India Year Book Vol II Part 2

Year Book For Civil Services Examination

Volume - II (Part -II)

India Year Book - Volume II (Part - II)

INDEX 7.

Planning

8.

Rural and Urban Development

9.

Scientific and Technological Developments

10. Water Resources 11. Welfare 12. Youth Affairs and Sports

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PLANNING Planning in India derives its objectives and social premises from the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution. Public and private sectors are viewed as complementary. Individual efforts and private initiatives are considered necessary and desirable in the national endeavour for development with optimum voluntary cooperation.

NITI Aayog The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog came into existence by a government resolution dated January 1, 2015 replacing the existing Planning Commission which was established by a resolution dated March 15, 1950. The new institution is envisaged to be a catalyst to the developmental process; nurturing an overall enabling environment, through a holistic approach to development going beyond the limited sphere of the Public Sector and Government of India. This will be built on the foundation of: •

An empowered role of States as equal partners in national development; operationalizing the principle of Cooperative Federalism.

•

A knowledge hub of internal as well as external resources; serving as repository of good governance best practices, and a think Tank offering domain knowledge as well as strategic expertise to all levels of government.

•

A collaborative platform facilitating implementation; by monitoring progress, plugging gaps and bringing together the various Ministries at the Centre and in states, in the joint pursuit of developmental goals.

Objectives of NITI Aayog The Resolution setting up the NITI Aayog outlines following objectives: i)

To evolve a shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of States in the light of national objectives. The vision of the NITI Aayog will then provide a framework 'national agenda' for the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers to provide impetus to.

ii)

To foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the states on a continuous basis, recognizing that strong states make a strong nation.

iii) To develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level and aggregate these progressively at higher levels of government. iv) To ensure, on areas that are specially referred to it, that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy and policy. v)

To pay special attention to the sections of our society that may be at risk of not benefitting adequately from economic progress.

Notes

vi) To design strategic and long term policy and programme frameworks and initiatives, and monitor their progress and their efficacy. The lessons learnt through monitoring and feedback will be used for making innovative improvements, including necessary mid course corrections.

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vi) To provide advice and encourage partnerships between key stakeholders and national and international likeminded Think Tanks, as well as educational and policy research institutions. vii) To create a knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial support system through a collaborative community of national and international experts, practitioners and other partners. viii) To offer a platform for resolution of inter-sectoral and inter-departmental issues in order to accelerate the implementation of the development agenda. ix) To maintain a State-of-the-art Resource Centre, be a repository of research on good governance and best practices in suitable and equitable development as well as help their dissemination to stake-holders. x)

To actively monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes and initiatives, including the identification of the needed resources so as to strengthen the probability of success and scope of delivery.

xi) To focus on technology upgradation and capacity building for implementation of programmes and initiatives. xii) To undertake other activities as may be necessary in order to further the execution of the national development agenda, and the objectives mentioned above. Composition The composition of the NITI Aayog is as follows: i)

Prime Minister of India as the Chairperson.

ii)

The Governing Council comprising the Chief Ministers of all the States, Chief Ministers of Union Territories with Legislatures, viz., Delhi and Puducherry and Lt. Governors of other Union Territories.

iii) Regional Council will be formed to address specific issues and contingencies impacting more than one state or a region. These will be formed for a specified tenure. The Regional Councils will be convened by the Prime Minister and will comprise of the Chief Minister of States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories in the region. These will be chaired by the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog or his nominee. iv) Experts, specialists and practitioners with relevant domain knowledge as special invitees nominated by the Prime Minister. The full time organisational framework will consist of, in addition to the Prime Minister as Chairperson. Vice-Chairperson: To be appointed by the Prime Minister, Members. Full Time, Part-time Members: Maximum of 2, from leading universities, research organisations and other relevant institutions in an ex-officio capacity. Part time members will be on a rotational basis. Ex officio Members: Maximum of 4 Members of the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister. Chief Executive Officer : To be appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, Secretariat as deemed necessary. At present the approved constitution of the NITI Aayog is as under: i)

Chairperson: Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister,

ii)

Vice Chairpersons: Dr. Arvind Panagariya, in the rank of Cabinet Minister,

iii) Full Time Members: Dr. Bibek Debroy, in the rank of Minister of State,

Notes

iv) Dr. V.K. Saraswat, former Secretary; Defence R&D, in the rank of Minister of State.

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Major Activities NITI Aayog as a "Think Tank" of the Government has been instrumental in providing a directional and policy dynamics for taking steps in liaison with states while fostering the spirit of cooperative federation. Some of the activities of NITI Aayog since its inception are given as under: i)

The Union Budget 2015 announced the setting up of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Self Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) and Unified National Agriculture Market under the NITI Aayog. The Union Budget also has a provision for providing special assistance by specific intervention through NITI Aayog.

ii)

In pursuance of the decision taken in the Governing Council Meeting, two Task Forces have been formed in order to tackle the crucial subjects of Agriculture Development and Elimination of Poverty under the leadership of Dr. Arvind Panagariya.

iii) NITI Aayog has initiated the process of undertaking the Mid-Term Appraisal of the 12th Five Year Plan. iv) As NITI' Aayog's first initiative, the "Report India's Renewable Electricity Roadmap 2030-Toward Accelerated Renewable Electricity Deployment" was released at the Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet & Expo (Re-Invest 2015). v)

Pioneering the change in Government Buildings, NITI Aayog was awarded a 5 star rating by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). NITI Aayog has retrofitted its electrical appliances to achieve the highest energy efficiency rating for commercial buildings.

vi) The erstwhile Planning Commission won the Web Ratna Gold Award under the Open Data Champion category. NITI Aayog will continue promoting initiatives like Open Government Data Platform India. vii) A pilot project was successfully completed for universal enrolment of children aged between 0-6 years by concurrent Birth Registration and Aadhaar Enrolment in Haryana between February 23 and March 6, 2015. NITI Aayog participated in this exercise along with other ministries and departments.

14th Finance Commission The Fourteenth Finance Commission (FCC) submitted its recommendations to the Government in December, 2014. •

Some of its important recommendations include the devolution of a significantly higher share of 42% of the divisible pool to states compared with the 32% share recommended by the 13th Finance Commission.

•

This is in response to the demand by the states for increased flow of untied fiscal resources in place of tied resources that come with Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

•

Other recommendations by FCC concern Goods and Service Tax (GST), fiscal consolidation, road map and pricing of public utilities, public expenditure management.

Impact of FCC Recommendations on National Development Agenda: The FCC recommendations are in line with the spirit of cooperative federalism between centre and the states.

ii)

Extra fiscal space provided to the state governments is expected to translate into a more focused approach on designing and implementing schemes for priority sectors like agriculture, education, health, rural development, etc.

Notes

i)

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iii) The transfer of funds to states along with the responsibility of higher funding share in more than 20 Central government programmes is said to see the significant changes in scheme design and implementation mechanism being adopted and implemented by respective states. iv) States like Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Jharkhand are the major gainers due to change in the horizontal devolution formula which now gives greater weight to a state's forest cover. v)

Progress in infrastructure projects requires intensive and active cooperation of state governments with the centre translating the budgetary outlays of 2015-16 into actual progress at the field level has to be a top priority.

Investment In Infrastructure: Strengthening PPP Policy Framework The first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI endorsed the outline of a National Development Agenda and agreed to function as an organic Team India. •

Adequate investment in infrastructure development is a prerequisite for higher economic growth. As per the data compiled by Mckinsey and Company, the average infrastructure investment in India during the period 1992-2010 constituted 4.7% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as against 7.3% across countries like China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

•

Further, as per the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2014, India ranks 85 out of 144 countries in terms of infrastructure quality with 'inadequate supply of infrastructure' listed as the most difficult factor in doing business.

•

To bridge the infrastructure deficit, the 11th Plan (2007-2012) laid considerable emphasis on increasing the investment in physical infrastructure. The Plan envisaged increasing the infrastructure investment from about 5% of GDP during the 10th Plan to about 9% in the terminal year (2011-12) of the 11th Plan.

•

The 12th Plan (2012-2017) was formulated in the backdrop of this remarkable performance of infrastructure sector during the 11th Plan. The share of private investment in infrastructure was projected to rise substantially from 37% in 11th Plan to about 38% in the 12th Plan.

Notes

However, experience in the first two years of 12th Plan suggests that the infrastructure investment has slowed down. Since national targets do not necessarily translate into balanced regional development and the potential and constraints of each states differ vastly, the 10th Plan has adopted a differential development strategy. For the first time, a state wise growth and other monitorable targets have been worked out in consultation with the states to focus better on their own development plans.

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Note: The growth targets for the first 3 plans were set with respect to National Income. In the (GDP) 4th Plan, it was the Net Domestic Product (NDP). In all Plans thereafter, it has been the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at factor cost.

12th Five Year Plan •

The broad vision and aspirations which the 12th Plan seeks to fulfill are reflected in the subtitle. 'Faster, Sustainable and More Inclusive Growth'.

•

The 12th Plan fully recognizes that the objective of development is broad-based improvement in the economic and social conditions of our people. However, rapid growth of GDP is an essential requirement for achieving this objective.

•

The Approach Paper to the 12th Plan, had set a target of 9% average growth of GDP over the Plan period (2012 to 2017). That was before the Euro-zone crisis in that year triggered a sharp downturn in global economic prospects, and also before the extent of the slowdown in the domestic economy was known.

•

12th Plan envisaged that the current slowdown in GDP action, including especially an expansion in investment inflationary pressures under control. However, while acceleration to this level can only occur in a phased expected to remain weak for the first half of the plan

growth can be reversed through strong corrective with a corresponding increase in savings to keep our full growth potential remains around 9%, manner, especially since the global economy is period.

Some Major Activities and Initiatives Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana

•

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) will ensure access to protective irrigation to all agricultural farms (Har Khet Ko Pani) through water harvesting and recycling (Jal Sanchay and Jal Sinchan) with increased water application and its use efficiency to achieve higher water productivity (per drop more crop).

•

It will focus on end to end solution in irrigation supply chain, viz., water sources, and distribution network and farm level applications.

•

It will be implemented by adopting a 'decentralized State level planning and projectized execution' structure following bottom up approach through comprehensive district and state irrigation development plans, based on sources of availability of water, agro-climate and the cropping patterns and provide complete flexibility and autonomy to states to plan and execute programmes in projectized mode for ensuring water to every farm.

•

The PMKSY will provide overarching management and governance for convergence amongst the programmes of agriculture, water resources and land resources and other departments dealing with water and energy.

2.

Soil Health Card

•

An outlay of Rs. 568.54 crore to assess the soil fertility status in respect of 1400 lakh land holdings at 3 year intervals has been initiated.

•

The states will be provided funds for strengthening of the soil testing labs, analysis of soil samples and distribution of the Soil Health Card.

•

This would be continuous and dynamic exercise to be carried out periodically.

Notes

1.

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Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund

•

Promotion of National Agricultural Market through Agri-Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) with an outlay of Rs. 200 crore for 2014-15 to2016-17 has been formulated.

•

ATIF is aimed at implementation of agricultural marketing reforms by initiating appropriate e-market platforms in states with a view to move towards a National Market.

•

It would also increase the farmers' access to markets through warehouse based sales and thus obviate the need to transport the produce to the Mandi.

4.

Digitial India Programme

•

Government has launched Digital India programme with the objective to transform India, into a connected knowledge economy.

•

It is an Umbrella Programme covering many departments. Digital India Programme is coordinated by the Department of Electronics and IT and is being implemented by the entire government.

•

The focus of Digital India is on making technology central to enabling change. The Programme pulls together many existing schemes. These schemes will be restructured and re-focused and will be implemented in a synchronized manner.

5.

Public Financial Management System

•

Public Financial Management System (PFMS), earlier known as Central Plan Schemes Monitoring System (CPSMS), is a Central Sector Scheme of NITI Aayog (erstwhile Planning Commission) started in April, 2008.

•

It aims at establishing a suitable online Management Information System (MIS) and Decision Support System (DSS) for fund management of the Schemes of the Government of India.

•

The system is envisaged to track the fund disbursement from Government of India under Schemes and ultimately report utilization under these Schemes at different levels of implementation in States/UTs on a real time basis.

•

PFMS through its interface with banking networks, facilitates end-to-end beneficiary management and electronic payment system to the bank accounts/Aadhaar linked bank accounts of the beneficiaries and provides an online-real time MIS to various stakeholders.

•

PFMS has been fully implemented at Central level in respect of all 98 Ministries/Departments (Except for the Ministry of External Affairs, Departments of Atomic Energy, Department of Space and Other Non-Civil Ministries). Sanction generation, bill generation and transfer of funds of Plan Schemes are through PFMS only.

•

PFMS is serving as a payment gateway/platform for e-payment to beneficiaries for the scheme notified by the government for Direct Benefit Transfer in 121 districts of the country.

•

The system is configured to make e-payment to ASHAs (Scheme under National Health Mission) using Digital Signature, Corporate Internet Banking (CINB) and Payment Print Advice. At present 15,26,238 agencies are registered on PFMS.

6.

Housing for All

•

The Government endeavours to ensure ‘Pucca housing’ for every family by the 75th year of Independence (2022).

Notes

3.

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•

It also aims to provide these houses with basic amenities - Water, sanitation, electricity, broadband etc. These, perhaps are among the most ambitious pronouncements, given the extent of deficit of housing in India and limited access to basic services by poor.

7.

Sardar Patel National Mission for Urban Housing

The Government recently approved this scheme with a focus on: •

Rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers using land as resource through participation of private developers, in situ, wherever possible and in unavoidable cases by relocation;

•

Promotion of affordable housing through credit linked subsidy;

•

Affordable Housing in partnership; and

•

Subsidy for beneficiary led individual house construction or enhancement.

8.

Swachh Bharat Mission

•

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) a joint mission of the Ministry of Urban Development and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

•

Government launched Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on October 2, 2014, with a target to make the country clean by October 2, 2019.

•

The Mission would be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with an aim to provide 100% sanitation including toilet facilities to the urban population of the country.

•

The implementation of schemes under SBM may provide the toilet facilities to the urban population including slum areas who do not have access to the toilet facility and municipal solid waste management in urban areas.

•

The gap in financing the components for household toilets, community toilets, public toilets and solid waste management projects could be met by the beneficiary contribution, private funding, funds with private companies under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Swachh Bharat Kosh of the Ministry of Finance.

9.

Smart Cities Initiatives

•

The Smart Cities Mission intends to make national priorities, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Digitial India, a reality.

•

The specific priorities are to have clean air according to norms, move towards zero discharge of solid and liquid waste, make streets litter free, involve citizens in policy making and execution, generate jobs, expand the identified core economic activity(ies) of the city, make the city prepared for floods and extreme weather conditions.

•

It will also work to reduce and eliminate poverty, make basic services available to all especially the poor and the disadvantaged, create recreations places and parks, realign processes so that citizens get timely municipal services through complete disintermediation, and promote good governance in general and mobile governance in particular.

12. Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), a new initiative in rural development, was launched by the Government of India on October 11, 2014 with the objective that these Adarsh Grams (Model Villages) serve as the "nucleus of health, cleanliness, greenery and cordiality" within the village community.

Notes

•

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•

The scheme's Guidelines call upon Members of Parliament (MPs) to make one village of their choice, other than his own or that of his/her spouse in their constituency a Model Village by 2016, and another two villages by 2019.

•

Taking development to the doorstep of villages, the scheme aims to empower the villagers to make choices and provide them with opportunities to exercise these choices. Utilising the advantages of ‘JanBhagidari’, the scheme will take initiatives in children's education, particularly smart schools, e-libraries, green schools. The Model Villages will serve as demonstration villages for the surrounding areas.

•

The Adarsh Gram will have a population of 3-5 thousand in plain areas and 1000 to 3000 in hilly, tribal and difficult areas.

•

The scheme would utilize in a convergent manner the resources available from existing schemes like IAY, PMGSY, MGNREGS, RKVY, NRLM, National Health Mission (NHM), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), schemes of MLAs and CSR funds, and no additional funding will be required. The scheme will leverage the strengths of the private, voluntary and cooperative sectors.

•

There will be mid-term and post project evaluation by competent independent agencies.

13. RURBAN Mission •

The Government launched the Dr. Shayma Prasad Mukherji RURBAN Mission on August 8, 2014 to deliver integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas.

•

The RURBAN Mission aims at providing basic amenities in rural areas and check migration from there to cities.

•

The scheme envisages development of economic activities and skill development and helping rural areas get efficient civic infrastructure and associate services. The preferred mode of delivery would be through PPPs, while using various scheme funds.

14. Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) •

The Government of India administers Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) (SBM) (G) a comprehensive programme to ensure sanitation facilities in rural areas with the main goal of eradicating the practice of open defecation and ensuring clean environment.

15. Tourist Visa on Arrival •

The Government has launched Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) on November 27, 2014 for 43 Countries at 9 Airports.

•

Prior to it, only the normal TVoA scheme was in operation for 12 countries. Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) registered an increase of 92.4% during January-December, 2014 over the same period earlier.

16. Biometric Attendance System As per of the "Digital India" program of Government of India, it has decided to implement common Biometric Attendance System (BAS) in the Central Government Offices (Agencies) located in Delhi to begin with.

•

The proposed system would enable an employee to register attendance by presenting his/her biometric (finger print/iris) which will be authenticated online by doing one to one match with the biometric stored in the UIDAI data base against the employee's Aadhaar number.

Notes

•

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•

Biometric Attendance System (BAS) is an online attendance system. Network connectivity is essential for marking attendance.

17. Direct Benefits Transfer To achieve targeted delivery of welfare services in a transparent and efficient manner, the Government launched Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) through Aadhaar Payment Bridge (APB) and other channels in 2013.

•

As per the directions of Government of India, 35 centrally sponsored schemes come under the purview of DBT which is to be implemented across India.

Notes

•

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RURAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Rural Development Rural development implies both the economic betterment of people as well as greater social transformation. In order to provide the rural people with better prospects for economic development, increased participation of people in the rural development programmes, decentralization of planning, better enforcement of land reforms and greater access to credit are needed. The United Nations defines Rural Development as: Rural Development is a process of change, by which the efforts of the people themselves are united, those of government authorities to improve their economic, social and cultural conditions of communities in to the life of the nation and to enable them to contribute fully to national programme. Rural Development is a process of bringing change among rural community from the traditional way of living to progressive way of living. It is also expressed as a movement for progress. Scope and Importance of Rural Development Rural development is a dynamic process, which is mainly concerned with the rural areas. These include agricultural growth, putting up of economic and social infrastructure, fair wages as also housing and house sites for the landless, village planning, public health, education and functional literacy, communication etc. Rural development initiatives: 1.

MGNREGA

It has been five years since the launch of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) launch from Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh on February 2, 2006. The act has been instrumental in raising the productivity, increasing the purchasing power, reducing distress migration, creating durable assets while ensuring livelihood opportunities for the needy and poor in rural India. The act is aimed at enhancing the livelihood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing 100 days of wageemployment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. These works include water conservation, drought proofing, irrigation, land development, rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, flood control and drainage work, rural connectivity and work on the land of SC/ST/ BPL/IAY beneficiaries/land reform beneficiaries/ individual small and marginal farmers. Provisions under MGNREGA Adult members of a rural household, willing to do unskilled manual work, are required to make registration in writing or orally to the local Gram Panchayat

•

The Gram Panchayat after due verification will issue a Job Card. The Job Card will bear the photograph of all adult members of the household willing to work under NREGA and is free of cost.

•

The Job Card should be issued within 15 days of application.

•

A Job Card holder may submit a written application for employment to the Gram Panchayat, stating the time and duration for which work is sought. The minimum days of employment have to be at least fourteen.

•

The Gram Panchayat will issue a dated receipt of the written application for employment, against which the guarantee of providing employment within 15 days operates.

Notes

•

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•

Employment will be given within 15 days of application for work, if it is not then daily unemployment allowance as per the Act, has to be paid liability of payment of unemployment allowance is of the States.

•

Work should ordinarily be provided within 5 km radius of the village. In case work is provided beyond 5 km, extra wages of 10% are payable to meet additional transportation and living expenses

•

Wages are to be paid according to the Minimum Wages Act 1948 for agricultural labourers in the State, unless the Centre notices a wage rate which will not be less than 60 (US$1.10) per day. Equal wages will be provided to both men and women.

•

Wages are to be paid according to piece rate or daily rate. Disbursement of wages has to be done on weekly basis and not beyond a fortnight in any case.

•

At least one-third beneficiaries shall be women who have registered and requested work under the scheme.

•

Work site facilities such as crèche, drinking water, shade have to be provided

•

The shelf of project for a village will be recommended by the gram sabha and approved by the zilla panchayat.

•

At least 50% of works will be allotted to Gram Panchayats for execution

•

Permissible works predominantly include water and soil conservation, afforestation and land development works

•

A 60:40 wage and material ratio has to be maintained. No contractors and machinery is allowed

•

The Central Govt. bears the 100 percent wage cost of unskilled manual labour and 75 percent of the material cost including the wages of skilled and semi skilled workers

•

Social Audit has to be done by the Gram Sabha

•

Grievance redressal mechanisms have to be put in place for ensuring a responsive implementation process

The MGNREGA achieves twin objectives of rural development and employment. The MGNREGA stipulates that works must be targeted towards a set of specific rural development activities such as: water conservation and harvesting, afforestation, rural connectivity, flood control and protection such as construction and repair of embankments, etc. Digging of new tanks/ponds, percolation tanks and construction of small check dams are also given importance. The employers are given work such as land leveling, tree plantation, etc. 2.

Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana

•

The government of India has launched Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) with components (i) to separate agriculture and non agriculture feeders facilitating judicious rostering of supply to agricultural and non-agricultural consumers in rural areas and (ii) strengthening and augmentation of sub transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas, including metering of distribution transformers/ feeders/consumers.

•

The scheme would help in: (i)

Improvement in hours of power supply in rural areas,

(ii) Reduction in peak load, (iii) Improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and

Notes

(iv) Providing access to electricity to rural households.

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3.

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Yojana

It is a Government of India youth employment scheme. Main Highlights of the Yojana are: The Yojana aims at training 10 lakh (1 million) rural youths for jobs in three years, that is, by 2017; The minimum age for entry under the Yojana is 15 years compared to 18 years under the Aajeevika Skills Programme; Skill development training centres to be launched so as to address the unemployment problem in the rural area; The skills imparted under the Yojana will now be benchmarked against international standards and will complement the Prime Minister's Make In India campaign and The Kaushalya Yojana will also the address the need for imparting training to the differently-able persons and chip in private players including international players to impart the skills to the rural youths. A sum of Rs. 1500 crore has been allocated for this scheme, for which disbursement will be through a digital voucher directly into qualified student's bank account. 4.

Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

Under the Yojana, MPs will adopt villages to create model villages. Gram Panchayat would be the basic unit for development. It will have a population of 3000-5000 in plain areas and 1000-3000 in hilly, tribal and to difficult areas. In districts where this unit size is not available, Gram Panchayats approximating the desirable population size may be chosen. The MP will identify one Gram Panchayat to be taken up immediately, and two others to be taken up later. A Lok Sabha MP has to choose a Gram Panchayat from within his/her constituency and a Rajya Sabha MP a gram panchayat of his/her choice in the State from which he/she is elected. Nominated MPs may choose a Gram Panchayat from the rural area of any district in the country. In the case of urban constituencies (where there are no Gram Panchayats), the MP will identify a gram panchayat from a nearby rural constituency. Primarily, the goal is to develop three Adarsh Grams by March 2019, of which one would be achieved by 2016. Thereafter, five such Adarsh Grams (one per year) will be selected and developed by 2024. The objectives of the SAGY: are: 1.

Accelerating processes. which lead to holistic development of the identified Gram Panchayats.

2.

To substantially improve the standard of living and quality of life of all sections of the population through:Improved basic amenities

b.

Higher productivity

c.

Enhanced human. Development

d.

Better livelihood opportunities

e.

Reduced disparities.

f.

Access to rights and entitlements

g.

Wider social mobilization

h.

Enriched Social Capital, and

i.

To generate models of local level development and effective local governance which can motivate and inspire neighbouring gram panchayats to learn and adapt.

Notes

a.

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Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission

The mission aims to create 300 Rurban growth clusters over the next 3 years, across the country. Main elements of Rurban Mission •

Development of Rurban growth clusters, which have latent potential for growth, in all States and UTs to trigger overall development in the region. These clusters are essentially Smart Villages.

•

Rural growth clusters would be developed by provisioning of economic activities, developing skills & local entrepreneurship and providing infrastructure amenities.

•

Further, these clusters would be well delineated areas with planned layouts, which would be duly notified by the State/UTs. These plans would be finally integrated with the District Plans/Master Plans as the case may be.

•

The States would prepare Integrated Cluster Action Plans for Rurban Clusters in accordance with the Framework for Implementation prepared by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

•

The clusters will be geographically contiguous to Gram Panchayats with a population of about 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and a population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas.

•

There would be a separate approach for selection of clusters in Tribal and Non-Tribal Districts.

•

As far as practicable, clusters of village would follow administrative convergence units of Gram Panchayats.

•

The Mission envisages institutional arrangements both at the State and Center to ensure smooth implementation of the Mission.

•

The Mission also has an Innovation budget towards facilitating research, development and capacity building.

6.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana or DAY is a Government of India scheme for the helping the poor by providing skill training. Main Highlights of the Rural Scheme: The Yojana aims at training 10 lakh (1 million) rural youths for jobs in three years, that is, by 2017.

•

The minimum age for entry under the Yojana is 15 years compared to 18 years under the Aajeevika Skills Programme.

•

Skill development training centres to be launched so as to address the unemployment problem in the rural area.

•

The skills imparted under the Yojana will now be benchmarked against international standards and will complement the Prime Minister's Make In India campaign.

•

The Kaushalya Yojana will also the address the need for imparting training to the differently-able persons and chip in private players including international players to impart the skills to the rural youths.

7.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

•

The Government, in a bid to give better rural connectivity launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in December, 2000 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to assist the states, though Rural Roads are in the state list as per the Constitution. The primary objective of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak

Notes

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Yojana (PMGSY) is to provide connectivity by way of an All-Weather road (with necessary culverts canel cross-drainage structures, which is operable throughout the year), to the reliable unconnected habitations as per Core Network with a population of 500 persons (as per 2001 census) and above in plan areas. In respect of 'Special Category States' (North-East, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand), the Desert areas, the Tribal (Schedule V) areas and 88 Selected Tribal and Backward districts as indentified by the Ministry of Home Affairs/Planning Commission, the objective is to connect eligible unconnected habitations as per Core-Network with a population of 250 persons and above (Census 2001). The programme envisages single all weather connectivity. With a view to ensure full farmto-market connectivity, the programme also provides for the upgradation of the existing "Through Routes" and Major Rural Links to prescribed standards, through it is not central to the programme. Under PMGSY-II, the projects for upgradation of 11,234 kms roads have been sanctioned against total target of 50,000 kms of such roads. 8.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yoiana (PMKSY)

•

PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating ongoing schemes viz. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR,RD&GR), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) of Department of Land Resources (DoLR) and the On Farm Water Management (OFWM) of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC). PMKSY has been approved for implementation across the country.It will have an outlay of Rs. 50,000 crore over a period of five years (2015-16 to 2019-20).

•

The major objective of the PMKSY is to achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level, expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (HarKhetkopani), improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water, enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop), enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices by exploring the feasibility of reusing treated municipal based water for peri-urban agriculture and attract greater private investment in precision irrigation system.

•

The programme architecture of PMKSY aims at a 'decentralized State level planning and execution' structure, in order to allow States to draw up a District Irrigation Plan (DIP) and a State Irrigation Plan (SIP).

•

It is expected that PMKSY will provide convergence to existing schemes of water management, thus bringing efficiency to the use of water.

9.

Neeranchal

•

For achieving the major objectives of the Watershed Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY) and for ensuring access to irrigation to every farm (HarKhetKoPani) and efficient use of water (Per Drop More Crop), Neeranchal is implemented with the assistance of World Bank.

•

Neeranchal will translate into better implementation outcomes of PMKSY. The programme will lead to reducing surface runoff of rainwater, increasing recharge of ground water and better availability of water in rainfed areas resulting in incremental rainfed agriculture productivity, enhanced milk yield and increased cropping intensity through better convergence related programmes in project areas.

10. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan The programme aims to ensure access to sanitation facilities (including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems and village cleanliness) and safe and adequate drinking water supply to every person by 2019, three years ahead of the deadline set by NBA (though NBA focused only on sanitation with the National Rural Drinking Water Programme covering drinking water in rural areas).

Notes

•

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•

The unit costs for toilets will be enhanced for Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) (from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000), school toilets (from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 54,000), anganwadi toilets (from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 20,000) and Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) (from Rs.2,00,000 to Rs.6,00,000).

•

Funding for these new initiatives will be through budgetary allocations, contributions to the Swachh Bharat Kosh and through commitments under Corporate Social responsibility (CSR). Another feature of the proposed programme is the setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle within the Mission as a Company under the Company's Act.

•

It will raise funds from Government and non-Government sources, including CSR funds and interalia also implement CSR projects. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are also envisaged for construction of CSCs. It is likely that budgetary allocations for the programme will be made in the current financial year itself.

•

Additionally, the under the new programme, it is proposed to replace Nirmal Gram Puraskar with Swachh Bharat Puraskar with a widened focus to include block and district level benchmarks for coverage. In recognition of the need to strengthen monitoring mechanism, the programme will monitor both outputs (construction) and outcomes (usage). Another welcome measure is the proposed flexibility to States with regard to use of funds by allowing interchangeability of funds between drinking water and sanitation so as to ensure that funds do not lie idle and targets are not starved of funds in either of the two sectors.

Urban Development •

About 377 million Indians comprising of about 31 per cent of the country's population, live in urban areas according to Census 2011.

•

This is a smaller proportion compared to other large developing countries, for example, 45 per cent in China, 54 per cent in Indonesia, 78 per cent in Mexico and 87 per cent in Brazil. With the more rapid growth of the Indian economy in recent years, which is expected to continue, the rate of urbanisation will increase.

•

Projections are that by 2031, about 600 million Indians will reside in urban areas, an increase of over 200 million in just 20 years. 18.2. Urban areas are engines of economic growth.

Role of urbanization in economic growth •

Urbanisation will be central to India's strategy of achieving faster and more inclusive growth because agglomeration and densification of economic activities (and habitations) in urban conglomerations stimulates economic efficiencies and provides more opportunities for earning livelihoods.

•

Thus urbanisation increases avenues for entrepreneurship and employment compared to what is possible in dispersed rural areas.

•

It enables faster inclusion of more people in the process of economic growth.

Urban development initiatives 1.

AMRUT

Notes

The purpose of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is to (i)ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerageconnection; (ii) increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (e.g. parks); and (iii) reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). All these outcomes are valued by citizens, particularly women, and indicators and standards have been prescribed

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by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) in the form of Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs). The AMRUT makes States equal partners in planning and implementation of projects, thus actualizing the spirit of cooperative federalism. 2.

Smart Cities Mission

In the approach of the Smart Cities Mission, the objective is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of 'Smart' Solutions. The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will act like a lighthouse to other aspiring cities. The Smart Cities Mission is meant to set examples that can be replicated both within and outside the Smart City, catalysing the creation of similar Smart Cities in various regions and parts of the country. The core infrastructure elements in a smart city would include: (i) adequate water supply; (ii) assured electricity supply; (iii) sanitation, including solid waste management; (iv) efficient urban mobility and public transport; (v) affordable housing, especially for the poor; (vi) robust IT connectivity and digitalization; (vii) good governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation; (viii) sustainable environment; (ix) safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly; and (x) health and education. Accordingly, the purpose of the Smart Cities Mission is to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local area development and harnessing technology, especially technology that leads to Smart outcomes. Area based development will transform existing areas (retrofit and redevelop), including slums, into better planned ones, thereby improving liveability of the whole City. New areas (greenfield) will be developed around cities in order to accommodate the expanding population in urban areas. Application of Smart Solutions will enable cities to use technology, information and data to improve infrastructure and services. Comprehensive development in this way will improve quality of life, create employment and enhance incomes for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, leading to inclusive Cities.

Notes

To conclude, urbanisation is increasing at a faster rate than earlier. Since urbanisation is 'efficient' and could be job-creating, it must be planned and properly guided. An accelerated pace of urbanization would also result in significant spill over in peri-urban areas and therefore, these areas need to be included in urban planning and provided for.

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SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS India has a long and distinguished tradition in science and technology from the ancient times. The great achievements during the last century, the latter half prior to independence, have been related largely to pure research. At the time of independence, our scientific and technological infrastructure was neither strong nor organised as compared to the developed world. This had resulted in our being technologically dependent on the skills and expertise available in other countries. There is now a reservoir of expertise well acquainted with the most modern advances in basic and applied areas that is equipped to make choices between available technologies, to absorb readily new technologies and provide a framework for future national development.

Institutional Structure a)

Department of Science & Technology

Department of Science & Technology (DST) was established in May 1971, with the objective of promoting new areas of Science & Technology and to play the role of a nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting Science & Technology (S & T) activities in the country. The Department has major responsibilities for specific projects and programmes as listed below: 1.

Formulation of policies relating to Science and Technology.

2.

Matters relating to the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Cabinet (SACC).

3.

Promotion of new areas of Science and Technology with special emphasis on emerging areas.

4.

Futurology.

5.

Co-ordination and integration of areas of Science & Technology having cross-sectoral linkages in which a number of institutions and departments have interest and capabilities.

6.

Undertaking or financially sponsoring scientific and technological surveys, research design and development, where necessary.

7.

Support and Grants-in-aid to Scientific Research Institutions, Scientific Associations and Bodies.

8.

All matters concerning: (a) Science and Engineering Research Council; (b) Technology Development Board and related Acts (c) National Council for Science and Technology Communication; (d) National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board; (e) International Science and Technology Cooperation (f)

Autonomous Institutions relating to the subject under the Department of Science and Technology including Institute of Astro-physics, and Institute of Geo-magnetism;

Notes

(g) Professional Science Academies funded by Department of Science and Technology;

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(h) The Survey of India, and National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization; (i) National Spatial Data Infrastructure and promotion of Geographic Information System (G.I.S); (j) 9.

The National Innovation Foundation, (Ahmadabad).

Matters commonly affecting Scientific and technological departments/organizations/ institutions e.g. financial, personnel, purchase and import policies and practices etc.

10. Management Information Systems (MIS) for Science and Technology and coordination thereof. 11. Matters regarding Inter-Agency/Inter-Departmental coordination for evolving science and technology missions. 12. Matters concerning domestic technology particularly the promotion of ventures involving the commercialization of such technology other than those under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. 13. All other measures needed for the promotion of science and technology and their application to the development and security of the nation. 14. Matters relating to institutional Science and Technology capacity building including setting up of new institutions and institutional infrastructure. 15. Promotion of Science and Technology at the State, District, and Village levels for grass- roots development through State Science and Technology Councils and other mechanisms. 16. Application of Science and Technology for weaker sections, women and other disadvantaged sections of Society. b)

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The CSIR was established in 1942 as an autonomous, non-profit organization with a wide ranging charter of functions. •

Functions of CSIR:

i)

Promotion, guidance and co-ordination of scientific and industrial research

ii)

Collection and dissemination of information on research and industry

iii) Founding of laboratories to carry forward scientific and industrial research iv) Utilization of the new knowledge for development of industry v)

Rendering assistance to other institutions conducting research, awarding of fellowships and publishing of scientific journals.

•

Achievements of CSIR:

i)

The induction of precocious flowering in plantlets of bamboo raised in tissue culture;

ii)

Discovery of one of the smallest protein molecules, seminal plasmin;

iii) The first combined genetic and physical map of the whole V. cholerae genome; iv) The elucidation of the mechanisms for delaying the formation of cataract in the human eye; To introduce buffalo milk for baby food (brand name 'Amul');

Notes

v)

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vi) It launched the wholly indigenous tractor Swaraj; vii) Developed a cost-effective process for drugs for mass use; viii) It was the first to extract polymetallic nodules from the Indian ocean bed, based on which India became the first country in the world to be granted 'pioneer status', under the UN treaty on the Laws of Seas; ix) Development of Aerospace materials such as high-density carbon composites, Nalar--a Kevlar equivalent high strength fibre, aluminium-lithium alloys, high purity aluminium; x)

Development of Industrial materials for special performance such as silicon carbide, silicon nitride bonded silicon carbide, silicon carbide whiskers, aluminium metal matrix and aluminium-graphite composites, special glasses for optical fibres, infrared range finders, laser glasses, radiation shielding glasses and sol-gel techniques for glass coatings etc.

c)

Science and Engineering Research Council

The Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) was established in 1974 and is an apex body through which the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India promotes R&D programmes in newly emerging and challenging areas of science and engineering. SERC is composed of eminent scientists, technologists drawn from various universities/national laboratories and Industry. d)

Technology Development Board

The Technology Development Board was constituted in September 1996. The Board provides financial assistance to industrial concerns and other agencies for attempting development and commercial application of indigenous technology or adapting imported technology for wider domestic application. The areas that got financial assistance from the Board were health and medicine, engineering and electronics, chemicals and lubricants, agriculture and biotechnology, information technology, road/air transport, energy and waste utilisation, and telecommunication. e)

National Accreditation Board For Testing And Calibration Laboratories

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) provides formal recognition for technical competence of testing, calibration and medical laboratories. NABL accreditation is primarily based on ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for testing and calibration laboratories and ISO 15189:2003 for medical laboratories. f)

Survey of India

Survey of India (SOI), the national survey and mapping organisation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, was set up in 1767. i)

In its assigned role as the National Principal Mapping Agency, Survey of India bears a special responsibility to ensure that the country`s domain is explored and mapped suitably to provide base maps for expeditious and integrated development and ensure that all resources contribute their full measure to the progress, prosperity and security of India.

ii)

While Survey of India meets the national needs in cartography, some specialised thematic maps required to meet the needs of the specific users are taken care of by the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO) operating under the Department.

Notes

iii) It also concentrates its attention in a number of areas to integrate resource maps with other relevant socioeconomic data and represent them in spatial forms, useful for developmental planning.

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iv) NATMO is trying to develop the new technology of reverse printing for NATMO maps on experimental basis. It is also trying to introduce the technique of using metallic colours in map printing. These facilities are also being modenised.

Science And technology As A Source Of Human Resource Development The government supports different programmes aimed at identifying new talent and providing them with financial assistance in the form of fellowships for pursuing research in front-line areas of science and technology. •

Some schemes are described as below:

i)

Ramanujan Fellowships

The fellowship is meant for brilliant scientists and engineers from all over the world to take up scientific research positions in India, especially those scientists who want to return to India from abroad. The fellowships are scientist-specific and very selective. The Ramanujan Fellows could work in any of the scientific institutions and universities in the country and they would be eligible for receiving regular research grants through the extramural funding schemes of various Sciecne & Technology agencies of the Government of India. ii)

J. C. Bose National Fellowships

The fellowship is meant to recognize active scientists and engineers for their outstanding performance and contributions. The Department of Science & Technology will administer this scheme. The fellowships are scientist-specific and very selective. All areas of science (in the broadest terms) will be covered by this fellowship. iii) Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana is a programme initiated by the Government of India to encourage students of the Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to take up careers in research in these fields. The programme aims to identify and select students who demonstrate talent and aptitude, and encourage and assist them in pursuing research careers in their chosen fields. In addition, summer programmes in prestigious research and education institutions in the country are organized, and preferential access to facilities such as libraries, laboratories, museums, etc. are provided. iv) Swarnajayanti Fellowships Scheme Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with proven track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue basic research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowships are scientist specific and not institution specific, very selective and have close academic monitoring. The support will cover all the requirements for performing the research and will include a fellowship of Rs. 25,000/- per month for 5 years. v)

Women Scientists Scheme

The "Women Scientists Scheme (WOS)" provide opportunities to women scientists and technologists between the age group of 30-50 years who desire to return to mainstream science and work as bench-level scientists. Under this scheme, women scientists are being encouraged to pursue research in frontier areas of science and engineering, on problems of societal relevance and to take up Science & Technology-based internship followed by self-employment. vi) INSPIRE Programme

Notes

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) is an innovative programme to communicate to the youth of the country the excitements of creative pursuit of science, attract talent to the study of science

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at an early age and thus build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science & Technology system and R&D base. INSPIRE Scheme has included 3 components. They are i)

Scheme for Early Attraction of Talents for Science (SEATS),

ii)

Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE)

iii) Assured Opportunity for Research Careers (AORC).

Science, Technology And Innovation Policy The new Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy unveiled in 2013 includes a thrust for innovations in science and technology sector. STI policy reveals an aspiration to gain global competitiveness and link science sector to the developmental agenda of the country. Science, Research and Innovation System for High Technology led path for India (SRISHTI) is the main policy goal. Integration of science, research and innovation systems and emergence of India as one of the top 5 of 6 knowledge powers in science are expressed aspirations of the new STI policy.

Atomic Energy The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), established in 1954 is engaged in the development of nuclear power technology, applications of radiation technologies in the fields of agriculture, medicine, industry, and basic research. An integrated group of organizations, the Department comprises 5 research centres, 3 industrial organisations, 5 public sector undertakings and 3 service organisations. It has 2 boards for promoting and funding extramural research in nuclear and allied fields, and mathematics. It also supports 7 institutes of international repute, engaged in research in basic sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, cancer research, education etc. and a society that provides educational facilities to the children of DAE employees. The radioisotopes produced at Trombay find wide applications in the fields of agriculture and food, medicine and health care, industry, and research. Based on these applications, the following programmes are being implemented. Nuclear Agriculture

i)

The Nuclear Agriculture Programme of DAE focuses on the use of radiation technology for the development of high yielding crop seeds, radiation processing of food items, fertilizer and pesticide-related studies, and other areas.

ii)

These technologies are benefiting Indian farmers and traders.

b)

Nuclear Medicine and Health Care

i)

Radio isotopes and their formulations find wide applications in diagnosis, therapy and health care. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Mumbai, (BARC) and Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) are the main centres of this activity.

ii)

At BARC, Cesium-137 based brachy therapy sources are routinely produced. For treatment of cancer of eye, radiation sources of the size of rice grain, containing 2- 3 milli curie of Iodine-125, have been produced here.

Notes

a)

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iii) This miniature source was tried for the first time for treatment of eye cancer at Sankara Netralaya, Chennai. Another salient development here is the digital medical imaging system based on a Charge Coupled Device (CCD). iv) BARC has successfully developed radiation-processed hydrogel for treating burns, wounds and leprosy; Holmium-166-Hydroxy Apatite (HoHa) and Samarium-153-Hydroxy Apatite (SmHa) radio pharmaceuticals for treatment of arthritis, and radio labelling of phosphonates with Luthinium-177 for internationalised radiotherapy. v)

Tuberculosis is a major health problem in India. For detection of the disease, BARC developed a serodiagnostic test-kit with X-ray imaging using a 3 dimensional cone-beam tomography which is another important development.

vi) BARC`s Radiation Medicine Centre (RMC) in Mumbai is involved in research and development in nuclear medicine and allied products. vii) The centre offers diagnostic and therapeutic services using radio isotopes, and promotes human resource development in nuclear medicine. viii) It is a regional referral centre of the World Health Organisation, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). ix) Radio Immuno Assays (RIA) and related procedures are used for the measurements of hormones, enzymes, certain serum proteins, and others. RMC is a major provider of RIA services in the country to Thyroid patients. c)

High Power Pulsed Electron Accelerators

i)

High Power pulsed electonic accelerators are used for producing Flash X Rays (FXR) and High Power Microwaves (HPM).

ii)

These accelerators have many applications in the industry, nuclear power sector and the strategic areas.

iii) Kali 200, Kali 1000 and Kali 5000 belong to the single shot and the Linear Induction Accelerator (LIA) to the repetitive type. Kali 200 has been handed over to DRDO, Microwave Tube Research & Development Center (MTRDC) Bengaluru. iv) Kali 5000 has been commissioned and is in use at a microwaves power level of about 2 gigawatt. The Kali-5000 is used for High Power Microwave (HPM) generation and Flash X-Ray experiments. d)

High Power Electron Beam Units for Thermal Processing

BARC has developed a number of High Power Electron Beam (EB) machines for evaporation, melting and welding of reactive and refractory metals and their compounds. e)

Laser Systems and Applications

i)

BARC and Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore (RRCAT) developed a variety of lasers that include gas lasers, solid state lasers and semi-conductor lasers which find wide applications.

ii)

The laserbased devices that have been developed include a projectile speed-measuring instrument commissioned at the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad, and Surface Profilo-meter for measuring roughness.

Notes

iii) For measurement of the equation-of-state-of-materials, various shock diagnostic systems are being set up at Trombay.

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f)

Plasma Devices and Systems

i)

BARC has developed a large number of atmospheric plasma torches and processing systems.

ii)

The high power plasma torches (40 - 300 kW) operating in transferred and non-transferred arc mode have been used for cutting, melting, spraying and other high enthalpy applications.

iii) A few notable examples are the joint work with Department of Space culminating in establishment of a plasma jet assisted thermal protection materials testing system at Thiruvananthapuram, underwater plasma cutting systems and plasma assisted aerosol generator for BARC. iv) On surface engineering, plasma spray systems have been extensively used to develop special purpose thermal barrier, chemical barrier and bioceramic coatings that have drastically improved system performance. g)

Water Management

i)

BARC has developed Desalination Technologies. These are based on Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) evaporation, Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Low Temperature Evaporation (LTE).

ii)

Using these technologies, desalination plants have been developed for providing potable water in rural areas and on ships, and water for industrial uses.

iii) To utilize low pressure steam and waste heat from nuclear reactors, BARC is setting up a 6300 cubic metre/day combined MSF-RO Nuclear Desalination Demonstration Plant (NDDP) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. iv) The 1800 cubic meter/day desalination unit, based on Reverse Osmosis (RO) process, has been commissioned. It is now producing potable water from seawater. •v) A small 30 cubic metre/day desalination unit, based on low temperature evaporation technology, and using waste heat of CIRCUS, has been set up and commissioned at Trombay. vi) A 30 cubic metre/day brackish water RO plant operates at Satlana village, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan for providing drinking water to the villagers. vii) BARC has recently developed the Vapour Compression (VC) technology for seawater desalination and a 50,000 litres/day VC desalination plant has been installed and commissioned successfully. viii) BARC has also introduced an online Domestic Water Purifier that has been brought to the commercial market by several BARC licensees.

Indian Space Programme Space activities in the country were initiated with the setting up of Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in August, 1969. The Space Commission was constituted and established the Department of Space (DOS) in June, 1972 and brought ISRO under DOS in 1972. Space Commission formulates the policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme to promote the development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefit of the country.

Notes

DOS implements these programmes through, mainly, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) and Semi- Conductor Laboratory (SCL). Antrix Corporation, established in 1992 as a government owned company, markets the space products and services.

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Programme offices at ISRO Headquarters co-ordinate the programmes like satellite communication, earth observation, launch vehicle, space science, disaster management support, sponsored research scheme, contracts management, international cooperation, system reliability and quality, safety, publications and public relations, budget and economic analysis and human resources development. a)

Space Science Programme

i)

Mars Orbiter Mission is India's first interplanetary spacecraft mission as well as the first Indian spacecraft mission to planet Mars.

ii)

With a lift-off mass of 1340 kg, the Mars Orbiter Spacecraft carries five payloads - Mars Colour Camera, Thermal infrared Imaging Spectrometer, Methane Sensor for Mars, Lyman Alpha Photometer and Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser.

iii) Mars Orbiter Mission primarily envisages to demonstrate the technologies for building, launching and navigating an unmanned spacecraft to Mars as well as to explore the planet by placing it in an orbit around that planet. iv) The spacecraft, which was launched by PSLV-C25, 2013 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota into an elliptical earth parking orbit, was placed in 'Mars Transfer Trajectory' in December. v)

The spacecraft was accurately navigated to Mars and on September 24, 2014 successfully entered into the planned elliptical orbit around planet Mars by firing its Main Liquid Engine together with 8 thrusters for about 24 minutes.

vi) The mission is primarily a technological mission, which enabled ISRO to achieve critical mission operations with enhanced autonomy functions and stringent capabilities of propulsion and other spacecraft systems. vii) All systems onboard the spacecraft are functioning normally in its orbit around Mars and it has already sent pictures of Mars disc showing many details. b)

Space Applications and Disaster Management Support

i)

Remote Sensing applications projects at national, state and local levels are being carried out through wellestablished multi-pronged implementation architecture of National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) in the country.

ii)

Indian Remote Sensing Satellite constellation helped in agricultural crops inventory, agricultural drought, forest fire, landslides, earthquakes monitoring, groundwater prospects mapping, inventory; monitoring of glacial lakes/water bodies, sericulture development and satellite-aided search and rescue.

iii) ISRO Telemedicine network facilities cover 389 hospitals connecting 301 rural hospitals and 17 mobile vans to 66 super speciality hospitals for providing health care to citizens, especially in rural areas. iv) The Disaster Management Support (DMS) Programme of ISRO continues to provide space based information and services to the state and central Government Departments to strengthen the disaster management activities. v)

In 2014, flood monitoring was carried out for floods in 8 states and 112 flood maps were disseminated to the concerned State and Central officers in addition to making available to users on the web through Bhuvan, Decision Support Centre (DSC) and National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) web portals.

Notes

vi) In the case of unprecedented floods that devastated Jammu and Kashmir in September, 2014, ISRO quickly established Disaster Management System (DMS) satellite communication VSAT nodes with voice and data capabilities in Srinagar.

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vii) Besides cumulative flood inundation maps and their progression as well as recession maps were prepared for Srinagar valley and the information was disseminated on daily basis during September 8 - 21, 2014. viii) A Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS) is operational in Assam State by North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC). ix) A Flood Hazard Atlas for Odisha based on past flood incidents was prepared and handed over to the state government for ground validations. x)

All the depressions and cyclones that originated in the Indian ocean region including Cyclone. Hudhud which made a landfall at Visakhapatnam and Cyclone Nilofar which threatened Gujarat region during October, 2014 were monitored and their track, intensity and landfall were predicted.

xi) During 2014, NRSC has provided IRS satellites' data for disasters occurred across the globe through International Charter "Space and Major Disasters", "Sentinel Asia framework" and also through United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). A total of 92 datasets for 26 events were provided.

Earth Sciences Earth system science comprises the understanding of complex interactions among various components of the Earth, viz. atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, geosphere and biosphere. The knowledge about the earth system helps to improve prediction of climate, weather and natural hazards. The exploration of polar regions and seabed for discovery of new resources or phenomena has been undertaken. i)

The national agenda includes promotion of discovery to provide new perspective on earth systems, better understanding of earth processes and apply this knowledge for sustainability of the Earth and develop services for the societal benefits.

ii)

An Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) was established with the objective to provide the nation with the best possible services for monsoons, weather, climate, oceans and natural hazards.

iii) The policies and programmes of the ESSO are largely being pursued through mission mode projects through its centres, viz. India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Centre for Antarctica and Ocean Research (NCAOR), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) and Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM). a)

Atmospheric Science and Services

•

Some of the salient accomplishments in the atmospheric sector during the year include,

i)

Extending 5 days tourist forecast for 109 destinations and public weather forecast for 318 cities and nowcast for 130 cities with SMS alerts;

ii)

Accurate prediction of Hudhud, Nilofer and other cyclonic storms; establishment of 'SMS based Cyclone Alert/Warning System';

iii) Establishment of 'RAPID' (Real-time Analysis of Products and Information Dissemination: A web based system for INSAT Data Products);

Notes

iv) Establishment of 'CRIS' (Customized Rainfall Information System: A GIS based system for processing Real-time rainfall data to generate rainfall products);

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v)

SMS based Fog Dissemination Service to Airlines; Dissemination of Agromet advisories to 70.6 lakh farmers through SMS;

vi) Environmental Impact Assessment of 1771 Development Projects; and augmentation of Doppler Weather Radars (1 installed, 6 under process). (b) Monsoon Mission The monsoon mission, a multi-institutional and inter-agency research programme was initiated with the ultimate aim to improve the monsoon prediction over the country on all time scales by developing a state of- the-art coupled ocean-atmospheric climate model. i)

The comparison of dynamical forecasts of monsoon-2014 with monsoon-2013 showed a significant reduction of error in rainfall forecast.

ii)

There is also a significant improvement in monsoon rainfall special Correlation Coefficient (CC). This improvement is mainly with the assimilation of more observations from various new Indian satellites.

iii) For the first time in India, an indigenous climate model has been developed for studying variability and predictability of monsoon on seasonal, interannual and decadal time scale. (c) Ocean Technology The technology for automatic vehicles, remotely operable vehicles, mining equipments, drilling equipments, testing equipment for harnessing mineral resources is under development. i)

Remotely Operable Vehicle and Soil Tester has been deployed and successfully tested to assess environment and seabed properties at 6000 m in the central Indian Ocean.

ii)

The seabed images and sensor data were recorded and transmitted in realtime using the web cast facility installed on-board Oceanographic Research Vessel (ORV) Sagar Nidhi.

iii) The first Autonomous Underwater Profiling Drifter (AUPD) was deployed off Kochi in the Arabian Sea and 3 deep profiles up to 1600 m were obtained. iv) Autonomy Underwater Profiling Drifer (AUPD) is programmed to dive to sea depths of 2000 m where it drifts with the current and after a defined time period, it rises to the sea surface, measuring temperature and salinity with respect to depth. At the surface, it relays this information via satellite and sinks again to begin the next cycle. v)

The demonstration of shore protection measures has been successfully carried out and the solution of artificial beach nourishment is being implemented by the Puducherry Government and a beach width 30m. was formed.

vi) The bathymetry survey and field observations of the Kalpasar project were completed. vii) The development of Buried Object Scanning Sonar (BOSS), fabrication of the new stream lined tow body has been completed and has been successfully tested.

Notes

viii) The autonomous ambient noise system has been successfully deployed and made operational with GPRS communication off Chennai. A state-of-the-art low frequency calibration set up has been implemented and the existing Acoustic Test Facility (ATF) has been enhanced for the frequency range from 3 kHz to 500 kHz.

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Biotechnology Realising the tremendous potential of biotechnology in improving human and animal health and productivity, enhancing agricultural activity and providing safe and clean environment, the government set up a multi agency board namely National Biotechnology Board (NBTB) way back in 1982 with participation of Department of Science & Technology (DST), UGC, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) to promote activities in biotechnology. Subsequently, in recognition of these, need for a focal point in administrative structure was felt for planning, promotion and coordination of biotechnology programmes. Hence, National Biotechnology Board was upgraded to a fully fledged Department of Biotechnology in February, 1986. The Department works in collaboration with other agencies, R&D institutions and university system and has promoted establishing of linkages between industries and R&D institutions through continued interaction and catalytic financial support. (a) Biotechnology Programmes for Societal Development The mandate of the societal programme is to promote use of biotechnological processes and tools for the benefit of the marginalized section of the society comprising women, rural population and SC/STs in compatible manner. i)

The programme aims to create platform for self-employment generation among the target population and diffusion of proven and fieldtested technologies through demonstration, training and extension activities.

ii)

The focused areas are biofertilizer production, vermicomposting, apiculture, poultry, fish production and rearing, artificial insemination, mushroom cultivation, goat rearing, fruit plant nurseries, sericulture, postharvest processing technologies, hybrid seed production, use of quality planting materials and women and child health care.

iii) Excellent examples of innovative societal programmes are: Network project on prasad kit, running of mobile ambulatory clinics for the farmers, low cost poly house construction for raising nursery-planting material and establishment of rural bio-resource complexes at 7 South Asian University (SAUs). (b) Biosystems and Bioprocess Engineering Biosystems and Bioprocess Engineering Task Force aims to promote scientific knowledge and advancements for the development and improvement of sustainable bioprocesses of commercial interest keeping in view the challenges involved in large scale production processes and environmental constraints. (c) Public Health, Food and Nutrition Biology

Notes

The major areas covered under the programme are food processing using biotech interventions, nutrition biology, addressal of micro and macro nutrient deficiencies through development of fortified foods with generation of clinical evidence, health care products/ nutraceuticals/dietary food supplements; probiotics for holistic health; addressal of celiac diseases; addressal of vitamin B12 deficiency; nutriepigenomics; post harvest processing and value addition; food safety and allerginicity, shelf life extension of perishable foods, etc.

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WATER RESOURCES Water Resources and drainage systems in India are being regulated by The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. It lays down the plans and policy related to the same. However, Water is a State subject and the planning, development and management of water resources is undertaken by the respective state governments as per their priorities and requirements. Water Resource Potential The average annual water availability of the country is assessed as 1869 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM). Of this, total utilizable water resource is assessed as 1123 BCM out of which 690 BCM is surface water and 433 BCM is replenishable ground water resources. Namami Gange •

The planning for Ganga Conservation and its improvement started with a cognizance of substantial amount allocated in the Union Budget 2014-15.

•

Accordingly an integrated Ganga Conservation Mission called "Namami Gange" has been proposed with a sum of Rs. 2,037 crores. In addition a sum of Rs. 100 crores has been set aside for development of Ghats and beautification of river fronts at various places.

•

"Ganga Rejuvenation" is the improved version of Namami Gange for consolidating the ongoing efforts and aiming at concrete action plan in future.

National Water Mission •

Union Government has proposed National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) to recognize and subsequent approaches to meet the challenges and impact of climate change through 8 National Missions, National Water Mission is one of them.

•

The main objective of the National Water Mission is "conservation of water minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution both across and within States through integrated water resources development and management."

•

The Five Identified Goals of The Mission Are: i)

Comprehensive water data base in public domain and assessment of impact of climate change on water resources.

ii)

Promotion of citizens and state action for water conservation, augmentation and preservation.

iii) Focused attention to vulnerable areas including over-exploited areas. iv) Increasing water use efficiency by 20%. v)

Promotion of basin level integrated water resources management.

National Water Policy Adopted by National Water Resource Council in 2012, has made several recommendations for conservation, development and improved management of water resources in the country.

Notes

•

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•

Salient Features: •

Emphasis on the need for a national water framework law, comprehensive legislation for optimum development of inter-state rivers and river valleys.

•

Water, after meeting the pre-emptive needs for safe drinking water and sanitation, achieving food security, supporting poor people dependent on agriculture for their livelihood and high priority allocation for minimum eco-system needs, be treated as economic good so as to promote its conservation and efficient use.

•

Ecological needs of the river should be determined recognizing that river flows are characterized by low or no flows, small floods (freshets), large floods and flow variability and should accommodate development needs. A portion of river flows should be kept aside to meet ecological needs ensuring that the proportional low and high flow releases correspond in time closely to the natural flow regime.

•

Adaptation strategies in view of climate change for designing and management of water resources structures and review of acceptability criteria has been emphasized.

•

A system to evolve benchmarks for water uses for different purposes, i.e., water footprints, and water auditing is developed to ensure efficient use of water. Project financing has been suggested as a tool to incentivize efficient and economic use of water.

•

Setting up of Water Regulatory Authority has been recommended. Incentivization of recycle and re-Use has been recommended.

•

Water Users Associations should be given statutory powers to collect and retain a portion of water charges, manage the volumetric quantum of water allotted to them and maintain the distribution system in their jurisdiction.

•

Water resources projects and services should be managed with community participation. Wherever the state governments or local governing bodies so decide, the private sector can be encouraged to become a service provider in public private partnership model to meet agreed terms of service delivery, including penalties for failure.

•

Adequate grants to the states to update technology, design practices, planning and management practices, preparation of annual water balances and accounts for the site and basin, preparation of hydrologic balances for water systems, and benchmarking and performance evaluation.

National Water Resource Council •

National Water Resource Council (NWRC) set up in March 1983.

•

Chairman - Prime Minister

•

Vice-Chairman - Union Minister of Water Resource

•

Members - Minister of State for Water Resources, Concerned Union Ministers/Ministers of State, Chief Ministers of all the states and Lieutenant Governors/administrators of the UTs.

•

Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources is the Secretary of the council.

National Forum of Water Resources A National Forum of Water Resources and Irrigation Ministers of States have been constituted by Ministry of Water Resources in 2012.

Notes

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•

•

To attempt the need of water governance reforms and develop consensus at national level.

•

To provide ground for idea innovation and initiatives for better water governance proposed by central and state government(s).

It is a permanent forum of 12 members with half of its members retiring every 2 years and would be replaced by members from the same regions of the country.

National Projects National Projects with central assistance of 90% of the cost of the projects as a grant falling in the following selection criteria: a)

International Projects/treaty where planning and early completion of projects is necessary in the interest of the country.

b)

Inter-state projects which are disputed like cost sharing, rehabilitation, power production etc. for example; River Interlinking Projects etc.

c)

Intra State Projects with additional potential of more than 2,00,000 ha where hydrology is established with zero dispute regarding water sharing.

Out of 16 projects selected in the scheme under the ambit of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) with the outlay of 8,150 crore aiming to the completion of identified National projects for the benefits of the people, four are under execution: i)

Gosikhurd Irrigation Project (Maharashtra),

ii)

Teesta Barrage Project (West Bengal),

iii) Shahpur Kandi Project (Punjab) iv) Saryu Nahar Pariyojana (UP).

Central Ground Water Board A Multidisciplinary scientific organization with a mandate to: ''develop and disseminate technologies, monitor and implement national policies for the scientific and sustainable development and management of India's ground water resources including their exploration, assessment, conservation, augmentation, protection from pollution and distribution based on principles of economic and ecological efficiency and equity".

Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) Central Ground Water Authority has notified 162 areas (Districts, Blocks, Mandals, Talukas, Municipal areas, etc.) in the country for regulation of ground water development and management. In these notified areas, installation of new ground water abstraction structures is not permitted without prior specific approval of the authorized officers. For enforcement of the regulatory directions issued under Section (5) of Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986, concerned Deputy Commissioners/District Collectors have been authorized to take necessary action in case of violations of directives of CGWA in the notified areas.

Atlas on Aquifer Systems

Notes

Central Ground Water Board has generated enormous data on various aspects of ground water since its inception; the same has been compiled and integrated to bring out the publication in the form of atlas entitled "Aquifer Systems of India." The Atlas has been prepared keeping in view, the utilities and user friendliness in

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understanding by the non-professional as well as professional Hydro-geologist. Simple presentation of tables is used to explain aquifer wise groundwater scenario in the country. Total number of Atlas issued up to April 2014 are 16 which includes Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh Maharashtra and Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya Andhra Pradesh Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Central Water Commission (CWC) Headed by a chairman with the status of an Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India. It has 3 wings headed by an Ex-Officio Additional Secretary for each wings to furnish its work: i.

Design and Research Wing (D&R)

ii.

Water Planning and Project Wing (WP&P)

iii. River Management Wing (RM) •

Each Group has a number of Units with specific function within its ambit to perform.

•

CWC has established 13 regional offices, each headed by a Chief Engineer across the country. The Offices are at Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Nagpur, Patna, Shillong, Siliguri and Gandhinagar. National Water Academy, the training institute of CWC, is located at Pune for training of Central and State in-service engineers, NGO's, etc. and functions directly under the guidance of the Chairman.

•

Functions of Central Water Commission (CWC)

CWC has the general responsibility of initiating, coordinating and furthering in consultation with the State Governments concerned schemes for the control, conservation and utilization of water resources in the respective States for the purpose of flood management, irrigation, drinking water supplu and water power generation. The commission, if so required, can undertake the construction and execution of any such scheme. In exercise of the above responsibilities some of the main functions of CWC include: To undertake necessary surveys and investigations as and when so required, to prepare designs and schemes for the development of river valleys in respect of power generation, irrigation by gravity flow or lift, flood management, environmental management, rehabilitation and resettlement, soil conservation, anti-water logging measures, reclamation of alkaline and saline soils, drainage and for drinking water supply;

2.

To undertake construction work of any river valley development scheme on behalf of the Government of India or State Government concerned.

3.

To advise the Government of India in respect of Water Resources Development, regarding rights and disputes between different States which affect any scheme for the conservation and utilization and any matter that may be referred to the Commission in connection with river valley development.

4.

To advise the Government of India and the concerned State Governments on the basin-wise development of water resources and inter-state water disputes.

5.

To collect, coordinate the collection of, publish and analyse the data relating to tidal rivers, rainfall, runoff and temperature, silting of reservoirs, behaviour of hydraulic structures, environmental aspects etc. and to act as the Central Bureau of Information in respect of these matters.

Notes

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6.

To collect, maintain and publish statistical data relating to water resources and its utilization including quality of water throughout India and to act as the Central Bureau of Information relating to water resources.

7.

To standardize instruments, methods of observation and record, materials for construction, design and operation of irrigation projects.

8.

To conduct and coordinate research on the various aspects of river valley development schemes such as ‘flood management, irrigation, navigation, water power development etc., and the connected structural and design features’.

9.

To promote modern data collection techniques such as ‘remote sensing technology for water resources development and river forecasting and development of computer softwares’.

10. To conduct studies on ‘dam safety’ aspects for the existing and future dams and standardize the instruments for dam safety measures. 11. To initiate morphological studies to visualise ‘river behaviour, bank erosion/coastal erosion problems’ and advise the Central and State Governments on all such matters. 12. To conduct experiments, research and to carry out such other activities as will promote economic and optimum utilization of water resources. 13. To promote and create mass awareness in the progress and achievement made by the country in the water resources development, use and conservation.

National Water Development Agency (NWDA) Established in July 1982 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in the Ministry to study the feasibility of the links under peninsular component of national perspective plan. The NWDA is fully funded by the Government of India through Grant-in-aid. Objectives: To carry out detailed surveys and investigations of possible reservoir sites and inter-connecting links in order to establish feasibility of the proposal of peninsular rivers development and Himalayan rivers development components forming part of the National Perspective for Water Resources Development.

2.

To carry out detailed surveys about the quantum of water in various peninsular river systems and Himalayan river systems which can be transferred to other basins/states after meeting the reasonable needs of the basin/states in the foreseeable future.

3.

To prepare feasibility report of the various components of the scheme relating to Peninsular Rivers development and Himalayan rivers development.

4.

To prepare detailed project reports of river link proposals under National Perspective Plan for Water Resources Development after concurrence of the concerned states.

5.

To do all such other things the Society may consider necessary, incidental, supplementary or conducive to the attainment of above objectives.

Notes

1.

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WAPCOS (Water and Power Consultancy Services) Limited: •

WAPCOS Limited is a "MINI RATNA-I" Public Sector Enterprise under the aegis of this Ministry.

•

Incorporated in 1969 under the Companies Act, 1956, WAPCOS has been providing consultancy services in all facets of water resources, power and infrastructure sectors in India and abroad. WAPCOS complies with the Quality Assurance requirements of ISO 9001:2008 for Consultancy Services in Water Resources, Power and Infrastructure Development Projects.

International Cooperation With Neighbouring Countries India-Nepal Co-operation:

•

Mahakali Treaty February 1996: The main aim of this treaty is the implementation of Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. Joint Project Office has completed the required field investigation in 2002 (except some confirmatory tests) but due to some differences this project could not be finalized.

•

During the 3rd meeting of Joint Committee on Water Resources (JCWR) held at Kathmandu, it was decided to set up Pancheshwar Debelopment Authority (PDA) at the earliest for the development, execution and operation of Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.

•

Sapta Koshi High Dam Project: A Joint Project Office (JPO) was set up in August 2004 to undertake detailed field investigation for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Sapta Kosi High Dam Project at Barakshetra, in Nepal. Due to political instability and frequent strikes/bandhs in Nepal, the field investigation is delayed. Investigation done in 2015 granted for the completion of field works and preparation of DPRs of Sapta Kosi High Dam Multipurpose Project and Sun Kosi Storage cum Diversion Project.

•

Kamla and Bgmati Multipurpose Projects: To carry out the feasibility level study of Kamla Dam Project and preliminary study of Bagmati Project in Nepal, JPO-Sapta Kosi Sun Kasi Investigation (SKSKI) established for Sapta-Kosi High Dam Multipurpose has also been entrusted to undertake these works simultaneously. These studies are likely to be completed along with the preparation of DPR of Sapta-Kosi High Dam Multipurpose Project and Sun Kosi Storage cum Diversion Scheme.

b)

India Bangladesh Co-operation:

•

An Indo-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (JRC) is functioning since 1972 headed by Water Resources Ministers of both the countries. It was established in order to ensure the most effective joint effort in maximizing the benefits from common river systems.

•

A new chapter opened up in Indo- Bangladesh relations with the signing of a Treaty in December 1996 on the sharing of Ganges waters. The treaty shall remain in force for a period of 30 years to be renewable by mutual consent. For monitoring the implementation of the treaty, a joint committee has been set up. In a year, the Committee meets 3 times and observes the Joint measurements on Ganga at Farakka (India) and Ganges at Hardinge Bridge (Bangladesh) during lean season. The Treaty is being implemented to the satisfaction of both the countries.

•

Discussions have been continuing with Bangladesh for sharing of waters of Teesta & Feni River besides other 6 common rivers namely; Manu, Muhri, Khowai, Gumti, Jaldhaka and Torsa. Government of India is at its endeavour to conclude the agreement of the sharing of waters of Teesta and Feni rivers with Bangladesh, which is acceptable to all parties concerned and which protects the interests of all stakeholders. There exists a system of transmission of flood forecasting data on major rivers like Ganga, Teesta,

Notes

a)

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Brahmputra and Barak during the monsoon season from India to Bangladesh. The transmission of flood forecasting information during the monsoon has enabled the civil and military authorities in Bangladesh to shift the population affected by floods to safer places. c)

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fiji:

•

A Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation in the field of Water Resources Development and Management between Government of India and the Government of Republic of Fiji was signed in 2014 at New Delhi during the visit of Finance Minister of Fiji to India.

d)

Indus Water Treaty 1960:

Notes

Under the Indus Water Treaty, 1960, India and Pakistan have created 2 permanent posts of Commissioner for Indus Water, one each in India and Pakistan, who are representatives of the respective Governments for all matters arising out of the treaty and serve as the regular channel of communication with regard to implementation of the Treaty. The 2 Commissioners together form the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC).

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WELFARE Policies and interventions within this sector aim to achieve human development while infusing sustainability to the development process as a whole. It takes the notion of development to the level of providing spiritual and cultural fulfillment to the people. It is driven by the objective of providing choice to the individuals ranging across various realms. Investing in social sector can create enabling freedom for individual and social groups.

Welfare Of Scheduled Castes Statutory Framework The Constitution contains several provisions in the nature of safeguards for the Scheduled Castes . The following two Acts specifically aim at curbing (1) Untouchability (ii) Atrocities against SCs and STs. Therefore very important for the Scheduled Castes:(i)

The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955,

(ii) The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Preventions of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Educational Development Schemes a)

Pre-Metric Scholarships for Children of those engaged in Unclean Occupation:

Under the Scheme, the Children of families engaged in unclean occupations such as scavenging, flaying and tanning are assisted to pursue education upto matriculation level. The scholarship is provided through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. b)

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students

The Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students has been introduced in 2012 with an objective of the scheme to support parents of SC children for education of their wards studying in classes IX and X so that the incidence of drop-out, especially in the transition from the elementary to the secondary stage is minimized. For being eligible under this Scheme, the student should belong to Scheduled Caste and her/ his Parent/Guardian`s income should not exceed Rs. 2 lakh per annum. c)

Post-Metric Scholarships for SC Students:

The scheme provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste students for pursuing studies beyond matriculation in recognized institutions. The assistance includes maintenance allowance for various categories of courses, reimbursement of compulsory non-refundable fee charged by the institutions and other allowance such as study tour charges, thesis typing/ printing charges and book grant. d)

National Overseas Scholarship and Passage Grants for Higher Education

Notes

Under this scheme assistance is provided to meritorious students for pursuing higher studies of Masters level courses, Ph.D and Post Doctoral research Programmes abroad in specified fields like Engineering, Technology and Science only.

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e)

Upgradation of Merit for SC Students

The main objective of the scheme is to upgrade the merit of Scheduled Caste students by providing them with facilities for all-round development through education in residential schools. f)

Coaching and Allied Scheme for Weaker Sections including SCs, OBCs and Minorities

The scheme aimed to equip aspiring students for preparing them for various competitive exams. Aspiring students take their guidance and coaching from the centers run by State Governments/UTs, Universities and NGOs. g)

Central Sector Scholarship Scheme of Top Class Education for Scheduled Caste Students

Under the Scheme, SC students who secure the admission in the notified institutions are provided full financial support to meet the requirements of Tuition fees, living expenses, books and computer. Economic Development Schemes a)

National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation

The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) provides concessional finance for employment generation to the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes living below double the poverty line (i.e. Rs. 40,000 p.a. in rural areas and Rs. 55,000 p.a. in urban areas), skill development through training, entrepreneurial development and innovative projects. The Corporation is also implementing 'Mahila Samridhi Yojana'. b)

National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation was established in 1997 to provide financial support to the safai karamcharis (scavengers) to take up various income-generating activities. The National Commission for Safai Karmacharis, a statutory body has, inter-alia, been empowered to investigate into specific grievances as well as matters relating to implementation of programmes and schemes for welfare of Safai Karmacharis. The authorized share capital of NSKFDC has been enhanced from Rs.300.00 crore to Rs.600.00 crore by the Government in January, 2012. These would enable the Corporation to cover additional number of Safai Karamcharis under its Schemes for enabling them to undertake income generating activities etc. New law for ‘prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and their rehabilitation proposed’ Manual scavenging refers to the removal of human waste/excreta using brooms, tin plates and baskets from dry latrine and carrying it to disposal grounds some distance away. The toilets often use a container that needs to be emptied daily. Manual scavenging still survives in parts of India without proper sewage systems. Manual scavenging is a caste-based and hereditary occupation for Schedule Castes (Untouchables) that is predominantly linked with forced labour or slavery. It is estimated that around 1.3 million Schedule Castes in India, mostly women, make their living through manual scavenging, which involves removing human excrement from dry toilets and sewers. Manual scavenging is done with basic tools like thin boards and either buckets or baskets lined with sacking and carried on the head.

Notes

The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Bill, 2012 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on September 3, 2012 by the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment. The Bill prohibits employing a person as a manual scavenger and provides for the rehabilitation of people currently engaged in the profession.

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Welfare Of Persons With Disabilities According to Census 2011, there are 2.68 crore Persons with Disabilities in India (who constitute 2.21% of the total population). Out of the total population of Persons with Disabilities, about 1.50 crore are male and 1.18 crore are female. These include persons with visual, hearing, speech and locomotor disabilities, mental illness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities and other disabilities . Relevant Constitutional Provisions •

The Constitution of India through its Preamble, inter-alia seeks to secure to all its citizens; ‘justice, social, economic and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity’.

•

Part-III of the Constitution provides for a set of 6 Fundamental Rights to all the citizens (and in a few cases to non citizens also) .

•

These include - Right to Equality; Right to Freedom; Right against Exploitation; Right to Freedom of Religion; Cultural and Educational Rights and Right to Constitutional Remedies. All these rights are also available to the Persons with Disabilities even though no specific mention of such persons appear in this Part of the Constitution .

•

The Directive Principles of State Policy have been incorporated in Part- IV of the Constitution. Even though non-justiciable, these have been declared as fundamental in the governance of the country These principles are intended to be the imperative basis of State policy. These are really in the nature of instructions issued to future legislatures and executives for their guidance .

•

Article 41: Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases, provides: "The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want .

•

Besides, XIth Schedule to Article 243- (G) and XIIth Schedule to Article 243-(W), which pertain to the powers and responsibilities of the Panchayats and Municipalities respectively with respect to implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice, include welfare and safeguarding the interests of Persons with Disabilities among other weaker sections of the society .

The relevant extracts of the said schedules are reproduced below: •

Eleventh Schedule to Article 243-G : "Social welfare, including welfare of the handicapped and mentally retarded." (Entry No .26) .

•

Twelfth Schedule to Article 243- W: "Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally retarded." (Entry No .9)

Development of Scheduled Tribes Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas Scheduled Tribes (ST) live in contiguous areas unlike other communities. It is, therefore, much simpler to have an area approach for development activities and also regulatory provisions to protect their interests. In order to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes with regard to land alienation and other social factors, provisions of the "Fifth Schedule" and "Sixth Schedule" have been enshrined in the Constitution. The Fifth Schedule under Article 244 (1) of Constitution defines "Scheduled Areas" as such areas as the President may by Order declare to be Scheduled Areas after consultation with the Governor of the state.

Notes

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•

The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 (2) of the Constitution relates to those areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram which are declared as "Tribal Areas" and provides for District Councils and/or Regional Councils for such Areas. These Councils have been conferred with wide ranging legislative, judicial and executive powers.

•

The Sixth Schedule - Tribal Areas: The Sixth Schedule under Article 244 of the Constitution identifies Autonomous districts in the Tribal Areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

•

It also makes provisions for recognition of Autonomous Regions within these Autonomous Districts. These have been specified in Parts I, II, II A & III of the table appended to paragraph 20 of the Sixth Schedule. In other words, areas where provisions of Sixth Schedule are applicable are known as Tribal Areas.

a)

Tribal Sub Plan for States (TSP)

The TSP strategy, with some modifications, continues till this day and the salient features with respect to TSP for States, are given below: i)

The funds provided under the Tribal Sub Plan of the State have to be at least equal in proportion to the ST population of each State or UT;

ii)

Tribals and tribal areas of a State or UNION TERRITORIES are given benefits under the TSP, in addition to what percolates from the overall Plan of a State/UT;

iii) The Sub-Plan should; Identify the problems and need of tribal people and critical gaps in their development.

•

Identify all available resources for TSP.

•

Prepare a broad policy framework for development,

•

Define a suitable administrative strategy for its implementation.

•

Specify the mechanism for monitoring and evaluation.

b)

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED)

•

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), was set up in 1987 as a national level apex body under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984 (MSCS Act, 1984) After the enactment of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 (MSCS Act, 2002).

•

TRIFED is deemed to be registered under the latter Act and is also listed in the 2nd Schedule to the Act as a National Cooperative Society.

•

The Bye-laws of TRIFED were revised in April, 2003 in tune with the new Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 read with the Multi State Co-operative Societies Rules, 2002.

•

Under its revised mandate TRIFED has stopped bulk procurement in Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus Agricultural Produce (SAP) from Tribals. (This procurement is now done by the Statelevel Tribal Cooperatives Societies/Federations).

•

TRIFED now functions as a'market developer ' for tribal products and as 'service provider'to its member federations.

•

TRIFED is now engaged in the marketing development of tribal products (natural and organic products, handicrafts, ratification etc.) through its own shops (TRIBES India) and shops selling its products on consignment basis.

Notes

•

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c)

Recognition of Forest Rights of STs

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 seeks to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but chose rights on ancestral lands and their habitat were not adequately recognized in the consolidation of State forests during the colonial period as well as in independent India resulting in historical injustice to them. The Act has been notified for operation with effect from December 31, 2007. Rules, for implementing the provisions of the Act, were notified in January, 2008 and they envisage the constitution of various Committees under the Act, viz, the Sub Divisional Level Committee, District Level Committee and the State Level Monitoring Committee, by the State Governments; All the States have been requested to nominate the nodal officer for implementing the provisions of the Act.

Persons with Disability Section 2 (t) of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, (also referred to as PwD Act, 1995) defines "Person with Disability" as a person suffering from not less than 40% of any disability as certified by a medical authority. The disability being: (a) blindness (b) low vision (c) leprosy cured (d) hearing impairment (e) locomotor disability (f) mental illness (g) mental retardation (h) autism (i) cerebral palsy or (j) a combination of any two or more of (g), (h) and (i) (Section 2 (i) of the PwD Act, 1995 read alongwith Section 2(j) of The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999). a)

The Mental Health Act, 1987

i)

Mental illness has been recognized as one of the disabilities under The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

ii)

The treatment and care of the mentally ill persons are governed by The Mental Health Act, 1987.

iii) The Act is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. b)

Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995

i)

A comprehensive law, namely, The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 was enacted and enforced in February, 1996.

ii)

The law deals with both prevention and promotion aspects of the rehabilitation such as education, employment and vocational training, creation of barrier-free environment, provision of rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities, institutional services and supportive social security measures like unemployment allowance and grievance redressal machinery both at the Central and State Level.

iii) National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities: The National Trust is a statutory body under "The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999".

Notes

iv) The main objectives of the Trust are to enable and empower persons with these disabilities to live independently as fully as possible, to extend support to registered organisations providing need-based services and to evolve procedure for appointment of legal guardians for persons with disabilities requiring such protection.

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c)

Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

i)

The Chief Commissioner is an important statutory functionary, appointed under Section (57) of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

ii)

The functions and duties of the Chief Commissioner include coordinating the work of State Commissioners for persons with disabilities, monitoring of utilisation of funds disbursed by the Central Government, taking steps to safeguard rights and facilities made available to persons with disabilities and also to look into complaints with respect to deprivation of rights of persons with disabilities.

iii) The Chief Commissioner can also take suo motu-notice of non-implementation of any rule, law, etc. meant for persons with disabilities and is vested with the powers of a civil court relating to summoning of witness, discovery, requistioning and production of any document, etc. d)

Rehabilitation Council of India

The Rehabilitation Council of India is a statutory body set up under the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992. The Council is responsible for regulating the training polices and programmes for various categories of professionals in the area of rehabilitation and special education. Its functions include: (i)

Standardisation and regulation of training courses at different levels in all the training courses in the area of rehabilitation of the disabled within and outside the country on a reciprocal basis,

(ii) Promotion of research in rehabilitation and special education. (iii) Maintenance of a Central Rehabilitation Register for professionals possessing the recognised rehabilitation qualifications in the area of rehabilitation (iv) Encouragement of Continuing Rehabilitation Education Programmes in collaboration with organisations working in the area of disability. e)

Economic Development

i)

The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) is an apex-level financial institution for extending credit facilities to persons with disabilities for their economic development. Funds assistance is disbursed through the channelising agencies authorized by the State Governments/UT Administrations and Non-Governmental Organisations.

ii)

It also extends loans for pursuing education at graduate and higher levels. Besides, it assists in the upgradation of technical and entrepreneurial skills to enable beneficiaries to manage their production units efficiently.

iii) Under the scheme for Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of aids and appliances assistance is given for procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation by reducing the impact of disability and enhance their economic potential. iv) The scheme is implemented through agencies like voluntary organisations, National Institutes under the Ministry, Artificial Limbas Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), Zilla Panchayats, Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association (DRDAs), etc. The implementing agencies are provided Grantin- aid for purchase, fabrication and distribution of aids and appliances. The scheme also includes under its ambit medical/surgical correction and intervention that may be essential prior to fitment of aids and appliances.

Notes

v)

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f)

Prevention and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts/Alcoholics

i)

Under the Scheme, Grant-in-aid to the extent of 90% (95% in North East States, J & K and Sikkim) of the expenditure is provided to voluntary organisations for rehabilitation of drug addicts and alcoholics.

ii)

Assistance to Voluntary Organisation for Social Defence Services provides for undertaking programmes for the rehabilitation of various social segments at risk, not currently covered under the existing schemes of the Ministry.

iii) In particular, the scheme provides for Pilot Projects in unchartered areas in which the Ministry may like to formulate independent programmes in due course. A number of programmes are being supported for rehabilitation of the children of sex workers. Initiatives have also been taken to support projects for rehabilitation of widows and for providing counselling and support to traumatised children and women particularly those who have been victims of physical violence and sexual abuse.

Welfare Measures For The Minorities •

Five religious communities viz Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minorities as per provisions under the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992. These 5 communities constitute about 18.47% of the country's population.

•

The Government has taken the following measures for the welfare of Minorities: The Ministry of Minority Affairs was created in January 2006 to ensure a focused approach to the issues relating to the minorities and to play a pivotal role in the overall policy planning, co-ordination, evaluation and review of the regulatory and development programme for the benefit of the minority communities.

•

The Ministry is also responsible for the administration and implementation of the: (i)

National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992;

(ii) Wakf Act, 1995 (iii) Durgah Khwaja Saheb Act, 1955. In a short period of time, not only the Ministry has been made fully functional but concerted efforts have been made to streamline the ongoing programmes/schemes and to launch innovative and effective schemes/ programmes for the welfare of minority communities.

Welfare Measures For Women And Children Ministry of Women and Child Development has the main responsibility to advance the rights and concerns of women and children and to promote their survival, protection, development and participation in a holistic manner. The Ministry has a vision of empowered women’s standard of living with dignity and contributing as equal partners in development in an environment free from violence and discrimination and well nurtured children with full opportunities for growth and development in a safe and protective environment.

Notes

Its mission for children is to ensure development, care and protection through cross-cutting policies and programmes, spread awareness about their rights, facilitate access to learning, nutrition, institutional and legislative support for enabling them to grow and develop to their full potential.

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a)

Statutory And Autonomous Organisations National Commission For Women

The National Commission For Women (NCW) was constituted in January, 1991 as a statutory body at the national level in pursuance of The National Commission for Women Act, 1990 to safeguard the interests of women. •

It has a wide mandate covering almost all aspects of women`s development, viz.,

i)

To investigate and examine the legal safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws and recommend to Government measures for their effective implementation;

ii)

Review the existing provisions of the Constitution and other laws affecting women and recommended amendments to meet any lacunae, inadequacies or shortcomings in such laws;

iii) look into complaints and take suo-motu notice of matters relating to deprivation of women`s rights etc., and take up the issues with appropriate authorities; iv) Take up studies/research on issues of relevance to women, participate and advise in the planning process for socio-economic development of women, evaluate the progress made thereof, inspect jails, remand homes etc where women are kept under custody and seek remedial action wherever necessary. •

National Commission for women had taken up the review of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 and Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, 1956 with a view to examine whether the existing provisions of the Act require any Amendments.

•

Non-Residential Indian (NRI) Cell of National Commission Women (NCW) deals with complaints received from deserted women in India and abroad due to cross country marriages wherein there is any deprivation of women`s rights or any issue involving grave injustice to women.

•

The objective of the project is to train and sensitize police personnel in dealing with the cases of Atrocities against women and provide counsellors for effecting reconciliation in cases of marital dispute.

b)

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act (NCPCR), 2005 was notified in January, 2006. A National Commission for Protection of Child Rights was set up in March, 2007 in accordance with the provisions of the Act for proper enforcement of children`s rights and effective implementation of laws and programmes relating to children. Its mission is to protect, promote and defend child rights in India. Its mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, practices and administrative structure in the country are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

•

This comprehensive piece of legislation provides protection to all children under the age of 18 years from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography and overcomes the lacunae in the different sections of the IPC and more important, does not distinguish between adult and child victims.

•

The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs) have also been entrusted with the task of monitoring the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Rules, 2012.

Notes

•

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Schemes For Women a)

Sabla

i)

Sabla was introduced in the year 2010-11 and is operational in 205 selected districts on a pilot basis. It aims at all-round development of Adolescent Girls (AGs) of 11-18 years (with a focus on all out-of-school AGs).

ii)

Sabla is being implemented through the state governments/UTs with 100% financial assistance from the Central Government for all inputs other than nutrition provision for which 50% Central assistance to states is provided.

iii) Anganwadi Centre (AWC) is the focal point for the delivery of the services. The scheme has 2 major components: •

Nutrition Component

•

Non-Nutrition Component.

iv) Nutrition is being given in the form of Take Home Ration or Hot Cooked Meal for 11- 14 years out of school girls and 14-18 years all AGs (out of school and in school girls).The nutrition provided is as per the norms for Pregnant & Lactating (P&L) mothers. v)

While the nutrition component aims at improving the health and nutrition status of the adolescent girls, the nonnutrition component addresses the developmental needs.

vi)

In the Non-Nutrition Component, out of school adolescent girls of 11-18 years are being provided IronFolic Acid Supplementation (IFA) supplementation, health check-up and referral services, nutrition and health education, Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health (ARSH) counselling/guidance on family welfare, life skill education, guidance on accessing public services and vocational training (only 16-18 year old Adolescent Girls).

b)

Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY):

A Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme for pregnant and lactating women was introduced in October, 2010 to contribute to better enabling environment by providing cash incentives for improved health and nutrition to pregnant and nursing mothers. i)

The scheme attempts to partly compensate for wage loss to Pregnant & Lactating women both prior to and after delivery of the child.

ii)

The beneficiaries are paid Rs. 4,000/- in 3 instalments per Pregant & lactating woman between the 2nd trimester and till the child attains the age of 6 months on fulfilling specific conditions related to maternal and child health. Being implemented on pilot basis in 53 selected districts using the platform of integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), 12.5 lakh Pregant & lactating women are expected to be covered every year under IGMSY.

iii) Pregnant women of 19 years of age and above for first 2 live births are eligible under the scheme. iv) All organized sector employees are excluded from the Scheme as they are entitled for paid Maternity Leave. Under IGMSY scheme, transfer of amount to the beneficiary is done through bank/post office only. The modalities of cash transfer are decided by the State Governments/Union Territories.

Notes

v)

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vi) The modes of cash transfer include - nationalized bank, post office, cooperative bank, business correspondent model of bank, etc. IGMSY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which amount is given as grant-inaid to state governments/union territories. vii) The scheme is now covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programme. c)

Women Empowerment And Livelihood Programme In Mid-Gangetic Plains - "Priyadarshini" :

The Ministry is administering a pilot project titled Women's Empowerment and Livelihood Programme in the Mid Gangetic Plains "Priyadarshini" in 13 blocks spread over 5 districts in Uttar Pradesh and 2 districts in Bihar. i)

The project is assisted by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It aims at holistic empowerment (economic and social) of vulnerable groups of women and adolescent girls in the project area through formation of women's Self Help Groups (SHGs) and promotion of improved livelihood opportunities.

ii)

Over 1,00,000 households are to be covered under the project and 7200 SHGs will be formed during the project period ending 2016-17.

iii) Though the focus of the project is on livelihood enhancement, the beneficiaries will be empowered to address their political, legal and health problems through rigorous capacity building. iv) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the lead programme agency for the implementation. v)

Field Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) will carry out all field level activities, whereas Resource NGO has been involved to undertake activities on specialized capacity building and provide other technical support to the field level project functionaries.

vi) The Programme involves giving training to SHG members on topics such as income generation and allied activities, marketing of products and social issues etc. d)

Gender Budgeting Initiatives

Gender Budgeting is a powerful tool for achieving gender mainstreaming so as to ensure that benefits of development reach women as much as men. i)

It is not an accounting exercise but an ongoing process of keeping a gender perspective in policy/ programme formulation, its implementation and review.

ii)

To institutionalize gender budgeting in the country, the setting up of Gender Budgeting Cells (GBCs) in all Ministries/Departments was mandated by the Ministry of Finance in 2005.

iii) The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) as the nodal agency for gender budgeting has been undertaking several initiatives for taking it forward at the national and state levels. iv) One of the key areas has been advocating for setting up of Gender Budgeting Cell (GBCs) in all Ministries/ Departments, strengthening internal and external capacities and building expertise of GBCs to undertake gender mainstreaming of policies/schemes/ programmes. e)

National Mission For Empowerment Of Women (NMEW)

Notes

NWEW, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), was launched by the government on March 8, 2010 with a view to empower women holistically.

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i)

The Mission aims to achieve empowerment of women by securing inter sectoral convergence of schemes/ programmes of different Ministries/Departments of Government of India as well as state governments.

ii)

It has the mandate to strengthen and facilitate the process of co-ordinating all the women's welfare and socio-economic development programmes.

iii) The Mission has an Executive Director and experts in the fields of poverty alleviation, social empowerment, health and nutrition, gender budgeting, gender rights & law enforcement, empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized women, media, awareness generation, advocacy & mass communication and information technology services. iv) The convergence model is aimed at convergent implementation of programmes intended for welfare and development of women. v)

The model would include introduction of convergence cum facilitation centres at the district (few urban agglomerations), Tehsil/Ward and village/Area levels.

vi) The women centre at the village level, the first point of contact for women will be known as the Poorna Shakti Kendras (PSK), an unique model of 'convergence centres' for women, dedicated to helping women access the benefits made available to them through various government programmes. vii) The Poorna Shakti Kendra (PSK) is the focal point for action on ground through which the services to grassroots women would be facilitated. viii) Village co-ordinators at the Kendras would reach out to the women with the motto "Hum Sunenge Naari ki Baat". Poorna Shakti Kendras (PSK) also offer the information on all the government schemes/ services/programmes for women.

Welfare of Children a)

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

In the backdrop of a trend of declining sex ratio in the age group upto 5 years, the Government has introduced a new scheme called Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao with the twin aim of not only improving the adverse sex ratio but also to ensure that girls are educated. i)

With an initial corpus of Rs. 100 crore, it will help in generating awareness and improve the efficiency of delivery of welfare services meant for women.

ii)

With the government's emphasis on gender mainstreaming, the school curriculum will have a separate chapter on gender mainstreaming.

iii) This will sensitize students, teachers and the community at large to be more sensitive to the needs of a girl child and women and will promote growth of a more harmonious society. iv) The important activities that would be undertaken under the Beti Padhao Abhiyan are as under: Activate School Monitoring Committee (SMCs) to ensure universal enrolment of girls. Balika Manch in schools. v)

Construction of girl's toilets. Make the disfunctional toilets functional for use.

Notes

vi) Completion of Kasturba Gandhi Bal Vidyalayas. Sustained campaign to re-enroll drop-out girls in secondary schools.

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b)

Policies And Schemes National Policy For Children (NPC), 2013

The Government adopted a new National Policy for Children in April, 2013. The new Policy reaffirms the Government`s commitment to the realization of the rights of all children in the country. i)

It recognizes every person below the age of 18 years as a child.

ii)

The Policy recognizes childhood as an integral part of life with a value of its own, and a long term, sustainable, multi-sectoral, integrated and inclusive approach is necessary for the harmonious development and protection of children.

iii) The Policy lays down the guiding principles that must be respected by the national, state and local government in their actions and initiatives affecting children. iv) As children`s needs are multisectoral, interconnected and require collective action, the Policy aims at purposeful convergence and strong co-ordination across different sectors and levels of governance; active engagement and partnerships with all stakeholders; setting up of a comprehensive and reliable knowledge base, provision of adequate resources; and sensitization and capacity development of all those who work for and with children. c)

The Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012:

i)

To deal with child abuse cases, the Government has brought in a special law "The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012".

ii)

The Act has come into force with effect from November 14, 2012 along with the rules framed there under.

iii) The Act defines a 'child' as any person below 18 years of age. Being gender neutral, this definition provides equal protection to both the male and the female child. iv) The Act provides for stringent punishments, which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence. The punishments range from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying periods. v)

There is also a provision for fine, which is to be decided by the Court. An offence is treated as 'aggravated' when committed by a person in a position of trust or authority of child such as a member of security forces, police officer, public servant, etc.

vi) The Act provides for the establishment of special courts for trial of offences under the Act, keeping the best interest of the child as of paramount importance at every stage of the judicial process. vii) The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commissions for the Protections of Child Rights (SCPCRs) have been made the designated authority to monitor the implementation of the Act. d)

Food and Nutrition Board (FNB)

Food and Nutrition Board in the Ministry of Women and Child Development is involved in policy making, strategy development as well as identifying innovative measures for the improvement of the nutritional status of the people of our country. It also focuses on improving the dietary habits of the people through nutrition education and extension; promotion of low cost, locally available foods; conservation of fruits and vegetables through home-scale processing; and training of health functionaries in nutrition.

ii)

Programmes are undertaken to train master trainers such as medical officers/nursing officers, child development project officers/supervisors., principals of schools implementing Mid-Day meal scheme as well as the field level functionaries.

Notes

i)

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iii) Nutrition awareness programmes for the community, home-scale preservation of fruits and vegetables which also promotes skill development in the adolescent girls and women are organized. iv) Linkages with ICDS for better quality of supplementary nutrition, health and nutrition education are maintained. For promotion of infant and young child feeding practices, focus on appropriate feeding and implementation of Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (IMS) Act are undertaken. c)

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS):

Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing this comprehensive Centrally sponsored scheme since 2009-10 through the State government/UT administrations on a predefined cost sharing financial pattern. i)

The objectives of the Scheme are to contribute to the improvement in the well being of children in difficult circumstances, as well as reduction of vulnerabilities to situation and actions that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation, abandonment and separation of children from parents.

ii)

ICPS provides preventive, statutory care and rehabilitation services to children who are in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law as defined under The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and its Amendment Act, 2006 and any other vulnerable child.

iii) These services include: (a) Homes of various types for children (b) Emergency outreach service through childline; (c) Open shelters for children in need of care and protection in urban and semi urban areas; (d) Family based non institutional care through sponsorship. foster care and adoptions. f)

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) extends Micro-finance to the needy and poor women in the informal sector through a client-friendly, without collateral and in a hassle-free manner for livelihood activities, housing, microenterprises, etc., for their socio-economic upliftment . i)

RMK has pioneered an alternate credit delivery mechanism in the country by advancing micro-credit to the Self- Help Groups (SHGs) of poor women through a diverse range of intermediary organizations working at the grass-root level such as NGOs, women federations, co-operatives, urban women co-operative banks.

ii)

Government autonomous bodies, not-for-profit Section (25) Companies registered under the Companies Act, etc. RMK took a number of promotional measures to popularize the concept of micro financing, thrift and credit, formation and stabilization of SHGs and also enterprise development for poor women through these intermediaries..

Integratd Child Development Services Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is one of the flagship programmes of the Government and represents one of the world's largest and unique programmes for early childhood development. The programme aims at addressing health, nutrition and the development needs of young children, pregnant and nursing mothers. National Institute Of Public Co-operation and Child Development (NIPCCD) has been functioning as an apex institution for training of the ICDS functionaries since 1975.

Notes

i)

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ii)

The Institute, had finalized syllabus for functionaries under Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) in collaboration with UNICEF and training manuals have been prepared for various stakeholders for effective child protection, as envisaged under the legal framework.

iii) The current thrust areas of the Institute relate to child development are maternal and child health and nutrition, early childhood care and education, childhood disability, positive mental health in children and child care support service. iv) It is currently focusing on gender planning and mainstreaming, gender budgeting, economic and political empowerment of women, prevention of sexual harassment at work place, prevention of gender related violence such as female foeticide, female infanticide, trafficking of women and children, child marriage, etc. v)

The major initiatives during 2013-14 include Capacity Building Programmes on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act & Rules, 2012 for stakeholders; consultation with stakeholders on experiences in service delivery under Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyoj Yojna (IGMSY) in the implementing districts, workshop on strengthening and restructuring of ICDS programme under 12th Five Year Plan, cross learning workshop on innovation and potential best practices in (ICDS; sensitization of ICDS functionaries on management of Severe Acute Malnourished (SAM) children and their follow-up; and prevention of malnutrition on women & children.

Notes

vi) The Institute provides technical advice and consultancy to government and Voluntary Agencies in promoting and implementing policies and programmes for women and child development and voluntary action.

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YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS Youth Affairs The Youth represent the most dynamic and vibrant segment of the population. India is one of the youngest nations in the World, with about 65 per cent of the population being under 35 years of age. The youth in the age group of 15-29 years comprise 27.5 per cent of the population. India is expected to become the 4th largest economy by 2025, only after the United States, China and Japan, contributing about 5.5 per cent-6 per cent to the world GDP. While most of these developed countries face the risk of an ageing workforce, India is expected to have a very favourable demographic profile. It is estimated that by the year 2020, the population of India would have a median age of 28 years only as against 38 years for United States, 42 years for China and 48 years for Japan. This 'demographic dividend' offers a great opportunity. However, in order to capture this demographic dividend, it is essential that the economy has the ability to support the increase in the labour force and the youth have the appropriate education, skills, health awareness and other enablers to productively contribute to the economy. To achieve this a number of initiatives have been taken by all stakeholders.

National Youth Policy, 2014 The National Youth Policy, 2014 (NYP-2014) which replaced the erstwhile National Youth Policy, 2003 reiterates the commitment of the entire nation to all round development of the youth of India, so that they can realise their full potential and contribute productively to the nation-building process. The Policy defines 'youth' as persons in the age group of 15-29 years.

•

The NYP2014 proposes a holistic 'vision' for the youth of India, which is "to empower youth of the country to achieve their full potential, and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations".

Notes

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•

In order to realise this Vision, the NYP-2014 identifies five clearly defined 'Objectives' which need to be pursued and the 'Priority Areas' under each of the Objectives. The objectives and priority areas identified under the NYP-2014 have been given in Table below.

National Young Leaders Programme National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP) is a Central Sector Scheme and was introduced in December, 2014. •

National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP) aims at developing leadership qualities among the youth to enable them to realise their full potential and in the process, to contribute to the nation building process.

•

The Programme aims at motivating the youth to strive for excellence in their respective fields and to bring them to the forefront of the development process. It seeks to harness the immense youth energy for nation building.

•

The Programme beneficiaries shall be the youth in the age-group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of 'youth' in the National Youth Policy, 2014.

•

The National Young Leaders Programme is proposed as a Central Sector Scheme.

•

The Programme shall have the following components: –

Neighbourhood Youth Parliament (NYP);

–

Youth for Development Programme (YFDP);

–

National Young Leaders Awards (NYLA);

–

National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC); and

–

National Youth Development Fund (NYDF)

Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan •

Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), launched in 1972, is one of the largest youth organisations in the world.

•

NYKS has presence in 623 districts through Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs).

•

The objective of the Programme is to develop the personality and leadership qualities of the youth and to engage them in nation-building activities.

•

The areas of focus of the NYKS activities include literacy and education, health and family welfare, sanitation and cleanliness, environment conservation, awareness on social issues, women empowerment, rural development, skill development and self-employment, entrepreneurship development, civic education, disaster relief and rehabilitation, etc.

•

The youth associated with Nehru Yuva Kendras are not only socially aware and motivated but are also inclined towards social development work through voluntary efforts.

•

All the programmes of NYKS are implemented in close coordination with/ active involvement of state governments, elected local bodies and various development departments/ agencies.

National Youth Corps The Scheme of National Youth Corps (NYC) was launched in the country during 2010-11.

Notes

•

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•

The earlier schemes, namely, National Service Volunteer Scheme (NSVS) and Rashtriya Sadbhavana Yojana (RSY) were subsumed in the National Youth Corps (NYC) Scheme.

•

The NYC Scheme is being implemented through NYKS.

•

Under the Scheme, youth in the age-group of 18-25 years are engaged as volunteers to serve upto maximum two years in nation-building activities. The minimum qualification for NYC volunteers is Class-X passed

•

NYKS provides them skill development training so that they can get some employment after their term with NYKS ends.

•

Normally, two NYC volunteers are deployed in every block. They act as an extended arm of NYKS in the block and play an active role in implementation of various programmes and initiatives of NYKS.

National Service Scheme •

National Service Scheme (NSS) was introduced in 1969 with the primary objective of developing the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community service. An NSS volunteer places the 'community' before 'self'.

•

The ideological orientation of the NSS is inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and the motto of NSS is "Not Me, But You".

•

'Education through Service' is the purpose of the NSS.

Objectives of NSS NSS aims at developing the following qualities/ competencies among the volunteers: (i)

To understand the community in which the NSS volunteers work and to understand themselves in relation to their community;

(ii) To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve themselves in problem-solving exercise; (iii) To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility; (iv) To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems; (v) To gain skills in mobilizing community participation; (vi) To acquire leadership qualities and democratic values; (vii) To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters; and (viii)To practice national integration and social harmony. NSS attempts to establish meaningful linkages between 'Campus and Community', 'College and Village' and 'Knowledge and Action'.

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, is an 'Institute of National Importance' under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, by virtue of enactment of RGNIYD Act, 2012.

•

RGNIYD functions as a vital resource centre with its multi-faceted functions of offering academic programmes at Post Graduate level encompassing various dimensions of youth development, engaging in seminal research and coordinating training programmes for state agencies and the officials of youth organisations, besides the extension and outreach initiatives across the country.

Notes

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National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development •

National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD) is an "Umbrella Scheme" of the Ministry under which financial assistance is provided to Government/ non-Government organisations for taking up activities for youth and adolescent development.

•

The Scheme is operational since April 1, 2008.

•

The assistance under NPYAD is provided under five major components are:

(i)

Youth leadership and personality development training;

(ii) Promotion of national integration (National Integration Camps, Inter State youth exchange programmes, youth festivals, multi-cultural activities, etc.,; (iii) Promotion of adventure; Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards; (iv) Development and empowerment of etc.,; and

adolescents (life skills education, counselling, career guidance,

(v) Technical and resource development (research and studies on youth issues, documentation, seminars/ workshops.

National Youth Awards National Youth Awards are conferred every year on young individuals and NGOs for excellent work done for nation-building/ community service.

Youth Hostels •

Youth Hostels are built to promote youth travel and to enable the young people to experience the rich cultural heritage of the country.

•

Youth hostels are located in areas of historical and cultural value, in educational centres, in tourist destinations, etc. Youth hostels provide good accommodation for the youth at reasonable rates.

•

The construction of the youth hostels is a joint venture of the central and state governments.

Scouting and Guiding The Department provides financial assistance to the Scouting and Guiding Organisations, with a view to promoting the Scouts and Guides movement in the country.

•

Scouts and Guides movement is an international movement aimed at building character, confidence, idealism and spirit of patriotism and service among young boys and girls.

•

Scouting and Guiding also seeks to promote balanced physical and mental development among the boys and girls.

•

The activities, inter alia, include programmes related to adult literacy, environment conservation, community service, health awareness and promotion of hygiene and sanitation.

Notes

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Sports Governments initiatives in the field of Sports are:

National Sports Policy 2001 National Sports Policy, 2001 envisages mainly broad basing and promotion of excellence in sports. The salient features of the National Sports Policy 2001 are: (i)

Broad basing of sports and achievement of excellence;

(ii) Up-gradation and development of infrastructure; (iii) Support to National Sports Federations and other appropriate bodies; (iv) Strengthening of scientific and coaching support to sports; (v) Incentives to promote sports; (vi) Enhanced participation of women, scheduled tribes and rural youth; (vii) Involvement of corporate sector in sports promotion; and (vii) Promotion of sports mindedness among the public at large.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), a Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme was launched on February 21, 2014 in place of Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA). •

The key objectives of the Scheme are –

Promotion of sports as a way of life among the youth,

–

Increased access to sports facilities throughout the country,

–

Conduct of sports competitions across the country to identify sports talent and

–

Achieving excellence in sports.

•

Integrated sports complexes will be constructed in every rural block panchayat of the country.

•

Three sports trainers, preferably one female, will be available at each integrated sports complex.

•

Assistance will be provided for sports equipment and a Youth Resource Centre.

•

Provision for self defence training, especially for women has also been made.

•

Funds will be provided every year to conduct competition to identify talent. In addition, funds will also be provided for the conduct of special category games namely Women competition, North-East area games, and Special area games.

Promotion of urban sports infrastructure The Government introduced a scheme titled 'Scheme of Assistance for the creation of Urban Sports Infrastructure' on pilot basis in 2010-11 for creating/ upgrading sports facilities and for training of coaches. Further, financial assistance is provided under the scheme to the state governments and the National Playing Field Association for protection and preservation of playing spaces across the country.

Notes

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•

Under the Scheme, state governments, local civic bodies, schools, colleges, universities and sports control boards are eligible for assistance.

Promotion of excellence in sports through institutions •

Sports Authority of India (SAI)

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established by the Government of India in year 1984 as a registered society primarily to ensure effective maintenance and optimum utilization of the sports infrastructure that was built in Delhi during ASIAD, 1982. It is now the nodal agency in the country for broad basing sports and for training of sportspersons to achieve excellence in national and international sports. SAI operates various schemes at sub-junior, junior and senior levels, namely, National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC), Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC), SAI Training Centres (STC) and Special Area Games (SAG) to achieve excellence at national and international level. SAI has also set up Centres of Excellence (COE) for elite sportspersons at each of its Regional Centers and one at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala. •

Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior

The Institute was established initially as a College (upgraded to a "Deemed University" in 1995) in Gwalior on August 17, 1957, the centenary year of the first war of India's Independence.

Initiatives for Promotion of excellence in sports •

Government of India provides assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) for conducting National Championships and International Tournaments in India, participation in international tournaments abroad, organizing coaching camps, procuring sports equipment, engagement of foreign coaches and disbursement of salaries of the paid Joint/Assistant Secretaries through the scheme of assistance to national sports federations and other schemes.

•

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has revised the existing 'Scheme relating to Talent Search and Training' in 2014 and renamed it as 'Scheme of Human Resources Development in Sports'.

•

Under the revised Scheme, the Government intends to focus on developing human resources in sports sciences and sports medicine, sports coaching/umpires for the overall development of sports and games in the country.

•

This will help the country be self reliant in these fields over a period of time in general and meet the requirements of the proposed National Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine in particular.

National Sports Development Fund The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) was instituted by the Central Government with a view to mobilizing resources from the Government as well as non-governmental sources, including the private/corporate sector and non-resident Indians, for promotion of sports and games in the country.

•

To make contributions to the fund attractive, 100 per cent exemption from income tax is available on all contributions.

•

Further, Government contribution is on matching basis to the contributions received from other sources.

Notes

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Incentive Schemes for Sportspersons The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports also implements various schemes to give incentives to sportspersons to take up sports as given below. A. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award •

The scheme was launched in the year 1991-92 with the objective of honouring sportspersons to enhance their general status and to give them greater dignity and place of honour in society.

•

Under this scheme, an amount of Rs. 7.5 lakh is given as award for the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over a period of four years immediately preceding the year in which award is to be given.

B.

Arjuna Award

•

The award was instituted in 1961. To be eligible for the Award, a sportsperson should have not only good performance consistently for the previous four years at the international level with excellence for the year for which Award is recommended, but should have also shown qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.

•

The awardee is given a statuette, a certificate, ceremonial dress and a cash award of Rs. five lakh.

•

Not more than 15 awards are given every year.

C.

Dhyan Chand Award for Life Time Achievements in Sports and Games

•

This award was instituted in 2002. This award is given to honour those sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports even after their retirement from active sporting career.

•

The awardee is given a statuette, a certificate, ceremonial dress and a cash award of Rs. five lakh.

•

Not more than three awards are given every year.

D. Dronacharaya Award This award was instituted in 1985 to honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams and enabled them to achieve outstanding results in international competitions.

•

The awardee is given a statuette of Guru Dronacharya, a certificate, ceremonial dress and a cash prize of Rs. five lakh.

•

Not more than five awards are given every year.

E.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy

•

This trophy was instituted in 1956-57.

•

The top overall performing university in the Inter-University Tournaments is given the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy, which is a rolling trophy. A small replica of the MAKA Trophy is also awarded for retention by the University. In addition, top three universities get cash awards.

F.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

•

With a view to recognizing the contribution made to sports development by entities other than sportspersons and coaches, Government has instituted a new award titled Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar from the year 2009.

Notes

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•

It has four categories, namely,

•

–

'Identification and nurturing of budding/young talent',

–

'Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility',

–

'Employment of sports persons and sports welfare measures' and

–

'Sports for Development'.

The award consists of a citation and a trophy in each of the above mentioned categories. There is no cash award.

G. Special Awards to Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches •

This scheme was introduced in 1986 to encourage and motivate outstanding sportspersons for higher achievements and to attract the younger generation to take up sports as a career.

•

Under the scheme, special awards are given to sportspersons and their coaches for winning medals in recognized international sports events held in a year.

•

Cash award is also given to coaches who have trained the medal winners for at least 180 days immediately preceding the tournament. Award money to a coach is 50 per cent of the award money given to the sportsperson coached. In case, there is more than one coach, the award money is distributed among them equally.

H. Scheme of Sports Fund for Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons •

This scheme was launched in 1994.

•

Those sportspersons, who are Indian citizens and have won gold, silver and bronze medals in Olympic Games, World Cup/World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games, have attained the age of 30 years and have retired from active sports career are eligible for life pension under this Scheme.

I.

National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons

•

The National Welfare Fund for sports persons was set up in March, 1982 with a view to assisting outstanding sportspersons of yesteryears, living in indigent circumstances who had won glory for the country in sports.

•

Assistance from the Fund is given in the form of lump sum financial assistance, ex-gratia to sportspersons or their families in case of sustaining a fatal injury during training for, or participation in, an international competition; sportsperson sustaining injury other than a fatal injury, families of sportspersons living in indigent circumstances, for medical treatment of sportspersons, and for sports promoters (referees, coaches and umpires) living in indigent circumstances.

•

Assistance is provided to those whose monthly income from all sources is less than ? 2,00,000/- per annum. The fund is managed and operated by a Committee with the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports as the Chairperson.

Other Initiatives A. Scheme for Promotion of Sports among Persons with Disabilities

Notes

The Ministry formulated a scheme for promotion of sports and games among disabled during 2009.

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The Scheme of Sports and Games for the Disabled has the following components:(i)

Grant for sports coaching and purchase of consumables and non-consumable sports equipment for Schools;

(ii) Grant for Training of Coaches; and (iii) Grant for holding District, State and National level competitions for the disabled. The successful implementation of the Scheme will go a long way in integration of the disabled in the mainstream of the society. B.

Scheme of Assistance for Anti-Doping Activities

Doping is the deliberate or inadvertent use by sportspersons of a substance or method banned by Medical Commission of International Olympic Committee/ World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) in pursuit of gold and glory. The Government of India became one of the members of the Foundation Board of WADA constituted for ensuring concerted effort to check doping. At national level the following institutions works in the area of anti-doping: C.

National Anti Doping Agency

This agency is the national organization responsible for promoting, coordinating, and monitoring the doping control programme in sports in the country. The Anti Doping rules of NADA are compliant with the Anti Doping Code of WADA. D. National Dope Testing Laboratory This is responsible for testing dope samples and conducting advance research on the subject by maintaining close association with the WADA and WADA accredited laboratories. NDTL achieved WADA accreditation in September 2008. E.

Come and Play Scheme

Sports Authority of India (SAI) introduced 'Come and Play Scheme' in 2011, first in Delhi (for optimum utilization of its five stadia which were renovated at substantial cost for Commonwealth Games, 2010) and later all over India for both imparting professional training to established sportspersons, the local youth and also to beginners with the objective of encouraging participation in sports. 'Come and Play' Scheme would also lead to talent scouting. Meritorious talent emerging from this Scheme will also form a pool and entry link for induction into regular residential sports promotional schemes of STC and SAG. F.

National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS)

National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS) has been formulated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The objectives of the scheme are: (a) Identification of sporting talent among students in the age group of 8-12 years (for admission in Class IV to Class VI) who possess inborn qualities.

Notes

(b) Nurturing of the Sporting Potential / talent in District level Sports schools / Central Sports Schools / National Sports Academies etc., to make them excel at the National and international sports competitions.

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