As we close the year, the landscape of social welfare in India has witnessed significant shifts. For Social Work professionals and UGC NET aspirants, staying updated with the Major government schemes in India 2025 in December 2025 is not just about clearing exams—it is about understanding the changing pulse of social justice and development.
December 2025 has been a crucial month for the implementation and expansion of flagship initiatives launched earlier in the fiscal year. This article deep-dives into the policies defining the "Viksit Bharat" vision, focusing on healthcare, housing, and sustainable development.
1. Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana (Expanded for Seniors 70+)
One of the most significant updates dominating the social welfare discourse in late 2025 is the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
The Policy Update
Launch Context: Approved in late 2024 and aggressively rolled out by December 2025.
Key Provision: Universal health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income status.
Benefit: A distinct Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card provides free treatment up to ₹5 Lakh per year on a family basis.
Inclusivity: Seniors already covered under private insurance or ESI are also eligible.
Note for Students: This scheme marks a shift from "Targeted Welfare" (BPL only) to "Universal Social Security" for the elderly.
Relevance to Social Work
For Medical Social Workers, this is a game-changer. It reduces the "Out-of-Pocket Expenditure" (OOPE) for geriatric care, a primary cause of poverty in India. You must understand the enrollment process to assist elderly clients in hospitals.
2. PM E-DRIVE Scheme (Replaces FAME-II)
Sustainable development is a core component of modern social work (Green Social Work). The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme is the new face of India's green transition.
The Policy Update
Effective Period: October 2024 to March 31, 2026.
Budget: ₹10,900 Crore.
Objective: To accelerate EV adoption through subsidies for e-ambulances, e-buses, and e-trucks.
Key Update (Dec 2025): Increased focus on e-Vouchers for buyers. The subsidy is digitally transferred to the buyer's account, ensuring transparency.
Relevance to Social Work
This falls under Environmental Social Work. The scheme includes funding for e-ambulances, directly impacting Community Health logistics in rural and semi-urban areas. It also promotes employment in the green energy sector.
3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0)
Housing is a fundamental human right. The second phase of PMAY-U has seen accelerated approvals in December 2025.
The Policy Update
Goal: Construct 1 crore houses for urban poor and middle-class families.
Financial Assistance: Up to ₹2.50 Lakh per unit.
Interest Subsidy: A 4% interest subsidy on home loans up to ₹25 Lakh for EWS/LIG/MIG segments.
Focus Area: Slum redevelopment and affordable rental housing for migrant workers.
Relevance to Social Work
For those in Urban Community Development, this scheme addresses the root cause of urban squalor. The inclusion of "Rental Housing" is vital for migrant laborers, a vulnerable group often studied in MSW curriculums.
4. One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Scheduled for full-scale launch in 2025, this initiative transforms access to knowledge.
The Policy Update
Objective: To provide nationwide access to top international scientific journals and research papers.
Beneficiaries: Students, faculty, and researchers in higher education institutions.
Impact: Removes the financial barrier to high-quality academic resources.
Relevance to Social Work
For UGC NET Aspirants and Social Work Researchers, this democratizes access to global social science research. It aligns with the Right to Education and promotes equity in academic opportunities.
Why These Updates Matter for UGC NET & Exams
If you are preparing for UGC NET Social Work (Code 10) or Civil Services, you must move beyond the launch dates. Examiners in 2025-26 will ask about:
Convergence: How PMAY links with Swachh Bharat (toilets).
Digital Governance: The use of e-Vouchers in PM E-DRIVE.
Universality vs. Targeting: The shift seen in the Ayushman Bharat 70+ scheme.
Conclusion
The Major government schemes in India 2025 in December 2025 reflect a mature policy framework focusing on sustainability, geriatric care, and urban dignity. For social workers, these are not just current affairs; they are the tools we use to advocate for our clients. Whether you are helping an elderly person get an Ayushman card or researching housing rights, these policies are your primary resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Ayushman Bharat available for senior citizens above 70?
Yes. As of late 2025, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above are eligible for free health coverage up to ₹5 Lakh under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, regardless of their income level.
2. What is the PM E-DRIVE scheme?
The PM E-DRIVE scheme replaces the FAME-II scheme. It was effective from October 2024 and continues through 2026 to provide subsidies for electric vehicles, including ambulances and trucks.
3. Is there an interest subsidy in PMAY Urban 2.0?
Yes, PMAY-U 2.0 offers a 4% interest subsidy on home loans up to ₹25 Lakh for eligible Middle Income Group (MIG) families, making housing loans more affordable.
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