lead to delays and inefficiencies.
  • Lack of funds: There is often a lack of funds available to implement these schemes and projects, which can lead to delays and cancellations.
  • Lack of awareness: There is often a lack of awareness among the beneficiaries about these schemes and projects, which can lead to low participation.

  • Lack of capacity: The government departments involved in implementing these schemes and projects often lack the capacity to implement them effectively.

  • What are the future plans for these schemes and projects?

The future plans for these schemes and projects include:

  • Improving coordination: The government is working to improve coordination between the different government departments involved in implementing these schemes and projects.
  • Allocating more funds: The government is allocating more funds to implement these schemes and projects.
  • Raising awareness: The government is raising awareness among the beneficiaries about these schemes and projects.
  • Building capacity: The government is building the capacity of the government departments involved in implementing these schemes and projects.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a government scheme in West Bengal?

(A) Kanyashree Prakalpa
(B) Swachh Bharat Mission
(C) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
(D) Atal Pension Yojana

Answer

(B) Swachh Bharat Mission is a national scheme, not a state scheme.

Question 2

The objective of the Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme is to

(A) provide financial assistance to girls for their education
(B) provide financial assistance to girls for their marriage
(C) provide financial assistance to girls for their healthcare
(D) provide financial assistance to girls for their vocational training

Answer

(A) The Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme provides financial assistance to girls for their education.

Question 3

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a scheme that aims to

(A) provide financial assistance to the poor
(B) provide Banking facilities to the poor
(C) provide insurance to the poor
(D) provide housing to the poor

Answer

(B) The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a scheme that aims to provide banking facilities to the poor.

Question 4

The Atal Pension Yojana is a scheme that aims to

(A) provide pension to the poor
(B) provide insurance to the poor
(C) provide housing to the poor
(D) provide education to the poor

Answer

(A) The Atal Pension Yojana is a scheme that aims to provide pension to the poor.

Question 5

The Chief Minister of West Bengal is

(A) Mamata Banerjee
(B) Mukul Roy
(C) Partha Chatterjee
(D) Firhad Hakim

Answer

(A) The Chief Minister of West Bengal is Mamata Banerjee.

Question 6

The capital of West Bengal is

(A) Kolkata
(B) Bhubaneswar
(C) Chennai
(D) Hyderabad

Answer

(A) The capital of West Bengal is Kolkata.

Question 7

The Official Language of West Bengal is

(A) Bengali
(B) Hindi
(C) English
(D) Urdu

Answer

(A) The official language of West Bengal is Bengali.

Question 8

The population of West Bengal is

(A) 91,347,736
(B) 104,077,265
(C) 116,707,994
(D) 129,338,723

Answer

(A) The population of West Bengal is 91,347,736.

Question 9

The area of West Bengal is

(A) 88,752 sq km
(B) 94,340 sq km
(C) 100,000 sq km
(D) 105,641 sq km

Answer

(A) The area of West Bengal is 88,752 sq km.

Question 10

The Literacy rate of West Bengal is

(A) 77.08%
(B) 79.55%
(C) 81.82%
(D) 84.10%

Answer

(C) The literacy rate of West Bengal is 81.82%.

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