New Government Schemes 2026: Complete List, Benefits, Eligibility & Apply Process

1. New Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Replacing MNREGA) – From 1 April 2026

❓ What’s New?

• The government is preparing to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new rural jobs scheme, effective from 1 April 2026. Patrika News

🎯 Objectives

• Provide guaranteed employment in rural areas.

• Structure work into four distinct categories based on skill level.

• Improve delivery and monitoring compared to the current system.

🧑‍🌾 Who Benefits?

• Rural households seeking wage work.

• Regions with high seasonal unemployment.

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📌 2. Microfinance Sector Support & Credit Guarantee Scheme

📌 Overview

• The government will introduce a new scheme under Budget 2026 to support microfinance institutions (MFIs) and expand credit availability. The Economic Times Hindi

💡 Key Features

• Banks will be encouraged to lend more to small MFIs.

• Credit guarantee support to reduce risk for lenders.

• Aim to boost financial inclusion and support self-employment.

👥 Intended Beneficiaries

• Women entrepreneurs, rural borrowers, SHGs.

• Small business owners needing accessible credit.

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📌 3. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi — 22nd Installment in 2026

📌 Updates

• The government plans to release the 22nd installment under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi early in 2026. Amar Ujala

🧑‍🌾 Scheme at a Glance

• ₹6,000/year paid in three equal installments to eligible farmers.

• Provides income support for landholding farmers.

📌 Who Can Apply?

• Small and marginal farmers meeting eligibility norms.

• Update your details (land records, bank info) to avoid delays.

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📌 4. 8th Pay Commission Arrears / Salary Updates (2026 Impact)

🧑‍💼 What’s Happening?

• Central Government employees and pensioners are expecting arrears and revised pay based on the proposed 8th Pay Commission from Jan 1, 2026. The Economic Times

📊 Why It Matters

• Could increase salaries and pension payouts.

• Affects central government staff & retirees nationwide.

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📌 5. Prime Minister Surya Ghar (Free Electricity + Rooftop Solar) — Scaling by 2026–27

🌞 What’s the Vision?

• Rooftop solar installation scheme to give free or subsidised solar systems to households, particularly in Haryana and similar scale-up models across states. DD News

🔌 Benefits

• Rooftop solar at highly subsidised costs.

• Free electricity generation up to a few hundred units/month.

• Helps reduce electric bills and promote green energy.

🏡 Who Can Benefit?

• Urban & rural households with rooftop space.

• Priority to low-income and SC/ST households.

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🧑‍🎓 6. Continuation and Expansion of Skill India Programme till 2026

Although not entirely new in 2026, this program saw a major extension and restructuring to align with future job markets:

📈 What’s Covered

• Skill India Programme continues through 2026 with ₹8,800 crore outlay. The Times of India

🎯 Key Components

• PMKVY 4.0 – Skill training including AI, cybersecurity, drones.

• PM-NAPS – Apprenticeship support.

• JSS – Community-based skill learning.

👩‍💻 Focus Areas

• Youth skills for emerging sectors.

• Boost employment, especially in renewable energy, EV, tech sectors.

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🧠 7. Other Related Policy Initiatives with 2026 Impact

These policies aren’t new schemes per se, but they impact millions in 2026:

📌 National Cooperative Policy

• A 20-year policy aimed at strengthening cooperatives and setting up 2 lakh PACS by Feb 2026 — boosting rural finance and employment. The Times of India

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📌 Scheme Comparison (Quick Table)

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📌 How to Apply / Benefit (General Guide)

• Rural job scheme: Apply via gram panchayat blocks (similar to MNREGA).

• PM Kisan: Check beneficiary status on the PM Kisan portal with correct Aadhaar/bank details.

• Skill training: Enroll at nearest training centre under PMKVY/Skill India.

• Solar rooftop: Register through state energy department/PM Surya Ghar portal.