As India celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s 153rd birth anniversary this October 2, let us look at the list of government initiatives named after the ‘father of our nation’. 

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act (MNREGA): The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, popularly known as MNREGA, was launched as National Rural Employment Act (NREGA) in the year 2006. The Act aims to provide social security and a stable livelihood to rural workers. A flagship initiative of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) , it aims to offer at least 100 days of employment to adults in rural areas. 

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2. Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana: In December 2003, the Government of India launched the Bunkar Bima Yojana. Since 2005-06, this scheme has been revised as Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana. The main aim of this scheme is to give insurance coverage to handloom weavers in case of natural or accidental death, or in the case of total or partial disability. 

3. Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana: Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana was launched by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. It aims to provide social security in the form of pension and life insurance to Indian workers working overseas, who are in the possession of Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports. 

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This voluntary scheme aims to help Indian workers meet their financial needs, which includes saving for retirement, saving for return and resettlement and free life insurance. 

4. Swatch Bharath Abhiyan: Swatch Bharath Abhiyan, also known as ‘Clean India Mission’ was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Gandhi Jayanti in the year 2014. It aims at cleaning roads, streets and infrastructure of the country and envisions a cleaner India. The scheme uses Mahatma Gandhi’s glasses as its logo.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Gramin) is administered by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation while Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) is admistered by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. 

5. Gandhi Shilp Bazaar: Gandhi Shilp Bazaar is an initiative that promotes Indic handicrafts by sponsoring eligible groups who own crafts bazaar in various parts of the country. It also enables a direct marketing platform for small craftsmen all over the country.