1. WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERABLE SECTIONS FROM CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
A. GOBARDHAN — NATIONAL CIRCULAR BIOENERGY SCHEME
On 6 August 2026, the Union Cabinet approved GOBARdhan — India's National Unified Scheme for Compressed Biogas, with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore. The scheme seeks to scale up compressed biogas production through assured offtake, stable pricing, capital assistance, pipeline connectivity and access to finance.
Although it is primarily an energy and rural-economy programme rather than a conventional welfare scheme, it has a Social Justice dimension because it is designed to benefit farmers, rural entrepreneurs, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and first-time developers. The scheme also supports district-level feedstock aggregation, organic-manure value addition and local livelihood opportunities.
Why it matters for vulnerable sections:
It can create additional rural income and livelihood opportunities by converting agricultural and organic waste into an economic resource.
UPSC relevance: Rural livelihoods, women entrepreneurship, circular economy, inclusive growth and waste-to-wealth.
B. CBDC-BASED DBT UNDER PMGKAY — NEW FOOD-SECURITY DELIVERY MECHANISM
On 14 August 2026, the Government launched a CBDC-based Direct Benefit Transfer under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
The initiative uses Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) technology in the delivery of food-security benefits, with the stated objective of improving targeting, transparency and reducing exclusion of eligible beneficiaries.
Important distinction: This is not a new PMGKAY scheme. PMGKAY is an existing food-security programme. What is new in August is the CBDC-based delivery mechanism/pilot.
Why it matters:
It links food security with digital public infrastructure, while raising an important Social Justice question: how can digital welfare delivery improve targeting without excluding beneficiaries who have limited digital access?
UPSC relevance: Food security, PDS reform, DBT, digital inclusion, exclusion errors and welfare delivery.
C. PM JAN DHAN YOJANA — AUGUST 2026 FINANCIAL-INCLUSION PUSH
On 27 August 2026, PMJDY completed 12 years. The Government reported 59.09 crore accounts, with women constituting more than half of account holders and nearly 78% of accounts located in rural and semi-urban areas. It also highlighted the JAM architecture as a mechanism for direct delivery of welfare benefits.
Social Justice relevance: Financial inclusion, women, rural households and direct welfare transfer.
D. SEED — AUGUST FOCUS ON DNT/NT/SNT COMMUNITIES
On 17–18 August 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice highlighted the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities.
SEED covers four broad areas:
The scheme provides competitive-examination coaching, health insurance support, community livelihood initiatives and housing assistance for eligible members of DNT/NT/SNT communities.
E. SMILE — AUGUST FOCUS ON REHABILITATION OF MARGINALISED PERSONS
On 17 August 2026, the Ministry highlighted the SMILE Scheme — Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise.
Its sub-scheme for comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging provides rehabilitation, healthcare, counselling, education, skill development and livelihood opportunities.
2. WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERABLE SECTIONS FROM STATE GOVERNMENTS OF SOUTH STATES
A. TAMIL NADU — ANNAN SEER THITTAM
Tamil Nadu announced the Annan Seer Thittam in the Revised Budget presented on 5 August 2026. Under the scheme, eligible brides will receive an 8-gram gold coin and a silk saree as marriage assistance. The State has allocated ₹812 crore for the scheme for 2026–27.
The scheme is intended to provide financial support to families at the time of marriage and forms part of the State's renewed focus on welfare assistance for women.
Why it matters:
Marriage-related expenditure can place a significant financial burden on economically vulnerable households. State assistance can therefore function as a form of social protection for low-income families, particularly women.
UPSC relevance: Women’s welfare, social protection, gender and household vulnerability.
B. TAMIL NADU — THAI MAAMAN THANGA MOTHIRAM THITTAM
Tamil Nadu also announced the Thaai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam in August 2026. Under the programme, children born in government hospitals will receive a one-gram gold ring. The Revised Budget allocated ₹560 crore for the initiative.
The programme provides a direct material benefit to families at the time of childbirth and is part of the State's broader package of welfare interventions for women and children.
Why it matters:
It provides support to families at an important stage of household expenditure and places maternal and child welfare within the State's social-support framework.
UPSC relevance: Child welfare, maternal welfare, social protection and demographic development.
C. TAMIL NADU — VETRI VEEDU THITTAM
Tamil Nadu introduced the Vetri Veedu Thittam as a new State housing intervention for families living in kutcha houses.
The unit assistance has been raised to ₹5 lakh per house, with 70,000 houses planned in the first year at an estimated expenditure of ₹3,500 crore.
Why it matters:
Housing deprivation is closely connected with poverty, health risks, sanitation problems and social exclusion. Targeting kutcha-house households therefore gives the programme a strong poverty and vulnerability dimension.
UPSC relevance: Housing as a social right, rural poverty, basic services and inclusive development.
D. TAMIL NADU — VETRI 150
Tamil Nadu introduced Vetri 150, under which vulnerable rural households completing the 125 days of employment guaranteed under VB-G RAM G can receive an additional 25 days of employment, taking the potential employment support to 150 days.
The State has earmarked ₹100 crore annually for the additional employment component.
Why it matters:
The programme strengthens income security for vulnerable rural households and provides an additional employment buffer beyond the statutory Central guarantee.
UPSC relevance: Rural poverty, employment guarantee, livelihood security and cooperative federalism.
E. TAMIL NADU — SINGAPPENNGAL VALIMAIPPADUTHUM THITTAM
The State announced the Singappenngal Valimaippaduthum Thittam for women Self-Help Groups.
Under the programme, SHG enterprises demonstrating sustainable entrepreneurial performance will receive an investment subsidy of ₹5 lakh. Tamil Nadu has also fixed an Annual Credit Plan target of ₹38,000 crore for SHG loans.
Why it matters:
The scheme seeks to move SHGs from small-scale livelihood activities towards sustainable micro-enterprises, strengthening women's economic independence and access to productive capital.
UPSC relevance: Women’s empowerment, SHGs, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and livelihood generation.
F. TAMIL NADU — CHIEF MINISTER’S ELDERLY HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
Tamil Nadu announced the Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme in August 2026 to provide free, cashless healthcare to senior citizens aged 70 years and above, without an income ceiling. The scheme is expected to benefit around 38 lakh elderly persons and provide treatment through government and empanelled private hospitals, including specialised treatment for cancer, organ transplantation and other major illnesses.
The initiative builds upon Tamil Nadu’s existing Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) and the State’s integrated health-insurance framework linked with Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This convergence is significant because AB-PMJAY already provides ₹5 lakh annual health coverage to economically vulnerable families and, since 2024, covers all citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of socio-economic status.
The Tamil Nadu initiative therefore seeks to strengthen and widen elderly health protection at the State level, while operating within an existing public health-insurance ecosystem rather than creating an entirely separate system.
Why it matters:
With ageing increasing healthcare expenditure and the risk of catastrophic medical costs, extending comprehensive health protection to senior citizens strengthens social security, financial protection and health equity.
UPSC relevance: Ageing population, universal health coverage, Centre–State convergence, health insurance, social security and reduction of out-of-pocket expenditure.
G. TELANGANA — INTINTIKI INDIRAMMA KUTTU MACHINLU
Telangana launched the Intintiki Indiramma Kuttu Machinlu scheme on 13 August 2026 to promote self-employment among unemployed women belonging to Backward Classes.
The first phase provides 1,19,000 automatic sewing machines, with 1,000 machines for each of the State's 119 Assembly constituencies. Each machine is valued at ₹12,000 and is provided under 100% subsidy. Priority is given to vulnerable beneficiaries including widows, single women, homeless and orphaned women, and persons with disabilities.
Why it matters:
Rather than providing only consumption support, the scheme seeks to create an income-generating asset for vulnerable women.
UPSC relevance: Women’s economic empowerment, BC welfare, self-employment, asset-based welfare and livelihood security.
H. KARNATAKA — SANDHYA KIRAN CASHLESS HEALTHCARE SCHEME
The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Sandhya Kiran Contributory Cashless Healthcare Scheme on 13 August 2026.
The scheme provides cashless healthcare protection to State government pensioners below 70 years, family pensioners and eligible dependants. It operates under the Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka framework, with healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year through a contributory model.
Why it matters:
Retired persons can face rising healthcare expenditure and reduced earning capacity. A contributory cashless model can strengthen health and financial security during old age.
UPSC relevance: Social security, ageing, healthcare financing and welfare-state intervention.
I. ANDHRA PRADESH — NETHANNA SEVALO
Andhra Pradesh launched Nethanna Sevalo on 7 August 2026, coinciding with National Handloom Day, to provide financial support to handloom-weaving families.
The programme provides ₹25,000 per eligible handloom family. The State released ₹179 crore for 71,536 handloom families under the initiative.
Why it matters:
Handloom workers face livelihood insecurity due to market pressures, irregular incomes and competition from mechanised production. Direct assistance provides short-term income support while the broader handloom ecosystem supports traditional livelihoods.
UPSC relevance: Informal employment, traditional livelihoods, artisan welfare, rural economy and inclusive growth.
J. KERALA — PRATHYASHA FOR REPATRIATION OF VULNERABLE PERSONS
Kerala's Social Justice Department issued an August 2026 order concerning the Prathyasha Scheme, which facilitates the repatriation of vulnerable persons from other States residing in psycho-social rehabilitation centres and welfare institutions in Kerala.
The programme provides for identifying their native places, tracing families and facilitating their return or, where necessary, placement in suitable welfare institutions in their home districts. The initial phase targets 100 persons, with an allocation of ₹29.295 lakh.
Why it matters:
The programme addresses the often-overlooked problem of vulnerable persons becoming disconnected from their families and communities after entering institutional care.
UPSC relevance: Rehabilitation, institutional care, migrant vulnerability, social inclusion and dignity of vulnerable persons.
K. KERALA — ATHIJEEVANAM AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
Kerala issued August 2026 guidelines relating to Athijeevanam and Prachodhanam for 2026–27, while also inviting applications under its Psychosocial Grant-in-Aid Scheme. These interventions strengthen support systems for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups through rehabilitation, psychosocial care and community-based assistance.
Why it matters:
Social justice requires moving beyond financial assistance towards rehabilitation, community participation and independent living.
UPSC relevance: Disability rights, community-based rehabilitation, inclusion and social security.
3. WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERABLE SECTIONS FROM STATE GOVERNMENTS OF NORTH STATES
A. DELHI — DELHI LAKSHMI YOJANA
The Delhi Government formally notified the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana in August 2026 to provide ₹2,500 per month to eligible women. The scheme targets women aged 21–60 years who are the eldest female member of their family and belong to households with annual income up to ₹2.5 lakh, subject to other eligibility conditions. The official notification was issued on 11 August 2026, and registrations were opened through the dedicated portal.
The scheme is designed to provide regular financial assistance to women from lower-income households and strengthen their economic independence and decision-making capacity.
Why it matters:
Direct income support can improve women's financial security and provide greater control over household resources.
UPSC relevance: Women empowerment, social security, gender equality, DBT and inclusive welfare.
B. UTTAR PRADESH — LOKMATA AHILYABAI MATRUSHAKTI YATRA YOJANA
Uttar Pradesh launched the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yatra Yojana on 26 August 2026, providing free travel on ordinary UPSRTC buses to women aged 60 years and above.
The scheme aims to improve mobility and independence among elderly women and reduce the financial burden associated with public transportation. The initiative was launched by the Chief Minister in Lucknow, with special buses flagged off for the programme.
Why it matters:
Mobility is an important but often overlooked dimension of social justice. Free public transport can help elderly women access healthcare, government services, markets and social networks.
UPSC relevance: Elderly welfare, women’s empowerment, accessibility, social security and inclusive urban/rural mobility.
C. RAJASTHAN — KISHORI BALIKA YOJANA EXPANDED TO 27 ASPIRATIONAL BLOCKS
Rajasthan launched the Kishori Balika Yojana across 27 aspirational blocks on 15 August 2026. The programme focuses on adolescent girls and seeks to improve their nutrition, education, empowerment, self-reliance and overall development through the Anganwadi system.
The State also highlighted the importance of providing girls with better opportunities for nutrition, education and development, linking adolescent welfare with long-term human-capital development.
Why it matters:
Adolescent girls face interconnected challenges involving malnutrition, school discontinuation, lack of skills and limited economic opportunities. A targeted intervention at this stage can have long-term effects on human development.
UPSC relevance: Gender inequality, adolescent health, nutrition, education, human capital and demographic dividend.
D. RAJASTHAN — 10% INCREASE IN HONORARIUM FOR ASHA SAHYOGINIS
On 15 August 2026, Rajasthan announced a 10% increase in the monthly honorarium of ASHA Sahayoginis.
The State also transferred more than ₹89 crore through DBT to women beneficiaries, including Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi helpers and Sathins, during the Independence Day/Raksha Bandhan welfare programme.
ASHA workers form an important frontline link between vulnerable communities and the public-health system, particularly in rural areas.
Why it matters:
Improving remuneration for frontline health workers can strengthen the community-level health workforce, which is crucial for maternal health, child health, immunisation and preventive healthcare.
UPSC relevance: Human resources for health, women workers, primary healthcare and social-sector delivery.
E. HARYANA — DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AWAS NAVINIKARAN YOJANA
On 19 August 2026, Haryana announced steps to extend benefits under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojana to eligible families across the State. The Social Justice and Empowerment Department directed officials to identify eligible households.
Under the scheme, ₹80,000 financial assistance is provided to Scheduled Caste families living below the poverty line for renovation of their houses.
Why it matters:
Poor housing conditions can reinforce poverty through health risks, inadequate sanitation and lack of a secure living environment. Housing improvement therefore forms an important part of social protection and dignity.
UPSC relevance: Housing, SC welfare, poverty, dignity and inclusive development.
F. HARYANA — GRAM SABHA-BASED VERIFICATION OF WELFARE BENEFICIARIES
On 26 August 2026, Haryana launched a major grassroots exercise using a Gram Sabha Module to verify rural households and identify eligible beneficiaries more accurately.
The exercise covers information relating to family structure, income, Antyodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries, kutcha-house status and occupations. The objective is to ensure that welfare benefits reach eligible households on the basis of verified field-level information.
Why it matters:
The initiative addresses a major challenge in welfare delivery — identifying the right beneficiaries and reducing exclusion and inclusion errors.
UPSC relevance: Last-mile delivery, Gram Sabha, decentralisation, social audits, welfare targeting and participatory governance.
G. RAJASTHAN — HIGHER SUPPORT FOR WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Rajasthan also strengthened the Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana in August. At the 15 August programme, the State highlighted that the maximum loan limit had been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, while loans amounting to ₹360 crore for 3,559 applications had been sanctioned.
The programme seeks to promote women's entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance through institutional credit and financial support.
Why it matters:
Moving women from welfare recipients to income-generating entrepreneurs can strengthen long-term economic independence.
UPSC relevance: Women SHGs, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, livelihood generation and empowerment
4. WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERABLE SECTIONS FROM STATE GOVERNMENTS OF WEST STATES
A. CHHATTISGARH — DWEEPTI YOJANA FOR WOMEN-LED SOLAR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Chhattisgarh launched the DWEEPTI Yojana — Decentralised Women Empowerment on Energy and Policy for Transformative Inclusion in August 2026. The initiative enables rural women Self-Help Groups to participate as solar vendors, technicians, managers and entrepreneurs in the renewable-energy sector.
Under the programme, women SHG federations are being developed as authorised vendors for rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar framework. The first group of women was trained as “Solar Didis”, with the model initially developed in Kabirdham district and planned for expansion across the State.
Why it matters:
The initiative moves beyond conventional welfare assistance by converting women beneficiaries into economic actors in the green economy. It combines women's empowerment, SHGs, skill development and clean-energy adoption.
UPSC relevance: Women empowerment, SHGs, green economy, livelihood generation, decentralisation and inclusive development.
B. GUJARAT — HEALTH ASSISTANCE FOR ST PATIENTS REQUIRING HIGH-COST TREATMENT
Gujarat introduced a ₹2-crore health-assistance scheme for Scheduled Tribe patients in August 2026 to meet treatment costs that remain uncovered after assistance under AB-PMJAY and the Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA) scheme.
The scheme covers high-cost procedures including kidney, liver, heart and pancreas transplants and robotic-assisted surgeries. The Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC), Ahmedabad has been designated as the nodal agency, with prior approval required from its transplant committee.
Why it matters:
Even where health-insurance schemes exist, very expensive procedures can leave vulnerable patients with substantial residual costs. This initiative attempts to fill that last-mile financial protection gap for tribal patients.
UPSC relevance: Tribal welfare, universal health coverage, catastrophic health expenditure, health equity and targeted social protection.
C. GOA — SWAYAMPURNA GOA – VOCAL FOR LOCAL
Goa launched Swayampurna Goa – Vocal for Local on 14 August 2026 as a State initiative aimed at strengthening local producers, farmers, artisans and MSMEs.
The programme seeks to promote local production, entrepreneurship, market access and self-reliance, with the Directorate of Agriculture coordinating the initiative.
Why it matters:
For small producers and rural entrepreneurs, improved market access can strengthen household livelihoods and reduce dependence on intermediaries.
UPSC relevance: Rural livelihoods, local economies, MSMEs, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
D. GOA — AMENDMENTS TO LAADLI LAXMI SCHEME
Goa amended the Laadli Laxmi Scheme in August 2026, retaining its focus on providing financial assistance to women while modifying eligibility and application conditions.
The scheme provides ₹1 lakh assistance to eligible women. Under the amended framework, applications are linked to the civil marriage-registration process, with the revised rules providing a defined period for submission of applications.
Why it matters:
The scheme seeks to reduce the financial burden associated with marriage and improve the economic security of women from eligible households.
UPSC relevance: Women and child welfare, gender equality, social protection and economic vulnerability.
E. MAHARASHTRA — FREE SCHOOL BAGS AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL FOR LOCAL-BODY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Maharashtra introduced a free school-bag and educational-material support programme in August 2026 for students studying in Classes 1–8 in local self-government schools.
The initiative is expected to benefit more than 41 lakh students, with an estimated financial commitment of around ₹165–174 crore. It aims to reduce the educational expenditure borne by economically vulnerable families and support regular school attendance.
Why it matters:
Even relatively small educational expenses can contribute to financial pressure and school discontinuation among poorer households. Providing essential learning materials can strengthen access and retention in elementary education.
UPSC relevance: Educational inequality, child welfare, human capital and inclusive education.
F. MADHYA PRADESH — FIVE-YEAR FUNDING COMMITMENT FOR WOMEN AND CHILD WELFARE
On 18 August 2026, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approved a combined five-year funding commitment of ₹1,32,829.12 crore for three major women-and-child-focused programmes: Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana, Ladli Laxmi Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
The decision provides longer-term financial backing for income support to women, girl-child development and maternity assistance through 2030–31.
Why it matters:
Multi-year financial commitments can provide greater predictability and continuity in social-protection programmes for women, girls and mothers.
UPSC relevance: Social security, gender budgeting, women empowerment, child welfare and welfare-state sustainability.
G. CHHATTISGARH — GIRLS' TOILETS IN RURAL GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS
Chhattisgarh launched a Statewide drive in August to construct 6,671 toilets for girls in rural government schools, at a reported cost of ₹286.85 crore. The programme also includes construction of crematoriums and waiting sheds in villages.
The school sanitation component is particularly relevant to girls' welfare because adequate and accessible sanitation facilities can support attendance, dignity and continuation of education.
Why it matters:
School sanitation is not merely an infrastructure issue; it has implications for gender equality, health, dignity and educational participation.
UPSC relevance: Girl-child education, WASH, gender equality, rural development and human capital.
5. WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERABLE SECTIONS FROM STATE GOVERNMENTS OF EAST STATES
A. BIHAR - MUKHYAMANTRI BALIKA PhD FELLOWSHIP
Bihar launched the Mukhyamantri Balika PhD Fellowship on 26 August 2026 to support women pursuing doctoral research. Around 1,000 female research scholars will receive ₹10,000 per month for four years. The initiative seeks to reduce financial barriers to higher education and research and increase the participation of women in advanced academic fields.
Social Justice relevance: Women’s access to higher education, gender equality in research, human capital development and reduction of financial barriers to education.
B. BIHAR KI BETI STARTUP CHALLENGE
On 26 August 2026, Bihar launched the Bihar Ki Beti Startup Challenge to promote entrepreneurship among women. Around 2,100 women entrepreneurs are to receive financial assistance ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh for innovative business ideas and ventures. The initiative seeks to strengthen women’s economic self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Social Justice relevance: Women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, livelihood generation and inclusive growth.
C. BIDESH SIKHYABRUTI — OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP FOR SC/ST STUDENTS
Odisha launched the Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship in August 2026 for meritorious Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students seeking postgraduate or PhD education in leading foreign universities. The scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per student per year, covering tuition, living and other eligible expenses. 50 students are to be supported annually, with eligible institutions drawn from the Top 200 of the QS World University Rankings.
Social Justice relevance: Educational equity, affirmative action, access to global higher education and human-capital development among historically disadvantaged communities.
D. SPECIAL REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT PACKAGE FOR PROJECT-DISPLACED FAMILIES
On 27 August 2026, Odisha launched a special Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package for families displaced by the Golabandha and Chheligada projects. Eligible displaced families received one-time compensation through DBT, while arrangements were made for housing, permanent land ownership and basic civic infrastructure in rehabilitation colonies.
Social Justice relevance: Rehabilitation of development-induced displaced persons, livelihood restoration, land rights and the principle of inclusive development.
E. FEE PAYMENT RELIEF FOR POOR SC/ST STUDENTS
On 31 August 2026, the Odisha government directed that poor SC/ST students admitted to government medical and engineering colleges would not have to deposit admission, tuition and other fees immediately. They can pay the fees after receiving their scholarship, addressing the problem of students being unable to secure admission because scholarship payments are delayed.
Social Justice relevance: Removing liquidity barriers to higher education, effective implementation of scholarships and substantive equality for disadvantaged students.
F. CHIEF MINISTER'S HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
West Bengal launched the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme in August 2026 alongside the state's implementation of Ayushman Bharat. The scheme is intended to extend health protection to eligible families not covered by Ayushman Bharat, with the State Health Minister stating that families would receive free treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually, irrespective of family size. The scheme was formally launched at Ayushman Diwas on 16 August 2026.
Social Justice relevance: Universal health coverage, financial protection against catastrophic medical expenditure and expansion of health access to uncovered households.
G. KANYARATNA EDUCATION GRANT
At the Kanyaratna Diwas programme on 14 August 2026, West Bengal launched the Kanyaratna Education Grant, under which more than 10 lakh girl students are to receive financial assistance. The initiative focuses on strengthening girls' access to education and supporting their continued participation in schooling.
Social Justice relevance: Gender equality in education, prevention of educational discontinuation and investment in female human capital.
H. PALNA CRECHE INITIATIVE
West Bengal launched the Palna Creche initiative on 14 August 2026 to support working women by providing childcare support. The initiative addresses the care burden that can restrict women's participation in employment and economic activity.
Social Justice relevance: Women’s labour-force participation, unpaid care work, childcare support and gender-responsive welfare.
I. 181 WOMEN'S SAFETY HELPLINE
A new 181 Helpline service dedicated to women's safety was launched in West Bengal during Kanyaratna Diwas on 14 August 2026. It is intended to provide an accessible mechanism for women seeking assistance and support related to safety concerns.
Social Justice relevance: Women’s safety, institutional support mechanisms and gender-responsive governance.
6. WELFARE SCHEMES FOR VULNERABLE SECTIONS FROM STATE GOVERNMENTS OF NORTH-EASTERN STATES
A. ORUNODOI 3.0 — ENHANCED WOMEN'S WELFARE
Assam relaunched Orunodoi 3.0 on 1 August 2026, strengthening its flagship financial-assistance programme for women. Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹1,250 per month through DBT, while the upgraded version also provides for interest-free advances against future instalments, intended to help beneficiaries meet urgent financial needs. More than 37 lakh women are covered under the programme. Flood-affected beneficiaries in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat also received ₹2,500 in special assistance.
Social Justice relevance: Women’s economic security, direct benefit transfer, financial inclusion and targeted social protection.
B. WOMEN EMPOWERMENT (WE) — MANIPUR SCHEME
The Manipur Cabinet approved the Women Empowerment (WE)–Manipur Scheme on 28 August 2026 to support women belonging to recognised Self-Help Groups. Around 3.5 lakh women are expected to benefit. Each eligible woman will receive a ₹10,000 grant in the first year, followed by interest-free loans in the second and third years. Detailed implementation guidelines are to be issued separately.
Social Justice relevance: Women’s economic empowerment, SHG-based livelihood promotion, access to institutional finance and inclusive development.
C. BANA KAIH — SUPPORT FOR RECOVERING DRUG USERS AND REHABILITATION CENTRES
On 8 August 2026, Mizoram provided financial assistance to 33 beneficiaries and accreditation/Grant-in-Aid to 21 accredited drug-treatment centres under the State's Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme. The initiative also included skill development and rehabilitation support for recovering drug users; 194 persons at the Hulhliap detoxification centre had received training in 13 skill programmes.
Social Justice relevance: Rehabilitation of vulnerable persons, substance-abuse prevention, social reintegration, livelihood support and the role of civil society in welfare delivery.
D. AAMA SAMMAN PURASKAR
Sikkim introduced the Aama Samman Puraskar in August 2026 to recognise deserving mothers who are not beneficiaries of the Aama Yojana. One woman from each Assembly constituency is eligible for a ₹51,000 cash award. The initiative was announced ahead of the 2nd Aama Samman Diwas and implemented in August.
Social Justice relevance: Recognition of women's unpaid contribution to families and communities, women's empowerment and inclusive social recognition.
E. PRAGATISHEEL AAMA SAMMAN PURASKAR
Sikkim also introduced the Pragatisheel Aama Puraskar to recognise beneficiaries of the Aama Shashaktikaran Yojana who have used the assistance productively to create sustainable livelihood opportunities. The awards carry ₹5 lakh, ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh for the first, second and third recipients respectively.
Social Justice relevance: Women's entrepreneurship, livelihood sustainability and converting welfare assistance into economic self-reliance.
F. DIGITAL LABOUR CHOWK
Tripura launched the Digital Labour Chowk app on 21 August 2026 to help construction workers connect with employment opportunities and access welfare benefits. The initiative is linked with the State's Construction Workers' Welfare Scheme and seeks to create Labour Chowks across the State, improving access to employment and welfare services for construction workers.
Social Justice relevance: Informal-sector workers, labour welfare, employment facilitation and digital delivery of social protection.
G. CLEAN COOKING FUEL SUPPORT FOR RURAL HOUSEHOLDS
In August 2026, Arunachal pradesh, LPG connections, cylinders and cooking stoves were distributed to 80+ households in Tadin village under the CAMPA framework. The intervention aims to reduce dependence on firewood, lower the burden of fuel collection and improve household health and living conditions.
Social Justice relevance: Rural welfare, clean cooking fuel, reduction of women's unpaid labour and environmental sustainability.
H. NAGALAND STATE DISABILITY SCHOLARSHIP
The State Disability Scholarship provides educational support to eligible students with disabilities, helping reduce financial barriers to schooling. The 2026–27 application window opened on 1 August 2026 through Nagaland's Common Scholarship Portal.
Social Justice relevance: Inclusive education, disability rights, equal opportunity and human-capital development.
7. OBSERVATIONS BY KEY PEOPLE ON WELFARE SCHEMES
A. RASHTRIYA VAYOSHRI YOJANA — POSITIVE IMPACT EVALUATION
According to PIB website, a third-party impact evaluation of the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) reported in August 2026 found that the scheme was exceptionally well aligned with the needs of eligible senior citizens. The evaluation highlighted its impact on mobility and functional independence through assistive devices, enabling beneficiaries to move independently and reducing dependence on caregivers.
Social Justice relevance: Elderly welfare, dignity, independent living, assistive technology and outcome-oriented social protection.
B. DEENDAYAL DIVYANGJAN REHABILITATION SCHEME — POSITIVE EVALUATION
According to PIB website, a third-party evaluation found that the Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) generated significant outcomes in education, rehabilitation, assistive support and livelihood inclusion. It reported improved functional capabilities, high usability of assistive devices, beneficiary satisfaction, stronger livelihood linkages and greater community and parental engagement. The evaluation also highlighted improved transparency and timeliness through the e-Anudaan digital platform.
Social Justice relevance: Disability inclusion, rehabilitation, accessibility, digital governance and empowerment rather than mere welfare dependence.
C. CAG FLAGS LOW ENROLMENT IN TWO SOCIAL SECURITY PENSION SCHEMES
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) tabled its Performance Audit on the pension sector on 12 August 2026, covering several pension schemes including Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan (PM-KMY).
The audit found that as of 31 March 2024, PM-SYM had 44.92 lakh subscribers against a target of 10 crore, while PM-KMY had 19.49 lakh subscribers against a target of 5 crore. The CAG also pointed to issues such as inadequate verification and absence of actuarial valuation for PM-SYM and PM-KMY.
Social Justice relevance: The issue is not merely creation of welfare schemes but actual beneficiary coverage, enrolment and institutional capacity to deliver social security.
D. CAG FLAGS IMPLEMENTATION GAPS IN PMAY-G IN JHARKHAND
On 11 August 2026, the CAG tabled its Performance Audit Report on the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Jharkhand. The audit examined beneficiary identification and verification, implementation, convergence with other schemes, financial management and monitoring during 2019–24.
The audit was specifically undertaken because of the scheme's importance to rural vulnerable households and was intended to identify deficiencies and recommend measures to strengthen outcomes.
Social Justice relevance: Housing as a component of social security; transparency in beneficiary selection; convergence; monitoring and last-mile implementation.
UPSC angle: A welfare scheme's success depends not only on financial allocation but also on accurate identification, timely delivery, convergence and monitoring.
E. CAG'S PENSION-SECTOR AUDIT ALSO FLAGS BENEFICIARY-PROTECTION ISSUES
The August 2026 CAG pension-sector audit identified several systemic concerns beyond enrolment. These included multiple pension accounts linked to single bank accounts because of the absence of a unique identifier during initial implementation, lack of actuarial valuation for PM-SYM and PM-KMY, and governance concerns relating to institutional roles within the pension architecture.
The audit also reported significant administrative problems in some pension institutions. For example, in the Assam Tea Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, between 59% and 90% of family-pension claims remained outstanding at the end of each year from 2017–18 to 2023–24, while almost all settled claims exceeded the prescribed 30-day timeline.
Social Justice relevance: Administrative efficiency, grievance redressal, portability and timely delivery are as important as the formal entitlement itself.
F. PRIME MINISTER'S INDEPENDENCE DAY OBSERVATION — EXPANSION OF SOCIAL SECURITY
In his 15 August 2026 Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the expansion of India's social-security coverage, stating that coverage had increased from 25 crore people before 2014 to 100 crore within a decade. He linked this expansion to the broader objective that development should reach the last person.
This is particularly relevant to welfare-policy analysis because it frames social-security coverage and inclusion as central components of the development process.
Social Justice relevance: Inclusive growth, social security, last-mile delivery and the idea of development reaching the last person.
G. EXPERTS: WELFARE DELIVERY MUST MOVE FROM GENERIC TO NEED-BASED
A panel discussion on “Improving Social Benefit Delivery through Better Governance and Technology” in August 2026 highlighted the importance of using technology to improve welfare delivery. Experts emphasised data integration, targeted analysis, citizen usability, prevention of exclusion, integrated platforms and personalised/needs-based welfare delivery. They also stressed the importance of data privacy and public trust.
Social Justice relevance: Digital welfare, targeted delivery, exclusion errors, privacy and citizen-centric governance.
UPSC angle: Technology can improve targeting and efficiency, but digital welfare must balance efficiency with accessibility, privacy and prevention of exclusion.
H. KERALA HIGH COURT — PMMVY AS A CONDITIONAL MATERNITY BENEFIT
In Ahamed Junaid P.S. v. Union of India, decided on 18 August 2026, the Kerala High Court examined the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and its conditional maternity-benefit structure. The Court noted that PMMVY is a conditional scheme providing maternity benefits to pregnant and lactating women and held that the particular petition brought by the father of the child was not maintainable because the scheme's benefit is intended to be transferred to the mother's bank account.
The case is useful for understanding the relationship between conditional welfare benefits, statutory maternity entitlements and constitutional rights.
Social Justice relevance: Maternity benefits, women's welfare, conditional cash transfers and rights-based social protection.
8. ISSUES RELATING TO HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND HUMAN RESOURCES.
A. PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS MAJOR REFORMS IN HEALTHCARE AFFORDABILITY
The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare presented its 176th Report on “Affordability and Accessibility of Healthcare Facilities in Public and Private Sector” on 7 August 2026. The Committee made 368 recommendations, including mechanisms to standardise and cap the cost of essential treatments, diagnostics and routine procedures in private hospitals; establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all district hospitals, CHCs and large empanelled private hospitals; a voluntary contributory insurance model; and a review of the GST framework applicable to healthcare. It also recommended an additional AIIMS or fully equipped satellite centre in northern Delhi to decentralise tertiary healthcare.
Social Justice / Mains relevance: Affordable healthcare, financial protection, regulation of private healthcare, regional disparities and universal health coverage.
B. PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE PROPOSES A NATIONAL CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PROGRAMME
The 177th Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, presented on 7 August 2026, examined the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It recommended a dedicated National CKD Programme, a National CKD Registry, systematic screening of high-risk groups, nationwide awareness campaigns, expansion of dialysis and transplantation facilities, promotion of home-based peritoneal dialysis and digital health technologies. It also recommended mandatory health-insurance coverage for CKD patients and extending post-transplant care under AB-PMJAY from 15 days to one year.
Social Justice relevance: Non-communicable diseases, catastrophic health expenditure, health insurance, preventive healthcare and equitable access to specialised treatment.
C. PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE FLAGS GAPS IN VECTOR-BORNE DISEASE CONTROL
The 175th Report of the Committee on vector-borne diseases in North-East India observed that existing measures such as breeding-site elimination, community clean-up drives and chemical vector control had shown limited effectiveness in some contexts. It recommended stronger Integrated Vector Management, region-specific strategies, improved surveillance, better diagnostic infrastructure, trained entomologists and greater community participation.
The Committee specifically called for a region-specific, integrated and multi-sectoral strategy for the North-East, rather than a uniform national template, taking into account tribal populations, geography, climate, migration and healthcare-access differences.
Mains relevance: Public health governance, federalism, tribal health, climate-health linkages and decentralised policymaking.
D. ANEMIA MUKT BHARAT GETS A NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM
The Union Health Ministry organised a national workshop on Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) on 12–13 August 2026 with more than 160 representatives from States, UTs, ministries and expert/development partners.
A new AMB Digital Platform was launched to enable beneficiary-level tracking, treatment monitoring and timely follow-up. The Union Health Secretary also stressed the need for stronger convergence between health, education, women and child development and other sectors to address anaemia comprehensively. States and UTs were recognised for stronger implementation performance.
Social Justice relevance: Anaemia among women and children, nutrition, inter-sectoral convergence, digital health governance and human-resource productivity.
E. PM'S INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNOUNCEMENT — AI SKILLING FOR ONE CRORE YOUTH
In his 80th Independence Day address on 15 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a target of providing AI skills to one crore youth within one year. The initiative was presented as a response to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the need to equip young people with future-oriented capabilities.
Human Resources relevance: Future of work, AI and employment, reskilling, digital divide and employability of India's young population.
F. PM ANNOUNCES FREE ONLINE COACHING NETWORK FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMINATIONS
In the same Independence Day address, the Prime Minister announced a free online coaching network for competitive examinations. The proposal seeks to combine Digital Public Infrastructure, teachers and available educational resources to reduce the financial burden of coaching, particularly for poor and middle-class families.
Education relevance: Equal opportunity, democratisation of access to coaching, digital public infrastructure and educational inequality.
This is a very useful point for GS2/Essay:
Digital infrastructure can potentially reduce the geographical and financial barriers associated with competitive-examination preparation.
G. PM ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE SPORTS TALENT IDENTIFICATION FOR CHILDREN
The Prime Minister announced a nationwide campaign to identify sporting talent among children aged 5–15 years through villages, cities and schools. Identified children are to receive specialised training, including in sports disciplines in which India has limited participation.
Human Resources relevance: Early identification of talent, youth development, sports as human-capital formation and grassroots access.
H. PRESIDENT'S INDEPENDENCE DAY-EVE ADDRESS — EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION, HEALTH AND EQUALITY
In her 14 August 2026 address to the nation, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the contribution of students, teachers, scientists, engineers, doctors and healthcare workers to nation-building. She linked development with the principles of equality of status and opportunity and dignity of the individual.
She also highlighted the expansion of welfare and human-development programmes, including:
Mains relevance: Capability approach, equality of opportunity, social protection and human development.
I. PRESIDENT EMPHASISES STUDENT WELL-BEING AND EXAMINATION REFORMS
The President noted that students are architects of India's future and highlighted the need for public examinations to become more transparent, secure and trustworthy. She noted that the Government is undertaking reforms aimed at curbing unfair means in public examinations.
She also emphasised that the physical and mental well-being of youth is central to India's future.
Education relevance: Examination integrity, student welfare, mental well-being and equal opportunity.
J. PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS (PREVENTION OF UNFAIR MEANS) AMENDMENT ACT, 2026
A significant education-related legislative development in August was the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was passed by Parliament and received Presidential assent during the Monsoon Session.
The amendment seeks to strengthen the legal framework against unfair means in public examinations by providing for:
Education relevance: Examination integrity, institutional accountability, student confidence and prevention of paper leaks/unfair practices.
K. NATIONAL MEANS-CUM-MERIT SCHOLARSHIP — NEW 2026–27 APPLICATION FLEXIBILITY
The Ministry of Education announced on 6 August that applications for NMMSS 2026–27 would remain open until 31 August.
More importantly, from 2026–27, students can apply simultaneously for one merit-based scholarship and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes, subject to the respective eligibility conditions.
Social Justice relevance: Preventing school dropout among economically weaker students, scholarship convergence and improved access to educational support.
L. YUVA SANGAM PHASE VII
The Ministry of Education opened registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase VII on 4 August 2026 under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Youth aged 18–30 years, including students, NSS/NYKS volunteers and young professionals, could participate. Twenty higher educational institutions, including IITs, IIMs, Central Universities and NITs, were designated as nodal institutions.
The programme promotes youth exchange, exposure to different regions and cultural interaction.
Human Resources relevance: Youth development, national integration, experiential learning and social capital.
M. ICMR-S.H.I.N.E. 2026 — SCIENCE & HEALTH INNOVATION FOR NEXTGEN EXPLORERS
The Department of Health Research and ICMR conducted the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. — Science and Health Innovation for the NextGen Explorers on 11–12 August 2026.
Around 30,000 students from Grades 9–12 participated across 83 locations. Students visited laboratories, interacted with scientists and experienced biomedical research and scientific innovation first-hand. ICMR also launched a nationwide student research competition based on real-world public-health challenges.
Human Resources relevance: Scientific temper, research orientation, STEM careers and development of India's future health-research workforce.
N. NEW FUNDING FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTH RESEARCH
The Government announced in August that the ICMR allocation for 2026–27 had increased to ₹4,000 crore, compared with ₹3,150 crore in the 2025–26 Revised Estimates.
The Ministry also reported measures to strengthen the health-research funding ecosystem through new schemes and initiatives intended to make research grants more competitive and accessible.
Human Resources relevance: Research capacity, biomedical innovation, scientific manpower and strengthening India's health-research ecosystem.
O. PM-RAHAT — AUGUST IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
The PM-RAHAT (Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) scheme, launched nationally in February 2026, was reviewed in August.
The scheme provides treatment coverage of up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for a maximum of seven days following a motor-vehicle accident, with particular importance attached to treatment during the Golden Hour.
Health relevance: Emergency healthcare, financial protection, trauma care and reduction of preventable deaths.
9. ISSUES RELATING TO POVERTY AND HUNGER.
A. CBDC-BASED DBT UNDER PMGKAY — NEW FOOD-SUBSIDY DELIVERY MODEL
On 14 August 2026, the Union Government launched a CBDC-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) pilot under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
The system transfers the food subsidy through Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets, instead of the conventional bank-account route. The stated objective is to make food-subsidy delivery more transparent, targeted and technology-driven, while reducing exclusion and ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements.
Poverty/Hunger relevance: Food security, DBT, digital welfare delivery, targeting errors and last-mile delivery.
UPSC angle: The initiative raises an important policy question — can digitalisation reduce leakages without creating new forms of exclusion for people with limited digital or financial access?
B. SARTHAK-PDS — AUGUST 2026 PROGRESS ON LAST-MILE FOOD SECURITY
The Government highlighted the implementation of SARTHAK-PDS (Scheme for Assistance to Ration Transport and Handling-Income with Automation in PDS) during August.
The scheme integrates earlier foodgrain-transport assistance and SMART-PDS into an umbrella framework, with a ₹25,530 crore Central outlay for five years. It aims to strengthen foodgrain movement, FPS operations, automation and interoperability of the Public Distribution System, with the broader objective of reducing leakages and improving last-mile delivery under the NFSA.
As of July 2026, 99.8% of Fair Price Shops had been automated, ration cards had been fully digitised across States/UTs, and more than 221 crore portability transactions had been recorded under One Nation One Ration Card.
Poverty/Hunger relevance: PDS reform, portability, migrant workers, leakages and food-security governance.
C. PMGKAY — 81.35 CRORE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO RECEIVE FREE FOODGRAINS
August government data highlighted the scale of food-security protection under PMGKAY. The programme provides free foodgrains to more than 81.35 crore beneficiaries, covering the identified NFSA population.
The Government also reported that ration cards are 100% digitised, while the large-scale use of ONORC portability allows beneficiaries to access their foodgrain entitlements across the country.
Poverty/Hunger relevance: Social protection floor, food entitlement, migrant portability and protection against food insecurity.
Important UPSC point: Food security is not only about food production; it also involves identification, affordability, portability, storage, distribution and last-mile delivery.
D. PRIME MINISTER'S INDEPENDENCE DAY OBSERVATION — POVERTY REDUCTION
In his 15 August 2026 Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that 25 crore people had moved out of poverty over the preceding period and linked this transformation to broader economic and welfare measures.
He also referred to the savings generated for poor and middle-class families through health protection, connecting social protection with household economic security.
Poverty relevance: Multidimensional poverty, social protection, health expenditure and economic security.
For students, this is best presented as the Prime Minister's stated assessment, rather than as an independent conclusion.
E. AUGUST GOVERNMENT DATA — BASIC SERVICES AS ANTI-POVERTY INTERVENTIONS
An August government factsheet presented progress in several programmes affecting multidimensional deprivation:
These developments show the increasingly multidimensional character of India's anti-poverty approach, combining food security with water, sanitation, clean cooking fuel, financial inclusion and livelihood support.
Mains relevance: Multidimensional poverty → income alone cannot capture deprivation; access to basic capabilities and services also matters.
F. PM JAN DHAN YOJANA — FINANCIAL INCLUSION AS A POVERTY-REDUCTION TOOL
On 27 August 2026, the Government marked 12 years of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
The number of accounts had reached 59.09 crore as of 19 August 2026, including 32.92 crore female beneficiaries. Rural and semi-urban areas accounted for 45.95 crore accounts. Deposits had risen to approximately ₹3.17 lakh crore.
The Government described financial inclusion as an important component of broad-based growth and poverty reduction, with PMJDY accounts serving as gateways to DBT, insurance, pensions and credit.
Poverty relevance: Financial exclusion, DBT, women's financial inclusion, access to credit and social-security portability.
G. PM SVANIDHI — LIVELIHOOD SECURITY FOR URBAN STREET VENDORS
August government data showed that PM SVANidhi had reached 78.17 lakh beneficiaries by 12 August 2026, with cumulative loans of approximately ₹18,971 crore disbursed. Women constituted 46% of beneficiaries.
The programme is significant because it addresses poverty through livelihood and access to working capital, rather than through consumption support alone.
Poverty relevance: Informal-sector workers, urban poverty, access to institutional credit and livelihood-based social protection.
H. FOOD SECURITY AND FARMER INCOME — AUGUST POLICY EMPHASIS
An August government review of agriculture and allied sectors emphasised the link between farm incomes, agricultural productivity and food security.
Agriculture continues to provide livelihoods to approximately 46.1% of India's workforce, while investments in food processing, livestock, fisheries, cooperatives and value addition are being presented as mechanisms for income diversification and stronger food-system resilience.
Poverty/Hunger relevance: Rural poverty, livelihood diversification, food availability and resilience of agricultural households.
I. NITI AAYOG'S ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY & NUTRITION MISSION
The National Food Security & Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) also has an important evidence-based angle.
A NITI Aayog assessment reported that NFSNM had contributed to higher agricultural productivity, reduction in pest-induced losses and improvements in household food security, alongside wider adoption of improved agricultural practices.
This is useful for connecting agricultural productivity with nutritional security rather than treating hunger only as a food-distribution problem.
Mains relevance: Availability + access + nutrition; agricultural productivity as a component of food security.
