Union Budget 2010-11- New Schemes Introduced

New Schemes introduced in the 2010-11 Budget and the fund allocated to them are as follows-

1.    National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF)

The budget proposed the formation of National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) for funding research and innovative projects in clean energy technologies. The initiative is in tune with the government’s intent to check pollution in general and specially in areas where pollution level has reached alarming proportion.

2.    National Social Security Fund

To provide social security to the workers of the unorganized sector the government proposed to form the National Social Security Fund with an initial allocation of Rs 1000 crore. This fund will support schemes for weavers, toddy tappers, rickshaw pullers, bidi workers etc. The fund is a follow-up of the Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Act, 2008.

3.    The "Swavalamban" Initiative

The Government would bring forth the "Swavalamban" Initiative so as to encourage people from the unorganised sectror to voluntarily save for their retirement as well to reduce operations of New Pension Scheme (NPS). This initiative, "Swavalamban" will be available for persons who join NPS, with a minimum contribution of Rs.1,000 and a maximum contribution of Rs.12,000 per annum during the financial year 2010-11. The government would contribute Rs 1000 per year to each NPS account which would be opened in 2010-11.

4.    Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana

The Government would launch Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana to meet the specific needs of women farmers. This pariyojana, a sub-component of National Rural Livelihood Mission would be allocated Rs 100 crore.