GKToday 2016 Government Schemes

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

Contents Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ............................................................................................... 3 Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) ...................................................................................................... 4 National Crop Insurance Programme (NCIP) ...................................................................................... 5 National Food Security Mission (NFSM) ............................................................................................... 5 National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) ....................................................................... 5 Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) ......................................................... 5 National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NMOOP) .......................................................................... 6 National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology ............................................................... 6 Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Marketing ...................................................................................... 6 Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census and Statistics ................................................................... 6 Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation .................................................................................. 6 Investment in Debentures of State Land Development Banks .......................................................... 6 National Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund ................................................................................................ 7 Price Stabilization Fund for Cereals and Vegetables ............................................................................ 7 Jal Sichan ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Individual Schemes of Ministry of Agriculture ............................................................................................. 7 Soil Health Card Scheme ........................................................................................................................... 7 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Need of Soil Health Card .......................................................................................................................... 7 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna ........................................................................................................... 8 Overview of the Crop Insurance Schemes so far ................................................................................. 8 Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana ......................................................................................................... 9 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana .......................................................................................................... 11 The PKVY and Cluster Approach ........................................................................................................... 11 National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) ..................................................................... 11 Irrigation: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) ....................................................... 12 Allocation ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 Components ................................................................................................................................................ 13 Implementation .......................................................................................................................................... 14 Critical Comment ...................................................................................................................................... 14 Agriculture Extension: National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology ................ 15 Four Sub-missions ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Other Government Efforts towards Agriculture Extension .............................................................. 15 Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna (White Revolution) ....................................................................... 17 National Dairy Plan ................................................................................................................................... 18 Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme ................................................................................... 18 National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development .............................................. 18 Livestock Census ........................................................................................................................................ 19 National Livestock Mission (NLM) ........................................................................................................ 19 Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries ................................................................... 19 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Components ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Funding and Implementation ................................................................................................................. 20 Minimum Support Price Scheme .......................................................................................................... 20 Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers ............................................................................................................. 21 Jan Aushadhi Scheme ................................................................................................................................ 21 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 22 Implementing agency ............................................................................................................................... 22 Who can open Jan Aushadhi stores? ..................................................................................................... 22 Major constraints faced by this scheme ............................................................................................... 22 Ministry of Commerce & Industry ................................................................................................................. 23 Merchandise Export from India Scheme .............................................................................................. 23 Service Export from India Scheme ........................................................................................................ 23 Export House Status Holders Scheme .................................................................................................. 24 Export of goods through courier or foreign post offices using e-Commerce ............................. 24 Advance Authorization (AA) Scheme .................................................................................................. 24 Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA) Scheme ............................................................................. 24 Export Promotion of Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme ...................................................................... 25 EOU/EHTP/STP & BTP Schemes ........................................................................................................ 25 National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) ........................................................................................ 25 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Price Stabilization Fund ............................................................................................................................ 25 Special Economic Zones (SEZ) .............................................................................................................. 25 Ministry of Communications and Information Technology .................................................................... 26 Digital India and NOFN .......................................................................................................................... 26 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 26 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 26 Salient Features .......................................................................................................................................... 26 Nature and Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 27 Critical Note ............................................................................................................................................... 28 National Knowledge Network ............................................................................................................... 29 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 29 Salient Features of NKN architecture ................................................................................................... 29 Applications ................................................................................................................................................ 30 Services Provided by NKN ....................................................................................................................... 31 Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution ................................................................... 31 Price Stabilization Fund (Ministry of Consumer Affairs) .................................................................. 31 Ministry of Culture ............................................................................................................................................ 31 Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana ...................................................................................................................... 31 National Mission on Libraries .................................................................................................................. 31 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 32 Salient Features .......................................................................................................................................... 32 Implementation of NML .......................................................................................................................... 32 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] National Mission on Manuscripts (NMM) .......................................................................................... 33 Modus Operandi of the Mission ............................................................................................................ 33 India’s manuscripts .................................................................................................................................... 33 Objectives of the Mission ......................................................................................................................... 33 Expected Outcomes .................................................................................................................................. 34 Problem areas and Steps to address the bottlenecks ........................................................................ 34 National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) ........................................................... 35 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 35 Scope ............................................................................................................................................................ 35 Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme ......................................................................................................... 35 About the Scheme ..................................................................................................................................... 35 Gandhi Peace Prize ................................................................................................................................... 36 The prize ..................................................................................................................................................... 36 Selection ...................................................................................................................................................... 36 Important recipients ................................................................................................................................. 36 Various Bodies under Ministry of Culture ................................................................................................... 36 Sangeet Natak Akademi .......................................................................................................................... 36 Functions and Powers .............................................................................................................................. 36 Awards and honours ................................................................................................................................ 37 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Lalit Kala Akademi .................................................................................................................................... 38 Functions and Powers .............................................................................................................................. 38 Awards and honours ................................................................................................................................ 38 Website ........................................................................................................................................................ 38 Sahitya Akademi ........................................................................................................................................ 38 Functions and powers .............................................................................................................................. 38 Awards and Honours ............................................................................................................................... 39 Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) ..................................................................... 40 Functions and Powers .............................................................................................................................. 40 National School of Drama (NSD) ......................................................................................................... 42 Functions and Powers .............................................................................................................................. 42 Website: http://nsd.gov.in ...................................................................................................................... 42 National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) .......................................................................................... 42 Functions and Powers .............................................................................................................................. 43 Website ........................................................................................................................................................ 43 The Asiatic Society, Kolkata ................................................................................................................... 43 Functions ..................................................................................................................................................... 43 Website: http://www.asiaticsocietycal.com ........................................................................................ 43 Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) ...................................................................... 43 Functions .................................................................................................................................................... 44 Awards and scholarships ......................................................................................................................... 44 Website: http://ccrtindia.gov.in/ .......................................................................................................... 44 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] National Museum ..................................................................................................................................... 44 Functions ..................................................................................................................................................... 45 Website: http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in ........................................................................... 45 National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) ............................................................................... 45 Functions and powers .............................................................................................................................. 45 Website ........................................................................................................................................................ 46 Anthropological Survey of India ............................................................................................................ 46 Functions and Powers .............................................................................................................................. 46 Zonal Cultural Centres ............................................................................................................................ 47 Other Bodies .............................................................................................................................................. 48 Indian Museum ......................................................................................................................................... 48 Salar Jung Museum .................................................................................................................................. 48 Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Bhopal .................................................. 48 National Library, Kolkata ........................................................................................................................ 48 Delhi Public Library (DPL) ..................................................................................................................... 48 Raja Ram Mohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata ......................................................................... 48 Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region .................................................................................. 49 Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) .......................................................................... 49 Objective of the Fund .............................................................................................................................. 49 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Management .............................................................................................................................................. 49 North Eastern Rural Livelihood Project ............................................................................................... 49 Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation ................................................................................................. 49 National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) .................................................................. 49 Ministry of Earth Sciences ............................................................................................................................... 50 Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modeling and Science (O-STORMS) ................................................................................................................................................................ 50 Polar Sciences and Cryosphere and Research (PACER) Programme ........................................... 50 Research, Education and Training Outreach (REACHOUT) Programme ................................... 50 Atmosphere & Climate Research – Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) ...... 50 Seismological and Geosciences (SAGE) Programme ........................................................................ 51 Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change ............................................................................. 51 National Coastal Zone Management Programme .............................................................................. 51 National Action Plan on Climate Change ............................................................................................. 51 National Mission for a Green India ....................................................................................................... 52 Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats ...................................................................................... 52 Conservation of Natural Resources and Eco-systems ....................................................................... 52 National River Conservation Programme ............................................................................................ 52 National Action Plan on Climate Change ............................................................................................ 52 National Solar Mission ............................................................................................................................. 52 National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency .............................................................................. 52 National Mission on Sustainable Habitats ............................................................................................ 53 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] National Water Mission ............................................................................................................................ 53 National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem ............................................................. 53 National Mission for a Green India ....................................................................................................... 53 National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture ...................................................................................... 53 National Mission on Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change ...................................................... 53 Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs ............................................................................................................... 53 Know India Programme (KIP) ............................................................................................................... 53 Study India Programme (SIP) ................................................................................................................ 53 Tracing the Roots .................................................................................................................................... 54 Scheme for Legal/ Financial Assistance to Indian Women Deserted / Divorced by their NRI Husbands ............................................................................................................................................ 54 Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana ......................................................................................... 54 e-Migrate Project ...................................................................................................................................... 54 Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) ........................................................................................... 54 Swarnapravas Yojana {Important} ........................................................................................................ 54 Ministry of Finance ........................................................................................................................................... 55 National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) ........................................................................ 55 Objective ...................................................................................................................................................... 55 Structure ...................................................................................................................................................... 55 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Governance ................................................................................................................................................ 56 Functions of NIIF ...................................................................................................................................... 57 Source of Funds ........................................................................................................................................ 57 Ministry of Food Processing Industries ........................................................................................................ 57 Mega Food Parks Scheme ...................................................................................................................... 57 What is a Mega Food Park? ................................................................................................................... 57 Current Status ........................................................................................................................................... 60 Critical Analysis of the Mega Food Park Scheme ............................................................................. 60 National Mission on Food Processing ................................................................................................... 61 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ......................................................................................................... 61 Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) ...................................................................... 61 National Health Mission ........................................................................................................................... 61 National Rural Health Mission ................................................................................................................ 61 National Urban Health Mission .............................................................................................................. 62 Flexible Pool for Control of Communicable Diseases ....................................................................... 62 Flexible Pool for control of Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) ................................................ 62 Broad Objectives of National Health Mission ..................................................................................... 62 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) ......................................................................................... 63 Rogi Kalyan Samiti .................................................................................................................................... 63 Janani Suraksha Yojana ............................................................................................................................ 63 Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) ......................................................................................... 63 National Ambulance Services ................................................................................................................. 64 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] India Newborn Action Plan .................................................................................................................... 64 Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) ....................................................................................... 64 Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram .............................................................................................. 64 Child Death Review .................................................................................................................................. 64 ASHA, ANM and AWW ......................................................................................................................... 64 Functions of ASHA ................................................................................................................................... 65 Auxiliary Nurse Midwife and Anganwadi Worker (ANM) ............................................................. 66 AIDS and STD Control Schemes ......................................................................................................... 66 National AIDS and STD Control Programme ................................................................................... 66 Project Sunrise ........................................................................................................................................... 66 Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana ........................................................................................................... 67 Objective ..................................................................................................................................................... 67 Working of RSBY ..................................................................................................................................... 67 Recent Development ................................................................................................................................ 68 Transfer of RSMY from Ministry of Labour and Employment: ..................................................... 68 Revamped RSBY to be merged with National Health Assurance Mission: .................................. 68 Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises ................................................................................. 69 Scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian capital goods sector ...................... 69 Objective ..................................................................................................................................................... 69 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Duration, Budget and Components ...................................................................................................... 69 Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation ................................................................................. 70 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ................................................................................................................ 70 Three Phases .............................................................................................................................................. 70 Beneficiaries ............................................................................................................................................... 70 Other Features ........................................................................................................................................... 70 National Urban Livelihoods Mission ...................................................................................................... 71 Focus of NULM ......................................................................................................................................... 71 Aim of Mission ........................................................................................................................................... 71 Seven major components of NULM ...................................................................................................... 71 Implementation and Funding ................................................................................................................. 72 Integration in Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana ....................................................................................... 72 Ministry of Human Resource Development ................................................................................................ 72 National Education Mission .................................................................................................................... 72 National Education Mission – Sakshar Bharat ................................................................................... 73 National Education Mission: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan ........................................................................ 73 National Education Mission: Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) .......................... 73 National Education Mission: Teachers Training ................................................................................ 73 Individual Schemes of Ministry of HRD ...................................................................................................... 74 Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan ............................................................................................................................ 74 Salient Features ......................................................................................................................................... 74 Padhe Bharat-Badhe Bharat .................................................................................................................... 75 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) .............................................................................. 75 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 75 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 75 Physical Facilities provided ...................................................................................................................... 75 Funding and Implementation ................................................................................................................. 76 National Programme of Mid-Day Meals in Schools ......................................................................... 76 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 76 Minimum Nutrition Provided ................................................................................................................. 76 Tithi Bhojan ............................................................................................................................................... 77 Social Audit in Mid-Day Meal Scheme ................................................................................................ 77 New Mid-Day Meal Rules 2015 ............................................................................................................ 77 Ministry of Labour and Employment ........................................................................................................... 77 National Child Labour Project & INDUS ............................................................................................. 77 National Career Service Portal ............................................................................................................... 77 Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana ........................................................................................... 78 Social Security Schemes .......................................................................................................................... 78 Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram ................................................................ 78 Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shramev Jayate Karyakram ................................................................ 78 Shram Suvidha Portal .............................................................................................................................. 78 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Random Inspection Scheme ................................................................................................................... 79 Universal Account Number .................................................................................................................... 79 Apprentice Protsahan Yojana ................................................................................................................. 80 Revamped Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana ...................................................................................... 80 Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ................................................................................... 80 Khadi Reform & Development Programme (ADB Assistance) ....................................................... 81 Market Promotion and Development Assistance scheme (MPDA) ............................................... 81 Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) ........................................ 81 Coir Vikas Yojana ...................................................................................................................................... 81 Coir Udyami Yojana ................................................................................................................................. 82 A Scheme For Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE) .......... 82 National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) ................................................... 82 Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) .................................................. 82 Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate for Khadi and Polyvastra (ISEC) ........................................ 82 Credit Support Programme .................................................................................................................... 82 India Inclusive Innovation Fund ............................................................................................................. 83 Performance and Credit Rating Scheme .............................................................................................. 83 Marketing Development Programme (MDA) .................................................................................... 83 Marketing Assistance Scheme ................................................................................................................ 83 International Cooperation Scheme ....................................................................................................... 84 Rajiv Gandhi Udyami Mitra Yojana (RGUMY) .................................................................................. 84 Ministry of Minority Affairs ............................................................................................................................ 84 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Scholarship and Interest Subsidies ........................................................................................................ 84 Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students .............................................................. 84 Seekho aur Kamao ................................................................................................................................... 84 Upgrading Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD) ........ 84 Nai Manzil .................................................................................................................................................. 85 Scheme for Leadership development of minority Women .............................................................. 85 Hamari Dharohar ...................................................................................................................................... 85 Grants-in-aid to Maulana Azad Education Foundation .................................................................... 85 Development of Minorities: Multi Sectoral Development Programme for Minorities (MSDP) ................................................................................................................................................................ 85 Ministry of Power ............................................................................................................................................. 85 UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) scheme ........................................................................ 86 Overview of Discom Problems .............................................................................................................. 86 The problem of AT&C Losses ............................................................................................................... 86 Efforts under Current Government ...................................................................................................... 86 Key Proposals under UDAY scheme .................................................................................................... 87 Ministry of Rural Development ..................................................................................................................... 89 Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana ......................................................................................... 89 National Rural Livelihoods Mission ....................................................................................................... 89 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Background ................................................................................................................................................ 89 Objectives ................................................................................................................................................... 89 Salient Features of DAY-NRLM ............................................................................................................ 89 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act ...................................................... 90 Funding ........................................................................................................................................................ 91 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin .............................................................................................. 91 National Social Assistance Programme ................................................................................................. 91 Selection of Beneficiaries ......................................................................................................................... 92 Disbursement ............................................................................................................................................. 92 Current Schemes ....................................................................................................................................... 92 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana .................................................................................................... 92 National Rurban Mission ......................................................................................................................... 93 Objectives and vision ................................................................................................................................ 93 Rationale and Envisaged Outcomes ...................................................................................................... 93 Rurban Cluster .......................................................................................................................................... 94 14 Components of Rurban Mission ...................................................................................................... 95 Budget & Funding ..................................................................................................................................... 96 Comment .................................................................................................................................................... 96 Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAANJHI) ......................................................................................... 96 Obligations ................................................................................................................................................. 97 Selection of Village ................................................................................................................................... 97 Funds ........................................................................................................................................................... 97 © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] How it will work? ..................................................................................................................................... 97 Monitoring: ................................................................................................................................................ 97 Points for Critical Assessment ................................................................................................................ 98 Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship ............................................................................... 98 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana ................................................................................................. 98 Ministry of Textile ............................................................................................................................................ 99 National Handloom Development Programme ................................................................................. 99 National Handicrafts Development Schemes ..................................................................................... 99 Amended Technology Up-gradation Fund Scheme (A – TUFS) .................................................. 99 Integrated Processing Development Scheme (SPP) .......................................................................... 99 Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks(SITP) ...................................................................................... 100 Flatted Factory cum Incubators ........................................................................................................... 100 Textiles Labour Rehabilitation Scheme .............................................................................................. 100 NER Textiles Promotion Scheme: ....................................................................................................... 100 Scheme for Usage of Geotextiles in North Eastern Region ........................................................... 100 Scheme for Promoting of Agrotextiles in North Eastern Region ................................................. 100 Ministry of Tribal Affairs ............................................................................................................................... 100 Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana .................................................................................................................... 100 Aims of Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana ...................................................................................................... 101 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Proposed Strategies in the scheme ....................................................................................................... 101 Steps being taken .................................................................................................................................... 102 Issues/Irritants in implementation of Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana ................................................. 102 Ministry of Urban Development .................................................................................................................. 102 Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) ............................................. 102 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ......................................................................................................................... 103 Swachch Bharat Abhiyan ...................................................................................................................... 104 Key Objectives ......................................................................................................................................... 104 Key Facts ................................................................................................................................................... 105 Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation ..................................... 105 Namami Gange Project .......................................................................................................................... 105 About Ganga Basin ................................................................................................................................. 105 Salient Project features ........................................................................................................................... 105 Pollution will be checked through ....................................................................................................... 106 Previous approaches for Ganga cleaning ........................................................................................... 106

© 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Note: This document has covered almost all important schemes currently active in 2016 of most ministries of India. This is a dynamic document which would frequently update. The following schemes have not been covered in this document: Schemes of Ministry of Women and Child Development AMRUT Mission These would be covered in subsequent modules and will be embedded in this document. This document provides background to all important government schemes for UPSC Prelims and to some extent UPSC Mains examination. It has to be followed up with the following: A compendium of some 75-80 questions on Government Schemes for your upcoming Prelims exam for practice Ministries & Schemes documents as part of GS-II of Integrated Programme.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Introduction: Overview of Schemes of Ministry of Agriculture There are three departments in Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare viz. Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare; Department of Agricultural Research and Education Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 and Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. With the change in central government in 2014, the schemes of the ministry were also reorganized, consolidated and mixed with new schemes. As per current status: All schemes which are related to crop husbandry {i.e. related to crop cultivation, soil, microirrigation, improvement in production etc.} were put under a single umbrella programme called Krishonnati Yojna. This umbrella covers all high flying schemes of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare related to crop cultivation, soil, marketing, improvement in production etc. All schemes related to Irrigation were consolidated into Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The earlier irrigation schemes were fragmented {for example AIBP came under Water Resources Ministry, IWMP came under Rural Development Ministry etc.}. This scheme has been now placed under Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana {White Revolution} and Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries {Blue Revolution}; these two schemes fall under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.

Krishonnati Yojana Krishonnati Yojana is the name of umbrella comprising all the schemes of the government related to © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] crop husbandry including micro-irrigation but excluding major, medium and minor irrigation. The following schemes come under Krishonnati: Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) National Crop Insurance Programme (NCIP) National Food Security Mission (NFSM) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which includes Soil Health Card Scheme, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Project on Agro-forestry etc. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NMOOP) National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Marketing Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation Investment in Debentures of State Land Development Banks National Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund Price Stabilization Fund for Cereals & Vegetables | [email protected] Micro-IrrigationJig Part of Pradhan| www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Jal Sinchan) The last one above is important for your exam. Only micro-irrigation has been included in Krishonnati; while the Major, Medium and Minor irrigation schemes would come under the main scheme {PMKSY}. Further, note that some schemes under Krishonnati are to be implemented by only centre while others by states with financial support from centre. In this way, this scheme has two parts viz. Central and State.

Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) This scheme was launched in 2007 as a response to faltering growth of agriculture in the economy and was aimed at achieving 4% growth target in agriculture. After it was launched, the UPA government added many sub-schemes under the same scheme and made susceptible to corruption from all sides. Such sub-schemes included BGREI, Integrated Development of 60,000 Pulses Villages in Rainfed Areas, Promotion of Oil Palm, Initiative on Vegetable Clusters, National Programme on Nutri-cereals, National Mission for Protein Supplements, Accelerated Fodder Development Programme, Rainfed Area Development Programme, National Saffron Mission and Vidarbha Intensified Irrigation Development Programme. In 2015, the CAG found several irregularities, including fund diversion in this scheme. Currently, this scheme comes under Krishonnati Yojana {state plan} and is being continued during XIIth Plan period. The components are still running but they are now implemented by the state with funds from centre. The funds are routed into three components viz. production growth, © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] infrastructure and assets, sub-schemes and flexi-fund.

National Crop Insurance Programme (NCIP) NCIP was launched by UPA in 2013 by merging three earlier schemes viz. Modified National Agricultural insurance Scheme (MNAIS), Weather Based Crop insurance Scheme (WBCIS) and Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS). These three schemes now serve as components of the NCIP. Further, the first component MNAIS will be replaced by Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in June 2016. This scheme has been approved by cabinet and is to start in Kharif Season this year. Thus, PMFBY is also a component of the NCIP, which itself is under umbrella of Krishonnati.

National Food Security Mission (NFSM) NFSM was launched in 2007 for 5 years to increase production and productivity of wheat, rice and pulses on a sustainable basis so as to ensure food security of the country. The targets of 11th five year plan exceeded and it was extended to 12th five year plan in 2012. In the 12th Plan, NFSM aims at raising the food grain production by 25 million tonnes. Besides rice, wheat and pulses, NFSM proposes to cover coarse cereals and fodder crops during the 12th plan period (2012-17). Currently, this scheme is being implemented as a component of Krishonnati Yojana and is being implemented in all states with special focus on low productivity areas. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

This scheme was launched by UPA government with four components viz. Rainfed Area Development (RAD); On Farm Water Management (OFWM); Soil Health Management (SHM) and Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modeling and Networking (CCSAMMN). This scheme is now running as a part of Krishonnati Yojana and includes two recently launched schemes viz. Soil Health Card Scheme, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Project on Agro Forestry. National Agro-Forestry Policy was brought out in 2014 to bring about coordination, convergence and synergy among various elements of Agro-Forestry.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) The UPA Government had consolidated the horticulture related schemes of UPA government under one Umbrella of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. Thus, this scheme is made of following existing schemes which now serve as its components: National Horticulture Mission and National Horticulture Board: These try to improve horticulture development in 18 states and Union territories for development of horticulture. Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH): This scheme is being implemented in North East and Himalayan states National Bamboo Mission (NBM): This component addresses issues related to bamboo production and cultivation © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Coconut Development Board: Focuses on Coconut sector development. Total outlay for MIDH is around Rs. 16,840 Crore for 2012-17 period.

National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NMOOP) For improvement in oil production and oil palm production, the current Government is promoting National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) during 2012-17. There are three mini missions in this scheme viz. Mini-mission-I, II and III. Mini Mission-I focuses on oilseeds; Mini Mission II on oil palm and Mini Mission III on tree-borne oilseed (TBOs).

National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NIMAET) focusses on extension and technology in farming. This mission has four sub-missions viz. Sub-mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE), Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP). This scheme aims to bring maximum possible farmers within the ambit of cost effective and remunerative mechanized farming for improved productivity and sustainable farm growth in the country. It also covers seed production and plant protection along with strengthening regulatory framework for management of pesticides and plant quarantine. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Marketing

Six schemes of 11th plan period have been merged in a single integrated scheme from April 1, 2014. This Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM)”, which has Rs. 4500 Crore outlay in 12th plan; has five components focussing on marketing infrastructure, agri-business development, Marketing information network etc.

Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census and Statistics Agricultural census is done in India every five years to collect, compile and maintain database on different facets of the agriculture sector, study and analyse the socio-economic conditions of the agricultural sector and provide policy inputs.

Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation This scheme was launched by UPA and has been kept within Krishonnati Yojana umbrella. The scheme focuses on cooperative sector for farm related activities such as disbursement of credit, distribution of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals and in arranging storage, processing and marketing of farm produce.

Investment in Debentures of State Land Development Banks Special Debentures are floated by State Land Development Banks (SLDBs)/State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (SCARDBs) for minor irrigation, horticulture/plantation, farm mechanization, land improvement, customization of compound walls, cattle sheds, farmhouses which are contributed to by NABARD, Central and State Governments. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

National Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund This scheme focuses on Promotion of National Agricultural Market through Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). The objective is to create a national market through implementation of an appropriate e-market platform that would be deployable in wholesale markets across states and union territories.

Price Stabilization Fund for Cereals and Vegetables This fund is made of Rs. 500 Crore and provides advance interest free loans to states and central/ state agencies to support their working capital and other expenses on procurement interventions for perishable agri-horticultural commodities when prices crash and farmers need to be protected. When prices are anticipated to increase substantially, then procurement of these commodities can be done from market to reduce the cost of intermediation and make them available at a cheaper price to the consumers.

Jal Sichan Jal Sinchan is a component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and it promotes microirrigation in the form of drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm. Only this component in irrigation has been put under Krishonnati Yojana.

Individual Schemes of Ministry of Agriculture Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Soil Health Card Scheme This scheme was originally launched by UPA Government in 2007-08 under the integrated soil management initiative. But this scheme made little progress in the UPA regime. In 8 years (by March 2013) only around 50 Lakh Soil Health Cards were released to the farmers. The new NDA government gave this scheme utmost importance and made it its Flagship programme, when it was relaunched as a new scheme from Suratgarh Rajasthan last year. The idea was to provide soil health card to 14 crore farmers. However, currently, the scheme is struggling to meet its targets due to severe shortage in the field staff. By 2015-16, the scheme was to deliver 3.14 SHCs to farmers. So far 18 Lakh cards have been released. Since the scheme is being implemented by the State Governments; it indicates that states need to increase their manpower requirement and funding. The issue is that the soil testing labs are poorly managed and it takes lots of time for a farmer to get a soil health card after the sample was collected from his / her farm.

Need of Soil Health Card The main reason is soil deterioration. Soil has not only deteriorated in many parts of the country but also has been tendered useless for irrigation. The main reasons for soil deterioration include midless use of chemical fertilizers, low use of organic matter and non-replacement of depleted micro and © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] secondary nutrients in the soil. Due to all these, the nutrient deficiencies and decrease in soil fertility made farming unproductive. For example, green revolution demanded use of chemical fertilizers for increasing production. However, mindless use of fertilizers led the soil in many regions useless for farming. This is mainly because of unwise distortion of the ideal NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) proportion (4:2:1). For example, in 2011, the ratio was 19.2:5.5:1 and 20.6:6:1 respectively in Punjab and Haryana. The over-use of Urea is mainly because it comes with a government subsidy. Excessive use of Nitrogen reduces the health of crop and productivity goes down year after year.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna In January 2016, the NDA Government has launched a new Crop scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana which tries to improve upon the models used so far.

Overview of the Crop Insurance Schemes so far Despite of implementing several crop insurance schemes, farmers are yet to get enough protection from risks in farming. The reason for thousands of farmers killing themselves every year is not just because of climatic factors; it is also due to the protection from risks, in terms of crop insurance, is Jig | [email protected] not reaching them when they need it| www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 the most. This is because all the crop insurance models put in place so far since 1970s have met with limited or no success. In 1985, the Rajiv Gandhi government had first launched a crop insurance scheme in India called Comprehensive Crop Insurance scheme (CCIS). In 1997, an Experimental Crop Scheme was launched which lasted only for a year. In 1999, the NDA government launched National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) to protect the farmers against losses suffered by them due to crop failures on account of natural calamities like; floods, drought, hailstorms, cyclone, pests and diseases etc. However, insurance was available for select crops “notified” crops only. This scheme was open to all farmers but was made compulsory for those farmers who had taken some kind of farm loans. The farmers had to pay flat insurance premium depending upon crop type and this premium was subsidized by government. There were several problems in NAIS model. Firstly, this scheme operated on a so called “Area Approach” which means that the states would notify the unit areas of insurance such as blocks, mandals, Tehsil etc. The states would notify the areas on the basis of past yield data. Since yield data is crucial for crop insurance, success of this scheme was dependent on the availability of the data. The reliable data was not available with most states. Secondly, the states needed to notify the unit areas on the basis of part yield data and Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) every year well in advance. Most states did not follow these prerequisites. The result was that Insurance companies started crying foul because payable claims turned out to be © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] several fold higher than the premium charged and subsidy paid. Secondly, it was assumed that the states would share the premium subsidy but somehow most states were reluctant to do so. Under UPA Government, the NAIS was modified and was called Modified NAIS or M-NAIS. In this scheme, the area approach was done away with and the premium would be calculated on actuarial basis. This implies that the higher risk crops would have higher premium. The number of crops under the scheme was increased. Previously, only Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC) of India was allowed to implement the scheme but now, private insurers were also allowed to implement the modified scheme. Further, the unit area was reduced to be the Gram Panchayat. The MNAIS tried to modify several issues with the crop insurance but still failed to reduce the farmer distress. The key problems of this scheme was that – it covered risks partially, it had higher premium rates (3.5% for Kharif Crops and 1.5% for Rabi Crops), the coverage was capped (this implies that farmers could recover at best a fraction of the total loss). In 2007, the UPA government launched another crop insurance scheme was Weather-based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS). This was another scheme to protect farmers against vagaries of nature such as deficit and excess rainfall, high or low temperature, humidity, etc. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 This scheme was launched to settle claims in shortest possible time. Both these schemes (MNAIS and WBCIS) were made compulsory for loanee farmers. While former indemnified the cultivators against shortfall in crop yield; later protected against adverse weather conditions.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is the new crop damage insurance scheme that has been approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2016. It will replace the existing two crop insurance schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS. The new scheme will come into force from the Kharif season starting in June this year. Crops covered

The scheme covers kharif, rabi crops as well as annual commercial and horticultural crops. For Kharif crops, the premium charged would be up to 2% of the sum insured. For Rabi crops, the premium would be up to 1.5% of the sum assured. For annual commercial and horticultural crops, premium would be 5 per cent. The remaining share of premium will be borne equally by the central and respective state governments. Insurance

There will be one insurance company for the whole state. Private insurance companies will be roped along with Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) to implement the scheme. Losses covered

Apart from yield loss, the new scheme will cover post-harvest losses also. It will also provide farm level assessment for localised calamities including hailstorms, unseasonal rains, landslides and © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] inundation. Use of technology

The scheme proposes mandatory use of remote sensing, smart phones and drones for quick estimation of crop loss. This will speed up the claim process. Other features

Within next 2-3 years, the scheme aims to bring 50% farmers under the scheme. The settlement of claims will be fastened for the full sum assured. About 25% of the likely claim will be settled directly on farmers account. There will not be a cap on the premium and reduction of the sum insured. Comparison with earlier crop insurance schemes

The new scheme is different from earlier schemes on the account of following: It is open to all farmers but NOT mandatory to anyone. It is optional for loanee as well as non-loanee farmers. It has so far lowest premium. The existing premium rates vary between 2.5% and 3.5% for kharif crops and 1.5% for rabi crops—but the coverage was capped, meaning farmers could, at best, recover a fraction of their losses. The farmers’ premium has been kept at a maximum of 2 per cent for food grains and up to 5 per cent for annual commercial horticulture crops. For Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 rabi crops, it is 1.5%. The balance premium will be paid by the government to provide full insured amount to the farmers. Since there is no upper cap on government subsidy, even if the balance premium is 90 percent, the government will bear it This scheme provides full coverage of insurance. While NAIS had full coverage, it was capped in the modified-NAIS scheme. It also covers the localized risks such as hailstorm, landslide, inundation etc. Earlier schemes did not cover inundation. It provides post harvest coverage. The NAIS did not cover while the modified NAIS covered only coastal regions. Critical Appraisal

Thus, new crop insurance scheme has the potential to deal with the vagaries of nature on Indian farming. The premium to be paid by the farmers is kept low when compared with earlier crop insurance schemes. However, the scheme will increase the financial burden on the government and necessary budget allocations should be made. Some states like Punjab may face financial constraints in encouraging famers to take up crop insurance. The scheme does not cover risks faced by Northern farmers such as pest attacks and farm price fluctuations. The scheme also does not address the demand of famers to cover the risks and losses inflicted by wild animals like elephants and wild boars. The wild animals pose risks to farmers in peripheral areas of national parks and wild life sanctuaries. Besides, losses from nuclear risks, riots, malicious damage, theft, and act of enmity, are © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] all categorised under ‘exclusions’ in the new scheme. Challenges in Implementation

Success of any government scheme depends on its sincere implementation. The key problems such as poor land records, flawed land titles, corruption etc. are common challenges any crop insurance scheme in India faces. Further, the success of the scheme depends on how sincerely it is implemented by the insurance companies. Further, we need to wait and watch as to how the scheme is monitored and supervised.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana of the NDA government is basically a scheme of supporting organic farming via cluster approach. This scheme is also a repackaged version of various old UPA government schemes but none of the schemes of UPA were totally focussed on organic farming except NPOP. But this scheme also mostly ran into papers and was marred with various data frauds and faulty / scandalous implementation. [Read this article to know how] The schemes which promoted organic farming under UPA regime are listed in below graphic: Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

The PKVY and Cluster Approach The new scheme launched by the NDA Government, follows cluster approach. Fifty or more farmers form a cluster having 50 acre land to take organic farming. Each farmer will be provided Rs. 20000 per acre in three years for seed to harvesting crops and to transport them to market. The government plans to form around 10 thousand clusters in three years and cover an area of 5 Lakh hectares under organic farming. Government also plans to bring certification of organic produce. We note here that the certification of organic products was so far limited to export products only. It might change now.

National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) India has a serious import dependency in edible oil. One of the biggest constraints to raising oilseed output © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] has been that production is largely in rain-fed areas. Only one fourth of the oilseed producing area in the country remains under the irrigation. In 1986, government had launched a Technology Mission on Oilseeds to improve productivity. This resulted in some growth but then growth in this field has been sluggish only. Current Government is promoting National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) during 2012-17. This mission has some clear cut objectives such as: Increasing Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR) in oil crops with focus on Varietal Replacement; Increasing irrigation coverage under oilseeds from 26% to 36%; Diversification of area from low yielding cereals crops to oilseeds crops; inter-cropping of oilseeds with cereals/ pulses/ sugarcane; Use of fallow land after paddy /potato cultivation; Expansion of cultivation of Oil Palm and tree borne oilseeds in watersheds and wastelands; Increasing availability of quality planting material enhancing procurement of oilseeds and collection; and Processing of tree borne oilseeds. Inter-croppingJig |during gestation period of oil palm and tree borne oilseeds would provide [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 economic return to the farmers when there is no production. The mission is implemented with funds in 75:25 Centre-state ratios. There are three mini missions in this scheme viz. Mini-mission-I, II and III. Mini Mission-I focuses on oilseeds; Mini Mission II on oil palm and Mini Mission III on tree-borne oilseed (TBOs).

Irrigation: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) The NDA government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana, which heavily borrows from the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme; but tries to replace the fragmented approach with an integrated approach aiming at convergence of investments in irrigation. This scheme has amalgamated three ongoing programmes of three different ministries as follows: Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme of the Ministry of Water Resources Integrated Watershed Management Programme of the Ministry of Rural Development Farm water management component of the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. Thus, with the launch of this scheme, it is believed that various ministries, departments, agencies, financial institutions engaged in creation, use and recycling of water will be brought under one platform to take into account the entire water-cycle and does proper water budgeting for all sectors such as households, agriculture and industries.

Allocation This scheme has an allocation of Rs. 50,000 Crore for next five years. Rs 5,300 crore was allocated in © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] budget for 2015-16.

Objectives The broad objectives of PMKSY are as follows: Converge investments in irrigation at the farm level and provide end-to-end solution Har Khet ko Pani: Enhance the physical access of water on the farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation Integration of source, distribution, efficient use of water through appropriate technology and practice Enhance adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies under More Crop Per Drop. Promotion of micro-irrigation in the form of drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm (Jal Sinchan) Enhance recharge of aquifers; promote sustainable water conservation Ensure integrated development of Rainfed areas Water harvesting, water management and crop alignment, explore feasibility of reusing treated municipal waste water for peri-urban agriculture and attarct greater private Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 investments in irrigation.

Components The PMKSY has following four components: Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)

This focuses on faster completion of ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation including National Projects. Har Khet ko Pani

This component mainly focuses on creation of new water sources through minor irrigation that includes both surface and groundwater. It also encompasses the repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies; strengthening carrying capacity of traditional water sources, construction rain water harvesting structures under its Jal Sanchay sub-component. Other things includes are Command area development with creation of distribution network from source to the farm Ground water development in the areas where it is abundant, so that sink is created to store runoff/ flood water during peak rainy season. At least 10% of the command area to be covered under micro/precision irrigation. Diversion of water from water abundant to nearby water scarce areas Creating and rejuvenating traditional water storage systems like Jal Mandir (Gujarat); Khatri, Kuhl (H.P.); Zabo (Nagaland); Eri, Ooranis (T.N.); Dongs (Assam); Katas, Bandhas (Odisha and M.P.) etc. at feasible locations. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Per Drop More Crop

This component promotes efficient water conveyance and precision water application devices like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm (Jal Sinchan). It also focuses on construction of microirrigation and storage systems. Watershed Development

This component focuses on effective management of runoff water and improved soil & moisture conservation activities such as ridge area treatment, drainage linetreatment, rain water harvesting, in-situ moisture conservation and other allied activities on watershed basis.

Implementation The PMSKY works on Project mode. The planning and execution is decentralized. The cornerstone of planning and implementation of PMKSY are District Irrigation Plans (DIPs). This DIP will identify the gaps in irrigation infrastructure of a district. A DIP can be prepared on two levels viz. Block and District. The DIPs will be vetted by the Governing body of Zila Panchayat and subsequently be incorporated in the State Irrigation Plan (SIP). Thus, an SIP is a consolidation of DIPs and it also takes into consideration the State Agricultural Plans created under the Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. PMKSY projects would be scrutinised by the State Level Project Screening Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Committee (SLPSC) and sanctioned by the State Level Sanctioning Committee, which is already set under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. The state agriculture department would be the nodal agency for implementation of PMKSY projects with inter-ministerial National Steering Committee (NSC) for periodic review of the same. The funds under PMKSY will be allocated only if state government has prepared the district irrigation plans and state irrigation plans. PMKSY funds would be given to states as 75 per cent grant by the central government and the remaining 25 per cent share is to be borne by the state government. But, for the north-eastern region and hilly states, the funding pattern would be 90:10.

Critical Comment The soul of any government scheme lies in its implementation. Most of our government schemes have failed so far in getting the maximum benefits out of our investment in irrigation in the sense that irrigated land has not contributed its maximum to agricultural output. Theoretically, irrigation should make double cropping possible, if not multiple cropping, but the bulk of the irrigated area in India still continues to be single crop area. Although the AIBP remains as one of the components of the new scheme, it has many things obviously of launched by previous government; repackaged into once bundle. Since the scheme has been just launched, it will take some time to judge the output. The union Government has also decided to specially train IAS and IFoS officers in preparation and execution of district irrigation plans. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

Agriculture Extension: National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NIMAET) is a new 12th Plan programme approved by outgoing UPA Government in February 2014 with an objective to spread farm extension services and mechanization. The NDA Government has included a lots of other activities for Agricultural Extension and Technology under this programme.

Four Sub-missions This mission has four sub-missions as under: Sub Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) Sub-Mission on Seed and Planting Material (SMSP) Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPP) The common thread that runs across all four sub-missions is extension and technology; the four submissions are proposed for administrative convenience. The entire plan period outlay for this scheme is Rs. 13073.08 crore, with Government of India’s share of Rs. 11390.68 crore and State share of Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Rs.1682.40 crore. This scheme aims to bring maximum possible farmers within the ambit of cost effective and remunerative mechanized farming for improved productivity and sustainable farm growth in the country. It also covers seed production and plant protection along with strengthening regulatory framework for management of pesticides and plant quarantine. The core ideas is to enable delivery of appropriate technology and improved agronomic practices to farmers with a judicious mix of extensive physical outreach and interactive methods of information dissemination, use of ICT, popularization of modern and appropriate technologies, capacity building and institution strengthening to promote mechanization, availability of quality seeds, plant protection etc. and encourage aggregation of Farmers into Interest Groups (FIGs) to form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

Other Government Efforts towards Agriculture Extension The government of India has launched many programmes for enhancing the agriculture extension and technology. These schemes are as follows: Support to State Extension Programmes

There is a Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms scheme in which central government provides additional support to states for setting up the Farmer Advisory Committees (FACs) at block / district / state level and other activities such as educating and creating awareness amongst farmers including visits, trainings, demonstrations etc. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Mass Media Support

Government carries out mass media support including broadcast of focussed content on All India Radio, Doordarshan as well as Private Radio and TV Channels. Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres

Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centres scheme provides extension services to farmers through setting up of economically viable self-employment ventures. Selected trainees are provided agrientrepreneurship training for a period of two months by MANAGE through identified nodal training institutions in various states, which also provide handholding support for one year. NABARD monitors the credit support to agri-clinics through commercial banks, provision of creditlinked back-ended subsidy at the rate of 36% (44% for SC, ST, Women and persons from North East). National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture

This scheme aims to achieve rapid development of agriculture in India through the use of ICT for ensuring timely access to agriculture related information for the farmers of the country. Such information is intended to be provided to farmers through multiple delivery channels such as internet, government offices, touch screen kiosks, krishi vigyan kendra, kisan call centres, agri Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 clinics, common service unstructured supplementary service data and voice recognition. Twelve services include information on pesticides, fertilizers and seeds, soil health; information on crops, farm machinery, training and good agricultural practices; weather advisories; information on prices, arrivals, procurement points and providing interaction platform; electronic certification for exports and import; information on marketing infrastructure; monitoring implementation/evaluation of schemes and programmes; information on fishery inputs; information on irrigation infrastructure; drought relief and management, livestock management. Kisan Call Centres (KCC)

The scheme of Kisan Call Centres was started in 2004 with basic objective to provide information to farming community through toll free telephone number (1800 180 1551) on all seven days a week from 06.00 AM to 10.00 PM. Under the current government, the scheme has been revamped and restructured to set up state of the art KCCs at select location. The revamped KCCs are more professional and equipped with voice/media gateways, dedicated leased line broadband, call barging etc. Farmers’ Portal

Government of India has launched Farmers Portal as one stop solution for all the farmers for accessing information on agricultural activities. It provides information about package of practices; crop and seed varieties; common pests; dealer network for seeds, fertilizers and pesticides; machinery and tools; agro-met advisories etc. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] MKisan Application

This app and portal has been designed and developed by inhouse IT team of DAC with the help of CDAC Pune under project mKisan. It brings together SMS (both Push and Pull), interactive voice response system, unstructured supplementary services of DATA or USSD (which is essentially Interactive SMS and can facilitate data entry and query on Web Portals without internet), mobile apps and services. It enables farmers and all other stakeholders to obtain advisories and information being sent by experts and government officials at different levels through mkisan portal without registering on the portal. Bhuvan Hailstorm App

This app collects data about hailstorms in real time along with photographs and geographical coordinates. DD Kisan Channel

‘DD Kisan’, India’s first television channel dedicated to farmers was launched in May 2015. This 24×7 channel disseminates real-time inputs to farmers on new farming techniques, water conservation and organic farming. It also shares best farm practices in different parts of the country, quiz shows for farmers, a bottoms-up approach involving agriculturists. Prior to launching this channel, Prasar | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Bharati was runningJig‘Krishi Darshan’ programme on DD1 for farmers. It was one of the longest running programmes on DD and was launched on January 26, 1967. Crop Insurance App and Agri-Market App

These two apps were launched by the Government in December 2015 to provide all relevant information to farmers and other stake holders in real time to create conducive environment for raising farm productivity and income to global levels. Crop Insurance mobile app

It will help farmers find out complete details about insurance cover available in their area. It will also help farmers to calculate the insurance premium for notified crops, coverage amount and loan amount. Farmers can use this app to get details and information about normal sum insured, premium details, extended sum insured and subsidy information of any notified crop in any notified area. AgriMarket Mobile app

It can be used by farmers to get the market prices of crops in the mandi within 50 km radius of the device. It can automatically tracks the location of person using mobile GPS and fetches the market prices of crops in those markets.

Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna (White Revolution) Earlier schemes related to Dairy and Livestock have been put together under the umbrella of Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojna (White Revolution) by the Union Government. This umbrella includes National Diary Plan/National Programme for Dairy Development, Dairy Entrepreneurship, © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Assistance to Cattle Institutes, Indigenous Breeds, National Programme for Bovine Breeding, Delhi Milk Scheme, supporting state co-operative Dairy Federations and Livestock Census, Integrated Sample Survey, Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme and National Livestock Mission. Some of these are described below:

National Dairy Plan This scheme is running since 2012 and was launched to increase productivity of the milch animals and increase milk production and to help rural milk producers achieve greater access to the organized milk processing sector. This scheme is being implemented by National Dairy Development Board through milk co-operatives and state agencies. Private dairy sector has been excluded from the implementation currently. This scheme was initially launched for 14 states which account for 90% of India’s milk production. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. In June 2015, the union government included three more states viz. Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, thus making this scheme available in 17 states currently. Under this scheme, allJigfunds come from central government and used for three different components | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 viz. Productivity Enhancement, Village based milk procurement systems and Project Management and Learning.

Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme This is a credit linked subsidy scheme of government to promote the setting up of modern dairy farms. The applicant / entrepreneur has to make arrangement for minimum 10% of the total money needed for setting up a modern dairy farm. For rest, the government provides 25% capital subsidy (33.33% for SC/ST) and remaining amount is provided as loan (minimum 40%) by the Commercial Banks, Cooperative Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Urban Banks. The nodal implementation agency for this scheme is NABARD.

National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development This programme was launched by the union government in February 2014 after merging four erstwhile schemes on the same subject with a Rs. 1800 crore outlay in 12th plan period. The objective of this scheme is to integrate the milk production and dairying activities in a scientific and holistic manner for attaining higher levels of milk production and productivity, to meet the increasing demand for milk in the country. This scheme has two components viz. National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) and National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). The NPBB focuses on Field Artificial Insemination (Al) Net work; conservation of indigenous breeds and establishment of breeders’ associations and societies to encourage conservation and development of recognized indigenous breeds. For artificial insemination, this component focuses on © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] establishment / appointments of some 5000 MAITRI. MAITRI stands for Multi-purpose AI Technician in Rural India. These MAITRIs will deliver the breeding inputs at doorstep. Another component NPDD focuses on developing infrastructure at the grassroots by providing financial and technical assistance for production, procurement, processing and marketing by milk unions/federations and also extension activities including training of farmers. Rastriya Gokul Mission

The Union Government has also launched Rashtriya Gokul Mission under the same programme for conservation and development of indigenous breeds in a focused and scientific manner. Under this mission, government plans to establish integrated cattle development centres “Gokul Grams” to develop indigenous breeds including up to 40% nondescript breeds.

Livestock Census th

Livestock Census is done every five years since 1919. Last Livestock census (19 ) was done in 2012 and next one (20th) is to be done in 2017. The official report is located here and key data is located here.

National Livestock Mission (NLM) The NDA Government has launched National Livestock Mission (NLM) from 2014-15 to ensure Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building of all stakeholders of livestock economy. This mission has four sub-missions focussing on Fodder, Livestock, Piggery in North East India and Skill development / extension. One of the biggest issues of the livestock sector is animal diseases such as FMD, PPR, Brucellosis, Avian Influenza etc. The National Livestock Mission has also special emphasis on such diseases. Under this, the Government has launched Foot and Mouth Disease Control Programme (FMD-CP) and other such programmes in this direction.

Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries (Blue Revolution) is the name of an integrated / umbrella scheme covering all existing schemes related to fisheries. This scheme was approved by Union Cabinet in December 2015 and the total outlay is of Rs. 3000 Crore for five years.

Components The IDMF scheme covers inland fisheries, aquaculture, marine fisheries including deep sea fishing, mariculture and all activities undertaken by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) towards realizing “Blue Revolution”. Thus there are six broad components as follows: National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and all its activities Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post Harvest Operations © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Strengthening of Database & Geographical Information System of the Fisheries Sector Institutional Arrangement for Fisheries Sector Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and other need-based Interventions.

Funding and Implementation IDMF is a central sector scheme which provides 100% funding for the above components. Further, it also provides suitable linkages and convergence with Sagarmala Project of the Ministry of Shipping, MGNREGA, RKVY, NRLM etc. The overall objective is to ensure a sustained annual growth rate of 6% – 8% as against an overall annual growth rate of about 4%. The scheme with its multi-dimensional activities, focuses mainly on increasing production and productivity from aquaculture and fisheries resources, both inland and marine. The scheme is intended to utilise most of the unutilised fisheries resources keeping in view the overall sustainability, bio-security and environmental concerns.

Minimum Support Price Scheme The Minimum Support Prices were announced by the Government of India for the first time in 1966-67 for Wheat in the wake of the Green Revolution and extended harvest, to save the farmers Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 from depleting profits. Since then, the MSP regime has been expanded to many crops. Minimum Support Price is the price at which government purchases crops from the farmers, whatever may be the price for the crops. The MSP is announced by the Government of India for 25 crops currently at the beginning of each season viz. Rabi and Kharif. Following are the 25 crops covered by MSP: Kharif Crops

Rabi Crops

1

Paddy

15

Wheat

2

Jowar

16

Barley

3

Bajra

17

Gram

4

Maize

18

Masur (Lentil)

5

Ragi

19

Rapeseed/Mustard

6

Arhar(Tur)

20

Safflower

7

Moong

21

Toria

8

Urad

Other Crops

9

Cotton

22

Copra

© 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

Kharif Crops

Rabi Crops

10

Groundnut

23

De-Husked Coconut

11

Sunflower Seed

24

Jute

12

Soyabeen Black

25

Sugarcane

13

Sesamum

14

Nigerseed

Rationale behind MSP

If there is a fall in the prices of the crops, after a bumper harvest, the government purchases at the MSP and this is the reason that the priced cannot go below MSP. So this directly helps the farmers. How MSP is decided?

The government decided the support prices for various agricultural commodities after taking into account the following: Recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Views of StateJigGovernments Views of Ministries Other relevant factors. Price Support Scheme (PSS) for Oil seeds and Pulses

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation implements the Price Support Scheme for Oil Seeds and Pulses through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED). NAFED is the nodal procurement agency for Oilseeds and pulses, apart from the Cotton Corporation of India. So, when the prices of oilseeds, pulses and cotton fall below MSP, NAFED purchases them from the farmers.

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers Jan Aushadhi Yojana is one important scheme of this ministry implemented by Department of Pharmaceuticals.

Jan Aushadhi Scheme The Jan Aushadhi Scheme (Public Medicine Scheme) is a direct market intervention scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers {not health ministry}. Its aim is to make available quality generic medicines to all at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi Store (JAS) opened in each district of the states. It was first launched in 2008 to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the economically weaker sections of the society. The first JAS was opened at © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Amritsar Civil Hospital in 2008.

Objectives To make available low priced quality medicines for all – thereby reducing the unit cost of treatment per person, more specifically for persons suffering from chronic ailments. To create demand for generic medicine and encourage doctors especially in the government hospitals to prescribe generic medicines to their patients. To create awareness among people about the efficacy of the generic drugs. About generic medicines

Generic medicines are unbranded medicines which are identical or bioequivalent to the branded ones and have the same efficacy in terms of therapeutic value to its branded equivalent. These medicines are available at a much cheaper price than the branded medicines.

Implementing agency Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency. It was established in 2008 and comes under the Department of Pharmaceuticals with the support of all the Pharma CPSUs such as: Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL), Rajasthan Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited (RDPL) Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL) Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited (BCPL) BPPI got registered as an independent society in 2010 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 BPPI primarily focuses on coordinating marketing of the generic drugs through the Jan Aushadhi stores and sourcing of medicines from Pharma CPSUs and Private Sector. It also manages the supply chain and ensures proper running of the Jan Aushadhi stores.

Who can open Jan Aushadhi stores? Non-governmental organizations, charitable institutions, private hospitals, reputed professional organizations and self help groups can open new Jan Aushadhi stores. Around 182 Jan Aushadhi stores have been opened and out of which 111 are oprerational as of july 2015 in 16 states/UTs like Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand. One-time assistance of Rs.2 lakh for establishment and one time start up cost of Rs. 50,000 is paid to the operating agency of each outlet as government assistance. How many medicines are covered under this scheme?

At present 361 medicines are covered by this scheme and the government proposes to increase it to 500. These medicines are packed in special Jan Aushadhi packs with bilingual labels stating clearly the generic name of the drug.

Major constraints faced by this scheme © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] The public sector undertakings in the pharmaceutical sector are unable to cover all of the 361 medicines identified in this scheme. They are able to cover only 130 medicines. A study made by the Public Health Foundation of India has identified the following factors to be the major constraints in making the scheme unsuccessful: Over dependence on support from State Government. Poor Supply Chain management. Non-prescription of Generic Medicines by the doctors. State Governments launching free supply of drugs. Lack of awareness among the public What have been stated regarding the scheme in the budget 2016?

The government has planned to open 3000 Jan Aushadhi stores in 2016-17. Rs.35 crore has been allotted for Jan Aushadhi stores in this budget. Recently, the government has stated that the scheme will be relaunched soon with private participation and will be renamed as the Prime Minister’s Jan Aushadhi Yojana.

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Jig | [email protected] The important schemes of Ministry of| www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Commerce and Industry are as follows:

Merchandise Export from India Scheme The six different schemes of the earlier FTP (Focus Product Scheme, Market Linked Focus Product Scheme, Focus Market Scheme, Agriculture Infrastructure Incentive Scrip, Vishesh Krishi and Gram Udyog Yojana and Incremental Export Incentive Scheme) which had varying sector-specific or actual user only conditions attached to their use have been merged into a single scheme, namely the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS). Notified goods exported to notified markets will be incentivized on realized FOB value of exports. For the purpose of granting incentibes, the countries have been grouped into three categories as follows: Category A: traditional markets Category B: emerging & focus markets Category C: other markets Government has expanded the coverage of the MEIS on 29 October 2015 by adding 110 new items. The incentive rate/country coverage of 2228 items has been enhanced.

Service Export from India Scheme The Served from India Scheme (SFIS) has been replaced with the Service Export from India Scheme (SEIS). The SEIS applies to ‘service providers located in India’ instead of ‘Indian service providers’. Thus, it provides for incentives to all service providers of notified services who are providing services from India, regardless of the constitution or profile of the service provider. The rates of © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] incentivization under the SEIS are based on net foreign exchange earned. The incentive issued as duty credit scrip, will no longer carry an actual user condition and will no longer be restricted to usage for specified types of goods but be freely transferable and usable for all types of goods and service tax debits on procurement of services/goods.

Export House Status Holders Scheme Merchant as well as Manufacturer Exporters, Service Providers, Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and Units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Agri. Export Zones (AEZs), Electronic Hardware Technology Parks (EHTPs), Software Technology Parks (STPs) and Bio-Technology Parks (BTPs) are recognized as various status holders as follows: Status

Business in million US dollars

One Star Export House

3

Two Star Export House

25

Three Star Export House

100

Four Star Export House 500 Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Five Star Export House

2000

A Status Holder is eligible for many benefits such as Self declaration during custom clearances; exception from some documents and receipts; various incentives etc.

Export of goods through courier or foreign post offices using e-Commerce The current Foreign Trade Policy has introduced a scheme to incentivise exports of goods through courier or foreign post office using e-commerce under MEIS. As the regulatory structure of ecommerce export is still evolving, scope of the scheme was kept limited.

Advance Authorization (AA) Scheme Under this scheme, duty free import of inputs (that are physically incorporated in the export product) are allowed, with minimum 15 per cent value addition. Advance Authorization (AA) is issued for inputs in relation to resultant products as per SION or on the basis of self-declaration, as per procedures of FTP. AA normally has a validity period of 12 months for the purpose of imports and a period of 18 months for fulfilment of Export Obligation (EO) from the date of issue. AA is issued either to a manufacturer exporter or merchant exporter tied to a supporting manufacturer(s).

Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA) Scheme DFIA is issued to allow duty free import of inputs, with a minimum value addition requirement of 20 per cent. DFIA shall be exempted only from the payment of basic customs duty. DFIA shall be issued on post export basis for products for which SION has been notified. Separate schemes exist for © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] gems and jewellery sector.

Export Promotion of Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme Under this scheme import of capital goods at zero customs duty is allowed for technology upgradation and better services to enhance India’s export competitiveness. Import under EPCG is subject to export obligation equivalent to six times of duty saved in six years. Scheme also allows indigenous sourcing of capital goods with 25 per cent less export obligation.

EOU/EHTP/STP & BTP Schemes Units undertaking to export their entire production of goods and services may be set up under this scheme for import/ procurement domestically without payment of duties. For details of the scheme and benefits available therein FTP may be required.

National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) National Export Insurance Account (NEIA) is a fund set up in 2006 with an approved corpus of Rs. 2000 Crore. Out of which Rs. 546 Crore were funded by the Government of India. NEIA promotes project export from India, which are not covered by the ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Council) because of its own underwriting capacity. NEIA is maintained and operated by a Public Trust set up jointly by the Department of Commerce and ECGC. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Price Stabilization Fund

Kindly note that there are two price stabilization Fund schemes in India under Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Consumers Affairs respectively. Under Ministry of Commerce, there is a Rs. 500 Crore fund to stabilize the prices of Tea, Coffee, Rubber and Tobacco to contain distress among the farmers of these commodities. Under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, there is a Rs. 900 Crore Price Stabilization for price sensitive commodities such as pulses.

Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Important Facts about SEZ for Prelims are given below. The topic has been discussed in detail at this link. Key Features

The scheme is backed by SEZ Act 2005 so each SEZ is a statutory entity. A SEZ is a duty free enclave, treated as foreign territory for the purpose of trade and tariffs only. Since they are treated as foreign territories, they don’t need license for import. A SEZ is primarily for export but is allowed to manufacture trade and provide services. There is no routine examination by custom authorities and there is no income tax for first five years and 50% rebate on income tax for 6th and 7th year. Further, if half of the profit is reinvested, the 50% rebate on income tax can be extended for three more years. Raw material for SEZ comes at zero tax and zero duty. Once started, these units need to become net foreign exchange earner in 3 years time. Land Acquisition

Land is acquired by state government and given to developers. Basic condition is that 25% of the land © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] area needs to be for export related activities only. Minimum land required for Multi-sector SEZ is 500 hectare while sector specific SEZ is 50 hectares.

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Digital India and NOFN The Digital India Programme of the NDA Government is a repackaged and consolidated version of the hitherto called National e-governance plan with an equally nice-sounding label. It seeks to deliver all government services electronically. It not only envisages giving boost to information technology but also envisages achieving import-export balance in electronics.

Overview The DI initiative was envisaged by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (Deity), and will be implemented in phases that will culminate in 2018-19. The initiative is being implemented as an umbrella programme which shall include all departments and ministries within its scope. However, the implementation shall be monitored and overseen by a Digital India Advisory group that will be headed by the Ministry of Communications.

Objectives | [email protected] www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 The Digital India (DI)Jiginitiative aims| to bring digital empowerment to India and aid in its transition to becoming a knowledge economy. The programme aims to do so through a combination of building digital infrastructure, providing digital services, implementing e-governance in an accessible manner and using technology as a driver of change and growth. Thus, the objectives are: Transform so far agrarian Indian economy to a knowledge-centric economy Plug the widening digital divide in Indian society Give India equal footing with the developed world in terms of development with the aid of latest technology.

Salient Features Umbrella programme which includes the hitherto National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) to connect 2,50,000 gram Panchayats by providing internet connectivity to all citizens. To be completed in phased manner by 2019. To be monitored by a Digital India committee comprised of several ministers. Contemplates creation of massive infrastructure to provide high-speed internet at the gram level, e-availability of major government services like health, education, security, justice, financial inclusion etc. thereby digitally empowering citizens. Will also ensure public answerability via a unique ID, e-Pramaan based on standard government applications and fully online delivery of services. Has capacity to create huge number of jobs. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] If implemented well, will be a great boost for the electronics industry in India and expectedly will see a fall in imports of electronics.

Nature and Scope DI aims to encourage the participation of individuals in digital activities through promotion of digital usage through mobile phones etc and also beefing up of infrastructure. High speed internet will be made available at the Gram Panchayat level. Individuals will maintain a digital identity right from birth. A public cloud will be created with private space that could be shared. Emphasis will also be placed on making cyber space secure for Indians. All departments and ministries will work together to provide single window access to all individuals. Government services can be availed either through mobile phones or through the internet. All processes will be simplified, making digital access easier. Citizen entitlements will be made available on the cloud. Also, efforts will be undertaken to make financial transactions of a sizeable amount electronic and cashless. Another major aim of the DI is to educate people and increase awareness about digital processes. To further this aim, the government will promote universal digital literacy and make all digital resources universally accessibleJigto the people. Also, to make digital resources and services accessible to all | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 people, it will be made available in all Indian languages. Scope of DI

The DI programme covers a wide range of areas:Broadband Services– It provides for incremental coverage of broadband services in gram panchayats over a span of three years at a cost of Rs. 32,000 crore under the guidance of Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It also provides for building up of a national information infrastructure with the guidance of Deity. Mobile connectivity– Another important objective is to provide universal access to mobiles, improve mobile connectivity and increase mobile network penetration at a cost of 16,000 crores and under the DoT’s purview. Public Internet Access– DI also aims to establish service centres in rural areas through a National Rural Internet Mission and in post offices thus ensuring easy public access to internet and other digital services. E-governance– The government aims to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucratic hurdles by using IT for a variety of purposes such as maintaining electronic databases, registering grievances against public officials etc. E-kranti– This provides for electronic delivery of services such as education, healthcare, dispensing justice, educating farmers, forming plans, increasing financial inclusion etc. DI © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] will continue in the footsteps of the National e-governance Plan with respect to implementation of these. Access to information– Use technology to proactively engage with citizens through social media, emails, messages etc. Also, build portals that provide people easy access to relevant information Manufacturing of electronics– DI aims to bring down India’s electronics imports to zero by 2020 through adopting a variety of measures aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing IT Jobs– Creation of skilled workforce in the area of IT. Improve capacity-building and provide training so that a suitable workforce is built. The DI programme envisages 1.7 crore direct and 8.5 crore indirect opportunities. Early harvest programmes– Envisions converting all government greetings into egreetings. Development of an IT platform for mass messaging and biometric attendance for all government employees is also being developed. National Knowledge Network (NKN) : The scheme has been initiated for establishing the National Knowledge Network with multiple gigabit bandwidth to connect Knowledge Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Institutions across the country Also includes connecting citizens by social network called MyGov, envisages as Net-Zero Electronics Import Target by 2020 and setting up of an Electronic development fund.

Critical Note The backbone of this programme will be “National Optical Fiber Network”, which was started in 2011 and set out the vision to connect 250000 gram Panchayats in 27 months at the cost of Rs. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] 20,000 Crore. Its target was subsequently scaled down to less than half (1.10 lakh Panchayats) due to miserable implementation and then the targets as well as the plan lost into oblivion. What went wrong with the above programme? Chiefly it was lack of coordination. This programme was approved by the Union Cabinet, and its implementation committee had names such as Sam Pitroda and Nandan Nilekani. But it failed. Apart from lack of coordination, the other reasons to why NOFN failed included: Neither hardware requirements nor software requirements were appropriately thought of. Corruption and cartels at work, so procurement tenders did not happen in time. No revenue model for the project to sustain India did not have capability to manufacture the inputs Issues in getting land and other resources from states The new project is not only bigger in approach than NOFN but also five times bigger in its budget. The new government has set a deadline of just 4 years; so it seems almost unrealistic that targets will be achieved within the time limit. If the project is implemented well it has the ability and energy to transform Indian way of life and doing public business as it will synchronize and synergize all digital Jig | [email protected] www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 initiatives for a better and more | connected India. Not only IT/ITeS, telecom, electronics manufacturing sectors would be benefited from Digital India, but there will be a positive impact on other industry sectors as well, like Power Sector and Banking and Financial Services. But the challenges are daunting and they are indeed in its proper and time bound implementation.

National Knowledge Network National Knowledge Network (NKN) is a state-of-the-art multi-gigabit pan-Indian resource-sharing network aimed at digitally connecting all national universities, colleges and research establishments to create “country-wide virtual classrooms”. This project was initiated by UPA Government in 2009. The project was launched for a period of 10 years. As of May 2016, NKN has connected over 1585 institutions under various categories throughout India. Currently, this programme is a component of umbrella “Digital India” programme.

Objectives The major objective of NKN is to connect universities, research institutions, libraries, laboratories, healthcare and agricultural institutions across the country with high bandwidth (multi-gigabit) / low latency internet connection, so that they can share the knowledge, information and data. The idea is to bring together all stakeholders from science, technology, higher education, healthcare, agriculture and governance to a common platform.

Salient Features of NKN architecture NKN architecture has been designed for scalability. Backbone of this network starts from © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] 2.5GBPS connectivity and moves on to 10GBPS connectivity between 7 super-core locations all over India. Further, it is inherently capable of progressively moving with multiples of10/40/100 gbps, complimented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The end users are connected upto a speed of 1 Gbps. The network architecture and governance structure allows users with options to connect to the distribution layer as well. NKN enables creation of Virtual Private Networks (VPN) as well for special interest groups. It NKN provides international connectivity to its users for global collaborative research. At present, NKN is connected to Trans Eurasia Information Network (TEIN3) and is expected to connect with GLORIAD network in near future.

Applications Various applications under NKN are as follows: Countrywide Virtual Classroom

The NKN is a platform for delivering effective distance education and it enables co-sharing of information such as classroom lectures, presentations and handouts among different institutions. Collaborative Research Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 The NKN enables collaboration among researchers from different entities like GLORIAD, TEIN3, GARUDA, CERN etc. NKN also enables sharing of scientific databases and remote access to advanced research facilities.

Virtual Library

The Virtual Library involving sharing of journals, books and research papers across different institutions, is a natural application for NKN. Sharing of Computing Resources

High-performance computing is critical for national security, industrial productivity, and advances in science and engineering. The network enables a large number of institutions to access highperformance computing to conduct advanced research in areas such as weather monitoring, earthquake engineering and other computationally intensive fields. Grid Computing

The NKN has the capability to handle high bandwidth with low latency and provision to overlay grid computing. Some of the grid based applications are climate change/global warming, science projects like Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and ITER. The NKN can be the platform to realize many such innovative applications. The Garuda Grid has enhanced its power and stability by migrating to NKN. Network Technology Test-bed

NKN provides test-bed for testing and validation of services before they are made available to the production network. NKN also provides an opportunity to test new hardware & software, vendor interoperability etc. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] e-Governance

NKN acts as a super highway for integrating e-Governance infrastructure such as government data centres and networks. NKN provides bulk data transfer facility required for e-Governance applications.

Services Provided by NKN Generic Services

Internet, Intranet, Network Management Views, e-Mail, Messaging Gateways, Caching Gateways, Domain Name System, Web Hosting, Voice over IP, Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) Services, Video Portals, SMS Gateway, Co- Location Services, Video Streaming etc. Community Services

Shared Storage, e-Mail List Software Application (LISTSERV), Authentication Service, EVO, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Collaboration Service, Content Delivery Service, International Collaborations with EU-India Grid, Global Ring Network for Advanced Applications Development (GLORIAD) etc. Special Services

Virtual Private Network Stitching Services, [VPN@L2 (Virtual Private Wire Service / Virtual Private LAN Service),JigVPN@L3] etc. | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Thus, NKN is a revolutionary step towards creating a knowledge society without boundaries.

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Price Stabilization Fund (Ministry of Consumer Affairs) The Rs. 900 crore fund under ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution tries to contain the prices of essential commodities especially of pulses. This fund was earlier under agriculture ministry but was transferred to Consumer Affairs Ministry in February 2016. Under agriculture ministry, this fund was used to support market interventions for managing prices of perishable agri-horticultural commodities by procuring directly from farmers and later supplying at reasonable rates to consumers. The scheme was aimed to provide relief to consumers but was mainly used to provide relief to farmers. Since farmers are already protected by Minimum Sport Price scheme, the Price Stabilization Fund was rightly moved to Ministry of Consumer affairs. This shifting was in response to the steep hikes in prices of Dal early this year.

Ministry of Culture Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana National Mission on Libraries National Mission on Libraries (NML) was launched in 2014 by President Pranab Mukherjee at © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. It is a mission by Ministry of Culture to modernize and digitally link public libraries across the country and was established on the basis of recommendations of report of National Knowledge Commission (NKC).Currently, this mission is a part of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana umbrella.

Objectives To create a world class library system, foster reading habits, facilitate research work and provide information to people in a timely and convenient manner which is also universal and equitable. Set up in pursuance of a report of the National Knowledge Commission, which recommended a total revamp of the Library and Information Service sector to serve the changing needs and expectations of the users and give a fillip to the library movement in the country.

Salient Features The NML was designed for the entire spectrum of population – students, researchers, scientists, professionals, children, artists and differently abled persons. Kolkata-basedJigRaja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) is the nodal body to implement | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 this mission. There is also a plan to create a National Virtual Library of India (NVLI) to facilitate a comprehensive database on digital resources, carry out a census on the resources available in the libraries and conduct a study on the reading habits in different regions of the country. Factors of NML:up-gradation of infrastructure, digitization and modernization, census of libraries and their development as knowledge centres and transformation of libraries into empowering and inclusive institutions. Core areas of Mission:Creation of a National Virtual Library of India, Setting up of National Mission on Libraries Model Libraries, Quantitative & Qualitative Survey of Libraries and Capacity Building for revamping the Public Library System & Services. Main component:To initiate need-based training programmes to develop managerial skills and IT competencies of their personnel in tune with demands of the Internet era.

Implementation of NML Six libraries under the Culture Ministry, 35 Central Libraries in states and 35 District Libraries will be developed as model libraries. For setting up of the model libraries, existing libraries would be identified in consultation with the state governments to improve infrastructure and upgrade technology used by them. Emphasis will on developing these libraries in economically backward districts. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

National Mission on Manuscripts (NMM) The National Mission for Manuscripts was launched in 2003 as first consolidated national level effort for preservation of manuscripts. The aim of this mission is to locate, document, preserve and digitize the vast manuscript wealth of India to create national resource base for enhancing access, awareness and use for educational purposes. The mission falls under the Ministry of Culture. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is the nodal agency for executing of this mission.

Modus Operandi of the Mission The term manuscript is derived from the Latin term ‘manuscriptum’, which means hand written documents. Manuscripts were written on bark, cloth, metal, palm leaf, paper among others, which are more than 75 years old. Under this mission, Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation centres (MCCs) are established across the country. The MRCs includes museums, libraries, Ideological institutes, universities and non-government organizations, which serve as coordinating agencies in their respective regions. The MCCs helps in conserving manuscripts with the help of grants obtained under National Mission for Manuscripts. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Under this mission 31,23,000 manuscripts and 185,88,390 pages have been digitized up to the end of 2014.

India’s manuscripts India is estimated to possess five million manuscripts, which is probably the world’s largest collection of manuscripts. Also, some estimates puts this figure as 35 million. Apart from this, many manuscripts of Indian origin have been taken by foreigners to their countries. Famous Chinese traveler Huen Tsang took back hundreds of manuscripts from India to China. Similarly, in the 18th Century King George III of England received an illuminated manuscript of Padshahnama from the Nawab of Awadh. Indian manuscripts cover a wide range of themes, languages, scripts, textures, calligraphies, illuminations, illustrations and aesthetics. These manuscripts undoubtedly help in connecting India’s past with its future and documents India’s history, thought and heritage.

Objectives of the Mission To facilitate conservation and preservation of manuscripts through training, awareness and financial supports; To document and catalogue Indian manuscripts, wherever they may be, maintain accurate and up-to-date information about them and the condition under which they may be consulted; To promote ready access to these manuscripts through publication, both in book form as well © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] as electronic form; To boost scholarship and research in the study of Indian languages and manuscriptology; To build up a National Manuscript Library at IGNCA. Other Schemes for Preservation of documentary heritage Apart from National Manuscripts Mission, the National Archives of India operates two schemes which provide financial assistance for preservation of documentary heritage including manuscripts in India. These schemes are as follows: 1. Scheme of Financial Assistance for Preservation and Conservation of Manuscripts, Rare Books, Old and Rare Documents, Record of History to Registered Voluntary Organizations/Individuals etc. 2. Scheme of Financial Assistance to State/Union Territory Archival Repositories, Government Libraries and Museums.

Expected Outcomes This mission will be helpful in sensitizing people about our rich intellectual heritage and will provide policy inputs for similar future initiatives. | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Availability ofJigdatabases will provide an impetus to the research activities across the country. It may create interest among scholars and youth in the field of manuscriptology and training in traditional languages and subjects will receive the required attention.

Problem areas and Steps to address the bottlenecks There is a dearth of experts like manuscriptologists, trained activists and librarians to work on this mission. The need for devoting many years in learning to specialize a specific language has made the profession less attractive and is the major reason for the lack of experts to carry forward the work. Case of Sanskrit

70% of the manuscripts are in Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is a scheduled language under 8th schedule of the constitution and also an official language in Uttrakhand. There are also instances where there is a dearth of experts to read scripts in that Sanskrit language was written down. It must be mentioned here that knowledge transmission in Sanskrit was rarely in written form and most of the transmission happened was oral. With the collapse of gurukul systems, that knowledge has been lost forever with many branches of sacred texts, Vedas and vedangas. Steps needed to address the bottlenecks

There is an urgent need for the promoting the study of manuscriptology and the institutions working in that field has to be associated with the mission. Also, a huge awareness campaign has to be carried out to encourage private and individual custodians of the manuscripts to contribute to this mission. The study of Sanskrit language also needs to be given importance as 70% of the manuscripts are in that language. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) On 15th August, 2003, Prime Minister of India made an announcement for setting up of a National Mission on India’s Tangible Heritage. Accordingly the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities was launched on 19th March 2007. In a country like India, endowed with both tangible and intangible heritage of an immense cultural and artistic value, commissioning of National Mission for Monuments and Antiquities occupies a position of great antiquarian significance

Objectives The objective for undertaking the National Mission on Monuments & Sites and Antiquities is to develop a national database with a view to enhances access to the students, scholars, researchers and to the general public and preserve it for the posterity. The main emphasis should be to improve awareness about cultural inheritance and encourage their use for educational and research purposes for lifelong learning.

Scope The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities proposes to launch its activities throughout the country with independent functional strategy in each state and union territory. It is envisaged that mandate of the Jig Mission should| www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 be achieved within a stipulated time frame of five years i.e. | [email protected] 2007-2012. Conservation and preservation of archaeological monuments & sites and antiquarian still remains a significant challenge. Some of the built heritage and antiquarian remains have already disappeared, while some of these are in a state of decay/damage. Since these monuments and antiquarian remains are on the verge of extinction because of the hostile conditions of weather, encroachment in the name of developmental works, it is our sacred duty to safeguard them from all the odds. Our challenge is to safeguard them by means of adopting measures of conservation, preservation, environmental development followed by documentation. The challenges before the Central and State governments are enormous and arduous in nature, for which other organizations and stakeholders have to be roped in as equal partners in safeguarding the monuments, sites and antiquarian remains.

Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme was introduced in 2003-04 with a view to promote development of new talents in the field of music and dance, folk and tribal art forms, under the able guidance of Gurus.

About the Scheme The traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara in the Indian Culture and Religion is the succession of teachers and disciples through the tradition of spiritual relationship and mentoring. Through this © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] tradition teachings and knowledge of a Guru will be transferred to disciple. The ministry of Culture with the aim of preserving the Guru-Shishya parampara tradition and promoting talents in the field of music and drama and other art forms introduced the Guru Shishya Parampara scheme in 2003-04. As per the scheme, great masters in the field of Music and Dance, folk and tribal art forms will be identified in each zonal cultural centres and pupil will be assigned to them. Financial assistance and Scholarship will be given by the government, encouraging the systematic learning of different art forms.

Gandhi Peace Prize The Gandhi Peace Prize is an international award given away annually by the government of India. It was instituted by the Government of India in 1995 as a part of the 125th anniversary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi.

The prize Individuals and institutions are considered for the Gandhi Peace Prize for their contributions towards social, economic and political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods. The prize carries an award of Rs. 1.00 crore or equivalent in foreign currency, a plaque and Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 a citation.

Selection The recipient is selected by a Jury, headed by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and consisting of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India and two other eminent persons. The prize is open to all the individuals regardless of their nationality. Only achievements within the last 10 years or the older works, significance of which has become apparent recently will be considered.

Important recipients Julius Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania, was the first recipient of the prize (1995). Other important recipients are Ramakrishna Mission, Baba Amte, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Grameen Bank, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and others

Various Bodies under Ministry of Culture Quick facts about various bodies under Ministry of Culture are as follows:

Sangeet Natak Akademi The Sangeet Natak Akademi (संगीत नाटक अकादेमी) was set up in 1953 for the promotion of performing arts. Setting up of Sangeet Natak Akademi is one of the main recommendations of the National conference on Dance, Drama, and Music, held in New Delhi in 1951.

Functions and Powers The Sangeet Natak Akademi is an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Culture. It acts at the © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] national level for the: promotion and growth of Indian music, dance and drama; maintenance of standards of training in the performing arts; revival, preservation, documentation and dissemination of materials as well as instruments relating to various forms of music, dance and drama recognition of outstanding artists The Akademi is also responsible for the establishment and maintenance of institutions and projects of national importance in the field of performing arts. Important institutions established by the academy are: The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy in Imphal, the premier institution in Manipuri dance and music established in 1954 The National School of drama, New Delhi established in 1959 The Kathak Kendra (National Institute of Kathak Dance), New Delhi established in 1964 The Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati established in 2001 Projects of National importance supported by the Akademi are: | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Kuttiyattam – Jigthe age-old Sanskrit theatre of Kerala Chhau dances of eastern India Sattriya traditions of Assam In 2001 UNESCO declared Kutiyattam as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Awards and honours

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is the highest recognition given in India annually to practicing artists. The award consists of Rs. 50,000, a citation, an angavastram (a shawl), and a tamrapatra (a brass plaque). The awards are given in the categories of music, dance, theatre, other traditional arts and puppetry, and for contribution/scholarship in performing arts. Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship – ‘Ratna Sadsya’

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship is the highest honour in the performing arts conferred by the Government of India. The Akademi Fellowship carries prize money of Rs 3.00 lakh in cash, a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram. Fellowship is restricted to 30 eminent persons at any given time till 2010. In 2010 ten more seats of Akademi Fellows have been increased to be filled up in a phased manner over five years – two seats per year. Hence, at present, there are only 32 living Fellows. Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar

The Sangeet Natak Akademi has instituted “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” from the year 2006 to be awarded to young practitioners upto the age of 35 years, in the fields of music, dance and © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] drama. Website http://sangeetnatak.org

Lalit Kala Akademi Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Fine Arts) is a national organization established in 1954, to foster and coordinate activities in the sphere of Indian fine art culture. It has headquarters at New Delhi and regional centers at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Garhi (Delhi), Kolkata, Lucknow and Shimla.

Functions and Powers It is a non-profit, autonomous body, under the Ministry of Culture. Lait Kala Akademi is the nodal agency of Government of India to promote Understanding of Indian art, both within and outside the country Study and research in the fields of creative arts such as painting, sculpture and graphics etc. Coordination of activities of the regional art organizations and State Lalit Kala Akademies Exhibitions, scholarships, sponsorships, fellowships, assistance schemes, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and publication of documentary material. The Akademi conducts Triennale India an international exhibition on contemporary art in New Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Delhi every three years. It also conducts the National Exhibition of Photography and Art. The Akademi also publishes bi-annual art journals, Lalit Kala Contemporary (English), Lalit Kala Ancient (English) and Samkaleen Kala (Hindi). The Akademi sponsors various cultural exchange programmes with different countries through different agreements of government of India.

Awards and honours

Lalit Kala Akademi- Fellowship

The Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship is a prestigious recognition in the field of art instituted by the Lalit Kala Akademi. Eminent artists and art historians are honoured every year by electing them as Fellows of the Akademi.

Website http://lalitkala.gov.in

Sahitya Akademi Sahitya Akademi (साहित्य अकादमी) has been set up for the development of Indian literature and to set high literary standards to foster and co-ordinate literary activities in all the Indian languages and to promote through them cultural unity of the country. It is established by the government of India in 1954 at New Delhi.

Functions and powers Sahitya Akademi is an autonomous body under the ministry of Culture. The Akademi has recognised © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] 24 Indian languages. It has an Advisory Board for each of the languages that suggests various programmes and publications in the concerned languages. Sahitya Akademi is the central institution in India for literary dialogue, publication and promotion in the country promoting Indian literature throughout the world keeping alive the intimate dialogue among the various linguistic and literary zones and groups through seminars, lectures, symposia, discussions, readings and performances providing research and travel grants to authors publishes books and journals, including the Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature Other than its Headquarters of New Delhi, the Akademi has four regional offices in Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. It has two Translation Centres at Bangalore and Kolkata, besides a Project Office at Shillong for promotion of oral and tribal literature and an Archive of Indian literature in Delhi. Sahitya Akademi publishes three literary journals — Indian Literature (bi-monthly in English), Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Samkaleen Bharatiya Sahitya (bi-monthly in Hindi) and Samskrita Pratibha (half-yearly in Sanskrit). It has also launched a new project called The Encyclopedia of Indian Poetics. The Akademi holds an annual week-long ‘Festival of Letters’, usually in February with Award-giving ceremony, Samvatsar Lecture and a National Seminar.

Awards and Honours

Sahitya Akademi Fellowship

It is the highest honour conferred by the Akademi on a writer, by electing him as its Fellow. This honour is reserved for the ‘immortals of literature’ and limited to twenty-one only at any given time. It was established in 1968 and the first elected fellow was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The fellowship will be awarded for literary work in any of the 24 recognised languages. Sahitya Akademi Award

Sahitya Akdemi Award is the second highest honour conferred by the Sahitya akademi next to Sahitya akademi Fellowship. It is conferred on the writers of outstanding of literary works published in any of the 24 Indian languages recognised by the Akademy. The annual award carries a plaque and prize money of Rs. 100,000 in each of the 24 languages it supports. Bhasha Samman Award

Sahitya Akademi instituted Bhasha Samman in 1996 to be given to writers of literary works in nonrecognised languages. Bhasha Samman award also carries a plaque and prize money of Rs. 100,000. Every year the Sammans are given to 3-4 persons in different languages. Prize for Translation © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Besides the Sahithya Akademi awards for creative writing, it has instituted an annual prize for translation from 1989 to be given to outstanding translations in the 24 languages recognised by it. The award carries a prize money of Rs.50,000. Bal Sahitya Puraskar

It is an award given by the Sahitya Akademi every year for the most outstanding Children’s book by an Indian author, first published in any of the 24 recognised languages during last five years. Yuva Puraskar

It is an award given by the Sahitya Akademi every year for the book by a young Indian author, whose age is 35 or below, first published in any of the 24 languages. Anand Coomarswamy Fellowships

The Anand Coomarswamy Fellowship was established in 1996 in the name of Indian writer Ananda Coomaraswamy. It is given to scholars from Asian countries to pursue a literary project in India. Premchand Fellowships

The Premchand Fellowship was started in 2005. It is named Hindi writer Premchand during his 125th birth anniversary. It is given to scholars doing research on Indian literature or to creative writers from SAARC countries other than India. Website: http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts – IGNCA was established in 1987. It is a centre established for encompassing study and experience of all the arts, each form with its own integrity, yet within the dimension of mutual interdependence. The IGNCA seeks to underpin through its programmes of collection of resource material and fundamental research in the field of arts and humanities, the inter-relationship with the disciplines of science, physical and material metaphysics, anthropology and sociology.

Functions and Powers IGNCA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture. Its headquarters is at New Delhi. It is the premier institution in Arts aimed to: serve as a major resource centre for the arts, especially written, oral and visual source materials undertake research and publication programmes of reference works, glossaries, dictionaries and encyclopaedia concerning the arts and the humanities establish a tribal and folk arts division with a core collection for conducting systematic scientific studies and for live presentations provide a forum for a creative and critical dialogue through performances, exhibitions, multi© 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] media projections, conferences, seminars and workshops between and amongst the diverse arts, traditional and cotemporary The IGNCA has six functional units 1. KALA NIDHI, the multi-form library; 2. KALA KOSA, devoted mainly to the study and publication of fundamental texts in Indian languages; 3. JANAPADA SAMPADA, engaged in lifestyle studies; 4. KALADARSANA, the executive unit which transforms researches and studies emanating from the IGNCA into visible forms through exhibitions; 5. SUTRADHARA, the administrative section that acts as a spine supporting and coordinating all the activities. 6. CULTURAL INFORMATICS LAB, which applies technology tools for cultural preservation and propagation; IGNCA has three regional centres. The Southern Regional Centre at Bangalore was established in 2001. It is aimed at intensifying the centre’s studies on the southern region’s art and cultural heritage. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Varanasi Regional Centre, established in 1998, is mainly engaged in publication of Kalatattvakosa series, a lexicon of fundamental concepts of the Indian arts. The field centre of the IGNCA for the North East is based in Guwahati. Its main task is to collaborate in programmes relating to the culture-rich communities in the north eastern region. Five trees of IGNCA

During the inauguration of IGNCA, the five trees which are most significant in Indian civilization were planted by the Late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi. These trees are associated with the different divisions of the Centre. 1. The Asvattha (Ficus Religiosa), popularly known as the Bodhi tree, symbolizing the constant quest of delving into the self and human consciousness for enlightenment. It is associated with the SUTRADHARA. 2. The Nyagrodha (Ficus Bengalensis), the basis of the metaphysical metaphor of the upside down tree with branches which grow roots and roots which grow as branches. It is associated with the landscaping of JANAPADA SAMPADA. 3. The Asoka (Saraca Indica). Representing fertility, it pervades the classical and medieval arts. The tree symbolises the interdisciplinary approach. It is associated with KALA NIDHI. 4. The Arjuna (Terminalia), the tree represents clarity and purity, erectness and direction. It is associated with KALA KOSA. 5. The Kadamba (Anthocephallus camba), representing joy, mirth, play, dance and music. It is © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] associated with KALA DARSANA.

National School of Drama (NSD) National School of Drama is premier theatre institute established by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959. It became an independent school in 1975. It imparts training and propagates dramatics in the country. Before the National School of Drama, Bharatiya Natya Sangh (BNS) with assistance from UNESCO had established ‘Asian Theatre Institute’ (ATI) in New Delhi in 1958. ATI was overtaken by the Sangeet Natak Academi and merged with the newly formed National school of Drama in 1959.

Functions and Powers Presently the National School of Drama is an autonomous organization under the ministry of Culture. Its headquarters is at New Delhi and Regional Resource Centres (RRC) across all over the India. The first Regional Resource Centre was established at Bangalore in 1994. The objective of NSD is to train students in all aspects of theatre, including theatre history, production, scene design, costume design, lighting, make-up, etc. The training course at NSD is of three years duration. Each year, 20 students are admitted to the course. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 The school has two performing wings: 1. Repertory Company set up in 1964 in order to provide a platform where graduates of the School could perform plays professionally. It works with a dual purpose of establishing professional theatre on one hand and continuing with the regular experimental work on the other. 2. The Theatre-in-Education Company (Sanskar Rang Toli) was founded in 1989 and has been actively involved in production of plays for children, organising summer theatre workshops in the schools of Delhi and also promoting children’s theatre through Saturday Club. Jashne Bachpan is the National Theatre Festival for Children organised by the school annually since 1998. In addition to these two wings, the School also has an active Extension Programme, a publication section and a literary forum named Shruti. National school of Drama’s publication unit is responsible for publishing text books and other books on theatre and arranging for the translation of important books on theatre from English into Hindi. Rang Mahotsav is the annual Theatre Festival organised by the National school of Drama. The festival was started in 1999 to commemorate 50 years of Indian Independence.

Website: http://nsd.gov.in

National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Founded in 1954, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is a unique institution that © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] represents the evolution and pictorial transformation in the visual arts in India over the last century.

Functions and Powers The main objectives of the NGMA are to create an understanding and sensitivity among the Indian Public towards the visual and plastic arts in general to promote the development of contemporary Indian art in particular The collection of NGMA built up primarily through purchase and gifts, comprises of 17,813 paintings, sculptures, graphics and photographs dating back to 1857 and represents works of about 1742 contemporary artists from all over the country. The NGMA has two branches one at Mumbai and the other at Bengaluru.

Website http://www.ngmaindia.gov.in/

The Asiatic Society, Kolkata The Asiatic Society founded in 1784 by Sir. William Jones is a unique institution having served as a fountainhead of all literary and scientific activities. It was visualised as a centre for Asian studies including everything Jigconcerning man and nature within the geographical limits of the continent. It | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 is located at Kolkata.

Functions The Government has declared the Society as an institution of national importance. Library

The library of the Asiatic Society has a huge collection of about 1,17,000 books and 79,000 journals of all the major languages of the world.It also has a collection of large number of maps, microfiches, microfilms, paintings, pamphlets and photographs. JuliFirmici’sAstronomicorumLibri published in 1499 is the earliest book preserved here. The library also has large number of manuscripts of different languages and scripts. Most notable one is the manuscript of PadshahNama bearing the signature of Emperor Shahjahan. Museum

The museum of the Asiatic society was established in 1814 by N. Wallich. It has transferred most of its collections to Indian museum of Culcutta. However it still possesses some masterpieces like a rock edict of Asoka (c. 250 BCE), Joshua Reynolds’ Cupid asleep on Cloud and Guido Cagnacci’s Cleopatra etc.

Website: http://www.asiaticsocietycal.com

Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) Setup in 1979, the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training is a premier institution working towards culture with education. CCRT organizes variety of programmes to achieve specific © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] objectives for enrichment of Indian educational system with the Cultural content.

Functions Centre for Cultural Resources and Training is an Autonomous organisation under the ministry of Culture. Its headquarters in New Delhi and it has 3 regional centres at Udaipur, Hyderabad and Guwahati. The main objective of CCRT is to revitalise the education system by creating an understanding and awareness among students about the plurality of the regional cultures of India and integrating this knowledge with education. One of its main activities is to conduct a variety of training programmes for in-service teachers drawn from all parts of the country. The training provides an understanding and appreciation of the philosophy, aesthetics and beauty inherent in Indian art and culture and focuses on formulating methodologies for incorporating a culture component, in curriculum teaching. Other important activities: school tours to museums, monuments and craft centres collecting teaching resources including photographs, audio recordings, films and software publishing materials for the promotion and understanding of Indian art and culture Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Awards and scholarships

The Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme

The scheme aims at providing facilities to outstanding young children to develop their talents in various artistic fields. Children eligible for the scheme are those in the age group of 10 to 14 years studying either in recognized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional art forms are eligible for the scholarship. The scholarship is provided for 500 children every year and a minimum 5 seats are reserved for every state. The scholarship is initially for two years and is renewable after every two years till the completion of the first University degree stage of education or up to the age of 20 years, subject to the awardees maintaining good progress. CCRT Teachers’ Awards

CCRT has also instituted CCRT Teachers’ Award, since 1985, which is given every year to selected teachers in recognition of the outstanding work done by them in the field of education and culture. The Award carries with it a citation, a plaque, an angavastramand a cash prize of 10,000 Rs.

Website: http://ccrtindia.gov.in/

National Museum National Museum, established in 1949 at New Delhi, is a subordinate office under Ministry of Culture. It houses over 2.6 lakh art objects dating from prehistoric era onwards. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

Functions The main activities of the museums include: 1. Bringing out publication on art and culture; 2. Acquisition and Conservation of Art objects; 3. Organizing exhibitions in India and abroad; 4. Production of replicas of selected masterpieces of Indian Sculptures; 5. Audio visual and other educational activities including outreach programmes. The museum presently houses over 2.6 Lakh works of art, of both Indian and foreign origin, covering more than 5,000 years of Indian cultural heritage. The collection covers different objects of archaeology, arms, armour, decorative arts, jewellery, manuscripts, paintings, etc. The Buddhist art section of the museum is most known for sacred relics of the Buddha (5th-4th century B.C.) unearthed from Piprehwa, Basti district. The museum also has the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology established in 1983. It is now a Deemed University since 1989, and run Masters and Doctoral level courses in History of Art, Art Conservation and Art restoration.

Website: http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)

National Council of Science Museums is primarily engaged in popularizing science and technology by organizing exhibitions and seminars, training programmes for science teachers, students, young entrepreneurs, technicians etc. The Council has national level centers at Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi; besides, small centers at 26 other places. Out of 26 Science Museums, 6 are of National level, 11 Regional level and 9 are Sub-regional/ District level. NCSM is formed by the government based on the recommendations of Task force formed by the Planning commission in early 1970’s to assess the activities of the Science Museums.

Functions and powers NCSM is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture. Its headquarters is in Kolkata. The Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata under CSIR, was the first museum opened in 1959. In 1965 the second science museum of the country, the Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM) was opened in Bangalore. It is in 1978, that government delinked these museums from CSIR and formed the NCSM based on the recommendations of Task force formed by the Planning commission to assess the activities of the Science Museums. NCSM presently is the largest network of science centres and museums in the world. These science centres provide an experiment based learning environment to inculcate a spirit of inquiry, foster creative talent and create scientific temper in the community. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] The main objectives of NCSM are: To portray the growth of science and technology and their applications in industry and human welfare. To collect, restore and preserve important historical objects, which represent landmarks in the development of science, technology and industry. To design, develop and fabricate science museum exhibits, demonstration equipment and scientific teaching aids for science education and popularization of science. To popularize science and technology in cities, urban and rural areas for the benefit of students and for the common man by organizing exhibitions, seminars, popular lectures, science camps and various other programs. To supplement science education given in schools and colleges and to organize various outof-school educational activities to foster a spirit of scientific enquiry and creativity among the students. To organize training programs for science teachers/students/young entrepreneurs/technicians/ handicapped/housewives and others on specific subjects of Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 science, technology and industry. NCSM is characterized by its two-pronged channel of communication – exhibits and activities. While the exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, are mostly interactive, the demonstrations and training programmes are also fully participatory and help children and the adults alike to learn the basics of science through fun and enjoyment. NCSM also conducts 23 mobile science exhibition units throughout the country to create awareness of science and technology in rural areas and provides hands on learning opportunity to rural children.

Website http://www.ncsm.org.in/

Anthropological Survey of India The Anthropological Survey of India was established in 1945. It conducts bio-cultural investigation/ research on Indian population, collects and preserves documents of scientific interest about the people of India. The Survey through its anthropological research contributes in respect of the biological, social and cultural heritage of the country.

Functions and Powers The Anthropological Survey of India is a premier research organisation under the Ministry of Culture. It has headquarters at Kolkata and branches in Port Blair, Shillong, Dehra Dun, Udaipur, Nagpur, and Mysore in addition to two field stations at Jagdalpur and Ranchi. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] The main objectives of the organization: To study the tribes and other communities that form the population of India both from the biological and cultural point of view To study and preserve the human skeletal remains, both from modern and Archaeological. To collect samples of arts and crafts of the tribes of India. To function as a training center for advanced students in anthropology and for administration. To publish the results of the researches. Website: http://www.ansi.gov.in/

Zonal Cultural Centres Zonal Cultural Centres have been conceptualized with the aim of projecting cultural kinships, which transcend territorial boundaries. The idea is to arouse and deepen awareness of the local cultures and to show how these merge into Zonal identities and eventually into the rich diversity of India’s composite culture. At present, there are seven ZCCs in the country as follows: No.

Name of the Headquarters Member States centre Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

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North Zone Cultural Centre

Patiala

Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana,Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Union Territory of Chandigarh

2.

West Zone Cultural Centre

Udaipur

Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

3

South Zone Cultural Centre

Thanjavur

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Puducherry.

4

South Central Zone Cultural Centre

Nagpur

Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra

5

Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre

Kolkata

Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Orissa, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal and Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

6

North Central Zone Cultural Centre

Allahabad

Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and NCT of Delhi.

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North East Zone Cultural Centre

Dimapur

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] ZCCs conduct various activities such as National Cultural Exchange Programme, Shilpgram activities, folk dance festivals etc.

Other Bodies Indian Museum Indian Museum, an autonomous organization of Ministry of Culture, inter-alia is engaged in reorganization and renovation of galleries and also in obtaining ethnographic specimen and techno socio and economic cultural data. It houses a large number of ancient collections of precious artifacts and sculptures. Modernization of Indian Museum will be taken up during 2013-14 on the occasion of its bicentenary celebration.

Salar Jung Museum Salar Jung Museum is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture. It is engaged in conservation, preservation, acquisition of art objects of historical importance and educational activities such as exhibitions, popular lectures, gallery talks, seminars etc.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Bhopal IGRMS is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture. IGRMS is Museum conceived as a growing movement to depict the story of human kind in time and space highlighting human Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 biological and cultural evolution with special reference to India and to revitalize the living Museum of the country with its varied tapestry of cultures and community knowledge systems. It is being developed around general anthropology as its cultural discipline.and it seeks to attain its objective by setting (1) indoor museum with extensive galleries and (2) outdoor complex permanent open-air exhibition.

National Library, Kolkata It serves as a prominent repository of all reading and information materials produced in India as well as abroad concerning India. It has a rich collection of Persian, Sanskrit, Arabic and Tamil manuscripts and also rare books.It is the recipient library under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954 and the repository library in South Asia.

Delhi Public Library (DPL) Established in 1951, it has been providing free library services to the citizens of Delhi. It is a recipient library under the Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act, 1954.

Raja Ram Mohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata Established in 1972, it aims to promote and support public library movements in the country by providing adequate library services through assistance and by developing reading habits all over the country. Other Libraries

These include Central Reference Library, Kolkata, Central Library, Mumbai, Khuda Baksh Oriental © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Public Library, Patna, which is nearly 100 years old and has a rich collection of old and rare books and manuscripts, Rampur Raza Library, Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Saraswati Mahal Library, Thanjavur; and Connemera Library, Chennai, etc.

Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee rule, the union ministries were mandated to spend 10% of their budget allocations for the development of North-Eastern region. However, in case the ministries failed to spend the said amount for north-east development purpose, those unspent funds would be diverted to a Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR). Thus, NLCPR was established by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government.

Objective of the Fund The broad objective of the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) is to ensure speedy development of infrastructure in the North Eastern Region and Sikkim by increasing the flow of budgetary financing for specific viable infrastructure projects/schemes in the region.

Management Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 The Ministry for Development of Northeastern Region allocates funds from the NLCPR to various Northeast states for infrastructure projects. Ministry of DoNER allocates funds under two schemes viz. NLCPR (State) and NLCPR-Central for which annual budgetary allocations are provided in the normal budgetary process.

North Eastern Rural Livelihood Project North Eastern Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP) is a World Bank aided project to enhance livelihood opportunities in North East states by creating sustainable community institutions around women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Youth Groups of men and women (YG) and Community Development Groups (CDG) etc. It was launched in 2013 for 5 years. The project covers two districts in each state of Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim. The project is under the overall governance of Ministry of DONER and is funded by the ministry as well as World Bank.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) was launched by UPA Government as a component of Bharat Nirman. The objective of this programme is to ensure provision of safe and adequate drinking water supply through hand pumps, piped water supply etc. to all rural areas, households and persons. This programme was launched after merging the three erstwhile programmes on Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme-ARWSP, Swajaldhara and National © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Rural Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance.National Rural Drinking Water Programme

Ministry of Earth Sciences Various Schemes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences are as follows with important notes on them{you may keep an eye on their fancy acronyms}:

Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modeling and Science (O-STORMS) This scheme encompasses various schemes of the Ocean sector such as Ocean Observational Networks, Ocean Information Services, Ocean Surveys, Ocean Research Vessels, Development of Ocean technology etc. as follows: Sustaining and strengthening a suite of Ocean Observational Networksfor acquisition of timeseries data from the seas around India. This is useful for regular monitoring, validating satellite data and important input for Ocean Atmospheric Models. They help in improved understanding of ocean dynamic, climate variability, ocean state forecast, sea level variations, ocean flux studies, etc. Provide a suite of Ocean Information Services, assessment of Marine Living Resources, periodical monitoring of health of the coastal water of India, Management of Coastal Marine Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Area, Operational Tsunami Warning System on 24X7 basis for issue of bulletins for India and to the countries of the Indian Ocean Region, Conducting Ocean surveys for harnessing the marine non-living resources in a sustainable way, available in EEZ and deep sea region of the Indian Ocean. These include gas hydrates, poly metallic nodules, hydrothermal sulfide minerals, cobalt crusts which contain valuable noble metals available along the mid oceanic regions of the Indian Ocean. Acquisition and operation and maintenance of Ocean Research Vesselsfor undertaking all activities Development of Ocean technologyfor Ocean Energy, Deep Sea Mining, Coastal Environmental Engineering and Marine Instrumentation, sea front facility, offshore numerical tank, development of unmanned submersible.

Polar Sciences and Cryosphere and Research (PACER) Programme Pacer Programme supports studies of various aspects relating to Polar and Cryosphere with special emphasis on the Antarctic, Arctic and Glaciers of Himalayas. This includes maintenance of observation systems, expeditions, Indian stations, Polar Research vessels etc. in these environments.

Research, Education and Training Outreach (REACHOUT) Programme This scheme provides support to academic/research organizations in various sectors of Earth System Sciences including technology development.

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] The programme primarily deals with the following: Sustaining and strengthening of atmospheric observation systems providing wide range of services viz. Agriculture, Aviation, city forecasts, mountain regions, defence and sports, disasters. Development of a suite of atmospheric models required for prediction of monsoon weather and climate in India. Conduct climate change research to generate a number of regional scenarios of water and other climate services due to climate Long-term (multi-decadal) simulations, conducting research to enhance understanding of the changing water cycle and paleoclimatic studies Continuous augmentation of high performance computation facilities for environmental observations.

Seismological and Geosciences (SAGE) Programme This programme deals with (i) sustaining and strengthening of seismological observation systems to monitor and provide information on earthquake and all related seismological information, microzonation (ii) research related to solid-earth and geoscience (iii) earthquakes inputs for earthquake disasters Jigmitigation (iii) Deep bore holes investigation in Koyna, Warna region (iv) | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Marine Geo scientific studies, study of largest Geoid low , Deep-sea drilling in the Arabian Sea basin through the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme and related study for reconstruction of history and climate variations , rate of erosion (v) crustal processes, natural resource management, coastal processes etc.

Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change The major schemes of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change are as follows:

National Coastal Zone Management Programme Ministry is implementing a reengineered Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2011 to ensure livelihood security to fishing and other local community to conserve and protect coastal stretches and to promote development based on scientific principles. Another Notification on island Protection Zone is also being implemented for similar purposes for the island of Andaman & Nicobar and the Lakshadweep. Ministry is also implementing a World Bank Assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project.

National Action Plan on Climate Change With growing recognition of the threat of the Climate Change and its significance as an area of domestic policy making and planning a scheme Climate Change Action Plan has been brought in the First year of the 12th FYP. Thereafter, a new scheme called National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change is launched in 2014-15 and also launched National Mission on Himalayan Studies aimed at © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] focussing on conservation of Himalayan Ecosystem and sustainable development of the region, and is intended to take a leading role in shaping the future of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).

National Mission for a Green India With objective to increase the forest cover and also protect the existing forest land, the Ministry has two plan schemes namely, Green India Mission: National Afforestation Programme and Intensification of Forest Management.

Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats This is an umbrella programme for three main schemes to protect the wildlife of the country viz. Project Tiger, Project Elephant and Integrated development of wildlife Habitats. These schemes are implemented as Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

Conservation of Natural Resources and Eco-systems This programme aims to conserve the natural resources and eco-system in areas like, corals, mangroves, Bio-spheres, wetland and lakes.

National River Conservation Programme NRCP covers polluted stretches of 39 rivers in 190 towns in 20 States at a sanctioned cost of Rs. 7,639 crore. The main objective of NRCP is to improve water quality of polluted stretches of rivers Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 to acceptable standards by preventing pollution load reaching the rivers by undertaking various pollution abatement works.

National Action Plan on Climate Change National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) is a comprehensive action plan which outlines measures on climate change related adaptation and mitigation while simultaneously advancing development. The 8 Missions form the core of the Plan, representing multi-pronged, long termed and integrated strategies for achieving goals in the context of climate change. The Eight Missions are:

National Solar Mission Make solar energy competitive with fossil-based energy options. Launch an R&D programme facilitating international co-operation to enable the creation of affordable, more convenient solar energy systems. Promote innovations for sustained, long-term storage and use of solar power.

National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency The Energy Conservation Act of 2001 provides a legal mandate for the implementation of energy efficiency measures through the mechanisms of The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in the designated agencies in the country. A number of schemes and programmes have been initiated which aim to save about 10,000 MW by the end of the 11th Five-Year Plan in 2012. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

National Mission on Sustainable Habitats Make habitats sustainable through improvements in energy efficiency in buildings, management of solid waste and a modal shift to public transport. Promote energy efficiency as an integral component of urban planning and urban renewal through its initiatives.

National Water Mission Conserving water, minimizing wastage, and ensuring more equitable distribution and management of water resources. Optimizing water use efficiency by 20% by developing a framework of regulatory mechanisms.

National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem Empowering local communities especially Panchayats to play a greater role in managing ecological resources. Reaffirm the measures mentioned in the National Environment Policy, 2006.

National Mission for a Green India To increase ecosystem services including carbon sinks. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 To increase forest and tree cover in India to 33% from current 23%.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Make Indian agriculture more resilient to climate change by identifying new varieties of crops (example: thermally resistant crops) and alternative cropping patterns. Make suggestions for safeguarding farmers from climate change like introducing new credit and insurance mechanisms and greateraccess to information.

National Mission on Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change Work with the global community in research and technology development by collaboration through different mechanisms. It also has its own research agenda supported by climate change related institutions and a Climate Research Fund. Encourage initiatives from the private sector for developing innovative technologies for mitigation and adaptation.

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Major schemes of this ministry are as follows:

Know India Programme (KIP) This programme is aimed to familiarize the Indian Diaspora youth with their roots. Under this programme, students and young professionals of Indian origin visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and to know contemporary India.

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] This programme also targets Indian Diaspora youth but through educational institutions. Its enables Overseas Indian youth to undergo short term courses in an Indian University to familiarize them with the history, heritage, art, culture, socio-political, economic developments etc. of India.

Tracing the Roots This scheme is running since 2008 to to facilitate PIOs in tracing their roots in India.

Scheme for Legal/ Financial Assistance to Indian Women Deserted / Divorced by their NRI Husbands Under this programme, the ministry creates awareness amongst prospective brides and their families regarding their rights and responsibilities and the safeguards to be adopted while entering into matrimonial alliances with grooms residing overseas.

Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana This is a pension and Life Insurance Fund scheme for Overseas Indian workers having Emigration th Check Required (ECR) passports. Launched in UAE on 27 October, 2013 to encourage and enable overseas Indian workers and by giving government contribution to save for their Return and Resettlement (R&R), save for their old age, the scheme obtains a Life Insurance cover against natural death during the period of coverage.

e-Migrate Project

Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

This is a comprehensive e-governance project on migration aiming to transform emigration into a simple, transparent, orderly and humane process. The Project is aimed at improving the quality of services to emigrant workers and will help reduce the access cost of service.

Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) Under this scheme, Indian Government provides various services to distressed, stranded overseas Indians. This fund was set up in 2009 and provides: Boarding and lodging for distressed household / domestic sectors and unskilled laborers overseas Emergency medical care, air passage to stranded persons, initial legal assistance in case of litigation, airlifting of mortal remains, payment of penalties in case of illegal stay without at fault, payment of small fines/penalties, establish Overseas Indian Community Centers, and any other matters which ministry can decide.

Swarnapravas Yojana {Important} This scheme focuses on skill development of Indians and make them ready to do job overseas. The objective is to position India as a preferred source country for skilled and trained workers in select sectors that face skill shortages in the international labor market, and in which India enjoys competitive advantage.

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

Ministry of Finance National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) was proposed in Union Budget 2015. In the last week of December, the government has set up this Rs. 40000 crore fund to provide long term capital for infrastructure projects.

Objective The objective of NIIF is to maximise economic impact through infrastructure development in viable projects both greenfield and brownfield, including stalled projects, mainly in the core infra sector.

Structure NIIF has been structured as a fund of funds and set up as Category II Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Regulations. Total corpus of the fund is Rs. 40000 Crore. The government will invest Rs.20,000 crores into it from budget while the remaining Rs. 20,000 crores are expected to come from private investors. Government stake has been fixed at 49%. This stake structure (49% government, 51% private) will help NIIF to be seen with characters of both sovereign fund as well as private sector. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 NIIF is a fund of funds. This implies that there would be multiple alternative investment funds underneath the main fund. Examples of such funds include stressed-assets fund, renewable energy fund, brownfield projects fund etc.

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder]

Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Governance NIIF has been set up as a Trust registered under the Indian Trust Act. The activities of NIIF will be overseen by a Governing Council, which is to be headed by Finance Minister and which has been formed to oversee the activities of NIIF. Further, there are five members of this council as follows: Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs Secretary, Financial Services Ms Arundhati Bhattacharya (Current Chairman of SBI) Hemendra Kothari (Investment Banker) V. Mohandas Pai (former Infosys Director) The mandate of the Council is approval of guidelines for investment of Trust property/Corpus of NIIF and parameters for appointment and performance of investment managers/ advisors. Further, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) has been appointed as the © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] investment advisor to NIIF for a six-month period, while IDBI Capital Market Services has been selected as advisor to NIIF Trustee for a period of one year.

Functions of NIIF NIIF will raise funds from investors and markets and would invest the same in companies, institutions and infrastructure projects. It will also provide advisory services.

Source of Funds The sources of funds for NIIF are as follows: Government budgetary funds to each AIF set up under NIIF. These funds will be provided every year as required. Private investors. The fund will solicit equity participation from strategic anchor partners. It is also expected to attract overseas investors, PSUs, domestic pension, provident funds and NSSF (National small savings fund) also. The international pension funds and sovereign wealth funds from Singapore, Russia and the UAE have showed interest to invest under the fund. On February 2, 2016, NIIF and Russia’s RUSNANO OJSC have signed an MoU to set up the Russia-India High Technology Private Equity Fund for joint implementation of investments into projects in India. Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Ministry of Food Processing Industries Mega Food Parks Scheme Mega Food Parks Scheme (MFPS) was launched in 2008 whereby, the Government provides Financial Assistance up to Rs. 50 Crore to set up modern infrastructure facilities for food processing called Mega Food Parks. The key objectives of the scheme are to reduce wastage of perishables; raise processing of food items from 6% to 20% and raise India’s share in Food Processing Industry from 1.5% to 3%.

What is a Mega Food Park? A mega food park is basically a hub and spoke architecture comprising Collection Centres (CCs) and Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) as spokes linked to a Central Processing Centre as hub. Collection Centres CCs

The CCs work as points of aggregation of the produce from individual farmers, farmer’s groups and Self Help Groups. They feed the raw material to the PPCs. The collection centres are managed by local entrepreneurs. They server as farm level aggregation points for adjoining areas within a radius of around 10 kilometres. It was expected that these CCs will emerge as centres of rural commerce and will spur economic activities in the area. Primary Processing Centres (PPCs)

The PPCs work has primary handling centres which use the raw materials to be processed further in CPC. A PPC serves a number of CCs in proximity. Some PPCs have inhouse facilities such as © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] pulping, juicing etc. They have facilities such as refrigerated vans, trucks etc. to transport material to CPC in shortest possible time. Central Processing Centre

The Central Processing Centre is an industrial park in an area of around 50 acres and houses a number of processing units owned by different business houses. Here, the developed plots of land will be provided to the large and midsized units while Common Design Factory Sheds are provided to small scale units. The park will provide common facilities such as water, electricity and effluent treatment apart from specialized facilities like cold storage, ware housing, logistics and backward integration through the network of primary processing centres and collection centres. The above architecture is based on a “hub and spoke” model as shown below:

Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016

Thus, Mega Food Park is an inclusive concept that aims at establishing the direct linkages from the farm to processing to consumer markets. The cornerstone of a Mega Food Park’s success is efficient logistics that connects the CCs and PPCs to CPC. Further, the main feature of this scheme is cluster based approach. Government Assistance

The MFPS scheme envisages a onetime capital grant of 50% of the project cost (excluding land cost) subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 Crores in general areas and 75% of the project cost (excluding land cost) subject to a ceiling of Rs. 50 Crores in difficult and hilly areas i.e. North East Region including Sikkim, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and ITDP notified areas of the States. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Most important Features of Mega Food Parks

Cluster Based Approach Demand driven with focus on strong backward and forward integration Enabling Infrastructure Creation along the supply chain and technology Creation of Central Processing Centre (CPC) and Primary Processing Centres (PPC) Common Facilities and amenities to be assisted Leverage investments in food processing units Stakeholder participation with private led initiative through Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Assistance to creation of common enabling facilities Typical Project Cost envisaged – Rs 120-150 crore Land – not eligible for funding out of GOI grant Assistance from Ministry Limited to non-land component of the project and project is done on 50-50-50 scheme {Rs. 50 Crore grant by Government; 50 acre land is needed; 50 crore minimum investment to be done by park developer} 50% of projectJigcost limited to Rs. 50 Crore in general areas | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 75% of project cost limited to Rs. 50 Crore in difficult & hilly areas and ITDP notified areas. How the scheme is implemented?

Implementation of the Mega Food Park is done through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) mechanism in which Financial Institutions/Banks, organized retailers, processors, service providers, producers, farmer organizations and other related stakeholders are the equity Holders. Each SPV is a Company registered under the Companies Act; and is required to have at least three entrepreneurs / business units which would be independent of each other with no common directors. The land for the project is arranged by SPV. A minimum of 26% of equity of the SPV should be held by food processor(s) within the SPV. The combined net worth of the shareholders of the SPV should be minimum 50 Crore with food processor(s) having at least of Rs. 10 Crore of net worth . The earlier guidelines said that the government agencies can become shareholders and they can have maximum 26% share capital, so that SPV’s private sector character is maintained. The NDA government had recently modified the guidelines to allow central government agencies to become shareholders in the Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to run food parks without any restriction on their equity. The SPVs need to bring in at least 20% of the project cost, including the cost of land, as their contribution. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Role of state government

Providing assistance to SPVs in procurement of suitable land. Providing all the requisite clearances, wherever needed, for setting up the MFP and its components thereof and providing the necessary assistance for Power, Water, Approach roads and other external infrastructure to the project Providing flexible and conducive labour environment and consider special facilities like exemption of stamp duty, VAT/Sales Tax exemption etc. for the MFP and the units located in the MFP Providing a fast track single window agency to facilitate clearances and permissions required for the project.

Current Status When this scheme was launched; 42 Mega Food Parks were to be established by 2015. The UPA government had allocated all of them in 2008-09 but allotment to 17 players was cancelled by the NDA Government because they could not start work due to various reasons. After that, in March 2015, NDA government allocated these 17 new parks to new players including state governments and private firms. The scheme now covers 22 states of India. The scheme is expected to benefit Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 around 5 Lakh farmers.

Critical Analysis of the Mega Food Park Scheme The objective of the scheme is to link farm produce to the market by bringing together farmers, processors and retailers. However, there are some major issues which need to be addressed to get the desired results. Firstly, land acquisition is major issue. It is very difficult to get 50 acre of land anywhere, particularly in small and hilly states. The government needs to provide flexibility to this requirement. Secondly, since most agri-business in our country happens through cooperatives, their integration into food parks is critical. Thirdly, through the scheme gives a grant to the SPV, the SPV finds itself unable to attract the PPCs and CCs. Here, the National Mission on Food Processing could play a major role by providing the Rs. 50 Lakh grant under that mission to units within the MFPs. But that scheme is now delinked from central support and states may have to decide if they want to continue or not. State governments may look into these issues case-by-case basis and provide attractions to these units as well. Fourthly, the MFP scheme provides maximum grant of Rs.50 crores for setting up a MFP in minimum 50 acres of contiguous land with 50 percent contribution to the total project cost from the SPV. This “one size fits all” approach has not been able to attract the investors © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] having more or less requirements. Lastly, the scheme has not attracted global companies because some of them would not work on basis of “grant” from a developing country. They would like to work on Joint Ventures.

National Mission on Food Processing This scheme was launched as a centrally sponsored scheme by UPA government for XII plan period. However, NDA Government has delinked it from central plan and left it to states to decided if they would like to continue it or not. Various components of this scheme included technology Upgradation, cold chains, modernization of abattoirs, meat modernization etc.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Important notes on Various schemes of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are as follows:

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) This scheme was launched in 2006 for correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. The scheme envisage setting up of 6 New AIIMS like Institutions, one each at Bhopal, Bhubneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur and Rishikesh in the first phase West Bengal and Uttar | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Pradesh in the secondJigphase and Upgradation of 13 existing Government medical college institutions in the first phase, 6 in the second phase and 39 in the third phase of PMSSY. In addition, provision is also to upgrade 12 more Government Medical Colleges under PMSSY phase fourth.

National Health Mission In May 2013, the UPA government had launched National Urban Health Mission, which was later integrated into National Rural Health Mission and a new National Health Mission was created from 2014-15. Both NUHM and NRHM are now two of six components of NHM. The six components of National Health Mission as follows: 1. National Rural Health Mission (now called NRHM-RCH Flexipool 2. National Urban Health Mission Flexipool for population above 50000 3. Flexible pool for Communicable disease 4. Flexible pool for Non communicable disease including Injury and Trauma 5. Infrastructure Maintenance 6. Family Welfare Central Sector component.

National Rural Health Mission The major functions under this sub-mission is to provide Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Adolescent (RMNCH+A) Services to the rural deprived people through its network of ASHA, ANMs and AWWs. NRHM, also called NRHM-RCH Flexipool is one of the components of NHM and is for all towns and villages below population of 50,000. © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Under this mission, government seeks to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to rural population. Thrust of this mission is to provide a fully functional, community owned, decentralised health delivery system in rural areas.

National Urban Health Mission National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) seeks to improve the health status of the urban population particularly urban poor and other vulnerable sections by facilitating their access to quality primary healthcare. NUHM covers all state capitals, district headquarters and other cities/towns with a population of 50,000 and above (as per census 2011) in a phased manner.

Flexible Pool for Control of Communicable Diseases Under National Health Mission, the Flexible Pool for Control of Communicable Diseases has been created to combine and integrate all the ongoing schemes related to communicable diseases. These include National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP): Covers Malaria, Filaria, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue and Chikungunya. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) National Leprosy Control Programme (NLEP) Jig | [email protected] | www.gktoday.in/module/general-studies-prelims-mock-test-series-2016 Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)

Flexible Pool for control of Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) The Flexible Pool for Control of Non-communicable Diseases has been created to combine and integrate all the ongoing schemes related to non communicable diseases. These include: National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) National Programme for the Control of Blindness (NPCB) National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) National Programme for the Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE) National programme for the Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) National Oral Health Programme (NOHP) National Programme for Palliative Care (NPPC) National Programme for the Prevention and Management of Burn Injuries (NPPMBI) National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF)

Broad Objectives of National Health Mission National Health Mission is basically a conglomerate of all existing health schemes of the country. The broad measurable objectives of this mission in totality are as follows: Reducing MMR to 1/1000 live births © 2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in General Studies Prelims Mock Test Series 2016

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Government Schemes -2016 [Backgrounder] Reducing IMR to 25/1000 live births Reducing TFR (Total Fertility Rate) to 2.1 Prevention of anaemia in women aged 15-49 years Prevent and reduce mortality & morbidity from communicable, non-communicable Injuries and emerging diseases Reduce household out-of-pocket expenditure on total health care expenditure Reduce annual incidence and mortality from Tuberculosis by half Reduce prevalence of Leprosy to