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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: E-Bus Seva Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the PM e-bus Seva scheme marks a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility and promoting green transportation across India.
PM E-Bus Seva: Scheme Overview
- E-Bus Definition: The scheme’s core revolves around e-buses, which are buses powered solely by zero-emissions electricity sources for both propulsion and accessory systems.
- Scope and Cost: The PM e-bus Sewa scheme is estimated to cost ₹57,613 crore, with the Central government contributing ₹20,000 crore.
- Operational Support: The scheme is designed to provide operational support to bus services for a period of 10 years.
Implementation Strategy
- Two Segments: The scheme will be executed in two distinct segments:
- 10,000 E-Buses: In 169 cities, 10,000 e-buses will be introduced through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: In 181 other cities, green urban mobility initiatives will focus on improving infrastructure, bus priority, charging infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, and automated fare collection systems.
- Depot Infrastructure: For the first segment, the development and enhancement of depot infrastructure, including power substations, will be undertaken to support the new e-buses.
- Job Creation: The scheme is expected to generate around 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs, contributing to employment growth.
Coverage and Funding
- Coverage: Cities with populations of three lakh and above, Union Territory capitals, as well as northeastern and hill states, are included in the scheme’s ambit.
- Funding Model: States or cities will manage bus services and payments to bus operators, with the Central government providing subsidies as outlined in the scheme. This approach promotes decentralized management.
Positive Impacts
- Environmental Benefits: The adoption of electric buses will significantly reduce noise and air pollution, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Electric mobility aligns with India’s commitment to curb carbon emissions and combat climate change.
- Economies of Scale: Aggregating electric bus procurement is expected to achieve economies of scale, making electric buses more financially viable and encouraging their adoption.
Conclusion
- The PM e-bus Sewa scheme signifies India’s ambitious stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility.
- It also highlights the government’s commitment to job creation, as well as its determination to transform the transportation sector into a cleaner, greener, and more efficient mode of commuting.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Annapurna Food Packet Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Rajasthan’s government launched the Annapurna food packet scheme as part of its welfare initiatives, aiming to support 1.10 crore people, especially those hit hard by the pandemic.
Annapurna Food Packet Scheme
- The scheme primarily benefits families identified through the National Food Security Act (NFSA) survey, encompassing poor and destitute families.
- It also extends beyond NFSA beneficiaries to encompass families that received ₹5,500 pandemic assistance, totalling around 1.05 crore beneficiaries.
Benefits and Contents
- Monthly Distribution: Eligible beneficiaries can collect Annapurna food packets monthly from fair price shops (FPS) at no cost.
- Content Details: Each packet contains essential items – 1 kg gram pulses, sugar, and iodized salt, 1 litre soybean refined edible oil, 100 grams each of chilli powder and coriander powder, and 50 grams of turmeric powder.
- Commission to FPS: FPS will receive a ₹10 commission per packet distributed, incentivizing their participation.
Back2Basics: National Food Security Act (NFSA)
- The NFS Act was enacted on 12th September 2013, with retrospective effect from 5th July 2013.
- It integrates legal entitlements for prevailing food security initiatives of the GoI, encompassing the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- The NFSA enshrines a legal right for individuals belonging to “eligible households” to acquire food grains at subsidized rates.
Features
- Recognizing Maternity: The NFS Act acknowledges the importance of maternal health by incorporating maternity entitlements within its provisions.
- Coverage Spectrum: While the Midday Meal Scheme and ICDS are accessible to all, the PDS caters to about two-thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas).
- Special Benefits: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and specific categories of children enjoy the privilege of daily free cereals, enhancing their nutritional security.
- Subsidized Rates: The act establishes central issue prices (CIPs) for food grains, offering rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg, and coarse grains at Rs 1/kg through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-USHA Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have not signed the required MoU for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) under the PM-USHA scheme.
- Concerns revolve around budget allocation and the absence of specific funds for NEP reforms.
PM-USHA Scheme
- The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was introduced as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to financially support institutions in States/UTs.
- Its aim was to enhance access, equity, and excellence in higher education with improved efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
- The initial phase of the scheme commenced in 2013, followed by the second phase in 2018.
- In alignment with the National Education Policy, the RUSA initiative has been revamped as the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).
Challenges and Concerns
- Lack of Additional Funds: The MoU requires states to undertake NEP-related administrative, academic, accreditation, and governance reforms. States are concerned that there are no extra funds designated specifically for NEP reforms within the scheme.
- 40% State Contribution: States have to bear 40% of the expenses under the PM-USHA scheme, leading to further apprehensions about their ability to fund NEP initiatives.
- Incomplete Alignment: The MoU doesn’t explicitly address the financial needs for implementing NEP changes, leading to dissatisfaction among some state governments.
Government Response and Flexibility
- Consultations and Integration: The University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman emphasizes the integration between NEP and PM-USHA through the MoU, which necessitates alignment with NEP principles.
- Streamlined Approach: The PM-USHA scheme consolidates various components and offers states more flexibility in focusing on felt needs.
- Focus on Prioritized Districts: States can identify priority districts based on enrollment ratios, gender parity, and demographic proportions, ensuring tailored educational interventions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BharatNet Project
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Cabinet has given its approval for an outlay of ₹1.39 lakh crore for the BharatNet project, aimed at providing last-mile connectivity to around 6.4 lakh villages across India.
About BharatNet Project
- Objectives: The project aims to connect 6.4 lakh villages, covering all gram panchayats in the country, with last-mile broadband connectivity through optical fiber.
- Implementation: Bharat Broadband Network (BBNL), a special purpose vehicle under Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is responsible for executing the project.
- Tie-up with VLEs: BBNL will collaborate with village level entrepreneurs (VLEs) to provide connectivity, following a successful pilot project in four districts and later expanded to 60,000 villages.
- Progress So Far: As of now, around 1.94 lakh villages have been connected, and the rest are expected to be covered in the next 2.5 years.
Services details
BharatNet is the world’s largest rural connectivity scheme with an Optical Fibre network.
- Gram Panchayat: The scheme aimed to provide 100 Mbps broadband to 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
- Households: The main goal is affordable 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps broadband for all households, especially in rural areas.
Key Achievements of the Project
- Broadband Connections: The pilot project involved 3,800 entrepreneurs providing 3.51 lakh broadband connections to villages.
- Data Consumption: Households in connected villages recorded an average data consumption of 175 gigabytes per month.
- Pricing and Speed: The project is based on a 50% revenue share between BBNL and VLEs, offering monthly broadband plans priced from ₹399 to ₹799 with a minimum speed of 30mbps.
- Optical Fiber Laid: Currently, there are 37 lakh route kilometers (rkm) of optical fiber cable (OFC) laid in India, with BBNL contributing 7.7 lakh rkm OFC to the network.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Annapurti
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The recent demonstration of the Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machine, Annapurti, during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs,’ showcased an innovative solution developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) India.
What is Annapurti?
- Annapurti, also known as the Grain ATM, offers a fast, clean, and precise method of providing subsidized grains to beneficiaries through the Public Distribution System.
- Developed by WFP India, it is an automated multi-commodity dispensing solution that ensures efficient access to commodities like rice, wheat, and grains.
- Beneficiaries can securely access their entitlements through Annapurti following biometric authentication.
Key Features
- Annapurti offers 24×7 access to full entitlements, eliminating spillage, waste, and inaccurate weighing.
- The machine can dispense one or two grain commodities, up to 50 kilograms, within five minutes, with a minimal error rate of 0.01 percent.
Advantages and Potential Applications
(1) Ensuring Food Security:
- Annapurti has significant potential for food-based safety nets, ensuring beneficiaries receive their monthly subsidized grains promptly.
- The machine’s precision and reliability prevent losses and ensure individuals receive their entitled portions.
(2) Emergency Food Grain Distribution:
- During emergencies, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises, Annapurti can facilitate efficient and timely distribution of food grains to affected populations.
- Its automated system streamlines the process, reducing dependency on manual labor and minimizing errors.
(3) Market Access for Smallholder Farmers:
- Annapurti can play a crucial role in expanding market access for smallholder farmers.
- By offering a reliable and efficient distribution channel, farmers can sell their produce directly to Annapurti, ensuring fair prices and reducing intermediaries.
Sustainable and Modular Design
(1) Energy Efficiency:
- Annapurti is designed to prioritize food security while ensuring efficient energy consumption.
- With a consumption rate of only 0.6 Watt per hour, it offers an environmentally friendly solution.
(2) Modular Design:
- Annapurti’s modular design allows for flexibility and scalability based on available space.
- The storage unit and components can be easily assembled and customized to suit different requirements.
(3) Integration with Renewable Energy:
- Annapurti can be integrated with solar panels, inverter batteries, and elevators for automatic refilling.
- This integration enhances the sustainability of the system by reducing dependency on conventional energy sources.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mission Vatsalya
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Centre has introduced a special scheme to provide medical, financial, and infrastructural support to minor rape victims who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault.
Supporting Minor Rape Victims
- The scheme, operating under the Nirbhaya Fund, aims to address the needs of minor victims and has been allocated ₹74.1 crore in funding.
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development has collaborated with State governments and Child Care Institutions (CCIs) to implement this initiative.
- It leverages the existing administrative structure of Mission Vatsalya, which focuses on child protection and welfare.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Integrated Support: The scheme aims to provide comprehensive assistance and support to girl child victims in a single framework.
- Range of Services: Immediate and non-emergency services include access to education, police assistance, healthcare (including maternity, neo-natal, and infant care), psychological support, and legal aid.
- Insurance Coverage: The scheme offers insurance coverage for the minor victim and her newborn,
Eligibility and Coverage
- Criteria: Victims eligible for support under the scheme are girls below 18 years of age who become pregnant due to rape under the provisions of the POCSO Act and are either orphans or abandoned by their families.
- No Mandatory FIR Requirement: Victims do not need to possess a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to avail benefits under the scheme.
Other initiatives
- Establishment of POCSO Fast-Track Courts: The government has set up 415 fast-track courts across the country to expedite the legal proceedings for minor victims of rape.
- Additional Support: The new scheme complements the judicial measures by providing comprehensive support to minor victims.
Need for Support
- High Incidence of Cases: The National Crime Records Bureau reported 51,863 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2021.
- Predominantly Girls as Victims: Analysis reveals that 99% of the cases involved girls, many of whom experience physical and mental health concerns when they become pregnant as a result of the assault.
- Vulnerable Situations: Some victims are disowned or abandoned by their families, while others are orphans, exacerbating their challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-PRANAM Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The union cabinet has given its approval to PM-PRANAM scheme, which aims to promote the usage of alternative fertilizers and balanced utilization of chemical fertilizers.
- This scheme, announced in the budget for 2023-24, reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of natural resources.
What is PM-PRANAM Scheme?
- PM-PRANAM stands for Prime Minister Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana.
- The scheme was proposed during the National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign in September 2022.
- Its objective is to reduce the subsidy burden on chemical fertilizers by promoting the use of alternative fertilizers.
Notable features of the scheme
- Incentivizing States and UTs: The scheme incentivizes states and Union Territories to promote the usage of alternative fertilizers and achieve a balanced use of chemical fertilizers. States that demonstrate significant savings in funds due to reduced chemical fertilizer usage receive grants as incentives.
- Subsidy Savings Allocation: Around 50% of the subsidy savings resulting from reduced chemical fertilizer consumption will be allocated as a grant to the state that exhibits the highest savings. This encourages states to actively participate in the adoption of alternative fertilizers.
- Creation of Assets: A significant portion (70%) of the granted funds will be utilized for creating assets associated with the technological integration of alternate fertilizers. This includes establishing production units at the village, block, and district levels, facilitating local production and availability of alternative fertilizers.
- Recognition and Incentives for Farmers: The remaining 30% of the granted funds will be utilized to incentivize and recognize farmers and other village entities for their contributions to reducing fertilizer usage. This recognizes their efforts in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices: The scheme aims to promote environmentally friendly farming practices by encouraging the adoption of alternative fertilizers. This reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizers, which in turn contributes to environmental conservation and sustainability.
- Long-term Soil Health and Agricultural Ecosystems: By promoting a balanced use of fertilizers, the scheme ensures the long-term health and fertility of agricultural ecosystems. It emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil health and protect natural resources.
- Technological Integration: The scheme supports the integration of technology into agriculture for the production and utilization of alternative fertilizers. This includes the establishment of production units at the grassroots level, encouraging local production and accessibility of alternative fertilizers.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Credit Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Environment has released a draft notification outlining a proposed ‘Green Credit Scheme’ to provide incentives for various environmental activities.
- The scheme aims to encourage actions such as afforestation, water conservation, waste management, and addressing air pollution by allowing individuals and organizations to generate tradable ‘green credits.’
What is Green Credit Programme (GCP)?
- GCP will be launched at the national level, utilizing a competitive market-based approach to encourage voluntary environmental actions.
- The scheme will incentivize individual and community behaviors, as well as motivate private sector industries, companies, and other entities to fulfill their existing obligations.
- By participating in activities that generate or allow the purchase of green credits, stakeholders can align with the objectives of the scheme.
Creating Supply and Demand for Green Credits
- The government’s immediate focus is to create a supply of green credits through voluntary actions.
- The subsequent step involves introducing laws or regulations to incentivize companies and organizations to purchase credits, thereby creating demand.
- Unlike carbon markets that primarily trade greenhouse gas emissions, the Green Credit Scheme accounts for a broader range of actions, making it more complex.
Sectors for Green Credit Generation
The notification outlines following sectors or activities that qualify for generating green credits:
- Tree plantation-based green credit: Promotes activities to increase green cover through tree plantation and related initiatives.
- Water-based green credit: Encourages water conservation, water harvesting, efficient water use, and wastewater treatment and reuse.
- Sustainable agriculture-based green credit: Promotes natural and regenerative agricultural practices, land restoration, and improvement of productivity, soil health, and nutritional value.
- Waste management-based green credit: Fosters sustainable waste management practices and improvements in waste handling.
Uniqueness and Complexity of the Scheme
- The proposed Green Credit Scheme covers a wider range of actions compared to similar initiatives worldwide.
- Unlike existing schemes, this program accounts for diverse activities, making its implementation and accounting mechanisms more intricate.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Time-of-Day Tariff
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Power has recently introduced Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff for electricity, which will be implemented next year for commercial users and in 2025 for home users.
- This article aims to explain what ToD tariff is, how it impacts consumers, and why it is important for the power sector.
What is Time-of-Day Tariff?
- Amendments: The government has made amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, introducing ToD tariff and rationalizing smart meters.
- Tariff structure: Under ToD tariff, electricity charges will vary based on the time of day. The current flat rate system will be replaced. During daytime, the tariff may decrease by up to 20%, benefiting consumers. Conversely, during night-time, the tariff will increase by the same amount.
- Benefits for consumers: ToD tariff allows consumers to regulate and manage their electricity consumption and control their bills. It gives them the flexibility to take advantage of lower tariffs during off-peak hours.
Impact on electricity bills
- Impact on different households: For small working couples who primarily use electricity at night, their bills are likely to increase. However, other households can offset the nighttime spike by shifting some of their electricity usage to daytime hours.
- Power consumption patterns: Power consumption typically peaks in the morning when schools and offices open, in the late afternoon when children return home, and in the early evening when air conditioners and heaters are in high demand. ToD tariff aims to discourage excessive power consumption during these peak hours.
Power guzzling appliances
- Identifying power-consuming appliances: Appliances such as air conditioners, coolers, refrigerators, heaters, and geysers are the major contributors to electricity consumption in households. Other significant power-consuming appliances include washing machines, dishwashers, and microwaves.
- Energy-efficient alternatives: It is worth noting that energy-efficient versions of most electrical appliances are available in the market, which can help reduce overall electricity consumption.
Readiness of infrastructure
- Requirement of smart meters: To implement ToD tariff, smart meters are necessary. These meters automate the meter-reading process and provide accurate cost estimation, minimizing wastage. They send consumption information to power distribution companies every 15 minutes, which is crucial for calculating ToD charges.
- Status of smart meter installation: Currently, over 6.5 million smart meters have been installed in the country, with a target of reaching 250 million by 2026. Approximately 230 million smart meters have been sanctioned so far.
Benefits for the power sector
- Improved billing efficiency: ToD tariff and smart metering can enhance billing efficiency and reduce transmission and distribution losses.
- Differential tariff for renewable power: As the share of renewable power increases, it needs to be blended with coal-based power, requiring differential tariff structures. ToD tariff can facilitate this blending effectively.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and ToD tariff: With the expected surge in EV adoption, ToD tariff can encourage consumers to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours, reducing the strain on the power grid.
- Flexibility for discoms: ToD tariff provides flexibility for loss-making distribution companies (discoms) to revise tariffs, addressing their financial challenges.
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