How is Rajasthan’s New Poverty-Free Village Scheme Changing Lives?

Key Features of the Scheme
Financial Aid for BPL Families: Each eligible family will receive up to ₹1 lakh to start small businesses or sustainable work.
Support for Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Families in SHGs can avail ₹15,000 to boost their income.
Rewards for Self-Reliant Families: Those who have already moved above the poverty line will get ₹21,000 as recognition, along with an ‘Atmanirbhar Parivar Card’.
Village-Specific Action Plans: The government is creating tailored strategies for each village, linking beneficiaries with existing welfare schemes for jobs and skill training.

Why is This Important for Exams?
Government schemes like this are frequently asked in SSC, PSC, and other competitive exams under current affairs, social justice, and rural development sections. Understanding such initiatives helps in:
Answering GK and polity questions accurately.
Writing descriptive answers on poverty alleviation programs.
Analyzing government policies for essay-based exams.

Sample Questions & Answers
Q1. What is the main objective of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Poverty-Free Village Scheme?
Ans: The scheme aims to eliminate poverty in 5,000 villages by providing financial aid, livelihood support, and skill training to BPL families.
Q2. How much financial assistance will BPL families receive under this scheme?
Ans: Eligible families will receive up to ₹1 lakh to start income-generating activities.
Q3. What additional benefit do women in SHGs receive?
Ans: They can avail ₹15,000 per family to enhance their earnings.
Q4. How are self-reliant families recognized under this scheme?
Ans: Families that have crossed the poverty line receive ₹21,000 and an ‘Atmanirbhar Parivar Card’.
Q5. How many villages are targeted in the first phase of this scheme?
Ans: The scheme initially covers 5,000 villages in Rajasthan.