Current AffairsSchemesHindustan Timesprelims

Punjab gets only ₹13 lakh under PMJVK in 2025-26, sharp fall from ₹104.58 crore in 2022-23

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes

Government Policies and InterventionsSchemesInfrastructure

Why in news

The central government informed Rajya Sabha that Punjab received only ₹13 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in 2025-26, a steep decline from ₹104.58 crore in 2022-23. The scheme is demand-driven, with funds released based on eligible project proposals from states and UTs.

Background

PMJVK is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at creating community infrastructure in minority concentration areas across sectors like education, healthcare, skill development, and sanitation. It was previously known as the Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP).

Key facts

in5points
  1. Punjab received ₹13 lakh under PMJVK in 2025-26, down from ₹104.58 crore in 2022-23.

  2. No funds were released to Punjab in 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2024-25.

  3. PMJVK is a demand-driven scheme with no state-wise budgetary allocation; funds are released based on eligible project proposals.

  4. 279 PMJVK projects have been completed in Punjab since inception, out of 8,59,972 nationwide.

  5. No poor-quality work was flagged in third-party quality assurance audits.

  6. Independent evaluations by IIPA and DMEO, NITI Aayog identified areas for improvement: awareness generation, fund flow, monitoring, and asset maintenance.

  7. Third-Party Quality Assurance (TPQA) is now mandatory for all PMJVK projects.

Prelims pointers

  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)
  • Ministry of Minority Affairs
  • Kiren Rijiju
  • Rajya Sabha
  • Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)
  • Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog
  • Third-Party Quality Assurance (TPQA)

Mains angles

  • Discuss the effectiveness of demand-driven centrally sponsored schemes in addressing regional disparities.
  • Critically examine the implementation of PMJVK and suggest measures to improve fund utilization and project completion.
  • Analyze the role of third-party audits and independent evaluations in ensuring quality of infrastructure projects under welfare schemes.