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[Yojana Archive] Financial Devolution
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November 2021: Panchayati Raj Financial powers to Panchayat
- The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, promulgated on 24 April 1993, has been inserted as Part IX in the Constitution that enjoins the States to establish Panchayats.
- It lays down that “the State shall take steps to organise village Panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.”
Need for financial devolution:
- To strengthen democracy at grass root level with more revenue resources for better service delivery.
- To increase accountability to people so performance can be realized as direct contact with people.
Various Constitutional Provisions
- Collection of Taxes: States have been provided the powers to authorise the PRIs to levy, collect, and appropriate certain taxes, duties, tolls, fees, etc.
- Share of revenues: They can also assign to them the revenues of certain State-level taxes, subject to such conditions as are imposed by the State Government.
- Grant-in-aid: The PRIs may also be provided with grant-in-aid.
- State Finance Commission for review: In support of these requirements, Article 243-I of the Constitution mandates setting up of the State Finance Commission (SFC) every five years.
- Central provisions: Under the Article 280(3) (bb) of the Constitution, Central Finance Commissions are required to make recommendations to augment the Consolidated Fund of the State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats in the State.
Central Finance Commission Recommendations
- Recommendations for devolution to the Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) began from the Tenth Finance Commission onwards (period 1995-2000).
- Up to the Twelfth Finance Commission (period 2005-10), nominal amounts of devolution were made to the RLBs on a lump sum basis.
- Thirteenth Finance Commission (XIII FC) made a radical departure by awarding a percentage of the divisible pool.
Fourteenth Finance Commission (XIV FC)
- It has recommended an amount of Rs 200292.20 crore to the GPs in the country.
- This amount was divided in Basic Grant (Rs. 180262.98 crores) and Performance Grant (Rs. 20029.22 crore).
- It adopted a trust-based approach and recommended that the devolutions be made directly to the GPs without any share at the levels of other tiers.
Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC)
- It recommended devolution to all tiers of the Panchayati Raj including the Traditional Bodies of Non-Part IX States and Fifth and Sixth Schedule Areas.
- XV FC grants are provided in two parts, namely-
- Basic (Untied) Grant: For general purposes
- Tied Grant: 30% of the total grants be utilised for drinking water, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling
Own Sources of Revenues (OSRs) of RLB
- The three tiers of the Panchayats have been provided with own revenue generating powers.
- However, the GPs in general are empowered to levy the most number of taxes and non-taxes within their jurisdiction.
- Property tax, cess on land revenue, surcharge on additional stamp duty, tolls, tax on professions, tax on advertisements, non-motor vehicle tax, user charges, etc. contribute the maximum to the OSR.
Issues
- OSR amounts manage to meet only around 10 per cent of the total expenditure of the panchayats.
- In most States, the property tax generates the maximum revenue. However, this tax remains inelastic and adds to the inefficient ways of its administration.
- A few progressive States like Karnataka have reformed the tax structure and are using the unit area method in determining the tax base.
Hurdles in Financial Devolution
- Political will: Reluctance of Politicians and bureaucrats to relinquish power to local bodies remain major hurdle.
- Lack of resources: Issues like lack of expertise to plan development priorities and use resources optimally, lack of resources to implement development agenda with minimal avenues for taxation and income.
- Lack of institutional mechanism: Non-uniformity of various programmes at local level can make regulatory oversight difficult.
Way Forward
- Updating of PRI Acts/Financial Rules and making them available to change in tax and non-tax levy, rate structure etc.
- Better assessment of properties required for levying Property Tax (classified plinth area-based valuation seems to be the most scientific)
- Relook on various exemptions to rationalise the taxes/levies
- Augmentation of Tax Administration Structure
- Technology-based Tax Administration may also be further expanded to cover even utility charges like water, street lights, sanitation charges, etc.
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Ask me Anything Session with IAS Harvinder Singh CSE 2018, J&K Cadre
Date & Time: Dec 16, 2021 @07:00 PM (Login starts at 06:45 PM) IndiaJoin Zoom Meeting
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Passcode: 276929“When I decided to prepare for UPSC-CSE, I knew I was not in a position to quit my private job. The work load was high at my present company, I was left with doubt if I could clear UPSC-CSE or not. That’s when I decided I needed a highly experienced personal mentor who will not only provide me study materials or evaluate test-series and mock interviews, but also won’t hesitate to motivate me whenever I felt uneasy or anxious. I found that in Civilsdaily mentor, Pravin sir. He was my go to mentor for Mains and Interview. I always made it a point to visit him weekly once and vent my feelings to him. After speaking to him, the clouds of negativity drifted away. I became confident to complete my studies for the day. It took me 3 attempts to fulfill not only my dream but my family’s dream.”
Harvinder Singh’s life was filled with many hardships. Not because of UPSC-CSE preparation, but due to the unpredictable turn of events. When he was a three year old kid, his hand accidently fell into a pan of boiling hot oil in the kitchen. Due to this, three of his fingers have been severely impaired. As a 12th standard student, Harvinder studiously prepared for both AIEEE and NDA exams. Though he successfully, cleared the former exam, he failed the medical round of NDA (due to his fingers). Dejected that he missed an opportunity to serve the nation, Harvinder thought he cannot overlook supporting his family. His dad worked both as a farmer and truck driver to make ends meet. However, as a graduate in J&K, he found it extremely difficult to find a job.
In 2013, he started his work as an engineer for a private company in Allahabad. Well settled, Harvinder thought of fulfilling his dream of serving the nation. If he couldn’t do it through Army, he could through civil services. After failing the prelims in first attempt, mains in second attempt, he finally cleared the exams in his third attempt to be an IAS officer. “I feared that in my third attempt, I will fail the personality round”, Harvinder jokes. Despite back to back failures, Harvinder always looked forward to his next attempt like it was his final attempt.
Free to Attend (with mandatory registration) Ask me Anything Session with Harvinder Singh IAS
As a result of which, the same lad who once suffered unemployment and other issues in J&K, is working to bring changes to J&K for the poor, needy, vulnerable and youth.
This Thursday, Harvinder IAS is going to take some time off his busy schedule to address Civilsdaily aspirants. He will not only be talking about the specifics of UPSC-CSE journey, but also answering all your questions. If you are getting stuck due to any comprehension or consistency issue, it’s time to take Harvinder IAS sir’s help to solve them. And the good news is webinar is absolutely free for all to attend!
Key Takeways of Ask me Anything Session with Harvinder Singh IAS
1. Complete study booklist of Harvinder Singh IAS. For Prelims & Mains. Do you want to check if the current booklist you have are the right sources to prepare for UPSC-CSE?
2. Complete timeline of UPSC-CSE Preparation as a working professional. When did Harvinder IAS prepare for Prelims, Mains and Interview?
3. The art of making notes. What topics require notes and what topics don’t.
4. Harvinder Singh IAS during Mains examination. What kind of questions came and how did he answer it?
5. Hardwork in right direction vs Hardwork in wrong direction. Can only studying hard make you successful?
6. Normal, standard and frequent revision techniques. What are they?
Webinar Details
If you are studying hard but are unsure that you are studying right, then its time to get some assurance from the topper himself! Register for this free webinar by IAS officer Harvinder Singh.
Date: 16 December 2021 (Thursday)
Time: 7 P.M
-
1 More Hour for Registrations to Close, Webinar @ 7PM||How to Narrow the Revision Gap in Mid of UPSC-CSE Syllabus Completion?|| Free Open to All Q&A Webinar by IAS Officer Harvinder Singh|| Learn about the Standard, Normal and Frequent Revision Techniques
“When I decided to prepare for UPSC-CSE, I knew I was not in a position to quit my private job. The work load was high at my present company, I was left with doubt if I could clear UPSC-CSE or not. That’s when I decided I needed a highly experienced personal mentor who will not only provide me study materials or evaluate test-series and mock interviews, but also won’t hesitate to motivate me whenever I felt uneasy or anxious. I found that in Civilsdaily mentor, Pravin sir. He was my go to mentor for Mains and Interview. I always made it a point to visit him weekly once and vent my feelings to him. After speaking to him, the clouds of negativity drifted away. I became confident to complete my studies for the day. It took me 3 attempts to fulfill not only my dream but my family’s dream.”
Harvinder Singh’s life was filled with many hardships. Not because of UPSC-CSE preparation, but due to the unpredictable turn of events. When he was a three year old kid, his hand accidently fell into a pan of boiling hot oil in the kitchen. Due to this, three of his fingers have been severely impaired. As a 12th standard student, Harvinder studiously prepared for both AIEEE and NDA exams. Though he successfully, cleared the former exam, he failed the medical round of NDA (due to his fingers). Dejected that he missed an opportunity to serve the nation, Harvinder thought he cannot overlook supporting his family. His dad worked both as a farmer and truck driver to make ends meet. However, as a graduate in J&K, he found it extremely difficult to find a job.
In 2013, he started his work as an engineer for a private company in Allahabad. Well settled, Harvinder thought of fulfilling his dream of serving the nation. If he couldn’t do it through Army, he could through civil services. After failing the prelims in first attempt, mains in second attempt, he finally cleared the exams in his third attempt to be an IAS officer. “I feared that in my third attempt, I will fail the personality round”, Harvinder jokes. Despite back to back failures, Harvinder always looked forward to his next attempt like it was his final attempt.
Free to Attend (with mandatory registration) Ask me Anything Session with Harvinder Singh IAS
As a result of which, the same lad who once suffered unemployment and other issues in J&K, is working to bring changes to J&K for the poor, needy, vulnerable and youth.
This Thursday, Harvinder IAS is going to take some time off his busy schedule to address Civilsdaily aspirants. He will not only be talking about the specifics of UPSC-CSE journey, but also answering all your questions. If you are getting stuck due to any comprehension or consistency issue, it’s time to take Harvinder IAS sir’s help to solve them. And the good news is webinar is absolutely free for all to attend!
Key Takeways of Ask me Anything Session with Harvinder Singh IAS
1. Complete study booklist of Harvinder Singh IAS. For Prelims & Mains. Do you want to check if the current booklist you have are the right sources to prepare for UPSC-CSE?
2. Complete timeline of UPSC-CSE Preparation as a working professional. When did Harvinder IAS prepare for Prelims, Mains and Interview?
3. The art of making notes. What topics require notes and what topics don’t.
4. Harvinder Singh IAS during Mains examination. What kind of questions came and how did he answer it?
5. Hardwork in right direction vs Hardwork in wrong direction. Can only studying hard make you successful?
6. Normal, standard and frequent revision techniques. What are they?
Webinar Details
If you are studying hard but are unsure that you are studying right, then its time to get some assurance from the topper himself! Register for this free webinar by IAS officer Harvinder Singh.
Date: 16 December 2021 (Thursday)
Time: 7 P.M
-
Registrations Closing in 3 Hours, Webinar @ 7PM||How to Narrow the Revision Gap in Mid of UPSC-CSE Syllabus Completion?|| Free Open to All Q&A Webinar by IAS Officer Harvinder Singh|| Learn about the Standard, Normal and Frequent Revision Techniques
“When I decided to prepare for UPSC-CSE, I knew I was not in a position to quit my private job. The work load was high at my present company, I was left with doubt if I could clear UPSC-CSE or not. That’s when I decided I needed a highly experienced personal mentor who will not only provide me study materials or evaluate test-series and mock interviews, but also won’t hesitate to motivate me whenever I felt uneasy or anxious. I found that in Civilsdaily mentor, Pravin sir. He was my go to mentor for Mains and Interview. I always made it a point to visit him weekly once and vent my feelings to him. After speaking to him, the clouds of negativity drifted away. I became confident to complete my studies for the day. It took me 3 attempts to fulfill not only my dream but my family’s dream.”
Harvinder Singh’s life was filled with many hardships. Not because of UPSC-CSE preparation, but due to the unpredictable turn of events. When he was a three year old kid, his hand accidently fell into a pan of boiling hot oil in the kitchen. Due to this, three of his fingers have been severely impaired. As a 12th standard student, Harvinder studiously prepared for both AIEEE and NDA exams. Though he successfully, cleared the former exam, he failed the medical round of NDA (due to his fingers). Dejected that he missed an opportunity to serve the nation, Harvinder thought he cannot overlook supporting his family. His dad worked both as a farmer and truck driver to make ends meet. However, as a graduate in J&K, he found it extremely difficult to find a job.
In 2013, he started his work as an engineer for a private company in Allahabad. Well settled, Harvinder thought of fulfilling his dream of serving the nation. If he couldn’t do it through Army, he could through civil services. After failing the prelims in first attempt, mains in second attempt, he finally cleared the exams in his third attempt to be an IAS officer. “I feared that in my third attempt, I will fail the personality round”, Harvinder jokes. Despite back to back failures, Harvinder always looked forward to his next attempt like it was his final attempt.
Free to Attend (with mandatory registration) Ask me Anything Session with Harvinder Singh IAS
As a result of which, the same lad who once suffered unemployment and other issues in J&K, is working to bring changes to J&K for the poor, needy, vulnerable and youth.
This Thursday, Harvinder IAS is going to take some time off his busy schedule to address Civilsdaily aspirants. He will not only be talking about the specifics of UPSC-CSE journey, but also answering all your questions. If you are getting stuck due to any comprehension or consistency issue, it’s time to take Harvinder IAS sir’s help to solve them. And the good news is webinar is absolutely free for all to attend!
Key Takeways of Ask me Anything Session with Harvinder Singh IAS
1. Complete study booklist of Harvinder Singh IAS. For Prelims & Mains. Do you want to check if the current booklist you have are the right sources to prepare for UPSC-CSE?
2. Complete timeline of UPSC-CSE Preparation as a working professional. When did Harvinder IAS prepare for Prelims, Mains and Interview?
3. The art of making notes. What topics require notes and what topics don’t.
4. Harvinder Singh IAS during Mains examination. What kind of questions came and how did he answer it?
5. Hardwork in right direction vs Hardwork in wrong direction. Can only studying hard make you successful?
6. Normal, standard and frequent revision techniques. What are they?
Webinar Details
If you are studying hard but are unsure that you are studying right, then its time to get some assurance from the topper himself! Register for this free webinar by IAS officer Harvinder Singh.
Date: 16 December 2021 (Thursday)
Time: 7 P.M
-
Conflation between duties and rights
Context
There has been growing advocacy for the integration of duty with rights. On Constitution Day last month, many Union Ministers used the occasion to underline this proposal.
What do rights come with duty mean?
- It is a basic proposition that all rights come with duties.
- But those duties are quite distinct from the meaning ascribed to them in the popular discourse.
- When a person holds a right, she is owed an obligation by a duty-bearer.
- For example, when citizens are promised a right against discrimination, the government is obliged to ensure that it treats everybody with equal care and concern.
- Similarly, the guarantee of a right to freedom of speech enjoins the state to refrain from interfering with that liberty.
Integrating rights with duties
- Proponents of integration of duty with rights aim to treat otherwise non-binding obligations — the “fundamental duties” as Article 51A describes them on a par with, if not superior to, the various fundamental rights that the Constitution guarantees.
- In an inversion of the well-known dictum, they see duties, and not rights, as trumps.
- On Constitution Day last month, many Union Ministers used the occasion to underline this proposal.
- The government puts forward an idea that our rights ought to be made conditional on the performance of a set of extraneous obligations.
Issues with the proposal
- This suggestion is plainly in the teeth of the Constitution’s text, language, and history.
- To the framers of the Constitution, the very idea of deliberating over whether these rights ought to be provisional, and on whether these rights ought to be made subject to the performance of some alien duty, was against the republic’s vision.
- Imposing duties a legislative prerogative: The Constitution’s framers saw the placing of mandates on individual responsibilities as nothing more than a legislative prerogative.
- For example, the legislature could impose a duty on individuals to pay a tax on their income, and this duty could be enforced in a variety of ways.
- If the tax imposed and the sanctions prescribed were reasonable, the obligations placed on the citizen will be constitutionally valid.
- In this manner, Parliament and the State legislatures have imposed a plethora of duties — duties to care for the elderly and for children; duties to pay tolls and levies; duties against causing harm to others; duties to treat the environment with care, the list is endless.
- Against Constitution: What is critical, though, is that these laws cannot make a person’s fundamental right contingent on the performance of a duty that they impose.
- A legislation that does so will violate the Constitution.
Background
- The fundamental duties that are now contained in Article 51A were introduced through the 42nd constitutional amendment.
- The Swaran Singh Committee, which was set up during the Emergency, and which recommended the insertion of the clause, also suggested that a failure to comply with a duty ought to result in punishment.
- Ultimately, the amendment was introduced after the binding nature of the clause was removed.
- In its finally adopted form, Article 51A encouraged citizens to perform several duties.
Way forward
- Know the precise nature of duties the rights create: The philosopher Onora O’Neill has argued with some force that we would do well to discuss the precise nature of duties that rights create.
- Unless we do so, our charters of human rights may not by themselves be enough.
- For example, we may want to ask ourselves if the promise of a right to free expression imposes on the state something more than a duty to forebear from making an unwarranted restriction on that liberty.
- Does it require the state to also work towards creating an equal society where each person finds herself in a position to express herself freely?
Consider the question “How fundamental duties are related to the fundamental rights in the context of the Indian Constitution? What are the issues with making the enforcement of rights contingent on adhering to the duties?”
Conclusion
When we speak about the importance of obligations, it is these questions that must animate our discussions. Should we instead allow the language of fundamental duties to subsume our political debates, we would only be placing in jeopardy the moral principles at the heart of India’s republic.
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A case for in inclusion of Ladakh under Sixth Schedule
A ruling party MP from Ladakh has demanded that the region be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard land, employment, and cultural identity of the local population.
What is the Sixth Schedule?
- The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 provides for the formation of autonomous administrative divisions — Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
- ADCs have some legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within a state.
- The Sixth Schedule applies to the NE states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram (three Councils each), and Tripura (one Council).
Composition of ADCs
- ADCs have up to 30 members with a term of five years.
- It can make laws, rules and regulations with regard to land, forest, water, agriculture, village councils, health, sanitation, village- and town-level policing, inheritance, marriage and divorce, social customs and mining, etc.
- The Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam is an exception with more than 40 members and the right to make laws on 39 issues.
Why does Ladakh want to be part of the Sixth Schedule?
- Local aspirations: There was much enthusiasm initially, mostly in Leh, after the repeal of Art. 370 which created two new UTs.
- Negligence in erstwhile J&K state: Buddhist-dominated Leh district had long demanded UT status because it felt neglected by the erstwhile state government.
- Denial of Legislature: The enthusiasm waned as it was understood that while the UT of J&K would have a legislature, the UT of Ladakh would not.
- Inadequate representation: The administration of the region is now completely in the hands of bureaucrats with only 1 MP.
- New domicile criteria: The changed domicile policy in Jammu and Kashmir has raised fears in the region about its own land, employment, demography, and cultural identity.
- Statehood demands: A coalition of social, religious, and political representatives in Leh and Kargil has demanded full statehood for Ladakh.
Cultural significance of Ladakh
- Ladakh is historically perceived as a cosmopolitan region with centuries of multiple cultural settings.
- It was an Asian pivot – the people here traversed diverse cultural boundaries and engaged with ideas.
Can Ladakh be included in Sixth Schedule?
- NCST Recommends: In September 2019, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes recommended the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.
- Distinct culture: It was predominantly tribal (more than 97%), people from other parts of the country had been restricted from purchasing or acquiring land there, and its distinct cultural heritage needed preservation.
Legal hurdles
- Fifth schedule as an alternative: The Constitution is very clear, Sixth Schedule is for the Northeast. For tribal areas in the rest of the country, there is the Fifth Schedule.
- Exclusive provision for NE: Notably, no region outside the Northeast has been included in the Sixth Schedule.
- Requires Constitutional Amendment: It remains the prerogative of the government. For this, a constitutional amendment is required.
Government’s response in this regard
- The Centre woke up to the anxieties of the region when, a year after the abrogation of Article 370, when all political parties announced a boycott of the LAHDC-Leh elections.
- The political factions in Ladakh were promised “Sixth Schedule-like” protections by the Home Minister.
- The MHA has in Jan announced that a committee under then MoS Home G Kishan Reddy would be formed to address the issues related to language of Ladakh, culture of Ladakh and conservation of land in Ladakh.
- It had assured representatives of Kargil and Leh that the government was committed to look into their concerns.
Try this question from CSP 2015:
Q.The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to-
(a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
(b) determine the boundaries between States
(c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
(d) protect the interests of all the border States
Post your answers here.
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Cabinet clears push to raise marriage age of women from 18 to 21
The proposal to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 was cleared by the Union Cabinet based on the recommendations of a task force headed by Jaya Jaitley.
Minimum Age for Marriage in India
- Personal laws of various religions that deal with marriage have their own standards, often reflecting custom.
- For Hindus, The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 sets 18 years as the minimum age for the bride and 21 years as the minimum age for the groom.
- In Islam, the marriage of a minor who has attained puberty is considered valid.
- Now, the govt will have to amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the Special Marriage Act and personal laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
Reasons behind the decision
- Gender-neutrality: With this decision, the government will be bringing the age of marriage for both men and women at par.
- Motherhood complexities: An early age of marriage, and consequent early pregnancies, also have impacts on nutritional levels of mothers and their children, and their overall health and mental wellbeing.
- Mother and Child Mortality: It also has an impact on Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate.
- Women empowerment: The decision would empower women who are cut off from access to education and livelihood due to an early marriage.
- Protection from abuse: This will essentially outlaw premature girls marriages and prevent the abuse of minors.
What is the Jaya Jaitly Committee?
- In June 2020, the Ministry of WCD set up a task force to look into the correlation between the age of marriage with issues of women’s nutrition, prevalence of anemia, IMR, MMR and other social indices.
- The committee was to look at the feasibility of increasing the age of marriage and its implication on women and child health, as well as how to increase access to education for women.
Key recommendations
- The committee has recommended the age of marriage be increased to 21 years, on the basis of feedback they received from young adults from 16 universities across the country.
- The committee also asked the government to look into increasing access to schools and colleges for girls, including their transportation to these institutes from far-flung areas.
- Skill and business training has also been recommended, as has sex education in schools.
- The committee said these deliveries must come first, as, unless they are implemented and women are empowered, the law will not be as effective.
Criticism of the move
- Illegal marriages: Such legislation would push a large portion of the population into illegal marriages leading to non-institutional births.
- Ineffectiveness of existing laws: Decrease in child marriages has not been because of the existing law but because of an increase in girls’ education and employment opportunities.
- Unnecessary coercion: The law would end up being coercive, and in particular negatively impact marginalized communities, such as the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, making them law-breakers.
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Zero Budget Natural Farming
Zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) is back on top of the Government’s agricultural agenda, with PM set to highlight it at a national conclave.
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
- ZBNF is a set of farming methods, and also a grassroots peasant movement, which has spread to various states in India.
- Subhash Palekar perfected it during the 1990s at his farm in Amravati district in Maharashtra’s drought-prone Vidarbha region.
- According to the “zero budget” concept, farmers won’t have to spend any money on fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
- Over 98% of the nutrients that crops require — carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water, solar energy — are already present in nature.
- The remaining 1.5-2% are taken from the soil, after microorganisms convert them from “non-
Four Wheels of ZBNF
The “four wheels” of ZBNF are ‘Jiwamrita’, ‘Bijamrita’, ‘Mulching’ and ‘Waaphasa’.
- Jiwamrita is a fermented mixture of cow dung and urine (of desi breeds), jaggery, pulses flour, water and soil from the farm bund.
- This isn’t a fertilizer, but just a source of some 500 crore micro-organisms that can convert all the necessary “non-available” nutrients into “available” form.
- Bijamrita is a mix of desi cow dung and urine, water, bund soil and lime that is used as a seed treatment solution prior to sowing.
- Mulching, or covering the plants with a layer of dried straw or fallen leaves, is meant to conserve soil moisture and keep the temperature around the roots at 25-32 degrees Celsius, which allows the microorganisms to do their job.
- Waaphasa, or providing water to maintain the required moisture-air balance, also achieves the same objective.
Astra’s of ZBNF against pest attacks
- ZBNF advocates the use of special ‘Agniastra’, ‘Bramhastra’, and ‘Neemastra’ concoctions.
- They are based on cow urine and dung, plus pulp from leaves of neem, white datura, papaya, guava, and pomegranates — for controlling pest and disease attacks.
Is it organic farming?
- ZBNF uses farmyard manure or vermicompost.
Issues with ZBNF
- Cost of labor: The cost of labor for the collection of dung and urine, apart from the other inputs used in the preparation of Jiwamrita, Neemastra or Bramhastra is quit higher.
- Bovine cost: Keeping cows is also a cost that has to be accounted for. Farmers cannot afford to keep desi cows that yield very little milk.
- Vulnerability to pest attacks: ZBNF is scarcely practiced. The crop grown would be vulnerable to attacks by insects and pests have already become pest-immune.
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