NAM and it's relevance ⏩

The 18th mid-term ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held in Azerbaijan in the month of April.

What is NAM?:

• Non-Aligned Movement(NAM) was formed in the backdrop of the end of Second World Warwhen the world was bipolarwith countries allying either with the USA or the USSR.
• The newly Independent countries including India felt that alliance with either of the two blocs would impede the individual growth and development of the nation.
• With the disintegration of USSR and the end of bipolarity the very reason for the existence of NAM came to be questioned.
• With the rise of many regional and multilateral groupings, a section of the academia believe that NAM has been sidelined.

India and NAM:

Being the largest member-state of NAM, India has been one of the leaders of the movementsince the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, one of the founding fathers of this movement.(Sukarno, Josip Broz Tito, Gamal Abdel Nasser and Kwame Nkrumah were the other founding fathers).

NAM in the cold war era:

Positive Role:

• NAM played an important role during the Cold War years in furthering many of the causes that India advocated like:
• Decolonisation
• End to apartheid
• Global nuclear disarmament
• Ushering in of new international economic and information orders

Negative Role:

• Could not prevent India-Pakistan and Indo-China wars.
• During the wars, NAM members invariably adopted diplomatic positions that were not favourable towards or supportive of India.
• Taking a broader perspective:
• Non-alignment stood for policy autonomy for the erstwhile newly independent countries. 2)These countries banded together because of theirshared traditions and histories, which included anti-colonialism, anti-imperialism and anti-racism.
• The idea behind non-alignment thus conceived was to promote peace and security in a global arena where superpowers were constantly posturing to achieve their hegemonic ambitions.

Relevance of NAM:

• Can be used as a platform to bring about disarmament.
• Voice of the South Bloc (Third World Countries)
• Stability in the risingmultipolar world order
• Can help to contain the rise of China by raising a collective voice.
• A platform where India’s Leadership is recognized
• A unique platform of countries with dissimilar backgrounds and interests
• Can be used to gather support for India’s quest to become apermanent member of the UNSC.

Why India’s Non Aligned Credentials are being questioned?

• India joined the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, a coalition seen by many as a counterforce to China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific.
• Perception in some quarters that India is well-inclined towards the U.S. and its allies, while it has simultaneously allowed a drift away from its old allies such as Russia.
• Russia’s drift from India and the emergence of a Russia-China-Pakistan trilateral.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’sskipped the 17th Non Aligned Movement (NAM) summit.
• Rising influence of BRICS.

Way Ahead:

• Non alignment as well as Non Aligned movement will always be relevant.
• India has a responsibility as the leader of the South Blochence should make use of NAM to protect the interest of smaller nations.

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April PIB updates 1st and 2nd week For KAS mains

Pradhan MantriAwasYojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)

The erstwhile rural housing programme, Indira AwaasYojana (IAY), was restructured into PMAY-G.

To achieve “Housing for All by 2022”, a target of completing one crore PMAY-G new pucca houses in rural areas by 31st March, 2019 and 2.95 crore pucca houses by 2022 was set. Of these, 51 lakh houses were to be completed by 31st March, 2018, which included completion of expected 2 lakh incomplete IAY houses as well.

Construction of bigger and better houses has been possible due to

• Transparent beneficiary selection
• Capacity building of beneficiaries
• Timely availability of funds to the beneficiaries
• Structured monitoring and course-correction based on the feedback on implementation

Facilitated by payment of assistance directly into the beneficiary account through IT-DBT platform directly from single State Nodal Account maintained at the State level. Use of IT-DBT platform has ensured transparent, hassle-free and quality programme implementation.  Payment to beneficiaries under PMAY-G, is routed through Public Financial Management System (PFMS).

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has led to:

• Reduction in time and cost in house construction
• Transparency leading to stoppage of leakages
• Ease in tracking fund flow to beneficiaries
• Better quality of construction of houses.

Pucca houses constructed under PMAY-G with facilities like toilet, LPG connection, electricity connection, drinking water etc. is changing rural landscape at a very fast pace

Launch of e-FRRO scheme

e-FRRO: e-Foreigners Regional Registration Office – to provide fast and efficient services to foreigners visiting India so that they have a pleasant experience of their stay here.

Aimed at building a centralized, transparent online platform for the foreigners to avail visa related services and to provide Faceless, Cashless and Paperless services to the foreigners with user friendly experience

• The e-FRRO scheme would be a quantum jump in improving the ease of service delivery with respect to foreigners visiting and staying in India.
• In the new system, foreigners would be able to get as many as 27 Visa and Immigration related services in India from the comfort of their place of stay.
• Using the e-FRRO application, foreigners can apply online on the portal and obtain the service(s) through email/post without appearing in person at the FRO/FRRO office.
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PSLV-C41 successfully launches IRNSS-1I navigation satellite

• In its forty third flight, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C41 successfully launched the 1,425 kg IRNSS-1I Navigation Satellite today from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
• IRNSS-1I is the latest member of the ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)’ system.  NavIC, also known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland.

Till now, PSLV has successfully launched 52 Indian satellites and 237 customer satellites from abroad.

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PIB March important updates

PIB updates for mains 

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Cabinet approves Establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority 📚

 {Economic Policy}

 In news  

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) and creation of one post of Chairperson, three posts of full-time Members and one post of Secretary for NFRA.

 National Financial Reporting Authority  National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) is a body proposed in Companies Act 2013 for the establishment and enforcement of accounting and auditing standards and oversight of the work of auditors.

 Impact  

The decision is expected to result in improved foreign/domestic investments, enhancement of economic growth, supporting the globalisation of business by meeting international practices, and assist in further development of audit profession. 

Background 

The concept and composition of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) was originally introduced by the Companies Act, 2013. 

The Union Cabinet on 1st March, 2018 approved the proposal for establishing the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

 The establishment of NFRA as an independent regulator for the auditing profession will improve the transparency and reliability of financial statements and information presented by listed companies and large unlisted companies in India. 

Why is it required?  

The government is quite clear that the need for such a body is all the more important after several financial accounting scams, the most recent of which was the Punjab National Bank scam

What lies ahead?  

Apart from setting the rules and regulations governing the audit sector, the NFRA will have the power to debar erring auditors or audit firm for up to 10 years and impose significant fines on them. According to Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013, the NFRA will have powers to impose a fine of not less than ₹1 lakh, but the amount can extend up to five times of the fees received in case of individuals.

 The government has to set the rules that will stipulate the jurisdiction of the NFRA. Specifically, it has to set a limit on the size of an unlisted company that comes under the purview of the NFRA.

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Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018  

 The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 for introduction in the Parliament. 

Key point  

The NIA will receive financial aid under Nirbhaya fund for safety of women in order to set up a cell for investigating human trafficking. 

The Bill broadly has the following features  

•  Addresses the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and rehabilitation. 
•  Aggravated forms of trafficking, which includes trafficking for the purpose of forced labour, begging, trafficking by administering chemical substance or hormones on a person for the purpose of early sexual maturity, trafficking of a woman or child for the purpose of marriage or under the pretext of marriage or after marriage etc.  
• Punishment for promoting or facilitating trafficking of person which includes producing, printing, issuing or distributing unissued, tampered or fake certificates, registration or stickers as proof of compliance with Government requirements; or commits fraud for procuring or facilitating the acquisition of clearances and necessary documents from Government agencies. 
•  The confidentiality of victims/ witnesses and complainants by not disclosing their identity. 
• Further the confidentiality of the victims is maintained by recording their statement through video conferencing (this also helps in trans-border and inter-State crimes).  
• Time bound trial and repatriation of the victims – within a period of one year from taking into cognizance. 
•  Immediate protection of rescued victims and their rehabilitation.
•  The Victims are entitled to interim relief immediately within 30 days to address their physical, mental trauma etc. 
• and further appropriate relief within 60 days from the date of filing of charge sheet.
•   Rehabilitation of the victim which is not contingent upon criminal proceedings being initiated against the accused or the outcome thereof. 
•  Rehabilitation Fund created for the first time. 
• To be used for the physical, psychological and social well-being of the victim including education, skill development, health care/psychological support, legal aid, safe accommodation, etc.  Designated courts in each district for the speedy trial of the cases.  
• The Bill creates dedicated institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level. 
• These will be responsible for prevention, protection, investigation and rehabilitation work related to trafficking.
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•   National Investigation Agency (NIA) will perform the tasks of Anti-Trafficking Bureau at the national level present under the MHA.
•   Punishment ranges from rigorous minimum 10 years to life and fine not less than Rs. 1 lakh. 
•  In order to break the organized nexus, both at the national and international level, the Bill provides for the attachment & forfeiture of property and also the proceeds for crime. 
•  The Bill comprehensively addresses the transnational nature of the crime.
•   The National Anti-Trafficking Bureau will perform the functions of international coordination with authorities in foreign countries and international organizations; international assistance in investigation; facilitate inter-State and trans-border transfer of evidence and materials, witnesses and others for expediting prosecution; facilitate inter-state and international video conferencing in judicial proceedings etc. 

Background   

• Trafficking in human beings is the third largest organized crime violating basic human rights. 
• There is.no specific law so far to deal with this crime.  
• Accordingly, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 has been prepared.
•   The Bill addresses one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting the most vulnerable persons especially women and children. 

Swadesh Darshan Scheme – Ministry of Tourism 

 In news 

 A total amount of Rs. 5638.87 crore was sanctioned with release of Rs. 2148.17 crore since 2014-15 till date under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism. 

India’s rich cultural, historical, religious and natural heritage provides a huge potential for development of tourism and job creation in the country. 

Highlights  

 Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, thirteen thematic circuits have been identified, for development namely: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit. 

There is a great scope and need to develop tourist circuits on specific themes to attract the tourists having special interest in visiting such places.

 This can be achieved only through an integrated approach by providing engaging experiences for distinct categories of tourists i.e. Domestic and International.  Various themes which are unique and specific to the area can include beaches, culture, heritage, wildlife etc.

  Such theme-based tourist circuits should be developed in a manner that supports communities, provides employment and fosters social integration without comprising upon the environmental concerns and provides unique experiences to the tourists. 

Scheme Objectives   

To position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation;  Develop circuits having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner;  Promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods in the identified regions;

 Tourist Circuit   

Tourist Circuit is defined as a route having at least three major tourist destinations which are distinct and apart.

  Circuits should have well defined entry and exit points. A tourist who enters should get motivated to visit most of the places identified in the circuit. 

 A Circuit could be confined to a State or could be a regional circuit covering more than one State/Union Territory. 

These circuits may have one dominant theme and other sub-themes.  

Projects under the scheme shall be under the following identified themes; Ecotourism, Wildlife, Buddhist, Desert, Spiritual, Ramayana, Krishna, Coastal, Northeast, Rural, Himalayan, Tribal and Heritage. 

Nari Shakti Puraskar 

  Every Year, Ministry of Women & Child Development celebrates International Women Day on 8th March. 

The significance of the International Women’s Day lies in our re-affirmation of improve the condition of women, especially those at the margins of our society and empower them to take rightful place in society. 

Objectives  

Provide an opportunity to the current generation to understand the contribution of women in building of society and the nation. 

Awards 

The award is named after eminent women in Indian history, and is given in the following categories:

  Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Award: named after Ahilyabai Holkar, 18th-century ruler of Malwa kingdom  Kannagi Award: named after Kannagi, a legendary Tamil woman  

Mata Jijabai Award: named after Mata Jijabai, mother of Shivaji, who founded the Maratha Empire in the 17th century

  Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award: named after Rani Gaidinliu, a 20th-century Naga spiritual and political leader  

Rani Lakshmi Bai Award: named after Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi  Rani 

Rudramma Devi Award (for both men and women): named after Rudrama Devi, a 13th-century ruler of Deccan Plateau 

Ex Samvedna

A Multilateral Air Force exercise, ‘Ex Samvedna’, is being spearheaded by Indian Air Force and conducted by Southern Air Command (SAC) from 12-17 Mar 18. 

‘Samvedna’ means ‘Empathy’ and will ensure better understanding and sharing of response procedures between a number of friendly neighbouring nations. 

Highlights 

  It is a multilateral Air force exercise being spearheaded by Indian Air Force and conducted by Southern Air Command (SAC). 

 It is the first composite Human assistance and disaster relief (HADR) Air exercise in the South Asian region and would be focused on practicing Air Force centric HADR solutions in a Multi-national cooperative Disaster Management environment.

  Air Forces of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE and Myanmar have already committed resources and personnel for the exercise. Few other Air Forces from the region are also expected to join in. 

 This exercise would help in putting in place a basic framework for conduct of Joint Air HADR operations, which will be further refined during subsequent exercises. 

This exercise is expected to lead to more coordinated and efficient HADR Air operations in the entire South Asian region when the need arises. 

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Election commission related Questions

Q 1. Which authority conducts elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India ? Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI) Under Article 324(1) of the Constitution of India, the Election Commission of India, interalia, is vested with the power of superintendence, direction and control of conducting the elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India. Detailed provisions are made under the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the rules made thereunder. Q 2. Which authority conducts elections to Parliament? Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI) The same Article 324 also vests in the Commission the powers of superintendence, direction and control of the elections to both Houses of Parliament. Detailed provisions are made under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder. Q 3. Which authority conducts elections to the State Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils? Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI) Article 324 (1) also vests in the Commission the powers of superintendence, direction and control of the elections to both Houses of the State Legislature. Detailed provisions are made under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder. Q 4. Which authority conducts elections to Corporations, Municipalities and other Local Bodies ? Ans. The State Election Commissions (SECs) The State Election Commissions constituted under the Constitution (Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth) Amendments Act, 1992 for each State / Union Territory are vested with the powers of conduct of elections to the Corporations, Muncipalities, Zilla Parishads, District Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Gram Panchayats and other local bodies. They are independent of the Election Commission of India. Q 5. What is the present composition of the Election Commission? Ans. A Three - Member Body At present, the Election Commission of India is a three-member body, with one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Q 6. Has the Election Commission been a multi-member body from the beginning? Ans. No. It was not a multi member body from the beginning. It was a single - member body when it was first set up in 1950 and up to 15th October, 1989 with only the Chief Election Commissioner. From 16th October, 1989 upto the 1st January, 1990, it became a three-member body with R.V.S.Peri Sastri (C.E.C) and S.S.Dhanoa and V.S.Seigell as Election Commissioners. From 2nd January, 1990 to 30th September, 1993, it was a single-member Commission and again from 1st October, 1993 it has become a three-member Commission. Q 7. What is the status Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners in terms of salaries and allowances etc.? Ans. Equivalent to Supreme Court Judges. The Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners draw salaries and allowances at par with those of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India as provided for by the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1992. Q 8. What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner? Is it different from the Election Commissioners? Ans. The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner holds office for a term of six years from the date on which he assumes his office. However, where the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner attains the age of sixty-five years before the expiry of the said term of six years, he shall vacate his office on the the date on which he attains sixty-five years of age. Q 9. When the Commissioner becomes a multi-member Commission, how are the decisions taken, whether by majority or by consensus? Ans. Section 10 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Amendment Act, 1993 is reproduced below:- (1) The Election Commission may be by unanimous decision, regulate the procedure for transaction of to business as also allocation of its business amongst the Chief Election Commissioner and their Election Commissioners. (2) Save as provided in sub section (i) all business of the Election Commission shall, as far as possible, be transacted unanimously. (3) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (ii), if the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners differ in opinion on any matter, such matter shall be decided by according to the opinion of the majority. Q 10. Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners? Ans. The President. Under Article 324(2) of the Constitution of India, the President of India is empowered to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners. Q 11. Who fixes the number of Election Commissioners (other than Chief Election Commissioner)? Ans. The President. Article 324(2) also empowers the President of India to fix from time to time the number of Election Commissioners other than the Chief Election Commissioner. Q 12. Who supervises the election work in a State ? Ans. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). As per section 13A of the Representation of the People Act 1950, read with section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Chief Electoral Officer of a State/ Union Territory is authorised to supervise the election work in the State/Union Territory subject to the overall superintendence, direction and control of the Election Commission. Q 13. Who appoints the Chief Electoral Officer? Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI) The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an Officer of the Government of the State/Union Territory as the Chief Electoral Officer in consultation with that State Government/Union Territory Administration. Q 14. Who supervises the election work in a District? Ans. The District Election Officer (DEO) As per section 13AA of the Representation of the People Act 1950, subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the Chief Electoral Officer, the District Election Officer supervises the election work of a district. Q 15. Who appoints the District Election Officer? Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI). The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an Officer of the State Government as the District Election Officer in consultation with the State Government. Q 16. Who is responsible for the conduct of elections in any Parliamentary or Assembly constituency ? Ans. Returning Officer (RO) The Returning Officer of a parliamentary or assembly constituency is responsible for the conduct of elections in the parliamentary or assembly constituency concerned as per section 21 of the Representation of the People Act 1951. Q 17. Who appoints the Returning Officer? Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI) The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an officer of the Government or a local authority as the Returning Officer for each of the assembly and parliamentary constituencies in consultation with the State Government/Union Territory Administration. In addition, the Election Commission of India also appoints one or more Assistant Returning Officers for each of the assembly and parliamentary constituencies to assist the Returning Officer in the performance of his functions in connection with the conduct of elections. Q 18. Who is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for a Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency? Ans. Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) The Electoral Registration officer is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for a parliamentary / assembly constituency. Q 19. Who conducts the poll at a polling station? Ans. Presiding Officer The Presiding Officer with the assistance of polling officers conducts the poll at a polling station. Q 20. Who appoints the Electoral Registration officer? Ans. Under section 13B of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Election Commission of India, in consultation with the State / UT Government, appoints an Officer of the Government or the Local Authorities as the Electoral Registration Officer. In addition, the Election Commission of India also appoints one or more Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to assist the Electoral Registration Officer in the performance of his functions in the matter of preparation / revision of electoral rolls. Q 21. Who appoints Presiding Officers and Polling Officers? Ans. District Election Officer (DEO) Under section 26 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, the District Election Officer appoints the Presiding Officers and the Polling Officers. In the case of Union Territories, such appointments are made by the Returning Officers. Q 22. Who appoints Observers? Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI) Under section 20B of the Representationof the People Act 1951, the Election Commission of India nominates officers of Government as Observers (General Observers and Election Expenditure Observers) for parliamentary and assembly constituencies. They perform such functions as are entrusted to them by the Commission. Earlier, the appointment of Observers was made under the plenary powers of the Commission. But with the amendments made to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 in 1996, these are now statutory appointments. They report directly to the Commission. Source Election commission of IndiaI

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Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission ✔

Ministry/Department : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Scheme:

The scheme will integrate two on-going centrally sponsored schemes viz. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS).
AB-NHPM aims to target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database.
It will provide cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year , taking care of almost all secondary care and tertiary care procedures.
There will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme.

Benefit cover:

It includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses.
It will cover all pre-existing conditions from beginning of the policy.
It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to the beneficiary.

Cashless benefits:

The scheme allows the beneficiary to take cashless benefits from any public or private empanelled hospitals across the country.
The payment for treatment will be done on package rate which will be defined by Government in advance basis.
The package rates will include all the costs associated with treatment.

Role of state governments:

They will be allowed to expand the scheme both horizontally and vertically.
They will be free to choose modalities for implementation.
They can implement through insurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model.

Implementation:

States/UTs will have also flexibility to modify these rates within limited bandwidth.
For beneficiaries, it will be cashless and paper less transaction.
States will be required to form State Health Agency (SHA) to implement scheme and at district level also, a structure for implementation of the scheme will be set up

Council:

For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex level.
It will be chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.

Entitlement:

It is entitlement based scheme with entitlement decided on basis of deprivation criteria in SECC database.
Different categories of families covered under scheme are
Families having only one room with kucha walls and kucha roof,
families having no adult member between age 16 to 59,
female headed households with no adult male member between age 16 to 59,
disabled member and no able bodied adult member in family,
SC/ST households,
landless households deriving major part of their income from manual casual labour.
It will also automatically include families in rural areas having any one of the following-
households without shelter, destitute, living on alms, manual scavenger families, primitive tribal groups or legally released bonded labour.
For urban areas, 11 defined occupational categories will be entitled under scheme.

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Saubhagya - Yojna

Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (PMSBHGY) – “Saubhagya”

Saubhagya scheme or Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana is a 16,320 crore Central Government scheme. It was launched to provide electricity connections to over 40 million families in rural and urban areas by December 2018.

What is the need for the Saubhagya Scheme?

Even though, various efforts have been made to ensure universal connectivity under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) in rural areas and Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) in urban areas, the problem of electricity access remains. Under the DDUGJY, a village is considered electrified if it meets certain parameters included in the Electricity Act, 2003. These are:

• All public places such as schools, panchayat office, health centres, dispensaries and community centres have electricity connections.
• 10% of the households have an electricity connection.

Thus, there is no specification as to ‘universalisation’ at the household level. Also, the DDUGJY only focuses on connections and not on electricity supply. There are villages that are considered electrified under the scheme but have little to no availability of power for most of the day. Moreover, since the scheme focuses on only 10% of the households, it is often the most well off that are covered and the majority remain without electric power.Similarly, Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) provides for creation of necessary infrastructure to provide electricity access in urban areas. Under the IPDS , there remain households that do not have access to electricity mainly because their economic condition is very weak.

From the above discussion it is clear that there is a need to improve not only access but availability as well. Hence, the Saubhagya scheme was visualised to be a truly universal scheme when it comes to electricity connections and access in the country. However, this scheme is not a ‘free electricity’ scheme but only one that provides for free connections for the poor.

How will the Saubhagya Scheme be implemented?

The Saubhagya scheme’s implementation is the duty of the respective State or Union territory. They are required to complete the electrification works by December 31, 2018. The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will remain the nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country.

The total outlay of the project is Rs. 16, 320 cr while the Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 cr. The outlay for the rural households is Rs. 14,025 crore while the GBS is Rs. 10,587.50 crore. For the urban households the outlay is Rs. 2,295 crore while GBS is Rs. 1,732.50 crore. The government will provide largely funds for the Scheme to all States/UTs. The states will make detailed project reports (DPRs) and submit them to the Centre following which funds will be disbursed.

How will the beneficiaries be identified?

The beneficiaries for free electricity connections would be identified using Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. However, un-electrified households not covered under the SECC data would also be provided electricity connections under the scheme on payment of Rs. 500 which shall be recovered by distribution companies/ power departments in 10 instalments through payment in the electricity bill.

What are the expected outcomes of the Saubhagya Scheme?

The government specified expected outcomes of the Saubhagya scheme are:

1. Access to all willing households
2. Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes
3. Improvement education services
4. Better health services
5. Enhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc.
6. Increased economic activities and jobs
7. Improved quality of life especially for women

How will the bills/revenue be collected?

The Gram Panchayat/Public institutions in the rural areas may be authorised to collect application forms along with complete documentation, distribute bills and collect revenue in consultation with the Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. Or, as usual, the discoms can collect the bills if necessary infrastructure exists.

Is there a renewable energy component in the Saubhagya scheme?

As is mentioned in the policy document, the scheme provides for solar power packs of 200 to 300 Wp with battery bank for un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible areas, comprising of :

• Five LED lights
• One DC fan
• One DC power plug

It also includes the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) of given products for 5 years.

This component is essential because it is often such households that are located in remote areas that have least access to electricity. Internationally, this problem is resolved by asking the consumer to pay a higher price for supplying electricity. This is done as most of the remotely located households in developed nations are usually large farms located centrally in their farmsteads stretching across hundreds of acres. This is not the case in India. The distribution companies in India cannot do that due to lack of purchasing power of most of the consumers located in far off inaccessible areas. Thus, the use of solar power packs has been modelled to reduce economic burden on the consumer from the discoms, if any.

How is the Saubhagya scheme different from ’24×7 Power For All’ initiative of the Government?

Earlier, the Government had launched the ’24 x 7 power for all’ initiative which was a joint initiative with the States. This covered all segments of the power sector – generation, transmission, distribution, energy efficiency, distribution companies’ health etc. Thus, its focus was broad based and on the entire value chain of the power sector to provide state/UT specific plans. The Saubhagya scheme on the other hand aims to provide last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural as well as urban areas. Its area of emphasis is thus narrower.

Conclusion

The Government of India has strived to provide universal electricity access since independence to all its citizens. Electric power has been recognized as the most important driver of modernization and technological progress. The government initiatives have thus been focused on providing access to electricity for all. The new schemes have been formulated based on the learnings and outcomes of the earlier existing schemes. In the Saubhagya scheme, the Government of India has focused on not only physical access to electricity but economic access to electricity as well. This will not only benefit the consumer at the individual level but the economy as well by allowing universal access to agricultural farmholds. Moreover, it will reduce the burden faced by women due to collection of firewood and exposure to smoke in the household from polluting sources of light. It will also allow more study hours for the children during the night especially in northern remote areas. Thus, it has an all round socio-economic benefit for all especially the poor and will be an important factor behind inclusive growth and open access to opportunity.

Name	Description
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana	To provide continuous power supply to rural India
Integrated Power Development Scheme	Creating and strengthening power infrastructure in urban areas.
Saubhagya Scheme	To provide last mile connectivity to electricity-less households
24 x 7 Power For All	To provide 24x7 power available to all households, industry, commercial businesses, public needs, any other electricity consuming entity
Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY)	Financial Turnaround; Operational improvement; Reduction of cost of generation of power; Development of Renewable Energy; Energy efficiency & conservation

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IMPRINT-INDIA

Ministry/Department : Department of Science & Technology and HRD Ministry

Aims to boost research and innovation in India.

Scheme:

IMPRINT India Programme is joint initiative of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
It seeks to develop road map for research to solve major engineering and technology challenges in 10 technology domains relevant for country.
These domains include health care, information and communication technology, energy, sustainable habitat, nano ‐technology hardware, water resources and river systems, advanced materials, manufacturing, security and defence, and environment and climate.
These domains are distributed among IITs Kharagpur, Kanpur, Bomaby, Rookree, Madras and IISC, Bengaluru.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development has sanctioned Rs. 1000 crore for phase II of Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) India programme to boost research and innovation in the country.
Under the IMPRINT-II, a fund is being created by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and HRD Ministry together, in which participation will come from industry and other interested Ministries.

Objectives of IMPRINT

Identify areas of immediate relevance that requires innovation in the society.
Ensure support and higher funding for research for identified areas.
Measure outcomes of innovation and research efforts and its impact on people’s standard of living.

Significance

It will motivate technical institutions to conduct research in areas where the country is heavily dependent on foreign technology.
Under IMPRINT-I Programme, 142 projects at cost of Rs. 318.71 crore are already under implementation.
These projects cover 10 crucial technology domains mentioned above.



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Schemes announced in Union Budget 2018-19

 

The  Union  Finance  Minister  Arun  Jaitley  announced  various  schemes  in  the  Union  Budget  2018-19  on February  1,  2018.  These  Budget  schemes  have  been  announced  with  the  objective  to  uplift  the  poor  and farmers.

 Here,  we’ll  see  all  the  new  schemes  launched  by  the  government  in  Budget  2018-19. 

Kifayati  Aawas yojna/Affordable  Housing  Fund (AHF) 

  Affordable  Housing  Fund  (AHF)  will  be  created  under  National  Housing  Bank  (NHB). 
It  will  be  funded  from  priority  sector  lending  shortfall  and  fully  serviced  bonds  authorised  by Central  Government. 
 The government  has  planned  that  by  the  end  of  2022,  everyone  will  have  their  own  house.
  It  will  be  used  to  construct one  crore  households  in  the  rural  areas  Pradhanmantri  Awas  Yojana.

 National  Health  Protection  Scheme 

National  Health  Protection  Scheme  (Ayushman  Bharat  Scheme)  will  cover  10  crore  poor  and vulnerable  families.

 Under  it,  up  to  Rs  5  lakh  insurance  cover  will  be  provided  to  each  family  per  year  in  secondary and  tertiary  care  institutions. 
  It  will  have  50  crore  beneficiaries.  It  will  be  world‟s  largest  government-funded  healthcare programme.

 Kisan  Credit  Card to  Fishermen:   

 On  the  lines  of  the  Kisan  Credit  Card,  the  Finance  Minister  has  announced  a  card  to  fishermen and  cattle  owners.     This  will  make  enable  them  to  avail  the  easier  loans.  The  Government  says  that  this  will  help  the people  associated  with  the  milk  production  business  in  rural  areas.     Apart  from  this,  financial  assistance  will  also  be  provided  to  fisheries.

Gobar-Dhan  Yojna 

  Gobar-Dhan  Yojana  (also  known  as  Galvanizing  Organic  Bio-Agro  Resource  Fund  scheme)  aims  to improve  lives  of  the  villagers.
Under it,  solid  waste  of  dung  and  fields  will  be  changed  into  compost,  biogas  and  bio-CNG.

National  Bamboo  Mission 

  ₹1,290  crore  will  be  allocated  under  this  scheme  to  help  development  of  bamboo  production  as  an industry  in  the  country. 
 This  will  help  the  people  of  rural  and  tribal  areas.

Prime  Minister  Fellowship  Scheme 

 It  is  aimed  at  facilitating  cutting  edge  research  by  provide  high  fellowship  amounts  to  1000  B. Tech  students  to  pursue  PhD  in  IITs  and  IISc. 

 Its  purpose  is  to  make  to  produce  better  research  in  India  and  make  its  institutions  climb  up  in global  rankings.

Revitalising  Infrastructure  and Systems in  Education  (RISE)  Scheme 

  RISE  scheme  aims  to  lend  low-cost funds  to  government  higher  educational  institutions. 
It  will  be  launched  with  a  total  investment  of  Rs.  1  lakh crore  in  the  next  four  years. 
  It  will  be  financed  via  restructured  higher  education  financing  agency  (HEFA),  a  non-banking financial  company.

Eklavya  School 

  Eklavya  schools  will  be  established  for  scheduled  caste  (SC)  and  schedule  tribe  students  by  2022 on  the  lines  of  Navodaya  schools.
They  will  be  model  residential  schools  set  up  in  each  Block.  It  will  in  areas  with  more  than  50% tribal  areas  and  20,000  tribal  people. 
These  schools  will  be  part  of  Navodaya  Vidyalayas. 
It  will  provide  training  in  sports  and  skill  development.  It  has  special  facilities  for  preserving  local art  and  culture.

Operation  Green 

  It  will  be  launched  with  an  allocation  of  Rs  500  crore  on  the  lines  of  Operation  Flood. 
  It  aims  to  promote  farmer  producers  organisations,  processing  facilities,  agri-logistics  and professional  management. 
  It  also  aims  to  aid  farmers  and  help  control  and  limit  erratic  fluctuations  in  the  prices  of  tomatoes, onions  and  potatoes  (TOP). 
  It  is  essentially  price  fixation  scheme  that  aims  to  ensure  farmers  are  given  the  right  price  for  their produce. 

The idea  behind  it  is  to  double  the  income  of farmers  by  the  end  of  2022.

 National  Bamboo  Mission 

₹1,290  crore  will  be  allocated  under  this  scheme  to  help  development  of  bamboo  production  as  an industry  in  the  country.
This  will  help  in  the  development  of  bamboo  production  as  an  industry.

This  will  also  help  the  people  of  rural  and  tribal  areas.

 Saubhagya  Yojna 

  The  government  has  targeted  to  increase  the  number  of  power  connections  in  rural  areas  to  40 million  households.  This  scheme  is  one  of  PM  Modi's  ambitious  plans.

Expansion  of  PM  Vaya  Vandana  Yojana   

The Pradhan  Mantri  Vaya  Vandana  Yojana  was  launched  on  4th  May  2017. 

  

The scheme  provides  regular  pension  income  to  senior  citizens  (60  years  or  more).   

The budget 2018-19  proposed  to  open  this  scheme  for  investment  till  March  2020.   

Apart  from  extending  the  scheme‟s  investment  duration,  the  investment  limit  is  also  increased  to Rs15  lakh from  7.5  Lakh per  person. 

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