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Type: Schemes

  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    PM E-Bus Seva Scheme: 10,000 Electric Buses to Transform Urban Mobility

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: E-Bus Seva Scheme

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    e-bus

    Central Idea

    • The Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the PM e-bus Seva scheme marks a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility and promoting green transportation across India.

    PM E-Bus Seva: Scheme Overview

    • E-Bus Definition: The scheme’s core revolves around e-buses, which are buses powered solely by zero-emissions electricity sources for both propulsion and accessory systems.
    • Scope and Cost: The PM e-bus Sewa scheme is estimated to cost ₹57,613 crore, with the Central government contributing ₹20,000 crore.
    • Operational Support: The scheme is designed to provide operational support to bus services for a period of 10 years.

    Implementation Strategy

    • Two Segments: The scheme will be executed in two distinct segments:
      1. 10,000 E-Buses: In 169 cities, 10,000 e-buses will be introduced through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
      2. Infrastructure Upgrades: In 181 other cities, green urban mobility initiatives will focus on improving infrastructure, bus priority, charging infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, and automated fare collection systems.
    • Depot Infrastructure: For the first segment, the development and enhancement of depot infrastructure, including power substations, will be undertaken to support the new e-buses.
    • Job Creation: The scheme is expected to generate around 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs, contributing to employment growth.

    Coverage and Funding

    • Coverage: Cities with populations of three lakh and above, Union Territory capitals, as well as northeastern and hill states, are included in the scheme’s ambit.
    • Funding Model: States or cities will manage bus services and payments to bus operators, with the Central government providing subsidies as outlined in the scheme. This approach promotes decentralized management.

    Positive Impacts

    • Environmental Benefits: The adoption of electric buses will significantly reduce noise and air pollution, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
    • Carbon Emission Reduction: Electric mobility aligns with India’s commitment to curb carbon emissions and combat climate change.
    • Economies of Scale: Aggregating electric bus procurement is expected to achieve economies of scale, making electric buses more financially viable and encouraging their adoption.

    Conclusion

    • The PM e-bus Sewa scheme signifies India’s ambitious stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility.
    • It also highlights the government’s commitment to job creation, as well as its determination to transform the transportation sector into a cleaner, greener, and more efficient mode of commuting.

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Annapurna Food Packet Scheme in Rajasthan

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Annapurna Food Packet Scheme

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • Rajasthan’s government launched the Annapurna food packet scheme as part of its welfare initiatives, aiming to support 1.10 crore people, especially those hit hard by the pandemic.

    Annapurna Food Packet Scheme

    • The scheme primarily benefits families identified through the National Food Security Act (NFSA) survey, encompassing poor and destitute families.
    • It also extends beyond NFSA beneficiaries to encompass families that received ₹5,500 pandemic assistance, totalling around 1.05 crore beneficiaries.

    Benefits and Contents

    • Monthly Distribution: Eligible beneficiaries can collect Annapurna food packets monthly from fair price shops (FPS) at no cost.
    • Content Details: Each packet contains essential items – 1 kg gram pulses, sugar, and iodized salt, 1 litre soybean refined edible oil, 100 grams each of chilli powder and coriander powder, and 50 grams of turmeric powder.
    • Commission to FPS: FPS will receive a ₹10 commission per packet distributed, incentivizing their participation.

    Back2Basics: National Food Security Act (NFSA)

    • The NFS Act was enacted on 12th September 2013, with retrospective effect from 5th July 2013.
    • It integrates legal entitlements for prevailing food security initiatives of the GoI, encompassing the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and the Public Distribution System (PDS).
    • The NFSA enshrines a legal right for individuals belonging to “eligible households” to acquire food grains at subsidized rates.

    Features

    • Recognizing Maternity: The NFS Act acknowledges the importance of maternal health by incorporating maternity entitlements within its provisions.
    • Coverage Spectrum: While the Midday Meal Scheme and ICDS are accessible to all, the PDS caters to about two-thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas).
    • Special Benefits: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and specific categories of children enjoy the privilege of daily free cereals, enhancing their nutritional security.
    • Subsidized Rates: The act establishes central issue prices (CIPs) for food grains, offering rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg, and coarse grains at Rs 1/kg through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    Many states refrain to implement PM-USHA Scheme

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-USHA Scheme

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have not signed the required MoU for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) under the PM-USHA scheme.
    • Concerns revolve around budget allocation and the absence of specific funds for NEP reforms.

    PM-USHA Scheme

    • The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was introduced as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to financially support institutions in States/UTs.
    • Its aim was to enhance access, equity, and excellence in higher education with improved efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
    • The initial phase of the scheme commenced in 2013, followed by the second phase in 2018.
    • In alignment with the National Education Policy, the RUSA initiative has been revamped as the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

    Challenges and Concerns

    • Lack of Additional Funds: The MoU requires states to undertake NEP-related administrative, academic, accreditation, and governance reforms. States are concerned that there are no extra funds designated specifically for NEP reforms within the scheme.
    • 40% State Contribution: States have to bear 40% of the expenses under the PM-USHA scheme, leading to further apprehensions about their ability to fund NEP initiatives.
    • Incomplete Alignment: The MoU doesn’t explicitly address the financial needs for implementing NEP changes, leading to dissatisfaction among some state governments.

    Government Response and Flexibility

    • Consultations and Integration: The University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman emphasizes the integration between NEP and PM-USHA through the MoU, which necessitates alignment with NEP principles.
    • Streamlined Approach: The PM-USHA scheme consolidates various components and offers states more flexibility in focusing on felt needs.
    • Focus on Prioritized Districts: States can identify priority districts based on enrollment ratios, gender parity, and demographic proportions, ensuring tailored educational interventions.

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    Cabinet approves ₹1.39 lakh crore for BharatNet project

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: BharatNet Project

    Mains level: Not Much

    bharatnet

    Central Idea

    • The Cabinet has given its approval for an outlay of ₹1.39 lakh crore for the BharatNet project, aimed at providing last-mile connectivity to around 6.4 lakh villages across India.

    About BharatNet Project

    • Objectives: The project aims to connect 6.4 lakh villages, covering all gram panchayats in the country, with last-mile broadband connectivity through optical fiber.
    • Implementation: Bharat Broadband Network (BBNL), a special purpose vehicle under Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is responsible for executing the project.
    • Tie-up with VLEs: BBNL will collaborate with village level entrepreneurs (VLEs) to provide connectivity, following a successful pilot project in four districts and later expanded to 60,000 villages.
    • Progress So Far: As of now, around 1.94 lakh villages have been connected, and the rest are expected to be covered in the next 2.5 years.

    Services details

    BharatNet is the world’s largest rural connectivity scheme with an Optical Fibre network.

    1. Gram Panchayat: The scheme aimed to provide 100 Mbps broadband to 2.5 lakh gram panchayats.
    2. Households: The main goal is affordable 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps broadband for all households, especially in rural areas.

    Key Achievements of the Project

    • Broadband Connections: The pilot project involved 3,800 entrepreneurs providing 3.51 lakh broadband connections to villages.
    • Data Consumption: Households in connected villages recorded an average data consumption of 175 gigabytes per month.
    • Pricing and Speed: The project is based on a 50% revenue share between BBNL and VLEs, offering monthly broadband plans priced from ₹399 to ₹799 with a minimum speed of 30mbps.
    • Optical Fiber Laid: Currently, there are 37 lakh route kilometers (rkm) of optical fiber cable (OFC) laid in India, with BBNL contributing 7.7 lakh rkm OFC to the network.

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Annapurti: The grain ATM

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Annapurti

    Mains level: Not Much

    annapurti

    Central Idea

    • The recent demonstration of the Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machine, Annapurti, during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs,’ showcased an innovative solution developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) India.

    What is Annapurti?

    • Annapurti, also known as the Grain ATM, offers a fast, clean, and precise method of providing subsidized grains to beneficiaries through the Public Distribution System.
    • Developed by WFP India, it is an automated multi-commodity dispensing solution that ensures efficient access to commodities like rice, wheat, and grains.
    • Beneficiaries can securely access their entitlements through Annapurti following biometric authentication.

    Key Features

    • Annapurti offers 24×7 access to full entitlements, eliminating spillage, waste, and inaccurate weighing.
    • The machine can dispense one or two grain commodities, up to 50 kilograms, within five minutes, with a minimal error rate of 0.01 percent.

    Advantages and Potential Applications

    (1) Ensuring Food Security:

    • Annapurti has significant potential for food-based safety nets, ensuring beneficiaries receive their monthly subsidized grains promptly.
    • The machine’s precision and reliability prevent losses and ensure individuals receive their entitled portions.

    (2) Emergency Food Grain Distribution:

    • During emergencies, such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises, Annapurti can facilitate efficient and timely distribution of food grains to affected populations.
    • Its automated system streamlines the process, reducing dependency on manual labor and minimizing errors.

    (3) Market Access for Smallholder Farmers:

    • Annapurti can play a crucial role in expanding market access for smallholder farmers.
    • By offering a reliable and efficient distribution channel, farmers can sell their produce directly to Annapurti, ensuring fair prices and reducing intermediaries.

    Sustainable and Modular Design

    (1) Energy Efficiency:

    • Annapurti is designed to prioritize food security while ensuring efficient energy consumption.
    • With a consumption rate of only 0.6 Watt per hour, it offers an environmentally friendly solution.

    (2) Modular Design:

    • Annapurti’s modular design allows for flexibility and scalability based on available space.
    • The storage unit and components can be easily assembled and customized to suit different requirements.

    (3) Integration with Renewable Energy:

    • Annapurti can be integrated with solar panels, inverter batteries, and elevators for automatic refilling.
    • This integration enhances the sustainability of the system by reducing dependency on conventional energy sources.

     

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  • Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

    Scheme to support Minor Rape Victims

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mission Vatsalya

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Centre has introduced a special scheme to provide medical, financial, and infrastructural support to minor rape victims who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault.

    Supporting Minor Rape Victims

    • The scheme, operating under the Nirbhaya Fund, aims to address the needs of minor victims and has been allocated ₹74.1 crore in funding.
    • The Ministry of Women and Child Development has collaborated with State governments and Child Care Institutions (CCIs) to implement this initiative.
    • It leverages the existing administrative structure of Mission Vatsalya, which focuses on child protection and welfare.

    Objectives of the Scheme

    • Integrated Support: The scheme aims to provide comprehensive assistance and support to girl child victims in a single framework.
    • Range of Services: Immediate and non-emergency services include access to education, police assistance, healthcare (including maternity, neo-natal, and infant care), psychological support, and legal aid.
    • Insurance Coverage: The scheme offers insurance coverage for the minor victim and her newborn,

    Eligibility and Coverage

    • Criteria: Victims eligible for support under the scheme are girls below 18 years of age who become pregnant due to rape under the provisions of the POCSO Act and are either orphans or abandoned by their families.
    • No Mandatory FIR Requirement: Victims do not need to possess a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to avail benefits under the scheme.

    Other initiatives

    • Establishment of POCSO Fast-Track Courts: The government has set up 415 fast-track courts across the country to expedite the legal proceedings for minor victims of rape.
    • Additional Support: The new scheme complements the judicial measures by providing comprehensive support to minor victims.

    Need for Support

    • High Incidence of Cases: The National Crime Records Bureau reported 51,863 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in 2021.
    • Predominantly Girls as Victims: Analysis reveals that 99% of the cases involved girls, many of whom experience physical and mental health concerns when they become pregnant as a result of the assault.
    • Vulnerable Situations: Some victims are disowned or abandoned by their families, while others are orphans, exacerbating their challenges.

     

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  • Fertilizer Sector reforms – NBS, bio-fertilizers, Neem coating, etc.

    PM-PRANAM Scheme gets cabinet nod

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM-PRANAM Scheme

    Mains level: Not Much

    pranam

    Central Idea

    • The union cabinet has given its approval to PM-PRANAM scheme, which aims to promote the usage of alternative fertilizers and balanced utilization of chemical fertilizers.
    • This scheme, announced in the budget for 2023-24, reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of natural resources.

    What is PM-PRANAM Scheme?

    • PM-PRANAM stands for Prime Minister Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana.
    • The scheme was proposed during the National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign in September 2022.
    • Its objective is to reduce the subsidy burden on chemical fertilizers by promoting the use of alternative fertilizers.

    Notable features of the scheme

    • Incentivizing States and UTs: The scheme incentivizes states and Union Territories to promote the usage of alternative fertilizers and achieve a balanced use of chemical fertilizers. States that demonstrate significant savings in funds due to reduced chemical fertilizer usage receive grants as incentives.
    • Subsidy Savings Allocation: Around 50% of the subsidy savings resulting from reduced chemical fertilizer consumption will be allocated as a grant to the state that exhibits the highest savings. This encourages states to actively participate in the adoption of alternative fertilizers.
    • Creation of Assets: A significant portion (70%) of the granted funds will be utilized for creating assets associated with the technological integration of alternate fertilizers. This includes establishing production units at the village, block, and district levels, facilitating local production and availability of alternative fertilizers.
    • Recognition and Incentives for Farmers: The remaining 30% of the granted funds will be utilized to incentivize and recognize farmers and other village entities for their contributions to reducing fertilizer usage. This recognizes their efforts in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
    • Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices: The scheme aims to promote environmentally friendly farming practices by encouraging the adoption of alternative fertilizers. This reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizers, which in turn contributes to environmental conservation and sustainability.
    • Long-term Soil Health and Agricultural Ecosystems: By promoting a balanced use of fertilizers, the scheme ensures the long-term health and fertility of agricultural ecosystems. It emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil health and protect natural resources.
    • Technological Integration: The scheme supports the integration of technology into agriculture for the production and utilization of alternative fertilizers. This includes the establishment of production units at the grassroots level, encouraging local production and accessibility of alternative fertilizers.

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Green Credit Scheme to Incentivize Environmental Actions

    Schemes | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Green Credit Scheme

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Environment has released a draft notification outlining a proposed ‘Green Credit Scheme’ to provide incentives for various environmental activities.
    • The scheme aims to encourage actions such as afforestation, water conservation, waste management, and addressing air pollution by allowing individuals and organizations to generate tradable ‘green credits.’

    What is Green Credit Programme (GCP)?

    • GCP will be launched at the national level, utilizing a competitive market-based approach to encourage voluntary environmental actions.
    • The scheme will incentivize individual and community behaviors, as well as motivate private sector industries, companies, and other entities to fulfill their existing obligations.
    • By participating in activities that generate or allow the purchase of green credits, stakeholders can align with the objectives of the scheme.

    Creating Supply and Demand for Green Credits

    • The government’s immediate focus is to create a supply of green credits through voluntary actions.
    • The subsequent step involves introducing laws or regulations to incentivize companies and organizations to purchase credits, thereby creating demand.
    • Unlike carbon markets that primarily trade greenhouse gas emissions, the Green Credit Scheme accounts for a broader range of actions, making it more complex.

    Sectors for Green Credit Generation

    The notification outlines following sectors or activities that qualify for generating green credits:

    • Tree plantation-based green credit: Promotes activities to increase green cover through tree plantation and related initiatives.
    • Water-based green credit: Encourages water conservation, water harvesting, efficient water use, and wastewater treatment and reuse.
    • Sustainable agriculture-based green credit: Promotes natural and regenerative agricultural practices, land restoration, and improvement of productivity, soil health, and nutritional value.
    • Waste management-based green credit: Fosters sustainable waste management practices and improvements in waste handling.

    Uniqueness and Complexity of the Scheme

    • The proposed Green Credit Scheme covers a wider range of actions compared to similar initiatives worldwide.
    • Unlike existing schemes, this program accounts for diverse activities, making its implementation and accounting mechanisms more intricate.

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  • UDAY Scheme for Discoms

    What is Time-of-Day Tariff?

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Time-of-Day Tariff

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Power has recently introduced Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff for electricity, which will be implemented next year for commercial users and in 2025 for home users.
    • This article aims to explain what ToD tariff is, how it impacts consumers, and why it is important for the power sector.

    What is Time-of-Day Tariff?

    • Amendments: The government has made amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules 2020, introducing ToD tariff and rationalizing smart meters.
    • Tariff structure: Under ToD tariff, electricity charges will vary based on the time of day. The current flat rate system will be replaced. During daytime, the tariff may decrease by up to 20%, benefiting consumers. Conversely, during night-time, the tariff will increase by the same amount.
    • Benefits for consumers: ToD tariff allows consumers to regulate and manage their electricity consumption and control their bills. It gives them the flexibility to take advantage of lower tariffs during off-peak hours.

    Impact on electricity bills

    • Impact on different households: For small working couples who primarily use electricity at night, their bills are likely to increase. However, other households can offset the nighttime spike by shifting some of their electricity usage to daytime hours.
    • Power consumption patterns: Power consumption typically peaks in the morning when schools and offices open, in the late afternoon when children return home, and in the early evening when air conditioners and heaters are in high demand. ToD tariff aims to discourage excessive power consumption during these peak hours.

    Power guzzling appliances

    • Identifying power-consuming appliances: Appliances such as air conditioners, coolers, refrigerators, heaters, and geysers are the major contributors to electricity consumption in households. Other significant power-consuming appliances include washing machines, dishwashers, and microwaves.
    • Energy-efficient alternatives: It is worth noting that energy-efficient versions of most electrical appliances are available in the market, which can help reduce overall electricity consumption.

    Readiness of infrastructure

    • Requirement of smart meters: To implement ToD tariff, smart meters are necessary. These meters automate the meter-reading process and provide accurate cost estimation, minimizing wastage. They send consumption information to power distribution companies every 15 minutes, which is crucial for calculating ToD charges.
    • Status of smart meter installation: Currently, over 6.5 million smart meters have been installed in the country, with a target of reaching 250 million by 2026. Approximately 230 million smart meters have been sanctioned so far.

    Benefits for the power sector

    • Improved billing efficiency: ToD tariff and smart metering can enhance billing efficiency and reduce transmission and distribution losses.
    • Differential tariff for renewable power: As the share of renewable power increases, it needs to be blended with coal-based power, requiring differential tariff structures. ToD tariff can facilitate this blending effectively.
    • Electric vehicles (EVs) and ToD tariff: With the expected surge in EV adoption, ToD tariff can encourage consumers to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours, reducing the strain on the power grid.
    • Flexibility for discoms: ToD tariff provides flexibility for loss-making distribution companies (discoms) to revise tariffs, addressing their financial challenges.

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Anna Bhagya Scheme of Karnataka

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Annna Bhagya Scheme

    Mains level: Not Much

    anna bhagya

    Central Idea

    • The government in Karnataka is facing challenges in procuring rice for its ambitious Anna Bhagya scheme.
    • However, there is a ray of hope as Punjab has agreed in-principle to supply the required quantity of rice.

    What is Anna Bhagya Scheme?

    • The state government plans to enhance the free rice allocation per person in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) card from 5 kg to 10 kg.
    • The scheme is estimated to cost the exchequer ₹840 crore monthly and ₹10,092 crore annually.
    • It is scheduled to be launched on July 1.

    Challenges Faced

    • The Food Corporation of India (FCI) initially agreed to provide the required 2.28 lakh tonnes of rice but later refused to do so.
    • Telangana and Andhra Pradesh expressed inability to supply, while Chhattisgarh government offered to supply 1.5 lakh tonnes.
    • Karnataka is now searching for rice in other states and aims to purchase it at ₹34 per kg.

    Consideration of Alternative Grains:

    • If needed, the state may provide 2 kg of either ragi or jowar, which would last for six months.
    • However, the government still needs to supply an additional 3 kg of rice on top of the existing 5 kg allocation.

    Punjab’s Offer

    • The Punjab government expressed willingness to supply rice to Karnataka in the federal spirit.
    • Punjab has enough rice and wants to help mitigate the problems faced by the poor across the country.

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