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Type: Schemes

  • [pib] ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

    Why in the news-

    About Vocal for Local Initiative

    • Under this program, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated for sale.
    • District collectors and block-level officials will collaborate with partners such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to facilitate sustainable growth of microenterprises in Aspirational Blocks.
    • To facilitate this, a dedicated window for Aspirational Blocks Programme under the brand name ‘Aakanksha’ on GeM portal has been established.

    What is Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

    • The ABP is set on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the country.
    • The Centre had announced its intention to launch this initiative in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The programme will cover 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories initially.
    • Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).
    • However, states can add more blocks to the programme later.

    Back2Basics:  Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

    Details
    Launch Date January 2018
    Objective To transform identified aspirational districts quickly and effectively through a mass movement.
    Program Contours
    • Convergence of Central & State Schemes
    • Collaboration among Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors
    • Competition among districts driven by mass Movement.
    Selection of Districts
    • 117 Aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog based on composite indicators.
    • Real-time progress monitored based on 49 indicators from 5 thematic areas.
    Weightage of Indicators
    1. Health & Nutrition (30%)
    2. Education (30%)
    3. Agriculture & Water Resources (20%)
    4. Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)
    5. Basic Infrastructure (10%)
    Core Strategy
    • Development as a mass movement
    • Identify strengths and low-hanging fruits in each district
    • Measure progress and rank districts
    • Foster competition.
    Features
    • Transform into a Jan Andolan
    • Real-time data tracking for monitoring improvement
    • Convergence between central and state government programmes.
    • District performance made public
    • Experience building of district bureaucracy
    • Targeted towards the entire district population.

  • [pib] Cabinet approves UNNATI Scheme

    unnati

    In the news

    • The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI) Scheme, 2024.

    What is the UNNATI Scheme?

    • The UNNATI is a significant initiative aimed at fostering industrial development and generating employment opportunities in the North East Region of India.
    • With a focus on promoting manufacturing and services sectors, the scheme aims to stimulate economic growth and uplift the socio-economic landscape of the region.

    Objectives

    • Employment Generation: UNNATI aims to create productive economic activities that generate gainful employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the North East Region.
    • Industrial Development: The scheme seeks to encourage the establishment of industries and the expansion of existing ones, fostering growth and development across various sectors.

    Expenditure Allocation

    • UNNATI will operate as a Central Sector Scheme, with funds allocated for both incentives to eligible units (Part A) and implementation and institutional arrangements (Part B).
    • Part A of the scheme will receive Rs. 9,737 crores, while Rs. 300 crores will be allocated for Part B.

    Salient Features

    • Scheme Period: Effective from the date of Notification until March 31, 2034, along with 8 years of committed liabilities.
    • Commencement of Production: Eligible industrial units must commence production or operation within 4 years from the grant of registration.
    • Categorization of Districts: Districts are categorized into Zone A (Industrially Advanced Districts) and Zone B (Industrially Backward Districts) to ensure targeted development.
    • Funds Allocation: 60% of Part A outlay is earmarked for the 8 North Eastern states, while the remaining 40% follows a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis.
    • Eligibility: New and expanding industrial units are eligible for incentives under the scheme.

    Implementation and Oversight

    • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will oversee the implementation of UNNATI.
    • National and state-level committees, including the Steering Committee and State Level Committee, will monitor implementation, ensure transparency, and facilitate the registration and claims process for incentives.

  • Centre extends Ujjwala Subsidy by another Year

    In the news

    • In pretext of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of the subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for LPG cylinders, offering a subsidy of ₹300 (earlier ₹200) per cylinder for up to 12 refills per year.

    About Ujjwala Scheme

    Details
    Launch 1 May 2016
    Introduced By Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
    Aim Provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and disadvantaged households, reducing reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
    Phases
    1. Phase I: Launched on May 1, 2016, aimed to release 8 Crore LPG connections by March 2020.
    2. Ujjwala 2.0: Aimed to release an additional 1 crore LPG connections, achieved in January 2022, subsequently expanded to release an additional 60 lakh LPG connections.
    Financial Support ₹1600 financial assistance provided for each LPG connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
    Deposit-Free Connections Beneficiaries receive deposit-free LPG connections, including the first refill and a free hotplate.
    Benefits
    • Eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection.
    • Subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
    • Option to use EMI facility for stove and first refill costs.
    • Opportunity to join the PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme for direct subsidy transfers to bank accounts.

    Try a similar PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:

    With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Kerala to launch affordable ‘Sabari K-Rice ‘

    In the news

    • The Kerala government’s decision to introduce ‘Sabari K-Rice’ is seen as a response to the Union government’s distribution of ‘Bharat Rice.’

    Bharat Rice and Other Commodities

     

    • ‘Bharat’ Rice refers to the retail sale of rice by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to the general public at a subsidized price.
    • Its primary objective is to stabilize markets and ensure affordability for consumers.
    • This rice is available in 5kg and 10kg packs priced at ₹29/kg.
    •  It is distributed through cooperatives such as Kendriya Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF).
    • Additionally, it can be purchased from mobile vans and physical outlets of these cooperative agencies.
    • Moreover, these agencies also offer ‘Bharat Atta’ (wheat flour) at Rs. 27.50 per kg in 5kg and 10kg packs.
    • Similarly, ‘Bharat Dal’ (chana dal / Chickpea) is available at Rs. 60 per kg for a 1kg pack and Rs. 55 per kg for a 30kg pack, along with onions priced at Rs. 25 per kg.

    Sabari K-Rice

    • Objective: It aims to provide good quality rice at affordable rates, presenting an alternative to the existing subsidized rice scheme.
    • Distribution: K-Rice will be made available through Supplyco outlets, alongside the existing subsidized rice supply of 10 kg per card.
    • Quality and Pricing: K-Rice offers high-quality varieties at subsidized rates, contrasting with Bharat Rice sold by NAFED and NCCF at different prices.
    • Price Discrepancy: While Bharat Rice sells at ₹29 per kg, K-Rice aims to provide affordable rates, with the state government incurring additional costs to distribute it.

  • Launch of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

    Introduction

    • Prime Minister has launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to provide free electricity to its beneficiaries.

    About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

    Description
    Purpose To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores.
    Announcement Initially announced in an interim budget speech by the Finance Minister.
    Target Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
    Incentive for Renewable Energy Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems.
    Financial Support Central Government guarantees no financial burden on people through subsidies directly to bank accounts and highly concessional bank loans.
    Expected Benefits – Annual savings of ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 for households

    – Charging of electric vehicles

    – Entrepreneurship opportunities

    – Employment opportunities for youth with technical skills.

     

  • APAAR: One Nation, One Student ID Initiative  

    apaar

    Central Idea

    • About 25 crore Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) have been created, Union Education Minister informed at a national conference on ‘APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card.’

    What is APAAR?

    • What is it? : APAAR serves as a unique identification system for all students across India, commencing from early childhood.
    • Lifelong Student ID: Every student is assigned a lifelong 12-digit ID, simplifying the tracking of academic progress from pre-primary education through higher education.
    • Gateway to Digilocker: APAAR functions as a gateway to Digilocker, a digital repository where students can securely store crucial documents, including exam results and report cards, for convenient access during future endeavours such as higher education or job applications.

    How does APAAR ID function?

    • Unique Identification: Each individual receives a unique APAAR ID, linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC), a digital repository housing a student’s earned credits throughout their academic journey.
    • Seamless Data Transfer: When students change schools, whether within the state or to another state, their data in the ABC is seamlessly transferred to the new school by sharing the APAAR ID, eliminating the need for physical document submission.
    • All-Inclusive Repository: APAAR allows students to store certificates and credits from both formal and informal learning experiences, with digital certification from authorized institutions.

    Rationale behind APAAR

    • Streamlined Education: APAAR’s introduction aims to streamline education processes, reducing the burden on students to carry physical documents.
    • NEP 2020 Initiative: This initiative was launched as part of the National Education Policy 2020 by the Ministry of Education.
    • Empowering State Governments: APAAR empowers state governments to monitor literacy rates, dropout rates, and educational improvements effectively.
    • Combatting Fraud: It seeks to combat fraud and the proliferation of duplicate educational certificates by providing a single, reliable reference for educational institutions, ensuring authenticity through first-party verification.

    How to get an APAAR ID?

    • Registration Process: To enrol for APAAR, students provide basic details such as name, age, date of birth, gender, and a photograph, all of which are verified using their Aadhar number.
    • Aadhar Authentication: The Aadhaar number is used solely for verification purposes to match the name and date of birth, with no sharing of this data during registration.
    • Parental Consent for Minors: For minors, parental consent is mandatory for using the student’s Aadhar number for authentication with UIDAI.
    • Voluntary Registration: Registration for creating an APAAR ID is voluntary, not mandatory.

    Concerns surrounding APAAR

    • Data Security Concerns: Parents and students express concerns about sharing their Aadhar details, fearing potential leaks of personal information to external parties.
    • Government Assurance: The government assures that shared information will remain confidential and will only be disclosed to entities engaged in educational activities, including UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus), scholarships, academic record maintenance, educational institutions, and recruitment agencies.
    • Data Control: Students retain the option to cease sharing their information with these entities at any time, with a halt in data processing. However, previously processed data remains unaffected if consent is withdrawn.

  • ASHA and Anganwadi Workers/Helpers in Ayushman Bharat Scheme

    asha

    Introduction

    • Following the Centre’s decision to extend health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers and helpers, the Health Ministry has initiated the process of enrollment.
    • The Health Ministry has received Aadhaar details of 23 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers and over three lakh ASHA workers from various states.

    About Ayushman Bharat Scheme

    Details
    Launch 2018, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
    Aim Achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by providing promotive, preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.
    Funding Centrally Sponsored Scheme (expenditure shared between Central and State governments)
    Coverage Targets over 10 crore families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) based on SECC (Socio-Economic Caste Census)
    Implementing Agency National Health Authority (NHA)
    Components
    1. Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) providing primary care services.
    2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) offering health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year.
    Coverage Details
    • Covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
    • Includes pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization expenses.
    • No restrictions on family size, age, or gender.
    Portability of Benefits Benefits are portable across the country, allowing cashless treatment at any empanelled public or private hospital in India.
    Digital Overture Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Launched in 2021 to provide Unique Digital Health IDs (UHID) for all Indian citizens, facilitating electronic access to health records.

    Significance of ASHA Program

    • Workforce: As of December 31, 2023, there were over 13 lakh Anganwadi workers and over 10 lakh Anganwadi helpers in the country, along with 9.83 lakh ASHAs in position.
    • Program Scale: India’s ASHA program is recognized as the world’s largest community volunteer program, operating across 35 states and union territories.
    • Role of ASHAs: The ASHA program serves as a vital component of community healthcare, facilitating access to care and playing a crucial role in the prevention and management of COVID-19.
    • Contribution Acknowledged: ASHAs have been recognized for their substantial contribution to improving access to care for communities and are integral to various community platforms under the National Health Mission.

    Ayushman Bharat Scheme Impact

    • Beneficiary Coverage: Currently, 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12 crore families are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with some states/UTs expanding the beneficiary base at their own cost.
    • Enrollment and Hospital Admissions: The government has issued approximately 28.45 crore Ayushman cards, authorizing over 6.11 crore hospital admissions amounting to ₹78,188 crores.
    • Hospital Empanelment: A total of 26,901 hospitals, including 11,813 private hospitals, have been empanelled under AB-PMJAY to provide healthcare services to scheme beneficiaries.
    • Gender Equity: The scheme ensures gender equity in access to healthcare services, with women accounting for approximately 49% of Ayushman cards created and 48% of total authorized hospital admissions.

    Back2Basics:

    [1] Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)

    Details
    Launch Year 2005-06 as part of the National Rural Health Mission.

    Later extended to urban areas with the National Urban Health Mission in 2013.
    Program Scope Largest community health worker program globally, serving as health care facilitators, service providers, and health awareness generators.
    Number of ASHAs Over 10.52 Lakh ASHAs across all states/UTs (except Goa) as of June 2022.
    Role Provide maternal and child health services, family planning, and services under National Disease Control Programme.
    Service Population Serve populations of approximately 1,000 in rural areas and 2,000 in urban areas, with local adjustments based on workload.
    Selection Criteria
    • Primarily women residents of the village, preferably aged 25 to 45.
    • Literacy preferred and relaxed standards for tribal, hilly, or desert areas.
    Employment Classification Considered honorary/volunteer positions rather than government workers.

     

    [2] Anganwadi Programme

    Details
    Initiation
    • Started by the Government of India in 1975
    • Part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
    Objective To combat child hunger and malnutrition
    Implementation Centrally sponsored scheme implemented by States/UTs
    Services Provided
    1. Supplementary nutrition
    2. Pre-school non-formal education
    3. Immunization
    4. Health check-up
    5. Nutrition and health education
    6. Referral services
    Beneficiaries Identified based on Aadhaar

  • PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) launched

    Introduction

    • The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, for the micro and small enterprises operating in the fisheries sector.

    About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

    Details
    Total Investment Rs. 6,000 crores
    Duration 4 years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27)
    Funding Model 50% public finance (Rs. 3,000 crore, including World Bank and AFD financing) + 50% from beneficiaries/private sector (Rs. 3,000 crore)
    Implementation Scope All States and Union Territories in India
    Target Beneficiaries
    • Fishers, aquaculture farmers, fish workers, vendors
    • Micro and small enterprises, SHGs, FFPOs, startups in fisheries and aquaculture
    Employment Generation
    • 1.7 lakh new jobs
    • Special emphasis on employing 75,000 women
    Major Components
    • Formalization of fisheries sector
    • Adoption of aquaculture insurance
    • Support for microenterprises
    • Adoption and expansion of safety and quality assurance systems
    Digital Platform National Fisheries Digital Platform for 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises
    Insurance Incentive One-time incentive for purchasing aquaculture insurance, covering at least 1 lakh hectare of aquaculture farms
    Performance Grants
    • Microenterprise grants up to 25% of total investment or Rs.35 lakhs (whichever is lower) for general category
    • Up to 35% or Rs.45 lakhs for SC, ST, and women-owned enterprises
    • Village Level Organizations and Federations grants up to 35% of total investment or Rs.200 lakhs
    Project Management Establishment of Project Management Units (PMUs)
    Background Achievements
    • Fish production increased by 79.66 lakh tonnes
    • Shrimp production from 3.22 lakh tonnes to 11.84 lakh tonnes
    • Shrimp exports from Rs.19,368 crore to Rs.43,135 crore
    • Employment and livelihood opportunities for about 63 lakh fishers and fish farmers
    Challenges Addressed
    • Formalization of the informal sector
    • Crop risk mitigation
    • Access to institutional credit
    • Safety & quality of fish sold by micro & small enterprises

  • 700 One Stop Centres to be set across India

    Introduction

    • In a significant move towards women’s safety and empowerment, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development recently announced the establishment of One Stop Centres (OSCs) in over 700 districts across the nation.

    About One Stop Centre Scheme

    • Central Sponsorship: The One Stop Centre scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme developed under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
    • Inception: The scheme has been in operation since April 1, 2015, with a primary focus on addressing Gender-Based Violence.
    • Universal Reach: The One Stop Centre Scheme is committed to aiding all women, including girls below 18 years, who have suffered violence. Regardless of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation, or marital status, all women are eligible for support.
    • Protection for Minors: For girls below 18 years of age, the scheme collaborates with institutions and authorities established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012.

    Objectives of the One Stop Centre Scheme

    • Holistic Support: The core objective is to provide comprehensive and integrated support to women who have endured violence, whether in private or public spaces. All assistance is conveniently accessible under one roof.
    • Immediate Access: These centres ensure immediate access to a wide array of services encompassing medical, legal, psychological, and counseling support. This collective approach stands resolute against all forms of violence targeting women.

    Funding and Administration

    • Financial Backing: The Scheme receives its funding through the Nirbhaya Fund, with the Central Government providing 100% financial assistance.
    • Local Administration: Day-to-day implementation and administrative responsibilities rest with the District Collector/District Magistrate.

    Services Offered by OSCs

    The One Stop Centres serve as a lifeline for women in need, offering an array of essential services:

    • Emergency Response and Rescue Services
    • Medical Assistance
    • Assistance with lodging FIR/ NCR/DIR
    • Psycho-social Support and Counseling
    • Legal Aid and Counseling
    • Shelter
    • Video Conferencing Facility

  • Science Ministry announces first recipients of VAIBHAV Fellowship

    Introduction

    • In a significant move to bolster India’s scientific research ecosystem, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled the first batch of ‘Vaibhav’ fellows.

    About Vaibhav Fellowship Scheme

    • The Vaibhav Fellowship, initiated in June 2023, is designed to attract Indian-origin scientists residing abroad for short-term collaborations with Indian institutions.
    • These collaborations aim to foster research excellence and innovation by tapping into the expertise of Indian scientists from around the world.

    Benefits for Vaibhav Fellows

    • Collaboration: Fellows commit to spending a month or two annually in India for a maximum of three years, collaborating with host Indian institutions.
    • Financial Support: Each selected Vaibhav fellow receives a stipend of ₹4 lakh per month, along with accommodation during their stay in India.
    • Renowned Host Institutions: Host institutions encompass esteemed names like the IISc, IIT, and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, among others.
    • Research Grant: The host institutions are provided with a research grant to support collaborative projects and technology start-ups initiated by the fellows.
    • Long-term Research Connections: Fellows are encouraged to build enduring research connections with host institutions, collaborate with faculty, and bring fresh ideas to the field, contributing to Indian university and research settings.

    Vaibhav vs. Vajra: Distinct Objectives

    • Vaibhav Fellowship Scheme: Primarily targets the Indian diaspora for collaborations, with a focus on translational outcomes in critical areas of scientific research.
    • Vajra Scheme: Open to all foreign scientists, it promotes short-term visits by foreign faculty to Indian institutions, offering a broader platform for international collaboration.