Major Government Schemes & Policy Updates Relevant to Social Work (November 2025)
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Major Government Schemes & Policy Updates Relevant to Social Work (November 2025)

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Stay updated with the latest government schemes from November 2025. Discover key policy shifts in Labour Codes, PM Vidyalaxmi, and Ayushman Bharat relevant for social work professionals and students.

For social work professionals, policy awareness is not just about general knowledge—it is about advocacy, implementation, and empowerment. November 2025 has been a landmark month for Indian social policy, marked by the historic implementation of consolidated Labour Codes and significant strides in healthcare and education equity. This roundup covers the most critical government updates from November 2025 that every social worker needs to know.

1. Historic Implementation of the 4 Labour Codes

Effective Date: November 21, 2025 Relevance: Labour Welfare, Social Security, Gender Justice

In a transformative shift for India’s workforce, the central government officially operationalized the four consolidated Labour Codes on November 21, 2025. These codes replace 29 archaic labour laws, bringing a unified framework that directly impacts the "working poor" and unorganized sector.

  • Universal Social Security: For the first time, social security benefits (like PF and ESI) are extended to gig workers and platform workers (e.g., delivery partners, app-based drivers). Social workers in urban community development must note this for client advocacy.

  • Expansion of "Worker" Definition: The definition has been broadened to ensure more informal sector employees are covered under minimum wage laws.

  • Gender Equity: Women are now legally entitled to work in night shifts (7 PM – 6 AM) across all sectors, provided employers ensure safety and consent. This is a crucial point for gender advocacy and workplace safety audits.

2. PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme: New Operational Guidelines

Update Highlight: Scheme Guidelines & Digital Portal Update (Late November 2025) Relevance: Educational Equity, Youth Welfare

The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme saw significant operational updates in late November 2025 to streamline financial access for meritorious students from economically weaker sections (EWS).

  • Core Benefit: The scheme provides collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans for students securing admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs).

  • Social Work Angle: For students from families with an annual income up to ₹8 Lakhs, a 3% interest subvention is provided. Social workers in educational settings should guide eligible youth to the new PM-Vidyalaxmi unified portal to prevent dropouts due to financial constraints.

3. Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card: Senior Citizen Coverage Milestones

Update Highlight: Enrollment crossed 10 Lakhs (November 18, 2025) Relevance: Geriatric Care, Public Health

Building on the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, November 2025 saw the rapid rollout of the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, specifically for senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

  • Universal Eligibility: Unlike the standard Ayushman Bharat scheme which is means-tested (poor only), this specific expansion covers ALL senior citizens aged 70+ regardless of income.

  • Benefit: A distinct health cover of ₹5 Lakh per year.

  • November Update: The Ministry of Health reported that enrollments crossed the 1 million (10 lakh) mark by mid-November, signaling a massive need for enrollment camps. Social workers in geriatric care should prioritize generating these cards for all elderly clients, irrespective of their economic status.

4. Constitution Day 2025: "Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman"

Date: November 26, 2025 Relevance: Human Rights, Legal Literacy

On the 76th Anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment launched the second phase of its awareness campaign, titled "Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman" (Our Constitution – Our Pride).

  • Focus Area: The campaign emphasizes "Constitutional Morality" and legal duties alongside rights.

  • Activity for Social Workers: The government has released new modules for "Legal Literacy Clubs" in colleges and panchayats. NGOs and community workers are encouraged to use these resources to conduct workshops on fundamental rights and civic duties.

Conclusion

November 2025 has reinforced the government's focus on formalizing the informal (Labour Codes) and ensuring universal inclusion for vulnerable groups like the elderly (Vaya Vandana) and meritorious students (Vidyalaxmi). For social workers, these updates are tools for immediate practice—whether it's helping a gig worker register for social security or ensuring a senior citizen gets their health card.

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