The Minister of Cooperation has provided some information about the Nandini Sahakar Yojana.
NCDC has cumulatively disbursed financial assistance amounting to Rs. 6426.36 crore for the development of cooperative societies exclusively promoted by women across the country.
About Nandini Sahakar Yojana
The Nandini Sahakar Scheme was initiated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 2010.
It is a women-focused framework providing financial assistance, project formulation, hand-holding, and capacity development.
The scheme aims to assist women cooperatives in undertaking business model-based activities under the purview of NCDC.
Features of the Scheme
Any cooperative society with at least 50% womenas primary members and a minimum of three months in operation is eligible to apply.
Assistance is provided in the form of credit linkage for infrastructure term loans and working capital, along with subsidies or interest subvention from other government schemes.
There is no minimum or maximum limit on financial assistance for projects by women cooperatives.
NCDC offers a 2% interest subventionon its rate of interest on term loans for new and innovative activities.
A 1% interest subvention is provided on term loans for all other activities, resulting in lower borrowing costs for women cooperatives.
The government has introduced the Waqf Act Amendment Bill 2024, in order to improve administration and management of the Waqf properties.
Aim: To address existing issues in the management and administration of Waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and efficiency.
It also seeks to improve the legal framework governing Waqf boards and their operations across India.
Background:
The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 proposes changes to the Waqf Act of 1995.
The Waqf Board Act, initially enacted in 1995, is a legal framework governing the administration of Waqf properties in India.
Waqf refers to the endowment of property for religious or charitable purposes, and the act outlines the structure, functions, and powers of Waqf boards responsible for managing these properties.
The Central Waqf Council is a statutory body that advises and oversees the functioning of state-level Waqf Boards in India, established under the Waqf Act.
Wakf board’s income is exempt from Income Tax but revenue generated from leasing of properties can be taxed under the service tax and GST laws.
Features of the Proposed Bill:
Waqf Board will mandatorily have two Non-Muslim members.
District magistrates may be involved in overseeing waqf properties to ensure proper management. The survey is to be carried out by the district collector, not by Waqf.
Properties are to be registered through a Centralized Portal for better scrutiny. Properties already claimed by boards will undergo new verification processes to resolve disputes and prevent misuse.
Waqf will lose the right to decide whether any property is a Waqf Asset or not.
Present Composition of Waqf Board
Chairperson
Leads the Board
State government nominees
Representatives appointed by the state. (The Waqf Board operates under the supervision of the state government as per the provision of the Wakf Act 1995).
Legislators and parliamentarians
State representatives from the Muslim community
State Bar Council members
Muslim Legal experts providing guidance
Mutawalis
Managers of waqf with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above
Islamic scholars
Religious experts contributing to decision-making
Significance of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:
The bill seeks to bring about significant administrative reforms and ensure more inclusive and efficient management of Waqf assets. Here are some of the significances of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:
Enhanced Transparency: The bill includes provisions to digitize records and create a centralized database. This will make it easier to track and manage Waqf properties, reducing the potential for fraud and mismanagement.
Improved Governance: Administrative reforms proposed in the bill by the government will lead to more professional and efficient management of Waqf properties. This could result in better utilization of these resources for charitable and religious purposes.
Protection of Waqf Properties: The bill aims to protect Waqf properties by regulating leasing and preventing encroachments. Unauthorized use and exploitation of these properties will be prevented, ensuring they are used for their intended religious and charitable purposes.
Inclusion and Representation: Including Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is a step toward more inclusive governance, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Efficient Dispute Resolution: The new dispute resolution mechanism will help in resolving conflicts related to Waqf properties more effectively, reducing the burden on regular courts and ensuring quicker justice.
For better implementation and efficient monitoring, all schemes implemented by the Ministry for the betterment of children have been consolidated into 3 verticals:
These verticals aim to improve nutrition and health indicators, ensure safety and empowerment of women, and provide protection and welfare for children in difficult circumstances.
The Anganwadi Services Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and Scheme for Adolescent Girls have been reorganized into three primary sub-verticals:
Nutrition Support: For POSHAN and Adolescent Girls.
Early Childhood Care and Education: Targeting children aged 3-6 years.
Anganwadi Infrastructure: Upgrading and modernizing Saksham Anganwadis.
Key Features:
Fortified rice supplied to Anganwadi Centres to meet micronutrient requirements and control anemia among children.
Emphasis on the use of millets for Hot Cooked Meals at least once a week and Take Home Ration (THR) at Anganwadi centers.
[2] Mission Shakti
Sambal: Focuses on the safety and security of women.
Includes schemes like One Stop Centres (OSC), Women Helpline (181-WHL), and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).
Samarthya: Aims at the empowerment of women.
Encompasses schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Ujjwala, Swadhar Greh (renamed as Shakti Sadan), Working Women Hostel (renamed as Sakhi Niwas), National Hub for Empowerment of Women (NHEW), and National Creche Scheme (renamed as Palna).
[3] Mission Vatsalya
Objective: To provide better outreach and protection for children in need of care in a mission mode.
Goals:
Support and sustain children in difficult circumstances.
Develop context-based solutions for the holistic development of children from varied backgrounds.
Encourage innovative solutions through green field projects.
Facilitate convergent action by gap funding if required.
PYQ:
[2016] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The Health Ministry has requested the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to implement measures to prevent surrogate advertisements of tobacco and alcoholrelated products by sportspersons.
AboutSports Authority of India (SAI)
Details
Establishment
Founded in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Headquarters
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, New Delhi, India
Objectives
Promote sports and physical education
Develop sports infrastructure
Identify and nurture sports talent
Conduct coaching and training programs
Key Programs
National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)
Special Area Games (SAG)
SAI Training Centres (STC)
Centres of Excellence (COE)
National Sports Academies (NSA)
Major Facilities
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi
Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala
Notable Initiatives
Khelo India Program
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)
About Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Details
Establishment
Founded in December 1928
Headquarters
Cricket Centre, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Objectives
Promote and develop cricket in India
Organize domestic and international cricket matches
Identify and nurture cricket talent
Maintain cricket infrastructure and facilities
Key Responsibilities
Selection of national cricket teams (men’s, women’s, and junior)
Organization of domestic cricket tournaments
Administration of Indian Premier League (IPL)
Conducting training and coaching programs
Major Tournaments
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Ranji Trophy
Vijay Hazare Trophy
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Duleep Trophy
Irani Cup
Funding and Support
Funded through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and match revenues
Provides financial assistance and contracts to cricketers
Reforms
Justice Lodha Committee: Result of the report submitted by the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee after an investigation into the 2013 IPL betting scandal.
PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship:
1. The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won.
2. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England.
Mains: Q1 Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Q2 What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)
Note4Students:
Mains: Issues related to Broadcasting Regulation Bill, 2024;
Mentor comments: Could Dhruv Rathee and Ravish Kumar’s YouTube videos have swayed voter preferences in the 2024 general election? This question arises in the context of a Union government that anticipated a return to power with a larger majority but instead was re-elected as a coalition with a reduced mandate. Recognizing a threat to its authority, the government seeks to undermine digital creators through the Broadcasting Regulation Bill, 2024. Data from two CSDS-Lokniti surveys reveal that 29% of voters consume political content daily on digital platforms, suggesting a shift towards a “content election” where digital media increasingly challenges traditional television news.
Let’s learn!
__
Why in the News?
The Broadcasting Bill, 2024 exhibits clear characteristics of a digital authoritarianism initiative aimed at controlling online narratives.
Recent changes Convergence of IT and broadcasting ministries:
Ashwini Vaishnaw remains the Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and has also been given the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) portfolio. This reflects a growing convergence and interest of these ministries in controlling digital content.
Key highlights of the Bill
Expanded Definition of Broadcasters: The Bill classifies individual commentators as “Digital News Broadcasters” and content creators as “OTT Broadcasters.”
This allows the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to set and modify thresholds for subscribers or users, mandating registration for those who meet these criteria, thus significantly broadening government oversight over digital media.
New Compliance Requirements: The Bill introduces additional compliance measures for online platforms, establishing a new safe harbor regime separate from the Information Technology Act, 2000.
It enables the MIB to enforce censorship and require platforms like YouTube to implement specific compliance measures entities.
Expanding legal powers for censorship: A formal legal basis for this censorial partnership was established through the IT Rules, 2021 which expanded MeitY’s powers, including a traceability mandate compromising end-to-end encryption.
The rules also granted the MIB new powers to require registration and block digital news media and online entertainment streaming apps. The MIB has publicly disclosed enforcement action only when it aligns with nationalistic themes fitting its political interests.
Creation of an Autocratic Weapon for Digital Censorship
Expansion of IT Rules: Following the inadequacies of the IT Rules, 2021, the Union Government expanded its powers twice in 2023, first by establishing Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) to handle appeals regarding digital content and then by amending the IT Rules to allow the government to remove content deemed “fake, false, and misleading.“
Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023: The introduction of this bill is seen as a significant step towards increased government control over digital content.
If passed, it would require online creators, such as those on YouTube and Instagram, to register and operate under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), effectively granting the government unprecedented authority over digital expression.
Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability: Critics argue that the Broadcasting Bill, 2023, and its subsequent version, the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, would enhance government powers while reducing transparency and accountability. This could lead to an erosion of fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression.
Secrecy and Lack of Public Access: The latest draft of the Broadcasting Bill, 2024, has not been made public, and access has been restricted to select stakeholders under stringent conditions.This secrecy contradicts the government’s own Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy, raising concerns about the democratic process and public participation in law-making.
Way forward:
The government should adhere to its own Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy and make the latest draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, publicly accessible to allow for meaningful public participation and scrutiny.
Processes should be put in place to ensure transparency in the decision-making process of the Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) and the enforcement actions taken by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
Karnataka CM has offered to discuss with Tamil Nadu, the implementation of Mekedatu Project across River Cauvery.
About Mekedatu Project
Mekedatu is a location along Kaveri in the border of Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara Districts in Karnataka.
Karnataka intends to build a reservoir across River Cauvery near Mekedatu.
The dam is proposed to have a capacity of 48 TMCfeet (thousand million cubic) and is estimated to cost Rs 6,000 crore.
It was first proposed in 2003 with an intention:
To use the water for a hydro power station (400 MW) and
Supply drinking water to Bengaluru city.
At Mekedatu, the Kaveri runs through a deep, narrow ravineof hard granite rock.
Tamil Nadu’s concerns over the Project
Tamil Nadu has all along strongly opposed the project and approached the Supreme Court as well.
Its argument is that any dam proposal by upper riparian states in the Cauvery basin would deprive the state’s delta farmers of their rightful share of water as per the top court verdict.
Tamil Nadu contends that the proposed dam violates the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, which determined the water-sharing arrangements between the two states.
About Cauvery River
The Cauvery River, also spelled as ‘Kaveri’ and known as ‘Ponni’in Tamil, originates from Talakaveri in the Brahmagirirange located in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.
It spans approximately 800 km, traversing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, until it eventually discharges in theBay of Bengal.
The river’s catchment area covers regions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
Key tributaries that join the Cauvery include Harangi, Hemavati, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, and Bhavani.
Cauvery remains perennial due to its dual reliance on both advancing and retreating monsoons for rainfall.
Justifications and proposals by Karnataka
Ensuring adequate flow to TN: Karnataka argues that the construction of the Mekedatu dam will not hinder the stipulated quantum of water release to Tamil Nadu nor be utilized for irrigation purposes.
Allocation of funds and willingness to negotiate: The Karnataka government has earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for the project, indicating its commitment. It also expresses willingness to engage in discussions and negotiations with Tamil Nadu to address concerns and find a resolution.
Clearance of feasibility study: The Central Water Commission cleared a feasibility study for the Mekedatu project in 2018, providing additional support for Karnataka’s justifications and indicating the project’s viability.
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
The Karnataka government has introduced a bill in the state assembly that aims to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) by dividing it into multiple smaller municipal corporations. This proposal is known as the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024.
What is the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill?
The Bill aims to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into smaller administrative units to improve governance in Bengaluru.
Drafted by the BBMP Restructuring Committee, the Bill has undergone multiple revisions since its inception in 2014, with the latest modifications presented in June 2024.
The Bill was tabled in the Karnataka Assembly on July 23, 2024, and is set for discussion among lawmakers, with a sub-committee likely to scrutinize it before further consideration.
Key Highlights of the Draft Bill
City Corporations: The Bill proposes that the number of city corporations in the Greater Bengaluru Area shall not exceed ten, with indications that it may be split into five units based on specified criteria.
Governance Structure: A three-tier governance structure will be established, comprising the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) at the top, city corporations in the middle, and ward committees at the bottom.
Composition of GBA: The GBA will be headed by the Chief Minister and include 21 members, including key ministers and heads of various urban development organizations.
Criteria for Corporations: City corporations must have a population of at least 10 lakh, a density of over 5,000 people per sq km, and a minimum revenue generation of ₹300 crore annually.
Ward Distribution: Each city corporation will consist of between 50 to 200 wards, with the current BBMP having 198 wards.
Present Criticism
The BJP has criticized the Bill as “unscientific,” claiming it threatens the cultural identity of Bengaluru and could lead to administrative chaos.
BJP leaders have expressed fears that the proposed restructuring could diminish the prominence of the Kannada language in Bengaluru.
Critics point to the unsuccessful trifurcation of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 2012, which was reversed in 2022, as a cautionary tale against such restructuring efforts.
Concerns have been raised that the Bill may exacerbate economic disparities among the proposed city corporations, with wealthier areas receiving more resources while poorer areas remain underdeveloped.
Way forward:
Comprehensive Stakeholder Consultation: Before finalizing the Bill, the government should conduct extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including local residents, urban planners, civic organizations, and opposition parties. This will ensure that diverse perspectives are considered, addressing concerns about cultural identity, economic disparities, and administrative efficiency.
Clear Definition and Criteria: The Bill should include clear definitions of “local areas” and the criteria for determining the boundaries of the proposed city corporations.
The Union government will set up a committee led by MoS Home Nityanand Rai to address concerns and expedite the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which aims to empower tribal autonomous councils in northeastern states.
What is the Controversy over the 125th Amendment Bill?
The Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019 aims to grant more financial, executive, and administrative powers to tribal autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Bill has faced delays due to unresolved issues between the Union government and the tribal councils, prompting the formation of a committee to address these concerns.
Tribal leaders argue that the Bill is essential for streamlining administrative systems, ensuring proper resource flow, and enhancing the capacity of councils to implement policies beneficial to their communities.
The Bill has been pending since its introduction in the Rajya Sabha in February 2019 and has faced scrutiny from the Departmental-Related Standing Committee on Home Affairs, which flagged multiple issues.
What are Tribal Autonomous Councils?
Tribal autonomous councils are local governance bodies established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to provide autonomy and protect the rights of tribal populations in certain northeastern states of India.
As of now, there are 10 autonomous councils across Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, which have the authority to legislate on matters related to land, public health, and agriculture.
These councils are intended to empower tribal communities by allowing them to manage their resources and governance independently from state governments.
About the North Eastern Council (NEC) and Its Structural Mandate
The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established in 1972 as a statutory body to promote the economic and social development of the northeastern states of India.
The NEC’s primary mandate includes coordinating the planning and implementation of development programs, facilitating inter-state cooperation, and addressing issues specific to the northeastern region.
The NEC comprises the Chief Ministers of the northeastern states, along with a nominated representative from the central government, ensuring representation from both state and central authorities.
The Council focuses on various sectors, including infrastructure development, education, health, and cultural preservation, aiming to enhance the overall development of the northeastern states.
Conclusion: The Union government should initiate a transparent and inclusive consultation process involving all stakeholders, including tribal leaders, local communities, and state governments. This process should aim to address the concerns raised by tribal councils and ensure that their voices are heard in the legislative process.
A single bench of the Kerala High Court has stayed the release of the Justice Hema Commission report.
The report investigated women’s working conditions in the Malayalam film industry.
About the Assault that Exposed the Deep Gender Divide
On February 17, 2017, a leading Malayalam film actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in her car while traveling from Thrissur to Kochi.
The incident caused shock and outrage across Kerala as disturbing details emerged, including a video purportedly intended for blackmail.
Six of the ten accused were arrested quickly, and popular actor Dileep was named an accused and remanded to judicial custody in July. He is currently out on bail, with the trial ongoing since 2020.
Formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)
The incident highlighted the discriminatory treatment faced by women in the film industry.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was formed in response, submitting a petition to the Chief Minister demanding an inquiry into gender issues in the industry.
The Hema Commission
In July 2017, five months after the incident, the state government formed a 3-member committee headed by retired Kerala High Court judge, Justice K Hema.
The committee’s objective was to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
In December 2019, a 300-page report was submitted to the CM Pinarayi Vijayan, including documents, audio, and video evidence.
Findings and Recommendations
The commission consulted multiple women professionals in the industry, recording detailed accounts of sexual harassment, wages earned, and possible blacklisting.
The report highlighted the existence of a casting couch, and the presence of alcohol and drugs on film sets.
The commission recommended forming a tribunal to investigate these allegations.
Other recommendations included making job contracts mandatory, ensuring wage parity across genders for the same job, banning drugs and liquor on shooting locations, and ensuring safe working conditions for women.
PYQ:
[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2014] We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.
Q1 What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Q2 The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Prelims: Q With reference to ‘Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD)’, consider the following statements (2017) 1. The first APMCHUD was held in India in 2006 on the theme ‘Emerging Urban Forms — Policy Responses and Governance Structure’. 2. India hosts all the Annual Ministerial Conferences in partnership with ADB, APEC and ASEAN. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Note4Students:
Prelims: Initiative related to Housing in India;
Mains:Issues related to Urbanisation;
Mentor comments: Urban planning in India focuses on managing rapid urbanization, which has seen the urban population grow from 62.4 million in 1951 to 377.1 million in 2011, projected to reach 590 million by 2030. Key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and solid waste management. The government is promoting initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Smart Cities Mission to enhance urban livability and sustainability, emphasizing public participation and financial investment in urban infrastructure.
Let’s learn!
__
Why in the News?
The new government’s first Budget has acknowledged cities as key growth hubs and provided numerous opportunities and options for their planned development and expansion.
Initiative related to Housing in Budget (2024-2025)
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): Launched in 2015, the scheme has successfully provided 85 lakh housing units for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Middle Income Groups (MIG) with an investment of approximately ₹8 lakh crore.
The Budget allocates ₹30,171 crore for the current year to support the construction of housing units and provide interest subsidies to facilitate affordable loans for beneficiaries.
New Rental Housing for Industrial Workers: The Budget introduces plans for new rental housing with dormitory-type accommodations for industrial workers, developed through public-private partnerships (PPP) with financial support under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme.
Core Infrastructure Development: The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is allocated ₹8,000crore to enhance essential urban infrastructure, including water supply, sanitation, roads, and sewerage systems.
Investment in Urban Infrastructure: A significant investment of ₹11.11 lakh crore is earmarked for capital expenditure in infrastructure, which includes provisions for urban development.
Smart Cities Mission: The Budget provides ₹2,400 crore for the Smart Cities Mission, which has seen a reduction in funding compared to previous years, focusing on completing existing commitments.
Issues related to housing in India:
• Housing Shortage: India faces a significant housing deficit, with approximately 19 million households lacking decent housing in urban areas, contributing to a slum population of 65.5 million living in 13.7 million slum households in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. •Affordable Housing Crisis: The gap between housing demand and supply has led to the proliferation of slums. The 2011 Census indicates that 4.5 lakh homeless families and a total of 17.73 lakh individuals are living without any roof over their heads. • Urbanization Pressure: Rapid urbanization is putting immense pressure on urban resources. The urban population in India is projected to nearly double between 2018 and 2050, intensifying the existing housing crisis and straining infrastructure. •Environmental Degradation: Unplanned urban expansion and inadequate housing development contribute to environmental issues, such as urban heat islands, pollution, and inadequate drainage systems, leading to crises like the Chennai floods in 2015.
Budget on Urban Planning:
The Budget has declared a focus on the planned development of cities, recognizing the importance of strategic urban planning.
Municipalities will receive the normal ‘Finance Commission Grant’ of ₹25,653 crore to support their development initiatives.
On Transit-Oriented Development: The development of mass rapid transit systems in cities will enable transit-oriented development, allowing for denser development around transit hubs without overburdening roads.
The Budget has announced an enhanced focus on economic and transit planning, emphasizing the orderly development of peri-urban areas through town planning schemes.
On Electric Bus Systems: The Budget proposes encouraging the adoption of electric bus systems in cities, providing ₹1,300 crore in support.
Budget on Solid Waste Management:
Government Initiatives: The Budget has announced a special thrust to introduce bankable projects for solid waste management in collaboration with state governments and financial institutions. This indicates a commitment to improving waste management systems.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): States and municipalities can utilize the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support SWM projects, making it financially feasible for local governments to implement effective waste management solutions.
Successful Models: Cities like Indore in Madhya Pradesh have demonstrated successful models of solid waste management, showcasing that SWM can be a financially viable proposition. Indore has been recognized for its effective waste segregation and processing systems.
Street Vendors and Urban Planning: The Street Vendors Act, 2014, aims to regulate street vending and protect the rights of vendors, which can contribute to organized waste management in urban areas. The Budget proposes the development of 100 weekly ‘haats’ or street food hubs, which can be integrated into broader waste management strategies.
Way forward:
Integrated Housing Policies: Develop integrated housing policies that address the entire housing continuum, from emergency shelters to affordable housing, to bridge the gap between demand and supply.
Sustainable Urban Development: Implement sustainable urban development practices, focusing on environmentally friendly infrastructure, green spaces, and resilient housing to mitigate environmental degradation.
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