Page 42 - NIS English 1-15 Oct, 2026

SPECIAL REPORT

A Year Journey of Good Governance

13. Startup India 17. Ayushman Bharat and Health
2.5 lakh+ startups | 23.36 lakh+ jobs Security
n Launched in 2016, this initiative transformed ₹5 lakh cover | Over 12 crore families covered
entrepreneurship into a national aspiration. By n By June 2026, 12.69 crore patients had received
September 2026, over 2.5 lakh recognized startups treatment across 37,413 government and private
had generated more than 23 lakh direct jobs. hospitals, resulting in savings of ₹1.92 lakh crore for
Approximately half of these startups originate from the general public. The scheme was also extended to
Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and nearly 50% have at include senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
least one female director or partner.
18. Jal Jeevan Mission
14. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: 12 crore+ new tap connections | Coverage
Freedom from smoke exceeding 82%
Approximately 11 crore+ connections n Launched in 2019, the mission aimed to provide
n Launched in 2016, the Ujjwala scheme provided tap water to rural households. The number of
over 10.6 crore free LPG connections by May 2026. rural households with tap connections rose from
This reduced reliance on smoky fuels and positively 3.23 crore to approximately 16 crore by June 2026.
impacted women’s health, time, and opportunities. Over 5 lakh Pani Samitis and 24.8 lakh women were
trained in water quality testing.
15. Digital Payment Revolution –
UPI 19. PM-KISAN

24,162 crore transactions | 55+ crore users Over ₹4 lakh crore | 9.44 crore farmers
n Since 2019, farmers have been receiving ₹6,000
n Launched in 2016, UPI transformed digital annually in three installments directly into their bank
payments into an everyday convenience. Annual accounts. By July 2026, over ₹4 lakh crore had been
transactions surged from 1.78 crore in 2016 to disbursed.
24,162 crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year. By June
2026, the platform had 55.5 crore users, and by July
2026, 741 banks were integrated. The transaction 20. Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone
value rose from ₹0.07 lakh crore to ₹314 lakh crore. Didi
UPI is now operational in 11 countries.
3 crore+ Lakhpati Didis | 10.57 crore women in
Self-Help Groups
16. Goods and Services Tax – GST n The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative empowered rural
One Nation – One Tax | Gross GST of over ₹22 women to move beyond mere assistance,
lakh crore in FY 2025 connecting them with sustainable income
n Implemented in 2017, GST strengthened the vision opportunities and entrepreneurship. By
of ‘One Nation, One Tax, One Market’ by bringing May 2026, 3.07 crore women had become
multiple central and state taxes under a unified ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ and over 10.57 crore
framework. The number of taxpayers increased women were organized into Self-Help
from 66.5 lakh in 2017 to 1.65 crore in May Groups. The ‘Namo Drone Didi’
2026, and gross GST collection stood at scheme targets the deployment of
₹22.27 lakh crore in the 2025-26 fiscal year. 15,000 drones.

40 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || Oct 1-15, 2026