Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-Kisan Bhai Scheme
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a bid to empower small and marginal farmers and break the influence of traders in price determination, the Indian government is poised to launch the PM-Kisan Bhai (Bhandaran Incentive) scheme.
PM-Kisan Bhai Scheme
- This scheme aims to incentivize farmers to retain their produce for a minimum of three months post-harvest, granting them the autonomy to decide when and where to sell their crops.
- It seeks to break the monopoly of traders in setting crop prices, giving farmers greater control over their produce.
- This initiative grants farmers the autonomy to decide when to sell, in contrast to the current practice where most crops are sold around harvest, typically spanning 23 months.
Implementation of the scheme
- Initial Rollout: The scheme may be piloted in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Two Key Components:
- Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS): Small farmers and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) can avail a WRS benefit of ₹4 per quintal per month for a maximum of three months, irrespective of warehousing charges.
- Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI): The government proposes to extend a 3% additional interest subvention under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for farmers pledging their produce and obtaining loans at subsidized interest rates.
- The government has proposed that the storage incentive will be provided for a maximum of three months.
- Besides, produce stored for 15 days or less will not be eligible for the subsidy.
- The incentive will be calculated on day to day basis.
Benefits offered
- Resisting Price Dictation: With monetary support for storage during the harvest season, farmers can refuse prices dictated by buyers.
- Access to a Wider Market: Promoting e-Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (eNWR) trade through platforms like e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) will connect farmers to a broader range of buyers across the country.
Need for such a scheme
- Pledge Finance Facility: While a pledge finance facility is currently available to farmers, its effectiveness is limited due to high carryover costs on farmers and credit risk to bankers.
- Incentivizing Scientific Warehousing: The scheme aims to incentivize the storage of farmers’ produce in scientifically built warehouses, reducing interest rates on pledge finance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kerala Organic Farming Mission
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a proactive move towards sustainable and climate-smart farming, the Kerala Government has launched the Organic Farming Mission.
Kerala Organic Farming Mission
| Objective |
Expand organic farming to 5,000 hectares in 5 years |
| Annual Target |
Convert 1,000 hectares annually |
| Governance Structure |
Governing council chaired by Agriculture Minister
Executive committee with government and farm sector reps |
| Area Allocation |
State Agriculture department’s farms allocate 10% for organic |
| Long-term Commitment |
Beneficiaries commit to organic farming for at least 5 years |
| Certification & Marketing |
Enhance certification, branding, and marketing
Implement organic farming protocols aligned with standards |
| Value Addition |
Focus on adding value to organic products |
| Access to Resources |
Ensure access to quality seeds and production equipment
Utilize various channels like small-scale units, collectives,Karshika Karma Sena, Kudumbasree, Krishisree Centre, Agro Service Centres |
| Local Engagement |
Collaborate with Krishikoottam collectives and FPOs |
| Complementary Mission |
Poshaka Samriddhi Mission dedicated to millet and vegetable production for sustainable agriculture |
Complementary Mission: Poshaka Samriddhi
- In addition to the Organic Farming Mission, the Kerala Government created the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission in September 2023.
- This initiative is dedicated to ramping up millet and vegetable production, furthering the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bharat Atta
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a bid to maintain stability in food prices during the festive season, the Indian government has unveiled a subsidized packaged wheat flour initiative accessible to all consumers.
- Termed “Bharat Atta,” the scheme aims to release a quarter of a million tonnes of state-owned wheat to various cooperative outlets and federations.
Bharat Atta
- Distribution Channels: The government has chosen Kendriya Bhandar, a network of cooperative general stores, along with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation, as the primary channels for distributing Bharat Atta.
- Reduced Price: Bharat Atta is offered at a reduced price of ₹27.50 per kilogram, which is lower than the earlier rate of ₹29.50 at Kendriya Bhandar.
- Expansion: To ensure accessibility, the subsidized flour will be available at Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, NCCF, government cooperative outlets, and food vans operated by NAFED and NCCF.
- Government Support: The government is facilitating this scheme by milling the wheat through firms selected through a tender process, thereby minimizing the milling cost, which is approximately ₹1.80 per kilogram for large wheat millers.
Why such move?
- Free Cereals: PM recently announced that cereals would be provided free of cost to 800 million beneficiaries entitled to subsidized food for the next five years.
- Price Controls: The government has implemented various measures such as banning wheat and rice exports, setting a floor price for onion exports, and reducing import duties on pulses to combat rising food prices.
- Election Context: These anti-inflation measures come as India faces key assembly elections in five states and a general election in the near future.
Challenges in implementation
- Cereal Inflation: Despite a significant wheat harvest, India continues to grapple with high cereal inflation, which has persisted for over a year, reaching double digits.
- Record Foodgrain Production: The fourth and final round of estimates for the 2022-23 crop output indicates a record high in foodgrain production. However, wheat production slightly decreased from initial estimates.
- Positive Outlook: Despite minor fluctuations, wheat production remains higher than the previous year, reflecting a positive outlook for addressing food price concerns.
Conclusion
- The government’s subsidized wheat flour initiative, Bharat Atta, exemplifies its dedication to ensuring that the joy of the festive season is not marred by soaring food prices.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Odd-Even Scheme
Mains level: Delhi Air Pollution Menace
Central Idea
- The Odd-Even scheme, designed to reduce vehicular emissions and combat severe air pollution in Delhi, has garnered attention and scrutiny.
- While this emergency action has been implemented in response to deteriorating air quality, experts emphasize that it may not be a panacea for all pollution woes.
Odd-Even Scheme
- Reduction in Vehicles: The scheme aims to curtail vehicular pollution by restricting the number of cars on the road. However, it has limitations, as it excludes two-wheelers and taxis, which are significant contributors to emissions.
- Two Aspects of Transport Pollution: Transport pollution encompasses emissions from exhaust tailpipes and wear and tear of tires and brakes. Tailpipe emissions contain pollutants like PM2.5, soot, organics, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons.
Why such move?
- Curbing Local Sources of Pollution: Transport is a dominant source of pollutants when considering Delhi’s local emissions. Vehicles play a crucial role in exacerbating air quality issues.
- Complex Challenges: Estimating the scheme’s exact impact on pollution levels is challenging due to multiple factors, including emissions from outside Delhi, restricted coverage of the transport fleet, and exemptions.
Prior Experience and Expert Opinions
- Experience from 2016: A study conducted on the Odd-Even scheme implemented in January 2016 indicated limited success in mitigating air pollution. PM2.5 levels decreased marginally in specific areas but not significantly citywide.
- Comprehensive Approach Needed: Experts argue that while the Odd-Even scheme can contribute to pollution reduction, it should be viewed as one element of a comprehensive strategy, combined with measures like construction halts, during periods of stagnant air.
- Not a Silver Bullet: Emergency actions, including the Odd-Even scheme, cannot independently solve air quality issues, and their effectiveness is influenced by various factors.
Assessing Impact Based on Pollution Concentration
- Air Quality Index (AQI) May Not Tell the Full Story: Experts emphasize the importance of considering pollutant concentration levels rather than relying solely on the Air Quality Index (AQI) for assessing the scheme’s impact.
- Concentration Matters: Monitoring the concentration of pollutants provides a clearer picture of the scheme’s effectiveness in reducing harmful substances in the air.
Transportation Role in Delhi’s Pollution
- Contributor to Emissions: Transport, including vehicles and cars, is a substantial contributor to PM2.5 emissions in Delhi, accounting for a significant portion of the pollution.
- Role of Four-Wheeler Cars: Four-wheeler cars contribute about 8% of emissions within the transport sector. Reducing their presence on the road can make a notable difference.
Lessons from Other Cities
- Global Precedents: Other major cities, such as Beijing and Paris, have implemented vehicle restrictions to address pollution issues.
- Comprehensive Measures: The success of such schemes often depends on their comprehensive nature and alignment with specific local conditions.
Conclusion
- The Odd-Even scheme in Delhi serves as a critical emergency measure to combat air pollution during periods of severe deterioration.
- While it can contribute to reducing vehicular emissions, experts emphasize that it should be part of a broader strategy that addresses multiple pollution sources.
- Analyzing pollutant concentration levels provides a more accurate assessment of the scheme’s impact, and it is crucial to view it in conjunction with other measures to ensure sustained improvements in air quality.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PMGKAY
Mains level: No
Central Idea
What is PMGKAY?
- PMGKAY is a food security welfare scheme announced by the GoI in March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
- The program is operated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- The scale of this welfare scheme makes it the largest food security program in the world.
Targets of the scheme
- To feed the poorest citizens of India by providing grain through the Public Distribution System to all the priority households (ration card holders and those identified by the Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme).
- PMGKAY provides 5 kg of rice or wheat (according to regional dietary preferences) per person/month and 1 kg of dal to each family holding a ration card.
At what rate are food grains provided under the NFSA?
- NFSA beneficiaries are entitled to receive food grains at highly subsidised rates.
- Under the food law, rice is provided at Rs 3 per kg, wheat at Rs 2 per kg, and coarse grains at Re 1 per kg.
Success
- Pandemic mitigation: It was the first step by the government when pandemic affected India.
- Wide section of beneficiaries: The scheme reached its targeted population feeding almost 80Cr people.
- Support to migrants: It has proven to be more of a safety net to migrant people who had job and livelihood losses.
- Food and Nutrition Security: This has also ensured nutrition security to children of the migrant workers.
Limitations of the scheme
- Corruption: The scheme has been affected by widespread corruption, leakages and failure to distribute grain to the intended recipients.
- Leakages: Out of the 79.25 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), only 55 crore have so far received their 5 kg.
- Inaccessibility: Many people were denied their share due to inability to access ration cards.
- Low consumption: Livelihood losses led to decline in aggregate demand and resulted into lowest ever consumption expenditure by the people owing to scarcity of cash.
- Resale of subsidized grains: This in turn led to selling of the free grains obtained in the local markets for cash.
Back2Basics: National Food Security (NFS) Act
- The NFS Act, of 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s 1.2 billion people.
- It was signed into law on 12 September 2013, retroactive to 5 July 2013.
- It converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of the GoI.
- It includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Further, the NFSA 2013 recognizes maternity entitlements.
- The Midday Meal Scheme and the ICDS are universal in nature whereas the PDS will reach about two-thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas).
- Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and certain categories of children are eligible for daily free cereals.
Key provisions of NFSA
- The NFSA provides a legal right to persons belonging to “eligible households” to receive food-grains at a subsidised price.
- It includes rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg and coarse grain at Rs 1/kg — under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
- These are called central issue prices (CIPs).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Electoral Bond Scheme
Mains level: Transparency in Election Funding
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court expressed concerns about the selective confidentiality of the electoral bonds scheme, which allows the ruling party to discover the identities of donors to opposition parties.
- The court questioned the government’s presumption of confidentiality and explored the potential disadvantages faced by opposition parties in the electoral process.
About Electoral Bond Scheme
| Definition |
Banking instruments for political party donations with donor anonymity. |
| Purchase Method |
Available to Indian citizens and Indian-incorporated companies from select State Bank of India branches. Can be bought digitally or via cheque. |
| Donation Process |
Purchasers can donate these bonds to eligible political parties of their choice. |
| Denominations |
Available in multiples of ₹1,000, ₹10,000, ₹10 lakh, and ₹1 crore. |
| KYC Requirements |
Purchasers must fulfill existing KYC norms and pay from a bank account. |
| Lifespan of Bonds |
Bonds have a 15-day life to prevent them from becoming a parallel currency. |
| Identity Disclosure |
Donors contributing less than ₹20,000 need not provide identity details like PAN. |
| Redemption |
Electoral Bonds can be encashed only by eligible political parties through an Authorized Bank. |
| Eligibility of Parties |
Only parties meeting specific criteria, including securing at least 1% of votes in the last General Election, can receive Electoral Bonds. |
| Restrictions Lifted |
Foreign and Indian companies can now donate without disclosing contributions as per the Companies Act. |
| Objective |
To enhance transparency in political funding and ensure funds collected by political parties are accounted or clean money. |
Selective Confidentiality Challenges
- Justice Khanna’s Address: The Judge pointed out that the ruling party had easier access to information about contributions to opposition parties, creating an imbalance in transparency.
- State Bank of India’s Role: CJI Chandrachud questioned whether the SBI, through which electoral bonds were purchased, had a statutory obligation to maintain confidentiality.
Government’s Defense
- Confidentiality Key: The solicitor-General argued that confidentiality regarding donor identities and contributions was crucial to the electoral bonds scheme. He contended that eliminating the scheme would revert the country to a period when political donations were made in unaccounted cash, leading to black money circulation.
- Economic Impact: He emphasized that the scheme aimed to channel clean money into the electoral system, reducing the influence of black money. He referred to a report highlighting the increase in income from unknown sources to political parties and the discovery of shell companies during the previous donation regime.
Concerns Raised by CJI
- Information Blackhole: The CJI noted that while the scheme aimed to bring white money into the electoral process, it introduced opacity, creating an “information blackhole.” He emphasized the need for proportionality in achieving the scheme’s objectives.
- Expectations of Donors: Chandrachud questioned how substantial donations were consistently made to the ruling party, implying certain expectations from donors.
- Donations Not Charity: Solicitor-General Mehta clarified that donors were primarily motivated by their own interests, often related to business or market-driven factors. He argued that larger donations to a party did not necessarily indicate an issue with the scheme.
- Right to Privacy: Mehta argued that revealing the political affiliations of donors would infringe on their right to privacy.
Transparency and Quid Pro Quo Concerns
- Justice Khanna’s Query: Justice Khanna raised concerns about how confidentiality in the electoral bonds scheme could prevent quid pro quo arrangements between political parties and donors.
- Proxy Donations: The judge questioned the possibility of parties funneling unaccounted money back into the system through proxy political donations.
Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of the electoral bonds scheme centers on issues of transparency, confidentiality, and potential imbalances in the electoral process.
- The court’s questions and concerns highlight the importance of ensuring fairness and proportionality in political funding mechanisms.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gyan Sahayak Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Gyan Sahayak Scheme, introduced by the Gujarat state government, has stirred controversy, facing opposition from various quarters of society.
Why discuss this?
- The scheme seeks to address teacher vacancies in government schools through contractual appointments until regular appointments are finalized.
- Many states in India have opted for the contractual filling of govt job vacancies ever since the regime change in 2014.
Understanding the Gyan Sahayak Scheme
- Interim Solution: The scheme aims to temporarily fill teaching positions in primary, secondary, and higher secondary government schools until regular appointments could be made.
- Basis in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The scheme draws inspiration from the NEP 2020, which emphasizes the need for teachers with interdisciplinary skills, beyond traditional academic subjects.
Scope of the Scheme
- Applicability: The Gyan Sahayak Scheme is applicable to government and grant-in-aid schools, particularly Mission Schools of Excellence.
- Vacancy Statistics: The government announced the hiring of 15,000 Gyan Sahayaks for primary schools and 11,500 for secondary and higher secondary schools.
- Salary Structure: Gyan Sahaks receive varying monthly salaries based on their school level: Rs 21,000 for primary, Rs 24,000 for secondary, and Rs 26,000 for higher secondary.
- Vacancy Context: Gujarat reports an estimated 32,000 teaching vacancies in government and grant-in-aid schools, primarily affecting primary and secondary schools. Some secondary schools rely on Pravasi teachers to meet staffing needs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Primary Gyan Sahayak: Candidates must have cleared the Gujarat Examination Board’s Teachers Eligibility Test (TET)-2.
- Secondary and Higher Secondary Gyan Sahayak: Candidates should have cleared the Teacher Aptitude Test (TAT).
- Age Limit: Both primary and secondary school Gyan Sahayaks must be under 40 years of age, while higher secondary school Gyan Sahayaks can be up to 42 years old.
- Merit-Based Selection: Selection involves the preparation of a merit list based on percentile ranks from TET-2 results, followed by the allocation of Gyan Sahayak positions to School Management Committees (SMCs) through district education officers.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Setu Bandhan Scheme
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Recently, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways announced the approval of Setu Bandhan Scheme for seven bridge projects in Arunachal Pradesh, utilizing funds from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
What is Setu Bandhan Scheme?
- Setu Bandhan is an initiative under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- Its primary aim is to enhance inter-state connectivity, particularly in rural border areas that have been historically underserved by state roads.
- The scheme aims to replace railway line Level Crossings (LCs) with Road Over Bridges (ROBs) or Rail Under Bridges (RUBs) in various states.
About Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)
- Established in 2000 through the Central Road Fund Act, 2000.
- Previously known as the Central Road Fund.
- It falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.
- The fund is financed through a cess levied in conjunction with excise duty on petrol and diesel.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Credit Program
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Centre has introduced a Green Credit Program (GCP) that allows individuals and entities to earn Green Credits, which can be traded on a dedicated exchange.
What is the Green Credit Program (GCP)?
- Objective: Aims to establish a competitive, market-based approach encouraging diverse stakeholders to undertake environmental actions.
- Nodal Agency: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
Mechanics of Green Credit
- Voluntary Participation: Reflects inclusivity, as engagement in the program is entirely voluntary.
- Entities: The program extends to a diverse range of entities, encompassing individuals, industries, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), urban local bodies (ULBs), gram panchayats, and private sectors.
- Tradability: Tradable, fostering participation in a proposed domestic market platform.
- Certificates: Upon approval, applicants receive Green Credit certificates.
Covered Activities
- Qualifying Activities: The program includes various activities such as tree plantation, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, waste management, air pollution reduction, mangrove conservation, eco-mark initiatives, sustainable building, and infrastructure development.
- Registration and Verification: Participants must register their activities on the program’s website, which will undergo verification by a designated agency.
How are Green Credits computed?
- Equitable Calculation: Green Credits are determined based on resource equivalence, scalability, scope, size, and other relevant parameters, aiming to achieve desired environmental outcomes.
- Credit Registry: A dedicated Green Credit Registry will oversee the tracking and management of these credits.
- Trading Platform: An administrator will establish and maintain a trading platform for the exchange of Green Credits within the domestic market.
Alignment with Legal Obligations
- Non-Tradable for Legal Compliance: Green Credits obtained for legal compliance purposes will not be tradable, ensuring adherence to existing laws.
- Independent from Carbon Credit Scheme: The GCP operates separately from the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023, established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
- Additional Climate Benefits: Activities generating Green Credits may also yield climate-related advantages, such as carbon emissions reduction, potentially resulting in the acquisition of carbon credits.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the subsidy provided on LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme, raising it from ₹200 to ₹300.
- The subsidy increase applies to up to 12 refills per year for beneficiaries.
Why such move?
- The decision to enhance the subsidy comes ahead of crucial Assembly elections in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chattisgarh, and Mizoram.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
- PMUY, introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aims to provide clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, to rural and disadvantaged households, reducing their reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
- Phases of PMUY:
- Phase I: Launched on May 1, 2016, with a target to release 8 Crore LPG connections by March 2020, achieving a significant increase in LPG coverage.
- Ujjwala 2.0: This phase aimed to release an additional 1 crore LPG connections, a target achieved in January 2022, subsequently expanded to release an additional 60 lakh LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0.
Key Features
- Provides ₹1600 financial support for each LPG connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
- Offers deposit-free LPG connections, including the first refill and a free hotplate for beneficiaries.
- Benefits for beneficiaries include:
- Eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection.
- Subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
- Option to use EMI facility for stove and first refill costs.
- Opportunity to join the PAHAL scheme for direct subsidy transfers to bank accounts.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Guaranteed Pension System
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Andhra Pradesh’s Guaranteed Pension System (GPS) blends elements from both old and new pension schemes, offering the advantages of a guaranteed pension while not overly straining the state’s finances.
- This innovative system holds the potential to preserve India’s hard-won pension reforms.
What is the Andhra Pension System?
- A Hybrid Approach: The Andhra Pradesh Guaranteed Pension System Bill, 2023, recently approved by the state assembly, introduces a unique blend of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the New Pension Scheme (NPS) implemented in 2004.
- Contributory Guarantee: This system ensures government employees a monthly pension equivalent to 50% of their last-drawn salary, including dearness allowance relief.
- Reason for Introduction: Andhra Pradesh introduced GPS as a response to resistance against NPS, which was viewed by many as inferior to the earlier scheme. The return to OPS was considered fiscally unsustainable, with the potential to drive the state’s fiscal deficit to 8% by 2050.
Breakthrough created
- Long-standing Pension Reforms: India struggled for over a decade to implement pension reforms that led to the introduction of NPS in 2004.
- Growing Discontent: Over time, public sentiment favored those receiving pensions under the old scheme, leading to discontent.
- Political Promises: Political parties capitalized on this discontent, pledging to return to the old scheme if elected.
- Andhra’s Middle Path: Andhra Pradesh’s GPS offers a middle ground, preventing a regressive return to the old scheme while addressing concerns about NPS.
How does the Andhra System work?
- Enhancing Attractiveness: The contributory system guarantees a pension equivalent to 50% of the last drawn salary.
- Balancing Financial Burden: Any shortfall in NPS returns is covered by the government.
- Current NPS Pensions: Presently, NPS pensions amount to around 40% of an employee’s last drawn salary. Therefore, the government only has to fund the remaining balance.
Alternative to NPS
- Contributory Nature: NPS is a contributory scheme, with both employees and employers contributing to a corpus invested for returns.
- Uncertainty: In NPS, the pension amount is not guaranteed, as it depends on corpus returns influenced by market conditions.
- Ignoring Inflation: NPS does not consider inflation or pay commission recommendations.
- Market Dependency: Opposition to NPS is fueled by fears of further reductions in pension due to adverse market conditions.
Why not revert to the Old Pension Scheme?
- Budgetary Constraints: Under OPS, pensions were financed through the budget.
- Unsustainable Growth: Pension liabilities for all states saw a compound annual growth rate of 34% for a 12-year period ending in 2021-22.
- Budgetary Impact: In 2020-21, pension outgo accounted for 29.7% of states’ revenues.
- Development Challenges: A return to OPS would strain government funds, hindering development efforts and operational financing.
- Competitiveness Concerns: Such a shift could negatively impact India’s ease of doing business and overall competitiveness.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MGNREGS
Mains level: Issues with MGNREGS
Central Idea
What is MGNREGS?
| Enacted Under |
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005 |
| Objective |
To guarantee the ‘Right to Work’ by providing employment opportunities for unskilled workers in rural areas. |
| Origin |
Proposed in 1991 by V. Narasimha Rao and later enacted in 2005. |
| Duration of Employment |
At least 100 days of employment is guaranteed to willing unskilled workers. |
| Enforceable Commitment |
The scheme ensures an enforceable commitment on the implementing machinery, which is the State Governments, providing bargaining power to the laborers. |
| Unemployment Allowance |
If employment is not provided within 15 days of receiving a job application from a prospective household, an unemployment allowance is paid to the job seekers. |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Any Indian citizen above the age of 18 years residing in rural India can apply for the MGNREGS scheme. Applicants should be willing to engage in unskilled work. |
| Geographical Proximity |
Employment is to be provided within 5 km of an applicant’s residence. |
| Minimum Wages |
Minimum wages are to be paid for the work done under MGNREGS. |
| Legal Entitlement |
Employment under MGNREGS is considered a legal entitlement. |
Issue of Inadequate Fund Recovery
- Current Recovery Rates: Statistics from the Union Rural Development Ministry for the ongoing financial year indicate that less than 14% of the amount flagged by auditors has been successfully recovered.
- Past Years’ Performance: The recovery figures for previous financial years paint a similarly bleak picture, with poor outcomes:
-
- 2022-23: ₹86.2 crore was identified as recoverable, but only ₹18 crore (20.8%) was retrieved.
- 2021-22: ₹171 crore misappropriation was flagged, but only ₹26 crore (15%) was recovered.
- Social Audit Unit Independence: Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act mandates gram sabhas to monitor work execution, with independent social audit units in each state responsible for uncovering malpractice. However, their scope is limited to flagging issues, leaving recovery actions to state governments.
Fund-Starved Audit Units
- Seminar Insights: A recent Ministry seminar revealed a concerning scenario of underfunded social audit units lacking adequate training and personnel. These units play a crucial role in identifying cases of malpractice.
- Funding Delay Issues: While the Union government funds these audit units to maintain their independence from state authorities, units in some states, such as Karnataka and Bihar, have faced funding delays for nearly two years.
Poor Monitoring and Recovery
- Consistent State Trends: Over the past three years, certain states consistently report “zero number of cases” and “zero recoveries,” casting doubt on the effectiveness of monitoring efforts.
- Examples of Poor Recovery: States like Telangana have active social audit units flagging numerous cases, yet the recovery rates remain dismal. For instance, in the ongoing financial year, auditors identified ₹6.6 crore for recovery, but only ₹2,087 has been recuperated so far.
- Vigilance and Pressure: While the Centre’s vigilance and pressure on states to recover misappropriated funds are appreciated, there are concerns regarding states that identify multiple cases but struggle with recovery. Furthermore, states reporting no cases indicate a lack of effective monitoring.
Conclusion
- Challenging Recovery Landscape: The MGNREGA scheme’s social audit units serve as a crucial mechanism to combat corruption, but the inadequate recovery of embezzled funds threatens their credibility.
- Need for Adequate Resources: To make the audit process effective, it is imperative to ensure that social audit units are adequately funded, trained, and staffed.
- Balancing Act: Balancing scrutiny with recovery actions is vital to enhance the transparency and integrity of the MGNREGA scheme, which plays a pivotal role in rural employment and development.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Electoral Bond Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The government announced the 28th tranche of Electoral Bond sales, scheduled to take place over a ten-day span at authorized branches of the State Bank of India.
Why discuss Electoral Bonds?
- Impact on Political Funding: The announcement of the upcoming electoral bond sale has implications for political funding in India. As part of the government’s efforts to reform the political financing system, electoral bonds aim to bring transparency and accountability to campaign financing.
- Upcoming Elections: The timing of the sale window aligns with the upcoming assembly elections in some States, highlighting the significance of electoral bonds in shaping the financial landscape of political campaigns.
- Continued Scrutiny: The use and impact of electoral bonds continue to be a subject of debate and scrutiny, with stakeholders assessing their role in enhancing or altering the political funding ecosystem in the country.
About Electoral Bond Scheme
| Definition |
Banking instruments for political party donations with donor anonymity. |
| Purchase Method |
Available to Indian citizens and Indian-incorporated companies from select State Bank of India branches. Can be bought digitally or via cheque. |
| Donation Process |
Purchasers can donate these bonds to eligible political parties of their choice. |
| Denominations |
Available in multiples of ₹1,000, ₹10,000, ₹10 lakh, and ₹1 crore. |
| KYC Requirements |
Purchasers must fulfill existing KYC norms and pay from a bank account. |
| Lifespan of Bonds |
Bonds have a 15-day life to prevent them from becoming a parallel currency. |
| Identity Disclosure |
Donors contributing less than ₹20,000 need not provide identity details like PAN. |
| Redemption |
Electoral Bonds can be encashed only by eligible political parties through an Authorized Bank. |
| Eligibility of Parties |
Only parties meeting specific criteria, including securing at least 1% of votes in the last General Election, can receive Electoral Bonds. |
| Restrictions Lifted |
Foreign and Indian companies can now donate without disclosing contributions as per the Companies Act. |
| Objective |
To enhance transparency in political funding and ensure funds collected by political parties are accounted or clean money. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RoDTEP Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In light of a continuous seven-month decline in goods exports until August, the government has taken action to bolster outbound shipments.
- The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme’s applicability has been extended for nine more months, now in effect until June 30, 2024.
About RoDTEP Scheme
| Objective |
To refund central, state, and local duties or taxes on exported products.
The rebate does not apply to duties and taxes that have already been exempted, remitted, or credited. |
| Launch Date |
Introduced in January 2021.
Replacement for the Merchandise Export Scheme, which was deemed non-compliant with WTO Rules. |
| Rates of Tax Refund |
Tax refund rates under RoDTEP vary from 0.5% to 4.3% across different sectors. |
| Claim Process |
Exporters can claim the rebate as a percentage of the Freight On Board (FOB) value of their exports. |
| Issuance of Rebates |
Rebates are issued in the form of transferable duty credits or electronic scrips (e-scrips). |
| Significance of the Scheme |
Enhances the competitiveness of Indian products in global markets by refunding various taxes.
Expected to have a substantial impact on India’s trade volumes, export figures, and competitiveness.
Enables Indian exporters to meet international export standards and access GST refunds efficiently. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In 2020, as India’s fisheries sector was gearing up for a transformation through government-initiated reforms, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to disrupt progress.
- However, PM Modi turned this crisis into an opportunity by launching the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, specifically targeting the fisheries sector.
- This initiative breathed new life into the sector, with a substantial allocation of ₹20,050 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), making it the largest-ever investment in Indian fisheries history.
About PM Matsya Sampada Yojana
| Aim |
To catalyze the Blue Revolution in India’s fisheries sector. |
| Investment |
Rs. 20,050 crores over five years (FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25) as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package. |
| Fish Production |
Increase fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonnes by 2024-25. |
| Export Earnings |
Raise fisheries export earnings to Rs. 1,00,000 crore by 2024-25. |
| Income Doubling |
Double the incomes of fishers and fish farmers. |
| Post-Harvest Losses |
Reduce post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10%. |
| Employment Generation |
Generate substantial employment opportunities in the fisheries sector. |
| Aims and Objectives |
1. Sustainable and equitable fisheries development.
2. Increased productivity through diversification.
3. Modernizing the value chain. 4. Income doubling.
5. Boosting exports.
6. Ensuring security for fisheries communities.
7. Effective management. |
| Implementation Components |
Central Sector Scheme and Centrally Sponsored Scheme with active state participation. |
| Implementation Approach |
Structured framework and cluster-based approach for optimal outcomes |
Key Achievements of PMMSY
- Broad Development Spectrum: PMMSY addressed critical gaps in the fisheries value chain, spanning fish production, productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing.
- Strategic Priority Areas: The initiative strategically focused on various key areas, including marine fisheries, inland fisheries, fishermen’s welfare, infrastructure development, post-harvest management, cold water fisheries, ornamental fisheries, aquatic health management, and seaweed cultivation.
- Empowering Youth: PMMSY encouraged young entrepreneurs to venture into fisheries, fostering technological innovation and youth engagement. Notable success stories include young women in Kashmir rearing cold water rainbow trout and aquapreneurs in Nellore becoming successful exporters of biofloc-cultivated shrimps.
- Expanding to Non-Traditional Areas: The program expanded fisheries activities to non-traditional regions, converting saline wastelands into productive aquaculture zones in landlocked states like Haryana and Rajasthan.
- Empowering Fisherwomen: PMMSY empowered fisherwomen to explore alternative livelihoods, such as ornamental fisheries, pearl culture, and seaweed cultivation. The establishment of the ₹127 crore Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu exemplifies this forward-looking approach.
- Infrastructure and Research: The initiative supported the establishment of 900 fish feed plants, 755 hatcheries, and invested in research and genetic improvement of Indian White Shrimp, specific pathogen-free brood stock development, and domestication of tiger shrimp.
Impact on India’s Fisheries Sector
- Global Recognition: India has risen to become one of the world’s top three countries in fish and aquaculture production and stands as the largest shrimp exporter globally.
- Investment Growth: The government’s commitment to the fisheries sector is evident, with recent announcements of ₹6,000 crore as a sub-scheme under PMMSY, totalling investments exceeding ₹38,500 crore over the past nine years.
- Record Production and Exports: India achieved record fisheries production of 174 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, marking a significant increase. Shrimp production alone surged by 267% from 2013-14 to 2022-23, reaching 11.84 lakh tonnes. Seafood exports doubled from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to ₹63,969 crore in 2022-23.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ayushman Bhav Campaign
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The President of India, Mrs. Murmu, virtually launched the Ayushman Bhav campaign and the Ayushman Bhava portal.
Ayushman Bhav Campaign
- The Ayushman Bhav campaign aims to deliver healthcare services to the remotest corners of India, playing a pivotal role in achieving the campaign’s ambitious objectives.
- It is designed to ensure that every individual receives essential health services, aligning with the overarching goals of Ayushman Bhav.
- The campaign’s goals, include-
- Facilitating access to Ayushman cards
- Generating ABHA IDs
- Raising awareness about critical health schemes and disease conditions, such as non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, and sickle cell disease.
Three Components of Ayushman Bhav:
- President highlighted the three integral components of Ayushman Bhav:
- Ayushman – Apke Dwar 3.0
- Ayushman Melas at Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) and Community Health Clinics (CHC)
- Ayushman Sabhas in every village and panchayat
- These components are expected to accelerate the delivery of healthcare services at grassroots levels, contributing to the creation of a healthier nation.
Back2Basics: Ayushman Bharat Scheme
| Launch Year |
2018 |
| Objective |
Universal Health Coverage and Financial Protection |
| Components |
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
2. Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) |
| Target Beneficiaries |
Economically disadvantaged families, rural populations, vulnerable communities |
| Coverage |
Health insurance for eligible families, covering various medical expenses |
| Services Offered |
Comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, and curative care |
| Impact |
Improved health indicators, reduced financial burden on beneficiaries, enhanced healthcare infrastructure |
| Vision |
To make healthcare a fundamental right for all Indian citizens |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) by the Central Government has outperformed its initial employment targets, proving its effectiveness in fostering job creation during the COVID-19 crisis.
About Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)
| Launch |
Introduced in November 2020 |
| Purpose |
As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0 to boost post-Covid-19 employment |
| Government’s Contribution |
Subsidy for provident fund contributions in EPFO-registered organizations |
| Coverage |
Up to 1000 employees: Both employee (12%) and employer (12%) contributions for two years
Over 1000 employees: Employee (12%) contribution for two years |
| Subsidy Disbursement |
Subsidy credited upfront to Aadhaar-linked EPFO accounts (UAN) of new employees |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Establishments adding new employees compared to September 2020 reference base |
| Target Beneficiaries |
Employees with monthly wages under Rs. 15,000 joining EPFO-registered establishments
Individuals reemployed on or after October 1, 2020, who left jobs between March 1 and September 30, 2020 |
Achievements and Numbers
- The scheme, open for registrations until March 31, 2022, targeted around 7.18 million employees across India.
- By July 31, 2023, ABRY had already exceeded its target, enrolling over 7.58 million new employees.
- Benefiting 1,52,380 establishments with 60,44,155 new employees, the scheme disbursed benefits totaling Rs. 9,669.87 Crore.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Parivar Pehchan Patra
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), introduced in 2020 and rolled out in September 2021 in Haryana, has evoked both attention and criticism.
Parivar Pehchan Patra
- The PPP assigns a unique 8-digit identity number to each family unit residing in Haryana.
- Enrolment in the PPP is obligatory for accessing government services and social security schemes.
- Families can register through Common Service Centers, SARAL Kendras, or registered PPP operators, with verified data collected based on self-declarations and strict procedures.
Key Functions and Linkages
- The PPP streamlines access to various public welfare programs, including subsidized rations, Old Age Samman Allowance, Divyang Pension, educational admissions, government exams, and more.
- It gathers extensive data, encompassing family members’ details, Aadhaar numbers, demographics, educational and occupational information, immovable property ownership, and social status.
Comparing PPP with Aadhaar
- The scheme’s proponents note that PPP leverages Aadhaar’s digital framework but offers a more intricate delivery.
- While Aadhaar focuses on unique identity information, PPP encompasses socio-economic data, validated through specific procedures.
Opposition’s Concerns and Criticisms
- A former CM highlighted data collection errors leading to people being denied subsidies and benefits.
- A legislator raised multiple objections, alleging misuse of data for voter profiling, and criticized the depth of personal information required.
- Concerns were raised about the need for Aadhaar details, caste, PAN card, bank account, and property information. It was asserted that social security doesn’t necessitate caste identification.
- The criticism extended to the potential exploitation of caste-based and socio-economic data for electoral advantages.
Conclusion
- The Parivar Pehchan Patra scheme in Haryana aims to streamline government services and welfare delivery.
- While the initiative offers benefits, concerns about data accuracy, privacy, and potential political manipulation necessitate careful scrutiny and public discourse.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Various schemes mentioned
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Education stands as a potent tool for nurturing socio-economic progress within a nation, especially for religious minorities.
- However, recent years have witnessed discontinuation of key scholarship schemes, reduced funding, and a decline in beneficiaries, prompting concerns about the commitment to inclusive growth.
Minority Educational Schemes: Overview
- Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme: Initially covering classes 1 to 10, now limited to classes 9 and 10.
- Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: Supports class 11 and above students, with increased funding this fiscal year.
- Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme: Aided professional and technical courses, underwent significant funding reduction.
- Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF): Provided financial assistance for research scholars but discontinued in 2022.
- Padho Pardesh: Discontinued interest subsidy scheme for higher education abroad.
- Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship: Scholarship for meritorious girls discontinued.
Policy Shift and Consequences
- Change in Focus: Despite acknowledging the importance of education for religious minorities and inclusive growth, the government has discontinued two key educational schemes, narrowed the scope of another, and reduced expenditure on multiple programs by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- Beneficiary Drop: Between 2019 and 2022, the number of beneficiaries under six educational schemes for religious minorities decreased by 7%, while government spending on these programs declined by around 12.5%.
- Budget Cuts: The Ministry of Minority Affairs faced a budgetary reduction of 38.3% for the fiscal year 2023-24, from Rs 5,020.5 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 3,097 crore. Additionally, a significant portion of funds allocated in the previous year went unutilized.
Importance of Strengthening Educational Aid
- Diverse Religious Minorities: India encompasses over 30 crore people from religious minority communities, including Muslims (14.2%), Christians (2.3%), Sikhs (1.7%), Buddhists (0.7%), Jains (0.4%), and Zoroastrians.
- Challenges Faced by Muslims: Muslims, the largest religious minority, confront challenges in areas like economics, health, and education. Their participation in formal employment remains low, with many working in the informal sector under poor conditions.
- Sachar Committee Report: The Sachar Committee highlighted the deprivation and neglect faced by Muslims across various development dimensions, underscoring the need for affirmative action.
- Formation of Ministry of Minority Affairs: Responding to these challenges, the UPA government established this Ministry in 2006 to ensure focused attention on the issues affecting minority communities.
Challenges and Impact
- Reduction in beneficiaries and funding has impacted the implementation of schemes, resulting in a widening gap in education and economic parameters.
- Poor coverage of beneficiaries and unchanged low unit costs remain hurdles in scheme implementation.
- Muslim students’ enrolment in higher education is lagging behind other communities, worsening the existing disparities.
Way Forward
- Strengthen educational aid through enhancing scholarships, such as pre-matric, post-matric, merit-cum-means, and national overseas scholarships.
- Implement targeted schemes based on the 15-Point Programme to address development gaps in minority-concentrated localities.
- Make scholarships demand-driven and provide additional financial resources to improve unit costs.
- Increase the total budget allocation for the Ministry of Minority Affairs to address the deprivation in educational attainment for minorities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM Vishwakarma Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Union Cabinet has given its nod to the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at uplifting artisans and craftsmen in India.
What is PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
- Supporting Artisans: It will be a Central Sector Scheme with twofold objective: to nurture the Guru-Shishya Parampara:
- Age-old tradition of imparting skills within families, and
- To uplift artisans and craftsmen engaged in manual trades.
- Coverage: This comprehensive scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades in its initial phase, including blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, tailors, and more, who form the bedrock of rural economies.
Key Highlights of Scheme
- Financial Provision: The scheme is fortified by a budgetary outlay of ₹13,000 crore, ensuring robust financial support to artisans and craftsmen.
- Recognition and ID: Artisans and craftspeople will receive recognition through the prestigious PM Vishwakarma certificate and an official ID card, validating their skills and contributions.
- Credit Support: The scheme provides access to credit support, offering up to ₹1 lakh in the first tranche and ₹2 lakh in the second tranche, with an advantageous interest rate of 5%.
- Skill Upgradation: To enhance expertise, the scheme includes skill upgradation programs encompassing both basic and advanced training. Participants will receive a stipend of ₹500 per day during training.
- Modern Tools and Incentives: Beneficiaries will be granted up to ₹15,000 to acquire modern tools, further improving the quality and efficiency of their work.
- Digital Transactions and Marketing: Embracing modern practices, the scheme encourages digital transactions and marketing support, linking artisans with broader markets.
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