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EDUCATION - PROGRAMS & POLICIES

Literacy
National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA)
Adult Education is a Concurrent Subject with both Central and State Governments being required to
contribute to its promotion and strengthening. At the national level, National Literacy Mission Authority
(NLMA), an autonomous wing of MHRD is the nodal agency for overall planning and management and
funding of Adult Education Programs and institutions.

2.

It was set up in 1988 with the approval of the Cabinet as an independent and autonomous wing of the
Ministry of HRD (the then Department of Education). The Cabinet vested NLMA with full executive
and financial powers in the sphere of work.

3.

National Literacy Mission Authority is mandated with

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1.

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a. Policy and planning;

b. Developmental and promotional activities;

c. Operational functions including assistance to voluntary agencies and other NGOs,

e. Leadership training

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d. Technology demonstration

f. Resource development including media and materials

g. Research and development

h. Monitoring and evaluation etc.

4.

Presently, the provision of adult education is through the Saakshar Bharat Programme (SBP) which is a
centrally sponsored scheme. The National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA), is the Nodal Agency at
the National level. The Joint Secretary (Adult Education) is the ex - officio Director General of NLMA.

5.

Its inter - ministerial General Council and Executive Committee are the two policy and executive bodies.
a. The Council of NLMA - Is the apex body of NLMA, headed by Minister of Human Resource
Development and consists of, among others, Ministers of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development,
Minority Affairs, Information and Broadcasting etc.

Notes

b. Executive Committee - The Executive Committee is responsible to carry out all the functions of
the Authority in accordance with the policy and guidelines laid down by the Council. It strives
for proper implementation of policies and incorporation of latest developments in the field of adult
education.

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Sakshar Bharat
1.

Saakshar Bharat has been formulated in 2009 with the objective of achieving 80% literacy level by 2012
at national level, by focusing on adult women literacy seeking - to reduce the gap between male and female
literacy to not more than 10 percentage points.

2.

The mission has four broader objectives, namely

a. imparting functional literacy and numeracy to non-literates;
b. acquiring equivalency to formal educational system;
c. imparting relevant skill development programme; and
d. Promote a leaning society by providing opportunities for continuing education.
The Mission goes beyond '3' R's (i.e. Reading, Writing & Arithmetic) ; for it also seeks to create awareness
of social disparities and a person's deprivation on the means for its amelioration and general well being.

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3.

a. The principal target of the mission is to impart functional literacy to 70 million non-literate adults
in the age group of 15 years and beyond.
b. The mission will cover 14 million SCs, 8 million STs, 12 million minorities & 36 million others. The
overall coverage of women will be 60 million. 410 districts belonging to 26 States/UTs of the
country have been identified to be covered under Saakshar Bharat.
Eligibility criteria for coverage under Saakshar Bharat. -

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4.

a. A district, including a new district carved out of an erstwhile district that had adult female literacy
rate of 50 per cent or below, as per 2001 census, is eligible for coverage under the Saakshar Bharat
programme.

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b. In addition, all left wing extremism-affected districts, irrespective of their literacy rate, are also
eligible for coverage under the programme.

Elementary Education

a) Article 21-A/ Right to Education Act, 2009

1.

Background -

a. The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A in the Constitution
of India to provide free and compulsory education of all children in the age group of six to
fourteen years as a Fundamental Right in such a manner as the State may, by law, determine.
b. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which represents the
consequential legislation envisaged under Article 21-A, means that every child has a right to full
time elementary education of satisfactory and equitable quality in a formal school which satisfies
certain essential norms and standards.
c. Article 21-A and the RTE Act came into effect on 1 April 2010.
2.

The RTE Act provides for the:

Notes

a. Right of children to free and compulsory education till completion of elementary education in a
neighbourhood school.

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b. It clarifies that 'compulsory education' means obligation of the appropriate government to provide
free elementary education and ensure compulsory admission, attendance and completion of
elementary education to every child in the six to fourteen age group. 'Free' means that no child
shall be liable to pay any kind of fee or charges or expenses which may prevent him or her from
pursuing and completing elementary education.
c. It makes provisions for a non-admitted child to be admitted to an age appropriate class.
d. It specifies the duties and responsibilities of appropriate Governments, local authority and parents
in providing free and compulsory education, and sharing of financial and other responsibilities
between the Central and State Governments.
e. It lays down the norms and standards relating inter alia to Pupil Teacher Ratios (PTRs), buildings
and infrastructure, school-working days, teacher-working hours.

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f. It provides for rational deployment of teachers by ensuring that the specified pupil teacher ratio
is maintained for each school, rather than just as an average for the State or District or Block,
thus ensuring that there is no urban-rural imbalance in teacher postings. It also provides for
prohibition of deployment of teachers for non-educational work, other than decennial census,
elections to local authority, state legislatures and parliament, and disaster relief.

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g. It provides for appointment of appropriately trained teachers, i.e. teachers with the requisite entry
and academic qualifications.
h. It prohibits (a) physical punishment and mental harassment; (b) screening procedures for admission
of children; (c) capitation fee; (d) private tuition by teachers and (e) running of schools without
recognition,

3.

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i. It provides for development of curriculum in consonance with the values enshrined in the
Constitution, and which would ensure the all-round development of the child, building on the
child's knowledge, potentiality and talent and making the child free of fear, trauma and anxiety
through a system of child friendly and child centered learning.
With this, India has moved forward to a rights based framework that casts a legal obligation on the Central
and State Governments to implement this fundamental child right as enshrined in the Article 21A of the
Constitution, in accordance with the provisions of the RTE Act.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

SSA, the principal programme for Universal Elementary Education (UEE), is the culmination of all
previous endeavours and experiences in implementing various education programmes. While each of these
programmes and projects had a specific focus-Operation Blackboard on improving physical infrastructure;
DPEP on primary education; Shiksha Karmi Project on teacher absenteeism, and Lok Jumbish Project on
girls' education-SSA has been the single largest holistic programme addressing all aspects of elementary
education covering over one million elementary schools and Education Guarantee Centre (EGS)/Alternate
and Innovative Education (AIE) Centres and about 20 crore children.

2.

SSA has been operational since 2000-2001 to provide for a variety of interventions for universal access
and retention, bridging of gender and social category gaps in elementary education and improving the
quality of learning.

Notes

1.

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3.

SSA interventions include inter alia,

a. opening of new schools and alternate schooling facilities,
b. construction of schools and additional classrooms,
c. toilets and drinking water,
d. provisioning for teachers,
e. regular teacher in service training and academic resource support,
f. Free textbooks& uniforms and support for improving learning achievement levels / outcome.

4.

With the passage of the RTE Act, changes have been incorporated into the SSA approach, strategies and
norms. The changes encompass the vision and approach to elementary education, guided by the following
principles :

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a. Holistic view of education, as interpreted in the National Curriculum Framework 2005, with
implications for a systemic revamp of the entire content and process of education with significant
implications for curriculum, teacher education, educational planning and management.
b. Equity, to mean not only equal opportunity, but also creation of conditions in which the
disadvantaged sections of the society - children of SC, ST, Muslim minority, landless agricultural
workers and children with special needs, etc. - can avail of the opportunity.

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c. Access, not to be confined to ensuring that a school becomes accessible to all children within
specified distance but implies an understanding of the educational needs and predicament of the
traditionally excluded categories - the SC, ST and others sections of the most disadvantaged
groups, the Muslim minority, girls in general, and children with special needs.

5.

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d. Gender concern, implying not only an effort to enable girls to keep pace with boys but to view
education in the perspective spelt out in the National Policy on Education 1986 /92; i.e. a decisive
intervention to bring about a basic change in the status of women.
Education Guarantee Scheme and Alternative and Innovative Education
a. Education Guarantee Scheme and Alternative Innovative Education (EGS and AIE) is an important
component of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) to bring out-of- school children in the fold of Elementary
Education.
b. The scheme envisages that child-wise planning is undertaken for each out-of-School child.
c. Under EGS, educational facilities are set up in habitations that do not have a primary school
within a distance of 1 km.
d. Any habitation with 25 out-of-schools in the 6-14 age groups (15 in the cases of hilly and desert
areas and tribal hamlets) is eligible to have an EGS centre.
e. It is a transitory facility till primary school replaces it within a period of two years.

Notes

f. Alternative education interventions for specific categories of very deprived children e.g., child
labour, street children, migrating children, working children, children living in difficult
circumstances and older children in the 9+ age group especially adolescent girls are being supported
under EGS and AIE all over the country.

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g. A sizeable number of out-of-school children are in the habitations where schooling facility is
available but these children either did not join the school or dropped out before completing their
schooling. These children may not fit into the rigid formal system. To bring such children back to
school, back to school camp and Bridge Courses strategies have been implemented. Bridge courses
and back-to-school camps can be residential or non-residential depending upon the need of children.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme (Nutrition based Education Program to Ensure more Presence)
The MDMS is the world's largest school meal programme and reaches an estimated 12 crore children across
12 lakh schools in India.

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The MDMS emerged out of the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP NSPE), a centrally sponsored scheme formulated in 1995 to improve enrollment, attendance and retention by
providing free food grains to government run primary schools. In 2002, the Supreme Court directed the
government to provide cooked mid day meals (as opposed to providing dry rations) in all government and
government aided primary schools.
Calorie norms for the meals have been regularly revised starting from 300 calories in 2004, when the scheme
was relaunched as the Mid Day Meal Scheme. At present the MDMS provides children in government aided
schools and education centres a cooked meal for a minimum of 200 days. Table 1 outlines the prescribed
nutritional content of the meals.
Table 1: Prescribed nutritional content for mid day meals
Primary (grade 1-5)

Upper Primary(grade 6-8)

Calories

450

700

Protein (in grams)

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Item

20

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Objectives: The key objectives of the MDMS are to address the issues of hunger and education in schools
by serving hot cooked meals; improve the nutritional status of children and improve enrollment, attendance
and retention rates in schools and other education centres.
Finances: The cost of the MDMS is shared between the central and state governments. The central government
provides free food grains to the states. The cost of cooking, infrastructure development, transportation of food
grains and payment of honorarium to cooks and helpers is shared by the centre with the state governments.
The central government provides a greater share of funds. The contribution of state governments differs from
state to state.
Monitoring and Evaluation: There are some interstate variations in the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
of the MDMS. A National Steering cum Monitoring Committee and a Programme Approval Board have been
established at the national level, to monitor the programme, conduct impact assessments, coordinate between
state governments and provide policy advice to central and state governments. Review Missions consisting of
representatives from central and state governments and non governmental agencies have been established. In
addition, independent monitoring institutions such as state universities and research institutions monitor the
implementation of the scheme.

Notes

At the state level, a three tier monitoring mechanism exists in the form of state, district and block level steering
cum monitoring committees. Gram panchayats and municipalities are responsible for day to day supervision
and may assign the supervision of the programme at the school level to the Village Education Committee,
School Management and Development Committee or Parent Teacher Association.

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Key issues with implementation: While there is significant inter-state variation in the implementation of the
MDSM, there are some common concerns with the implementation of the scheme. Some of the concerns
highlighted by the Ministry for Human Resource Development based on progress reports submitted by the
states in 2012 are detailed in Table 3.
Table 3: Key implementation issues in the MDMS
State(s) where these problems have been reported

Irregularity in serving meals

Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Maharashtra,

Arunachal Pradesh

Irregularity in supply of food

Orissa, Maharashtra, Tripura, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh,

Meghalaya, grains to schools Delhi, Andhra Pradesh

Caste based discrimination

Orissa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh in serving of food

Poor quality of food

Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Chhattisgarh

Poor coverage under School

Orissa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh,

Manipur, Health Programme Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

Poor infrastructure (kitchen

Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gujarat, Chandigarh,

Himachal sheds in particular) Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,
Orissa

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Poor hygiene

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Issue

Delhi, Rajasthan, Puducherry,

Poor community participation

Most states - Delhi, Jharkhand, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh in

particular

Analysis

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Best practices: Several state governments have evolved practices to improve the implementation of the
MDMS in their states. These include involving mothers of students in implementation of the scheme in
Uttarakhand and Jharkhand; creation of kitchen gardens, i.e., food is grown in the premises of the school, in
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab and West Bengal; construction of dining halls in Tamil Nadu; and increased
community participation in the implementation of the scheme Gujarat.

Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron and vitamin A have an overwhelming impact in India. Amongst 7 to
12 year old children in India over 86 per cent have been found to be consuming below the recommended level
of Vitamin A and over 46 per cent consuming insufficient iron. Micronutrient deficiencies can impair children's
cognitive development, cause lack of concentration, school absenteeism and even illness.
A programme at this scale has some challenges but simple and innovative solutions have already been tried
and proven. Among key areas which need to be strengthened for the MDM to achieve its desired objectives,
are enhancing the nutritional value of the food and controlling disease among children.

Notes

Addressing micronutrient deficiencies through the MDM is an essential investment not only in improving
nutrition but also for welfare, human rights and economic development. A rigorous study in Guatemala found
that boys under the age of three, who received a fortified complementary food, earned 46 per cent more than
others who did not, when they grew up. Addressing hunger in school also makes for a more conducive learning
environment.

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World Food Programme (WFP) has been working to support the government of India in finding solutions to
strengthen the country's food-based safety nets in order to address existing levels of malnutrition and food
insecurity. Fortification is a good example of how we are working together.
#1. Fortification is a tried and tested process through which micronutrients are added to food items. Fortification
of staples such as rice and wheat with iron and Vitamin A have been successfully piloted in India with
encouraging results. Cooked meals can also be fortified with micronutrient pre-mixes. At a reasonable cost,
fortification can result in rapid improvement in the micronutrient status of a group. WFP,in partnership with
the government of Odisha, piloted iron fortification of MDM rice in one district. Within one year of the pilot
the prevalence of anaemia fell by 5 per cent. Another fortification pilot by WFP and government of Uttarakhand,
in the Tehri Garhwal District, resulted in a reduction of iron deficiency anaemia among the children by over
8 per cent in eight months.

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#2. Integrating safe and hygienic practices in the MDM is essential to ensure any progress is not watered
down with the onset of diseases. This needs to be established throughout the food supply chain, during
preparation and consumption. Cooking and storage facilities need to be hygienic, there needs to be a continuous
supply of water for hand washing and cleaning products, appropriate kit with aprons, gloves and caps for the
cooks and safe food waste disposal. The importance of adequate toilets has already been flagged by the
government's ongoing push to build a toilet in every school.

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#3. Improving school management: Further, change and support from school management, cooking staff and
the children themselves, is vital for the scheme to have the intended effect. It is essential that the cooking staff
have regular health checks and adopt hygienic standards such as washing their hands as well as those of the
children before and after eating meals. Three important messages that need to be reiterated to all stakeholders
are clean hands, clean utensils, clean cooking and serving area.

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To successfully improve nutrition, it is essential to have strategies and convergence across sectors including
food, health, safe drinking water and sanitation. With one in three of world's malnourished children living in
this country, this investment is imperative for India. MDM is well placed to support the nutritional requirements
of a large number of India's children but some stark gaps regarding hygiene and the nutritional value of every
meal needs to be addressed to enhance the impact of this investment.

Special Programs For Education of Girl Child

NPEGEL - National Program for Education of Girls at Elementary Level

This is a focused intervention of Government of India, to reach the "Hardest to Reach" girls, especially
those not in school.

Launched in 2003

It is a component of SSA

Where implemented 'In educationally backward blocks (EEB) where the level of rural female literacy is
less than the national average and the gender gap is above the national average

How it works It provides additional support for enhancing girl's education over and above the investments for
girl's education through normal SSA interventions.

Notes

The program provides for development of a "model school" in every cluster with more intense
community mobilization and supervision of girls enrolment in schools.

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Gender sensitization of teachers, development of gender-sensitive learning materials, and provision

of need-based incentives like escorts, stationery, workbooks and uniforms are some of the endeavors
under the program.

KGBV - Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) is a scheme for setting up residential schools at upper primary
level for girls belonging predominantly to the SC, ST, OBC and minority communities.

The scheme provides for a minimum reservation of 75% of the seats for girls belonging to SC, ST, OBC
or minority communities and 25 % to girls from families that below poverty line.

It was launched in 2004, But since 2007 (1st april 2007), the scheme was merged with Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan as a separate component of SSA program. (I.E. in 11th Plan it was merged with SSA). So at
present it runs as a separate component under SSA.

The scheme is being implemented in educationally backward blocks (EEB's) of the country. i.e. those
blocks where the

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Female rural literacy is below the national average and

Gender gap in literacy is above the national average.

Mahila Samakhya Program

The National Policy on Education, 1986 recognized that the empowerment of women is possibly the most
critical pre-condition for the participation of girls and women in the educational process. The Mahila
Samakhya programme was launched in 1988 to pursue the objectives of the National Policy on Education,
1986.

2.

It recognized that education can be an effective tool for women's empowerment, the parameters of which
are:

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1.

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a. enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence of women;

b. building a positive image of women by recognizing their contribution to the society, polity and
the economy;
c. developing ability to think critically;
d. fostering decision making and action through collective processes;
e. enabling women to make informed choices in areas like education, employment and health
(especially reproductive health);
f. ensuring equal participation in developmental processes;
g. providing information, knowledge and skill for economic independence; enhancing access to legal
literacy and information relating to their rights and entitlements in society with a view to enhance
their participation on an equal footing in all areas
The MS scheme recognizes the centrality of education in empowering women to achieve equality.

Notes

The Mahila Sanghas or women's collectives at the village level provide the women a space to meet, reflect,
ask questions and articulate their thoughts and needs to make informed choices.

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The Mahila Sanghas through various programmes and awareness campaigns have brought about a change in
the outlook of rural women and the effects can now be seen in various facets of life at home within the family,
the community and at the block, and Panchayat levels.
The programme has also focused on awareness of the need to educate the children, especially girls, to give the
equal status and opportunities which has resulted in a direct impact on enrolment and retention of girls in
schools.
The Mahila Samakhya Scheme is currently being implemented in ten states, viz., Andhra Pradesh, Assam,
Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand spread over 102
districts and covering more than 21,000 villages.
Currently, DFID (UK) is providing assistance of 35 million sterling to this programme on the basis of a 90:10
fund sharing pattern between DFID and Government of India for a seven year period from 2007-14.

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Incentives To Girls For Secondary Education

1.

To promote enrolment of girl child in the age group of 14-18 at secondary stage, especially those who
passed Class VIII and to encourage the secondary education of such girls, the Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education was launched in May,2008.

2.

The Scheme covers:

a. All SC/ST girls who pass class VIII and

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b. Girls, who pass class VIII examination from Kastrurba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (irrespective of
whether they belong to Scheduled Castes or Tribes) and enroll for class IX in State/UT Government,
Government-aided or local body schools in the academic year 2008-09 onwards.
c. Girls should be below 16 years of age ( as on 31st March) on joining class IX

3.

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d. Married girls, girls studying in private un-aided schools and enrolled in schools run by Central
Government are excluded.
A sum of Rs.3,000/- is deposited in the name of eligible girls as fixed deposit. The girls are entitled to
withdraw the sum along with interest thereon on reaching 18 years of age and on passing 10th class
examination.

Scheme for Construction and Running of Girls' Hostel for Students of Secondary and Higher
Secondary Schools
1.

Introduction
a. This is a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2008-09 and is being implemented from
2009-10 to set up a 100-bedded Girls' Hostel in each of 3479 Educationally Backward Blocks
(EBBs) in the country.
b. The Scheme has replaced the earlier NGO driven Scheme for construction and running of Girls'
Hostels for Students of Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools, under which assistance was
provided to voluntary organizations for running Girls' Hostels.

2.

Objective

Notes

a. The main objective of the Scheme is to retain the girl child in secondary school so that girl students
are not denied the opportunity to continue their study due to distance to school, parents' financial
affordability and other connected societal factors.

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b. Another objective of the Scheme is to make Secondary and Senior Secondary education accessible
to a larger number of girl students.
3.

Target Group
a. The girl students in the age group of 14-18 yrs. studying in classes IX and XII belonging to SC,
ST, OBC, Minority communities and BPL families will form the target group of the Scheme.
b. Students passing out of KGBV will be given preference in admission in hostels. At least 50% of
girls admitted will be from SC, ST, OBC and Minority communities.

Special Programs for Minority Education

Scheme to Provide Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEM)
SPQEM seeks to bring about qualitative improvement in Madrasas to enable Muslim children attain
standards of the national education system in formal education subjects.

2.

The salient features of SPQEM scheme are :

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1.

a. To strengthen capacities in Madrasas for teaching of the formal curriculum subjects like Science,
Mathematics, Language, Social Studies etc. through enhanced payment of teacher honorarium.
b. Training of such teachers every two years in new pedagogical practices.
c. Providing Science labs, Computer labs with annual maintenance costs in the secondary and higher
secondary stage madrasas.

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d. Provision of Science/Mathematics kits in primary/upper primary level madrassas.

e. Strengthening of libraries/book banks and providing teaching learning materials at all levels of
madrasas.
The unique feature of this modified scheme is that it encourages linkage of Madrasas with National
Institute for Open Schooling (NIOS), as accredited centres for providing formal education, which will
enable children studying in such Madrasas to get certification for class 5, 8, 10 and 12. This will enable
them to transit to higher studies and also ensure that quality standards akin to the national education
system. Registration & examination fees to the NIOS will be covered under this scheme as also the
teaching learning materials to be used.

4.

The NIOS linkage will be extended under this scheme for Vocational Education at the secondary and
higher secondary stage of Madrasas.

5.

For the monitoring and popularization of the scheme it will fund State Madrasa Boards. GoI will itself
run periodic evaluations, the first within two years.

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3.

Scheme for Infrastructure Development In Minority Institutes (IDMI)

1.

IDMI has been operationalized to augment Infrastructure in Private Aided/Unaided Minority Schools/
Institutions in order to enhance quality of education to minority children.

2.

The salient features of IDMI scheme are:

Notes

a. The scheme would facilitate education of minorities by augmenting and strengthening school
infrastructure in Minority Institutions in order to expand facilities for formal education to children
of minority communities.

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b. The scheme will cover the entire country but, preference will be given to minority institutions
(private aided/unaided schools) located in districts, blocks and towns having a minority population
above 20%,
c. The scheme will inter alia encourage educational facilities for girls, children with special needs and
those who are most deprived educationally amongst minorities.
d. The scheme will fund infrastructure development of private aided/unaided minority institutions
to the extent of 75% and subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakhs per institution for strengthening
of educational infrastructure and physical facilities in the existing school including additional
classrooms, science / computer lab rooms, library rooms, toilets, drinking water facilities and
hostel buildings for children especially for girls.

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan

1.

This scheme was launched in March, 2009

2.

Objective of the scheme -

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Secondary Education

a. to enhance access to secondary education and to improve its quality.

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b. to achieve an enrolment rate of 75% from 52.26% in 2005-06 at secondary stage of implementation
of the scheme by providing a secondary school within a reasonable distance of any habitation.
c. improving quality of education imparted at secondary level through making all secondary schools
conform to prescribed norms, removing gender, socio-economic and disability barriers, providing
universal access to secondary level education by 2017, i.e., by the end of 12th Five Year Plan and
achieving universal retention by 2020.
The Government of India approved the following revised norms of RMSA, with effect from 01.04.2013
under which the following Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Secondary Education are subsumed under the
umbrella RMSA -

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3.

a. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)@ School,

b. Girls' Hostel,

c. Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage(IEDSS) and

d. Vocational Education(VE)
e. The above mentioned schemes are now a component of RMSA
4.

Implementation Mechanism Of The Scheme a. The scheme is being implemented by the State government societies established for implementation
of the scheme. The central share is released to the implementing agency directly. The applicable
State share is also released to the implementing agency by the respective State Governments.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools have been subsumed in the Rashtriya
Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA). Now ICT in Schools is a component of the RMSA.

Notes

1.

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2.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Schools was launched in December, 2004 and
revised in 2010 to provide opportunities to secondary stage students to mainly build their capacity on ICT
skills and make them learn through computer aided learning process. The Scheme is a major catalyst to
bridge the digital divide amongst students of various socio economic and other geographical barriers. The
Scheme provides support to States/UTs to establish computer labs on sustainable basis.

3.

Components - The scheme has essentially four components:

a. The first one is the partnership with State Government and Union Territories Administrations for
providing computer aided education to Secondary and Higher Secondary Government and
Government aided schools.
b. The second is the establishment of smart schools, which shall be technology demonstrators.
c. The third component is teacher related interventions, such as provision for engagement of an
exclusive teacher, capacity enhancement of all teachers in ICT and a scheme for national ICT
award as a means of motivation.

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d. Fourth one relates to the development of a e-content, mainly through Central Institute of Education
Technologies (CIET), six State Institutes of Education Technologies (SIETs) and 5 Regional Institutes
of Education (RIEs), as also through outsourcing.

Scheme of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS)

1.

Timeline

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a. The Scheme of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) has been launched
from the year 2009-10.
b. This Scheme replaces the earlier scheme of Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC)
and provides assistance for the inclusive education of the disabled children in classes IX-XII.

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c. This scheme now subsumed under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) from 2013.
The States/UTs are also in the process of subsuming under RMSA as RMSA subsumed Scheme.
2.

Aim - To enabled all students with disabilities, to pursue further four years of secondary schooling after
completing eight years of elementary schooling in an inclusive and enabling environment.

3.

Objectives

4.

The scheme covers all children studying at the secondary stage in Government, local body and Governmentaided schools, with one or more disabilities as defined under the Persons with Disabilities Act (1995) and
the National Trust Act (1999) in the class IX to XII, namely blindness, low vision, leprosy cured, hearing
impairment, locomotory disabilities, mental retardation, mental illness, autism, and cerebral palsy and may
eventually cover speech impairment, learning disabilities, etc.

5.

Components
a. Student-oriented components, such as medical and educational assessment, books and stationery,
uniforms, transport allowance, reader allowance, stipend for girls, support services, assistive devices,
boarding the lodging facility, therapeutic services, teaching learning materials, etc.

Notes

b. Other components include appointment of special education teachers, allowances for general
teachers for teaching such children, teacher training, orientation of school administrators,
establishment of resource room, providing barrier free environment, etc.

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6.

Implementing Agency
a. The School Education Department of the State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations
are the implementing agencies. They may involve NGOs having experience in the field of education
of the disabled in the implementation of the scheme.

7.

Financial Assistance
a. Central assistance for all items covered in the scheme is on 100 percent basis.
b. The State governments are only required to make provisions for scholarship of Rs. 600/- per
disabled child per annum.

Vocationalization of Secondary Education

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Vocationalization of Secondary Education at + 2 level is being
implemented since 1988. The revised scheme is in operation since 1992-93.

The Scheme provides for financial assistance to the States to set up administrative structure, area vocational
surveys, preparation of curriculum, text book, work book curriculum guides, training manual, teacher
training programme, strengthening technical support system for research and development, training and
evaluation etc. It also provides financial assistance to NGOs and voluntary organizations towards
implementation of specific innovative projects for conducting short-term courses.

Based on the recommendations of various Committees/Review Groups, the existing Scheme is being
revised

SC

OR
E

Model School

Note - The Model School Scheme Has Been Delinked From The Support Of The Government Of India
And As Such The Scheme Stands Transferred To States/UTs For Further Appropriate Action.

2.

The Model School scheme aims to provide quality education to talented rural children through setting up
of 6,000 model schools at the rate of one school per block as benchmark of excellence.

3.

The scheme has the following objectives:

GS

1.

a. To have at least one good quality senior secondary school in every block.
b. To have a pace setting role
c. To try out innovative curriculum and pedagogy
d. To be a model in infrastructure, curriculum, evaluation and school governance
4.

The scheme envisages setting up of (i) 3,500 schools in as many educationally backward blocks (EBBs)
through State/UT Governments, and (ii) remaining 2,500 schools under Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
mode in blocks which are not educationally backward.

National Means cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme "National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)" was launched
in May, 2008.

2.

The objective of the scheme is to award scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker
sections to arrest their drop out at class VIII and encourage them to continue the study at secondary stage.

Notes

1.

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Scholarship of Rs.6000/- per annum (Rs.500/- per month) per student is awarded to selected students
every year for study in classes from IX to XII in Government, Government aided and local body schools.
3.

For academic year 2013-14 onward, separte examination for selection of students for NMMS Scholarships
is being conducted by the State Governments. Scholarships are disbursed by the State Bank of India
directly into the accounts of students on quarterly basis.

4) Higher Education
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
1.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013
aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions.

2.

Funding
a. The central funding (in the ratio of 65:35 for general category States and 90:10 for special
category states) would be norm based and outcome dependent.

OR
E

b. The funding would flow from the central ministry through the state governments/union territories
to the State Higher Education Councils before reaching the identified institutions.
c. The funding to states would be made on the basis of critical appraisal of State Higher Education
Plans, which would describe each state's strategy to address issues of equity, access and excellence
in higher education.
3.

The salient objectives of RUSA are to;

SC

a. Improve the overall quality of state institutions by ensuring conformity to prescribed norms and
standards and adopt accreditation as a mandatory quality assurance framework.
b. Usher transformative reforms in the state higher education system by creating a facilitating
institutional structure for planning and monitoring at the state level, promoting autonomy in
State Universities and improving governance in institutions.

GS

c. Ensure reforms in the affiliation, academic and examination systems.

d. Ensure adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational institutions and ensure
capacity building at all levels of employment.
e. Create an enabling atmosphere in the higher educational institutions to devote themselves to
research and innovations.
f. Expand the institutional base by creating additional capacity in existing institutions and establishing
new institutions, in order to achieve enrolment targets.
g. Correct regional imbalances in access to higher education by setting up institutions in un?served
& underserved areas.
h. Improve equity in higher education by providing adequate opportunities of higher education to
SC/STs and socially and educationally backward classes; promote inclusion of women, minorities,
and differently abled persons.
4.

Components

Notes

a. RUSA would create new universities through upgradation of existing autonomous colleges and conversion
of colleges in a cluster. It would create new model degree colleges, new professional colleges and

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provide infrastructural support to universities and colleges Faculty recruitment support, faculty improvements
programmes and leadership development of educational administrators are also an important part of the
scheme. In order to enhance skill development the existing central scheme of Polytechnics has been
subsumed within RUSA. A separate component to synergise vocational education with higher education
has also been included in RUSA. Besides these, RUSA also supports reforming, restructuring and building
capacity of institutions in participating state.
5.

Institutional Hierarchy

a. RUSA is implemented and monitored through an institutional structure comprising the National
Mission Authority, Project Approval Board and the National Project Directorate at the centre and the
State Higher Education Council and State Project Directorate at the state level.

5) Skill Development

OR
E

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

1.

It was created in 2014

2.

Agencies like NSDC and NSDA come under it

3.

It will coordinate with other ministries who are handling skill schemes.

4.

Will devise training curriculum in key sectors and will issue certificates to trained personnel.

SC

Skill India Mission

A national multi-skill programme called Skill India is proposed to be launched.

2.

It would skill the youth with an emphasis on employability and entrepreneur skills.

3.

It will also provide training and support for traditional professions like welders, carpenters, cobblers,
masons, blacksmiths, weavers etc.

4.

Convergence of various schemes to attain this objective is also proposed.

GS

1.

NSDA - National Skill Development Agency

1.

About it -

a. It subsumes the Office of Adviser to the PM - National Council on Skill Development)

b. NSDA is an autonomous body
2.

Functions
a. Take all possible steps to meet skilling targets as envisaged in the 12th Five Year Plan and beyond;
b. Will coordinate the skill development efforts of the Government and the private sector to achieve
the skilling targets;
c. The NSDA will anchor and operationalize the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)
to ensure that quality and standards meet sector specific requirements;
d. and facilitate the setting up of professional certifying bodies in addition to the existing ones.

Notes

e. Be the nodal agency for State Skill Development Missions;

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f. It will endeavor to bridge the social, regional, gender and economic divide
i. by ensuring that the skilling needs of the disadvantaged and marginalized groups like SCs,
STs, OBCs, minorities, women and differently-abled persons are taken care of through the
various skill development programmes and
ii. by taking affirmative actions as part of advocacy by the NSDA.
g. Raise extra-budgetary resources for skill development from various sources such as international
agencies, including multi-lateral agencies, and the private sector;
h. Evaluate existing skill development schemes with a view to assessing their efficacy and suggest
corrective action to make them more effective;

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana for Urban and Rural Poor
1.

Introducation

OR
E

a. Union Government on 25 September 2014 launched Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana
for urban and rural poor.
b. The Yojana aims at alleviating urban and rural poverty through enhancement of livelihood
opportunities through skill development and other means.
c. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana has two components

SC

i. Urban component - to be implemented by the Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty
Alleviation
ii. Rural component (named as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana) - to be
implemented by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
2.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana

GS

a. Aim
i. To train 10 lakh (1 million) rural youths for jobs in three years, that is, by 2017.
b. Features

i. The minimum age for entry under the Yojana is 15 years

ii. Skill development training centers to be launched
iii. The skills imparted under the Yojana will now be benchmarked against international standards
and will complement the Prime Minister's Make In India campaign.
iv. Will also the address the need for imparting training to the differently-able persons and
v. Will rope in private players including international players to impart the skills to the rural
youths.
c. Economic survey 2014-15
i. It is a placement-linked skill development scheme for poor rural youth.

Notes

ii. A total of 51,956 candidates have been skilled under the DDU-GKY, of which 28,995 have
been placed till November during 2014-15.

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3.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana for urban areas

a. Increased Coverage
i. Currently, all the urban poverty alleviating programmes covered only 790 towns and cities.
ii. Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) for urban areas extends
thecoverage to all the 4041 statutory cities and towns, there by covering almost the entire
urban population.
b. The scheme will focus on
i. Imparting skills with an expenditure of 15000 rupees to 18000 rupees on each urban poor,
ii. City Livelihood Centres will be setup to impart market-oriented skills,

OR
E

iii. Promotion of self-employment through setting up individual micro-enterprises,

iv. Enabling urban poor form Self-Help Groups,

v. Construction of permanent shelters for urban homeless and provision of other essential services.

Industrial Training Institution

ITIs are key components of the vocational training system in the country.

2.

These institutes are imparting training in 57 engineering and 50 non-engineering trades to those who have
passed either 8th or 10th class examination

3.

How many at present ' 5,000 + in 2008.

SC

1.

a. Of these, 1896 are State Government-run ITIs while

4.

Role of center and state

GS

b. Remaining (3218 ITIs) are private.

a. Center lays down standards and conducts trade testing & certification for both public and
private ITIs.
b. State Governments are responsible for managing the ITIs.

Scheme of Support to NGOs for Adult Education and Skill Development

1.

The Programme of Action (POA) to operationalize National Policy on Education, 1986, inter-alia,
envisaged development of a genuine partnership between the Government and non- Government
Organizations (NGOs) and stipulated that government would take positive steps to promote their wider
involvement in eradication of illiteracy by providing due support to them.

2.

To promote Adult Education, particularly in 15-35 age group, through voluntary sector, the Department
of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India,
has been providing support to Voluntary Agencies (VA) through two separate schemes, namely
a. Assistance to Voluntary Agencies in the field of Adult Education -

Notes

i. it is conceptualized as an overarching programme to encourage innovation and creativity in

literacy and continuing education. It includes establishment of State Resource Centers for
technical and academic support to adult education.

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b.

Jan Shikshan Sansthans i. They provide vocational education skill development training to those having no or rudimentary
level of education.

3.

The Government have now decided to merge both the schemes and rename the modified scheme as
"Scheme of Support to Voluntary Agencies for Adult Education and Skill Development" and continue to
support the Voluntary Agencies on project to project basis. Thus the new scheme subsumes the erstwhile
NGO based schemes of the National Literacy Mission.

4.

Scheme Objective - The main objective of the scheme is to secure extensive, as well as, intensive involvement
of voluntary sector in the endeavours of the Government to promote functional literacy, skill development
and continuing education, particularly in 15-35 age group, under the over all umbrella of National Literacy
Mission (NLM). The Scheme will, thus, strive to achieve, through voluntary effort, the overall objectives
of NLM, which include:
a. Achieving self-reliance in literacy and numeracy

OR
E

b. Becoming aware of the causes of their deprivation and moving towards amelioration of their
condition through organization and participation in the process of development
c. Acquiring skills to improve the economic status and general well being
d. Imbibing the values of national integration, conservation of the environment women's equality,
observance of small family norms, etc.
Components Of This Scheme:
a. State Resource Centers
b. Jan Shikshan Sansthan

SC

5.

c. Assistance to Voluntary Agencies

GS

6) Teachers Education
Teacher Education Scheme

Centrally sponsored scheme of teacher education was launched in 1987-88 with, inter - alia, the following
component:
Establishment of district institute of education & training (DIETs) by upgradation of existing
Elementary Teacher Education Institutions (ETEIs) wherever possible, and
Establishment of new DIET where necessary.

The main objectives of the Teacher Education Scheme are as follows:

Speedy completion of DIET/CTE/IASE/ SCERT projects sanctioned but not completed up to the
9th Plan period, optimally functional and operational.
Sanction and implementation of fresh DIET/CTE/IASE/SCERT projects to the extent necessary.

Notes

Improvement in the quality of programmes to be undertaken by DIETs, etc. especially those

of pre-service and in-service training, so as to enable them to effectively play their nodal role of
improving quality of elementary and secondary education in their respective jurisdiction, as
measured in terms of levels of learner achievements.

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Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching

1.

In December 2014, NDA government launched Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission on
Teachers & Teaching with an outlay of Rs. 900 crores during XII Plan.

2.

Background of launch - As teachers hold the key for success of educational development, thus attention
has to be focused on the preparation of teachers and their working conditions in classrooms, schools and
colleges, as also their continuous professional development, ensuring that best talent in the country are
made available to shape the future generations.

3.

Aim a. to ensure a coordinated approach so as to holistically address the various shortcomings relating to
teachers and teaching across the educational spectrum ranging from school education to higher
education including technical education; using the best international practices for excellenc;

OR
E

b. empower teachers and faculty through training, re-training, refresher and orientation programmes
in generic skills, pedagogic skills, discipline specific content upgradation, ICT and technology enabled
training and other appropriate interventions.
The Mission envisages to address comprehensively all issues related to teachers, teaching, teacher preparation,
professional development, Curriculum Design, Designing and Developing Assessment & Evaluation
methodology, Research in Pedagogy and developing effective Pedagogy.

5.

The Mission will provide an integrated platform for building synergies among all the existing initiatives,
providing oversight to the existing activities and also carry out new activities aimed at gap filling so that
a comprehensive vehicle for Teacher/Faculty related programmes and schemes is created.

SC

4.

Adult Education and lateral Education

GS

National Population Education Project

The National Population Education Project was launched in April 1980 with the overarching objective of
institutionalizing population education in the school education and teacher education systems to contribute
to the attainment of population education in the school education and teacher education systems to
contribute to the attainment of population and development goals of the country.

Up to 2002, this was implemented as externally aided project which was fully funded by the United
Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

It was being implemented in the university education and adult education sector as well.

In view of the achievements and significance of the project, Government of India decided to continue it
in the 10th Five Year Plan with a more focused objective of integrating the elements of reconceptualised
framework of population education in school curriculum.

UNFPA decided to support a concomitant project focused on adolescent reproductive and sexual health
(ARSH) from 2004.

During 2006-07, the NPEP was implemented as an integral part of Adolescence Education programme,
launched by ministry of human resource development in 2005 in collaboration with National AIDS Control
Organisation.

Notes

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Jan Shiksha Sansthans

Jan Shiksha Sansthans (JSSs) are established to provide vocational training to non-literate, as well as school
dropouts by identifying skills as would have a market in the region of their establishment.

JSSs impart skill development training in nearly 394 vocational courses in Cutting and Tailoring, Beauty
Culture and Health Care, Fashion Design, Electrical and Electronics, Automobile Repairs, Soft Toys
making, Agriculture Allied Courses, Cottage Industry Courses, Handicrafts, Bakery and Confectionary,
Textile Technology, Leather Technology and Building Technology.

Open Schooling System

It is necessary to design, create and establish alternative Educational provisions for some prospective
learners who will not be able to take advantage of formal schooling during stipulated school hours.

The Open Schooling Programmes up to predegree level are being offered by the National Institute of Open
Schooling (NIOS) and 10 State Open Schools (SOSS).

The States that have set up SOSS are West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,Karnataka, Kerala,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The open schools network when fully developed should be able to cater to at least 15% students in
secondary education.

The open schooling network needs to be expanded to ensure that every state providesOpen Schooling
Facility through its regional language.

Notes

GS

SC

OR
E

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2
3

HEALTH

National Health Policy

The National Health Policy 2002 aims at achieving an acceptable standard of health for the general
population of the country.

Keeping in line with this broad objective, the Eleventh Five Year Plan had set upon itself the goal of
achieving good health for the people, especially the poor and the underprivileged. To achieve the objective,
a comprehensive approach was advocated, which included improvements in individual health care, public
health, sanitation, clean drinking water, access to food and knowledge of hygiene and feeding practices.

Importance was accorded to reducing disparities in health across regions and communities by ensuring
access to affordable health. Special attention was given to the health and marginal groups like adolescent
girls, women, children, the older persons, disabled and tribal groups, with due recognition to gender issues,
as the cross-cutting theme across all schemes.

The country has a well-structured 3-tier public health infrastructure, comprising Community Health Centres,
Primary Health Centres and Sub-Centres spread across rural and semi-urban areas and tertiary medical care
providing multi-specialty hospitals and medical colleges located almost exclusively in the urban areas.

However, the progress has been quite uneven across the regions (large scale interstate variations), gender
(male-female differences) as well as across space to be made during the then year to step-up funding of
the health in the public domain reach 3 per cent of the GDP by 2012.

SC

OR
E

1.

2.

3.

GS

Draft National Health Policy 2015

Intro
a.

On Dec 31, 2014, Govt. placed draft National Health Policy, 2015 in public domain.

b.

Feedback on the draft was to be submitted until February 28, 2015.

List of proposals
a.

Health as a fundamental right (national health right act)

b.

Health budget target to 2.5% of GDP

c.

Explore creation of health cess on the lines of education Cess.

d.

Ensure universal access to free drugs, diagnostics in Govt. hospitals.

Proposals
Health as a fundamental right
i.

The Centre shall enact a National Health Rights Act, which will make ensuring health as a
fundamental right (like education), whose denial will be an offence.

ii.

The States would voluntarily opt to adopt this by a resolution of their Legislative Assembly.

Notes

a.

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iii. The States which have achieved a per capita public health expenditure rate of over Rs. 3,800
per capita (at current prices) should be in a position to deliver on this (and though many States
are some distance away, there are States which are approaching or have even reached this
target).

v.

1.

Not only developed, but many of the developing nations have laws that do so. Nations like
brazil and Thailand have made significant progress towards universal health coverage, and
such a law is a major contributory factor.

2.

A number of international covenants to which we are joint signatories give us such a

mandate; Courts rulings also see health care as a fundamental right; and a constitutional
obligation flowing out of the right to life

But the draft also questions whether India has reached the level of development in economic
and health systems to make this a justiciable right

Health budget target to 2.5% of GDP

i.

On the issue of increasing health spending, the draft says it accepts that for achieving MDGs
we need to increase in public health expenditure from 4 to 5 per cent of the GDP.

ii.

However as we saw that even the NHP 2002 target of 2 per cent was not met, and taking into
account the financial capacity of the country to provide this amount and the institutional
capacity to utilize the increased funding in an effective manner, it is proposed to raising public
health expenditure to 2.5 per cent of the GDP.

SC

b.

Why

OR
E

iv.

iii. Even for reaching this level will take a longer time frame
iv.

40% of this would need to come from Central expenditures.

Explore creation of health cess on the lines of education Cess.

d.

Ensure universal access to free drugs, diagnostics in Govt. hospitals.

GS

c.

Communicable Diseases
Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme
The Government of India is implementing the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in the
country. Under this programme, diagnosis and treatment facilities including anti-TB drugs are provided free
of cost to all TB patients. Designated microscopy centres have been established for quality diagnosis for
every one lakh population in the general areas and for every 50,000 population in the tribal, hilly and
difficult areas. More than 13000 microscopy centres have been established in the country. Treatment
centres (DOT Centres) have been established near to residence of patients to the extent possible, both,
in Urban and Rural areas.

All Government Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHC), Primary Health Centres (PHC), Sub
Centres are DOT centres. In addition NGOs, Private Practitioners (PPs) involved under the RNTCP,
community volunteers, Anganwadi workers, women self-help groups etc. also function as DOT providers/
DOT Centres. Drugs are provided under direct observation and the patients are monitored so that they
complete their treatment. Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant TB (PMDT) services, for the
management of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) and TBHIV collaborative activities for TBHIV
co-infection are being implemented throughout the country.

Notes

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Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)

Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) was launched with World Bank assistance in November
2004 to detect and respond to disease outbreaks quickly. The project was extended for 2 years in March 2010
i.e. from April 2010 to March 2012, World Bank funds were available for Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) at
NCDC & 9 identified states (Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal) and the rest 26 states/UTs were funded from domestic budget. The
Programme continues during 12th Plan (2012-17) under NHM with outlay of Rs. 640 Crore from domestic
budget only.
Surveillance units have been established in all states/districts (SSU/DSU). Central Surveillance Unit
(CSU) established and integrated in the National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi.

Training of State/District Surveillance Teams and Rapid Response Teams (RRT) has been completed for
all 35 States/UTs.

IT network connecting 776 sites in States/District HQ and premier institutes has been established with
the help of National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for data
entry, training, video conferencing and outbreak discussion.

Under the project weekly disease surveillance data on epidemic prone disease are being collected from
reporting units such as sub centres, primary health centres, community health centres, hospitals including
government and private sector hospitals and medical colleges. The data are being collected on 'S' syndromic;
'P' probable; & 'L' laboratory formats using standard case definitions. Presently, more than 90% districts
report such weekly data through e-mail/portal (www.idsp.nic.in). The weekly data are analyzed by SSU/
DSU for disease trends. Whenever there is rising trend of illnesses, it is investigated by the RRT to
diagnose and control the outbreak.

States/districts have been asked to notify the outbreaks immediately to the system. On an average, 3040 outbreaks are reported every week by the States. 553 outbreaks were reported and responded to by
states in 2008, 799 outbreaks in 2009, 990 in 2010, 1675 outbreaks in 2011, 1584 outbreaks in 2012, 1964
outbreaks in 2013, 1562 outbreaks in 2014 and 311 outbreaks have been reported till 15th March 2015.

Media scanning and verification cell was established under IDSP in July 2008. It detects and shares media
alerts with the concerned states/districts for verification and response. A total of 3063 media alerts were
reported from July 2008 to November 2014 and 122 till 31st March 2015. Majority of alerts were related
to diarrhoeal diseases, food poisoning and vector borne diseases.

A 24X7 call center was established in February 2008 to receive disease alerts on a Toll Free telephone
number (1075). The information received is provided to the States/Districts surveillance Units for
investigation and response. The call centre was extensively used during H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009
and dengue outbreak in Delhi in 2010. 2,77,395 lakhs calls have been received from beginning till 30th
June, 2012, out of which 35,866 calls were related to Influenza A H1N1. From November 2012, a total
of 50,811 calls received till November 2013 out of which 1499 calls were related to H1N1.

District laboratories are being strengthened for diagnosis of epidemic prone diseases. These labs are also
being supported by a contractual microbiologist to mange the lab and an annual grant of Rs 2 lakh per
annum per lab for reagents and consumables. Till date 29 States (65 labs) have completed the procurement.
In addition, a network of 12 laboratories has been developed for Influenza surveillance in the country.

In 9 States, a referral lab network has been established by utilizing the existing 65 functional labs in the
medical colleges and various other major centers in the States and linking them with adjoining districts
for providing diagnostic services for epidemic prone diseases during outbreaks. Based on the experience

Notes

GS

SC

OR
E

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gained, the plan will be implemented in the remaining 26 States/UTs. A total of 23 identified medical
college labs in Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Kerala, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir and Manipur has been
added to the network during 2012-13 to provide support in adjoining districts.

Considering the non-availability of health professionals in the field of Epidemiology, microbiology and
Entomology at district and state levels, MOHFW approved the recruitment of trained professionals under
NHM in order to strengthen the disease surveillance and response system by placing one Epidemiologist
each at state/district head quarters, one Microbiologist and Entomologist each at the state head quarters.
The post of a Veterinary Consultant at State Surveillance Unit has been approved by the MOHFW
recognizing the Mission Statement of One Health Initiative. 408 Epidemiologists, 181 Microbiologists, 25
Entomologists and 3 Veterinary Consultants are in position as on 31st March 201

National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP)

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme is a comprehensive programme for prevention and
control of vector borne diseases namely Malaria, Filaria, Kala-azar, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue and
Chikungunya which is covered under the overall umbrella of NRHM.

OR
E

Malaria

The areas vulnerable to malaria are largely tribal, difficult, and remote, forested and forest fringe inaccessible
areas with operational difficulties. The high transmission areas are the North Eastern States and largely
tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha
and Rajasthan.

Government of India launched the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) in 1953.

The State governments are responsible for the planning, implementation, supervision and monitoring of
the programme.

North Eastern states are being provided 100 per cent support by Government for implementation of the
programme including operational cost.

"Malaria Control and Kala-Azar Elimination" has been approved by World Bank for a period of 5 years
starting from 2008-09.

Filariasis

GS

SC

Filariasis is transmitted by mosquito species culex quinquefasciatus and mansonia annulifera/ M. uniformis.
The vector mosquitoes breed in polluted water in drains, cross-pits etc. in areas with inadequate drainage
and sanitation.

The disease is endemic in 250 districts in 20 states and UTs.

The target year for global elimination of this disease is by the year 2020.

Government of India is signatory to the World Health Assembly Resolution in 1997 for Global Elimination
of Lymphatic Filariasis.

The National Health Policy (2002) has however, envisaged elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in India
by 2015.

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever Control Programme

Dengue fever is an outbreak-prone viral disease, transmitted by aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

West Bengal, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra,Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana
are the worst affected states.

Notes

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The Directorate of National Vector Disease Control has provided detailed guidelines for the prevention and
control of dengue to the affected states. Intensive health education activities through print, electronic and
inter-personal media, outdoor publicity as well as an inter-sectoral collaboration with civil society organizations
(NGOs, CBOs, SHGs), PRIs, Municipal bodies have been emphasized. Regular supervision and monitoring
is conducted by the programme.

The government of India in consultation with the states has identified 137 sentinel surveillance hospitals
with laboratory support for augmentation of diagnostic facilities in the dynamic states.

To make these functional, test kits are provided through National Institute of Virology, Pune and cost is
borne by GOI. Contingency grant is also provided to meet the operational costs.

Since there is no specific treatment for Dengue, the stress is on methods and ways of prevention of disease
with measures like control and prevention of mosquito breeding conditions in residential/ workplace areas
and minimizing the man-

OR
E

mosquito contact. In this stance, community awareness and participation are conducive for effective
control of Dengue.
In addition, enactment and enforcement of appropriate Civic bye-laws and Building bye-laws should also
be stressed upon in all urban areas to prevent mosquito breeding conditions in line with the Delhi,
Mumbai, Goa, Chandigarh health administrations.

Japanese Encephalitis Control Programme

Govt. of India in collaboration with state initiated various public health measures to contain JE of which
introduction of JE Vaccination Programme is most pertinent.

JE vaccination Programme was launched during 2006 for children between 1 and 15 years of age in 11
districts of the 5 states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka and West Bengal with using single dose
live attenuated SA-14-14-2 vaccine.

SC

GS

Kala -Azar Control Programme

Kala-azar is caused by protozoan parasite leishmania donovani and spread by sand fly, which breeds in
shady, damp and warm places in cracks and crevices in the soft soil, in masonry, and rubble heaps, etc.
Proper sanitation and hygiene are therefore critical to sand fly breeding.

The National Health Policy (2002) of Govt. of India had set the goal of elimination of Kala-Azar from
the country by 2010. In pursuance to achieve the elimination goal, case detection and treatment compliance
has been strengthened and Rapid Diagnostic Test in 39 and oral drug miltefosine have been introduced.

The Kala-Azar Control programme was launched in 1990-91.

Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a debilitating non-fatal viral illness caused by Chikungunya virus which has re-emerged in
the country after a gap of three decades. In India a major epidemic of Chikungunya fever was reported
during the last millennium viz. 1963 (Kolkata), 1965 (Puducherry and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Rajahmundry,
Vishakhapatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, Sagar in Madhya Pradesh and Nagpur in Maharashtra)
and 1973 (Barsi in Maharashtra).

This disease is also transmitted by Aedes mosquito.

During 2006, total 1.39 million clinically suspected Chikungunya cases werereported in the country. Out
of 35 states/ union territories 16 were affected: Andhra Pradesh,Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu,

Notes

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Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Goa,
Odisha, West Bengal, Lakshadweep, and Uttar Pradesh.

Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy (EDPAL) Bill, 2015

In april 2015, The Law Commission of India has submitted its Report No. 256 on "Eliminating Discrimination
Against Persons Affected by Leprosy" to the Union Minister of Law and Justice. The report also provides a
model draft law to eliminate discrimination faced by Persons affected by Leprosy.
In 2014, India had the largest number of new Leprosy cases globally (58%). From 2005 till 2014, the National
Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) recorded a rate of 1.25 to 1.35 lakh new cases every year. A majority
of these are children, who are threatened with isolation and discrimination at a young age.

OR
E

Although Leprosy may cause irreversible disabilities, with medical advances, it is now a completely curable
disease. However, a major obstacle is the social stigma associated with Leprosy, and many persons affected
by Leprosy continue to be outcast from society. Another problem is that of Indian laws, which continue to
directly and indirectly discriminate against Persons affected by Leprosy.
In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a Resolution on the Elimination of
Discrimination against Persons affected by Leprosy, accompanied by Principles and Guidelines listing out
measures to improve the living conditions of such persons. Additionally, the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2007 ("UNCRPD") promotes, protects and ensures the full and equal
enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities.

SC

India has signed and ratified the UNCRPD, and is also a member of the UN General Assembly that unanimously
passed the Resolution on the Elimination of Leprosy. However, the Indian government has taken no action
to modify or repeal any leprosy laws, or to eliminate discrimination against persons affected by Leprosy. This
is now an urgent need, and is the focus of this report of the Law Commission.

GS

Accordingly, along with its report and recommendations on the issue, the Law Commission has prepared a
model draft legislation, titled "Eliminating Discrimination Against Persons Affected by Leprosy (EDPAL) Bill,
2015". This draft law contains principles of non-discrimination and equal protection before law that must be
guaranteed to all persons affected by Leprosy or members of their family. It also seeks to promote the social
inclusion of persons affected by Leprosy and their family members through affirmative action.
The key Aspects of the Draft law are as follows:
Repeal and amendment of certain laws: Besides the repeal of the Lepers Act, 1898, the Law Commission
recommends the repeal of discriminatory provisions in various personal laws. It also recommends including
persons affected by Leprosy among the list of persons eligible for legal aid under the Legal Services Act,
1987.

2.

Measures against discrimination: The Law Commission recommends that persons affected by leprosy
and their family members must not be discriminated against in any institution. It also guarantees to such
persons the right to access healthcare, adequate housing, education, employment and other such basic
amenities.

3.

Land Rights: Persons affected by leprosy are usually made to relocate to "Leprosy Colonies" in India, but
they do not have land rights, and are constantly under fear of eviction. The Law Commission recommends
that title and ownership of property in Leprosy Colonies should be legalized, and if land rights cannot
be given, alternative settlement options must be explored.

Notes

1.

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Right to Employment: Many employers misuse existing employment laws to terminate services of
persons who are diagnosed with Leprosy. The draft law prohibits the termination of employment of such
persons solely due to their association with Leprosy.

5.

Educational and training opportunities: The Law Commission recommends that the draft law should
ensure the admission of Persons affected by Leprosy and their family members in schools, colleges and
other institutes, as educational qualifications are necessary to allow them access to employment
opportunities.

6.

Appropriate use of Language: The use of the term 'leper' and similar terms carries negative connotation,
hampers efforts for the inclusion of Persons affected by Leprosy into society, and affects their sense of
dignity as human beings. The Law Commission recommends that the term 'leper' and other such terms
in all government and private documents should be replaced with 'persons affected by Leprosy' or a
similar term.

7.

Right to Freedom of Movement: The draft law ensures that persons affected by Leprosy are guaranteed
the right of travel in public transport and the right to obtain a driving license.

8.

Concessions during treatment: The draft law seeks to provide relevant concessions and monetary benefits
to persons affected by Leprosy who are undergoing treatment, for their travel, lodging during treatment
and medicines.

9.

Social Awareness: Creating awareness regarding the cure and transmission of Leprosy is the best way to
address the discrimination and stigma against persons affected by Leprosy and their family. The Law
Commission recommends that awareness about the disease, its treatment and curability should be conducted
through campaigns and programmes in schools, hospitals, government institutions and private
establishments.

SC

OR
E

4.

GS

10. Welfare Measures: The draft law imposes specific duties upon establishments to execute certain welfare
measures to foster an environment for financial and social growth of persons affected by Leprosy and
their families. It also creates Central and State Commissions to strictly enforce such measures, and
provides for accountability measures in case of non-enforcement.

National Leprosy Eradication Programme

The National Leprosy Control Programme was launched in 1955 based on dapsone - monotherapy. Multi
Drug Therapy came into wide use from 1982.

National Leprosy Eradication Programme was launched in 1983 with the objective to arrest the disease
in all the known cases of leprosy.

In 1991, the World Health Assembly resolved to eliminate leprosy by the year 2000.

Since 2005, the programme is being continued with government of India funds with technical support
from WHO and International Federations of Anti Leprosy Associations (ILEP).

Since integration of the programme with GHC system in 2002-03, leprosy diagnosis and treatment
services are available at all PHCs and govt. hospitals in the country.

Following are the Components of the Programme:

Decentralized integrated leprosy services through General Health Care System,

2.

Capacity building of all general health services functionaries,

Notes

1.

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3.

Intensified information, Education and Communication (IEC),

4.

Prevention of disability and medical rehabilitation and

5.

Monitoring and Supervision. Spectacular success has been achieved against the disease after introduction
of MDT.

By the end of March 2009, 0.86 lakh cases were on record and 1.34 lakh new cases were detected
during 2008-09. In 2009-10, by the end of September, 76,064 new leprosy cases were detected. Out
of these cases, 48 per cent were MB cases. 10.1 per cent child cases, 35.2 per cent were visible
deformity cases.

Other Schemes
1. National Health Mission (NHM)
Launched in 2013 by subsuming the NRHM and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) as submissions.

b.

Aim - to enable universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality health care services.

c.

NRHM (National Rural Health Mission)

OR
E

a.

i.

Launched in - 2005

ii.

Area Coverage - whole nation (i.e. rural areas in all states)

SC

iii. Some national programs under NRHM

1.

National vector borne diseases control program (NVBDCP),

2.

National leprosy eradication program (NLEP),

3.

Revised national tuberculosis control program (RNTCP),

d.

It's on the lines of DOTS (Directly observed treatment short-course); DOTS is a strategy
recommended by WHO.

GS

a.
4.

National program for control of blindness (NPCD),

5.

National iodine deficiency disorders control program (NIDDCP),

6.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

NUHM (National Urban Health Mission)

i.

Launched in - 2013

ii.

Area coverage - cover all cities/ towns with a population of more than 50,000 and all district
headquarters with a population above 30,000.
1.

Other towns would continue to be covered under the NRHM.

2. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)

The National Rural Health Mission was launched by the Prime Minister on 12th April 2005, to provide
accessible, affordable and accountable quality health services to the poorest households in the remotest
rural regions. The detailed framework for implementation that facilitated a large range of interventions
under NRHM was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2006.

Notes

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Under the NRHM, the difficult areas with unsatisfactory health indicators were classified as special focus
states to ensure greatest attention where needed.

The thrust of the mission is on establishing a fully functional, community owned, decentralized health
delivery system with inter- sectoral convergence at all levels, to ensure simultaneous action on a wide
range of determinants of health, like water, sanitation, education, nutrition, social and gender equality.

From narrowly defined schemes, the NRHM is shifting the focus to a functional health system at all
levels, from the village to the district.

The NRHM has increased public expenditure on health care from 0.9 per cent of the GDP to 2 to 3 per
cent of the GDP. The architectural correction under NRHM is organized around five pillars, each of
which is made up of a number of overlapping core strategies. These are:
Increasing Participation and Ownership by the Community: This is sought to be achieved through
an increased role for PRIs, the ASHA programme, the village health and sanitation committee,
increased public participation in hospital development committees, district health societies in the
district and village health planning efforts and by a special community monitoring initiative and also
through a greater space for NGO participation.

2.

Improved Management Capacity: the core of this is professionalize management by building up

management and public health skills in the existing workforce, supplemented by inculcation of
skilled management personnel into the system.

3.

Flexible Financing: The central strategy of this pillar is the provision of united funds to every village
health and sanitation committee, to the sub-center, to the PHC, to the CHC including district
hospital.

4.

Innovations in Human Resources Development for the Health Sector: the central challenge of the
NRHM is to find definitive answers to the persistent questions about ensuring adequate recruitment
for the public health system and adequate functionality of those recruited. Contractual appointment
route to immediately fill gaps as well as ensure local residency, incentive and innovation to find staff
to work in hitherto undeserved areas and the use of multi-skilled and multitasking options are
examples of other innovations that seek to find new solutions to old problems.

5.

Monitoring and Evaluation: It involves

GS

SC

OR
E

1.

Independent evaluation of ASHAs/JSY by UNEPA/UNICEF/GTZ in 8 states.

Immunization coverage evaluated by UNICEF.

Independent monitoring by identified institutions like Institute of Public Auditors of India.

Phase 1 of the community monitoring in 9 states namely Rajasthan, Odisha, Maharashtra,

Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Assam has been
completed.

Concurrent evaluation by several independent agencies is in progress.

District wise Annual Health Survey for high focus states are in pipeline.

3. Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)

Launched in 2006

b.

Aim

Notes

a.

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c.

i.

correcting the imbalances in availability of affordable / reliable tertiary level health care and

ii.

To augment facilities for quality medical education in the underserved areas.

How to achieve this aim

New AIIMS have been setup

ii.

Existing Government Medical Colleges/Institutions are upgraded to super specialty levels.

How many - there are 4 phases

i.

ii.

AIIMS
1.

Under phase 1, 6 AIIMS were setup which have become functional (

2.

Under phase 4, four AIIMS (each at Andhra Pradesh, Vidarbha region (Maharashtra), West
Bengal and Poorvanchal) are proposed to be established.

Up-gradation of Colleges

OR
E

d.

i.

1.

In 1st 3 phases 58 medical colleges will be upgraded

2.

Under phase 4, 12 more medical colleges are proposed to be upgraded (source - eco survey
2014-5).

SC

4. National Programme For Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease
and Stroke (NPCDCS )
a.

launched in the year 2010-11

b.

It was launched in 100 districts across 21 states. See whether it has been extended

c.

Main activities under it

Awareness: Promotion of healthy lifestyle through massive health education and mass media efforts
at country level.

ii.

Screening and detection: Screening over seven crore adult population (30 years & above) for diabetes
and hypertension, early diagnosis of NCDs and treatment at early stages.

GS

i.

iii. Special cells: Establishment of Non Communicable Disease (NCD) clinics at CHC and district level,
development of trained manpower and strengthening of tertiary level health facilities.
iv.
d.

Training of manpower

Major lifestyle diseases

i.

Cancer

ii.

Diabetes

iii. Heart diseases (i.e. cardiovascular diseases, strokes etc)

1.

Notes

iv.

10

A stroke is the rapid loss of brain function(s) due to disturbance in the blood supply to the
brain.

Mental stress, depression, hypertension, mental disorder

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v.

Alzheimer's Disease

vi. Obesity

5. Human Resources, Infrastructure Development/ Upgradation in Tertiary Health Care

a.

With a view to strengthening the medical education infrastructure in the country, the Government has
initiated two new Centrally Sponsored Schemes, i.e.,
i.

the 'Establishment of New Medical Colleges attached with District/ Referral hospitals' with a corpus
of Rs. 10,971.1 crore and

ii.

the "Upgradation of existing State Government/ Central Government medical colleges to increase
MBBS seats in the country" with a corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore

6. Mission Indradhanush (2015)

launched - Jan 2015

b.

Type - An immunization scheme

c.

Aim - To achieve full immunization coverage by 2020 for all those children who are either unvaccinated/
partially vaccinated against '7' vaccine preventable diseases
i.

e.

SC

Target Area- will be carried out in 201 high focus districts in the first phase and 297 districts will be
targeted for the second phase in 2015.
i.

f.

These 7 diseases are diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis
B.

Of the 201 districts, 82 districts are in just four states of UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
and nearly 25% of the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children of India are in these 82 districts
of 4 states.
Background of Launch -

GS

d.

OR
E

a.

i.

Between 2009-2013 immunization coverage has increased from 61% to 65%, indicating only 1%
increase in covesrage every year.

ii.

To accelerate the process of immunization by covering 5% and more children every year, the Mission
Mode has been adopted to achieve target of full coverage by 2020, he stated.

How to Achieve this Aim i.

Immunization drive will be through a catch-up campaign mode where the aim is to cover all the
children who have been left out or missed out for immunization.

ii.

Mass media, interpersonal communication, and sturdy mechanisms of monitoring and evaluating the
scheme are crucial components of Mission Indradhanush, said the Minister

National Programme For Control of Blindness

National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) was launched in the year 1976 as a 100 per cent
centrally sponsored scheme with the goal of reducing the prevalence of blindness to 0.3 per cent by 2020.

Main Objectives of the Programme

To reduce the backlog of blindness through identification and treatment of blind;

Notes

11

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To develop comprehensive eye care facility in every district;

To develop human resources for providing eye care services;

To improve quality of service delivery;

To secure participation of voluntary organizations /private practitioners in eye care; and

To enhance community awareness on eye care.

National Aids Control Programme

National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) is a 100 per cent centrally-sponsored scheme.

Launched in July 2007, NACP Phase-3 (2007-12) has the goal to halt and reverse the epidemic in the
country over the next five years by integrating programmes for prevention, care, support and treatment.

The programme has adopted a four-pronged strategy:

Prevention of new infections in high risk groups and general population.

2.

Providing greater care, support and treatment to larger number of PLHA.

3.

Strengthening the infrastructure, systems and human resources in prevention, care, support and treatment
programmes at the district, state and national level.

4.

Strengthening the nationwide Strategic Information Management System.

OR
E

1.

SC

National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme

The Government is implementing the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)
formerly known as National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) since 1962, a 100% centrally assisted
programme with a focus on the provision of Iodated salt, IDD survey/ resurvey, laboratory monitoring
of Iodated salt and Urinary Iodine excretion, health education and publicity.

Government of India has banned the sale of non-iodated salt in the entire country for direct human
consumption under Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 with effect from 17th May, 2006.

GS

Yaws Eradication Programme (Yep)

Yaws Eradication Programme (YEP) was launched as a central sector health scheme in 1996-97 in Koraput
district, Odisha, which was subsequently extended to cover all 49 Yaws endemic districts in ten states
during Ninth Plan period.

The programme basically aims to reach the unreached tribal areas of the country.

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases has been identified as the nodal agency for the planning,
monitoring and evaluating the programme.

India declared elimination of Yaws in 2008. An amount of Rs. 50 lakhs was allocated to financial year
2008-09.

National Cancer Control Programme

Cancer is an important public health problem with 7 to 9 lakh cases occurring every year. At any point
of time, it is estimated that there are nearly 25 lakh cases in the country. Four lakh deaths are estimated
to occur every year due to cancer.

Notes

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The National Cancer Control Programme was launched in 1975-76 with the objectives of primary
prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation.

A National Strategic Task Force has been constituted to formulate a strategy for the National Cancer
Control Programme for the Eleventh Five Year Plan.

In order to cater to the changing needs of the disease, the programme has undergone three revisions with
the third revision completed in December 2004. Under the revised programme, the primary focus is on
correcting the geographic imbalance in the availability of cancer care facilities across the country.

There are 5 schemes under the Revised Programme:

Recognition of new Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) by providing a one-time grant of Rs.5.00 crore.

2.

Strengthening of existing RCCs by providing a one-time grant of Rs. 3.00 crore.

3.

Development of Oncology Wing by providing enhanced grant of Rs. 3.00 crore to the Government
institutions (Medical Colleges as well as government hospitals).

4.

District Cancer Control Programme by providing the grant-in-aid of Rs. 90.00 lakh spread over a period
of 5 years.

5.

Decentralised NGO Scheme by providing a grant of Rs. 8000 per camp to the NGOs for IEC activities.

As of now, there are 25 Regional Cancer Centres providing comprehensive cancer care services. There
are 210 institutions possessing radiotherapy installations.

A National Strategic Task Force has been constituted to formulate a strategy for the National Cancer
Control Programme for the Eleventh Five Year Plan.

Training: In order to increase the capacity of the health staff at all levels of health care, training manuals
have been developed in cancer control, tobacco cessation, cytology and palliative care.

Onconet-India: C-DAC Trivandrum has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the DPR for
Operationalisation of Onconet India. Under the project all 25 RCCs will be linked with each other and
also each RCC would in turn be linked to 5 peripheral centres.

Membership of IARC: India has become a member of the International Agency for Research in Cancer
that shall provide a fillip to cancer research in the country.

National Cancer Awareness Day : November 7th, the birth anniversary of Madame Curie is observed
as the National Cancer Awareness Day. Number of banners are displayed for creating awareness among
the general masses about cancer on the day.

Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund Under "RAN": The "Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund"
(HMCPF) within the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) Scheme has also been set up in 2009. In order to
utilize the HMCPF, it is proposed to establish the revolving fund like RAN in the Various Regional Cancer
Centre(s) (RCCs) which are getting fund for equipments from Cancer Programme of Govt. of India.

GS

SC

OR
E

1.

National Family Health Survey (NFSH)

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted in a representative
sample of households throughout India. The NFHS is a collaborative project of the International Institute
for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, India; ORC Macro, Calverton, Maryland, USA and the EastWest Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Notes

13

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, designated IIPS as the
nodal agency, responsible for providing coordination and technical guidance for the NFHS.

NFHS was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with supplementary
support from United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). IIPS collaborated with a number of Field
Organizations (FO) for survey implementation. Each FO was responsible for conducting survey activities
in one or more states covered by the NFHS. Technical assistance for the NFHS was provided by ORC
Macro and the East-West Center.

The first National Family Health Survey (NFHS-1) was conducted in 1992-93. The survey collected
extensive information on population, health, and nutrition, with an emphasis on women and young
children. Eighteen Population Research Centres (PRCs), located in universities and institutes of national
repute, assisted IIPS in all stages of conducting NFHS-1. All the state-level and national-level reports for
the survey have already been published (48 reports in all).

The second National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2) was conducted in 1998-99 in all 26 states of India
with added features on the quality of health and family planning services, domestic violence, reproductive
health, anemia, the nutrition of women, and the status of women. The results of the survey are currently
being published.

The third National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) was carried out in 2005-2006. Eighteen Research
Organizations including five Population Research Centres carried out the survey in 29 states of India. The
funding for NFHS-3 is provided by USAID, DFID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF,
UNFPA, and MoHFW, GoI. ORC Macro, USA, is providing technical assistance for NFHS-3, and the
National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and the National AIDS Research Institute (NARI) are
providing technical assistance for the HIV component.

Recently, the Union government has decided to discontinue the country's most reliable and widely tracked
health survey, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), the fourth round of which was to be conducted
in 2012-13, in a move that has been criticized by development experts. The ministry of health and family
welfare is instead planning to roll out an integrated national health survey-(NHS) that will replace three
existing ones-NFHS, the district-level health survey (DLHS) and the Annual Health Survey (AHS) conducted
across nine priority states by the office of the census commissioner.

GS

SC

OR
E

Central Government Health Scheme

The "Central Government Health Scheme" (CGHS) provides comprehensive health care facilities for the
Central Govt. employees and pensioners and their dependents residing in CGHS covered cities.

Started in New Delhi in 1954, Central Govt. Health Scheme is now in operation in Allahabad ,Ahmedabad,
Bangalore, Bhubhaneshwar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur,
Jabalpur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Meerut, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Ranchi , Shillong, Trivandrum
and Jammu.

The Central Govt. Health Scheme is applicable to the following categories of people residing in CGHS
covered cities:

Notes

14

1.

All Central Govt. Servants paid from Civil Estimates (other than those employed in Railway Services
and those employed under Delhi Administration except members of Delhi Police Force).

2.

Pensioners drawing pension from Civil Estimates and their family members - (Pensioner residing in
non- CGHS areas also may obtain CGHS Card from nearest CGHS covered City)

3.

Hon'ble Members of Parliament

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4.

Hon'ble Judges of Supreme Court of India

5.

Ex-Members of Parliament

6.

Employees & Pensioners of Autonomous Bodies covered under CGHS (Delhi)

7.

Ex-Governors and Ex-Vice Presidents

8.

Former Prime Ministers

9.

Former Judges of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and Hon'ble High Courts

10. Freedom Fighters

Allopathic

Homeopathic

Indian System of Medicines i.e.

1.

Ayurveda

2.

Unani

3.

Yoga

4.

Sidha System

The main components of the Scheme are:

SC

OR
E

It provides service through following categories of systems:-

The dispensary services including domiciliary care.

F. W. & M.C.H. Services

Specialists consultation facilities both at dispensary, polyclinic and hospital level including X-Ray, ECG
and Laboratory Examinations.

Hospitalization.

Organization for the purchase, storage, distribution and supply of medicines and other requirements.

Health Education to beneficiaries.

GS

Gandhigram Institute Of Rural Health And Family Welfare Trust (GIRHFWT)

The trust was established in 1964 with financial support from the Ford Foundation, Government of India
and Government of Tamil Nadu.

The broad objectives are..:

Conducting research studies in the field of Reproductive and Child Health, Rural Health, and Family
Health Activities

2.

Organizing training programs in Reproductive and Child Health, Health and Family Welfare Programs
for Personnel from the State and those from other States.

3.

Developing newer methodologies for implementing Reproductive and Child Health, and other Health
programs.

Notes

1.

15

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The Health and Family Welfare Training Centre at GIRHFWT is one of 47 such training centres in the
country. At Gandhi-gram Institute of Rural Health and Family Welfare Trust (GIRHFWT), HFWTC
functions as a Central Training Institute (CTI). It trains Health and Health-related functionaries working
in Primary Health Centres, Corporations/ Municipalities, and Tamilnadu Integrated Nutrition Projects.

Pulse Polio Immunization Programme

In the pursuance of the World Health Assembly resolution of 1988, in addition to administration of
routine Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) through the Universal Immunization Programme, the Pulse Polio
Immunization (PPI) Programme was launched in 1995-96 to cover all children below the age of 3 years.

In order to accelerate the pace of polio eradication, the target age group was increased from 1996-97 to
all children under the age of 5 years.

Till 1998-99, the PPI programme consisted of vaccination of children at fixed booths on the National
Immunization Days (NIDs) held twice, separated by six weeks, during the winter season. In spite of very
good coverage during NIDs, 5-6 percent of children were being missed even in the PPI programme.

During 1999-2000 therefore, in addition to booth immunization, a house-to-house search of missed children
and vaccinating them on the next 1-3 days following each NID/Sub NID was undertaken. The house-tohouse programme resulted in identification and vaccination of 2.3 crore children who had never been
vaccinated earlier.

Total number of children vaccinated during each NID round in the country is about 17 crore.

OR
E

SC

Prohibition of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Sex Determination

In order to check female foeticide, the Pre- Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of
Misuse) Act, 1994 was enacted and brought into operation from 1st January, 1996.

The Act prohibits determination and disclosure of the sex of the foetus.

It also prohibits any advertisements relating to pre-natal determination of sex.

Punishments are prescribed for contravention of any of its provisions, like imprisonment up to 5 years
and fine up to Rs. 1,00,000/- in addition to cancellation of the registration/ license in the case of medical
professionals/ diagnostic centres, clinics, etc..

The Act and the Rules framed under it have been amended with effect from 14th February, 2003 to ban
selection of sex before or after conception and to remove difficulties in the implementation of the Act
keeping in view certain directions of the Supreme Court of India.

GS

Janani Suraksha Yojana

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) comes under the bigger umbrella of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
and was launched in April, 2005 by way of modifying the existing National Maternity Benefit Scheme
(NMBS).

While NMBS is linked to provision of better diet for pregnant women from BPL families, JSY integrates
the cash assistance with antenatal care during the pregnancy period, institutional care during delivery and
immediate post-partum period in a health centre by establishing a system of coordinated care by village
level health worker.

The JSY is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme.

Notes

16

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The Yojana has identified ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) as an effective link between the
Government and the poor pregnant women in low performing states, namely the 8 EAG states and Assam
and J&K, the remaining NE States and tribal districts of all other States.

The main role of ASHA is to facilitate pregnant women to avail services of maternal care and arrange
referral transport.

The scheme focuses on the poor pregnant woman with special dispensation for states having low institutional
delivery rate namely the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Assam, Orissa, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.

The benefits would also be available to such pregnant women falling in the above category even though
not registered under JSY previously during pregnancy period but requiring institutional care for delivery
including management of complications like obstructed labour, PPH, eclampsia, PP sepsis etc.

Each village of 1000 population is expected to have one ASHA or an equivalent worker registered with
the sub-centre and the PHC of that concerned village, who would be working under the supervision of
the ANM and in tandem with the AWW. Under JSY, her main role would be:

OR
E

1. To organize delivery care services for the registered expectant mother,

2. To assist in immunization of the new born,

3. To act as a propagator/motivator of family planning services,

Notes

GS

SC

4. Cash Assistance for Institutional Delivery Payment to the expectant mother,

17

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INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Reports and Committees

1. India Human Development Report, 2011
The recently released Human Development Report, 2011 with the theme Towards Social Inclusion has
praised the efforts of poorer States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in making the development process more
socially inclusive through improving the lot of their marginalized Dalits and Tribals. However it has
lamented the richer and developed States like Gujarat wherein the process has not been socially inclusive.

OR
E

The highlights of the Report are as follows:

The overall Human Development Index (HDI) for the country has improved through the last decade, with
the inequality gap between States narrowing down. In the last decade the HDI increased by 21 per cent
from 0.387 in 1999-2000 to 0.467 in 2007- 08.

The HDI list has been topped by Kerala with highest education, health and consumption expenditure
index. It is followed by Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Goa.

Chhattisgarh, Orissa, MP, UP, Jharkhand & Assam have an HDI below the national average of 0.467. MP
has the lowest HDI value and thus is at the bottom.

In some poorer States like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, MP, Chhattisgarh, Orissa & Assam the quantum of
improvement in HDI has been higher than the national average of 21 per cent.

The overall increase in HDI is attributed to 28.5 per cent increase in education index across the country.
It ranges from 0.92 for Kerala to 0.41 in case of Bihar. The improvement in the education index was the
greatest in States like UP, Rajasthan & MP. However, according to the Report, India is also home to
more than one-third of the global world illiterates wherein the percentage of illiterates from SC, ST and
Muslim minority community are very high. Among SC/ST, more than 50 per cent of women are illiterates.

The improvement in health index has been slow. It has improved by 13.2 per cent in the last decade. The
highest growth in the health improvement has been noted in Goa (72%) followed by Chhattisgarh (22%).
In Delhi the growth rate is a meager 4 per cent. Further there exists wide inter-State variation in the health
index. It ranges from 0.82 in Kerala to 0.41 in Assam.

The prevailing condition of sanitation is threatening according to the report. Though half of the population
had access to sanitation in 2008 still there exists wide inter-State variation. In the States of MP, Chhattisgarh,
Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, still 75 per cent of the population does not have
access to sanitation.

The most serious challenge arises on the nutrition front. Though Madhya Pradesh still is numero uno in
malnutrition and undernutrition, more concern arises from the increase in malnutrition in the richer and
developed States like Gujarat. The State with 69.7% kids up to 5 being anaemic and 44.6% suffering from
malnutrition, proves that high growth was no guarantor of improvement in health.

It is the robust infrastructure in Kerala, Delhi and Goa that has contributed to the overall improvement
in HDI, whereas it is the poor condition of infrastructure in poorer States that has kept these States poor.

Notes

GS

SC

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There has been impressive growth in teledensity overtime from 22 per cent in 2008 to 66 per cent in
2010 on account of increase in urban tele-density. Besides, the report also highlights that 75 per cent of
population have access to electricity.

The report prepared by the Delhi-based Institute of Applied Manpower Research for the Planning
Commission focuses on income, education, health, literacy, nutrition and sanitation in the country.

2. Tendulkar Committee Report on Poverty Estimation

The Planning Commission constituted an Expert Group in December 2005 under the chairmanship of
Professor Suresh D. Tendulkar to review the methodology for estimation of poverty. The Expert Group
submitted its report in December 2009.

While acknowledging the multidimensional nature of poverty, the Expert Group recommended moving
away from anchoring poverty lines to the calorie-intake norm to adopting MRP based estimates of
consumption expenditure as the basis for future poverty lines and MRP equivalent of the urban poverty
line basket (PLB) corresponding to 25.7 per cent urban headcount ratio as the new reference PLB for rural
areas.

On the basis of the above methodology, the all-India rural poverty headcount ratio for 2004-05 was
estimated at 41.8 per cent, urban at 25.7 per cent, and all-India at 37.2 per cent. It may, however, be
mentioned that the Tendulkar Committees estimates are not strictly comparable to the official poverty
estimates because of different methodologies.

As has been indicated in the Mid Term Appraisal of the Eleventh Five Year Plan, the revised poverty lines
for 2004-05 as recommended by the Tendulkar Committee have been accepted by the Planning Commission.

The Tendulkar Committee has specifically pointed out that the upward revision in the percentage of rural
poverty in 2004-05, resulting from the application of a new rural poverty line should not be interpreted
as implying that the extent of poverty has increased over time. These estimates, as reported by the
Committee, clearly show that whether we use the old method or the new, the percentage of BPL population
has declined by about the same magnitude.

GS

SC

OR
E

3. Saxena Committee Report on Conducting bPL Census in Rural Areas

An Expert Group headed by Dr N.C. Saxena was constituted by the Ministry of Rural Development to
recommend a suitable methodology for identification of BPL families in rural areas.

The committee observed that the national poverty line at Rs. 356 per capita per month in rural areas and
Rs. 539 per capita per month in urban areas at 2004-05 prices permitted both rural and urban people to
consume about 1820 k calories as against the desired norm of 2400/2100 k calories. Hence a large
number of the rural poor got left out of the BPL status benefits as in order to consume the desired norm
of 2400/ 2100 k calorie.

Thus, the committee recommended that the cut-off line for determining BPL status should be around Rs.
700 in rural areas and Rs. 1000 in urban areas.

The committee recommended that the percentage of people entitled to BPL status should be revised
upwards to at least 50 percent though the calorie norm of 2400 would require it to be 80 percent.

The committee also recommended doing away with score-based ranking of rural households followed for
the BPL census 2002 and has recommended automatic exclusion of some privileged sections and automatic
inclusion of certain deprived and vulnerable sections of society, and a survey for the remaining population
to rank them on a scale of 10.

Notes

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Automatic Exclusion: Households that fulfill any of the following conditions will not be surveyed for
BPL census:
1.

Families who own double the land of the district average of agricultural land per agricultural household
if partially or wholly irrigated (three times if completely un-irrigated).

2.

Families that have three or four-wheeled motorized vehicles, such as, jeeps or SUVs.

3.

Families that have at least one mechanized farm equipment, such as, tractors, power tillers, threshers
or harvesters.

4.

Families that have any person who is drawing a salary of over Rs. 10,000 per month in a nongovernment/ private organization or is employed in government on a regular basis with pensionary
or equivalent benefits.

Automatic Inclusion: The following would be compulsorily included in the BPL list:
Designated primitive tribal groups.

2.

Designated most discriminated against SC groups, called Maha Dalit groups.

3.

Single women-headed households.

4.

Households with a disabled person as breadwinner.

5.

Households headed by a minor.

6.

Destitute households which are dependent predominantly on alms for survival.

7.

Homeless households.

8.

Households that have a bonded labourer as member.

SC

1.

GS

OR
E

5. Income tax payers.

4. S.r. Hashim Committee for Identification of bPL Families in Urban Areas

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) is the nodal Ministry for issue of
guidelines to identify BPL families in urban areas. Till now, no uniform methodology was being followed
by the States/UTs to identify the urban poor.

An Expert Group under the Chairmanship of Professor S.R. Hashim has been constituted by the Planning
Commission in May 2010 to recommend the methodology for identification of BPL families in urban
areas in the context of the 12th Five Year Plan.

The expert group submitted an interim report this month recommending that poverty in urban areas be
identified through specific vulnerabilities in residential, occupational and social categories. It said that:
Those people who are homeless, live in temporary houses where usage of dwelling space is susceptible
to insecurity of tenure and is affected by lack of access to basic services should be considered
residentially vulnerable.

2.

People unemployed for a significant proportion of time or with irregular employment or whose work
is subject to unsanitary or hazardous conditions or has no stability of payment for services should
be regarded occupationally vulnerable.

3.

Households headed by women or minors or where the elderly are dependent on the head of household

Notes

1.

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or where the level of literacy is low or members are disabled or chronically ill should be considered
socially vulnerable.

The expert group is yet to finalise the detailed methodology for an ordinal ranking of the poor on the basis
of vulnerability.

5. Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index

The HDR 2010 and 2011 measured poverty in terms of a new parameter, namely multidimensional
poverty index (MPI), which replaced the human poverty index (HPI) used since 1997.

The MPI indicates the share of the population that is multi-dimensionally poor adjusted by the intensity
of deprivation in terms of living standards, health, and education.

According to this parameter, India with a poverty index of 0.292 and poverty ratios of 41.6 per cent (in
terms of PPP $ 1.25 a day) and 28.6 per cent (national poverty line) is not favourably placed when
compared with countries like China and Sri Lanka. In fact, the difference in population below the poverty
line (BPL) widens substantially in case of India when this indicator is used instead of the national poverty
line indicator, while for other countries, there is less of a difference and in some cases even a fall.

According to HDR-2011 with an MPI of 0.283, 53.7% Indians have been placed in the bracket of multidimensionally poor (612 million), the largest concentration of such poor people in the world. Moreover,
intensity of deprivation in India was 50 per cent in terms of overall life satisfaction between 2006 and
2010.

OR
E

1) MGNREGA

b)

Key Facts
i.

It is thelargestwork guarantee programme in the world

ii.

Launched in 2005

Basic Provisions

GS

a)

SC

Programs

i.

Guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households.

ii.

Time bound guarantee of work and unemployment allowance: Employment must be provided with
15 days of being demanded failing which an unemployment allowance must be given.

iii. Wage rate: Wages must be paid according to the wages specified for agricultural laborers in the
stateunder the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, unless the central government notifies a wage rate.
iv.

Decentralized planning: Gram Sabhas must recommend the works that are to be undertaken and at
least 50% of the works must be executed by them. PRIs are primarily responsible for planning,
implementation and monitoring of the works that are undertaken.

v.

Type of Work: The Act provides a list of works that can be undertaken to generate employment
related to water conservation, drought proofing, land development, and flood control and protection
works.

Notes

vi. Transparency and Accountability: There are provisions for proactive disclosure through wall writings,
citizen information boards and Social audits (to be conducted by gram sabhas to enable the community
to monitor the implementation of the scheme).

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c)

Achievements:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 has played a crucial role in sustaining
the rural economy as brought out by third party evaluation done by reputed universities.
This is the largest public employment programme in the World providing work to 5 Crore rural households
or 10 Crore workers. One in every 3 rural households is a worker under the programme. It addressed 41%
of the problem of underemployment in the rural areas.

b)

Studies have shown that the income from these works has come when there is no other means of
livelihood; and is therefore has smoothened the rural consumption in the lean periods and drought periods.

c)

Where implemented properly, it arrested distress migration1 and provided a safety net for the poor in the
lean agricultural season.

d)

Provided sustainable work to the rural women as evidenced by main workers (female) increasing from
54.1% in 2001 to 55.6% in 2011. This has had positive impacts on the nutritional standards of the entire
household especially during lean seasons.

e)

The programme has had large positive effects on consumption and poverty of SC/ST households in the
lean agricultural seasons.

f)

It also had provided risk-resilience to the small/marginal farmers in the face of drought. By allowing shift
towards high-risk high-profitability crops, the programme has considerably raised the incomes of smallholder
farmers in the medium term.

g)

The programme has had a positive impact on financial inclusion by bringing 9.37 Cr rural households into
the financial inclusion network. The urban-rural divide in accessing institutional finance is getting reduced.

h)

Several useful assets have been created by works taken up under the Act. This includes millions of acres
of uncultivable lands brought under cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, afforestation programme in Bihar, wells
taken up in Madhya Pradesh/ Jharkhand, environmental stabilization works in the hilly areas like Sikkim,
drought resistance programmes in Rajasthan.

GS

SC

OR
E

a)

According to Standing Committee report 2013

i.

Ensuring livelihood for people in rural areas. Increasing the wage rate in rural areas,

ii.

Creation of rural infra and thus facilitating sustainable development,

iii. Strengthening PRIs by involving them in the planning and monitoring of the scheme,
iv.

Large scale participation of women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs/STs) and other traditionally
marginalized sections of society. SCs/STs account for 51% of the total person-days generated and women
account for 47% of the total person-days generated.

v.

Prevents distress migration; thus less strain on urban infra; less slums

Recent Developments
Improved quality of planning: An elaborate Participatory Planning Exercise (IPPE) was conducted in 2500
backward blocks in July-Dec 2014. Under this, about 2.5 lakh specially trained stakeholder youth conducted
resource mapping, social mapping, wealth ranking and transect walks and arrived at the assets that they
require in the village. These are being converted into the shelf of works for execution during 2015-16. This
would bring greater participation and scientific methods in planning of works, apart from focusing on
convergence with other programmes.

Notes

1.

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2. Steps taken to improve quality of assets

A clear Outcome orientation has been brought about execution of works. Orders have been issued on
5th August 2014 making measurement of outcomes after execution of the work mandatory. Accordingly,
outcomes of 17.36 lakh works completed have been measured. Where the outcomes achieved are
significantly lower, rectification measures are being put in place.

b)

Keeping in view the need to reorient the technical manpower a comprehensive training programme has
been launched which will be completed during 2015-16. An online learning programme is also being
launched so that technical personnel can learn at their convenience.

c)

Schedule I to the MGNREG Act, 2005 has been modified on 21st July 2014 providing that at least 60%
of the works being taken in a district in terms of cost shall be for creation of productive assets directly
linked to agriculture and allied activities through development of land, water and trees. This would help
bringing Rs. 14,580 Cr investment into agriculture and allied activities; and with a potential for another
Rs. 6,000 Cr investment before 31st March 2015. This has the potential to create irrigation sources,
improve soil fertility, increase tree cover and enhance agricultural productivity.

d)

In order to allow creation of durable assets, the 60:40 ratio of labour to material component will be
maintained at the district level (instead of Block level) for the works to be executed by implementing
agencies other than Gram Panchayats. This would help in taking up permanent roads, agricultural storage
spaces and useful buildings in the rural areas.

e)

To facilitate States to engage technical assistants for better technical planning and supervision of works
under MGNREGS, guidelines were issued on 21.8.2014 to allow their establishment cost as a part of
material cost of works instead of administrative cost.

f)

Guidelines have been issued for watershed management works taken up independently under MGNREGS
or in convergence with IWMP. This will allow synergy between IWMP and MGNREGS so as to treat
the rain-fed agricultural areas, bringing in climate resilience. g) A massive Plan of action for road-side tree
plantation has been launched to cover all PMGSY roads and other highways. Under this, useful trees are
planted and maintained by the poorest of poor MGNREGS beneficiaries who would also be assigned
usufruct of these trees. More than 1 Crore trees have been planted under this programme in various States
during the current year.

g)

Under Swachh Bharat Mission

GS

SC

OR
E

a)

Rural, guidelines have been issued increasing the cost per individual toilet to Rs. 12,000. An action plan is
being finalised for construction of 2 Crore toilets on a saturation mode to convert villages into Open Defecation
Free villages.

3. Steps taken to Curb corruption

Social audit ensures comprehensive public scrutiny of records and accounts with a view to enhance
transparency and accountability. Although it is a statutory requirement under the Act, the existing social
audits were not done in the manner prescribed under the Rules notified in June, 2011. In order to support
the States and to strengthen the social audit structures, the Ministry has sanctioned central assistance of
Rs.147 crore. After due persuasion with the States, (16) States which account for more than 85% of the
total expenditure:

i)

(10) States have operationalised the Social Audit Units as laid down in the Rules. They are: Andhra
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttar
Pradesh.

Notes

a)

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ii)

(4) States have constituted independent agencies but are yet to appoint full time personnel for conduct
of Social Audits: Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Manipur and Meghalaya.

iii) (2) States have appointed Director of Social Audit, but did not constitute independent Societies: Rajasthan
and Jammu & Kashmir.
iv) (11) States are yet to comply with the Rules: West Bengal, Bihar, Kerala, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh,
Assam, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Further, a cell has been established
at NIRD-PR to guide the States in correct conduct of the Social Audits.
b)

Ombudsmen have been established in all Districts empowered to entertain complaints and deliver Awards
after examining records.

4. Convergence

NREGS Vision Plan Under NDA for 2015-16

a. Protecting Entitlements of Workers

OR
E

All States have been encouraged to converge the other development schemes with MGNREGA. This will
allow increasing the technical input into the Scheme and would also allow better and more durable assets. This
convergence is proposed to be worked with departments of agriculture, horticulture, irrigation, sericulture,
Panchayat Raj, Environment and Forests etc.

b. Avoiding Delays in Payment

SC

The systems for collection of demand and opening of works would be strengthened. This involves a regular
conduct of the Rozgar Diwas in all wards in every Gram Panchayat at least once a month. This would also
work as a grievance redressal forum for on-the-spot redressal of grievances of workers.

GS

To ensure that payment is made on time, an IT-based SMS alert system is being institutionalised. This will
allow constant monitoring of each muster till the payment is actually made. Besides, the fund flow system
is being made more efficient by linking with the Plan Fund Management System (PFMS). These measures
have already started showing results, and the percentage of timely payment jumped from 28% in 2014-15 to
70% in 2015-16. MGNREGS has been notified under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme of Government
of India for quicker and more transparent disbursement of wages. Under this, Aadhaar numbers of 3.9 Crore
workers (out of 8.8 Cr active workers) have so far been captured and the process is going on for converting
these accounts into Aadhaar based system. This would reduce the delays in disbursement of wages, apart from
eliminating the bogus cases from the list.

c.

Conduct of Social Audit as per the Rules

All the (16) States which are ready to conduct Social Audits as laid down in the Rules would take up Social
Audits covering all their Gram Panchayats at least once each year. These Audits will be supported by the
NIRD-PR by provision of technical support. Efforts would be made for ensuring that other States come to
comply with the statutory provisions of Social Audit.

d. Mobile Based Monitoring on Pilot Basis Under MGNREGA

Notes

Mobile Monitoring system (MMS) is being rolled out in 35,000 GPs as a pilot to allow real time monitoring
of all works, worker attendance and works site measurement. After evaluating the success of this, it is
proposed to roll this out to all the GPs.

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e. To Expand to eFMS and Align with eFMS

More than 94% of the GPs have already been brought under the electronic fund Management System (eFMS)
that allows direct electronic credit of wages into the accounts of the workers. The balance Gram Panchayats,
which do not have connectivity, are being provided connectivity through the Block offices using the VSAT
system. This would allow instant transfer of wages into the worker accounts, apart from achieving transparency
in fund flow and optimisation of fund utilisation.

f.

Skilling MGNREGA Workers

With a view to strengthen the livelihoods of the poorest households dependent on MGNREGA works for
sustenance, it is proposed that workers from such households may be skilled in convergence with the NRLM
and DDU-SKY programmes of the Ministry, so that they can have employment opportunities through the year.
The project Livelihoods in Full Employment (LIFE) has identified 14 lakh households which have completed
100 days work in 2014-15 and having workers under 35 years of age. This skilling of these workers would be
done in the following manner:
Imparting skills required for migrating to urban areas using the apprenticeship or the DDU-SKY skill
training; and later placing them in jobs in urban areas.

b.

Grouping workers into labour cooperatives, training and equipping them so that they seek contract work
with construction/road laying firms

c.

Organising workers into groups, skilling and equipping them with essential machinery to take up agricultural
operations efficiently and at competitive market rates. This will not only help giving sustainable incomes
to the workers but would resolve the problem of labour shortage in agriculture.

SC

OR
E

a.

2) National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)

a)

Facts

i.

When launched:
2011

ii.

It was formed by restructuring SGSY (Swarnajayanti gram swarozgar yojana) which was launched in
1999.

GS

ii.

i.

Ajivika : It has been renamed as AJIVIKA

iii. Ministry incharge : Ministry of rural development

iv.

Target group :

BPL group (and in that preference is given to scs, sts, minorities,disabled)

b)

Detail

i.

Main aim/target: To take out 7 crore rural poor hoseholds (35 crore population) out of poverty by
providing them with employment.

ii.

The core values which guide all the activities under NRLM are as follows:

Inclusion of the Poorest

Notes

Transparency

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Accountability

Equity - to the disadvantaged, esp. women and vulnerable groups

Partnerships; and

Ownership and key role of the poor in all stages - planning, implementation and monitoring

iii. Key Features of NRLM

Universal Social Mobilization

Promotion of Institutions of the Poor

Demand Driven

Training and Capacity building

Revolving Fund and Capital Subsidy

Universal Financial Inclusion

Provision of Interest Subsidy

Infrastructure Creation and Marketing support

Skills and Placement Projects

Linkages with PRIs

SC

OR
E

Sensitive Support Structure of National Rural Livelihood Mission:

Type : It is for both types of employment

i.

ii.

Self employment :

GS

c.

1.

In this SHGs will be formed (aim is to include 1 women member from each identified rural
poor household to be brought under the SHG network).

2.

And these SHGs formed will be given training to ensure skill development to start aelf
employment to start their entrepreneurial ventures.

3.

And they will also be provided with monetary assistance i.e. these SHGs will be linked to
banks so as to avail credit and this will ensure financial inclusion.

Wage employment :

1.

Also the government will use 15% of the schemes allocation to train rural youth and get them jobs in
collaboration with private companies in sectors like textiles, computer and hardware services, hospitality
and infrastructure.

d.

MKSP : Mahila kisaan shasaktikaran pariyojana

It was launched in 2011.

b.

It was started as a sub component of the NRLM (national rural livelihood mission).

c.

It was launched to meet the specific needs of of women farmers, predominantly small and marginal
formers.

Notes

a.

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Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)

The Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) was launched on 25 September, 2001 by merging the
on-going schemes of EAS and the JGSY with the objective of providing additional wage employment and
food security, alongside creation of durable community assets in rural areas.

The programme is self-targeting in nature with provisions for special emphasis on women, scheduled
castes, scheduled tribes and parents of children withdrawn from hazardous occupations.

While preference is given to BPL families for providing wage employment under SGRY, poor families
above the poverty line can also be offered employment wherever NREGA has been launched.

The annual outlay for the programme is Rs. 10,000 crore which includes 50 lakh tonnes on food grains.

The cash component is shared between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25.

Food grains are provided free of cost to the States/UTs. The payment of food grains is made directly to
FCI at economic cost by the Centre. However, State Governments are responsible for the cost of
transportation of food grains from FCI godown to work-site/PDS shops and its distribution. Minimum
wages are paid to the workers through a mix of minimum five kg of food grains and at least 25 per cent
of wages in cash.

The programme is implemented by all the three tiers of Panchayat Raj Institutions. Each level of Panchayat
is an independent unit for formulation of Action Plan and executing the scheme. Resources are distributed
among District Panchayat, Intermediate Panchayats and the Gram Panchayats in the ratio of 20:30:50.

The Gram Panchayats can take up any work with the approval of the gram sabha as per their felt need
and within available funds. Fifty per cent of the funds earmarked for the gram panchayats are to be utilised
for infrastructure development works in SC/ ST localities. 22.5 per cent resources must be spent on
individual beneficiary schemes meant for SCs/STs out of the resource share of District Panchayat and
Intermediate Panchayats.

Contractors are not permitted to be engaged for execution of any of the works and no middlemen/
intermediate agencies can be engaged for executing works under the scheme.

GS

SC

OR
E

PMEGP PM Employment Guarantee Program

When launched :

2008

Under which Ministry :

Ministry of MSMEs.

KVIC (an organization under MSME ministry) will implement it.

Type :

Self employment only (not wage employment)

Which Areas

Notes

10

It is for both urban and rural areas.

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Details

It is a credit linked subsidy program (i.e. gives credit (loan) at subsidy)

Its aim is to generate employment opportunities through establishment of microenterprises in urban

and rural areas. (again saying that it says establishment of microenterprises).

Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission

1.

Finance minister of NDA government in budget 2014-15 announced that it will be launched for Urbanization
of rural areas. i.e. people living in the rural areas will get efficient civic infrastructure and associate
services.

2.

To be specific it will include

Delivering integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas +

b.

Development of economic activities and skill development.

OR
E

a.

3.

The preferred mode of delivery would be through PPPs

4.

Acc. to fin min Gujarat has demonstrated successfully the Rurban development model.

SAGY (Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana)

This scheme was launched in Oct 2014 by rural development ministry

2.

What to be done in it :

4.

5.

a.

Each MP will take the responsibility of developing physical and institutional infrastructure in three
villages by 2019.

b.

Thereafter, 5 such Adarsh Grams (one per year) will be selected and developed by 2024.

Ultimate aim :
a.

Holistic development of village across multiple areas such as agriculture, health, education, sanitation,
environment, livelihoods etc (i.e. developing infra, provding basic amenities)

b.

Nurturing values of national pride, patriotism, community spirit, self-confidence, self reliance,
gender equality, local self-government, transparency and accountability in public life, etc

Village development plan :

a.

The scheme will be implemented through a village development plan that would be prepared for
every identified gram panchayat

b.

The planning process in each village will be a participatory exercise coordinated by the District
Collector and the MP will play an active facilitating role in this exercise.

MPLADS :
a.

6.

GS

3.

SC

1.

The constituency fund, MPLADS, would be available to fill critical financing gaps.

How to do this :
By bringing convergence in the implementation of existing Government schemes and programs
without allocating additional funds or starting new infrastructure or construction schemes.

Notes

a.

11

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Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI)

Government and Non government agencies have taken certain initiatives and implementing many schemes
to promote micro enterprises. However, the efforts seem to be inadequate against the gigantic unemployment
problem. An innovative initiative was taken way back in the year 1982 jointly by Sri Dharmasthala
Manjunatheshwara Educational Trust, Syndicate Bank, Canara Bank to motivate unemployed youth to
take up self-employment as an alternative career.

The unique experiment of building confidence of the youth by developing skill and positive attitude
among them through dedicated training was found effective. The model has proved very successful in
building the morale of the youth and empowering them to set up self-employment ventures in their own
places. The project reported a success rate of 66 per cent.

RUDSETI model was appreciated by Government of India, State Governments, SIDBI, and NABARD.
Replication of this model was recommended to tackle the unemployment problem successfully and
developing entrepreneurship.

OR
E

Significant points about RSETIs:

Rural BPL youth will be identified and trained for self-employment.

The trainings offered will be demand driven.

Area in which training will be provided to the trainee will be decided after assessment the candidates
aptitude.

Hand holding support will be provided for assured credit linkage with banks.

Escort services will be provided for at least for two years soas to ensure sustainability of micro enterprise
trainees.

The trainees will be provided intensive short-term residential self-employment training programmes with
free food and accommodation.

It will be set up in each district of the country for basic and skill development training of rural BPL youth
to enable them to undertake micro-enterprises and wage employment.

The Government has approved 215 RSETIs out of which funds have been released to 149. During 200910, approximately 77,000 rural youth (including 54,000 BPL youth) were trained in 99 RSETIs functioning
in the country.

GS

SC

Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)

The JNNURM, a seven year programme launched in December 2005, provides financial assistance to
cities for infrastructure, housing development, and capacity development.

Mission Statement: The aim is to encourage reforms and fast track planned development of identified
cities. Focus is to be on efficiency in urban infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms, community
participation, and accountability of ULBs/ Parastatal agencies towards citizens.

Objectives of the Mission

Notes

12

1.

The objectives of the JNNURM are to ensure that the following are achieved in the urban sector;

2.

Focused attention to integrated development of infrastructure services in cities covered under the
Mission;

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Establishment of linkages between assetcreation and asset-management through a slew of reforms

for long-term project sustainability;

4.

Ensuring adequate funds to meet the deficiencies in urban infrastructural services;

5.

Planned development of identified cities including peri-urban areas, outgrowths and urban corridors
leading to dispersed urbanisation;

6.

Scale-up delivery of civic amenities and provision of utilities with emphasis on universal access to
the urban poor;

7.

Special focus on urban renewal programme for the old city areas to reduce congestion; and

8.

Provision of basic services to the urban poor including security of tenure at affordable prices,
improved housing, water supply and sanitation, and ensuring delivery of other existing universal
services of the government for education, health and social security.

OR
E

The Mission shall Comprise two Sub-Missions, namely:

1.

Sub-Mission for Urban Infrastructure and Governance: This will be administered by the Ministry
of Urban Development through the Sub- Mission Directorate for Urban Infrastructure and Governance.
The main thrust of the Sub-Mission will be on infrastructure projects relating to water supply and
sanitation, sewerage, solid waste management, road network, urban transport and redevelopment of
old city areas with a view to upgrading infrastructure therein, shifting industrial and commercial
establishments to conforming areas, etc.

2.

Sub-Mission for Basic Services to the Urban Poor: This will be administered by the Ministry of
Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation through the Sub-Mission Directorate for Basic Services
to the Urban Poor. The main thrust of the Sub- Mission will be on integrated development of slums
through projects for providing shelter, basic services and other related civic amenities with a view to
providing utilities to the urban poor.

SC

3.

GS

In addition to this, it also has two further components:

The Sub-Mission for Urban Infrastructure Development of Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT)
administered by the Ministry of Urban Development, with a focus on subsuming the schemes of Integrated
Development of Small and Medium Towns (IDSMT) and Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme
(AUWSP) which are already in existence and which aim at planned urban infrastructural improvement in
towns and cities under its purview.

2.

The Sub-Mission for Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) administered by
Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MHUPA) was envisaged and brought into effect in
1993-94 in accordance with providing the entire population with safe and adequate water supply facilities.
Program mainly implemented in owns having population less than 20,000 as per 1991 Census.

The objectives of the Mission shall be met through the adoption of the following strategy:

1.

Preparing City Development Plan: Every city will be expected to formulate a City Development Plan
(CDP) indicating policies, programmes and strategies, and financing plans.

2.

Preparing Projects: The CDP would facilitate identification of projects. The Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
/ parastatal agencies will be required to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for undertaking projects
in the identified spheres. It is essential that projects are planned in a manner that optimises the life-cycle
cost of projects. The life-cycle cost of a project would cover the capital outlays and the attendant O&M
costs to ensure that assets are in good working condition. A revolving fund would be created to meet the

Notes

1.

13

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O&M requirements of assets created, over the planning horizon. In order to seek JNNURM assistance,
projects would need to be developed in a manner that would ensure and demonstrate optimisation of the
life-cycle costs over the planning horizon of the project.
Release and Leveraging of Funds: It is expected that the JNNURM assistance would serve to catalyse
the flow of investment into the urban infrastructure sector across the country. Funds from the Central and
State Government will flow directly to the nodal agency designated by the State, as grants-in-aid. The
funds for identified projects across cities would be disbursed to the ULB/Parastatal agency through the
designated State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) as soft loan or grant-cum-loan or grant. The SLNA / ULBs
in turn would leverage additional resources from other sources.

4.

Incorporating Private Sector Efficiencies: In order to optimise the life-cycle costs over the planning
horizon, private sector efficiencies can be inducted in development, management, implementation and
financing of projects, through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

The duration of the Mission was initially set to be between seven years beginning from the year 200506. Evaluation of the experience of implementation of the Mission would be undertaken before the
commencement of Eleventh Five Year Plan and if necessary, the program calibrated suitably.

OR
E

3.

Expected Outcomes of the JNNURM

Modern and transparent budgeting, accounting, financial management systems, designed and adopted
for all urban service and governance functions

2.

City-wide framework for planning and governance will be established and become operational

3.

All urban residents will be able to obtain access to a basic level of urban services

4.

Financially self-sustaining agencies for urban governance and service delivery will be established,
through reforms to major revenue instruments

5.

Local services and governance will be conducted in a manner that is transparent and accountable to
citizens

6.

E-governance applications will be introduced in core functions of ULBs/ Parastatal resulting in

reduced cost and time of service delivery processes.

GS

SC

1.

Affordable Housing In Partnership (AHIP)

The Scheme of Affordable Housing in Partnership aims at operationalising the strategy envisaged in the
National Urban Housing & Habitat Policy (NUHHP) 2007, of promoting various types of public-private
partnerships - of the government sector with the private sector, the cooperative sector, the financial
services sector, the state parastatals, urban local bodies, etc. for realizing the goal of affordable housing
for all. It intends to provide major stimulus to economic activities through affordable housing for the
creation of employment, especially for the construction workers and other urban poor who are likely to
be amongst the most vulnerable groups in recession.

It also targets the creation of demand for a large variety of industrial goods through the multiplier effect
of housing on other economic activities.

This Scheme is a part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and takes
into account the experience of implementing Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated
Housing & Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) for three years, and the assessment that shortfall in
response from BSUP towns is a factor of the lack of urban land availability for expansion of cities, and

Notes

14

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after consultation with States/UTs who have agreed that the responsibility of making urban land available
at affordable rates must rest with them in order to reduce the acute shortages of housing in urban areas.

The basic aim of the Scheme is to provide stimulus to economic activities through affordable housing
programmes in partnership. Its immediate objective is employment generation to the urban poor, especially
construction workers, where adverse impact of current economic downturn is being experienced.

The scheme will apply mainly to the 65 BSUP cities, where shortages of land for housing are driving
unplanned growth and rising home prices and rentals to unsustainable levels.

Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY)

With an aim of creating a slum-free India, government has launched phase-1 of Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY)
to facilitate affordable housing for slum dwellers.

The Centre would provide financial assistance to States willing to assign property rights to slum dwellers
for provision of shelter and basic civic and social services for slum re-development and for creation of
affordable housing stock under the RAY scheme.

The scheme will cover about 250 cities, mostly with population of more than one lakh across the country
by the end of 12th Plan (2017). The scheme will progress at the pace set by the States.

The Centre will bear 50 per cent of the cost of slum re-development. To encourage creation of affordable
housing stock, the existing schemes of Affordable Housing in Partnership and Interest Subsidy Scheme
for Housing the Urban Poor have been dovetailed into RAY.

In order to encourage private sector participation in slum re-development, Central assistance can be used
by the States and cities towards viability gap funding.

Credit enablement of the urban poor and the flow of institutional finance for affordable housing is an
important component of the scheme. The government has agreed to establish a mortgage risk guarantee
fund to facilitate lending the urban poor for housing purposes with an initial corpus of Rs. 1000 crore.

The scheme has been designed on the basis of experience of the Jawaharlal National Urban Renewal
Mission (JNNURM) submission of Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) and the Integrated Housing
and Urban Development Programme (HSDP).

Under these schemes, government had sought to take action for inclusive urban growth by enabling redevelopment of slums with basic amenities and decent housing with security of tenure.

GS

SC

OR
E

Bharat Nirman
Bharat Nirman, a programme to build rural infrastructure, was launched by the Government of India in
2005 to be implemented in a period of four years from 2005-06 to 2008-09. It is an important initiative
for reducing the gap between rural and urban areas and improving the quality of life of people in rural
areas.

Phase I of the programme was implemented in the period 2005-06 to 2008-09. Phase II is being implemented
from 2009-10 to 2011-12.

This programme has six components, namely rural housing, irrigation potential, drinking water, rural roads,
electrification, and rural telephony. The targets for these components are as follows:

1.

Water Supply: Cover approximately 55 thousand uncovered habitations and provide safe drinking water
to approximately 2.16 lakh villages affected by poor water quality.

Notes

15

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2.

Housing: Provide additional 1.2 crore houses at the rate of 24 lakh houses each year to be built by funds
allocated to the homeless through Panchayats.

3.

Telecommunication and Information Technology: Increase rural tele-density to 40% and provide broadband
connectivity and Bharat Nirman Seva Kendras to all 2.5 lakh Panchayats. Under the Bharat Nirman
Programme, Rural teledensity of at least 40% by 2014, and Broadband coverage of all 2,50,000 village
panchayats & Setting up of Bharat Nirman Common Service Centers at Panchayat level by 2012 is to
be achieved.

4.

Roads: Provide road connections to remaining 23,000 villages approximately with population of 1000 or
500 in case of hilly or tribal areas.

5.

Electrification:
1.75 crore poor
and to provide
Nirman targets

6.

Irrigation: 6.5 million hectares brought under assured irrigation till 2009. Remaining 3.5 million hectares
to be completed by 2012.

Notes

GS

SC

OR
E

Provide electricity to remaining 40,000 villages approximately and connections to about

households. The revised Bharat Nirman target for RGGVY is to electrify 1 lakh villages
free electricity connections to 175 lakh BPL households by March 2012. The Bharat
for RGGVY have been achieved by 31st December, 2011 well before March, 2012.

16

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Developmental Groups
a) SHGs
NABARDS SHG Bank Linkage program
a.

Launched in 1992;

b.

Under this programs SHGs which are registered with NABARD, opens the account in bank and
borrow from it once they have accumulated a base of their own capital + other conditions satisfied.

c.

This Program boasts of over 26 lakh SHGs and 3.9 crore households influencing the lives of over
16 crore poor population.

b) BRLF Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation

OR
E

1.

In Sept 2013, Union Cabinet approved the proposal for setting up of the Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation
(BRLF)

2.

It is as an independent charitable society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

3.

Aim

SC

1.

to facilitate and upscale civil society action in partnership with Government for transforming livelihoods
and lives of rural households, with an emphasis on women

b.

It will provide financial grants to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to meet their human resource
and institutional costs for upscaling of proven interventions;

c.

invest in institutional strengthening of smaller CSOs and

d.

Capacity building of professional resources working at the grassroots.

GS

a.

4.

Area Even though BRLF will have an India wide mandate, the initial focus of the organization will be on
the Central Indian Tribal Region, centered on blocks having significant tribal population

5.

The society will be constituted as a partnership between Government on the one hand and private sector
philanthropies, private and public sector undertakings (under Corporate Social Responsibility) on the other
hand.

6.

Rs 500 crore will be released for creating the corpus fund of the new Society, in two tranches.

1. Indira Awas Yojna

Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) was launched during 1985-86 as a sub-scheme of Rural Land and less Employment
Guarantee Programme (RLEGP) and continued as a sub-scheme of Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY) since
its launching from April, 1989. It has been delinked from the JRY and has been made an independent
scheme with effect from January 1, 1996.

Notes

17

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The objective of IAY is primarily to provide grant for construction of houses to members of Scheduled
Castes/Scheduled Tribes, freed bonded labourers and also to non- SC/ST rural poor below the poverty
line.

The target group for houses under IAY will be people below poverty line living in rural areas belonging
to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, freed bonded labourers and non-SC/ST subject to the condition
that the benefits to non-SC/ST should not exceed 40% of total IAY allocation during a financial year.

From 1995-96, the IAY benefits have been extended to ex-servicemen, widows or next of kin of defence
personnel and paramilitary forces killed in action irrespective of the income criteria subject to the condition
that (i) they reside in rural areas; (ii) they have not been covered under any other scheme of shelter
rehabilitation; and (iii) they are houseless or in need of shelter or shelter upgradation. Priority will be given
to other ex-servicemen and retired members of the paramilitary forces as long as they fulfill the normal
eligibility conditions of the Indira Awas Yojana and have not been covered under any other shelter
rehabilitation scheme.

The priority in the matter of allotment of houses to the ex-servicemen and paramilitary forces and their
dependents will be out of 40% of the houses set apart for allotment am ong the non-SC/ST categories
of beneficiaries.

3% of the funds have been earmarked for the benefit of disabled persons below poverty line. This
reservation of 3% under IAY for disabled persons below the poverty line would be horizontal reservation
i.e., disabled persons belonging to sections like SCs, STs and Others would fall in their respective categories.

District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA) / Zilla Parishads will decide the number of houses to be
constructed panchayat-wise under IAY during a particular financial year. The same shall be intimated to
the Gram Panchayat. Thereafter, the Gram Sabha will select the beneficiaries from the list of eligible
households as per the IAY guidelines and as per priorities fixed, restricting this number to the target
allotted. No approval of the Panchayat Samiti is required. The Panchayat Samiti should however, be sent
a list of selected beneficiaries for their information.

The order of priority for selection of beneficiaries amongst target group below poverty line is as follows:

SC

OR
E

2.

SC/ST households who are victims of atrocities

3.

SC/ST households, headed by widows and unmarried women.

4.

SC/ST households affected by flood, fire, earthquake, cyclone and similar natural calamities.

5.

Other SC/ST households.

6.

Non- SC/ST households.

7.

Physically handicapped.

8.

Families/widows of personnel of defence services / paramilitary forces, killed in action.

9.

Displaced persons on account of developmental projects, nomadic, semi-nomadic and de-notified

tribals, families with disabled members and internal refugees, subject to the households being below
poverty line.

GS

Freed bonded labourers

Allotment of houses should be in the name of female member of the beneficiary household. Alternatively,
it can be allotted in the name of both husband and wife.

Notes

1.

18

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2. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case
of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the
limits of its economic capacity and development. In accordance with the Directive Principles of State
Policy, Govt. of India launched NSAP as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme w.e.f 15th August 1995 towards
fulfillment of these principles.

The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) then comprised of National Old Age Pension Scheme
(NOAPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS).

These programmes were meant for providing social assistance benefit to the aged, the BPL households
in the case of death of the primary breadwinner and for maternity. These programmes were aimed to
ensure minimum national standards in addition to the benefits that the States were then providing or
would provide in future.

National Old Age Pension Scheme

The age of the applicant (male or female) shall be 65 years or higher.

2.

The amount of the old age pension will be Rs. 75/- per month for purpose of claiming Central
assistance.

3.

The applicant must be a destitute in the sense of having little or no regular means of subsistence
from his/her own sources of income or through financial support from family members or other
sources. In order to determine destitution, the criteria, if any currently in force in the state/ UT govt.
may also be followed. The Govt. of India reserves the right to review these criteria and suggest
appropriate revised criteria.

4.

The ceiling on the total number of old age pension for purpose of claiming Central assistance is
specified by Govt. of India.

5.

Village, Panchayat and relevant authorities shall report for every case of death of pensioners
immediately after its occurrence to the appropriate sanctioning authority.

GS

SC

1.

National Family Benefit Scheme

1.

The primary breadwinner will be the member of household male or female whose earning contribute
the largest proportion to the total household income.

2.

The death of such a primary breadwinner should have occurred whilst he or she is in the age group
of 18 to 64 years i.e., more than 18 years of age and less than 65 years of age.

3.

The bereaved household qualifies as one under the poverty line according to the criterion prescribed
by the Govt. of India.

4.

Rs. 5,000/- in the case of death due to natural causes and Rs. 10,000/- in the case of death due
to accident causes will be the ceilings for purposes of claiming Central assistance. In 1998, the
amount of benefit under NFBS was raised to Rs 10,000 in case of death due to natural causes as
well as accidental causes.

5.

The family benefit will be paid to such surviving member of the household of deceased who, after
due local enquiry is determined to be the head of the household. For the purpose of the scheme,
the term household would include spouse, minor children, unmarried daughters and dependent
parents.

Notes

OR
E

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National Maternity Benefit Scheme

1.
The maternity benefit will be restricted to pregnant women for up to the first two live births provided
they are of 19 years of age and above. As proof of the age of the applicant, Birth Certificate issued by
Municipality/Sub-Divisional Office or an affidavit shown before a First Class Magistrate by the applicant or
a certificate from the Head of the Institution where the applicant studied has to be given.
2.
The beneficiary should belong to a household below the poverty line according to the criteria prescribed
by the Government of India.
3.
-.

The ceiling on the amount of the benefit for purposes of claiming Central assistance will be Rs. 500/

4.
The benefit is disbursed several weeks prior to the delivery. In case of delay, the benefit may be given
even after the birth of the child.

OR
E

5.
The Scheme was transferred from the Ministry of Rural Development to Department of Family
Welfare w.e.f. 1st April, 2001. It became part and parcel of the Population Stabilization Programme.

Annapurna Scheme

On 1st April, 2000 a new Scheme known as Annapurna Scheme was launched. This Scheme aimed
at providing food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible, have
remained uncovered under the NOAPS.

2.

From 2002-03, it has been transferred to State Plan along with the National Social Assistance
Programme. The implementation of the Scheme at the State level rests with the respective States/
UTs.

3.

Under the Annapurna Scheme, 10 kg of food grains per month are provided free of cost to the
beneficiary.

4.

The number of persons to be benefited from the Scheme is, in the first instance, 20% of the persons
eligible to receive pension under NOAPS in States/UTs.

SC

1.

GS

Introduction of two new Pension Schemes in 2009

1. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): In February 2009, GOI has approved pension
to BPL widows in the age group of 40-64 years.
i)

The applicant should belong to a household below the Poverty Line as per criteria prescribed by the
Government of India.

ii)

The pension amount is Rs. 200 per month per beneficiary and the concerned state government is also
urged to provide the equal amount to the person.

iii) The pension is to be credited into a post office or public sector bank account of the beneficiary.
iv) The pension will be discontinued if there is the case of remarriage or once the widow moves above
the poverty line.

Notes

2.

20

Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): In February 2009, GOI has also approved
pension under Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) for BPL persons with severe
or multiple disabilities between the age group of 18-64 years @ Rs. 200 p.m. per beneficiary.

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3. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched on 25th December 2000 as a fully funded
Centrally Sponsored Scheme to provide all-weather road connectivity in rural areas of the country. The
programme envisages connecting all habitations with a population of 500 persons and above in the plain
areas and 250 persons and above in hill States, the tribal and the desert areas.

50% of the cess on High Speed Diesel (HSD) is earmarked for this Programme.

The primary objective of the PMGSY is to provide connectivity, by way of an all weather road (with
necessary culverts and cross-drainage structures, which is operable throughout the year), to the eligible
unconnected habitations in the rural areas, in such a way that all unconnected habitations with a population
of 1000 persons and above are covered in three years (2000-2003) and all unconnected habitations with
a population of 500 persons by the year 2007 (end of Tenth Plan Period).

The primary focus of the programme will be on construction of new roads. However, upgradation (to
prescribed standards) of existing roads will be permitted to be taken up under the programme so as to
achieve connectivity through good all-weather roads.

The Programme shall cover only Other District Roads (ODRs) and Village Roads (VRs).

OR
E

4. CAPART

The Council for Advancement of Peoples Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) is an autonomous
organisation under the Ministry of Rural Development. It was set up in September 1986 by the
amalgamation of the Peoples Action for Development India (PADI) and Council for Advancement of
Rural Technology (CART).

The objects for which the Society is set up are:

SC

to encourage, promote and assist voluntary action in the implementation of projects for the
enhancement of rural prosperity;

2.

to strength and promote voluntary efforts in rural development with focus on injecting new technological
inputs in this behalf;

3.

to act as the national nodal point for coordination of all efforts at generation and dissemination of
technologies relevant to rural development in its wider sense;

4.

to act as a catalyst for development of technology appropriate for the rural areas, by identifying and
funding research and development efforts and pilot projects by different agencies and institutions
particularly voluntary organizations;

5.

to act as a conduit for transfer of appropriate technology to Government Departments, public sector
undertaking, cooperative societies, voluntary agencies and members of public to encourage adoption
of modern techniques and appropriate technology in rural development;

6.

to assist and promote programmes aimed at conservation of the environment and natural resources;

GS

1.

5. Swajaldhara
A new initiative Swajaldhara was launched on December, 2002, to open up the reform initiatives in the
safe rural drinking water supply throughout the country. This programme aims at providing Communitybased Rural Drinking Water Supply.

Notes

21

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The key elements of this programme are:

Demand-driven and community participation approach,

2.

Panchayats/communities to plan, implement, operate, maintain and manage all drinking water schemes,

3.

Partial capital cost sharing by the communities upfront in cash,

4.

Full ownership of drinking water assets with Gram Panchayats and

5.

Full Operation and Maintenance by the users/Panchayats.

The role of PRIs in implementation of this scheme are:

1.

Gram Panchayat shall convene a Gram Sabha Meeting where the Drinking Water Supply Scheme of
Peoples choice including design and cost etc. must be finalized. Gram Panchayats are to undertake
procurement of materials/services for execution of schemes and supervise the scheme execution.

2.

Gram Panchayat will decide whether the Panchayat wants to execute the Scheme on its own or wants
the State Government Agency to undertake the execution.

3.

After completion of such schemes, the Gram Panchayat will take over the Schemes for Operation
& Maintenance (O&M).

4.

Panchayat must decide on the user charges from the community so that adequate funds are available
with Panchayat to undertake O&M.

6. Nirmal Gram Puraskar

OR
E

1.

To give a fillip to the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC), Government of India launched the Nirmal Gram
Puraskar (NGP) in October 2003 and gave away the first awards in 2005.

NGP seeks to recognise the efforts made by PRIs and institutions who have contributed significantly
towards ensuring full sanitation coverage in their areas of operation. TSC lays strong emphasis on
Information, Education and Communication (IEC), capacity building and hygiene education for effective
behaviour change with the involvement of PRIs, CBOs, NGOs, etc. NGP is aimed at augmenting the
efforts made under this IEC campaign.

The main objectives of Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) are:

GS

SC

1.

To bring the topic of sanitation to the forefront of social and political development discourse in rural
India.

2.

To develop open defecation-free and clean villages which will act as models for others to emulate.

3.

To give incentive to PRIs to sustain the initiatives taken by them to eliminate the practice of open
defecation from their respective geographical area by way of full sanitation coverage.

4.

To increase social mobilization in TSC implementation, by recognizing the catalytic role played by
organizations in attaining universal sanitation coverage

A Nirmal Gram is an Open Defecation Free village where all houses, Schools and Anganwadis having
sanitary toilets and awareness amongst community on the importance of maintaining personal and
community hygiene and clean environment. The award is given to those PRIs which attain 100% open
defecation free environment.

The concept of Nirmal Gram Puraskar has been acclaimed internationally as a unique tool of social
engineering and community mobilization and has helped a difficult programme like rural sanitation to pick

Notes

22

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up. Each Gram Panchayat getting the NGP has a ripple effect in the surrounding villages. It has been the
prime mover behind the amazing progress achieved in rural sanitation coverage since 2005.
Sikkim has become first Nirmal State of the country.

Notes

GS

SC

OR
E

23

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4
3

AGRICULTURE

Department of Agriculture & Cooperation was earlier implementing 51 schemes for development of agriculture
and welfare of farmers in the country. These schemes have recently been restructured in to the following
schemes given below:

1) National Food Security Mission

Year of commencement

2007-08 (again in 2014-15, in restructured form))

OR
E

Components - (i) NFSM-Rice, (ii) NFSM-Wheat, (iii) NFSM-Pulses, (iv) NFSM-Coarse Cereals and (v)
NFSM-Commercial Crops

Objectives

Restoring soil fertility and productivity at the individual farm level.

Enhancing farm level economy (i.e. farm profits) to restore confidence among the farmers.

Salient Features

SC

Increasing production of rice, wheat, pulses and coarse cereals through area expansion in a sustainable
manner in the identified districts of the country.

Focus on low productivity and high potential districts including cultivation of food grain crops in
rain fed areas.

Implementation of cropping system centric interventions in a Mission mode approach through

active engagement of all the stakeholders at various levels.

Agro-climatic zone wise planning and cluster approach for crop productivity enhancement.

Focus on pulse production through utilization of rice fallows, rice bunds and intercropping of pulses
with coarse cereals, oilseeds and commercial crops (sugarcane, cotton, jute).

Promotion and extension of improved technologies i.e. seed, Integrated nutrient management (INM)
including micronutrients, soil amendments, integrated pest management (IPM), input use efficiency
and resource conservation technologies along with capacity building of the farmers/extension
functionaries.

Close monitoring of flow of funds to ensure timely reach of interventions to the target beneficiaries.

Integration of various proposed interventions and targets with the district plan of each identified
district.

Constant monitoring and concurrent evaluation by the implementing agencies for assessing the
impact of the interventions for a result oriented approach.

Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

GS

Notes

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Panchayati Raj Institutions will be actively involved in selection of beneficiary and selection of
interventions under Local Initiatives in the identified districts.

A model activity map for effective devolution of funds, functions and functionaries to PRIs has
been prepared by DAC and the States would adopt the same or prepare activity maps to suit their
local conditions.

2) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

Year of commencement - 2014-15 (in restructured form)

Components

On Farm Water Management (OFWM): OFWM will focus primarily on enhancing water use
efficiency by promoting efficient on-farm water management technologies and equipment.

Soil Health Management (SHM): SHM will aim at promoting location as well as crop specific
sustainable soil health management including residue management, organic farming practices.

Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modeling & Networking (CCSAMMN):
CCSAMMN will provide creating a bidirectional (land/farmers to research/scientific establishments
and vice versa) dissemination of Climate Change related information and knowledge by way of
piloting climate change adaption/mitigation research/model projects.

SC

Objectives/Features

OR
E

Rainfed Area Development (RAD): RAD will adopt an area based approach for development and
conservation of natural resources along with farming systems.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) seeks to transform Indian agriculture into a
climate resilient production system through suitable adaptation and mitigation measures in domains
of both crops and animal husbandry.

NMSA as a programmatic intervention focuses on promotion of location specific integrated/

composite farming systems; resource conservation technologies; comprehensive soil health
management; efficient on-farm water management and mainstreaming rainfed technologies.

NMSA identifies 10 key dimensions namely seed & culture water, pest, nutrient, farming practices,
credit, insurance, market, information and livelihood diversification for promoting suitable agricultural
practices that covers both adaption and mitigation measures through four functional areas, namely,
Research and Development, Technologies, Products and Practices, Infrastructure and Capacity
building.

During XII Five Year Plan, these dimensions have been embedded and mainstreamed into Missions/
Programmes/Schemes of Ministry of Agriculture including NMSA through a process of restructuring
of various schemes/missions implemented during XI Five Year Plan and convergence with other
related programmes of Central/State Governments.

GS

3) National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)

NMOOP is built upon the achievements of the existing schemes of Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds. Oil
Palm and Maize (ISOPOM), Tree Borne Oilseeds Scheme and Oil Palm Area Expansion (OPAE) programme
during the 11th Plan period. Implementation of these schemes have shown increase in production and
productivity of oilseeds, area expansion with increased production of FFBs under oil palm and augmented
availability of quality planting materials, pre-processing technologies and awareness about TBOs.

Notes

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In October, 2013 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the implementation of the
National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) during the 12th Plan Period with financial allocation
of Rs.3507 crore.

This would help in enhancing production of oilseeds by 6.58 million tonnes. This would also bring
additional area of 1.25 lakh hectares under Oil Palm cultivation with increase in productivity of fresh fruit
bunches from 4927 kg/ha to 15,000 kg/ha and increase in collection of tree borne oilseeds to 14 lakh
tonne.

Implementation of the proposed Mission would enhance production of vegetable oil sources by 2.48
million tonnes from oilseeds (1.70 million tonnes), oil palm (0.60 million tonnes) and tree borne oilseeds
(0.18 million tonnes) by the end of the 12th Plan Period.

The implementation strategy in the Mission would place emphasis on

increasing irrigation coverage under oilseeds from 26 percent to 38 percent;

diversification of area from low yielding cereals crops to oilseeds crops;

inter-cropping of oilseeds and use of fallow land; area expansion under oil palm and TBOs;

increasing availability of quality planting materials of oil palm and TBOs;

enhancing procurement of oilseeds and collection and processing of TBOs.

OR
E

increasing the Seed Replacement Ratio (SRR) with focus on varietal replacement;

SC

Recommended varieties and proven technologies would be demonstrated in a cluster approach through
mini kits and frontline/cluster demonstration. The cluster approach would ensure participation of all
categories of farmers, irrespective of the size of their holdings, social status and would demonstrate visible
impact of technologies in enhancing productivity and production.

GS

4) National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET)

Year of Commencement - 2014-15 (in restructured form)
Components

Objectives
To disseminate information and knowledgeto the farming
community in local language/dialect for strengthening the
agricultural extension system.

Sub Mission on Seed and Planting Material

(SMSP)

Increasing production of certified/quality seed;

Increasing Seed Replacement Ratio more
particularly to achieve higher SRR in crops like
paddy, gram, groundnut, cotton etc. as
recommended by Consultative Group of the
Ministry of Agriculture;

Upgrading the quality of farm saved seeds with

specific objective to cover 10% villages and produce
100 lakh quintals of seed each year through farmers
participatory seed production;

Notes

Sub Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE)

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Promoting new technologies and methodologies in

seed production, processing, testing etc.;

Strengthening and modernizing infrastructure for

seed production, storage,

certification and quality control particularly to

ensure compliance with the provisions of the Seeds
Bill 2004/ISTA standards

Increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small

and marginal farmers and to the regions where
availability of farm power is low;
Promoting 'Custom Hiring Centres' to offset the
adverse economies of scale arising due to small
landholding and high cost of individual ownership;

OR
E

Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization

(SMAM)

GS

SC

Notes

Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant

Quarantine (SMPP)

Encouraging seed treatment particularly for farm

saved seed; Strengthening the seed multiplication
chain through assistance to public and private sector;
Popularizing new varieties to encourage varietal
replacement;

Creating hubs for hi-tech & high value farm

equipments; Creating awareness among stakeholders
through demonstration and capacity building
activities;

Ensuring performance testing and certification at

designated testing centers located all over the
country.

Human resource development, both in public and

private sector, covering areas, inter-alia, of plant
protection technology, plant quarantine and biosecurity etc

Develop systematic linkages between State,

regional, national and international institutions of
outstanding accomplishments in the field of Plant
Protection Technology;

Function as Nodal Agency/Forum for exchange of

latest information on plant protection technology;

Collect and collate information on plant protection

technology for dissemination among the State
extension functionaries and farmers;

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5) National Mission on Micro Irrigation

The Centrally sponsored National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI) was launched in June 2010 in
addition to the earlier Micro Irrigation Scheme launched in January 2006.

The scheme provides assistance at 60 per cent of the system cost for small and marginal farmers and at
50 per cent for general farmers.

6) The National Horticulture Mission (NHM)

The Ministry of Agriculture has been implementing the centrally sponsored NHM for the holistic
development of the horticulture sector since 2005-06, duly ensuring forward and backward linkages, and
with the active participation of all the stakeholders.

All the States and the three Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and
Puducherry are covered under the Mission except the eight northeastern States including Sikkim and the
States of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

The latter are covered under the Horticulture Mission for the North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH).

OR
E

7) Horticulture Mission For North East And Himalayan States

In order to improve livelihood opportunities and to bring prosperity to the North Eastern Region (NER)
including Sikkim, Government of India launched a Technology Mission for North East for integrated
Development of Horticulture in 2001-02.

Considering the potential of Horticulture for socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Technology Mission was extended to these States from 2003-04.

The Mission is based on the "end-to-end approach" taking into account the entire gamut of horticulture
development, with all backward and forward linkages, in a holistic manner.

The mission has now been renamed as Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH).

GS

SC

The objectives of the Mission are:

To improve the production and productivity of horticulture crops by harnessing the potential of the region.

Special emphasis on "Low Volume, High Value, Less Perishable Horticulture Crops".

A horticulture-based farming system to be developed, thereby providing viable and ample opportunities for
employment, especially for women, besides improving the productivity of land.

The programmes under the HMNEH have been evolved in consultation with all the stakeholders, including the
State Governments. The HMNEH strives to address the following issues:
Technology & technological development

Demonstration of technologies

Production of quality planting material

Organic farming

Efficient water management

Plant healt

Notes

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It Covers:Plantation works

Area expansion

Post harvest management, processing, value addition including that of aromatic plants, marketing and
exports.

Department of Agriculture will be the nodal department for the Horticulture Mission for coordination and
implementation.

The Horticulture Mission will be implemented through "Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium" (SFAC),
except the programmes of ICAR, NHB, APEDA and NCDC.

All the funds are to be routed through SFAC, New Delhi (SFAC is a society under the Government of
India, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation - Declared as a Financial Institution under Section 17(8A)
of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934).

Half percent service charges would be paid to SFAC Society for the funds routed through it.

OR
E

8) Oecd Seed Schemes in India

The OECD Seed Schemes provide an international framework for the certification of agriculture seed
moving in international trade.

Membership of the Schemes is voluntary and participation varies.

India became its member in 2008.

With the accession of India and Moldova, number of participating countries in the OECD Seed Schemes
has increased to 57 from Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle-East, Asia and Oceania.

SC

There are seven Agriculture Seed Schemes in OECD viz.,

Grasses and Legumes

Cereals

Crucifers and other oil or fibre species

Fodder beet and sugar beet

Subterranean clover and similar species

Maize and sorghum

Vegetables

GS

Objectives
The objectives of the OECD Schemes for the varietal certification of seed are to encourage the use of
"quality-guaranteed" seed in participating countries.

The Schemes authorize the use of labels and certificates for seed produced and processed for international
trade according to agreed principles ensuring identity and purity.

The Schemes facilitate the import and export of seed, by the removal of technical trade barriers through
internationally recognized labels (passports for trade).

Notes

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They also lay down guidelines for seed multiplication broad as well as for the delegation of some control
activities to the private sector ("accreditation").

The quantity of seed certified through the OECD Schemes has grown rapidly in recent years and reached
5,90,000 tonnes in 2005-06.

How do the Seed Schemes operate?

The success of international certification depends upon close cooperation between maintainers, seed
producers, trades and the designated authority (appointed by the government) in each participating country.

Frequent meeting allow for a multi-stakeholder dialogue to exchange information, discuss case studies,
prepare new rules and update the Schemes.

The UN family of bodies, a vast range of non-government organizations (UPOV, ISTA) and seed industry
networks participate actively in the Schemes.

OR
E

Benefits of the Schemes

To facilitate international trade by using globally recognized OECD labels and certificate (e.g. they are
required to export seeds to Europe).

To build a framework to develop seed production with countries or companies.

To participate in the elaboration of international rules for seed certification.

To develop collaboration between the public and private sectors.

To benefit from regular exchanges of information with other national certification agencies and observer
organizations.

SC

9) Revised Macro Management of Agriculture

In the year 2008-09, Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme was revised to improve its efficacy in
supplementing/ complementing the efforts of the States towards enhancement of agricultural production
and productivity.

The Revised MMA scheme comprises 11 sub-schemes relating to crop production and natural resource
management.

GS

Some of the salient features of the Revised Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme are as follow:
The Practice of allocating funds to States/UTs on historical basis has been replaced by a new allocation
criteria based on gross cropped area and area under small and marginal holdings. The revised MMA
Scheme has formula-based allocation criteria and provides assistance in the form of grants to the States/
UTs on 90:10 basis except in case of the north-eastern States and Union Territories where the Central
share is 100 per cent.

Subsidy structure has been rationalized to make the pattern of subsidy uniform under all the schemes
implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation. Revised subsidy norms indicate maximum
permissible limit of assistance. States may either retain the existing norms, or increase them to a reasonable
level provided that the norms do not exceed the revised upper limits specified.

Two new components have been added namely. (a) Pulses and oilseeds crop production programmes for
the areas not covered under the Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM)
and (b) "Reclamation of Acidic Soil" along with the existing component of "Reclamation of Alkali Soil."

Notes

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Permissible ceiling for new initiatives has been increased from existing 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the
allocation.

At least 33 per cent of the funds have to be remarked for small, marginal and women farmers.

Active participation of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of all tiers would have to be ensured in the
implementation of the Revised MMA scheme including review, monitoring and evaluation at district/
sub-district level.

10) Mission of Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

a)

In December, 2013 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a Mission for Integrated
Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for implementation during the 12th Plan with an outlay of Rs.
16,840 crore, a centrally sponsored scheme. Out of this, State governments will be contributing a sum of
Rs. 866 crore in the States where the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) sub-scheme is implemented.

b)

Subsumes earlier schemes

three Centrally Sponsored Schemes of NHM, HMNEH, NBM, and

three Central Sector Schemes viz. NHB, CDB and the Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH)
Nagaland.

Implementation of NHM, HMNEH, NHB, CDB and CIH schemes during the 11th Plan has enabled
the bringing of an additional area of 23.5 lakh hectares under horticultural crops with supporting
infrastructure in term of 2306 nurseries, 78 tissue culture units, 9156 post harvest management units
and 221 markets. Horticulture production of 257.3 million MT was achieved by end of the 11th
Plan. Implementation of the Centrally sponsored and Central sector schemes has provided necessary
stimulus to the horticulture sector, which has enabled the achievement of a healthy growth rate in
the sector. It has been proposed to maintain this stimulus during the 12th Plan and also to maintain
the tempo generated during the 11th Plan.

GS

SC

ii.

MIDH will subsume six ongoing schemes of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation on
horticulture development viz.

OR
E

i.

c)

Aim: Implementation of MIDH is expected to achieve a growth rate of 7.2 percent in the horticulture
sector during the 12th Plan, besides generating skilled and unskilled employment opportunities in rural and
urban areas.

d)

Focus area

e)

i.

The scheme will cover all States and Union Territories (UTs) of India. It will cover about 4.5 lakh
hectares under rejuvenation of senile plantation, 0.18 lakh hectares under protected cultivation besides
bringing about 11 lakh hectares under new horticultural crops along with establishment of about
19,000 post harvest management and market infrastructure.

ii.

While the NHM scheme will be focusing on 18 States and UTs, the Horticulture Mission for North
East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) scheme will cover all States in the North East and Himalayan
region of the country.

Strategy

Notes

i.

The strategy of the MIDH will be on production of quality seeds and planting material, production
enhancement through productivity improvement measures along with support for creation of

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infrastructure to reduce post harvest losses and improved marketing of produce with active participation
of all stake holders, particularly farmer groups and farmer producer organizations.
ii.

The interventions under MIDH will have a blend of technological adaptation supported with fiscal
incentives for attracting farmers as well as entrepreneurs involved in the horticulture sector.

11) National Crop Insurance Scheme

Based on evaluation studies, experience gained through implementation and feed-back of the stakeholder,
various improvements / changes have been made in yield index based Modified National Agricultural Insurance
Scheme (MNAIS), weather index based Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) & crop specific
based Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS) and a new umbrella central sector scheme in the name of
'National Crop Insurance Program (NCIP) has been introduced by merging MNAIS, WBCIS & CPIS throughout
the country from Rabi 2013-14.

OR
E

The major improvements made in the scheme are:

i.

Full-fledged implementation throughout the country with compulsory coverage of the loanee farmers.

ii.

Two higher indemnity levels of 80% & 90% instead of earlier 70%, 80% & 90%.

iii. Those States which are unable to reduce insurance unit at village/village panchayat, will be allowed to
implement at higher unit area level (upto a cluster of maximum 15 villages) with prior approval of DAC
for first 3-5 years.
States implementing MNAIS at Village/Village Panchayat level are entitled for 50% reimbursement of
incremental expenses of CCEs from GOI with the cap provision based on the annual budget.

v.

Provision for add-on/index plus products for horticultural crops for compensating losses due to perils of
hailstorm, cloudburst etc.

SC

iv.

GS

vi. As per provision approved under NCIP by the Cabinet, 5,000 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) shall
be created through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode for proper implementation of Weather Based
Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) during 12th Plan period.
vii. There is no discrimination between loanee and non-loanee farmers in respect to the premium rates,
premium subsidy, loss assessment, claims payment procedure etc., under NCIP. The loanee farmers are
covered on compulsory basis and non-loanee farmers on voluntary basis.

12) Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation (ISAC)

a)

Year of commencement
2014-15 ( in restructured form)

b)

c)

Components
i.

Assistance to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Programmes for Development

of Co-operatives.

ii.

Co-operative Education & Training

Objective
To provide assistance to NCDC for financing the activities of cooperatives like agro-processing,
marketing of food grains, input supply, development of weaker section cooperatives, computerization
of co-operatives etc.,

Notes

i.

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ii.
d)

to develop cooperative awareness amongst the people and to cater to the education and training
requirements of cooperative personnel and State Government officials dealing with Co-operatives.

Structure
i.

The scheme 'Assistance to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Programmes

for Development of Co-operatives' is implemented through National Cooperative Development
Corporation (NCDC).

ii.

The scheme 'Co-operative Education & Training' is implemented through National Cooperative Union
of India (NCUI), National Council for Co-operative Training (NCCT) & Vaikunth Mehta National
Institute of Co-operative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, Junior Co-operative training Centres
(JCTCs) through NCUI and Centre for International Co-operation & Training in Agriculture Banking
(CICTAB).

Will be implemented in all states/UTs

f)

Eligibility - The cooperatives in the field of fisheries, tribal / SC & ST / Hill Area Cooperatives, dairy,
poultry, handloom, coir, jute & tobacco, sericulture, women cooperatives and labour cooperatives have
been identified by NCDC for assistance.

OR
E

e)

13) Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM)

a)

Year of Commencement

b)

Components

SC

2014-15 (in restructured form)

i.

Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)

ii.

Marketing Research Information Network (MRIN)

iii. Strengthening of Agmark Grading Facilities (SAGF).

Agri-Business Development (ABD)

v.

Choudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM).

GS

iv.

vi. In order to keep pace with growing production and marketable surplus, the existing marketing system
and post harvest marketing infrastructure have been restructured into five sub schemes as mentioned
above.
c)

Objectives
i.

To promote creation of agricultural marketing infrastructure by providing backend subsidy support

to State, cooperative and private sector investments;

ii.

to promote creation of scientific storage capacity and to promote pledge financing to increase farmers'
income;

Notes

iii. to promote Integrated Value Chains (confined up to the stage of primary processing only);

10

iv.

to provide vertical integration of farmers with primary processors;

v.

to use Information Communication Technology as a vehicle of extension; to sensitize and orient

farmers to respond to new challenges in agricultural marketing;

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vi. to establish a nation-wide information network system for speedy collection and dissemination of
market information and data on arrivals and prices for its efficient and timely utilization by farmers
and other stake holders;
vii. to support framing of grade standards and quality certification of agricultural commodities;
viii. to help farmers get better and remunerative prices for their graded produce;
ix. to catalyze private investment in setting up of agribusiness projects and thereby provide assured
market to producers and strengthen backward linkages of agri-business projects with producers and
their groups ;
x.

to undertake and promote training, research, education, extension and consultancy in the agri marketing
sector.

a)

OR
E

14) Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census, Economics and

Statistics (ISACE&S)
Year of Commencement
2014-15 (in restructured form)
Components
i.

Agriculture Census (AC)

ii.

Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Farmers (SASF)

SC

b)

iii. Comprehensive Scheme for Studying the Cost of Cultivation of Principal Crops in India (CSSCCPCI)
Agro-Economic Research Centres/Units (AERCsUs)

v.

Scheme of Planning, Management & Policy Formulation (SPMPF)

GS

iv.

vi. Improvement of Agricultural Statistics (IAS)

vii. Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-Meteorology and Land based observation (FASAL)
c)

Objectives
i.

Agriculture Census: The objective of the Agriculture Census Scheme is to collect/ compile data of
operational holdings in the country to provide aggregates for basic Agricultural characteristics for use
as benchmark for inter-census estimates.

ii.

Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Farmers: To conduct the situation assessment survey of
farmers in the country.

iii. Comprehensive Scheme for Studying the Cost of Cultivation of Principal Crops in India: To
collect, compile field data on cost of cultivation and cost of production in respect of various
agricultural crops and to generate cropwise and statewise estimate of cost of cultivation and production
of selected agricultural crops.
Agro-Economic Research Centres/Units: To carry out research and evaluation studies on studies of
agricultural economy and rural development for meeting the needs of DAC and other Ministries/
Departments having a bearing on the performance of the agricultural sector for policy formulation
and to provide a feed back on implementation.

Notes

iv.

11

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v.

Scheme of Planning, Management & Policy Formulation: Funding conferences/workshops and

seminars involving eminent economists, agricultural scientists and experts, to conduct short term
studies, engage consultancy services, bring improvement in agricultural statistics methodology; strategy
for development of crops, soil etc. and to bring out reports/papers based on recommendations of
workshops, seminars, conferences held by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics.

vi. Improvement of Agricultural Statistics: (i) Obtain reliable and timely estimates of area under principal
crops in each season (ii) generate estimates of area production of principal crops in each season and
(iii) bring improvement in crop statistics by conducting spot supervision of (a) area enumeration (b)
area aggregation and (c) crop cutting experiments in 10,000 villages.
vii. Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-Meteorology and Land based observation
(FASAL): To strengthen the current capabilities of in season multiple crop estimation through
combination of Remote Sensing, Agro-met and Land based observations backed by Econometric
tools.
Features i.

Agriculture Census: It is conducted at an interval of 5 years.

ii.

Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Farmers: SAS was conducted during 70th round of NSSO
during Jan.-Dec., 2013 by National Sample Survey Office under Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation. Funds for conduct of SAS 2013 were provided by DAC.

OR
E

d)

iii. Comprehensive Scheme for Studying the Cost of Cultivation of Principal Crops in India: The
scheme is being implemented by 16 General Agricultural Universities/Institutions in 19 States.
Agro-Economic Research Centres/Units: There are 12 AERCs and 3 AERUs situated in different
States. These centres are functioning under various central/state universities.

v.

Scheme of Planning, Management & Policy Formulation: This scheme was formulated by merging
two ongoing schemes of 11th Five Year Plan i.e. Planning & Management of Agriculture and
Strengthening of Agricultural Statistics; and discontinuing Drought Management schemes.

SC

iv.

GS

vi. Improvement of Agricultural Statistics: The scheme will have three components namely (i) Timely
Reporting Scheme (TRS), (ii) Establishment of an Agency for Reporting of Agricultural Statistics
(EARAS) and (iii) Improvement of Crop Statistics (ICS).
vii. Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-Meteorology and Land based observation
(FASAL): The scheme is in operation since August 2006. In 2011, the implementation strategy was
revised by including drought assessment, horticulture crops, rainfed area assessment and global
monitoring in the scope of FASAL and operationalizing the methodology developed so far by Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the newly created Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast
Centre (MNCFC), DAC.

15) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

a)

Year of Commencement
2007-08

Notes

b)

12

Components
i.

Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern Region

ii.

Initiative on Vegetable Clusters

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iv.

Saffron Mission

v.

Vidarbha Intensive Irrigation Development Programme

vi.

Crop Diversification in Original Green Revolution States

Objectives
i.

d)

National Mission for Protein Supplements

To incentivize the States to increase investment in Agriculture and allied sectors to achieve 4%
growth in agriculture sector.

Salient Features
i.

The outlay of the Scheme for the 11th Five Year Plan was Rs.25000.00 crore and for 12th Plan is
Rs.63246.00 crore.

ii.

The scheme requires the States to prepare District and State Agriculture Plans. States will be eligible
for receiving RKVY funds only if the baseline share of expenditure of the Agriculture and allied
sectors in its total State Plan (excluding RKVY fund) is at least maintained and the District Agriculture
Plan and State Agriculture Plan have been formulated by the State Government.

OR
E

c)

iii.

SC

iii. The States have been provided flexibility and autonomy in the process of selection, planning, approval
and execution of schemes.
Since RKVY is a State Plan Scheme, being implemented by the States, the respective States are
required to take appropriate steps for identification of the projects that are important for agriculture,
horticulture and allied sector development.

v.

The State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief
Secretary of the concerned State Government is empowered to approve the projects under RKVY.
Funds are released to State Governments for implementation of the projects approved by the State
Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC).

GS

iv.

vi. The funds under the scheme are provided to the States as 100% grant.
vii. RKVY funds are routed through State treasury and the State Agriculture Department, which is the
nodal Department for implementing of RKVY in the States.
e)

Structure

RKVY is a State Plan scheme and funds are routed through the State Treasury and State Agriculture Department
is the nodal Department for implementation which in turn reallocates the same to the concerned implementing
departments/agencies.
f)

Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

States are required to ensure that at least 25% of total value of projects including 'Production growth' and
'Assets & Infrastructure' Streams have emanated from Comprehensive District Agricultural Plan (CDAP) and
have been approved by the District level Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
Names of the States/UTs where Mission/Scheme is being implemented - All States

Notes

g)

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16) Soil Health Card

a)

Year of commencement - 2014-15

b)

Components
i.

Soil health card

ii.

Training for soil analysis

iii. Financial assistance for package of nutrient recommendations

Capacity building and regular monitoring and evaluation

v.

Mission management

Objectives
i.

To issue soil health cards every three years, to all farmers of the country, so as to provide a basis
to include nutrient deficiencies in fertilization practices.

ii.

To strengthen functioning of Soil Testing Laboratories(STLs) through capacity building, involvement

of agriculture students and effective linkage with Indian Council of Agriculture Research(ICAR)/
State Agriculture Universities(SAUs).

OR
E

c)

iv.

iv.

To develop and promote soil test based nutrient management in the districts for enhancing nutrient
use efficiency.

v.

To build capacities of district and state level staff and of progressive farmers for promotion of
nutrient management practices.

Salient features

GS

d)

SC

iii. To diagnose soil fertility related constraints with standardized procedures for sampling uniformly
across states and analysis and design taluqa / block level fertilizer recommendations in targeted
districts.

55 lakh soil samples to be tested and 3.12 crore soil health cards generated during 2014-15. Similarly, 97 lakh
samples to be tested and 5.47 crore soil health cards to be generated during 2015-16 and 96 lakh samples to
be tested and 5.41 crore soil health cards generated during 2016-17. In all, 248 lakh samples to be tested to
generate 14 crore soil health cards during the three years period.
e)

Funding pattern including subsidy, if any( component wise)

75:25 for all components

f)

Name of the state /UTs where scheme is being implemented

To be implemented in all States.

17) Agri Tech Infrastructure Fund (ATIF)

Year of Commencement - 2014-2015

b)

Objectives -ATIF is aimed at creating an appropriate e-market platform that would be deployable in 642
wholesale regulated markets across States and UTs.

Notes

a)

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c)

Salient features
i.

The Scheme envisages initiation of an e-market platform that would be deployable in 642 wholesale
regulated markets across States and UTs.

ii.

For creation of a National Market, a common platform across all States is necessary. For the purpose,
a Service Provider to be engaged centrally who would build, operate and maintain the e-platform on
PPP (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer - BOOT) model. This platform would be customized/ configured
to address the variations in different states.

iii. State Governments to suggest names of APMCs where this project would be initiated in the first
phase of the scheme.
Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) assistance towards setting up e-platforms (Grading
and Assaying Laboratories, IT infrastructure for e-market platform, training of market participants
and other miscellaneous/ contingency expenditure) would amount to Rs.34.00 lakhs, Rs.29.00 lakhs
and Rs.24.00 lakhs for A, B and C category markets respectively.

d)

Eligibility - States is to complete the following pre-requisites in six months following sanction of
State specific proposal.

OR
E

iv.

i.

To provide for a single license to be valid across the State,

ii.

Single point levy of market fee

iv.

SC

iii. Provide for electronic auction as a mode for price discovery,

Provide for integrating warehouses into the marketing system.

18) Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)

Year of Commencement -2014-2015

Salient Features

GS

Objectives: To support procurement/distribution interventions of States and State/Central agencies to regulate

price volatility of agricultural and horticultural commodities both when there is price rise or vice-versa.

i.

PSF is for current plan. However, it could be extended to future Plan periods as well.

ii.

A Corpus Fund of Rs.500 crores to be established to provide advances for working capital and other
expenses at zero rate of interest to State Govts/ State Agencies/ Central agencies for procurement
and distribution of perishables agricultural and horticultural commodities.

iii. The fund to initially support procurement/distribution interventions for highly volatile commodities
onion and potato only.
The fund to support interventions in two situations viz. (i) Procurement interventions for perishable
agri-horticultural commodities when prices crash and farmers need to be protected. (ii) Alternatively,
when prices are anticipated to increase substantially, then procurement of these commodities could
be undertaken from farm gate/mandi to reduce the cost of intermediation and make them available
at a cheaper price to the consumers

v.

In case of losses incurred by the agencies, the losses to be borne on the fund to the extent of 100%
losses in case of Central Govt. agencies ; 50% losses in case of State Govts/ State Govt agencies
and 75% losses in case of North Eastern States/State agencies.

Notes

iv.

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vi. There will like-wise be a profit sharing mechanism between the Fund and the implementing
organisations. In case of profits accrued by the organizations, the profits will be ploughed back into
the Fund to the extent of 100% profits in case of Central Govt. agencies ; 50% profits in case of
State Govts/ State Govt agencies and 75% profits in case of North Eastern States/State agencies.
Some minimum incentive may, however, be given to the Central agencies in case of profits.
vii. Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) has been designated as the Fund Manager through
whom the funds will be channelized to the implementing agencies.
Structure
The fund will be managed by Price Stabilization Fund Management Committee (PSFMC) headed by Secretary
(A & C) and consisting of 7 other Ex-officio members viz. (i) Additional Secretary (In charge of Marketing),
(ii) AS&FA (iii) Joint Secretary (Consumer Affairs) (iv) Joint Secretary (Crops), (v) Joint Secretary (Horticulture)
, (vi) Joint Secretary (Cooperation) and (vii) Joint Secretary (Marketing) as Member Secretary.

Notes

GS

SC

OR
E

Funding Pattern including subsidy, if any, (component-wise) - 100% Central Funding

16

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POLICIES FOR INDIAN DIASPORA

Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
The 'Indian Community Welfare Fund' (ICWF) provides contingency expenditure incurred by the Indian
Missions for carrying out welfare activities for Overseas Indian Citizens who are in distress. The ICWF scheme
has the following objectives:
Boarding and lodging for distressed Overseas Indian workers in Household / domestic sectors and unskilled
labourers;

2.

Extending emergency medical care to the Overseas Indians in need;

3.

Providing air passage to stranded Overseas Indians in need;

4.

Providing initial legal assistance to the Overseas Indians in deserving cases;

5.

Expenditure on incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India or local cremation/burial of the
deceased Overseas Indians in such cases where the sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the
contract and the family is unable to meet the cost;

6.

Providing the payment of penalties in respect of Indian nationals for illegal stay in the host country where
prima facie the worker is not at fault;

7.

Providing the payment of small fines/penalties for the release of Indian nationals in jail/detention centre;

8.

Providing support to local Overseas Indian Associations to establish Overseas Indian Community Centres
in countries that have population of Overseas Indians exceeding 1,00,000; and

9.

Providing support to start and run Overseas Indian Community-based student welfare centres in Countries
that have more than 20,000 Indian student's presence.

GS

SC

OR
E

1.

Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY)

1.

The Government has launched Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana (MGPSY) on 01.05.2012 on
a pilot basis.

2.

The objective of MGPSY is to encourage and enable overseas Indian workers having Emigration Check
Required (ECR) passports going to ECR countries, to
a.

save for their return and resettlement and

b.

save for their pension.

They are also provided Life Insurance cover against natural death, during the period of coverage, without
any additional payment by them.

4.

The Government also contributes, for a period of five years, or till the return of workers to India,
whichever is earlier, as under:

Notes

3.

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a.

Rs.1,000 per subscriber who saves between Rs.l,000 and Rs.12,000 per annum in their National
Pension Scheme(NPS)-Liteaccount;

b.

An additional contribution of Rs.1,000 per annum for overseas Indian women workers who save
between Rs.1,000 and Rs.12,000 per annum in National Pension Scheme(NPS)-Lite account;

c.

An annual contribution of Rs.900 per annum per subscriber who saves at least Rs.4000 per annum
towards Return and Resettlement fund;

d.

Rs.100/- for life insurance cover of Rs.30,000 per year against natural death and Rs.75,000 against
death by accident through the Janshree Bima Yojana of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana is a compulsory insurance scheme for overseas Indian workers having
Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport going to ECR countries.

OR
E

Know India Programme (KIP)

Know India Programme (KIP) of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) is a three-week
orientation programme for Diaspora youths (between the age of 18-26 years) of Indian origin conducted
in partnership with one State Government with a view to introduce India to them and promote awareness
on different facets of Indian life and the progress made by the country in various fields e.g. economic,
industrial, education, science & technology, communication & information technology and culture.

This programme provides a unique forum for students and young professional of Indian origin to visit
India, share their views and to bond closely with contemporary India. After end of KIP, Indian Diaspora
Youths become Youth Ambassadors of art, culture, heritage and positive image of India.

Twenty one editions of such programmes have been organized having participations of 659 PIO youths
from more than 36 countries.

SC

GS

Study India Programme (SIP)

First 'Study India Programme' (SIP) was launched for the first time from 25.09.2012 to 23.10.2012 in
Symbiosis University, Pune, Maharashtra with participation of 9 youths of Indian origin from four countries
like Trinidad & Tobago, Malaysia, Fiji and South Africa. Like KIP, SIP has immense potential of connecting
youth Indian Diaspora with India through the channel of educational institutions. SIP will be held twice
a year for a period of 4 weeks involving maximum 40 diaspora youths in the age-group of 18-26 years.

It will enable overseas Indian youth to undergo short term course in an Indian University to familiarize
them with the history, heritage, art, culture, socio-political, economic developments etc. of India.

The focus of the programme is on academic orientation and research. Cost of boarding, lodging, local
transportation & course fee during the programme to be borne by GOI. 50% of the cost of air-ticket by
economy class would be borne by GOI. Gratis Visas by Indian Mission are granted to the participants.
SIP will be organized twice a year.

Scholarship Programme For Diaspora Children (SPDC)

Scheme launched by MOIA in 2006-07 to make higher education in India accessible to the children of
overseas Indians and promote India as a centre for higher studies.

Notes

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Under the scheme, 100 scholarships up to US $4000/- per course per annum are offered to PIO and NRI
students (50 each) for undergraduate courses in Engineering, Science, Law, Management, etc. The scheme
is open to NRIs/PIOs from 40 countries with substantial Indian Diaspora population.

Under this scheme, over 468 PIO/NRI students have benefited since inception & 100 students have been
selected in the current batch.

Overseas Indian Youth Club (OIYC)

MOIA has also launched a new scheme named 'Overseas Indian Youth Club' through our Missions abroad.
Purpose is to keep the overseas Indian youth in touch with the developments in India & create a sense
of belongingness towards their Country of origin.

In order to continue the momentum of affinity and networking of the Diaspora youth with their ancestral
motherland, MOIA has supported opening of Overseas Indian Youth Club (OIYC) in CGI Durban, South
Africa, HCI Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, HCI Colombo, Sri Lanka, HCI Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
and HCI Port Louis, Mauritius. Similarly, opening of OIYC is making headway in CGI Melbourne,
Australia and HCI Singapore.

OR
E

Tracing the Roots

Tracing the Roots Scheme has been launched by MOIA in October 2008. Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
desirous of tracing their roots in India may fill up the prescribed application form enclosing relevant
information/documents available with them and deposit it with the concerned Indian Mission located in
that country along with a fee of Rs.30,000/-. In case the attempt is not successful, the Indian Mission
is authorized to refund Rs 20,000/- to the applicant.

Based on the details furnished by the applicant, MOIA entrusts the job of tracing the roots to an agency
empanelled with it who in turn may take the help of the concerned State Govt./District Admn. etc. to
successfully complete the job.

The traced details of roots in India, i.e. name of close surviving relative(s); place of origin of their
forefathers (paternal and maternal side); and a possible family tree, are made available to the applicant.

GS

SC

Scheme for Legal/Financial Assistance to Indian Women Deserted / Divorced By Their NRI
Husbands
The scheme is for providing legal/financial assistance to the Indian woman who have been deserted by
their overseas Indian / foreigner husbands or are facing divorce proceedings in a foreign country.

This assistance will be limited to US$ 3000 per case for developed countries and US$ 2000 per case for
developing countries and will be released to the empanelled legal counsel of the applicant or Indian
Community Association / Women's organization / NGO concerned to enable it to take steps to assist
the woman in documentation and preparatory work for filing the case.

Assistance will be provided to meet the legal and other costs, by the Heads of Indian Missions/Posts
overseas directly to the applicant's legal counsel empanelled with the concerned Indian Mission/Post, or
through the Indian Community Associations / Women's organizations / NGOs acting on the woman's
behalf in an overseas legal institution.

Notes

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Merger of PIO and OCI Card

The ordinance to amend the Citizenship Act was promulgated in Dec 2014

2.

It puts a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) on a par with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

3.

it was done so as to keep the promise given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014.

Notes

GS

SC

OR
E

1.

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TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY CITIZEN CENTRIC GOVERNANCE

NeGP - National E-Governance Program
The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) has been formulated by the Department of Electronics and
Information Technology (DEITY) and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
(DARPG).

2.

The Union Government approved the NeGP, comprising of 27 Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) and 10
components on May 18, 2006.

3.

The NeGP aims at improving delivery of Government services to citizens and businesses with the
following vision: "Make all Government services accessible to the common man in his locality, through
common service delivery outlets and ensure efficiency, transparency & reliability of such services at
affordable costs to realize the basic needs of the common man."

4.

Implementation Strategy, Approach and Methodology of NeGP - Implementation of e-Governance is

a highly complex process requiring provisioning of hardware & software, networking, process re-engineering
and change management. Based on lessons learnt from the past and the experience from successful eGovernance applications, the approach and methodology adopted for NeGP contains the following elements:

SC

OR
E

1.

Common Support Infrastructure: NeGP implementation involves setting up of common and support
IT infrastructure such as: State Wide Area Networks (SWANs), State Data Centres (SDCs), Common
Services Centres (CSCs) and Electronic Service Delivery Gateways.

b.

Centralized Initiative, Decentralized Implementation: e-Governance is being promoted through a

centralized initiative to the extent necessary to ensure citizen-centric orientation, to realize the
objective of inter-operability of various e-Governance applications and to ensure optimal utilization
of ICT infrastructure and resources while allowing for a decentralized implementation model. It also
aims at identifying successful projects and replicating them with required customization wherever
needed.

c.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): PPP model is to be adopted wherever feasible to enlarge the
resource pool without compromising on the security aspects.

d.

Integrative Elements: Adoption of unique identification codes for citizens, businesses and property
is to be promoted to facilitate integration and avoid ambiguity.

e.

Program Approach at the National and State levels: For implementation of the NeGP, various
Union Ministries/Departments and State Governments are involved. Considering the multiplicity of
agencies involved and the need for overall aggregation and integration at the national level, NeGP
is being implemented as a programme, with well-defined roles and responsibilities of each agency
involved. For facilitating this, appropriate programme management structures have also been put in
place.

f.

Facilitator Role of DEITY: DEITY is the facilitator and catalyst for the implementation of NeGP
by various Ministries and State Governments and also provides technical assistance. It serves as a
secretariat to the Apex Committee and assists it in managing the programme. In addition, DEITY

Notes

GS

a.

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is also implementing pilot/ infrastructure/ technical/ special projects and support components.
g.

Ownership of Ministries: Under the NeGP, various MMPs are owned and spearheaded by the
concerned line Ministries. In case there are any ongoing projects which fall in the MMP category,
they would be suitably enhanced to align them with the objectives of NeGP. For major projects like
Bharat Nirman, Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes, etc. the line ministries concerned are advised
to make use of e-Governance as also automation techniques from the inception stage. States have
been given the flexibility to identify a few additional state-specific projects, which are relevant for the
economic development of the State.

PRAGATI - Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation

It was launched by PM in March 2015. The system has been designed in-house by the PMO team with
the help of National Informatics Center (NIC).

2.

What is it - PRAGATI is a multi-purpose and multi-modal integrative and interactive ICT platform with
an aim of starting a culture of Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

3.

Aim of PRAGATI platform -

5.

a.

To address common man's grievances, and

b.

simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of
India as well as projects flagged by State Governments.

How it works - key features

It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States);

b.

Prime Minister will hold a monthly programme where he will interact with the Government of India
Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries through Video-conferencing enabled by data and geo-informatics
visuals;

c.

Issues to be flagged before the PM are picked up from the available database regarding Public
Grievances, on-going Programmes and pending Projects;

SC

a.

Interactions

GS

4.

OR
E

1.

a.

The first such programme was launched on 25th March, 2015. During the first PRAGATI interaction
in March 2015, the Prime Minister discussed issues relating to unseasonal rain and relief to farmers,
public grievances, project implementation, Swachh Bharat and 'ease of doing business.' The interaction
lasted for two hours.

b.

Afterwards it has been held once in every month on Fourth Wednesday of the month to be known
as PRAGATI Day. (3rd interaction was held in may 2015)

6.

It offers a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism since it brings on one stage the
Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States. With this, the Prime Minister
is able to discuss the issues with the concerned Central and State officials with full information and latest
visuals of the ground level situation.

7.

Other features -

Notes

a.

The system will ride on, strengthen and re-engineer the data bases of the CPGRAMS for grievances,
Project Monitoring Group (PMG) and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
PRAGATI provides an interface and platform for all these three aspects.

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b.

It will also take into consideration various correspondences to PM's office by the common people
or from high dignitaries of States and/or

c.

The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest technologies: Digital data management, videoconferencing and geo-spatial technology.

MyGov.in
1.

In July 2014, NDA Govt. launched an online platform mygov.nic.in to engage citizens in the task of "good
governance"

2.

"The platform has been divided into various groups namely Clean Ganga, Girl Child Education, Clean
India, Skilled India, Digital India, and Job Creation.

a.

This program was announced in budget speech and approved by cabinet in Aug 2014

b.

The Digital India Programme pulls together many existing schemes, which will be restructured and
re-focused in terms of enhancing the scope, leveraging emerging technologies like cloud, mobile,
integration

c.

Digital India programme is to be coordinated by DeitY and implemented by the entire Government.

Aim
a.

3.

SC

2.

Facts

to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

Vision: it centers on three key areas namely

a.

GS

1.

OR
E

Digital India

Digital Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen ' It includes

i.

availability of high speed internet as a core utility for delivery of services to citizens,

ii.

cradle to grave digital identity that is unique, lifelong, online and authenticable to every citizen,

iii. mobile phone & bank account enabling citizen participation in digital & financial space,
b.

Governance & Services on Demand

i.

integrated services across departments or jurisdictions,

ii.

availability of services in real time

iii. digitally transformed services for improving ease of doing business

c.

i.

Digital literacy,

ii.

Availability of digital resources / services in Indian languages,

Focus is to realize that Indian Talent (IT) + Information Technology (IT) = India Tomorrow (IT).

Notes

d.

Digital Empowerment of Citizens

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4.

Status of digital India as feb 2015 - partially completed

a.

Digital India Programme has been approved. Follow up action is being taken with respect to each
component.

b.

A draft Cabinet Note on e-Kranti (NeGP 2.0) has been finalized.

c.

EFC Note on National Information Infrastructure (NII) hasbeen circulated.

d.

EFC Note on Common Services Centre 2.0 (CSC 2.0) is under finalization.

e.

1st meeting of the Apex Committee on Digital India Programme has been held on 26th November,
2014.

Mobile Seva
It is a nationwide initiative conceptualized by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology
(DeitY)

2.

Aim ' To enable delivery of public services electronically through the mobile platform (SMS, voice, apps)

3.

In July 2014, it was awarded a UN public service award.

Notes

GS

SC

OR
E

1.

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ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Pollution of Air, Water and Land

Hazardous Chemicals and Wastes

Land Degradation

Loss of Biodiversity

Ozone Depletion

Climate Change

Loss of natural and cultural resources

OR
E

Major Environmental Issues Worldwide

Major Causes of Environmental Issues

Rapid population growth and the effects of urbanization, industry and harvesting practices on the ecosystem

Rapid and wasteful use of resources

Degradation of the earths environmental systems

SC

GS

Environmental Impact (I) (depends on three factors) - Paul Ehrlich

1.

The number of people (population size, P)

2.

The average number of units of resource each person uses (per capita consumption or affluence, A)

3.

The amount of environmental degradation and pollution produced for each unit of resource used
(destructiveness of the technologies used to provide and consume resources, T)
I = P x A x T (environmental impact)

Sustaining the Earth Learning as much as we can about how Earth sustains itself and adapts to ever-changing
environmental conditions and integrating such lessons from nature into the ways we think and act
The basic environmental beliefs of the world:
Nature exists for all of Earths species, not just for people

There is not always more

Some forms of economic growth are environmentally beneficial and should be encouraged, but some are

environmentally harmful and should be discouraged

Our success depends on learning to cooperate with one another and with the rest of nature to learn how
to work with the earth

Notes

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The key to creating a sustainable society:

Pollution - when harmful materials enter the environment

Sources of pollution usually fall into four main categories industrial, residential, commercial, and environmental.
Pollutants enter the environment through natural (volcanic eruption) or human activities
Sources of pollution may include

point source pollution from a clearly identifiable location

nonpoint source pollution that comes from many different places.

Sources of pollution may include

organic pollution decomposition of living organisms and their bi-products

inorganic pollution dissolved and suspended solids as silt, salts, and minerals

toxic pollution heavy medals and other chemical compounds that are lethal to organisms

thermal pollution waste heat from industrial and power generation processes

nuclear pollution - radioactive materials

OR
E

Harmful Impacts of Pollution three factors determine the severity of the harmful effects

SC

1. Chemical nature how active and harmful the pollutant is to living organisms
2. Concentration the amount of pollutant per unit of volume
3. Persistence (degradability) how long the pollutant stays in the air, water, soil, or body of the organisms

GS

Pollution can affect all areas of the environment and it is divided into the following:

Air Pollution - the emission of any impurity into the air, such as smoke (including tobacco smoke), dust,
cinders, solid particles, gases, mists, fumes, odors and radioactive substances.

Water Pollution pollutants being added to ground water, surface water environments and marine water
environments

Thermal Pollution changes in water temperature due to additions of hot or cold water to a natural water
system often heated water from cooling at power plants

Soil Pollution pollutants being added to soil by agricultural runoffs, unclean technology, waste disposal

Noise Pollution excess noise from industrial and urbanization activities

Light Pollution excess night lighting around urban areas which can impact life cycles or organisms

Radioactive Pollution radioactive waste and nuclear accidents

Types of Water Pollution and their Effects

Notes

If water pollution is from a single source it is called point-source pollution while pollution coming from many
sources is called nonpoint pollution.

GS

SC

OR
E

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Environmental Threats to Freshwater and Ground Water Systems

The creation of dams and water-diversion systems blocks migration routes for fish and disrupts
habitats.
o

Dams are a major factor in water diversion.

Dams are built along rivers to produce reservoirs.

This affects the ecology of the river and the surrounding environment including Habitat Loss, Habitat
Fragmentation, and Loss of Biodiversity

Notes

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The Colorado River is a good example.

Water withdrawal for human use shrinks and degrades habitats.

Runoff from agricultural and urban areas hurts water quality.

Draining of wetlands for development depletes habitats.

Overexploitation and pollution threaten groundwater supplies.

Invasion of exotic species can harm native animals and plants.

Global warming may lead to devastating floods and droughts.

Thermal Pollution and Rising Ocean Temperatures

Change in the water temperatures of lakes, rivers, and oceans caused by made-man industries or practices

Water as coolant is warmed returned & to body of water

Ocean warming from climate changes can lead to problems like coral bleaching

OR
E

Eutrophication bodies of water becomes enrichedwith nutrients.

This can be a problem in marine habitats such as lakes as itcan cause algal blooms.
run-off from fertilizers, into nearby watercausing an increase in nutrient levels.

It causesphytoplankton to grow and reproduce more rapidly, resulting in algalblooms.

This bloom of algaedisrupts normal ecosystem functioning and causes many problems.

The algae may use upall the oxygen in the water, leaving none for other marine life. Thisresults in the
death of many aquatic organisms such as fish, which needthe oxygen in the water to live.

The bloom of algaemay also block sunlight from photosynthetic marine plants under the watersurface.

Some algae evenproduce toxins that are harmful to higher forms of life. This can causeproblems along
the food chain and affect any animal that feeds on them.

GS

SC

Threats to Marine Environments

Ocean Dead Zones

Eutrophication is magnified as rivers lead into larger rivers and eventually into the ocean as the
Mississippi River network.

This leads to ocean dead zones or regions where oxygen concentration is very low (hypoxia) to the
point where plants and animals either die or leave the zone.

TheMississippi River, which is the drainage area for 41% of the continental United States, dumps
high-nutrient runoff such asnitrogenandphosphorusinto the Gulf of Mexico.

The Dead Zone at the mouth of the Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico is the largest in the
US. In 2010 it was the size of New Jersey.

Oil spills and their ecological disasters

Notes

The BP Oil Rig Explosion in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010

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Chemical spills and dumping of waste in the oceans or near coral reefs and ocean shelf areas causes
major environmental problems.

SC

OR
E

Marine dumping of wastes plastic and other wastes

Climate Change - is warming the oceans and making them more acidic.

Sea Temperature Rise warming the oceans is causing problems like coral bleaching

Ocean acidification - caused by excess CO2 dissolving in the sea to form carbonic acid, has the potential
to literally dissolve the skeletons and shells of marine creatures such as corals leading to devastating
effects on marine ecosystems

GS

Habitat loss as mangroves and estuary regions causing population displacement

Bycatch marine wildlife unintentionally caught as sea turtles, porpoises, albatross, crabs, starfish & fish

Whaling is still a problem though strides are being make

Fishery: an industry devoted to the catching or selling of fish

Overfishing and Exploitation - depletes stocks of fish beyond their ability to recover, disrupting the
ecosystem and eliminating a valuable source of food and income.
Fish catch has risen from 20 million tons/year to over 90 million tons / year

Original fishing limit 12 miles out to sea

In 1960s changed to 200 miles due to lack of fish

Boats go out even further or rely on more technology-based systems to find huge numbers of fish

Driftnets: dragged through the water indiscriminately catching everything including turtles, dolphins,
sharks and whales

Notes

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Long-lining: using long lines that have baited hooks that will capture multiple fish

Bottom trawling: ocean floor is literally scraped by heavy nets for all bottom-dwelling fish leaving
a cared path of destruction.

47-50 % of major fish stocks of the world are fully exploited, 20 % are nearly over exploited, 10
% are depleted

Invasive Species are disrupting normal food chains and food webs within the ecosystem

Threats to Estuaries

GS

SC

OR
E

Estuaries receive the pollutants dumped into the streams and rivers that feed them

Residential and commercial development not only adds to pollution but eliminates some estuaries due to
land filling

Coastal development, introduction of invasive species, over fishing, dams, and global climate change have
led to a decline in the health of estuaries, making them one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth.

A majority of pollutants find their way into estuaries from non-point sources

Threats to Coral Reefs

Chemical pollutants

Excess nutrients

Sedimentation

Coral bleaching

Notes

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Coral diseases

Climate change and ocean acidification

Overfishing

Climate Changes
Sea Level Rise
Temperature
Precipitation
Health Impacts
Weather-related Mortality

GS

Air Pollution and Climate Change Impacts

SC

OR
E

Infectious Diseases
Air Quality-Respiratory Illnesses
Agriculture Impacts
Crop yields
Irrigation demands
Water Resource Impacts
Changes in water supply
Water quality

Notes

Increased competition for water

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Impacts on Coastal Areas

Erosion of beaches
Inundate coastal lands
Costs to defend coastal communities
Species and Natural Areas
Shift in ecological zones
Loss of habitat and species
Acid Rain
A mixture of wet and dry deposition (deposited material) from the atmosphere containing higher than
normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids

Wet depositionrefers to acidic rain, fog, and snow

Dry deposition occurs where environment is dry and the arid chemicals are incorporated into the dust or
smoke sticking to surfaces of buildings, ground, cars and trees. As it is washed off by rain, it leads to
acidic runoff

About half of the acidity in the atmosphere falls back to earth through dry deposition

pH of acid rain is typically about 5.6

Effects of Acid Rain

SC

OR
E

Surface water in lakes, rivers, streams becomes more acid

Damages forests at high elevations

Damages building materials and paints

Affects human health

GS

Nuclear Pollution
Nuclear pollution is pollution that is radioactive.

Notes

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Fallout can lead to radiation sickness and death.

Nuclear fallout can destroy environmental features and animal life.

Fukushima Daiichi Disaster (2011)

Climate Change Issues

Greenhouse Effect - warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space.
The Earth gets energy from the sun in the form of sunlight.

The Earths surface absorbs some of this energy and heats up.

Thats why the surface of a road can feel hot even after the sun has gone downbecause it has absorbed
a lot of energy from the sun.

The Earth cools down by giving off a different form of energy, called infrared radiation.

But before all this radiation can escape to outer space, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb some
of it, which makes the atmosphere warmer.

As the atmosphere gets warmer, it makes the Earths surface warmer, too.

The earths temperature is dependent upon the greenhouse-like action of the atmosphere, but the amount
of heating and cooling are strongly influenced by several factors just as greenhouses are affected by various
factors.

GS

SC

OR
E

In the atmospheric greenhouse effect, the type of surface that sunlight first encounters is the most
important factor.

Forests, grasslands, ocean surfaces, ice caps, deserts, and cities all absorb, reflect, and radiate radiation
differently.

Sunlight falling on a white glacier surface strongly reflects back into space, resulting in minimal
heating of the surface and lower atmosphere.

Sunlight falling on a dark desert soil is strongly absorbed, on the other hand, and contributes to
significant heating of the surface and lower atmosphere.

Notes

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Cloud cover also affects greenhouse warming by both reducing the amount of solar radiation reaching
the earths surface and by reducing the amount of radiation energy emitted into space

Atmospheric gases water vapor (H2C), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide
(N2C, all act as effective global insulators

The negative concerns are related to the possible impacts of anenhancedgreenhouse effect caused
by excess pollutants going into the air.

Terrestrial Issues

Desertification

Deforestation

Soil pollution

Waste Disposal

Mining

GS

SC

OR
E

Ozone Depletion - ozone layer is deteriorating due to the release of pollution containing the chemicals chlorine
and bromine (chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs)

Desertification
Desertification is an expansion of arid conditions into a non-arid environment.

Major causes of desertification include

Notes

10

Overgrazing & poor grazing management

Cultivation of marginal lands

Deforestation

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Destruction of vegetation in arid regions

Expanding human population

Urbanization

Incorrect irrigation practices leading to

salinization

Environmental protection as a low priority

Most endangered regions are near the worlds five

main deserts
o

Sonoran
Desert
which
lies
in
NorthwestMexicoand the SouthwestUnited
States

Atacama Desert inSouth America

Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa

most of Australia

the large desert mass made up by the Sahara, Arabian, Great Indian, Taklimakan, Gobi and the
deserts of Iran and the former Soviet Union.

SC

Deforestation

OR
E

Deforestation the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands for agricultural or exportation.
Causes include

Conversion of forests to agricultural land to feed people Development of cash crops and cattle raising esp.
in tropical countries

Commercial logging that is not regulated

Poor soils in humid tropics do not support agriculture for long so more clearing becomes necessary

Forest Terminology

GS

Old Growth Forest: one that has never been cut down

Second Growth: area previously harvested

Plantations or Tree Farms: remaining forests

Silviculture: management of forest plantations to harvest lumber

Clear-Cutting: removal of all trees in a n area significant environmental problems

Selective-Cutting: removal of selected trees leaving majority of habitat in place

Shelter-Wood Cutting: cutting only mature trees and leaving younger trees to reseed the forest.

Agroforest: trees and crops are planted together for symbiotic relationships

Green-Belts: open forested areas where no one is permitted to build

Notes

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Types of Forest Fires

Surface Fires: burn only forests underbrush but dont damage trees

Crown Fires: damage canopies of trees and spread quickly

Ground Fires: smoldering fires that take place in bogs or swamps and can burn under ground for days

Deforestation Rates in the US US Forest Service

The United States lost an average of 384,350 hectares (949,750 acres) of forest each year between 1990
and 2010.

A total of almost 4 million hectares (10 million acres) of timber is harvested each year, but most of that
timber regenerates and remains classified as forested land, albeit at a different successional stage.

The deforestation here refers to lands that are converted from forest to some other purpose.

Deforestation could increase in the future because tree pests and diseases such as bark beetles are becoming
more prevalent in the face of climate change.

OR
E

GS

SC

Soil Pollution

Ways that soil can become polluted, such as:

Seepage from a landfill

Discharge of industrial waste into the soil

Percolation of contaminated water into the soil

Rupture of underground storage tanks

Excess application of pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer

Notes

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Solid waste seepage

Most common chemicals involved in causing soil pollution are:

Petroleum hydrocarbons

Heavy metals

Pesticides

Solvents

Negative Effects on Human Health

Effects on Growth of Plants

o

Ecological Balance is affected

Soil Chemistry changes

Fungi and bacteria found in soil decline

Nitrogen fixing bacteria decline

OR
E

Effects of Soil Pollution

Decreased soil fertility and decrease soil yield

Toxic Dust from landfills pollute the environment

Changes in Soil Structure death of soil organisms as earthworms lead to alteration in soil structure

SC

Farming Practices

Negative environmental impacts from unsustainable farming practices include:

Land conversion & habitat loss

Wasteful water consumption

Soil erosion and degradation

Pollution

Climate change

Genetic erosion

GS

Fertilizers and Pesticides

Insects, weeds, and plant
diseases are serious
threats that destroy
crops

Drainage of fertilizers
and pesticides into water
supplies has negative
environmental effects

Notes

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Nitrogen fertilizers in lakes and oceans causes euthrophication and dead zones

Use of artificial fertilizers can eventually deplete soil of organic matter reducing their ability to hold water
and making them subject to erosion

Pesticides can have negative effects on human health from over-exposure

Effects of pesticides can be compounded as you go up the food chain as with DDT

Herbicides used in agriculture can be highly toxic to wildlife

Organic methods of farming do not use chemical pesticides and fertilizers

There are plants which remove the pollutants from the soil

There are organisms which can control pests

Waste Disposal
Waste, or rubbish, trash, junk, garbage is an unwanted or undesired material or substance.

It may consist of the unwanted materials left over from a manufacturing process (industrial, commercial,
mining or agricultural operations,) or from community and household activities.

The material may be discarded or accumulated, stored, or treated (physically, chemically, or biologically),
prior to being discarded or recycled.

Waste Categories

Solid Waste or Municipal Waste commonly known as trash

Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) potentially infectious or biohazardous waste

RCRA Hazardous Waste - hazardous pharmaceuticals, bulk chemotherapeutic agents, mercury, xylene
and other solvents, some paints, aerosol cans etc

Nuclear Waste radioactive materials

Universal Waste batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment, bulbs or lamps

Recyclables - paper, cardboard, beverage and food containers, metal and glass

Construction and Demolition Debris as ceiling tiles, plumbing fixtures, carpeting, concrete, bricks, fill
dirt, etc.

Composting material as grass, weed clippings, tree limbs, branches, waste from vegetable produce,
bread and grains, and paper products as napkins and paper plates

GS

SC

Methods of Waste Disposal

Notes

OR
E

14

Landfill

Incineration

Recycling Methods

Biological Processing

Energy Recovery

Avoidance and Reduction Methods

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Mining - Environmental Risks

Mining: excavation of the earth for the purpose of extracting ore or minerals

Metallic minerals: zinc, copper

Non-Metallic minerals: salt, precious gems

Mineral Deposit: where a particular mineral is concentrated

Surface Mining: starting from the top down and mining for minerals or oil deposits results in permanent
scaring of the land and changing land features

Tailings: a waste created from mining operations (usually consists of acids, sulfur compounds)

GS

SC

OR
E

Population Growth Issues

Urbanization

Habitat Destruction

Farming Practices

Notes

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Fertilizers & Pesticides

Urbanization

Public Health

Food Supply

Freshwater

Coastlands and Oceans

Forests

Biodiversity and Habitat Destruction

Global Climate Change

Habitat Fragmentation & Destruction:

OR
E

Concerns:

Habitatdestruction and fragmentation is a process that describes the emergences of discontinuities (fragmentation)
or the loss (destruction) of the environment inhabited by an organism. Causes include:
Conversion to human-made uses: urbanization, deforestation, etc.

fragmentationnatural geographic ranges are cut up due to construction, farming, etc

Simplificationclearing and cleaning up land areas of natural debris; stream channelization, etc.

Intrusioninterference with species: telecommunication lighted towers attracting migrating birds, casing
collisions and entanglement in wires, etc.

It results in

SC

Loss of resident species

Loss of food sources

Loss of ecosystem functions provided by the habitat

Biodiversity Threats

GS

Types of Biodiversity:
o

Genetic diversity varies in the genetic make-up among individuals within a single species

Species diversity variety among the species or distinct types of living organisms found in different
habitats of the planet

Ecological diversity variety of forests, deserts, grasslands, streams, lakes, oceans, wetlands, and
other biological communities

Causes:
Habitat loss & Fragmentation

Climate Change

Over use and exploitation

Notes

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o
o

nonsustainable agricultural practices: over-cultivation, etc.

overfishing

excessive hunting

illegal poaching

illegal exotic species trade

Construction, farming, etc.

o

simplificationclearing and cleaning up land areas of natural debris; stream channelization, etc.

intrusioninterference with species: telecommunication lighted towers attracting migrating birds,

casing collisions and entanglement in wires, etc.

Human population explosion

Pollution
o

land and water pollution: pesticides, toxic waste, oil spills, eutrophication of water, pathogens from
human waste

air pollution and related issues: NO2, SO2, acid deposition; ozone depletion, GHG (Greenhouse
gases)

SC

OR
E

deforestation

Exotic (invasive alien) species introduction can be accidental or deliberate (ornamentation, horticulture,
aquaculture) can take over an area, competing with native species for resources.

Steps taken by India:

National Lake Conservation Programme:

Recognizing the importance of urban lakes in particular, the Ministry of Environment and Forests launched
a National Lake Conservation Programme in 2001, exclusively aimed at restoring the lakes in different
parts of the country.

The objective of the scheme is to restore and conserve the urban and semi-urban lakes of the country
degraded due to waste water discharge into the lake and other unique freshwater eco-systems, through an
integrated ecosystem approach.

The scheme operates on a funding pattern of 70:30 cost-sharing between the Central and the participating
State Governments.

GS

1.

Activities Covered Under NLCP

In situ measures of lake cleaning such as de-silting, de-weeding, bioremediation, etc.

Catchment area treatment which may include afforestation, storm water drainage, silt traps etc.

Strengthening of bund, lake fencing, shoreline development, etc.

Lake front eco-development, including public interface.

Solid waste management & provision of dhobi ghats is generally not covered under NLCP.

Prevention of pollution from non-point sources by providing low-cost sanitation.

Notes

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Public awareness and public participation.

Capacity building, training and research in the area of Lake Conservation.

Any other activity depending upon location specific requirements.

2.

National Ganga River Basin Project (NGRBA)

The proposed World Bank assisted National Ganga River Basin Project (NGRBP) envisages two main
components.
Component One: Institutional Development (US$ 200 million)
Objectives
The objectives of this component are to:
build functional capacity of the NGRBAs operational institutions at both the central and state levels; and

provide support to associated institutions for implementing the NGRBA programme.

OR
E

The activities financed under this component are grouped under the following sub-components:

NGRBA Operationalization and Programme Management

Technical Assistance for ULB Service Providers

Technical Assistance for Environmental Regulators

Objective

SC

Component Two: Priority Infrastructure Investments (US$ 1,270 million)

The objective of this component is to finance demonstrative infrastructure investments to reduce pollution
loads in priority locations on the river.

The majority of investments are expected to be in the wastewater sector, particularly in wastewater
treatment plants and sewerage networks.

Investments will also be supported in industrial pollution control and prevention (e.g. common effluent
treatment plants), solid waste management (e.g. collection, transport and disposal systems), and river front
management (e.g. improvement of the built environment along river stretches, improvement of small
ghats and electric crematoria, and the conservation and preservation of ecologically-sensitive sites).

Many investments are likely to combine elements of more than one of these sectors.

3.

National Mission For Green India

The National Mission for a Green India was announced by the Prime Minister as one of the eight
Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

The Green India Mission puts the greening in the context of climate adaptation and mitigation, aiming
to enhance ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and storage (in forests and other ecosystems),
hydrological services and biodiversity; along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder, timber and NTFPs.

GS

Mission Objectives
Increased forest/tree cover on 5 m ha of forest/non-forest lands and improved quality of forest cover on
another 5 m ha (a total of 10 m ha).

Notes

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Improved ecosystem services including biodiversity, hydrological services and carbon sequestration as a
result of treatment of 10 m ha.

Increased forest-based livelihood income of about 3 million households living in and around the forests.

Enhanced annual CO2 sequestration by 50 to 60 million tonnes in the year 2020.

Key Elements of Mission Strategy

Holistic view to greening (broader than plantations): The scope of greening will go beyond trees and
plantations to encompass both protection and restoration. Emphasis will be placed on restoration of
degraded ecosystems and habitat diversity, for example, grassland and pastures (more so in arid/semi-arid
regions), mangroves, wetlands and other critical ecosystems. The greening will not only strive to restore
degraded forests, but will also contribute in the protection and enhancement of forests with relatively
dense forest cover.

Vulnerability and Potential as criteria for intervention: Criteria for selection of project areas/sublandscapes/sub-watersheds under the Mission will include projected vulnerability to climatic change,
potential of areas for enhancing carbon sinks and the significance of the area from ecosystem services
angle, such as biodiversity and hydrological services.

Integrated cross-sectoral approach to implementation: The Mission will foster an integrated approach
that treats forests and non-forest public lands as well as private lands simultaneously, in project units/
sublandscapes/ sub-watersheds. Livelihood ependencies, for example firewood needs and livestock grazing,
will be addressed using inter-sectoral convergence (e.g. livestock, forest, agriculture, rural development, and
energy).

Significance of the Mission

SC

OR
E

Ameliorating climate: Over the past decades, national policies of conservation and sustainable management
have transformed the countrys forests into a net sink of CO2. From 1995 to 2005, carbon stocks stored
in our forests were estimated to have increased from 6245 million tonnes to 6622 m tones thereby
registering an annual increment of 37.68 million tones of carbon or 138.15 million tonnes of CO2
equivalent.

Food security: Forests are essential for maintaining favourable and stable conditions needed for sustained
agricultural productivity. Also, forests provide food directly in the following categories: fruits, flowers,
leaves, stems, seeds, roots, tubers, mushrooms, etc.

Water security: Forests are vital for maintaining the hydrological cycle and regulating water flows and subsoil water regimes, recharging the aquifers and maintaining the flow of water in rivers and rivulets.

Livelihood security of local communities: Forests provide a range of provisioning services, particularly
fuel-wood, fodder, small timber, NTFP and medicinal plants, and artisanal raw material like canes and
bamboo that are crucial to livelihood security of forest-dependent communities. Nearly 27% of the total
population of India, comprising 275 million rural people, depends on forests for its livelihood. This
number includes 89 million tribal people, who constitute the poorest and most marginalized section of the
country.

4.

Coastal Regulation Zone

GS

Notes

To protect and conserve the coastal environment the Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued Coastal
Regulation Zone Notification on February 19, 1991 under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Some of the
major issues with regard to the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 are-

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Stipulates uniform regulations all along the 5500 kms of the coastline of the mainland and 2000 kms of
the coastline of islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.

The Indian coastline, including that of the Islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep are highly
diverse in terms of geomorphological and geological features, hydrodynamics conditions, demographic
patterns, biodiversity and natural resources.

This fragile coastline is under severe pressure due to increased developmental economic activities and also
impacts of climate change i.e. increased frequency of cyclones, floods, etc. and sea level rise.

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification is a land based Notification which regulates developmental
activities in the inter tidal area and 500mt on the landward side. Whereas, the coastal area and the
ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, etc. are dependent upon the coastal waters.

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification does not provide for steps to be taken in view of the natural
hazards such as cyclones, storms, surges, etc.

No concrete steps are indicated in the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification with regard to the pollution
from land-based activities that has serious impacts on the coastal and marine environment.

Several stretches of the coastline is undergoing serious to moderate erosion because of various anthropogenic
activities and natural events. The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification does not take into account these
issues.

The restrictive nature of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification has caused hardships to the communities/
people living in certain coastal stretches which includes the slum dwellers and people living in unsafe
buildings in Mumbai, communities living in islands within backwaters of Kerala, local communities along
Goa and the traditional inhabitants living within ecologically sensitive areas.

The Coastal Zone Management Plan is critical to the implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zone
Notification. Lack of clarity and non-availability of the Coastal Zone Management Plans to the communities
has been instrumental in causing hardship to the communities. In addition, this has been one of the
reasons for increase in violation of the Notification.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011
which takes into account all the above issues in a comprehensive manner, including the recommendations
made in Final Frontier and the outcome of the eleven consultations held in various coastal States and
Union territories.

GS

SC

OR
E

Objectives of Draft CRZ Notification, 2011

to ensure livelihood security to the fisher communities and other local communities, living in the coastal
areas,

to conserve and protect coastal stretches, its unique environment and its marine area, and

to promote development through sustainable manner based on scientific principles taking into account the
dangers of natural hazards in the coastal areas, sea level rise due to global warming.

The current notification has several new positive features:

It widens the definition of CRZ to include the land area from HTL to 500 m on the landward side, as
well as the land area between HTL to 100 m or width of the creek, whichever is less, on the landward
side along tidal-influenced water bodies connected to the sea.

Notes

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The CRZ also includes, for the first time, water area up to 12 nautical miles in the sea and the entire water
area of a tidal water body such as creek, river, estuary without imposing any restrictions of fishing
activities. Thus, the main change in the scope of regulation has been to expand the CRZ to include
territorial waters as a protected zone.

The concept of a hazard line has been introduced. While the notification merely states that the hazard
line will be demarcated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests MoEF through the Survey of India,
by taking into account tides, waves, sea level rise and shoreline changes, this concept owes its introduction
to the realisation of natural disasters such as tsunami and floods that may take place in this zone.

In May 2010, the MOEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Survey of India for undertaking
this exercise over a period of four-and-a-half years, at an estimated cost of Rs 125 crore.

The concept of classification of CRZ into four zones has continued in the 2011 notification with the
following delineation:
CRZ I- ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, salt marshes, turtle nesting ground
and the inter-tidal zone.

2.

CRZ II- areas close to the shoreline, and which have been developed.

3.

CRZ III- Coastal areas that are not substantially built up, including rural coastal areas.

4.

CRZ IV- water area from LTL to the limit of territorial waters of India

OR
E

1.

A new category called areas requiring special consideration has been created which consists of (i) CRZ
areas of Greater Mumbai, Kerala and Goa, and (ii) Critically vulnerable coastal areas such as Sunderbans.

With respect to the list of prohibited activities, one of the most important changes has been that of
expanding the list of exceptions to the rule prohibiting setting up of new industries and expansion of
existing industries. While the earlier exception was limited to those activities which required access to the
water front, four other exceptions have been now incorporated which include:

SC

Projects of Department of Atomic Energy;

2.

Facilities for generating non-conventional energy sources and desalination plants, except for CRZ-I
zones on a case-by-case basis after doing an impact assessment study;

3.

Development of greenfield airport permitted only at Navi Mumbai; and

4.

Reconstruction, repair works of dwelling units of local communities, including fishers in accordance
with local town and country planning regulations.

GS

1.

Project Tiger

Project Tiger Scheme has been under implementation since 1973 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
Government of India.

The impetus behind Project Tiger is to ensure a viable population of tiger in India for scientific, economic,
aesthetic, cultural and ecological values and to preserve for all time, areas of biological importance as a
natural heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people.

Main objectives under the scheme include wildlife management, protection measures and site-specific ecodevelopment to reduce the dependency of local communities on tiger reserve resources.

Initially, the Project started with 9 tiger reserves, covering an area of 16,339 km2, with a population of
268 tigers.

Notes

5.

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At present, there are 39 tiger reserves covering an area of 53,547 km2, with a population of 1706 tigers.
This amounts to almost 1.63% of the total geographical area of the country. Project Tiger is undisputedly
a custodian of major gene pool. It is also a repository of some of the most valuable ecosystem and
habitats for wildlife.

Tiger Reserves In India (State wise)

2. Kaziranga (Assam)

3. Nameri (Assam)

4. Nagarjunasagar (Andhra)

5. Namdapha (Arunachal)

6. Pakke (Arunachal)

7. Valmiki (Bihar)

8. Indravati (Chhattisgarh)

9. Undanti-Sitandadi (Chhattisgarh)

10. Achanakmar (Chhattisgarh)

11. Palamau (Jharkhand)

12. Periyar (Kerala)

13. Parambikulam (Kerala)

14. Bandipur (Karnataka)

15. Bhadra (Karnataka)

16. Dandeli-Anshi (Karnataka)

17. Nagarhole (Karnataka)

18. Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra)

19. Pench (Maharashtra)

20. Melghat (Maharashtra)

21. Bandhavgarh (M.P)

22. Kanha (M.P)

23. Satpura (M.P)

24. Panna (M.P)

25. Sanjay-Dubri (M.P)

26. Pench (M.P)

27. Dampa (Mizoram)

28. Satkosia (Orissa)

29. Simlipal (Orissa)

30. Ranthambhore (Rajasthan)

31. Sariska (Rajasthan)

32. Mudumalai (TamilNadu)

33. Kalakad-Mundanthurai (Tamil Nadu)

34. Anamalai (Tamil Nadu)

35. Corbett (Uttarakhand)

36 Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh)

37. Buxa (West Bengal)

38. Sunderbans (West Bengal)

39. Sahyadri (Maharashtra)

SC

OR
E

1. Manas (Assam)

Tiger Reserves are constituted on a corebuffer strategy. The core area is kept free of biotic disturbances
and forestry operations, where collection of minor forest produce, grazing, human disturbances are not
allowed within. However, the buffer zone is managed as a multiple use area with twin objectives of
providing habitat supplement to the spillover population of wild animals from the core conservation unit,
and to provide site specific eco-developmental inputs to surrounding villages for relieving their impact on
the core.

Except for the National Parks portion if contained within, normally no relocation of villages is visualised
in the buffer area, and forestry operations, NTFP collection and other rights and concessions to the local
people are permitted in a regulated manner to complement the initiatives in the core unit.

India is one of the thirteen tiger range countries and has the largest number of source sites with wild tigers.
As far as the scale of implementation of Project Tiger and the diverse habitats under its coverage are
concerned, the project has no parallel in the contemporary world.

GS

What have been the Major Achievements?

Project Tiger has saved the endangered tiger from extinction, and has put the species on an assured path
to recovery by improving the protection and status of its habitat.

The core buffer strategy of Project Tiger has provided scope for eliciting local public support through sitepecific eco-development in the buffer/fringe areas.

The Project has contributed towards several intangible environmental benefits to society, such as absorption
of carbon dioxide, improvement of micro climate, rainfall and river flow.

Notes

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The Project has generated considerable wages for the benefit of fringe-dwelling communities, who are
deployed as local work force for protection.

While conserving the flagship species, the Project has saved several other species of plants and animals
from extinction.

The local communities are benefiting from eco-tourism apart from eco developmental inputs in fringe
areas.

Recent Initiatives
Strengthening of anti-poaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by providing
funding support to tiger reserve states, as proposed by them, for deployment of anti-poaching squads
involving ex-army personnel/home guards, apart from workforce comprising local people, in addition to
strengthening of communication/ wireless facilities.

Declaration of nine new tiger reserves and in-principle approval accorded for creation of four new reserves
- Biligiri in Karnataka, Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh and Sunabeda in Orissa.

The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to states for strengthening tiger conservation, which
apart from ongoing activities, include funding support to states for enhanced village rehabilitation package
for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh per family), rehabilitation
of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests
outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat
fragmentation.

A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues
related to tiger conservation.

As part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna tiger reserves where tigers have become locally
extinct, reintroduction of tigers have been done.

6.

Project Elephant

Asian elephants were believed to be widely distributed-from Tigris - Euphrates in West Asia eastward
through Persia into the Indian sub-continent, South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra,
Borneo and up to North China. However, currently they are confined to Indian Subcontinent, South East
Asia and some Asian Islands -Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia.

About half of the Asian elephant population is in India.

Current distribution of wild elephant in India is confined to South India; North East, including North West
Bengal; Central Indian states of Orissa, South WB and Jharkhand; and North West India in Uttarakhand
and UP.

Project Elephant (PE) was launched by the Government of India in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme with the following objectives :

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1.

To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors

2.

To address issues of man-animal conflict

3.

Welfare of domesticated elephants

The Project is being mainly implemented in 13 States/UTs, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,
Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar
Pradesh and West Bengal. Small support is also being given to Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

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Main activities under the Project are as follows:

Ecological restoration of existing natural habitats and migratory routes of elephants;

Development of scientific and planned management for conservation of elephant habitats and viable
population of Wild Asiatic elephants in India;

Promotion of measures for mitigation of man elephant conflict in crucial habitats and moderating pressures
of human and domestic stock activities in crucial elephant habitats;

Strengthening of measures for protection of wild elephants form poachers and unnatural causes of death;

Research on Elephant management related issues;

Public education and awareness programmes;

Eco-development;

Veterinary care

7.

Project Snow Leopard

Project Snow Leopard is a manifestation of the Government of Indias resolve to conserve biodiversity
with community participation. They are at the apex of ecological pyramid, suffer the most on account
of relatively smaller population size and also because of man-animal conflict. This situation further gets
aggravated by the hostile landscape forming its habitat. Referring to its globally-endangered species status
as well as the most important flagship species of the mountain region, the government informed that Snow
Leopard has been included in the list of species under Recovery Programme to be funded through the
umbrella scheme of integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.

There are more than 26 protected areas in the Himalayan landscape where snow leopard is reported.
However, areas outside protected areas are equally important for a long range species like Snow Leopard.

To give it the same status of importance in the high altitude as that of Tiger in the terrestrial landscape,
the ministry has launched the Project Snow Leopard in the country.

The project will be operational in five Himalayan States viz. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh with active support from Wildlife Institute of India and the
Mysore based Nature Conservation Foundation.

The project stresses on a landscape approach to conservation wherein smaller core zones with relatively
conservation values will be identified and conserved with support and the larger landscape will be managed
in such a way that it allows necessary development benefits to the local communities.

For facilitating effective planning and action, the project will set up enabling administrative mechanisms
from the village duster level to the Central Government. At the Central level, a Steering Committee
chaired by Director General of Forests & Special Secretary to the Government of India will help guide
the project. Each State will have a State Snow Leopard Conservation Society that will coordinate work
by the Landscape level Implementation Committees, which in turn will coordinate work by the village
Wildlife Conservation Committees.

The Project Snow Leopard is an innovative project that would help to arrest species decline in the Indian
high altitudes and would lead to conservation based on sound scientific plans and local support. Species
such as Snow Leopard, Asiatic Ibex, Tibetan Argali, Ladakh Urial, Chiru, Takin, Serow and Musk Deer
will particularly benefit from this project.

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REDD+

Deforestation and forest degradation, through agricultural expansion, conversion to pastureland, infrastructure
development, destructive logging, fires etc., account for nearly 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions,
more than the entire global transportation sector and second only to the energy sector.

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) is an effort to create a financial
value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from
forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.

REDD+ goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation,
sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Countries that reduce emissions and undertake sustainable management of forests will be entitled to
receive funds and resources as incentives.

REDD+ works on the basis of creating a financial value for the carbon stored and enhanced in the
biomass and soil of standing forests.

The REDD+ approach incorporates important benefits of livelihoods improvement, biodiversity conservation
and food security services.

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8.

REDD+ & INDIA

India has more than 70 m ha under forest cover with four global biodiversity hotspots, and is one of the
17 megadiverse countries.

India recognizes that conserving, expanding and improving the quality of our forests is a major national
priority. This has enormous domestic and transnational mitigating benefits. Not only it is a cost-effective
and efficient way to mitigate the effects of climate change, but it also improves Indias water security,
safeguards its rich biodiversity and provides livelihood security for millions of Indians.

India will gain a lot from REDD+ as it has opened avenues to get compensation for the efforts of proconservation and sustainable management of forests, which will result in further increase of forest cover
and consequently forest carbon stocks.

The incentives which will be received from REDD+ would be passed on to the local communities which
are involved in forest conservation. The REDD+ initiative will help local Indian communities as it clearly
safeguards their rights.

It is estimated that India could provide capture of more than 1 billion tonnes of additional CO2 over the
next 30 years and will gain US$ 3 billion as carbon service incentives.

India has been insisting on following a comprehensive and holistic approach in realizing the full potential
of mitigation in the forestry sector. Indias stand was finally accepted in 13th Meeting of the Conference
of Parties (COP 13) at Bali, when elements of conservation, sustainable management of forests and
enhancement of forest carbon stocks were added to the then existing text of reducing deforestation and
forest degradation as part of the Bali Action Plan.

India has started an ambitious Green India Mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change
with a budget of Rs 46,000 crore over a period of 10 years. The objective of the Mission is to increase
forest and tree cover in 5 m ha of land and improve quality of forest cover in another 5 m ha. Thus, the
Mission will help in improving ecosystem services in 10 m ha of land, and increase the flow of forestbased livelihood services and the income of about 3 million forest dwellers.

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India has made a submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
on REDD, sustainable management of forest and afforestation and reforestation in December 2008.

A technical group has been set up to develop methodologies and procedures to assess and monitor
contribution of REDD+ actions.

A National REDD+ Coordinating Agency is being established.

A National Forest Carbon Accounting Programme is being institutionalized.

India is hosting the Conference of Parties (COP-11) of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2012,
to coincide with 20 years of Rio.

A report on the study of the impact of climate change on Indias forests assigned to the Indian Network
for Climate Change Assessment, has been released in November 2010. In the year 2030, 8-56% of forests
are likely to experience a change in vegetation type with respect to those observed in the 1970s. There
is likely to be an increase in net primary productivity ranging from 20% to 57%.

Important Environmental Conventions:

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Basel Convention:

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their
Disposal, usually known as the Basel Convention, is an international treaty that was designed to reduce
the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous
waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs).

It does not, however, address the movement of radioactive waste.

The Convention is also intended to minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated, to ensure their
environmentally sound management as closely as possible to the source of generation, and to assist LDCs
in environmentally sound management of the hazardous and other wastes they generate.

The Convention was opened for signature on 22 March 1989, and entered into force on 5 May 1992.

As of January 2015, 182 states and the European Union are parties to the Convention.

Haiti and the United States have signed the Convention but not ratified it.

Obligations:

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1.

In addition to conditions on the import and export of the above wastes, there are stringent requirements
for notice, consent and tracking for movement of wastes across national boundaries.

It is of note that the Convention places a general prohibition on the exportation or importation of wastes
between Parties and non-Parties.

The exception to this rule is where the waste is subject to another treaty that does not take away from
the Basel Convention.

The Convention states that illegal hazardous waste traffic is criminal but contains no enforcement provisions.

2.

Convention on Biological Diversity:

The Convention has three main goals:

conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity);

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ii.

sustainable use of its components; and

iii. fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources

In other words, its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity. It is often seen as the key document regarding sustainable development.

The Convention was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and
entered into force on 29 December 1993.

Nagoya Protocol:
The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity is a supplementary agreement to
the Convention on Biological Diversity.

It provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of one of the three objectives
of the CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

The Protocol was adopted on 29 October 2010 in Nagoya, Aichi Province, Japan, and entered into force
on 12 October 2014.

Its objective is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources,
thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

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Cartagena Protocol:

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty
governing the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology
from one country to another.

It was adopted on 29 January 2000 as a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological

Diversity and entered into force on 11 September 2003.

Parties:

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One hundred and ninety-five states and the European Union are parties to the convention. All UN
member stateswith the exception of the United Stateshave ratified the treaty.

Non-UN member states that have ratified are the Cook Islands, Niue, and the State of Palestine.

The Holy See and the states with limited recognition are non-parties.

The US has signed but not ratified the treaty, and has not announced plans to ratify it.

Conference of the parties:

The conventions governing body is the Conference of the parties (COP), consisting of all governments
(and regional economic integration organizations) that have ratified the treaty.

This ultimate authority reviews progress under the Convention, identifies new priorities, and sets work
plans for members.

The COP can also make amendments to the Convention, create expert advisory bodies, review progress
reports by member nations, and collaborate with other international organizations and agreements.

The Conference of the Parties uses expertise and support from several other bodies that are established
by the Convention.

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In addition to committees or mechanisms established on an ad hoc basis, two main organs are:

Secretariat: The CBD Secretariat. Based in Montreal, it operates under the United Nations Environment
Programme.

Its main functions are to organize meetings, draft documents, assist member governments in the
implementation of the programme of work, coordinate with other international organizations, and collect
and disseminate information.

Subsidiary body for Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA): The Subsidiary Body on
Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA). The SBSTTA is a committee composed of
experts from member governments competent in relevant fields.

COP 12- 2014:

The twelfth ordinary meeting of the parties to the convention takes place October 2014, in Pyeongchang,
Republic of Korea.

The theme, Biodiversity for Sustainable Development,

From October 617, 2014, parties discussed the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity
2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which are to be achieved by the end of this decade.

The results of Global Biodiversity Outlook 4, the flagship assessment report of the CBD informed the
discussions.

The conference gave a mid-term evaluation to the UN Decade on Biodiversity (2011-2020) initiative,
which aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of nature.

At the end of the meeting, participants adopted the Pyeongchang Road Map, which addresses ways to
achieve biodiversity through technology cooperation, funding and strengthening the capacity of developing
countries.

COP 13- 2016:

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The thirteenth ordinary meeting of the parties to the convention takes will take place December 2016 in
Los Cabos, Baja California South, Mexico.

3.

Bonn Convention:

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals - more commonly abbreviated
to just the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or the Bonn Convention-aims to conserve terrestrial,
marine and avian migratory species throughout their range.

It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme,
concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.

The Convention was signed in 1979 in Bad Godesberg, a suburb of Bonn (hence the name), and entered
into force in 1983.

The CMS is the only global and UN-based intergovernmental organization established exclusively for the
conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range.

The CMS Family covers a great diversity of migratory species. The Appendices of CMS include many
mammals, including land mammals, marine mammals and bats; birds; fish; reptiles and one insect.

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Appendix I Threatened Migratory Species:

Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention.

Parties that are Range States to Appendix I species are obliged to afford them strict protection.

CMS Parties strive towards strictly protecting these animals, conserving or restoring the places where they
live, mitigating obstacles to migration and controlling other factors that might endanger them.

Besides establishing obligations for each State joining the Convention, CMS promotes concerted action
among the Range States of many of these species.

Appendix II Migratory Species requiring international cooperation:

Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed in
Appendix II of the Convention.

These species, either individually or by taxonomic group, are the basis for establishing instruments
regional or global under CMS.

For this reason, the Convention encourages the Range States to conclude global or regional Agreements.

4.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants:

It is an international environmental treaty, signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004, that aims to
eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Key elements of the Convention include the requirement that developed countries provide new and
additional financial resources and measures to eliminate production and use of intentionally produced
POPs, eliminate unintentionally produced POPs where feasible, and manage and dispose of POPs wastes
in an environmentally sound manner.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are organic chemical substances. They possess a particular
combination of physical and chemical properties such that, once released into the environment, they:

i.

remain intact for exceptionally long periods of time (many years);

ii.

become widely distributed throughout the environment as a result of natural processes involving soil,
water and, most notably, air;

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iii. accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms including humans, and are found at higher concentrations
at higher levels in the food chain; and are toxic to both humans and wildlife.
POPs concentrate in living organisms through process of bioaccumulation. Though not soluble in water,
POPs are readily absorbed in fatty tissue, where concentrations can become magnified by up to 70,000
times the background levels.

Fish, predatory birds, mammals, and humans are high up the food chain and so absorb the greatest
concentrations.

Specific effects of POPs can include cancer, allergies and hypersensitivity, damage to the central and
peripheral nervous systems, reproductive disorders, and disruption of the immune system.

Some POPs are also considered to be endocrine disrupters, which, by altering the hormonal system, can
damage the reproductive and immune systems of exposed individuals as well as their offspring; they can
also have developmental and carcinogenic effects.

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Minamata Convention on Mercury :

It is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic
emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.

This Convention was a result of three years of meeting and negotiating, after which the text of the
Convention was ratified by delegates from 140 countries on January 19, 2013.

The Convention is named after the Japanese city, Minimata. This naming is of symbolic importance as
the city went through devastating incident of mercury poisoning.

The convention has prohibited a myriad of products containing mercury, and their production and trade
will be altogether prohibited by 2020.

These products include batteries, compact fluorescent lamps, switches and relays, soaps and cosmetics,
thermometers, and blood pressure devices.

Furthermore, delegates went as far as prohibiting vaccines containing mercury, as well as dental fillings
which use mercury amalgam.

The biggest mercury release comes from coal-fired power stations and usage of mercury to separate gold
from ore-bearing rock.

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5.

Mercury from the factories is released into a river system.

The Convention requires countries to come up with plans to reduce the amount of mercury used by gold
miners.

The treaty will also organize and support financially mercury awareness campaigns by which it will give
support for mercury-free alternatives.

6.

CITES:

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as
the Washington Convention is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals.

It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The convention was opened for signature in 1973, and CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975.

Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the
survival of the species in the wild, and it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 35,000
species of animals and plants.

CITES is one of the largest and oldest conservation and sustainable use agreements in existence.

Participation is voluntary, and countries that have Funding for the activities of the Secretariat and Conference
of the Parties (CoP) meetings comes from a Trust Fund derived from Party contributions.

CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls.

All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention has to
be authorized through a licensing system.

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Appendices:
Roughly 5,000 species of animals and 29,000 species of plants are protected by CITES against overexploitation through international trade.

Appendix I, about 1200 species, are species that are threatened with extinction and are or may be affected
by trade. Commercial trade in wild-caught specimens of these species is illegal (permitted only in exceptional
licensed circumstances).

Appendix II, about 21,000 species, are species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may
become so unless trade in specimens of such species is subject to strict regulation in order to avoid
utilization incompatible with the survival of the species in the wild.

Appendixes III, about 170 species, are species that are listed after one member country has asked other
CITES Parties for assistance in controlling trade in a species. The species are not necessarily threatened
with extinction globally.

7.

The Ramsar Convention:

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is an

intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for
the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

The treaty was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.

The Ramsar definition of wetlands is fairly wide, including areas of marine water the depth of which
at low tide does not exceed six meters as well as fish ponds, rice paddies and salt pans.

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The Conventions mission is:

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the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation,
as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world

ii.

uses a broad definition of the types of wetlands covered in its mission, including lakes and rivers, swamps
and marshes, wet grasslands and peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, near-shore marine areas,
mangroves and coral reefs, and human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs, and salt pans.

The Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance now includes 1,869 sites (known as Ramsar
Sites) covering around 1,836,000 km, up from 1,021 sites in 2000.

The country with the highest number of Sites is the United Kingdom at 170 and the country with the
greatest area of listed wetlands is Bolivia, with over 140,000 km2 (54,000 sq mi).

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i.

What are wetlands?

Wetlands are areas where the water table is at or near the surface of the land, or where the land is covered
by water. The Ramsar Convention takes a broad approach in determining the wetlands which come under its
aegis.
Five major wetland types are generally recognized:
Marine (coastal wetlands including coastal lagoons, rocky shores, and coral reefs);

Estuarine (including deltas, tidal marshes, and mangrove swamps);

Lacustrine (wetlands associated with lakes);

Riverine (wetlands along rivers and streams); and

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Palustrine (meaning marshy - marshes, swamps and bogs).

Why to conserve wetlands?

Wetlands are among the worlds most productive environments. They are cradles of biological diversity,
providing the water and primary productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals depend for
survival. They support high concentrations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrate
species. Wetlands are also important storehouses of plant genetic material.
Wetlands provide tremendous economic benefits, for example: water supply (quantity and quality); fisheries
(over two thirds of the worlds fish harvest is linked to the health of coastal and inland wetland areas);
agriculture, through the maintenance of water tables and nutrient retention in floodplains; timber production;
energy resources, such as peat and plant matter; wildlife resources; transport; and recreation and tourism
opportunities.
Montreux Record:
Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International
Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as
a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of
the Ramsar List.

The Montreux Record was established by Recommendation 4.8 of the Conference of the Contracting
Parties (1990).

Resolution 5.4 of the Conference (1993) determined that the Montreux Record should be employed to
identify priority sites for positive national and international conservation attention.

Sites may be added to and removed from the Record only with the approval of the Contracting Parties
in which they lie. A

s of September 2007, 59 Ramsar sites are present in the Montreux Record 23 sites which had been listed
on the Montreux Record have since been removed from it.

World Wetland Day:

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World Wetlands Day which is celebrated each year on 2 February, marks the date of the adoption of the
Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian
Sea.

World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first time on February 2, 1997, on the 16th anniversary of
the Ramsar Convention.

8.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):

It is an international environmental treaty (currently the only international climate policy venue with broad
legitimacy, due in part to its virtually universal membership) negotiated at the United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de
Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992.

The UNFCCC was adopted on 9 May 1992, and opened for signature on 4 June 1992, after an
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee produced the text of the Framework Convention as a report
following its meeting in New York from 30 April to 9 May 1992.

It entered into force on 21 March 1994. As of March 2014, UNFCCC has 196 parties.

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The objective of the treaty is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that
would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

The treaty itself set no binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual countries and contains
no enforcement mechanisms.

In that sense, the treaty is considered legally non-binding. Instead, the treaty provides a framework for
negotiating specific international treaties (called protocols) that may set binding limits on greenhouse
gases.

Classification of Parties and their commitments:

As of 2014, the UNFCC has 196 parties including all United Nations member states, as well as Niue,
Cook Islands and the European Union. In addition, the Holy See and Palestine are observer states.

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Parties to the UNFCCC are classified as:

Annex I:

There are 43 Parties to the UNFCCC listed in Annex I of the Convention, including the European Union.

These Parties are classified as industrialized (developed) countries and economies in transition (EITs).

The 14 EITs are the former centrally-planned (Soviet) economies of Russia and Eastern Europe.

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Annex II:

There are 24 Parties to the UNFCCC listed in Annex II of the Convention, including the European Union.

These Parties are made up of members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD).

Annex II Parties are required to provide financial and technical support to the EITs and developing
countries to assist them in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation) and
manage the impacts of climate change (climate change adaptation).

Annex B:

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Parties listed in Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol are Annex I Parties with first- or second-round Kyoto
greenhouse gas emissions targets.

The first-round targets apply over the years 20082012. As part of the 2012 Doha climate change talks,
an amendment to Annex B was agreed upon containing with a list of Annex I Parties who have secondround Kyoto targets, which apply from 20132020. The amendments have not entered into force.

Least-developed countries (LDCs):

49 Parties are LDCs, and are given special status under the treaty in view of their limited capacity to adapt
to the effects of climate change.

Non-Annex I:
Parties to the UNFCCC not listed in Annex I of the Convention are mostly low-income developing
countries.

Developing countries may volunteer to become Annex I countries when they are sufficiently developed.

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Durban and Doha negotiations:

In 2011, parties adopted the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.

As part of the Durban Platform, parties have agreed to develop a protocol, another legal instrument or
an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties.

This new treaty is due to be adopted at the 21st COP, and implemented in 2020. The 21st COP is
scheduled to held in 2015.

At Durban and Doha, parties noted with grave concern that current efforts to hold global warming to
below 2 or 1.5 C relative to the pre-industrial level appear inadequate.

Kyoto Protocol:
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty, which extends the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that commits State Parties to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, based
on the premise that (a) global warming exists and (b) man-made CO2 emissions have caused it.

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16
February 2005.

There are currently 192 Parties (Canada withdrew effective December 2012) to the Protocol.

The Kyoto Protocol implemented the objective of the UNFCCC to fight global warming by reducing
greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic
interference with the climate system (Art. 2).

The Protocol is based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities: it puts the obligation
to reduce current emissions on developed countries on the basis that they are historically responsible for
the current levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The Protocols first commitment period started in 2008 and ended in 2012.

A second commitment period was proposed in 2012, known as the Doha Amendment, in which 37
countries have binding targets.

Flexibility mechanisms:

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The Protocol defines three flexibility mechanisms that can be used by Annex I Parties in meeting their
emission limitation commitments.

The flexibility mechanisms are International Emissions Trading (IET), the Clean Development Mechanism
(CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI).

IET allows Annex I Parties to trade their emissions (Assigned Amount Units, AAUs, or allowances
for short)

Carbon emissions trading:

It is a form of emissions trading that specifically targets carbon dioxide (calculated in tonnes of carbon
dioxide equivalent or tCO2e) and it currently constitutes the bulk of emissions trading.

This form of permit trading is a common method countries utilize in order to meet their obligations
specified by the Kyoto Protocol; namely the reduction of carbon emissions in an attempt to reduce
(mitigate) future climate change.

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Under Carbon trading, a country having more emissions of carbon is able to purchase the right to emit
more and the country having less emission trades the right to emit carbon to other countries.

More carbon emitting countries, by this way try to keep the limit of carbon emission specified to them.

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM):

It provides for emissions reduction projects which generate Certified Emission Reduction units which may
be traded in emissions trading schemes.

The purpose of the CDM is to promote clean development in developing countries, i.e., the non-Annex
I countries (countries that arent listed in Annex I of the Framework Convention).

The CDM is one of the Protocols project-based mechanisms; in that the CDM is designed to promote
projects that reduce emissions.

The CDM is defined in Article 12 of the Protocol, and is intended to meet two objectives:

i.

to assist parties not included in Annex I in achieving sustainable development and in contributing to the
ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which
is to prevent dangerous climate change; and

ii.

to assist parties included in Annex I in achieving compliance with their quantified emission limitation and
reduction commitments (greenhouse gas (GHG) emission caps).

The CDM addresses the second objective by allowing the Annex I countries to meet part of their emission
reduction commitments under the Kyoto Protocol by buying Certified Emission Reduction units from
CDM emission reduction projects in developing countries.

Joint implementation (JI):

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It is one of three flexibility mechanisms set out in the Kyoto Protocol to help countries with binding
greenhouse gas emissions targets (so-called Annex I countries) meet their obligations.

JI is described in Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol. Under Article 6, any Annex I country can invest in
an emission reduction project (referred to as a Joint Implementation Project) in any other Annex I
country as an alternative to reducing emissions domestically.

In this way countries can lower the costs of complying with their Kyoto targets by investing in projects
that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an Annex I country where reducing emissions may be cheaper,
and then using the resulting Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) towards their commitment goal.

A JI project might involve, for example, replacing a coal-fired power plant with a more efficient combined
heat and power plant.

Most JI projects are expected to take place in so-called economies in transition, noted in Annex B of
the Kyoto Protocol.

Currently Russia and Ukraine are slated to host the greatest number of JI projects.

Unlike the case of the Clean Development Mechanism, the JI has caused less concern of spurious
emission reductions, as the JI project, in contrast to the CDM project, takes place in a country which has
a commitment to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol.

9.

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

It is a Multilateral Environmental Agreement. It was agreed upon at the Vienna Conference of 1985 and
entered into force in 1988.

Notes

GS

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In terms of universality, it is one of the most successful treaties of all time, having been ratified by 197
states (all United Nations members as well as the Holy See, Niue and the Cook Islands) as well as the
European Union.

It acts as a framework for the international efforts to protect the ozone layer. However, it does not include
legally binding reduction goals for the use of CFCs, the main chemical agents causing ozone depletion.
These are laid out in the accompanying Montreal Protocol.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a form of oxygen. Oxygen occurs in three different forms in the atmosphere; as oxygen atoms
(O), as oxygen molecules (O2) and as zone (O3). Ozones unique physical properties allow the ozone
layer to act as our planets sunscreen, providing an invisible filter to help protect all life forms from the
suns damaging UV (ultraviolet)rays.

Most incoming UV radiation is absorbed by ozone and prevented from reaching the Earths surface.
Without the protective effect of ozone, life on Earth would not have evolved the way it has.

OR
E

What is Ozone Depletion?

Ozone depletion occurs when the natural balance between the production and destruction of stratospheric
ozone is tipped in favour of destruction.

Although natural phenomenon can cause temporary ozone loss, chlorine and bromine released from
synthetic compounds is now accepted as the main cause of a net loss of stratospheric ozone in many parts
of the world since 1980.

There is strong evidence that global ozone depletion is occuring.

The evidence is in the observations of the Antratic ozone holeand atmospheric records indicating
seasonal declines in global ozone levels.

SC

Terms and purposes:

The treaty is structured around several groups of halogenated hydrocarbons that have been shown to play
a role in ozone depletion.

All of these ozone depleting substances contain either chlorine or bromine (substances containing only
fluorine do not harm the ozone layer).

GS

Ozone Depleting Substances:

CFC and HCFCs - mostly used in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems. Only HCFCs
can continue to be used for a limited period of time.

Halons - used historically as fire suppression agents and fire fighting, but now only allowed in very limited
situations

Carbon tetrachloride (Tetrachloromethane) - limited solvent use in laboratories and chemical and
pharmaceutical industry.

1,1,1,-trichloroethane - limited solvent use in laboratories and chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

Methyl bromide - historically used in fumigation, soil treatment, pest control, quarantine, market gardening.
Methyl bromide is no longer registered for use in Ireland.

Hydrobromofluorocarbons - historically used in fire suppression systems and fire fighting.

Bromochloromethane - historically used in the manufacture of biocides.

Notes

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