RESURGENT INDIA ISSN-0971-8400 YOJANA
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
YOJANA
ISSN-0971-8400
September 2019 a development monthly ` 22
Resurgent India
Addressing Rural Poverty: Livelihood Development and Diversification
Amarjeet Sinha
Energy – A Key Driver of Socio-Economic Growth
Sumant Sinha
Developing a Knowledge-based Society
Gopalan Madhavan Nair
focus
Reforming Governance
Yogesh Suri
SPECIAL ARTICLE
Skills for a $5 Trillion Economy
Dilip Chenoy
PM's INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS
Highlights
• I extend warm greetings and best wishes on the 73rd Independence Day and on the auspicious festival of Raksha
Bandhan to all the countrymen, brothers and sisters.
• As the country is celebrating the festival of Independence, people in several parts of the country are facing difficulties
due to floods. Centre, States and other organizations are striving hard to bring the situation back to normal.
• To revoke Article 370 and 35A within 10 weeks of the formation of the new Government is a significant step
towards fulfilling the dream of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The task that was not done in the last 70 years has been
accomplished within 70 days. The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A was passed in both Rajya Sabha and Lok
Sabha by two-thirds majority.
• If we can abolish Sati system, make stringent laws against female foeticide and take action against child marriage
and dowry, we can also raise our voice against Triple Talaq. Similarly, we have enacted law against Triple Talaq to
protect the rights of our Muslim women.
• Radical amendments were made in laws relating to terrorism and were made more stringent and powerful.
• In a significant step, transfer of about Rs. 90,000 crores to farmers’ bank accounts is in progress to those who are
beneficiaries of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
• Pension scheme to farmers and small entrepreneurs has been put in place which was never imagined earlier.
• To address challenges of water crisis, a new dedicated Ministry of Jal Shakti has been created.
• In coming days, Centre and States will together take forward the Jal-Jeevan Mission and an amount of more than
Rs. 3.5 lakh crores has been earmarked for this.
• There is a pressing need for doctors, health facilities and systems in the country. In order to make Medial Education
transparent, important laws have been enacted.
• The country has enacted strong laws for protection of children.
• While 2014-2019 was an era of fulfillment of needs, the period beyond 2019 is that of fulfillment of aspirations
and dreams.
... continued on last page
Follow us on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yojana-Journal Website: www.yojana.gov.in
September 2019
CHIEF EDITOR
Shamima Siddiqui
Volume-63
Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides
YOJANA Since 1956 A DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY
Rig Veda
Senior Editor
Manogyan R. Pal
EditorS
Ankita yadav
In This Issue
sumita mukherjee
Joint Director (Production) Addressing Rural Poverty: E-Projects of Publications
Vinod Kumar Meena Livelihood Development and Division Launched...........................34
COVER DESIGN Diversification
Gajanan Pralhadrao Dhope Amarjeet Sinha........................................7 special article
Our Representatives SKILLS FOR A $5 TRILLION ECONOMY
India’s Journey towards a $5
Ahmedabad: Janhavi Patel, Bengaluru: B.K. Kiranmai Dilip Chenoy..........................................37
Bhubaneshwar: Girish Chandra Dash, Chennai: Trillion Economy
Sanjay Ghosh, Hyderabad: Vijayakumar Vedagiri, Ranjeet Mehta.......................................13 Transforming Indian Health
Jalandhar: Gagandeep Kaur Devgan, Kolkata:
Khurshid Malik, Mumbai: Umesh Sadashivarao Systems
Water Conservation as a
Ujgare: Thiruvananthapuram: Roy Chacko Chandrakant Lahariya............................44
National Movement
Chief Editor’s Office: Room No. 660, Soochna Savita.....................................................17 Infrastructure Development
Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road New Delhi
110 003 Phone: 24362971 for the Next Generation
focus
Yojana (English): Room No. 647, Soochna Bhawan, Krishna Dev............................................50
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110 003. Reforming Governance
E-mail (Editorial): yojanace@gmail.com Yogesh Suri............................................22 Development with Inclusive
YOJANA seeks to provide a vibrant platform for
Policy
discussion on problems of social and economic Developing a Knowledge-based Shashi Rani............................................58
development of the country through in-depth
analysis of these issues in the wider context of Society
government policies. Although published by Gopalan Madhavan Nair........................27 On the anniversary of
the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Quit India Movement, Shri
YOJANA is not restricted to expressing the official
Energy – A Key Driver of Socio- Prakash Javadekar presents
point of view.
Economic Growth Gandhi Albums to President
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in various Sumant Sinha........................................31 of India...............................................64
articles are those of the authors' and they
do not necessarily reflect the views of the
Government or the organisation they work
for. l Maps/flags used in the articles are only
indicative. They don't reflect the political map Regulars
or legal representation of the flag of India/any
other country. l The readers are requested to
verify the claims made in the advertisements Development Roadmap
regarding career guidance books/institutions. PM on Launch of Chandrayaan-2 (July 22, 2019)...................................................... 26
YOJANA does not own responsibility regarding
the contents of the advertisements. do you know?
SUBSCRIPTION Best Practices for Ground Water Harvesting......................................................... 41
1 year ` 230, 2 years ` 430, 3 years ` 610.
For new subscriptions, renewals and No. of Pages 68
complaints, please contact: Ph: 011 24367453 or
e-mail your queries to: pdjucir@gmail.com Sales Emporia
Business Wing (HQS): Phones: 011-24367260,
24365609, 24365610 Publications Division, Room New Delhi Soochna Bhavan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road 110003 011-24365610
No. 56, Soochna Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Delhi Hall No.196, Old Secretariat 110054 011-23890205
Road, New Delhi 110 003. Navi Mumbai 701, B Wing, 7th Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur 400614 022-27570686
Kolkata 8, Esplanade East 700069 033- 22486696
Chennai 'A' Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Basant Nagar 600090 044-24917673
Thiruvananthapuram Press road, Near Govt. Press 695001 0471-2330650
Hyderabad 204 II Floor CGO Towers, Kavadiguda, Secundrabad 500080 040-27535383
Bengaluru 1st Floor, 'F' Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala 560034 080-25537244
Patna Bihar State Co-operative Bldg, Ashoka Rajpath 800004 0612-2675823
Lucknow Hall No 1, 2nd floor, Kendriya Bhawan, Sector-H, Aliganj 226024 0522-2325455
Ahmedabad 2nd Floor, Akhandanand Hall, Bhadra, Mother Teresa Road 380001 079-26588669
Website: www.publicationsdivision.nic.in YOJANA is published in Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia,
@DPD_India Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
4 YOJANA September 2019
YOJANA
On The Path of Progress
I
ndia today is consistently progressing and moving forward to attain
newer heights in numerous sectors such as infrastructure, innovation,
space technology, resource conservation and so on. From progress
towards improvement in governance, policies and quality of institutions
to setting international benchmarks, India has been making remarkable
strides towards developing into a modern nation while retaining its strong
traditional roots. It has rightfully earned its place of pride and eminence
on the global platform.
The wheels of transformation are thus moving towards paradigms that
make the Government an “enabler” and not a mere “provider”. As the Prime
Minister once observed, “If India is to meet the challenge of change, mere
incremental progress is not enough. A metamorphosis is needed.” As he
stated, the transformation of India cannot happen without a transformation
of governance, the transformation of governance cannot happen without a
transformation in mindset; and a transformation of mindset cannot happen
without transformative ideas.
India is a unique combination of urban-rural, agricultural-industrial and formal-informal skill components and
as such India’s development plan or its trajectory is unique in terms of interventions, ideas as well as approaches.
With one of the world’s youngest population to its advantage, India has tremendous potential. Initiatives for
employment and skill generation, focus on MSMEs and research, launch of ‘Study in India’ programme are
among the numerous steps being taken towards progress. With initiatives such as the National Health policy
2017, the launch of Chandrayaan-2, Direct Benefit Transfer, among others, India is making significant strides
in its quest for development. The Jal Shakti Ministry has been formed for a unified and integrated approach
towards the conservation, development and management of the country's precious water resources.
India aims to achieve the 5 trillion dollar economy target by 2024. To catapult India into becoming future
ready, various citizen oriented initiatives have been launched in diverse sectors like infrastructure, financial
services, e-governance, banking, education, agriculture, healthcare and logistics, among others. Likewise, rural
electrification, Smart Cities, Swachh Bharat, Bharatmala and so on speak of the vast reach of initiatives for all
round development.
Building effective, accountable and transparent mechanisms is thus an important part of building a nation that
would make an inclusive path to rapid growth possible.
These initiatives have made public participation and inclusion possible like never before, thus making citizens
active partners in the growth story where India stands connected globally and also contributes to global endeavours.
The focus areas and role of the Government are ever widening and dynamic. With its pro-people, pro-growth,
transparent and active engagement, the Government is consistently taking its people forward on a progressive path
to development.
YOJANA September 2019 5
YE-1260/2019 6 YOJANA September 2019
POLICY
growth
Addressing Rural Poverty:
Livelihood Development and Diversification
Amarjeet Sinha
A
s the Sustainable The last 4 years have seen funds for addressing Rural Poverty
Development Goals a considerable stepping up of during this period:
(SDGs) bring out financial resources for improving yy The sharing pattern under
clearly, poverty is rural infrastructure, diversifying Programmes for non Himalayan
multi-dimensional livelihoods, reducing poverty, and States became 60:40, and 90:10
and therefore requires a range of thereby improving the well-being of in Himalayan States. Under
interventions. The figure below poor households in terms of allocation Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-
illustratively brings out the challenges for Programmes of Department of Gramin (PMAY-G), instead of a
of creating poverty-free Rural Clusters. Rural Development. The actual 75:25 sharing earlier, it became
Non-farm livelihoods and multiple expenditure of Department of Rural 60:40 leveraging a total of Rs.
livelihoods are required to make a Development from 2012-13 to 2017- 45,000 crore in 3 years as State
difference. As recent data points out, 18 and the Budget Estimates (BEs) share, against a Government of
half of manufacturing and one-third for the year 2018-19 shown in Table I India provision of Rs. 81,975
of the services sector is already part illustrate the points very well. crore. Likewise, from December
of the Rural Economy. Income and Annual expenditure in 2017-18 2015, States started contributing
employment through Livelihood is more than double of what it was in 40% of Pradhan Mantri Gram
Development and diversification is 2012-13. One has also to bear in mind Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) funds.
clearly the way forward. that there were 4 additional sources of This leveraged an additional
Table I – Actual Expenditure of
Department of Rural Development
Year Expenditure in
Rural Develop-
ment Schemes
(amount in Rs.
crore)
2012-13 50,162
2013-14 58,630
2014-15 67,263
2015-16 77,321
2016-17 95,099
2017-18 (RE) 1,05,448*
2018-19 1,12,403.92**
*Revised estimates for the year 2017-18.
**Budget Estimates for the year 2018-19.
Poverty Free Rural Clusters Source: Ministry of Rural Development.
The author is Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Government of India.
YOJANA September 2019 7
Rs. 8000 to Rs. 9000 crore of Bank Loan by Women Self Help Budgets to States under Mahatma
State share each year which Groups in the last 5 years. The Gandhi National Rural Employment
were not available earlier with Bank Loan outstanding has more Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and
PMGSY. A similar increase than doubled from Rs. 31865 insistence in enrolment of all women
happened in Programmes that crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 69733 from households with deprivation
were brought on 60:40 share crore in 2017-18 under DAY- under SHGs of Deendayal Antyodaya
from the earlier 75:25, like NRLM. Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods
NSAP, DAY-NRLM, etc. Besides the specific resource Mission (DAY-NRLM) has also
yy From 2017-18, under the Housing provision for Rural Poverty ensured that poor regions with larger
Programme, additional resources Programmes, the thrust on Swachh number of poor households receive
were mobilized through Extra Bharat Mission (SBM), increase priority in Programmes of Rural
Budgetary Resources (EBRs) in the allocations of Ministry of Poverty. Table III highlights the
as well. A total of Rs. 21,975 Agriculture and other Infrastructure kinds of deprivation.
crore of Extra Budgetary Funds and Livelihood Programmes for the All Programmes of Rural
have been mobilized/are being poor, the total transfer of financial Development were aligned to
mobilized in 2017 to 2019 period resources to Rural India has been Livelihood Development and
for PMAY-Gramin. Rs. 7329.43 very significant. A large proportion Diversification. Mahatma Gandhi
crore has already been disbursed of the same goes into improvement in National Rural Employment
through EBR. Incomes and Employment. Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
yy The transfer of funds under the The Department of Rural focused on durable assets and
14th Finance Commission awards Development has focused on Water Conservation, and also
has also registered a significant Development and Diversification of provided for livelihood generating
increase compared to the Livelihoods of the poor households individual benefits like farm ponds,
allocations earlier under the 13th during this period. The Socio dug wells, goat shed, poultry shed,
Finance Commission. It can be Economic Caste Census (SECC) housing support, and support for
seen in Table II. 2011 released in July 2015 provided dairy shed. The livelihood linkages
an Evidence Based Criteria for in convergence with subsidy
Table II – Release under 14th
Selection of Beneficiaries under Programmes for animal resources
Finance Commission
various Government Programmes. and for agriculture contribute to
Year Total Release improved incomes in the Agriculture
The application of deprivation
(Rs. in crore) and Allied Sectors. The increase in
criteria of SECC to the Provision
2015-16 21510.46 for LPG Gas connection under production of fruits and vegetables
2016-17 33870.52 Ujjwala, free household electricity and the significant growth through
2017-18 32423.72 connection under Saubhagya, animal resources over the last 4
selection of beneficiaries under years have been on account of this
yy The fourth important factor to PMAY-G, and now selection under larger thrust on Rural Livelihood
note is the leveraging of Bank Aayushman Bharat for National Development and Diversification.
Loans by Women Self Help Health Protection have ensured that To illustrate some of the salient
Groups (SHGs) during this the benefits of development reach the livelihood generating and Income and
period. A total of Rs. 1.64 lakh most deprived on a priority. The use Employment supporting initiatives
crore have been mobilized as of SECC in finalization of Labour over the last 3 years are as follows:
Table III – Deprivation under SECC 2011
Particular Deprived Households
Only zero room or one room with kutcha walls and kutcha roof (D1) 2,37,31,674
No adult member between 16 to 59 (D2) 65,15,205
Female headed households with no adult male member between age 16 to 59 (D3) 68,96,014
Disabled member and no able bodied adult member (D4) 7,16,045
SC/ST households (D5) 3,85,82,225
No literate adult above 25 years (D6) 4,21,47,568
Landless households as manual casual labour (D7) 5,37,01,383
Another 16 lakh households are automatically included as the poorest of the poor households
8 YOJANA September 2019
Table IV – Total Road Length
Constructed Per Day under PMGSY
Year Average Road
Length Constructed
per day under
PMGSY (in km)
2011-12 85
2012-13 66
2013-14 69
2014-15 100
2015-16 100
2016-17 130
2017-18 134
A significant stepping up of
(i) 143 lakh hectares of land provided (x) 3.54 lakh candidates successfully
road construction Programme has
benefit of Water Conservation placed for wage employment
also generated direct and indirect
works. under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
employment. On an average one-
(ii) Nearly 15 lakh farm ponds Grameen Kaushalaya Yojana
fourth of the total cost of construction
and 4 lakh wells for irrigation (DDU-GKY) and 12.65 lakh
of rural roads contributes to
besides a very large number of candidates settled for self-
employment of skilled, semi-skilled
Water Conservation Community employment under Rural Self
and unskilled wage earners. Clearly
Structures came up during this Employment Training Institutes
these have also contributed to
period. (RSETIs) in the last 4 years.
Incomes and Employment during
(iii) Over 6222 Custom Hiring (xi) 10949 Rural Masons trained this period. The Central Government
Centres managed by Women Self and certified under the Housing annual allocation was increased
Help Groups fully functional Programme. to Rs. 19000 crore over the last 3
during this period. National Institute of Public years. This is able to leverage Rs.
Finance and Policy (NIPFP) was 8000 crore to Rs. 9000 crore as State
(iv) 11000 Bank Sakhis and 773 share. Over the last 3 years, this
Bank Mitras trained as Banking requested to assess the impact of
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- means that nearly Rs. 70,000 crore to
Correspondents (BCs) from Rs. 80,000 crore was available only
among SHG Women. Gramin (PMAY-G) on Income and
Employment. The Report found that for road construction. 25% creating
(v) 33 lakh women farmers supported “By using information about the direct employment is naturally a
under non-chemical based agro completed and under construction larger number with consequences
ecological interventions. houses since 2016-17 that is made for income and employment in rural
(vi) 86000 Producer Groups and available through AwaasSoft and areas.
126 Agri Producer Companies by the MoRD, we estimate that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
established. scheme could have generated about Employment Guarantee Scheme
52.47 crore person-days. Of this, (MGNREGS) has been a major source
(vii) 449 vehicles under Aajeevika
nearly 20.85 crore person-days are of strengthening livelihood security
Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY)
for skilled labour and the remaining with full transparency during this
for Rural Transport plying on
31.62 crore person-days are for period.
roads with women drivers.
the unskilled labour force in both
(viii) Over 9 lakh Solar Lamps • The Central Government’s
years”.
assembled by nearly 4000 Women commitment to ensure effective
For Rural Infrastructure, implementation of MGNREGS
Self Help Group Members in
the PMGSY has been a flagship is reflected by the continuous
remote regions of Bihar, Uttar
Programme and during the last 4 increase in Budget allocation.
Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan,
years 1.69 lakh kms of roads were Total Budget Allocation in
etc.
constructed. The average road length FY 2017-18 was Rs. 55,167
(ix) Over 6000 Barefoot Technicians constructed annually since 2011-12 crore which was highest since
trained and certified. may be seen in Table IV. inception.
YOJANA September 2019 9
Year Budget Allocation wheat at Rs. 2 per kg has facilitated • Absence of Social Capital-
(Rs. in crore) food security in poor households. collectives of women/youth/poor
The increases in the Consumer Price households
2014-15 33000
Index for Agricultural Labour has Poverty of Geographies
2015-16 37346 been modest on account of the low
2016-17 48220 food price inflation during this period • Low price for produce - distress
as food items comprise the largest • Violence/crime
2017-18 55167
chunk of the basket of goods and • Unirrigated agri/vagaries of
• Fund Utilization: The fund services for calculating the Consumer monsoon
utilization (including Central Price Index for Agricultural Labour. • Lack of basic infra-roads,
and State share) has also seen a The subsidies on Rice and Wheat, electricity, internet
significant increase in comparison and the ready availability of cheap • Lack of access to markets and jobs
to previous financial years. The foodgrains to poor households need • Lack of non-farm opportunities
total expenditure in FY 2017- to be factored in while looking at It is evident from the data and
18 is about Rs. 64,288 crore wage rates for Agricultural Labour. interventions listed above that higher
(Provisional) which is highest Even with nominal increases in real financial resources have been made
ever since inception. wage, the purchasing power goes up available for addressing rural poverty
• The person-days generated under as major expenditure items like rice over the last few years along with a much
MGNREGS in the last 3 years and wheat are heavily subsidized with higher scale of leverage of bank loans for
has been in the range of 235 crore effective availability. women Self-Help Groups. These have
every year. This is higher than Rural poverty is truly multi- been contributing to both rise in incomes
most years before, indicating dimensional and there is a need to and employment through diversification
how the thrust on durable assets address it simultaneously for greater and development of livelihoods. A
and Individual Beneficiary impact. The efforts over the last few few illustrative examples of such
Schemes (IBSs) has generated a years have been towards convergence diversification have been listed above.
steady demand for MGNREGS. of rural initiatives to make a real Overall the challenges to rural poverty
The figures below affirm the difference to the well-being of poor are being effectively addressed through
high demand for Livelihoods households. These interventions the range of interventions outlined
security through durable assets of have targeted both the poverty above. Evaluation studies by the Institute
MGNREGS. of households and the poverty of of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)
geographies. The factors contributing have also confirmed increase in incomes,
Year Person-days of productive assets, and enterprises in
work generated to these are listed below:
villages where Women Self-Help Groups
(Rs. in crore) Poverty of Households are active under DAY-NRLM. Similarly,
2014-15 166.21 • Lack of education and skills Studies of Water Conservation works
2015-16 235.14 • Under-nutrition and ill-health under MGNREGA by the Institute of
2016-17 235.6 • Lack of employment opportunities Economic Growth confirmed increase
• Assetlessness in income, productivity, acreage, and
2017-18 234.3
• Lack of safe housing the water table. Such increases are
The expansion of the National • Limited access to public services bound to generate employment on a
Food Security Act (NFSA) with a • Clutches of middlemen/corruption/ large scale.
provision of rice at Rs. 3 per kg and moneylender Email : secyrd@nic.in
10 YOJANA September 2019YE-1242/2019 YOJANA September 2019 11
YE-1244/2019 12 YOJANA September 2019
prosperity
way forward
India’s Journey towards a $5 Trillion Economy
Ranjeet Mehta
S
eventy years after we coherence to our actions, to act as a SAARC countries to his swearing-in
became a Republic, balancing power and connect with ceremony in 2014 and his counterparts
India is poised to rise individuals, nations and regions for in the ASEAN for India’s Republic
steadily on the path achieving sustainable prosperity and Day in January 2018.
of becoming a global progress. More recently in the second term
power, our actions hold tremendous India’s Foreign Policy Approach of this Government, the emphasis has
possibilities both for our people and shifted from SAARC to BIMSTEC
the world in general. This presents If one looks very closely within
this churn, India’s foreign policy and Indian Ocean Region (IOR),
us with both the opportunity and in particular. The BIMSTEC is fast
mandate to envision New India we approach has been undergoing a
paradigm shift with economic and replacing SAARC as the primary
aspire to create and the world order forum for India’s regionalism. India’s
we wish to shape. strategic relations gaining significant
cultural undercurrents. The new interest in the Bay of Bengal and its
India’s rise is an opportunity to approach is reflected in the foreign enduring focus on Indian Ocean island
reimagine an India in consonance with policy pillars of Panchamrit - Samman states underline the emerging maritime
our highest civilisational ideals: joy, (dignity and honour), Samvaad dimensions of India’s neighbourhood
sustainable prosperity, responsible (engagement and dialogue), Samriddhi policy.
freedom, inclusive growth, peace and (Shared Prosperity), Suraksha In line with the stated policy, the
mutual respect. These ideals, when (regional and global security) and Prime Minister undertook his first visit
they influence our foreign policy, Sanskriti evam Sabhyata (culture and to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He
have the potential to shape a plural civilisational linkages). Panchamrit has reiterated the priority India attaches to
global order. As potential leaders and begun to influence our international its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and
shapers of tomorrow, the current global outreach. This has found place in the SAGAR Doctrine. SAGAR refers
environment calls on us to envision an our global engagements through the to “Security and Growth for All in the
inclusive global order and then strive ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ Region” a doctrine conceptualised
to make it a reality. India needs a approach, as evidenced by Prime by the Prime Minister aiming to keep
dream, an overarching vision to bring Minister inviting the heads of all the Indian Ocean region peaceful and
secure. This move is a reflection of
the Indian assessment that the Indian
Ocean island states are the key to
India’s strategic geographical security.
A beginning in this regard was made in
2015 when the Prime Minister travelled
to Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka
and outlined the SAGAR concept.
The presence of the Prime Minister of
Mauritius during the oath-taking of the
Prime Minister of Inida in 2019 was a
significant indicator in that direction.
Achieving a $5 Trillion Economy
At the Governing Council
Meeting of the NITI Aayog recently,
The author is a Principal Director, PHDCCI, New Delhi.
YOJANA September 2019 13undertaken several transformational
reforms in MSME sector recently.
New manufacturing operations
will allow India to become part of few
global value chains and help in raising
exports to a trillion dollar mark. India
has to focus on setting manufacturing
ecosystem for product groups and take
steps like setting-up machinery that
manufacture the products, speciality
materials, biologics, nanotechnology,
integrated circuits, embedded systems,
medical imaging devices etc. Not
to forget computers, TVs, mobile
phones, and telecom equipment, auto
components, toys, furniture, footwear
and apparels. These skill and labour-
intensive products can absorb part of
Prime Minister announced the target There is a need for the Government surplus people from the agriculture
of a $5 trillion economy for India by to focus on smoothening the process for or informal sector. There is a need to
2024. It is essential to think big when private investments into infrastructure emphasize on flexible labour laws as
seeking to make a difference, for and other areas. Government has these are an essential precondition for
transformation does not come from continued to create an enabling large-scale manufacturing.
modest plans. Keeping in mind the environment by setting in motion Focus on Agriculture Sector
aspirations of New India, what would structural reforms, clarity in policy and
we like to see in the proposed $5 trillion processes, efficiency in allocation risk Sixty per cent of India’s
economy? Certainly, it will require and resources. We need to focus on job population lives in rural areas and is
design, funding and governance. The creation and skill development in a fast- mostly engaged in agriculture. The
Economic Survey has pegged a GDP changing global economic order. There Government has committed to double
growth rate of 7 per cent for FY20, up is a need to support the capital market Farmers’ income by 2022. The real
from 6.8 per cent in the previous fiscal. through well-considered policies for issue is not the level of productivity
And to achieve the $5 trillion economy, the markets to play a greater role in but how produce can be converted into
the Economic Survey has laid a road funding economic activity. value that will decide farmers’ income.
map where it says India must grow at Today, no industrialised nation can
Focus on MSME Sector survive without agriculture. Globally,
8 per cent.
The significance of 65 million 60 to 80 per cent movement of goods
The Survey has the theme for MSMEs who create about 120 million is around agriculture or its produce.
enabling a “shifting of gears”, “to jobs and 30 per cent of the country’s
achieve the objective of becoming The focus has shifted from
economic output and around 30 per increasing per acre productivity to
a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25”. cent of total employment generation
It makes the case for investment, gainfully employing farm households
cannot be underestimated. Keeping in other farm-related activities and
especially private investment as key this in mind, the Government has
driver, that drives demand, creates to improve post-production value-
capacity, increases labour productivity, addition by pooling of land and
introduces new technology and aggregation of farmers’ produce to
generates jobs. It also suggested India’s rise is an opportunity to give growers better bargaining power
that “exports must form an integral reimagine an India in consonance in the market. There have been several
part of the growth model because with our highest civilisational measures in recent times towards
higher savings preclude domestic upgrading and harmonizing agri-
ideals: joy, sustainable prosperity, logistics, agro-processing and agri-
consumption as the driver of final
demand”. The Survey stated “a virtuous responsible freedom, inclusive marketing. One of the many steps
cycle or a vicious cycle”. It says “when growth, peace and mutual respect. towards selling farmers’ produce in
the economy is in a virtuous cycle, These ideals, when they influence better prices is creation of Gramin
investment, productivity growth, job Agriculture Markets (GrAM) and
our foreign policy, have the potential
creation, demand and exports feed into linking them with the electronic farmer
each other and enable animal spirits in to shape a plural global order. marketplace, eNAMs, to sell their
the economy to thrive”. produce nationally.
14 YOJANA September 2019And to do this the Government has at the second-fastest rate amongst
focussed on development of sustainable India’s digital consumer base is major economies. Our inclusive
and efficient cold-chain infrastructure the second largest in the world and digital model is narrowing the digital
in India for which National Centre divide within the country and bringing
growing at the second-fastest rate
for Cold-chain Development (NCCD) benefits of technology to all segments
has been working with private sector, amongst major economies. Our of people. Half the potential economic
Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry inclusive digital model is narrowing value of $1 trillion in 2025 could come
of Food Processing Industries. the digital divide within the country from new digital ecosystems in diverse
Focus on Services Sector sectors, including financial services,
and bringing benefits of technology
agriculture, healthcare, logistics and
Services contribute to 56.5 per to all segments of people. transportation, jobs and skills market,
cent of GDP but create only 30 per cent e-governance and other areas.
of jobs. So far, IT sector has been the in converting India’s 600 district
mainstay, exporting over 80 per cent Finally, there is no doubt that
hospitals as medical nursing and
of its $150 billion turnover. But it is how quickly policymakers are able to
paramedical schools to train 5 million
also to be seen that more than 50 per provide the policy push will decide
doctors, nurses and paramedics to meet
cent of IT revenues come from the US, how fast we can achieve our goal of $5
the global requirement, who in turn
therefore the future looks challenging trillion economy by 2024.
can remit billions of dollars foreign
at the backdrop of current US policies. currency every year. There is a huge The Prime Minister has seen a
Now the sector needs to develop potential in construction sector which dream of a ‘New India’ which will be
expertise in IOT, AI, VR and their contributes 10 per cent to India’s GDP a $5 trillion economy and a model of
applications. Travel and tourism, and it is the largest job-generating Good Governance for the world. PM
health and professional services can sector after Agriculture. has set the following Vision for New
be the other key service sectors. Better India:
A Trillion Dollar Opportunity in
delivery of infrastructure, education Digital India 1. To be free from poverty, full of
and essential services would also create prosperity;
Digital India Initiative was
a large number of jobs and growth. 2. To be free from discrimination,
launched by the Prime Minister on 1st
The travel and tourism July, 2015. With a strong foundation filled with equality;
sector created 40 million jobs and of digital infrastructure and expanded 3. To be free from injustices,
contributed a significant 10 per cent digital access through Digital India ensconced in justice;
to the GDP. Considering the variety Initiative, India is now poised for
of experiences India offers, the sector the next phase of growth — creation 4. To be free from squalor, covered
can grow manifold with project-driven of tremendous economic value and with cleanliness;
investments in budget hotels, medical empowerment of citizens as new digital 5. To be free from corruption,
tourism, tourist safety and creating applications permeate sector after complete with transparency;
new tourist attractions. sector. India can create up to $1 trillion
6. To be free from unemployment,
Another big opportunity comes in of economic value from the digital
enriched with employment;
global healthcare and wellness which is economy in 2025, up from around
a $8 trillion industry and would require $200 billion currently generated. 7. To be free from atrocities against
over 100 million health workers in the women, full with respect for
India’s digital consumer base is the
next 15 years. There is an opportunity women; and
second largest in the world and growing
8. To be free from despondency, full
of hope.
His vision of ‘Transforming India’
is to touch each citizen’s life and make
India one of the top three economies in
the world.
To conclude, it is absolutely
essential to work on a framework
that provides ease of business and
predictability. It is also time to redirect
energies on providing the environment
to encourage private sector investments
and innovation.
Email: ranjeetmehta@gmail.com
YOJANA September 2019 15YE-1233/2019 16 YOJANA September 2019
Sustainability
Holistic Approach
Water Conservation as a National Movement
Savita
I
ndia is changing to a
country when the whole
world is recognizing
it as a ‘New India’.
The world’s largest
democracy is now fast transforming
into a rich, self-reliant, developed,
net exporter of food, transparent and
vibrant country, while having well-
developed infrastructure, skilled
and dynamic youth, up-to-date
communication, advanced health
and educational systems, improved
governance and growing economy.
Notably, India in recent times has heads). Therefore, despite having Signs of water scarcity by way
become a globally recognized hub made above cited notable progress and of limited access, declining quantity
of IT industry, health tourism, space accomplishments in different sectors, and deteriorating quality are evident.
research & use of satellite technology India faces several limitations and Everyone realizes that water is not
and several other sectors. global challenges in order to realise only essential for all life forms but
dreams, expectations and ever rising it also connects every aspect of life.
Further, India is not only committed aspirations of its people. Amongst Human body is made of ‘Panchtatvas’
to fulfill its international obligations them, interrelated water crisis and food – five elements: Water, Air, Fire, Earth
towards biodiversity conservation, insecurity attract special attention as and Space, where about 72% per cent
environmental management, climate these attain highest risk values owing of the body weight is due to water
change mitigation, human rights, to burgeoning population, rapid content. Water is the driving force for
social justice, equity as well as peace urbanization; industrialization and nature.
but at the same time it is fully geared infrastructure development; expansion
for planned accomplishments essential and intensification of agriculture; loss Although the mother Earth
for nation building and meaningful of wilderness and degradation of is predominantly (70%) covered
contribution towards global agenda on natural resources (forests, grasslands, by water, only 2.5% is freshwater.
sustainable development. Indeed, India wetlands including rivers, marine India harbours only 4% of world’s
is fast moving towards pro-people, and coastal ecosystems); large gaps freshwater resources. Less than 1% of
participatory, visible and responsive between supplies and demands of the freshwater is easily accessible in
economic prosperity while aiming to various sectors and implications of lakes and rivers. Disproportionately,
safeguard its long-term interests of climate change. agriculture sector alone consumes
ecological security by protecting the
country’s diverse and unique natural
heritage.
India is not only committed to fulfill its international obligations towards
biodiversity conservation, environmental management, climate change
Water Crisis - A Major Impediment
mitigation, human rights, social justice, equity as well as peace but at the
India has just 2.4% geographical
same time it is fully geared for planned accomplishments essential for
area of the world while harbouring
nearly one sixth of the global nation building and meaningful contribution towards global agenda on
population and the world’s highest sustainable development.
owner of livestock (512 million
Dr. Savita is IFS, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla.
YOJANA September 2019 17hydrology and the quality of water and
the way it moves through the complex
system. While forests often receive
the most attention when it comes to
land cover and hydrology, grasslands,
wetlands and agriculture lands also
play significant roles in water cycling.
Soils are critical in controlling the
movement, storage and transformation
of water. Biodiversity has a functional
role as it underpins ecosystem
processes and functions and, therefore,
the delivery of ecosystem services. In
order to appreciate causes of water
crisis and develop holistic approaches
for ensuring water security in the
country, the foremost requirement
is to understand such interconnections
in the country’s different regions/
nearly 70% of the freshwater used is a cause of drudgery as fetching
landscapes.
by humans. Despite appreciating the water from long distances excessively
importance of water to humanity, the affects women and takes away their Water Conservation
extent and severity of water scarcity in considerable time from work, family Water conservation is complex
different parts of the country is on the care, and also results into loss of and daunting, particularly in a
rise owing to increasing population; economic opportunities. Demand for human dominated country like India
enhanced runoff due to deforestation water is expected to increase multi- having several competing demands.
and loss of green cover; urban folds in next few decades. At this The result of excessive use, waste,
‘grey’ environment; changing life juncture, when the country faces pollution and allied activities have
styles and enhanced consumption accelerated consumption, enhanced resulted in the current situation with
patterns; expansion of irrigated environmental degradation and the reduced e-flow of majority of the
agriculture and resultant exploitation multi-faceted impacts of climate country’s dying rivers and other water
of depleting ground water; creation change, comprehensive science- bodies, deepening of water table
of physical barriers leading to based pathways, innovations, and sites of unmanageable crowds
storage of water in large reservoirs/ technologies are the need of the hour at water distribution points. Water
barrages and diversion of water by and also to ensure participation of all conservation primarily involves the
canals; wastage of water by leakage concerned so as to efficiently manage following three objectives:
and neglect; inadequate facilities scarce freshwater resources of the
for recycling and rainwater storage; country and competing demands. (a) Enhance water availability –
and more importantly, pollution of This could be mainly achieved
Nature, Water and People by adopting a mixed strategy
water by sewage and dumping of
urban wastes and unchecked flow Nature, water and people have focussing on the protection and
of industrial effluents. While there intricate relationships as nature plays restoration of natural ecosystems
is a growing focus on all-round a fundamental and unique role in (forests, grasslands and wetlands
rapid development in the country, regulating different features of the including rivers), increasing
availability and access to freshwater water cycle. Nature acts as a regulator, green cover aiming at source
imposes restriction on development a cleaner and/or a supplier of water. sustainability, managing riparian
works. The country is expected Maintaining healthy forests and other forest buffers, adoption of water
to become ‘water stressed’ as per natural ecosystems (grasslands and efficient diversified agriculture,
capita surface water availability is wetlands) directly leads to improved encouraging rainwater
on the decline. Several metropolis water security not only for wild harvesting, undertaking massive
and rural areas face acute shortage denizens but for all. soil and moisture conservation
of even drinking water. Several parts efforts, storage in reservoirs,
Landscape features, its dynamic
of the country are prone to water- water budgeting, recycling and
spatial patterns along various
borne diseases and human health is a reuse.
ecological processes influence soil
major concern in such pockets. Water formation, erosion, and sediment (b) Improve water quality – This
crisis in many remote rural areas, transport and deposition – all of means effective law enforcement
particularly in the Himalayan region, which can exert major influences on and stringent regulations,
18 YOJANA September 2019pollution control, restrictions Ministries, national and State level
on pouring of sewage, urban Sustainable management of Governmental and non-governmental
waste, industrial effluents and Departments/scientific organizations
even prohibition on use of toxics
water resources requires striking in the country responsible for
(pesticides and weedicides) in a balance between supply and interrelated fields of environment,
agriculture, establishment of demand, between the immediate forestry, wildlife, agriculture, water
STPs and water treatment plants requirement during the current/ resources, hydrology, meteorology,
and adoption of bioremediation climate change, science and
techniques.
next year and decades into the technology, river development,
future, between water quantity irrigation, rural development and
(c) Reducing water-related risks –
Considerable area of the country and water quality. These are crucial urban development have been
is being annually impacted by challenges but are not unfamiliar to working for decades and have made
droughts, floods, long dry spells significant contributions by launching
water management specialists. various country-wide programmes
and different health hazards.
Adoption of integrated watershed and schemes facilitating water
management programme, flood efforts demand a national movement. conservation.
control mechanisms, climate The Government of India has For example, in recent decades,
resilient agriculture, promotion realised the merit of adopting a India has made huge investments
of alternate income generation comprehensive approach towards towards implementation of
activities and sustainable water conservation. The unified ‘integrated watershed development
livelihoods can minimize risks Central ‘Ministry of Jal Shakti’ programme’ and more or less it
and disaster management. has been made responsible for has taken a shape of a national
A National Movement laying down policy guidelines and movement, particularly in rainfed
coordination of programmes for areas. Some of the other prominent
Considering the magnitude and programmes/schemes launched by
the development and regulation of
complexity of water crisis and also concerned Ministries are: PMKSY –
country’s water resources including
in order to achieve above elaborated ‘Har Khet ko Pani’ and ‘More Crop
dealing with related disciplines,
objectives of water conservation, it is Per Drop’; Jal Shakti Abhiyan; River
viz. establishment of multipurpose
essential to change from the “business Basin Management; National Water
projects, development of ground
as usual” approach, instead to Mission; National Mission for Clean
water resources, river development
earnestly work towards an accelerated Ganga-Namami Gange, National
and rejuvenation, irrigation, flood
effort to plan, manage and use the Mission for Sustainable Agriculture,
control, resolving inter-state river
precious water resources sustainably National Mission for Sustainable
disputes and inter-linking of rivers.
and fairly adopting holistic, evidence- Himalayas; Dam Improvement
The Ministry has been asked to
based, participatory and bottom up and Rehabilitation Programme;
develop and adopt a comprehensive
approaches. In addition, it is essential Interlinking of Rivers, Ground Water
strategy. Accordingly, the Ministry
to optimally revive traditional Management, Flood Control and
launched ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’, a
methods, tools, techniques and best Forecast, Biodiversity Conservation,
campaign for water conservation and
practices for rainwater harvesting Wetland Conservation, Green India
water security. The campaign will run
and water use efficiency besides Mission, CAMPA and National and
through citizen participation while
building resiliency to face water State Level Action Plans on Climate
focus of the campaign would be on
related risks. Innovative, ‘Nature- Change.
water-stressed districts and blocks in
Based Solutions (NBS)’ are expected
the country. From time to time, the country
to make significant contributions
towards concerted efforts aiming at Besides, Ministry of Jal Shakti, has enacted various policies and laws
water conservation. Moreover, current other identified prominent Central relevant to above fields. Day-by-day,
law enforcement (forest, wildlife,
environment) is becoming evident by
frequent judgements pronounced by
the Hon’ble Courts, National Green
Tribunal and notable interventions by
Central/State Level Pollution Control
Boards. Despite all odds, the Central
Government during the period 2014-
19 has implemented the ambitious
programme of Namami Gange aiming
for Ganga rejuvenation (Aviral and
YOJANA September 2019 19an enabling environment for between various entities for
change, synergy between development and exchange
diverse stakeholders/sectors, of evidence-based knowledge
suitable legal and regulatory on ecosystem functions and
frameworks, appropriate development of suitable
financing mechanisms and social technologies to improve water
acceptance. On the one hand, resource management to
developing an understanding ensure source sustainability.
on interconnections among Development of ‘Nature-Based
nature, water and people pose Solutions’ for various aspects of
new hurdles; and on the other water management offer better
hand new vistas open up for opportunities and would be of
sustainable water management, immense help.
Nirmal Dhara) by way of forestry
seeking interaction across scientific d. Ecosystem-Based Management
interventions, establishment and
disciplines and governmental entities. Approach–The move from
maintenance of STPs, conservation
As the ‘New India’ moves in the isolationist approaches to
of aquatic life, etc. The programme
direction of sustainable development, holistic approaches are desirable
is now being executed with more
due emphasis is to given for on a priority basis. Thereby,
insight, experience, vigour and
formulation of strategies, guidelines greater focus on river basins
support. Further, the Union Ministry
and plans for sustainable use of the and riverscapes for planning,
of Environment, Forest and Climate
water resource, in other words, water assessment and interventions
Change has taken an initiative on
budgeting. are the need of the hour. The
preparation of Detailed Project
Report on forestry interventions In conclusion, following six awareness and sensitization
for rejuvenating major Indian river priority actions are visualised for campaign on massive scale need
systems. making water management sustainable to be undertaken for educating
in the country as a reality through an masses on the significance of
Taking clue from national
aggressive national movement: maintaining our ecosystem’s
programmes, several States have
a. Institutions and Governance – integrity.
also initiated their own flagship
programmes related to water Institutions working/contributing e. Continuous Care – This aspect
management. Some prominent ones directly or indirectly towards seeks concerted efforts towards
are: ‘Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban water management would need conservation of existing water
Abhiyan (MJSA)’ by Rajasthan strengthening and augmentation sources as well as rejuvenation of
Government and ‘Green Mahanadi of manpower and financial rivers/restoration/recharging of
Mission’ of Odisha Government resources and also a platform to depleted water resources. Utmost
focussing on water development bring in their efforts together for care is required to be taken for
in water starved desert region and synergistic outcome. Governance retaining the water sources,
rejuvenation of Mahanadi River, at all levels would definitely making them sustainable and
respectively. Participatory irrigation matter to establish judicious ensuring judicious use thereof.
management backed by the ‘Pani water use and prevention and f. Capacity Development – The task
Panchayat Act, 2002’ in Odisha is resolution of conflicts. of water management is tricky.
flourishing through efficient and b. Participatory Approach–The Success towards countering
equitable supply and distribution of National movement certainly water wastage and degradation
water ensuring optimum utilisation by requires participatory approaches of natural ecosystems could
farmers. seeking involvement and be accomplished by creating
Future Direction empowerment of people so they awareness and appropriate
can establish a mechanism to capacity development of various
Sustainable management of water
implement and enforce judicious stakeholders. Specialized
resources requires striking a balance
use of water and efficient agencies can be deployed for
between supply and demand, between
management of precious water preparing the blueprint for
the immediate requirement during the
resources. budgeting the water resource
current/next year and decades into
c. Knowledge Management– within the framework of the
the future, between water quantity
The complex subject of water legislation on the subject and
and water quality. These are crucial
resource management calls then formulate strategies for its
challenges but are not unfamiliar
for collaborations/networking successful implementation.
to water management specialists.
Water conservation calls for creating and institutionalising synergies Email: savvysavita@hotmail.com
20 YOJANA September 2019YE-1237/2019 YOJANA September 2019 21
digital infrastructure
focus
Reforming Governance
Yogesh Suri
T
he avowed objectives of not only Sustainable Development of Chief Ministers on subjects of
of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Goals (SDGs) by 2030, but also help national importance; sharing of
Vikaas and Sabka in India emerging amongst the most best practices; policy support and
Vishwaas” and the Prime developed countries by 2047 i.e. the capacity development of State/UT
Minister’s clarion call of 100th year of Indian Independence. functionaries; Aspirational Districts
achieving a 5 trillion dollar economy Cooperative and Competitive Programme for development of 115
by 2024-25 necessitates putting in Federalism most backward districts; theme based
place a whole set of initiatives towards extensive engagements in various
Ever since the inception of NITI sectors; framing model laws for land
good governance. As many as 7 out
Aayog w.e.f. January 1, 2015, there leasing and agriculture marketing
of 41 chapters of the “Strategy for
has been a renewed thrust on Centre- reforms; and area specific interventions
New India @75” document released
State relations through cooperative for North Eastern, Himalayan States,
by NITI Aayog, focussed exclusively federalism recognising that strong
on governance while in remaining and Island development.
States make a strong Nation. A
chapters, most had emphasized on number of initiatives have been taken A unique feature of this new
good governance for better service to foster cooperative federalism strategy is to improve States’/UTs’
delivery and more effective outcomes. through structured support initiatives performances by encouraging healthy
This article intends to highlight and mechanisms of engagement competition through transparent
how recent measures for reforming with the States/Union Territories ranking in various sectors with a
governance can potentially transform (UTs) on a continuous basis. These handholding approach. Some of the
India into a high growth economy include meetings between Prime indices launched include Health
capable of fulfilling the aspirations of Minister/Cabinet Ministers with Index, Composite Water Management
people and facilitating achievement all Chief Ministers; sub-groups Index, SDG Index and Performance
Dr. Yogesh Suri is Senior Adviser, Governance, Research and State Coordination, NITI Aayog.
22 YOJANA September 2019of Aspirational Districts. Dynamic crore ration cards) (Figure-1). In 2018- people by focusing on outcomes and
ranking portals have been put in place 19 there were 59 crore beneficiaries of not merely on how much expenditure
to facilitate States/UTs to feed data DBT who got benefits in cash while has been incurred under the respective
and monitor their performance in more than 70 crore beneficiaries got schemes. The Outcome Budget 2019-20
various sectors vis-à-vis other States/ it in kind (for instance, food and presented in the Parliament covers 163
UTs, including third party validation fertilizers). major central sector/centrally sponsored
of data. Once districts compete On July 23, 2019, the President schemes covering 95% of the outlays
amongst themselves, States would of India has given his assent to the of the total of 591 schemes for which
emerge stronger and when States Aadhaar and other Laws (Amendment) outcome budgets have been prepared
compete amongst themselves, the Act 2019 providing a strong regulatory by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Finance
nation becomes stronger. This is one framework for operation of Aadhaar in consultation with the Ministries/
of the key elements of governance in and its voluntary use. States can also Departments. Currently, a major
a pursuit towards transforming India. use Aadhaar for implementing their exercise of independent evaluation of
Direct Benefit Transfer and Use of schemes. With 124 crore people 28 Centrally Sponsored Schemes with
Aadhaar having Aadhaar numbers, New India budgetary allocation of about Rs. 3.3
is expected to make increasing use of lakh crore in 2019-20 is underway
With Aadhaar now firmly in in NITI Aayog. At implementation
Aadhaar along with mobile numbers
place especially in targeted delivery level also, for various schemes, there
for better delivery of benefits in a
of subsidies, Direct Benefit Transfer leakage proof manner. is greater thrust on creation of dash
(DBT) continues to make major boards providing on-line and real-time
inroads into policy and service Outcome Based Monitoring
data on schemes and their beneficiaries.
delivery framework of the country. Over the last few years, there
Currently about 439 schemes E-Governance
has been a structural change in the
across 55 Ministries are covered by budget making process with removal With advancements in
DBT. Cumulatively about Rs. 7.66 of Plan/Non-Plan distinction and Information and Communication
lakh crore has been transferred to rationalization of Centrally Sponsored Technology (ICT) coupled with
beneficiaries through DBT mode and Central Sector schemes. A major penetration of Aadhaar and mobile
with estimated gains of Rs. 1.42 lakh step in this direction is introduction of phones, it has been possible to
crore. Of this, DBT in LPG alone has Outcome Based Budgets since Union provide many public services
contributed Rs. 59,599 crore (42% of Budget 2017-18. This is in contrast to through online modes. Starting from
total savings by deleting 4.23 crore earlier mechanism of merely focusing biometric attendance of Government
duplicate/fake connections) while on financial outlays, expenditures employees, digitizing database of
Public Distribution System (PDS) has and outputs. This is a major step in beneficiaries across all schemes,
contributed Rs. 47,633 crore (34% improving governance as the thrust seeding with Aadhaar numbers,
of total savings by deleting around 3 is on meeting the expectations of the using PoS machines for beneficiary
authentication and finally transferring
Figure 1: Estimated Gains from Direct Benefit Transfer the funds to Aadhaar linked bank
(Rs. Crore; % of Total Gains) Cumulative (March 2019) accounts, various initiatives have
made marked improvements in the
way services are delivered to the
public.
Digital India programme
being implemented by the Ministry
of Electronics and Information
Technology is covering multiple
projects of various Central Ministries/
Departments and States/UTs. The
programme is centered on three key
vision areas viz. Digital Infrastructure
as a core utility; governance and
services on demand; and digital
empowerment of citizens. Key
elements of this programme include
connectivity for all 2.5 lakh Gram
YOJANA September 2019 23You can also read
