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Essay On Self-Reliant India Mission In English

Hello Friends … In this post “ Essay On Self-Reliant India Mission In English “, we will read about Self-Reliant India   Or Aatm Nirbhar Bharat as an Essay with an In-depth Analysis.

Let’s Start…

Introduction

In this era of globalization , all countries are interlinked. In this case, the definition of self-reliance has also changed.

Self-reliance is different from self-centered . India believes strongly in the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam .

India is a part of the world, if India progresses, it also contributes to the progress of the world by doing so. Globalization will not be boycotted in building a self-reliant India  but will be helped in the development of the world.

Therefore, for us, a self-reliant India means improving the quality of life of people with economic development while remaining connected to the world.

The objective of the self-reliant India campaign is not only to fight the covid-19 epidemic but also to rebuild future India.

The idea of ​​a self-reliant India campaign has been part of the ideological tradition of India. This idea matches Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of village swaraj.

Mahatma Gandhi believed that every village should be Self-Reliant in meeting its needs, only then a true Gram Swaraj can be established there.

He emphasized the promotion of cottage industries to promote the village, including the promotion of charkha and khadi.

Now after the crisis arising from the coronavirus as a side effect of globalization , the intention is to develop a rural economy on the basis of Gram Swaraj itself.

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Self-reliant India’s Strategy

Under the strategy of self-reliant India , the government has focused on 4L : land, labor, liquidity, and law.

Land: No industry can be established without land. In such a situation, the land issue will be cleared for the establishment of industries.

Labor: Even without labor, industry or trade cannot be imagined, but there are many complications regarding the labor law in India. For this, logical laws need to be made.

Liquidity : Liquidity is also very important to run the wheel of economic activities.

Law: There are many such complicated laws in the country, due to which development is hindered, so major changes will be made in the law to clear the way for Self-Reliant .

Five pillars for self-reliant India

• Infrastructure
• Vibrant Demography
• Economy:- An arrangement that is based on quantum jump rather than incremental change.
• Infrastructure:-  that became the identity of modern India.
• Technology:- System based on the technology-driven system.
• Vibrant Demography:- This is a source of energy for Self-Reliant India .
• Demand:- For this, the target has been set to harness the full potential of India’s demand and supply chain.

Declaration of Important Economic Reforms

The total economic package of 2097053 crores for the self-reliant India campaign includes Rs 1 lakh 92800 crores of the previously released Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Package and monetary measures of Rs 801603 crores of RBI.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced this package in 5 installments.

The government has announced various central schemes for MSMEs and other sectors.

The “Make in India” initiative will be emphasized to increase self-reliance in defense production.

FDI limit will be increased from 49% to 74% from an automatic route in the defense manufacturing sector.

The viability gap funding scheme will be implemented to increase private investment in the social infrastructure sector.

To improve the capacity of the private sector, the private sector will be allowed to use ISRO facilities and relevant assets.

In order to enable farmers to get a better price for their produce, the government will change the Essential Commodities Act .

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Why Criticize the Package?

The self-Reliant India package has been released during the period of the Coronavirus crisis , in such a situation, it was expected that this package will provide many relief in this crisis.

But the long-term measure of economic reforms is more in the package and the immediate relief seems less.

For migrant laborers and the poor, 5 kg ration per person and 1 kg gram per family will be provided for 2 months. The amount being given under Direct Benefit Transfer is very less and it has reached only those people who have Jan Dhan accounts .

In such a situation, the large population who do not have an account has been deprived of such financial help.

There is also a criticism that almost 90% of the package is linked to giving loans at cheaper rates or easing the terms of the loan and giving some interest rebate on cutting interest rates or making quick payments.

Critics say that the government does not have to spend a fair amount of money. While spending appropriately is necessary to prevent the deterioration of the economy.

When spending increases in the economy, it increases consumption and when consumption increases, production also increases. In this way, the cycle of economic activity starts.

That is why many economists were constantly raising the demand that money should be given to the hands of the poor so that it could spend and the cycle of trade could catch pace.

Challenges Self-Reliant India Mission

The government claims that the economic stimulus package for the Self-Reliant India Campaign is about 10% of India’s GDP.

But financing this package can be quite difficult as the government is already worried about the growing fiscal deficit and is constantly trying to reduce it.

It is also difficult to raise finance by accelerating disinvestment as most of the PSUs are burdened with debt.

The privatization of PSUs in the midst of conditions such as the economic downturn will not give the government too many buyers and in the absence of competition, the privatization will not provide the required funds.

Apart from this, it is also difficult to borrow from foreign markets because the rupee is in a weak position against the dollar.

In this way, it will also not be easy to achieve Self-reliance . Local entrepreneurs and manufacturers will also have to provide some security money to produce local products and make them competitive.

This may lead to a direct confrontation between India with the members of the World Trade Organization.

The condition of the 5 pillars of “ Self-reliant India ” is also not very encouraging. Lack of infrastructure has been a major obstacle for foreign companies to invest in India,

Due to these challenges, the government has failed to make India a manufacturing hub under the “Make in India” project, which was the stated objective of this project.

Therefore, we have to move forward taking lessons from our experience.

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Conclusion (Essay On Self-Reliant India)

To attract China-based foreign companies to invest in India, India will have to build world-class infrastructure. To revive the economy of India in this way, the government will have to focus on developing the manufacturing sector.

So that employees can be created on a large scale and the country’s infrastructure can also be strengthened. One negative consequence of liberalization was that industrialization became concentrated in cities.

It will not be possible for a self-reliant India to move forward only on the basis of economic reform.

Rather, the government will have to promote holistic reforms across the country, focusing on several dimensions including labor reforms, civil service reforms, and skill reforms so that capable human resources are available in the country.

Also, there is a need to make the tax system rational. The government will have to move towards simple and clear legislation.

Supply chain-based reforms will have to be encouraged in the agriculture sector so that the rural economy can get a boost.

In backward states, attention should be paid to the development of cottage and small-scale industries such as village industries, handloom industries, handicrafts industries, and food processing industries .

So that employees can be created at the local level, local products can be identified and the local supply chain can be strengthened. With this, the Indian economy will emerge in a new form after the crisis of Coronavirus .

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Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan – Explained with Video

Last updated on December 25, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India Mission) is a campaign launched by the Central Government of India which included an Rs.20 lakh crore economic stimulus package and several reform proposals.

As part of the relief measures in the aftermath of COVID-19 , the Prime Minister announced a special economic package and gave a clarion call for “ Atmanirbhar Bharat ” or “Self-reliant India”.

He noted that this package totals Rs 20 lakh crore, including the government’s recent announcements on supporting key sectors and measures by the Reserve Bank of India, which is equivalent to almost 10% of India’s GDP .

Table of Contents

Meaning of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

The meaning of the term ‘ Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is self-reliant India .

In his speech, the Prime Minister observed that to fulfill the dream of making 21st-century India, the way forward is through ensuring that the country becomes self-reliant.

Significance of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

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• Talking about turning a crisis into an opportunity , he gave the example that the production of PPE kits and N-95 masks in India has gone up from almost being negligible to 2 lakh each, daily.
• Remaking that self-reliance is the only way out for India , the PM quoted from our scriptures “ Eshah Panthah ”, that is – self-sufficient India.
• Self-reliance will make globalization human-centric . The definition of self-reliance has changed in a globalized world and it is different from being self-centred. India’s fundamental thinking and tradition of “ Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ” provides a ray of hope to the world. This should be seen in the context of Human-Centric Globalization versus Economy Centralized Globalization.
• Self-reliance does not mean cutting India off from the world. India believes in the welfare of the world and India’s progress is linked with the world. The world trusts that India has a lot to contribute to the development of the entire humanity.
• The PM also stressed the need to be vocal about local products and urged people to buy only local products.

Five Pillars of a Self-reliant India

• Bold reforms across sectors will drive the country’s push towards self-reliance.
• Economy : contemplates not an Incremental change but a quantum leap so that we can convert the current adversity into an advantage.
• Infrastructure : that can be an image of modern India or it can be the identity of India.
• Systems : driven by 21 st -century technology, and that is not based on old rules.
• Democracy : a vibrant democracy that is the source of energy to make India self-reliant.
• Demand : where the strength of our demand and supply chain is utilized intelligently.

The reforms and stimulus measures under the Rs 20 lakh crore package were subsequently elaborated by the Finance Minister in five tranches:

The first tranche of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan – Total Rs 5,94,550 Cr

• Collateral-free loans and emergency credit to restart business including MSME – 3,00,000 Cr.
• Subordinate debt for stressed MSMEs – 20,000 Cr
• Fund of Funds for an equity infusion to MSMEs – 50,000 Cr. It will also encourage MSMEs to get listed on the main board of Stock Exchanges.
• Extended EPF support via government contributions to EPF accounts of eligible establishments – 2800 Cr
• Reduced EPF rates of both employer and employee – 6750 Cr
• Special Liquidity Scheme for NBFCs/HFCs/MFIs – 30,000 Cr
• Partial credit guarantee scheme for liabilities of NBFCs/MFIs – 45,000 Cr
• Liquidity injection for DISCOMs via Power Finance Corp/REC – 90,000 crore
• Reduction of TCS / TDS rates – 50,000 Cr
• Note: The definition of MSMEs changed by enhancing the limits to be considered as an MSME .

The second tranche of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan – Total Rs 3,10,000 Cr

• Free food grains to migrant workers for 2 months – 3500 Cr
• Interest subvention of MUDRA-Shishu loans – 1500 Cr
• Special credit facility to street vendors – 5000 Cr
• Extension of credit-linked subsidy scheme in the housing sector for the middle-income group – 70,000 Cr
• Additional emergency working capital for farmers through NABARD – 30,000 Cr
• Additional concessional credit through Kisan Credit Cards – 2,00,000 Cr
• One Nation One Ration card to enable a migrant beneficiary to purchase grains from any ration shop in the country.
• Affordable housing for migrants and urban poor via a scheme under PMAY and affordable rental housing complexes (ARHC) under PPP mode.

The third tranche of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan – Total Rs 1,50,000 Cr

• Agri Infrastructure Fund for farm gate infrastructure including cold chain and post-harvest infrastructure – 1,00,000 Cr
• Food micro-enterprises with a cluster-based approach– 10,000 Cr
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) – 11,000 Cr for activities in Marine, Inland fisheries, and Aquaculture and 9000 Cr for Infrastructure – Fishing Harbours, Cold chain, Markets, etc.
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund – 15,000 Cr
• Promotion of Herbal Cultivation – 4000 Cr
• Extending Operation Greens project from Tomatoes, Onion, and Potatoes (TOP) to all fruits and vegetables – 500 Cr
• Beekeeping initiatives – 500 Cr

The fourth and fifth tranches of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (combined) – Total Rs 48,100 Cr

• Viability gap funding – 8,100 Cr
• Additional MGNREGA allocation – 40,000 Cr

Earlier measures

• Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per health worker
• Free cereals and pulses, gas cylinders to poor families for 3 months
• Direct cash transfer via Jan Dhan accounts to poor women.
• PF credits to low-income workers and advances from EPF.
• Collateral-free lending for Women SHG up to Rs 20 lakhs.
• Revenue lost due to tax concessions – 7,800 Cr
• PM’s announcement in the health sector – 15,000 Cr

Measures taken by the Reserve Bank of India

• RBI enhanced liquidity by Rs 1.37 lakh crores by reducing CRR
• Targeted long-term repo operations of Rs 1 lakh crore.
• Raised the Ways and Means advance limits of the state governments by 60 percent.
• Raised borrowing limits of banks under the marginal standing facility to avail an additional Rs 1.37 lakh crore.
• Special refinance facilities to NABARD, SIDBI, and NHB
• Special liquidity facility for mutual funds
• Moratorium on loan repayments

Other major decisions taken under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

Apart from the above, under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan decisions are also made to reform labour, agriculture, coal sector etc.

Labour sector reforms

• To avoid regional disparity in minimum wages, the National Floor Wage is to be introduced.
• An appointment letter is to be provided to all workers to promote formalization.
• Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) code to cover all establishments engaged in hazardous work.
• Definition of the inter-state migrant worker to include migrant workers employed directly by the employer.
• ESIC coverage will be extended to all districts and all establishments employing 10 or more employees as against those in notified districts/areas only.
• Mandatory ESIC coverage for employees in hazardous industries with less than 10 employees.
• Introduction of re-skilling funds for retrenched employees.
• Provision of Social Security Fund for unorganized workers.
• Provision of gratuity on completion of one-year service as against 5 years.

Agriculture Marketing Reforms to provide choices to farmers

• Now, farmers are bound to sell agricultural produce only to licensees in APMCs .
• A law will be formulated to provide choices to farmers to sell produce at an attractive price and enable barrier-free inter-state trade.
• The legal framework will be created for contract farming and enable farmers to engage with processors, aggregators, large retailers, and exporters fairly and transparently.
• Risk mitigation for farmers’ assured returns and quality standardization to be an integral part of the framework.

Coal sector reforms

• Introduction of commercial mining in the coal sector through a revenue-sharing mechanism instead of the regime of fixed Rupee/tonne
• To lower impact on the environment, coal gasification, and liquefication will be incentivized through rebates in revenue share
• Coal Bed Methane (CBM) extraction rights are to be auctioned from Coal India Limited’s (CIL) coal mines.

Self-reliance in defence production

• Ban the import of several weapons and a separate budget provisioning for domestic capital procurement to help reduce the huge defense import bill.
• Corporatize the Ordnance Factory Board to improve autonomy, accountability, and efficiency.
• Increased FDI limit in defence manufacturing under the automatic route from 49 percent to 74 percent.

Read:  Indigenization of defence sector

Aircraft and airspace sector

• Restrictions on the utilization of the Indian airspace will be eased so that civilian flying becomes more efficient.
• Development of world-class airports through PPP,
• The tax regime for Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul ecosystem is rationalized and the convergence between the defence sector and the civil MROs will be established to create economies of scale.
• Boosting private participation in space activities. The private sector will be allowed to use ISRO facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities.

Technology-driven education

• PM e-VIDYA — a program for multi-mode access to digital/online education — will be launched. The program will comprise one earmarked TV channel per class from 1 to 12. Special e-content will be prepared for the visually and hearing impaired. The top 100 universities will be permitted to automatically start online courses by 30 May 2020.
• Manodarpan , an initiative for psycho-social support of students, teachers, and families for mental health and emotional well-being, will also be launched simultaneously.
• National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission will be launched in December 2020 to ensure that every child attains learning levels and outcomes in grade 5 by 2025.

Read: EdTech Sector in India

Ease of doing business-related measures

• The minimum threshold to initiate insolvency proceedings was raised to Rs 1 crore
• Suspension of fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to one year.
• Special insolvency resolution framework for MSMEs to be notified soon.
• Decriminalization of violations under the Companies Act
• Allow direct listing of securities by Indian public companies in permissible foreign jurisdictions.
• The government will announce a new, coherent policy where all sectors are open to the private sector while public sector enterprises (PSEs) will play an important role in defined areas.
• A list of strategic sectors requiring the presence of PSEs in the public interest will be notified.
• In strategic sectors, at least one enterprise will remain in the public sector but the private sector will also be allowed.
• In other sectors, PSEs will be privatized.

Read:  PM SVANidhi Scheme

Parallels with the Swadeshi Movement and Need for Self-reliance

• The call for self-reliance can be compared with the Swadeshi movement and we can find that it is a relatable response to the evolving political and economic currents in a globalized world.
• If Swadeshi was the rejection of the colonial exploitation of India and criticism of the Western model of Capitalism-based economic growth, Atmanirbhar Bharat is an attempt to find India’s legitimate place in a rapidly changing world.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat like the Swadeshi movement is a program that is against the unrestricted import of Western thinking and economic models but is not averse to technology. It stands for modernization but without unbridled Westernisation.
• The clarion call ‘ Vocal for local’ needs to be seen as a response to the anticipated changes in geopolitical order in the post-COVID world.
• The COVID crisis has shown the failings of multilateral and regional institutions and also the ineffectiveness of trade barriers and standalone economic models.
• Indian entrepreneurship must be freed from the shackles by adopting suitable governance models and reforming laws.
• The ‘new Swadeshi’ must transform local industries to connect the ever-changing global trade structure and lead to ‘ glocalization’ that serves local and global markets.
• Some early signs of this development were seen during the COVID crisis where India’s position as the ‘pharmacy of the developing world’ was cemented. The importance of self-reliance was also seen in the self-sufficiency for food, especially cereals, the lack of which would have exasperated the current crisis.

Criticism of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

• Several opposition leaders pointed out that as per the calculations by many economists, the actual government expenditure in the Atmanirbhar package is just 1%.
• The actions of RBI were included as part of the government’s fiscal package whereas government expenditure and RBI’s actions cannot be clubbed together.
• The Indian economy is likely to contract and the Gross Value Added across sectors is likely to fall. According to an assessment by Prof N R Bhanumurthy of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), India’s GVA will contract by 13% this year under the Base case scenario (The Base case scenario refers to a scenario where governments bring down their expenditure in line with their falling revenues to maintain their fiscal deficit target).
• Several economists suggest that the government needs to spend much more to prevent an economic contraction. Higher public spending will come at the cost of higher levels of fiscal deficits and higher inflation, but a growth contraction will cause even worse outcomes in the form of widespread economic ruin.
• Direct expenditure by a government such as direct benefit transfer or by construction will mean that money reaches the people.
• But credit easing by the RBI is not direct government expenditure and banks will be hesitant to lend the money available to them.
• Nothing to stimulate demand – many economists have opined that the government stimulus tries to resolve only supply-side issues. There is nothing to generate demand. This could only be done by putting money in the hands of people.
• Modest MSME package – according to opposition leaders, the MSME package was modest and the measures were skewed in favor of the larger ones. Moreover, the unorganized sector was not catered to.
• Insufficient support for the state governments – the state governments that are at the forefront of fighting the pandemic have not been supported adequately via fund transfers.
• A remodeling of Make in India Campaign – The self-reliant India campaign is criticized by many as a re-modeling of the Make in India Campaign – which didn’t produce expected results – with some add-on.
• The philosophy of self-reliance: India, like most countries, has been following the principles of globalization since the LPG reforms in 1991. Even though the globalized world shrank into isolated countries during the COVID-19 period, it is yet to be seen if self-reliance can be adopted as a viable economic policy by a country like India, post-COVID.

The strategy of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan seems to give a strong supply-side push by boosting the availability of capital on easy terms and through supporting agriculture and business sectors.

The additional allocation to MNREGA will help in productively employing returning migrants.

States are now allowed to borrow within a higher limit but with clear reform conditionalities.

The demand-side stimulus via deficit financing is not considered for the time being.

But it cannot be denied that there is a desperate need for demand stimulus now. People’s purchasing power needs to be increased and demand for industrial products and services must be created.

Income support to migrant workers and the urban poor is also an immediate concern.

Thus, even with falling revenues, a deeper fiscal stimulus could have been attempted.

Several of the reform measures like opening up more sectors for private participation and enhancing foreign direct investment are not to be seen as part of COVID relief but as long-term structural changes. The effect of these measures will have to be watched carefully.

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Reader Interactions

May 26, 2020 at 10:54 am

Excellent…

November 2, 2020 at 9:53 am

how the funds will be provided to all these sectors.

December 22, 2020 at 1:05 pm

4th pillar is Demography, not Democracy. Rectify it

December 22, 2020 at 1:06 pm

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Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India Mission): program, significance, issues

From Current Affairs Notes for UPSC » Editorials & In-depths » This topic

This topic of “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India Mission): program, significance, issues” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination , which falls under General Studies Portion.

What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan or Self-reliant Mission?

• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is an economic stimulus program that aims to cut down import dependence by focusing on substitution while improving the quality and safety standards of made in India products to enter the global value chain.
• The PM declared an economic package of total Rs. 20 lakh crore which is about 20% of India’s Gross Domestic Product in 2019-20.
• This self-reliance doesn’t mean the tariff escalation, MRTP days of pre-liberalization days. It is a program to project India into the global market and gain a significant position.
• It focuses on the importance of “local product” promotion.
• The latest announcement is the 5 th and last tranche of big economic stimulus packages announced in the fight against the economic impacts of the lockdown.
• It not only contains financial packages for different sectors but also pushes the reform measures in agriculture, PSU s, etc.

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What are the five pillars of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission?

The PM outlined the five pillars of the mission. They are:

• Economy- The quantum jump and not incremental changes;
• Infrastructure- Representing India
• System- Driven by the new age technologies
• Demography- The force behind self-reliant India
• Demand- to utilize the strength of our demand-supply chain

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The prologue to the Mission

Before the PM announced the mission there were a series of actions to revive the economic stress after the lockdown. They are discussed below.

• The PM Garib Kalyan Yojana

The size of the package was Rs. 1.7 lakh crores (0.85% of the GDP) which consisted

• Front-loading of PM Kisan funds: Rs 17,380 crore
• Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Fund: Rs 31,000 crore
• District Mineral Foundation Funds: Rs 35,925 crore
• Additional fiscal cost to the central government: Rs. 85,695 crores.
• Liquidity Injection by the Reserve Bank of India

The two-step liquidity injection by the RBI consisted of actions given below

• Targeted Long-Term Repo Operations (TLTRO): Rs 1,00,000 crore after which additional TLTRO of Rs. 50,000 crores were declared
• Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut of 100 basis points to 3% of net demand and time liabilities: Rs 1,37,000 crore
• Accommodation under Marginal Standing Facility hiked from 2% of Statutory Liquidity Ration to 3%: Rs 1,37,000 crore
• Refinance of SIDBI, NABARD and NHB: Rs 50,000 crore
• Special Liquidity Facility for Mutual Funds: 50,000 crores

The Atmanirbhar Bharat mission: A Detailed breakup

In order to give shape to the mission, the FM announced that land, labour, liquidity, and laws have all been emphasized. The package was declared in total of five tranches. They are enumerated below.

• The first Tranche : The Rs. 5.94 lakh crores outlay focuses on the MSME sector , EPF contributions, and DISCOMS .

• The Second Tranche : Rs. 3 Lakh crores focuses on the Migrants, Street vendors, plantation workers, and the housing sector

• The Third Tranche : It deals with the agricultural and allied sectors with an outlay of Rs 1.5 lakh crores

Apart from these layouts, the policy reforms such as the amendment of essential commodities Act and freeing up of agricultural marketing were also announced.

• The Fourth Tranche : policy reforms with total outlay Rs. 8100 crores
• Privatization of DISCOMS in Union territories
• Boosting investment in social infrastructure
• Relaxation of restriction f use of Indian airspace
• Private participation space sector
• Self-reliance in defense manufacturing
• Linking the robust startup ecosystem to the nuclear sector
• The Fifth Tranche : It focuses on the PSUs, state borrowings, and MGNREGA
• New policy for public sector enterprises and strategic sectors will be notified in which there will be at least one (but not more than four) PSEs in addition to private players.
• Limit of state borrowings increased to 5% of GSDP from 3% of GSDP; but only 0.5% of it (Rs 1.07 lakh crore) can be raised conditionally
• MGNREGA gets an additional Rs 40,000 crore

As can be seen from the above detailed breakup of the mission package, the mission includes the multisectoral financial and administrative-policy measures.

The FM announced that the measures work on seven areas of reforms. They are elaborated below.

• The MGNREGA outlay
• It will help generate nearly 300 crore person-days in total addressing the need for more work including returning migrant workers in Monsoon season as well.
• The Creation of a larger number of durable and livelihood assets including water conservation assets will boost the rural economy through higher production.
• Health reforms and initiatives
• The sector will be helped by investing in grassroot health institutions and ramping up Health and Wellness Centres in rural and urban areas.
• Setting up of Infectious Diseases Hospital Blocks in all districts and strengthening of lab network and surveillance by Integrated Public Health Labs in all districts & block level Labs & Public Health Unit to manage pandemics.
• ICMR’s National Institutional Platform for One health will encourage research andimplementation of the National Digital Health Blueprint under the National Digital Health Mission.
• Technology Driven Education with Equity post-COVID
• PM eVIDYA ,  a program for multi-mode access to digital/online education to be launched immediately
• Manodarpan ,  an initiative for psycho-social support for students, teachers, and families for mental health and emotional well-being to be launched immediately as well
• New National Curriculum and Pedagogical frameworkfor school, early childhood, and teachers   will also be launched.
• National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Missionfor ensuring that every child attains Learning levels and outcomes in   grade  5  by 2025 will be launched by December 2020.
• Ease of Doing Business through solvency measures
• The Minimum threshold to initiate insolvency proceedings has been raised to Rs. 1 crore (from Rs. 1 lakh, which largely insulates MSMEs).
• For MSMEs, a Special insolvency resolution framework will be notified soon.
• Suspension of fresh initiation of insolvency proceedings up to one year, depending upon the pandemic situation.
• Empowering the Government to exclude COVID 19 related debt from the definition of “default” under the Code will be considered.
• Decriminalization of Companies Act defaults
• Decriminalization of Companies Act violations involving minor technical and procedural defaults.
• Seven compoundable offenses are dropped and five are to be dealt with under an alternative framework.
• Ease of Doing Business for Corporates
• Direct listing of securities by Indian public companies in permissible foreign jurisdictions.
• Private companies that list NCDs on stock exchanges not to be regarded as listed companies.
• Including the provisions of Part IXA (Producer Companies) of Companies Act, 1956 in Companies Act, 2013.
• Power to create additional/ specialized benches for NCLAT
• Lower penalties for all defaults for Small Companies, One-person Companies, Producer Companies & Startups.
• Public Sector Enterprise Policy
• List of strategic sectors requiring the presence of PSEs in the public interest will be notified
• In strategic sectors, at least one enterprise will remain in the public sector but the private sector will also be allowed
• In other sectors, PSEs will be privatized (timing to be based on feasibility etc.)
• In order to minimize the wasteful administrative expenditures, the number of enterprises in strategic sectors will ordinarily be kept only one to four; others will be privatized/ merged/ brought under holding companies.
• Support to State Governments
• Centre has decided to increase the borrowing limits of States from 3% to 5% for 2020-21 only.
• This will give States extra resources of Rs. 4.28 lakh crore. It will be seen that part of the borrowing is linked to specific reforms, including recommendations of the Finance Commission.
• Reform linkage will be in four areas:
• universalization of ‘ One Nation One Ration card ’,
• Ease of Doing Business,
• Power distribution
• Urban Local Body revenues.

How will the announced measures will help the economy?

• The Five tranches of economic measures deal with the multiple sectors of the economy which are in dire need of support and provided they are given adequate support can revive the economy with spillover effects as well.
• The announcements are mainly focused on the liquidity part of the crisis. By injecting liquidity in the sectors such as agriculture, housing, MSMEs the government strikes where the impact will be the most.
• It must be noted that, the pandemic arrived in an economy that was already showing the signs of slowing down. The twin balance sheet issue was not resolved, unemployment was becoming a major issue, the DISCOMs were not performing well, the MSME sector was still coming to terms with the twin blow of Demonetization and GST . In this scenario it was important that the government spend smartly.
• In acknowledgment of that, care is taken that the package is not a fiscal bonfire. For now, it does not substantially add fiscal burden on the government.
• While doing that, it has tried to assure borrowers and lenders alike.
• The mission targets avoiding unemployment turning into hunger and lack of liquidity turning into insolvency.
• The agricultural and allied sectors have been given diverse sets of packages keeping in mind the most vulnerable and the most remunerative sectors.
• The vulnerable sectors like migrants, construction sector, street vendors are provided with special packages to deal with the economic lockdown that has stagnated the activities. The vulnerable are provided with food grains under Garib Kalyan Yojana.
• The policy initiatives in the educational sector, health sector show that the overall policy preference is towards an integrated approach that includes immediate and long-term needs. As such, it is a truly a mission that aims for self-reliance.
• The Corporate sector has been provided with regulatory ease.

What are the issues raised regarding the mission?

• Many have openly questioned the ability of this economic package to either provide adequate immediate relief to the most distressed sections of the economy, or indeed stem the rapid decline in India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
• The government is not raising its total expenditure. The total expenditure-as shown by many calculations- is only 1% of the GDP under Atmanirbhar Bharat, far from its promise of 10%. The State Bank of India has in its Ecowrap newsletter pegged the actual size of the fiscal package at ₹2 lakh crore or 1 per cent of the GDP.
• It is contended that the package relies heavily on credit infusion without realizing that the investment may not pick up in the near future. As the consumer will try to contain discretionary expenditure like cars, tourism, the overall demand will be lower. This will lead to cost-cutting by the industry in turn leaving government coffers empty.
• The government has included monetary actions within its fiscal stimulus announcement. It will lead to lowering actual spending by the government.
• The Banks will tend to lend only to creditworthy customers. Hence, the monetary stimulus which has been included in the package shall not reach the real needy people: small and marginal farmers, the unorganized sector, the daily wage workers.
• The experts have been suggesting the direct transfer of money to the people i.e. helicopter money. It is said to be more equitable as it can target the most vulnerable sections and negate the transfer of benefits to the well-to-do and relatively unharmed middle class.
• The stimulus package in the agricultural sector does not clearly address the immediate problem of the farmers such as opening up of the markets, purchase of the harvest at an appropriate price, etc.

Way forward

• Though the program is being criticized for its inflated numbers and heavy dependency on agents of redistribution like banks, it must be noted that it is not just a stimulus package.
• The government has tried to respond to the aggregate issues that are plaguing the economy through an ambitious economic reinvigoration and reform mission.
• The Helicopter money, as the FM said, was considered but not opted because it is difficult to determine how many to be given cash grants. Rather than helicopter money, the government opted for a multiplier effect to stimulate the agents of the economy and meanwhile provide for immediate needs of the neediest by providing food grains, fuel, front-loading PM-KISAN amount, etc.
• Having said that, only announcements will not suffice. It is true that most of the money is in the form of credit infusion. Given the possible market sentiments, it is important to see that the investment potential is realized.
• The banks must be pushed to fulfill the credit outlay numbers. The industry must be persuaded to invest in a low demand economy.
• The people must be left with disposable income so that they go for discretionary expenditure.
• The state governments must be brought around to make the interstate trade truly free and especially, interstate agricultural trade must be encouraged. It will have a double benefit of realization of good price for farmers and supply of Agri-product to the demand hotspots

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is an important mission for the economic revival and progress of the Indian economy under lockdown. The Atmanirbhar Bharat has been praised for reintroducing the idea of Swaraj as a redemptive tool for the post-pandemic Indian economy. If implemented effectively, it can help achieve the dream of India being economically stable, technologically superior, self-reliant in its needs. The integrated approach can help the much-discussed India-Bharat gap and fulfill the aspiration of an equitable society.

Practice Question for Mains

What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan? Critically analyze its efficacy in bringing economy to normalcy and propelling its growth. (250 words)

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1624661

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/aatmanirbhar-gdp-lockdown-coronavirus-economy-liquidity-migrant-labourers-disparity-narendra-modi-6414740/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/atmanirbhar-package-full-break-up-of-rs-20-lakh-crore-nirmala-sitharaman-lockdown-6414044/

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explainspeaking-why-the-atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-economic-package-is-being-criticised-6414905/

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/view-the-problems-with-modis-atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyan/articleshow/75746607.cms?from=mdr

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/atmanirbhar-bharat-heres-a-complete-list-of-reforms-announced-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-under-rs-20-lakh-crore-financial-package-5277891.html

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/atmanirbhar-bharat-do-not-adequately-address-the-deep-crisis-at-hand/article31616509.ece

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Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan – Objectives, Focus Pillars, Benefits And Challenges

This article delves into the details of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the comprehensive economic stimulus package declared by the Union Government.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted various facets of the Indian economy and society. This article delves into the details of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the comprehensive economic stimulus package declared by the Union Government, covering aspects related to the economy, polity, disaster management, and current affairs, all of which are pertinent to the UPSC syllabus.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan gained prominence on India’s 72nd Republic Day (2021). The Department of Biotechnology showcased the COVID-19 vaccine development process in their tableau.

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Initially, the government introduced the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) as interim measures to assist those adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan 

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, meaning “self-reliant India scheme,” was announced in four tranches by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in May 2020.

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The economic stimulus relief package, estimated to be worth Rs. 20 Lakh crores, incorporates the previously announced Rs. 1.70 lakh crore relief package, the PMGKY, designed to alleviate the difficulties faced by the poor due to the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Objectives

The key objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme are outlined as follows:

• Strengthening local and regional manufacturers and service providers.
• Improving the standard of living by addressing trade deficits and the balance of payments.
• Achieving self-reliance for the country and its citizens in all aspects.
• Transforming India into a global supply chain hub.
• Reviving every sector of the economy through a fiscal stimulus.
• Emphasizing self-reliance with a focus on land, labour, liquidity, reforms, and laws.
• Providing economic stimulus packages equivalent to 10% of the Indian GDP.
• Incentivizing small businesses and farmers affected by COVID-19 through special incentives and funds.

Features of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

Key features of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, aiming to make India self-reliant, include:

• Job Creation: Increased funding for MGNREGA and the introduction of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana.
• Health Sector Expenditure: Additional funds for public health initiatives and COVID-19 vaccine development.
• Education Reforms: Emphasis on technology-driven quality education through portals like SWAYAM PRABHA DTH channels and PM eVIDYA.
• Ease of Doing Business: Focus on improving business by simplifying rules, IBC-related initiatives, and relaxation in General Financial Rules.
• Financial Support to Industries: Introduction of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 2.0 and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Public Sector Enterprise Policy.
• Agricultural Boost: Emergency Working Capital for farmers, a scheme for Micro Food Enterprises, and additional funds through NABARD.
• Support to States: Increased borrowing limits for State Governments to 5% for better finance availability.

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Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Focus Pillars

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Package revolves around five focus pillars:

• Economy: Aiming for a quantum leap to convert adversity into advantage.
• Infrastructure: Shaping the identity of modern India.
• Systems: Driven by 21st-century cutting-edge technology.
• Democracy: Focusing on a vibrant and healthy democracy.
• Demand: Utilizing the strength of the demand and supply chain intelligently.

Why is the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Needed?

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The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is deemed necessary for the following reasons:

• Boost Domestic Manufacturing: To improve the share of the domestic manufacturing sector in Gross Value Added (GVA) due to its stagnancy over the past decade.
• Reduce Dependency on Imports: To decrease over-dependence on imports, enhance exports, and reduce the fiscal deficit.
• Promote Indigenous Products: Promoting local and indigenous products from various regions of the country.
• Reform Outdated Policies: Addressing century-old policies through bold reforms related to agriculture supply chains, tax systems, laws, human resource management, and financial systems.
• Philosophical Alignment: Aligning with the philosophical concept of “Eshah Panthah,” meaning self-sufficient India, as mentioned in Mundaka Upanishad.

5 Important Pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

The Prime Minister outlined that a self-reliant India should be founded on five pillars:

• Infrastructure
• 21st-century technology-driven arrangements and systems
• Vibrant Demography

The package, nearly 10% of the country’s GDP, emphasizes land, labour, liquidity, and laws. It includes measures spanning various sectors, such as MSME, cottage industries, the middle class, migrants, and industry, among others.

Reforms have been announced to transform India into a self-reliant economy and mitigate future challenges. These include simple and clear laws, a rational taxation system, supply chain reforms in agriculture, capable human resources, and a robust financial system.

Now, let’s analyze how India’s relief package compares to those announced by other countries:

In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the details of each tranche of the economic relief package as announced by the Finance Minister.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan – Tranche 1

The first tranche comprised 16 specific announcements, spanning MSME, NBFC, real estate, power sectors, etc.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan – Tranche 2

The second tranche focused on providing free food grains to migrant workers without ration cards and included credit facilities, One Nation One Ration Card Scheme, and MGNREGA measures.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan – Tranche 3

The third tranche focused on agricultural marketing reforms, including inter-state trade, contract farming, deregulation of produce, and agricultural infrastructure.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan – Tranche 4

The fourth tranche emphasized sectors like defense, aviation, power, mineral, atomic, and space, with a significant focus on privatization.

In conclusion, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a comprehensive economic stimulus package addressing diverse sectors and aspects, designed to revive and bolster the Indian economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: What is the Potential of Self-Reliance (Atmanirbharata)?

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, or the Self-Reliant India campaign, stands as the vision for the new India. In 2020, the Prime Minister initiated this campaign, announcing a special economic and comprehensive package of INR 20 lakh crores, equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP. The primary objective is to instill independence and self-reliance across the nation and its citizens in various aspects. The campaign is built upon five pillars: Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography, and Demand.

The goal is to reduce dependency on imports, focusing on substitution while enhancing safety compliance and delivering quality goods to gain a larger share in the global market. Self-reliance, in this context, does not imply isolationist strategies but rather emphasizes extending support globally.

The mission underscores the promotion of “local” products. In tandem with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission, the government has undertaken significant reforms, including Supply Chain Reforms for Agriculture, Rational Tax Systems, Simple & Clear Laws, Capable Human Resource development, and a Strong Financial System, all aimed at achieving self-reliance expeditiously.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Benefits

The significant benefits of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan include:

• Job Creation: The initiative will lead to the generation of employment opportunities, especially in the manufacturing sector and through the MGNREGA Scheme.
• Credit Facilities: MSMEs and various industries will benefit from enhanced credit facilities, promoting increased production.
• Liquidity Infusion: The measures undertaken will inject liquidity into the country’s banking system, fostering financial stability.
• Direct Cash Transfers: Migrant laborers will receive direct cash transfers, boosting demand in the economy.
• Private Sector Participation: Opening up entry for private players in sectors like space and coal will encourage increased participation from the private sector.

Health Infrastructure Improvement: The initiative aims to uplift the health infrastructure of the country, ensuring better healthcare facilities.

Concerns Raised for Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

• Non-tariff barriers, like quotas or embargoes, may be used to further political and economic goals.
• Challenges in Intellectual Property enforcement, gaps in pharma sector regulations, and norms related to data localisation and governance pose policy issues.
• Data Localisation Impact: The practice of data localisation, storing data within the country’s boundaries, may limit access to the global supply chain, potentially resulting in reduced investment, access to capital, and customers.
• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is designed to provide a level playing field for private companies.
• Defense Sector Implications: The proposed import embargo on 101 defense items over four years and changes in the Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 may impact foreign investment in India.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: Steps to Address Concerns

• Build a Strategic Future-oriented Approach: Develop a long-term strategy considering regional supply chains and location decision-making to ensure success.
• Openness to Free and Fair Trade: Attract investors based on India’s strengths rather than relying on tariffs as a tool, fostering an environment conducive to international businesses investing in and manufacturing in India.
• Focus on Innovation: Prioritize STEM, digital, creative, and critical thinking skills to nurture leaders and workers capable of innovation. Develop an innovator-friendly intellectual property policy and enforcement regime.
• Digital and Data Integration: With digital and data services playing a crucial role in global trade, integrate fully with major democratic markets to harness opportunities presented by AI, digital technology, and data.
• Sustainability in Trade and Investment: Place sustainability at the core of India’s trade and investment strategy, integrating human rights and environmental considerations.
• Enhance Demand through Infrastructure Spending: Stimulate demand by investing in greenfield infrastructure, creating structures that enhance productivity and extend spending power, particularly for those affected by the lockdown.
• Mobilize Finances Strategically: Utilize India’s all-time high foreign reserves strategically for financing the stimulus package, with additional funds coming from privatization, taxation, loans, and international aid.
• Holistic Reforms: Back any stimulus package with reforms in various sectors, including civil services, education, skill, and labor, to ensure a comprehensive impact.

In conclusion, the call for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan) by the government demands astute global interlinkages and dense global networks. Trusted connectivity, diversified sources, and resilient financial and trading arrangements are imperative strategic imperatives that require consensus across India’s business community, lawmakers, and all stakeholders.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan FAQs

What are the objectives of atmanirbhar bharat abhiyaan upsc, what are the key points of atmanirbhar bharat abhiyaan, what do you mean by atmanirbhar bharat abhiyaan, what is the conclusion of atmanirbhar bharat abhiyaan, why was atmanirbhar bharat started.

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SELF-RELIANT INDIA: Atmanirbhar Bharat

Relevance: Prelims/Mains: G.S paper II: Governance & G.S paper III: Indian Economy

Atmanirbhar Bharat and its meaning in the current context

• Freeing Indian entrepreneurship and innovation from bureaucratic hurdles
• This is about decentralised localism that takes pride in local brands, emphasises resilience and flexibility, and encourages local capacity-building and indigenisation.
• The idea of self-reliance is about resilience, leveraging internal strengths, personal responsibility, and a sense of national mission (or “Man Making” to use the late 19th century expression of Swami Vivekananda).
• Product and factor markets are made flexible in order to allow the Indian economy to adapt to the problems and opportunities of an emerging post-COVID world.
• Commitment to privatisation of non-strategic public sector entities, opening up of new sectors like space to private investment, decriminalisation of most aspects of corporate law, greater flexibility in labour laws, and so on.

• Means recognizing the complementary roles of the private sector and the government -It cannot be achieved without recognising that market forces can take care of our needs during normal times. As market forces allocate resources based on prices and profits, they promote economic efficiency in normal times.
• Government must retain economic presence through one or two public sector firms in strategic sectors such as healthcare, lifesaving medicines, payment systems, mobile communication etc.
• Focus should be on increasing the efficiency and efficacy of government, which includes overall governance.
• Ethical wealth creation advocated in the Indian ethos now needs to become a global model for development. For that purpose, India needs to take the lead in exemplifying it domestically. India should take a lead and demonstrate the value of ‘frugal economy’ to the rest of the world.
• Building a self-reliant economy does not mean building an economy in isolation. Self-reliance implies building the necessary capability to be independent at the most vulnerable times. It requires delineating sectors that are strategically critical to the nation and investing in these sectors so that our dependence during vulnerable times is minimized.

For Indians to be self-reliant, social contract between the government and citizens has to be one where government actively supports personal responsibility.

1.Self-Reliance = Inclusive Growth → Possible through Employment Creation Eradication of poverty and generation of employment remained the biggest challenges for the government at present; but at the same time, without creating employment, poverty cannot be eradicated. Employment generation is central to inclusive growth.

• Proposed social micro-finance institutions would help create two crore employment opportunities in the country.
• Skill, re-skilling and upskilling is the only way to remain relevant in the ever changing market scenario.
• Formal sector employment for one member of the family contributes to mobility of future generations as the kids are likely to get better education and healthcare facilities and thereby uplift themselves.
• Leaving large fractions of the labour force underutilised or unutilised is extremely inefficient for the economy.
• Businesses including MSMEs (‘be vocal for the local’) To raise the domestic competitiveness of our industries’ pricing factors that make them uncompetitive with respect to the foreign players should be identified and corrected.
• On Export Strategy The word “Aatmanirbhar” refers to both self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The former has a pragmatic positive connotation aimed at developing capabilities indigenously without shunning imports.

The latter is unpragmatic, inward looking and has a negative denotation. It is against the “Ricardo’s theory of “Comparative Advantage” which holds that international trade is a result of differences in the relative opportunity costs of countries in the production of different goods (therefore even if a country is self-sufficient, it should still trade).

In ‘Wealth of Nations’, Adam Smith argued that “the great object of mercantilism was to diminish as much as possible the importation of foreign goods for home consumption and to increase as much as possible the exportation of the produce of domestic industry.”

An effective exports promotion strategy hinges on robust and competitive domestic manufacturing. Hence, we must attain self-reliance for effective export promotion.

• Adopt and optimise FDI-tariff linkage: Import substitution is focused on developing domestic capabilities and prowess to reduce dependence on imports. Many countries constantly monitor the trends of imports to understand the challenges faced in manufacturing such products domestically.
• Some countries adopt an FDI-tariff linkage which enhances tariff for attracting FDI and encourages foreign suppliers to set up bases in their country to serve their consumers.
• Import substitution requires that the market be of a certain minimum size to make manufacturing viable.
• Not many countries in the world possess such a market and hence they are unable to pursue an import substitution strategy.

Therefore, an ecosystem that provides a level-playing field must be offered to the manufacturers.

• This means not just a ‘deemed export’ status but involves extending consessional credit along with competitive electricity tariff and efficient logistics.
• Maximize the export capacity, aggressively boost export-driven industries and levy a border adjustment tax (BAT) on imports to offset the impact of these internal taxes on domestic producers.
• Use foreign capital generated from these exports for upskilling, technological upgradation and capacity building in sectors covered under its ISI policy. Government needs to spend more on R&D and Product Innovation.
• Opportunity in Agriculture Exports: China’s image has hit a setback in terms of edible products due to COVID-19 disease. This presents a huge opportunity to India in the export of fruits, vegetables, marine products, etc.
• However, exports of many agro-commodities are unavailable due to the rising MSP which at times is much more than the international prices. The govt. must provide some mechanism to reimburse the differential price (MSP less the international price) to exporters.
• The freight disadvantage has been largely nullified through the new Transport and Marketing Scheme for agri Products. The path breaking reforms in agriculture would push agricultural exports.
• Relaxation in the Essential Commodities Act will encourage exporters to procure such products without fear.
• Now farmers can engage with agri processors, exporters and even large retailers for the sale of farm produce at mutually agreed upon prices. Such platforms will also help farmers get information about Phyto-sanitary standards which is vital for getting access to advanced economies.
• Extending support to MSMEs : The revised definition of MSME will also encourage exports as the government has excluded exports turnover from the aggregate turnover for eligibility purposes resulting in more companies qualifying for MSME status. The increased limit on investment in plant and equipment for medium companies, will encourage adoption of more advanced technology in manufacturing which is the key to competitiveness in exports.
• Regional Trade and Free Trade Agreements : More than 50% of the global trade happens through inter- regional value chains which includes countries from several regions. Unfortunately, India is not a part of such value chains. The late joining of the FTAs, cumbersome customs processes and high logistics cost have contributed to this anomaly. Efficient trade facilitation can integrate into the regional value chain and subsequently into the global value chain for pushing the exports.
• Attract FDI: FDI in exports should be supplemented by concluding FTA/CECA/CEPA with our trade partners.

• It is expected that COVID-19 will hasten the process of early conclusion of India-EU Broadbased. Trade & Investment Agreement (BTIA) and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Australia and New Zealand besides bilateral trade agreement with USA.
• India earns only about USD 30 billion through tourism which is a little over 1 per cent of our GDP. Through investment in tourism, ee can easily take it to USO 100 billion by 2025.
• To promote growth of accounting and financial services, we should allow FDI in the domestic accounting and auditing sector, introduce a transparent regulatory framework, and ease restrictions on the client base in the accounting and auditing sector.
• For the education sector, foreign universities should be allowed to set up campuses in India, provide easy visa regimes for students and education service providers, remove regulatory bottlenecks, provide recognition to online degrees and set up appropriate evaluation techniques for online courses.

The Way forward

• Exports have to be treated as a ‘National Priority’ and all stakeholders need to be on the same page to facilitate exports.
• An institutional set-up to address the problems and challenges faced by exports in the shortest time frame possible is the need of the hour. A three-tier structure with the district, state and central level working on an electronic platform would be ideal and the officers attending such meetings should be empowered to take quick decisions.

On Growth of Industries

• The production of intermediate and finished goods in heavy industries should be prioritised
• Only a limited and targeted import-substitution policy combined with aggressive export promotion can make Atmanirbhar Bharat a $5-trillion economy
• Review the LDR and consider removing it from our anti-dumping law.
• Develop a robust research and development-backed industrial ecosystem, with technical institutions, MSMEs and the capital goods sector forming its lead players, and powered by quick decision-making as well as government policies that are appropriate to manage such global disaster.
• Technical institutions can develop exhaustive online marketplace applications, which can facilitate the establishing of connections between demand and supply points, provide information updates regarding the finances available, government and banking notices, market situation, and latest technologies, thus creating an economic model.
• For sectors where domestic capability is limited or cannot be scaled up, we should endeavor to forge strategic alliances with countries in the form of comprehensive bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) keeping in mind complementarity of trade flows.

Ease of Doing Business for MSMEs

The MSME sector is the most vibrant and dynamic industrial sector contributing about 40 per cent to the GDP and significantly to the exports of the country. Multiple government policies and decisions emphasize that the MSME sector will act as the bedrock for economic revival.

• The idea behind ‘Make in India’ is about decentralised localism that takes pride in indigenous brands, emphasises resilience and adaptability, and encourages local capacitybuilding and employability. This will encourage the idea of making in India for the MSME industry and help amplify their presence across sectors.
• Second largest to agriculture with high employment and contribution in terms of foreign exchange earnings, the sector has established its significance in the macroeconomic value chain.
• Estimates indicate that a third of the Chinese imports comprise of low-tech goods that were earlier made by Indians, or are still being made locally but in smaller quantities due to higher costs leading to decrease in demand. With the current push for ‘Make in India’, MSMEs can utilize the economies of scale and place these products at competitive costs thus increasing the demand for locally produced goods. Efforts in this direction will prove to be a fillip for the hundreds of small and medium firms, which have suffered due to a decrease in demand. The steps ahead
• In order to make India self-reliant, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and industries have to be made import-substituting, cost-effective, pollution-free and indigenous entities.
• The private sector should think more about tribals, villagers, farmers and other marginalised sections while talking about growth.
• MSME sector has created approximately 110 million jobs across the country. However, the problems remain in the listing of the MSMEs.
• By technology upgradation, India can also look for new export avenues in MSME sector. This will help grow a large number of ancillary units.
• The country should aim to shift the population from big cities to newer smart cities and smart villages by creating livelihood opportunities there. The government has recently expanded the MSME umbrella and industry with investment value upto `50 crore and turnover upto Rs 250 crore has been covered in the new definition of MSME.

Also, the manufacturing and service sectors under MSME have been brought together by giving similar definitions to both.

Revisions in the MSME Definition

➢ Micro – Investment in P&M/Equipment not more than Rs. 1 crore & Annual Turnover not more than Rs. 5 Crore

➢ Small – Investment in P&M/Equipment not more than Rs. 10 crore & Annual Turnover not more than Rs. 50 Crore

➢ Medium – Investment in P&M/Equipment not more than Rs. 50 crore & Annual Turnover not more than Rs. 250 Crore D. Produce for the Bottom of the Pyramid Indian firms focus on producing goods and services that cater to the needs of our huge population.

• The sachet revolution-packaging of the shampoo, toothpaste etc. in small sachetre presents a brilliant example of catering to the masses.
• The business models that Indian firms generate in catering to the needs of the poor can enable them to tap into markets in many underdeveloped economies in Asia and Africa.
• Birth of Social Enterprises Social entrepreneurs are focused on the delivery of public goods using business approaches. They combine their driving passion for improvement with the practical, innovative and opportunistic traits of the entrepreneur.

Akshay Patra is the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program–it reaches 10 million children across five States of India, six-days a week. And they serve freshly cooked meals at Rs. 1.50 per meal.

This was achieved through a ‘technological Innovation: to prepare meals on large scale in a short time’ and a ‘logistics innovation-to reach the meals to the schools’. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was set up to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

• Atal Tinkering Labs – at School Level, to create problem-solving mindset across schools.
• Atal Incubators at Universities, Institutions, Industry Level to promote creation of a supporting ecosystem for start-ups and entrepreneurs,
• Atal Community Innovation Centres to promote the benefits of technology led innovation to the unserved/underserved regions of India
• Atal New India Challenges – Product and Service Innovations with National Impact – to create product and service innovations having national socio-economic impact
• Applied Research and Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE) – To promote innovation in a phased manner in the MSME/Start-up sector This momentum should be built to the point so as to make India the Innovation Capital of the world.

Making Farmers Self-Reliant Increasing productivity and output in the agricultural sector would create employment and boost incomes across the economy. Successful agricultural transformation will reduce the pressure arising from urban migration (excessive migration can be very destabilizing).

The increase in productivity in agriculture will result in higher incomes, giving rise to multiplier effects and supporting increase in aggregate demand.

Various Areas of Reform and Steps Taken

• Mitigating Risks, Securing Livelihood
• The Government launched a comprehensive crop insurance scheme in 2016 that provides coverage from pre-sowing to post-harvest against natural non-preventable risks. ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)’ is a low premium policy in which farmers are required to pay only 2%, 1.5% for and 5% of the sum insured for kharif, rabi and commercial/ horticultural crops respectively. Not only farmers, but tenant farmers and sharecroppers engaged in cultivation of notified crops are eligible for crop insurance policy.
• The Govt. has comprehensively revised the operational guidelines making provision for payment of 12% interest per annum to farmers if claims are not settled within 10 days of prescribed time limit.
• A new provision also envisages add-on coverage for damage by wild animals on pilot basis. The scheme envisages increase in coverage from the existing 23% to 50% of Gross Cropped Area in the country.

Increasing Bargaining Power of Farmers

• To address the specific concern of small farmers, the government started organising them

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) who have better bargaining power.

• The major impetus was given in the Union Budget 2019-20 by making budgetary provision for formation of 10,000 new FPOs over the next five years. • FPOs have ensured benefits to the small and marginal farmers through economies of scale, improved market reach, improved access to extension services and reduction in transaction costs. Taking a cue, National Rural Livelihood Mission (under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana) has initiated organising small and marginal women farmers into producer groups to increase market access and value addition of farm produce.

Procurement and Support

• Government hiked Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) at levels of one and half times of the cost of production. Elaborate and effective arrangements are in place for maximum procurement of produce by government agencies at MSP. • Taking note of large scale indebtedness of farmers, a unique and innovative Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was launched to provide institutional credit to farmers. It supports small and marginal farmers, share croppers, oral lessees and tenant farmers as well.
• Recently, to expand the beneficiary base of KCC, the Government has waived processing fee, inspection and other service charges for short term crop loans up to Rs. 3 lakhs.
• Interest subvention is also provided on such loans for a period of one year in case of timely repayment. Interest rate of 7% per annum gets reduced to 4% in such cases.
• The facility of KCC was extended to dairy farmer and fishers, and recently under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Package’ a special drive is launched to provide KCC to 1.5 crore dairy farmers associated with milk unions and milk producing companies within two months. D. Trade and Marketing
• eNAM is a unique pan-India electronic trading portal, launched for business and marketing of agricultural commodities in India. This digital initiative aims to existing agricultural mandis on an online platform to realise the vision of ‘One Nation, One Market’.
• During COVID-19 lockdown crisis, three new modules of eNAM were launched to facilitate farmers. eNAM enables FPOs to conduct trade of commodities from their own collection centres declared as ‘Deemed Market’ or ‘Sub Market Yards’.
• Another module facilitated warehouses for Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (eNWRs) trading. Logistics module facilitates transportation of commodities from farm to mandis, and from mandis to warehouses or consumption centres.
• Potential related to export of agricultural products remains untapped due to various trade policies. During 2018-19, India could export agri- products worth Rs. 2. 7 lakh crore, whereas imports touched the value of Rs. 1.37 lakh crore.
• The Government has recently initiated a comprehensive’ Agriculture Export Policy’ aimed at doubling agricultural exports and integrating Indian farmers and agricultural products with the global value chains.
• To promote and facilitate export of Indian agri-produce at new destinations, it has created agricells in many Indian embassies abroad. Export of all varieties of pulses and edible oils (except mustard oil) has been allowed.
• Import duties have been raised and provision of ‘Minimum Import Price’ (MIP) was imposed on selected commodities to protect the domestic growers and their livelihood from cheap import of the commodity. E. Building Infrastructure, Creating Value Chains
• In the recently announced ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package’, an agri-infrastructure fund of Rs. 1 lakh crore will provide finance to Primary’ Agricultural Co- operative Societies (PACS), FPOs, agripreneurs, agri-startups etc.

A cluster-based approach in aspirational districts will be promoted to realise the vision of ‘Vocal for Local with Global Outreach’.

• Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Rs. 20,000 crore has been allocated; of which Rs. 9,000 crore is exclusively dedicated towards infrastructure development. More valued productions, such as cage culture, seaweed farming, ornamental fisheries, will be supported for increasing income of fishers substantially.
• An Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund of Rs. 15,000 crore is being created to support private investment in dairy processing.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana’ is already financing and supporting development of mega food parks, integrated cold chains and infrastructure for agro-processing and value addition. With an outlay of Rs. 4,000 crore, herbal cultivation will be promoted for next two years covering an area of 10 lakh hectare.
• Beekeeping will be supported with a fund of Rs. 500 crore for infrastructure development. In addition to centrally sponsored schemes, various state governments have also launched special welfare schemes for farmers lo augment their income.

The ‘KALIA’ scheme, of Odisha, Mukhya Mantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana of Jharkhand and Rythu Bandhu of Telangana are some of the noted schemes that have shown positive impact on income and livelihood of farmers. There is a need for reforms that can ensure access of farmers to technology that can reduce natural or climatic vagaries that will determine their crop producing capacity.

Loans can then be aligned to the repayment capacity of the farmer based on the estimation of crop production. Such measures will reduce the probability of debt, making loan waivers irrelevant. The greater ambition for a self-reliant economy is to transform the farmer into an agripreneur.

India’s farmers are bound by the shackles of low productivity, low incomes, lack of access to institutional credit, indebtedness etc. They are reeling under the burden of a fragmented agricultural marketing ecosystem and climatic uncertainties and vagaries of nature.

A self-reliant farmer is fundamental to the vision of a self-reliant India.

Resilient Health Systems COVID-19 has shown us how inextricably public health and the economy are linked.

Despite the private health sector in India having more ventilators, doctors and hospital beds than the public healthcare sector, it has essentially been public healthcare which — though chronically underfunded and neglected — has been bearing the brunt of the pandemic. The pandemic has demonstrated how the sustainability and resilience of any economy are linked to the strength and equitability of its public health system. The medical device manufacturing sector has been open to 100 per cent FDI since 2015. Since then, most of the FDI that has come into the country has been to finance imports and trading, build storage and distribution infrastructure, but not to augment domestic manufacturing capabilities.

This has allowed international medical equipment manufacturers to reap huge profits by selling their products in the Indian market without making any contribution to the local industrial development.

Even today, close to 80 per cent of the medical equipment used in our country, including in government hospitals, is imported. Though there is some manufacturing capacity in non-electronic medical equipment, over 90 per cent of medical electronic products are imported.

From the equipment used for the computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound scan, cath lab for heart procedures — like angioplasty, endoscopy, colonoscopy — and radiation therapy and drugs for chemotherapy, to even the knives and scissors used in surgery are all procured from countries like Germany and the US.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the promotion and manufacturing of pharmaceutical raw materials in India.

• The government’s move is aimed to boost domestic manufacturing and cut dependence on imports of critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
• Further, the government has also decided to develop three mega bulk drug parks in partnership with states. These schemes will likely appeal more to the smaller players and should foster more investments especially on the Rs 200-500 million investment thresholds.
• While India supplied doses of Hydroxychloroquine to the world and secured the trust of many countries, the latest move is likely to give more advantage to India amid disruptions from the Chinese side. India also aims to achieve self-reliance in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of drugs and affordable healthcare to its citizens. So far, India depends heavily on imports to fulfill its domestic drug requirements. Around 70 per cent of the drug requirements are met by imports. To cut this large-scale import, the government has decided to support the manufacturers for six years in the case of fermentation-based products and five years for chemically synthesised products. However, the scheme is only applicable to greenfield projects and will be for the registered eligible manufacturers in India. The total tenure of the scheme will be from FY21 to FY30 with an outlay of Rs 6,940 crore.

Promote indigenous research and design One important way of improving production quality would be to promote indigenous research and design. Especially in the case of medical research, indigenous research is important because it can help us develop medical technologies which are adapted to local problems in healthcare and relevant to local populations.

Currently, medical research in India is severely neglected. According to a study analysing research output from 579 Indian medical institutions and hospitals between 2005 and 2014, only 25 (4.3 per cent) of the institutions produced more than 100 papers a year. Global collaboration matters India needs to create a conducive policy environment to ensure that global innovations come to its shores and reach its people.

Moreover, at a time when the world is looking at India as the next big manufacturing hub, the government should look at global partnerships to bolster its stance. Introduction of Evin To enhance the quality of vaccines and supply chain, the Government effectively introduced the indigenously developed eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network).

It seeks to ensure supply of vaccines and cold chain maintenance through technological solutions. The initiative has been successful in saving 90 million vaccine doses with the adherence rate of 99% in maintaining the vaccine supply and temperature norms, thereby improving the coverage and quality of vaccination program in India. eVIN has been successfully piloted by countries like Indonesia, Sudan and Malawi.

Digital Defence against COVID-19 Recognising digital technology’s far-reaching impact, WHO in 2019, released recommendations for countries to use digital health technology, accessible via mobile phones, tablets and computers, to improve people’s health and delivery of essential services A.

Using Social Media Social media has become a game changer in the way federal, regional, and local government agencies are engaging, interacting, and communicating with citizens. Especially for amplifying social media’s reach and impact even in the rural hinterlands of the country.

• Crisis / Disaster Management: To reach out to citizens during such crisis. Two recent examples bear out this trend – Cyclone alert from the NDMA on India’s eastern coasts (in the state of Odisha) and an advisory from PIB to citizens for the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19.
• Citizen Engagement – MyGov platform
• Citizen Grievances & Support – It acts as a real-time channel for citizen grievances and support
• Law & Order – Police can use social media to alert citizens about circulating rumours and maintaining law & order
• Hiring & Recruitment – Some government agencies are using social media hiring channels for attracting best-in-class talent for their job vacancies
• Foreign Relations – Governments are using social media channels effectively to engage with their foreign counterparts.
• Business & Industry Relations – Businesses play a key role in driving social media’s impact by contributing significantly to the internet economy via advertising, paid services etc. Many monetisation models on the internet rely on enterprises, B2B and large corporations with large advertising and marketing budgets, which contributes to the nation’s economy.
• Live Traffic Updates – Real time traffic updates and advisories get regularly shared in the metropolitan cities via the local Traffic Police social media accounts
• Crowd sourcing Ideas & Innovation – Through crowd sourcing, one gets to tap into the collective “wisdom of the crowds” B. Digital Platforms setup by Government during COVID19 During COVID-19 pandemic, Indian government used digital technology for providing timely information, direct money transfer to the poor etc.
• Aarogya Setu App enables people to assess themselves the risk for their catching the coronavirus infection
• WhatsApp chatbot so that the citizens can get instant and authentic answers to all of their queries related to the Coronavirus pandemic
• Corona Kavach is a COVID-19 tracker application, provides users with real-time location of infected users who have activated the ‘Kavach’ feature.
• SAMPRAC to enable tracking people under quarantine. The system enables geofencing, AIbased automated face recognition. It has the capability to display the information to the state officials on a map which can be colour coded to depict hotspots and containment zones.
• Usage of JAN Trinity for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has been crucial in implementing PM Garib Kalyan Yojana that was rolled out to provide relief to the poor and vulnerable amid the COVID-19 crisis.

▪ 6.93 crore farmers were benefited through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to help farmers tide over the COVID-19 crisis. Under the scheme, the government transfers Rs. 2,000 cash directly to the farmers’ bank accounts through DBT.

▪ Rs. 1,400 crore disbursed to about 2.82 crore old age person, widow and disabled people under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).

▪ 2.16 crore construction workers received financial support from the Building and Construction Workers’ Fund managed by state governments.

▪ The government is providing free LPG refills for the next three months to over 8.3 crore poor women under the Ujjawala scheme and Rs. 50 lakh insurance cover for healthcare workers. JAM trinity enabled the Indian government to make payments more effectively and inclusively. The center has created a JAM Index based on Findex data to rank countries on their use of ID systems, mobile phones, and financial accounts, to effectively make government payments. India and Kenya are two top ranking countries in this index.

• Provided a boost to the DBT programme and expanded its coverage from partial to ubiquitous.
• By eliminating the need for middlemen, JAM has helped minimise avenues of corruption, irregularities and pilferages.
• Promoted the ease of doing business
• Given the need for physical distancing to curtail the spread of COVID-19, JAM is promoting online transactions among the beneficiaries, instead of physical visits to the banks.
• In the longer run, JAM will make the rural population get acquainted with the concept of ‘saving’ thus contributing to the GDP of the country as a whole.
• SAHYOG is an e-platform that collects geotagged information on the nation’s critical infrastructure. It works as a key tool in helping community workers carry out the government’s objectives of door-to-door, surveys, contact tracing, deliveries of essentials items and to create focused public awareness campaigns. C. Open-sourced Analytics and Modelling Tools
• Rapid data sharing is critical during epidemics and pandemics as it allows for a better understanding of the origins and spread of the infection.
• The placement of the first genome of the 2019-nCoV virus in an open database on 8th January 2020, paved the way for scientists around the world to start working on the development of a treatment or vaccine.
• Open-source technologies can help in improving accessibility of information, formulating open standards that enable all stakeholders to contribute and developing rapid prototypes that can lead to rapid discoveries.

Tele-health Technologies

• Tele-health technologies allow patients to be seen and diagnosed remotely by doctors. Scores of countries are now providing virtual care on a war footing.
• Sheba Medical Centre, the largest hospital in Israel, launched a remote patient-monitoring program in an attempt to control the spread of the virus.
• E-Sanjeevani is the Indian teleconsultation service launched by MoHFW during this pandemic.

GIS and Smart City’s Integrated Control and Command Center (ICCC)

• Geographic interpretation and insight are essential in detecting, understanding and responding to the pandemic.
• GIS helps epidemiologists to map disease occurrence against multiple parameters including demographics, environment, its spread pattern etc. to implement preventive and surveillance measures.
• WHO unveiled its ArcGIS Operations Dashboard for COVID-19, which maps coronavirus cases and total number of deaths by country and other related informations.
• In India too, GIS has been extensively deployed to fight the pandemic. A GIS platform has been developed by an eminent team of researchers in IIT Chennai and integrated with Aarogya Setu to provide extremely important information about the spread of coronavirus.

3D Printing

• 3D printing can play an important role as a disruptive digital manufacturing technology by boosting production and optimising the supply of specialised and critical medical equipments to treat COVID-19 patients.

HP India responded to the critical need of making ventilators available in large numbers by getting over 1.2 lakh key ventilator parts printed in a short span of time

• Technology and Learning Due to COVID-19, millions of students have been driven out of university campuses and the faculty is confined to their homes. This has forced the teaching community to look for alternatives to maintain the continuity in the teaching learning process. Online platforms provide such alternative.
• Best teachers cannot always reach grassroots, digital content can. Online education can help reduce inequality in the “Quality” of faculty and education. By removing the nuisance of unnecessary overheads and administration and by bringing the best faculty in direct contact with the students through online learning can do wonders for motivation of both, the faculty and student.
• Access to online classes and digital media will provide room to students to develop selfmotivation and become independent
• With a multi-channel approach to combat these issues, now TV channels can run educational content for classes 1 to 12. This will be supplemented by radio and podcasts. With this, the grassroots network of government schools should be viewed more as ‘learning zones’ rather than ‘training institutions’. Edtech companies can chip in by customising the content to the local context.
• Access to the best digital content for all, as well as the room for creativity and innovation will help our future citizens to think, analyze and get clarity about what is right and wrong for themselves, for society as well as future of our nation. Faculty will get more time to do research, as administrative work will get reduced.

The Way Forward

• Given the huge gap in access to ICT infrastructure in the country, any technology mediated solutions must first seek to bridge the digital divide. The draft National Education Policy (NEP) 2019 identifies a few important concerns related to technology integration in education in the country. One such concern is the availability of the local expertise in resolving and maintaining hardware and software at remote locations.
• It recommends deploying local talents for managing technological issues in schools. In this way, technology use in education has ramifications for the employment at the local level too.

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• Recently, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of promoting indigenous products and self-reliance.

More about the news

• The significance of promoting indigenous products and self-reliance is for prosperity and by adopting them one can keep India’s traditional art, culture and civilisation alive.
• The event was organised by the Union Culture Ministry . 
• As part of the occasion, a commemorative postage stamp and coin dedicated to Acharya Surishwar was also released.
• PM said Acharya Surishwar’s insistence on peace and harmony was clearly visible even during the horrors of Partition. 
• He noted that during the freedom movement Mahatma Gandhi had adopted the path of “aparigraha”, or renunciation, as laid down by the Jain gurus.

About the Self-reliant India

• Self-reliance is the social and economic ability of an individual, a household or a community to meet essential needs (including protection, food, water, shelter, personal safety, health and education) in a sustainable manner and with dignity.
• Self reliance depends on improving the income and productivity of a majority of the labour force. 
• First, incentivise the farming community to shift from grain-based farming to cash crops, horticulture and livestock products. 
• India can only become self-reliant if it uses its best endowment — 900 million people in the working-age population with an average age of 27 — and appropriates its demographic dividend as China did.
• India is in a unique position at a time when all other manufacturing giants are ageing sequentially — Japan, EU, the US, and even South Korea and China. 
• Most of these countries have moved out of low-end labour-intensive manufacturing, and that space is being taken by countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mexico, etc.
• State-funded R&D, including in basic research, by PSUs and research institutions and universities needs to be scaled-up significantly, well above the dismal 1% of GDP currently. 
• Finally, India’s meagre public expenditure on education needs to be substantially ramped up (as against current trends of privatisation which would only shrink access), including in skill development. 
• No country has achieved self-reliance without mass quality public education. 

Government’s initiatives towards self reliance 

• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan or Self-reliant India campaign is the vision of new India.
• The aim is to make the country and its citizens independent and self-reliant in all senses. 
• Infrastructure, 
• Vibrant Demography and 
• Finance Minister has announcd Government Reforms and Enablers across Seven Sectors under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan.
• The government took several bold reforms such as Supply Chain Reforms for Agriculture, Rational Tax Systems, Simple & Clear Laws, Capable Human Resource and Strong Financial System in this regard.
• It aims to boost employment generation and minimise the socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
• Under ABRY, Government of India is crediting for a period of two years both the employees’ share (12% of wages) and employers share’ (12% of wages) of contribution payable or only the employees’ share, depending on employment strength of the EPFO registered establishments. 
• To strengthen India’s critical healthcare network in both urban and rural areas.
• Establish an IT-enabled disease surveillance system through a network of laboratories at block, district, regional and national levels.
• Labs will be connected through the Integrated Health Information Portal.
• To provide support to 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres in 10 ‘high focus’ states and establish 11,024 urban Health and Wellness Centres.
• It is in addition to the National Health Mission.
• Exclusive Critical Care Hospital Blocks with over five lakh population.
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry said that the program, which is aimed at self-sufficiency or being ‘aatmanirbhar’, has substantial accomplishments across 27 sectors , including strategic sectors such as manufacturing and services .
• Facilitate investment, 
• Foster innovation, 
• Enhance skill development,
• Build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure,
• Protect the intellectual property,
• Make India digital,
• Create healthy relationships with various countries,
• Provide employment opportunities.
• To increase the manufacturing sector’s growth rate to 12-14% per annum;
• To create 100 million additional manufacturing jobs in the economy by 2022;
• To ensure that the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP is increased to 25% by 2022 (later revised to 2025).
• Startup India was introduced in 2016 as a call to innovators, entrepreneurs, and thinkers of the nation to lead from the front in driving India’s sustainable growth and create large scale employment opportunities.
• The entrepreneurial portal had more than 65,000 startups registered.
• Of which, 40 attained the ‘unicorn’ status recently, bringing the total as of date to 90.

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Essay on Atmanirbhar Bharat

“Atmanirbhar Bharat” is a visionary initiative that aims to make India self-reliant and self-sufficient in various sectors. In this essay, we will explore the concept of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” its significance, and the journey India is on to achieve self-reliance.

Understanding “Atmanirbhar Bharat”

“Atmanirbhar Bharat,” which translates to “self-reliant India,” is a call to make India self-sufficient in key areas such as manufacturing, technology, and innovation. It promotes the idea of producing goods and services within the country rather than relying heavily on imports.

The Need for Self-Reliance

India’s journey towards self-reliance is driven by the need to reduce dependence on foreign countries for essential goods and services. This is crucial for economic stability, national security, and overall development. “Atmanirbhar Bharat” aims to strengthen India’s economic resilience.

Promoting Indigenous Manufacturing

One of the pillars of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” is to promote indigenous manufacturing. By encouraging domestic production, India can create job opportunities, boost the economy, and reduce its trade deficit. This approach supports the “Make in India” campaign.

Enhancing Technological Capabilities

Technological advancement is another key aspect of “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” India seeks to develop its own technology solutions and reduce reliance on foreign technology. This includes advancements in areas like information technology, telecommunications, and space exploration.

Strengthening Agriculture and Rural Sectors

Self-reliance in agriculture and rural sectors is vital for India’s food security. Initiatives like “Atmanirbhar Krishi” aim to empower farmers, improve agricultural infrastructure, and reduce post-harvest losses. Self-sufficiency in agriculture ensures food availability for the nation.

A Boost for Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in India’s economic growth. “Atmanirbhar Bharat” supports the growth of SMEs by providing financial assistance, improving ease of doing business, and encouraging entrepreneurship.

Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of self-reliance, especially in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. “Atmanirbhar Bharat” recognizes the need to strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.

Global Recognition and Partnerships

“Atmanirbhar Bharat” does not mean isolationism. India continues to engage in global partnerships and trade while working towards self-reliance. It aims to be a reliable and self-sufficient partner in the global economy.

Conclusion of Essay on Atmanirbhar Bharat

In conclusion, “Atmanirbhar Bharat” is a vision that holds immense significance for India’s development and growth. It aims to reduce dependence on imports, promote indigenous manufacturing and technology, strengthen agriculture, empower SMEs, and enhance healthcare capabilities.

Achieving self-reliance is a journey that requires determination, innovation, and cooperation between the government, industries, and citizens. “Atmanirbhar Bharat” is not just a policy but a call to action for all Indians to contribute to the nation’s self-sufficiency.

As India continues its journey towards self-reliance, it has the potential to become a global economic powerhouse, a hub for innovation, and a nation that is truly self-sufficient in all aspects. “Atmanirbhar Bharat” is a vision that paves the way for a brighter and more self-reliant future for India and its people.

Also Check: The Essay on Essay: All you need to know

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, Objective, Features, Pillars and Benefits

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan or Self-reliant India campaign is the vision of new India. Prime Minister has announced a Rs.20 lakh crore economic package under 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Scheme.

Table of Contents

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

The Self-Reliant India campaign, also known as Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, represents the new India’s objective. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan was launched by the Prime Minister in 2020, and he also announced the Special Economic and Comprehensive Package of INR 20 lakh crores, which is equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan or self-reliant India was launched by the PM in the wake of the Covid pandemic to manage the economic disruption in the country. The goal of the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme is to use a comprehensive economic stimulus package to make the nation and its citizens self-sufficient and independent.

The COVID-19 vaccine development process highlighted the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan and was displayed by the Department of Biotechnology in their tableau on India’s 72nd Republic Day . The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan topic is an important portion of the UPSC syllabus . Check here the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme’s four tranches, significant pillars, the latest news, and many more.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Scheme

In order to help the country recover from the economic shock brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Prime Minister officially announced the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Scheme. On May 12, 2020, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Scheme was introduced with the intention of utilising a crisis as an opportunity. The programme intends to reduce reliance on imports and increase the use of high-quality domestic products to make India self-sufficient.

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan does not advocate for a closed, solitary, or self-centred system. However, it depicts Indian culture and heritage as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which talks about independence and the spirit. The Sanskrit word “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is borrowed from the Maha Upanishad. It denotes the idea of a single global family.

The five key pillars of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, which aims to create an independent India, are the economy, infrastructure, our system, demography, and demand. Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s Finance Minister, issued five distinct tranches of economic assistance packages for the development of various industries following the introduction of this programme.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in India

A number of initiatives are part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which was launched at the start of the pandemic era. This package combined several Reserve Bank of India regulations with some payments from the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKP). The four main areas of land, labour, legislation, and liquidity were the focus of the Indian Prime Minister’s package. By enhancing product quality and quantity domestically, the Atmanirbhar Bharat plan seeks to decrease product imports.

This mission is more about generating a helping hand for the world by strengthening the local population than it is about any exclusionary strategy. The fundamental goal of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission is to promote domestic goods. It was completed in two stages, the first of which focused on the fields of electronics, drugs, textiles, and plastics, and the second of which examined items linked to jewellery, steel, jewels, and pharmacies. Atmanirbhar Bharat is more supportive of the Make in India movement, which promotes Indian manufacturing.

Key Features of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

As the United Kingdom India Business Council published a paper in 2021 titled “Road to a UK-India Free Trade Agreement: Enhancing the Partnership and Achieving Self Reliance,” the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan has recently made headlines. According to an annual study on conducting business in India that was included in this report, 77% of British businesses saw the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as a chance to implement their business plans rather than a challenge.

However, the UK India Business Council emphasised that various reforms included in the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme may have adverse effects on the United Kingdom and many other global corporations.

Objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’s overarching goal is to decrease reliance on the import of any foreign commodities and places more emphasis on the domestic manufacture of their substitutes in order to increase compliance and produce high-quality goods with a worldwide market share.

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan puts more of an emphasis on advocating for locals and highlighting locally produced goods that benefit the rest of the nation. It has already made a 20 lakh crore financial release and would continue to do so in order to support MSMEs, cottage businesses, and Middle-Class industries as well as labourers. The goal is to become a helpful hand and partner for global economic growth by lowering imports, increasing domestic production, and raising exports.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Five Pillar

PM Narendra Modi announced the five pillars for building an independent India in his speech on May 12, 2020. Explore the points that have been discussed here to learn more about Abhiyaan’s five pillars.

• Economy: To create an economy capable of taking a quantum leap rather than developing and changing gradually.
• Infrastructure: To build more and more facilities within the nation so that it becomes the centre of attention and the symbol of contemporary India.
• System: To develop a technologically advanced system capable of meeting the demands and aspirations of the twenty-first century. Contrary to earlier circumstances, the current system would be completely modernized.
• Demography: The country’s current millennial population, which is aspirational enough to raise the country to a global level and transform it from a developing to a developed country, makes up the country’s lively demography. India would be given opportunities to develop and become a self-sufficient country because it is the largest democracy in the world.
• Demand: There must be sufficient supply for a demand cycle to form. In order to maximise the exploitation of the requirements of the nation, Atmanirbhar Bharat seeks to establish an appropriate cycle of supply and demand within the economy.

Schemes under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’s main goal is to make India’s economy self-sufficient and assist the government in reaching the ambitious goal of making India a US$5 trillion economy. The key components of the Atmanirbhar Bharat stimulus package, which the Indian government unveiled in May 2020, are listed below:

• A 50 lakh rupee insurance policy for each health professional.
• Beginning in May 2020, 80 crores of the impoverished would receive 5 kilogrammes of rice or wheat each person for three months.
• Beginning in May 2020, each household receives 1 kg of pulses every three months.
• 20 billion women From May 2020, owners of Jan Dhan accounts get INR 500 per month for three months.
• Eight crore low-income families received free petrol cylinders for a period of three months.
• The MNREGA pay was raised from INR 182 to INR 202 per day. This helped 13.62 billion families.
• Farmers received a front-loaded payment of INR 2,000 under PM-KISAN. The 8.7 crore farmers benefited from this.
• The RBI enhanced the State Overdraft Duration Limits and the State Ways and Means Advance Limits by 60% each.
• The deadline for filing GST and income tax returns has been moved to June 30, 2020.
• A three-month moratorium on instalment and interest payments for all Term Loans’ Working Capital Facilities.
• Collateral-free automatic loans for businesses, including MSME, in the amount of INR 3 lakh crores.
• Infusion of INR 50,000 crore in equity through the MSME Fund of Funds.
• A lending ceiling of Rs. 25,000 crores was allowed for 25 lahks new Kisan Credit Cards.
• Between March 1 and April 30, 2020, 63 lakh loans totalling Rs. 86,600 crores were approved in the agricultural sector.
• An increase in emergency working capital of Rs 30,000 crore for farmers through NABARD .

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Benefits

The Indian government initiated the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan programme to encourage domestic production and lessen its reliance on imports. Among Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’s benefits are:

• The campaign’s goal is to encourage domestic manufacturing so that India may become self-sufficient. This would not only increase employment opportunities but also reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the nation’s economy.
• The campaign supports neighbourhood companies financially and in other ways to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
• The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan seeks to lessen India’s dependency on imports from abroad, particularly in vital industries like technology and defence. This will improve India’s national security.
• The campaign’s goal is to protect and promote India’s rich cultural heritage through encouraging local manufacturing and products.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Phases

Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, unveiled the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, or “self-reliant India scheme,” in four installments in May 2020.

Five Phases or Tranches of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme are announced in order to encompass activities in various Indian economic sectors. Details of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package were released in the following five phases by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman:

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Tranche 1

Atmanirbhar Bharat’s First Tranche, which primarily focuses on the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises sector, was announced on May 13, 2020. It includes the aforementioned projects:

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Tranche 2

The Second Tranche of this scheme focuses on migrants, farmers, tiny businesses, and street vendors. It covers the following initiatives:

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Tranche 3

The Third Tranche of this scheme focuses on the agriculture sector including Governance and Administrative Reforms. It covers the following initiatives:

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Tranche 4

The Fourth Tranche of this scheme focuses on structural reforms in Eight Sectors including coal mining, defence, etc. It covers the following initiatives:

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Tranche 5

The Fifth and last Tranche of this scheme focus on Seven Sectors. It covers the following initiatives:

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Facts for UPSC

Facts and figures related to Government schemes are very important for the UPSC exam. So, some of the important facts related to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan Scheme are given below in the following overview table:

By expanding the availability of low-cost financing and supporting business and agriculture, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan strategy seems to give a significant supply-side push. The MNREGA will benefit from extra financing by giving returning migrants jobs that are worthwhile. Demand-side stimulation through deficit financing is not currently being investigated.

However, there is no doubting the urgent need for demand stimulation at the moment. The need for industrial goods and services must grow, as must the purchasing power of the general populace. The need for income support for migrant workers and the underprivileged in urban areas is also urgent. Consequently, even in the face of diminishing income, a more forceful fiscal stimulus may have been tried.

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Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan FAQs

What is the aim of atmanirbhar bharat abhiyaan.

The aim is to make the country and its citizens independent and self-reliant in all senses. Five pillars of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat were outlined – Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand.

What are the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan?

The objective of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is to make India self-reliant by strengthening the economic system of the country and to give a new direction to the development journey of the country. The package of atmanirbhar bharat amounts to almost 10% of India's GDP.

What are the 5 pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan?

The main purpose of launching this program was to support the country during the pandemic, for which the Prime Minister announced an economic package worth 20 lakh crore. Atmanirbhar Bharat is based on 5 basic components: economy, demography, system, demand, and infrastructure.

What is the conclusion of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan?

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan approach appears to deliver a strong supply-side push by increasing the availability of low-cost finance and helping agriculture and business.

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MONTH/YEARWISE ARCHIVES

Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call in 2020 for an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) highlighted the reality that in a post-COVID-19 world, India cannot exist in isolation.

How does the world influence the domestic aspects of a nation?

• The pandemic has shown us that whether it is the stressed economy or human rights, rural development or climate change, defence or foreign policy, we need to re-imagine the way forward for India and its relationship with the world.
• The ripple effects of the war in Ukraine on our economy and democracy make it imperative for us to continuously engage with the world around us.
• As Rabindranath Tagore said, it is not possible to remain behind “narrow domestic walls”.

What is Atmanirbhar Bharat?

• Atmanirbhar Bharat refers to a self-reliant India dealing with the world on its own terms.
• It is is neither protectionist nor isolationist.
• In 2020, the Government announced the Special comprehensive package of Rs 20 lakh crores (10% of India’s GDP) to kick start the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-reliant India campaign).
• Infrastructure
• Vibrant Demography

What is the relevance of the ideational foundation of this concept?

• Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Swadeshi galvanised our nation. Likewise, Atmanirbhar Bharat is Swadeshi tailored to India in 2022.
• For example, the aspirations of the Dravidian model of development and other regional-specific aspirations should synchronise with the holistic concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• National identity is essential for modern states, especially when states are built around liberal democratic political values and the shared experiences of diverse communities.
• Former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi ensured that their politics were regionally distinct while staying uncompromisingly nationalistic.
• In 1967 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Dravidian icon Periyar supported the Congress party and not the DMK, while C. Rajagopalachari supported the DMK.

How should be the model of self-reliant India?

• Contributor rather than a consumer - Atmanirbharta model for a rising India should be based on civilisational pride, experience and a self-belief that will help India be a contributor to the world rather than only a consumer.
• Tailoring to suit the needs - No one-size-fits-all Western model can work for a country as diverse as India, as evidenced by the catastrophic financial crisis of 2008.
• Defence, human rights, climate change, agriculture, the rural-urban divide, economy, governance and federalism are all addressed in the five pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Human-centric model - Social capital, family and communities are now at the centre of a development model.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat is a human-centric way forward based on our own civilisational ethos and values.
• It envisages a self-reliant India working for Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
• https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/a-contributor-not-consumer/article65268994.ece
• https://www.investindia.gov.in/atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyaan

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Essay on Atmanirbhar Bharat (India): Samples in, 250 and 600 Words

• Updated on  
• Jan 25, 2024

Essay on Atmanirbhar Bharat: Today, India, that is Bharat, has become a self-reliant (atmanirbhar) country in most of the realms. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan on 12th May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to make India self-reliant. As India prepares to take the global centre stage, it will become an important global economy. India is ranked 5th in nominal GDP and 3rd in purchasing power parity (PPP). 

There are five pillars of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which are economy, technology-driven systems, infrastructure, vibrant demography and demand. Moreover, India is determined to become a global power under the India Vision 2047. Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is not just a social and economic development topic. It is about the importance of India and its citizens in the global development. Today, we will provide some samples of essays on Atmanirbhar Bharat (India) for school students.

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

Essay on Atmanirbhar Bharat in 250 Words

The Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’ on 12th May 2020. All the activities and developments under this programme are managed by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity). 

Initially, this programme was launched with a total budget of INN 5,000 crore, which is 0.025% of our GDP. Later on, the Prime Minister increased this monetary budget to INR 20 lac crore to achieve all the desired objectives. To make India a self-reliant nation, native businessmen, industrialists and traders were encouraged to participate in the nation-building programme.

There are five pillars of the Atmanirbhar Mission. These are technology-driven systems, infrastructure, vibrant demography and demand. All these pillars are equally important and are managed by different ministries and departments of the Indian government. All the ministries involved in this programme have their separate objectives. 

To become a global economy, India is focusing on producing more and more products for exports and reducing its expenses in importing. When a country’s exports are more than its imports, its economy grows at a positive rate. We have a long way ahead of us. Our major focus is on producing indigenous products by encouraging local businesses so that their production is sufficient to sustain them and to export outside the country. If this trend continues, then the time is not far when India will become the global economic power, surpassing Germany, Japan, China and the USA. 

To improve your essay writing skills, here are the top 200+ English Essay Topics for school students.

Also Read: Speech on Republic Day for Class 12th

Essay on Atmanirbhar Bharat in 600 Words

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan or mission is an Indian government initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th May 2020. The Prime Minister laid down all the objectives, responsibilities, pillars and names of the ministries which will be working to achieve all the goals of this scheme. The objective of this scheme is to make India a self-reliant nation and a global economic power. 

Total Budget

The initial budget of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan was INR 5000 crore. However, due to the COVID-10 pandemic and global economic slowdown, this budget was raised to INR 20 lac crore. This was done to achieve all the objectives in real-time, as India is planning to enhance its production. 

Native businessmen, industrialists and traders are encouraged by the government to contribute and invest in the Indian manufacturing sector. With the number in production increasing, the country will be focusing on exporting more and importing less.

Five Pillars of Atma Nirbhar Bharat

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan functions under five ministries:  Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity). All these ministries will be working on separate pillars of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. These five pillars are; technology-driven systems, infrastructure, vibrant demography and demand. All these pillars are equally important and are managed by different ministries and departments of the Indian government. 

• Technology-driven systems – A system based on technological developments, which can make India an important global power in the 21st century.
• Economy – An economic system focusing on Quantum Jump rather than Incremental change.
• Infrastructure – A modern infrastructure for a modern India.
• Demography – As the mother of Democracy, our demographic variation or diversity is our strength to make India self-sustaining.
• Demand – To enhance the cycle of demand and supply for a stronger economy

Developments So far

The Ministry of Defence is focusing on building its own infrastructure and warfare equipment, instead of importing from other countries. To achieve these goals, all five departments of the Ministry of Defence are working together. These departments are the Department of Military Affairs, the Department of Defence, the Department of Defence Production, the Department of Defence Research and Development, and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. LCH Prachand chopper, Pinaka rocket launchers, and Nag anti-tank missiles are some of the Indian-made military weapons.

Benefits to Poors and Migrants

Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, the Indian government has encouraged the local and state governments to work for the welfare of the poor and migrants.

• Migrants are given food grain supply for up to 2 months.
• Poor people are given access to education and learn technical skills so that they can participate in technological-related activities.
• To offer affordable housing complexes for migrant workers and urban poor people, the One Nation One Ration Card scheme was introduced.
• The Shishu Mudra loan service was launched, under which a 2% interest subvention for 12 months was offered. This scheme offered a total of INR 12,000 crore loans all over India.
• Another INR 70,000 crore was invested in the housing sector for middle-class people under the PMAY (Urban).
• INR 30,000 crore was invested in the Emergency Working Capital for farmers under the NABARD scheme.
• INR 2 lac crore was invested to help more than 25 million farmers under the Kisan Credit Card Scheme.

When a country’s exports are more than its imports, its economy grows at a positive rate. We have a long way ahead of us. The major focus of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme is on producing indigenous products by encouraging local businesses so that their production is sufficient to sustain them and to export outside the country.

Ans: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a national mission to make India, Bharat a self-reliant country in terms of trade, economy, defence and technology.

Ans: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan or mission is an Indian government initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th May 2020. The Prime Minister laid down all the objectives, responsibilities, pillars and names of the ministries which will be working to achieve all the goals of this scheme. The objective of this scheme is to make India a self-reliant nation and a global economic power. 

Ans: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan or Self-reliant India mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the vision to make India a self-reliant and self-sustaining nation.

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We hope the essays above will help school students with their essay-writing skills. For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan|Self Reliant India Essay in English

This essay on Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is very important for students. Indian govt. had organised an Essay Competition on the theme of Aatm nirbhar Bharat essay in August 2020 to promote this campaign. You must learn this essay on self-reliant India campaign by heart. Self Reliant India Essay is appropriate for class 6-12 and UPSC aspirants.

What is Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Essay, Self Reliant India Essay

Self Reliant India campaign was initiated by the Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi on May 12, 2020. He called it Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. This campaign was started with the view to reduce dependency for goods and services in other countries. Through the campaign, the government wants to reduce the import of the country. This campaign focuses on manufacturing everything from a needle to helicopter in the country itself with its own resources.

At a time when the world is suffering from a deadly pandemic, India plans to convert this crisis into an opportunity and strengthen its fight by becoming Aatmanirbhar or self-reliant.

Five pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat –

Economy – This campaign will try to bring a quantum jump (big jump), rather than incremental change.

Infrastructure -The Government of India will reform the necessary investments in basic infrastructure so that indigenous goods can compete with the products coming from other countries.

System -In the coming time, online service (e-governance) will be promoted. India needs a technology driven system for development in the 21st century. So that transparency in official work is increased and people can have confidence in government.

Read: Essay on New Education Policy in Hindi

Vibrant Demography – People in the age group of 18 to 35 are the maximum in the population of India. That is why they have been called Vibrant Demography. We have huge reserves of youth power. To convert the population problem into a profitable resource, we have to give more and more work to the people. They can get employment only if we use locally manufactured goods. Promote Made in India and Make in India and export India made goods to other countries.

Read to know What is Make in India Project

Demand- There is no shortage of demand for goods in India having a population of 137 crores. We have to use this huge demand to increase sales of goods manufactured in our country. We have to strengthen our supply chain.

20 lakh Crore Package for Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan or Self Reliant India Campaign

Self-reliant India campaign stresses the fact that it is time to become vocal for our local products and make them global. Under this campaign, a special economic package has been released by the government, which will benefit various segments in the following ways:

• One crore 70 lakh rupees will be given to the poor under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.
• Insurance cover – health workers and police corona commandos fighting for this country with this coronavirus are given special benefits. Under this scheme, if a health worker dies during a fight with this coronavirus, then Rs 50 lakh will be given to the family of that health worker.
• Under the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme, workers can take their share of grain from the ration depot wherever they are in any corner of the country. This benefit will be available to all the migrant workers who go to other states for employment.
• A provision of Rs 3500 crore has been made for eight crore migrant labourers.
• Continue reading Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan essay in English
• Free food grains will also be given to all the migrant labourers who do not have ration cards.
• Eight crore poor families living below the poverty line who are using gas cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme will be given gas cylinders for free for the next 3 months.
• 20 crore women have Jan Dhan account, they will be given ₹ 500 per month for the next 3 months.
• The wages of MNREGA workers have been increased from Rs 182 per day to Rs 202 per day.
• Residents and street workers will be able to get a loan of up to 10 thousand rupees. Announcement of the cooperation amount of five thousand crore rupees.

Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman made all the announcements related to various sectors on different days, split under five tranches and giving detailed information about the steps being carried out by the government to achieve self-reliance for India.

Conclusion: Self Reliant India Essay

The economic package is about 10 per cent of India’s GDP. It is expected to provide support and strength to various sections of the country. In order to prove the determination of a self-reliant India, Land, Labour, Liquidity and Laws have all been emphasized in this package.

You can submit your original essay on Aatmnirbhar Bharat Campaign English essay here at essayshout for free. Don’t hesitate and submit your entries either in the comments or ‘Contact us’ tab or at ‘Write for Us’. You might win a surprise cash prize for your essay on Self Reliant India project.

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General Studies

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Study Material

The Rise of Indian Entrepreneurs: A Reality Check

Why in News?

• Atmanirbhar Bharat , or a self-reliant India, is  among the most prominent stated goals  of the present government.
• Recently a  report was released by Capital Group which highlighted nine factors  that made “India appealing compared with other emerging markets.”
• Amidst all these reports and government’s policies it is  imperative to understand the correct employment picture.  

The Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)

• The idea is that the country will achieve self-reliance in a whole host of economic activities.
• An associated idea, pushed forward by the government, has been  to convince people that they should not look towards the government for an official job.
• The Indian government has long sought to boost domestic entrepreneurship.
• The current dispensation has consistently pushed for the private sector to take the lead in creating jobs.
• A necessary corollary of such growth would be  the rise of entrepreneurship in India .

Select Government Schemes to Support Entrepreneurship in India

• This scheme was launched to promote and support startups in India by providing them with funding, tax benefits, and other incentives.
• It also provides legal and regulatory support and helps startups to network and collaborate with investors, mentors, and other entrepreneurs.
• This scheme provides financial assistance to small and micro enterprises, including startups, through loans of up to INR 10 lakhs.
• The scheme has been designed to cater to the financial requirements of startups and small businesses in the country.
• This scheme was launched to promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.
• Under this scheme, loans of up to INR 1 crore are provided to eligible entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses.
• AIM is a government initiative that aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
• The mission provides funding, mentorship, and other support to startups and entrepreneurs working on innovative ideas.
• The EDF is a fund set up by the government to provide financial assistance to startups and small businesses working in the electronics and IT sectors.
• The fund provides equity, debt, and other forms of funding to eligible companies.

Current Employment Picture

• The government has argued that due to key reforms,  India is witnessing a surge in domestic entrepreneurs.
• However, reports suggests that  India’s labour market experiences considerable joblessness and a general lack of employment  opportunities despite a significant GDP growth rate.
• The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) released data that suggests  most of the new jobs created in the form of self-employment.

Where and How Indians Work?

• According to CMIE,  the total employment in India in January-April 2023 stood at 412.9 million.
• This is  8.6 million more than what it was before the pandemic  (that is, during January-April 2019).
• The total employed people can be further categorised into several other categories.
• However, there are four main categories;  business; salaried; small traders & wage labourers; and farmers.
• The  bulk of Indians work either as farmers or as wage labourers  or small traders. The third biggest category is the salaried class. The fourth-biggest category is the so-called “business” class or “entrepreneurs”.
• Moreover, there is only one category that has actually recovered to the pre-pandemic level. That is those employed in “business” of some kind.
• All other types of employment are  still below the pre-pandemic number.
• The number of people categorised under “business” grew by 8.4 million between the last four years.

Is the Entrepreneurship on the Rise?

• At one level, the fact that employment is soaring within the “business” category can be seen as heartening news.
• It can give a sense that  India’s economy is creating the right kind of incentives for the private sector  to come out and reach for their dreams — that India is the new land of opportunities for entrepreneurs.
• However, a  detailed examination of the data within the “business” category is necessary to present the correct picture.  

Detailed Examination of the Data Within the Business Category

• This includes those people who set up large businesses that leverage capital and humans to run them.
• They manage some fixed premises such as an office, shop, workshop, factory, etc.
• Qualified self-employed professionals : This category includes people who run their own professional enterprises and leverage their own expertise, such as doctors, lawyers, consultants, professional chartered accountants, etc.
• Self-employed
• This category refers to those “entrepreneurs” who run their own business enterprises but these enterprises do not leverage much financial capital, human capital, or even professional skills.
• For example,  taxi drivers, barbers, beauticians, estate agents, brokers, insurance agents, models, astrologers, etc.

Reality of the Rise in Entrepreneurship

• Self-employed entrepreneurs accounted for the largest share,  at around 70-80 per cent of all the entrepreneurs in India.
• The second largest share was that of businessmen, comprising around 15-20 per cent of the total business persons in the country.
• Qualified self-employed professionals accounted for a mere 1-2 per cent.
• According to CMIE, this composition has changed considerably since 2016, from when CMIE started releasing its employment data.
• The  share of businessmen fell substantially and was offset by an equal rise in the share of self-employed entrepreneurs.
• Data shows that at the macro level, what is often considered to be the business class — the  well-to-do entrepreneur — has seen a decline .
• More importantly,  the actual rise of Indian entrepreneurs is happening in the self-employment category , which reflects poorly on the economic conditions.
• It is likely that this shift in the composition of employment in India does not indicate an increase in real entrepreneurship but is merely a reflection of poor employment opportunities in the economy.
• Reforms and policies brought in by the government has set the stage for the growth. But as of now,  the reality appears to be different from expectations and various reports.

Q1) What is the Start-Up India scheme?

Launched on 16th January, 2016, the Startup India Initiative has rolled out several programs to support building a robust startup ecosystem and transforming India into a country of job creators instead of job seekers. These programs are managed by a dedicated Startup India Team, which reports to the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (DPIIT).

Q2) How does the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme aim to help entrepreneurs?

 Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialisation. This would enable these startups to graduate to a level where they will be able to raise investments from angel investors or venture capitalists or seek loans from commercial banks or financial institutions.

Source:  The Indian Express

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A Self-Reliant Foreign Policy

Context: In a multipolar world order there is a need to have variable combinations with like-minded partners to ensure self-reliant foreign policy.

India’s foreign policy:

• Strategic autonomy: India has historically prided itself as an independent developing country which does not succumb to pressure from great powers. 
• Presence of unreasonable fears: that proximity to the U.S. will lead to loss of India’s strategic 
• At Inflection point: Although there is no prospect of outright war with China, India is at an inflexion point concerning strategic autonomy. 
• Flexibility in foreign affairs: In moments of crisis, India secured its freedom and territorial integrity by playing the realpolitik game.
• During the 1962 war with China, India had to appeal to the U.S. for emergency military aid.
• In the 1971 war with Pakistan, India had to enter a Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation with the Soviet Union.
• In the Kargil war of 1999, India welcomed a direct intervention by the U.S. to force Pakistan to back down. 

Way Forward:

• Ensure Diversification : India should aim to have American support while staying an independent power centre employing intensified cooperation with middle powers.
• Wide basket of strategic partners: with a sharper focus on constraining China is the viable diplomatic way forward.
• Reconfiguring autonomy: through multi-vector foreign policy is needed to accomplish joint goals.
• Focussing on national interest:  Also maintaining ties with Iran and Russia in an efforts to speed up indigenous defence modernisation.

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Internal Security

Make Your Note

Self Reliance in Defence Manufacturing

• 22 May 2020
• GS Paper - 3
• Indigenization of Technology

This article is based on “Grasping the defence self-reliance nettle” from The Hindu published on 21/05/20. It talks about the challenges and the way forward for Defence manufacturing in India.

The superpower ambition, growing complexity of security challenges in India’s neighbourhood and economic power (India poised to become a $5 trillion-dollar economy by 2025), to safeguard these interests, India requires strong defence capabilities.

In pursuit of this, for most of the past decade, India has been one of the world’s largest arms importers (accounting for about 12% of global arms imports). However, with 60-70% import-dependence for weapons, spares and ammunition create vulnerabilities during military crises.

In order to promote self-reliance in defence production, the government has announced several measures under Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan . Though these steps are in the right direction, there are long-overdue reforms to make India truly self-reliant in defence manufacturing.

Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: Challenges

• Too Much Delay: In the past five years, the Indian government has approved over 200 defence acquisition proposals with the transfer of technology provision, valued around Rs 4 trillion, but most are still in relatively early stages of processing.
• All four of these companies are public sector enterprises and account for the bulk of the domestic armament demand.
• Governments usually have tended to privilege Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) over the private sector, despite ‘Make in India’.
• The relationship between the R&D establishment, production agencies (public or private) and the end-user are extremely weak.
• There could be changes in the threat assessment/ strategy involving a complete change in priorities. For instance, buying a new advanced radar system may acquire a higher priority instead of adding more tanks or armoured vehicles.
• Newer technologies could make products outdated unable to match with what the enemy may have acquired.
• Due to this, India hasn’t been able to attract FDI in defence.
• Lack of Coordination: Overlapping jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Industrial Promotion impair India's capability of defence manufacturing.

Steps To Be Taken

• Newly Appointed CDS: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) could examine the defence acquisitions from a tri-service angle, this may avoid delays and speed up the defence procurement process.
• The same goes for repair, maintenance and overhaul facilities for the upgrading of the weapons platforms.
• Their structure, work culture and the product range now need to be responsive to technology and quality demands of modern armed forces.
• The next Defence Procurement Procedure should incorporate guidelines to promote forward-looking strategic partnerships between Indian and foreign companies, with a view to achieving indigenisation over a period of time for even sophisticated platforms.
• Promoting Defence Exports: Investment, Indian or foreign, will be viable when the door to defence exports is promoted with a transparent policy.
• Thus, the role of DRDO should be revised, in order to give private industry a level playing field for developing defence technologies.

Defence Sector Reforms Under Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan

• Revision of FDI Limit: The FDI limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route is raised from 49% to 74%.
• Project Management Unit (PMU): The government is expected to begin time-bound defence procurement and faster decision making by setting up a Project Management Unit (for contract management purposes).
• Separate budget provision for domestic capital procurement.
• Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board: It will include a public listing of some units, ensuring a more efficient interface of the manufacturer with the designer and end-user.

Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is a crucial component of effective defence capability and to maintain national sovereignty and achieve military superiority. The attainment of this will ensure strategic independence, cost-effective defence equipment and may lead to saving on defence import bill, which can subsequently finance the physical and social infrastructure.

This editorial is based on “Grasping the defence self-reliance nettle” from The Hindu published on May 21st, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.

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Jio Airtel New Recharge Plan 2024: All you need to know about new 5G plans

Jio airtel new recharge plan 2024: both bharti airtel and reliance jio have increased the tariffs for their prepaid and postpaid plans. here's a quick look at the new prices..

Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have announced a price hike for prepaid and postpaid plans. While the new tariff will be applicable from July 3, benefits offered by these plans will remain unchanged. The news comes as both telecom network operators are looking to increase their Average Revenue per User (ARPU).

The cheapest prepaid plan from Airtel, which costs Rs 179 per month is now priced at Rs 199, whereas the popular Rs 479 plan, which offers unlimited voice calls and data and has a validity of Rs 479 will cost you Rs 579 from July 3 onwards. The telecom operator also increased the price of its annual plan from Rs 2999 to Rs 3,599.

Reliance Jio’s most pocket-friendly prepaid plan, which is priced at Rs 155 per month and comes with 2GB data and 28 days validity will cost you Rs 189 once the new tariffs are applicable. The company also increased the price of its popular Rs 239 and Rs 666 plans, which have a validity of 28 days and 84 days to Rs 299 and Rs 799 respectively.

While the new tariff is applicable for almost all prepaid and some postpaid plans from Airtel, Jio says it won’t be making changes to JioBharat and JioPhone users.

Jio says unlimited 5G will be limited to Jio users who opt for prepaid plans with 2GB per day or more data. The company also introduced JioSafe – a new communication app for calling, and messaging file transfer that costs Rs 199 per month and an AI-powered multi-lingual app called Jio Translate that can help translate voice calls, messages, text and images, for which you will have to shell out Rs 99 per month.

Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have announced a price hike for prepaid and postpaid plans, effective from July 3. The new tariff aims to increase Average Revenue per User (ARPU) and includes changes to popular plans like Airtel's Rs 179 and Rs 479, and Jio's Rs 155, Rs 239, and Rs 666 plans.

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India’s Economic Promise

For American Brands Worried About China, Is India the Future?

As multinational retailers diminish their dependence on Chinese factories, some are shifting production to India.

Sunlord, a manufacturer in India, has helped the American toy company Melissa & Doug diversify beyond China. Credit... Elke Scholiers for The New York Times

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• Share full article

By Peter S. Goodman

Reporting from Greater Noida and other cities and regions in India, as well as Chicago and Bentonville, Ark.

• June 26, 2024

Melissa & Doug had a situation. For decades, the American toy brand had leaned heavily on factories in China to make its products — wooden puzzles, stuffed animals, play mats. Suddenly, that course looked risky.

It was February 2021, and the world was besieged by a pandemic. Lockdowns disrupted Chinese factories. Trade hostilities between Washington and Beijing were undermining the benefits of depending on plants in China. President Donald J. Trump had slapped tariffs on a broad variety of Chinese imports, increasing their prices, and President Biden extended that policy.

Melissa & Doug was eager to shift some production to other countries. Which explained the arrival of its chief supply chain officer at a factory in Greater Noida, a fast-growing city about 30 miles southeast of the Indian capital, New Delhi.

The factory was owned by a family business called Sunlord. The Melissa & Doug executive was surprised to see that the plant could make high-quality wooden toys, at prices comparable to those in China. Late last year, Sunlord completed its first batch of products for Melissa & Doug, a modest order of about 10,000 items, and now is cranking out 25,000 per month.

“What they want is 20 to 30 percent of their production being done in India,” said Sunlord’s director, Amitabh Kharbanda. “India has a lot of positive vibes right now.”

In a global marketplace reshaped by volatile forces — not least the animosity between the United States and China — India shows signs of emerging as a potentially significant place to manufacture products. Multinational brands that have for decades relied on Chinese factories are expanding to India as they seek to limit the vulnerabilities of concentrating production in any single country.

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UPSC Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 25 JUNE 2024

NOTE : Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same.

Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

  1. The Swadeshi movement essentially birthed the Modern Indian freedom struggle. Do you agree? Justify. (10M)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question : The question is part of the static syllabus of General Studies paper – 1. Key Demand of the question : To write about the Swadeshi movement and justify whether it birthed the modern Indian freedom struggle. Directive word: Justify – Provide reasons and evidence to support the statement. Structure of the answer: Introduction : Give the context for the launch of the Swadeshi movement. Body : Describe the features of the Swadeshi movement such as its economic, political, and cultural dimensions, its methods like boycotts and self-reliance, its impact on different sections of society, and key leaders involved. Provide arguments supporting the view that it birthed the modern Indian freedom struggle, including how it inspired future movements, created a sense of national identity, and led to the development of Indigenous industries. Conclusion :

Summarize the significance of the Swadeshi movement in the broader context of the Indian freedom struggle.

Introduction

The Swadeshi movement launched in the early 20th Century was a direct fallout of the decision of the British India government to partition Bengal. Use of Swadeshi goods and boycott of foreign made goods were the two main objectives of this movement.

The Swadeshi and boycott movements were India’s first 20th century movements that encouraged mass participation in modern nationalist politics by a large section of society.

Important features of Swadeshi Movement

• A Boycott Resolution was passed in Calcutta City Hall on August 7, 1905, where it was decided to boycott the use of Manchester cloth and salt from Liverpool.
• In the district of Barisal, the masses adopted this message of boycott of foreign-made goods, and the value of the British cloth sold there fell sharply.
• Bande Mataram became the boycott and Swadeshi movement theme song.
• Among the movement’s various forms of struggle, it was the boycott of foreign-made goods that encountered the greatest visible success on the practical and popular level.
• Boycott and public burning of foreign clothes, picketing of shops selling foreign goods, all became common in remote corners of Bengal as well as in many major cities and towns across the country.
• Another form of mass mobilization widely used by the Swadeshi movement was the corps of volunteers (samitis).
• Ashwini Kumar Dutt, a school teacher, set up the Swadesh Bandhab Samiti in Barisal was the best – known volunteer organization of all of them.
• The Shivaji and Ganapati festivals in Western India (Maharashtra) were organized by Lokmanya Tilak to spread the swadeshi message and boycott movements among the masses.
• The Swadeshi and boycott movements placed great emphasis on ‘ Atmasakti ‘ or self – reliance as a means of reasserting national dignity in different fields.
• In the field of national education, this emphasis on self – reliance was most evident.
• The National College of Bengal was founded as its principal with Aurobindo. Numerous national schools have been established throughout the country in a short period of time.
• The National Education Council was established in August 1906.
• In Indians entrepreneurial zeal, self – reliance was also evident. The period saw an explosion of textile mills, factories of soap and match, tanneries, banks, insurance companies, shops, etc.
• While most of these Swadeshi companies were set up and run as a result of patriotic fervor than any real business interest and were unable to survive for a long time, some others like Acharya P.C. Ray
• In the field of culture, Amar Sonar Bangla, written by Rabindranath Tagore in protest against Bengal’s partition, became a rallying point for the Swadeshi and boycott movements and later inspired Bangladesh’s liberation struggle.

How Swadeshi movement essentially birthed the Modern Indian freedom struggle

• Swadeshi laid the groundwork for subsequent movements.
• Non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and Quit India movements followed.
• For the first time, women came out of their homes and joined processions and picketing of foreign-made goods shops.
• The Swadeshi and boycott movements also changed the character of the Indian National Congress (INC) from being driven largely by moderates to the main agenda now being set by the ‘ Extremists ‘ who gave the Congress’s 1906 Calcutta session’s call for ‘ Swaraj ‘ or self – government.
• The ideas of non – cooperation and passive resistance, successfully applied many years later by Mahatma Gandhi, found their origin in early 20th century Swadeshi and boycott movements.
• Swadeshi fostered a sense of Indian identity.
• People transcended regional and religious divisions.
• Khadi and village industries flourished.
• Economic self-reliance became a goal.

Gandhian techniques used during Swadeshi movement:

• The methods adopted were petitions to the Government, public meetings, adopted were petitions to the Government, public meetings, memoranda, and propaganda through pamphlets and newspapers such as Hitabadi, Sanjibani and Bengalee.
• Their objective was to exert sufficient pressure on the Government through an educated public opinion in India and England to prevent the unjust partition of Bengal from being implemented.
• The movement threw up the entire gamut of Gandhian techniques such as passive resistance, non-violent non-cooperation, the call to fill the British jails, social reform, constructive work, boycott of foreign-made salt or sugar, refusal by priests to ritualize marriages involving exchange of foreign goods, refusal by washermen to wash foreign clothes
• Samitis such as the Swadesh Bandhab Samiti of Ashwini Kumar Dutta (in Barisal) emerged as a very popular and powerful method of mass mobilization.
• National school and colleges sprang up in various parts of the country.

The Swadeshi movement was a pivotal phase in India’s struggle for independence. It ignited national pride, cultural revival, and economic empowerment. Its legacy resonates in India’s journey toward freedom.

Value addition

Reasons behind the decadence of the Swadeshi movement:

• Realizing the revolutionary potential, the government came down with a heavy hand. Most of the important leaders of the movement were either imprisoned or deported between 1907 and 1908.
• Any mass movement cannot be sustained endlessly at the same pitch of militancy and self-sacrifice, especially when faced with severe repression.
• The internal squabbles, and especially, the split in 1907 in the Congress, the apex all-India organization, weakened the movement.
• It lacked the effective organization and party structure.
• The movement failed to create an effective organization or a party structure.
• It threw up an entire gamut of techniques that came to be associated with Gandhian politics like non-cooperation, passive resistance, filling of British jails, social reform and constructive work but failed to give these techniques a disciplined focus.
• The movement largely remained confined to the upper and middle classes and zamindars, and failed to reach masses especially the peasantry.
• It was not able to garner the support of the mass of Muslims and especially of the Muslim peasantry. Hindus and Muslims were divided along class lines with the former being the landlords and the latter constituting the peasantry.
• Though the Swadeshi Movement had spread outside Bengal, the rest of the country was not as yet fully prepared to adopt the new style and stage of politics.
• The movement aroused the people but did not know how to tap the newly released energy or how to find new forms to give expression to popular resentment.
• The movement was rendered leaderless with most the leaders either arrested or deported by 1908 and with Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal retiring from active politics.
• Tilak was sentenced to six years imprisonment, Ajit Singh and Lajpat Rai of Punjab were deported and Chidambaram Pillai was arrested.

Topic : Indian geography will cover the salient features of India’s physical geography

2. What makes the Himalayas the most significant geographical structure of India? Also, mention the major judgments passed by the Indian judiciary to safeguard this structure and foster development in the region. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Difficult

Reference: TH , Insights

Why the question: The Himalayas play a crucial role in India’s physical geography, climate, and biodiversity. Recent judicial actions aim to balance development needs with environmental protection in this fragile region. Key Demand of the question: To discuss the significance of the Himalayas in India’s geography and detail a major judicial judgment that aims to protect this structure while promoting sustainable development. Directive word: Mention – Briefly describe the significance of the Himalayas and outline the key points of the judicial judgment aimed at their protection and development. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Introduce the Himalayas as a pivotal geographical structure in India, highlighting their importance. Body: Significance of the Himalayas: Climate Influence: Act as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, impacting India’s climate. Water Resources: Source of major rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. Biodiversity: Home to diverse flora and fauna. Cultural and Economic Importance: Influence on local cultures and contribution to tourism and agriculture. Geopolitical Significance: Strategic location and border security. Major Judgment by the Indian Judiciary: Judgment Overview: Highlight the key judgment aimed at protecting the Himalayas, such as the Supreme Court’s ruling in the State of Telangana vs. Mohd. Abdul Qasim or related cases. Key Provisions: Outline the judgment’s directives on sustainable development, conservation efforts, and restrictions on harmful activities. Impact on Development: Discuss how the judgment aims to balance environmental protection with developmental needs in the Himalayan region. Conclusion: Summarize the importance of the Himalayas and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding this crucial geographical structure while fostering sustainable development in the region.

The  Himalayan range  is a  transnational mountain chain  and is the  chief driver of the Asian climate.  The Himalayas are  the highest and the youngest fold mountain ranges  of the world. Their geological structure is young, weak and flexible since the Himalayan uplift is an ongoing process, making them one of the highest earthquake-prone regions of the world. Himalaya stretching from J&K to the North -East of India has always been a physical, climatic, drainage and a cultural divide.

Himalayas: A physical barrier:

• Divides India from central Asia and thereby protected India from their direct attack through this route.
• Isolates Indian Sub-continent from the rest of Asia.

Himalayas: A climatic divide:

• The Himalayas, as a great climatic divide affecting large systems of air and water circulation, help determine meteorological conditions in the Indian subcontinent to the south and in the Central Asian highlands to the north.
• By virtue of its location and stupendous height, the Great Himalaya Range obstructs the passage of cold continental air from the north into India in winter.
• It also forces the south-westerly monsoon (rain-bearing) winds to give up most of their moisture before crossing the range northward. The result is heavy precipitation (both rain and snow) on the Indian side but arid conditions in Tibet.
• Himalayas represent a long chain of mountains that separate India from rest of Asia making India a subcontinent with its own climatic features. During winters when freezing temperatures prevail in North Asia, Himalayas object these cold winds and thus preventing the Ganga plains from freezing leading to sustenance in agriculture.
• Himalayas also obstruct the South West monsoon winds thus producing rains thus helps in maintaining the monsoon nature of our climate in North India.

Himalayas:  A drainage divide:

• The Himalayas are drained by 19 major rivers, of which the Indus and the Brahmaputra are the largest, each having catchment basins in the mountains of about 100,000 square miles (260,000 square km) in extent.
• Five of the 19 rivers, with a total catchment area of about 51,000 square miles (132,000 square km), belong to the  Indus system —the Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, and the Sutlej—and collectively define the vast region divided between Punjab state in India and Punjab province in Pakistan.
• Of the remaining rivers, nine belong to the  Ganges system —the Ganges, Yamuna, Ramganga, Kali (Kali Gandak), Karnali, Rapti, Gandak, Baghmati, and Kosi rivers—draining roughly 84,000 square miles (218,000 square km) in the mountains, and three belong to the  Brahmaputra system —the Tista, the Raidak, and the Manas—draining another 71,000 square miles (184,000 square km) in the Himalayas.
• The rivers that flow through India originate due to melting of glaciers in the upper reaches and maintained by rain in the lower reaches thus leading to many perennial rivers which are vital for agriculture.
• Also a lot of rivers forms flood plains in the lower reaches and bring alluvium which is very productive.
• The snow melt in summer and precipitation in winter makes them perennial rivers. i.e., having water throughout the year. The abundant waterfall, huge snowfield and large glaciers feed these drainage systems. The Himalayan rivers give life to the northern India.

Himalayas: creating a cultural divide:

• Himalayas have three distinct chain of mountains,  the upper Himalayas or himadri, Himachal or lesser Himalayas and Shiwaliks.
• The Himadri  which is very prominent in Kashmir region has many highest glaciers of the world leading to unique pattern of living.
• In Uttarakhand,  Siwaliks or dun formations  caused some cultivation and transhumance of tribes like  Bhutias .
• In Sikkim and Darjeeling, the  Duar formation and moderate slopes gave rise to tea cultivation here too tribes like  Lepcha  lead a unique way of life.
• In North East Himalayas because of rain all around the year Tropical evergreen forests predominate which are cleared by the inhabiting tribes for Jhum cultivation.

Major judgements to safeguard the Himalayas

• The Court said that the need of the hour is to adopt an eco-centric view of the environment, where nature is at the core.
• In this PIL, the Supreme Court asked the central government and the petitioner to suggest a way forward so as to enable the Court to pass directions on the carrying capacity of the Himalayan States and towns.
• the Court has recognised the right of the people of this country to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change.

Apart from the above, The Himalayas are also home to a diversity of medicinal resources. The Himalayas are also a source of many minerals and precious stones. It is also imperative from the perspectives of Flora, fauna, defence, pilgrimage and tourism too.

Thus, The Himalayas comprise the most dominating geographical feature of India. No other mountain range anywhere in world has affected the life of people and shaped the destiny of a nation as the Himalayas have in respect of India.

Topic:  Government Policies and its Interventions

3. Why are paper leaks rampant in India? How does the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, address this issue? Outline the Act’s major provisions aimed at curbing cheating in public exams. (250 Words)

Difficulty level: Medium

Reference:  IE , Insights

Why the question: The Centre on Monday  notified the Rules required to operationalise The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act , 2024, the anti-cheating law passed by Parliament in February. The law itself came into force on June 21, after it was notified in the official gazette. Key Demand of the question: This question asks about the prevalent issue of paper leaks in India and how the newly introduced Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aims to tackle this problem. Structure of the answer: Introduction:  Start by giving the context of the question.   Body: Give an explanation of why paper leaks are a widespread issue in the country. Factors contributing to the frequency of these incidents. Cite examples. Next, write the purpose and objectives of the Act. Also, write the specific measures introduced to prevent cheating in public examinations. Conclusion: Write potential outcomes and improvements anticipated from the implementation of the Act. 

Instances of paper leaks for competitive exams and government posts in India can be attributed to a combination of systemic issues, corruption, and the high stakes associated with these examinations.

  The Union government has implemented the  Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 , effective from June 21, to curb malpractices and organised cheating in government recruitment exams.

Broad reasons for paper leaks in India

• Corruption and Bribery:  Corruption is a significant challenge in many sectors in India, including the education system. Individuals within examination boards, coaching centers, or even government offices may be susceptible to bribery, leading to the compromise of the examination process. Those seeking to gain an unfair advantage may be willing to pay substantial amounts to secure leaked question papers.
• Lack of Stringent Security Measures:  Some examination centers may lack robust security measures to safeguard question papers. Insufficient surveillance, inadequate background checks on personnel involved in the examination process, and lax control over the distribution and storage of question papers contribute to vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
• Inefficient Handling of Sensitive Information:  The process of creating, distributing, and storing examination papers involves multiple stakeholders. Any weak link in this chain can be exploited for leaks. Insufficient oversight, poor management of confidential information, and lack of technological safeguards can all contribute to paper leaks.
• Pressure and Competition:  The competitive nature of exams in India, especially for government jobs, can lead to desperation among candidates. The high demand for these positions can create a black market for leaked question papers. As candidates face intense pressure to succeed, some may succumb to the temptation of obtaining leaked papers to secure an advantage.
• Inadequate Punishment:  The legal consequences for those involved in paper leaks may not be severe enough to deter potential wrongdoers. A perception that the chances of being caught and punished are low can embolden individuals to engage in such activities.

Need for the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024:

The act is introduced against the  backdrop of widespread exam cancellations  (including the recent NEET and NET exams controversy) due to paper leaks in various competitive tests across states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Bihar.  Over 1.5 crore students have been affected by paper leaks from 2016 to 2023 , with more than 70 cases reported during this period. Despite these incidents,  there is currently no specific law to address unfair practices  in public examinations conducted by the central government and its agencies.

Key Highlights of the  Public Examinations Act :

Concerns with the Bill:

• State Government Discretion: The bill’s reliance on state governments to draft their own acts may lead to partisan interests, as seen in past model bills.
• Exploitable Loopholes: Excluding students from criminal sanctions may allow paper leak gangs to pose as students to evade punishment.
• Lack of Committee Composition: The absence of clarity on the composition and qualifications of the National Technical Committee on Public Exams raises concerns about potential partisanship.
• Subordinate Legislation Scope: The bill’s allowance for subordinate legislation grants executive authorities extensive discretionary power in implementation.

Addressing the issue requires a comprehensive approach, including improving security measures, implementing stricter penalties for wrongdoers, and promoting a culture of integrity within the education and recruitment systems. Additionally, leveraging technology for secure paper generation, distribution, and examination processes can help mitigate the risk of leaks.

Topic: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.

  4. Critically evaluate the impact of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) on forest conservation in India. (15M)

Reference:  The Hindu

Key Demand of the question : To critically evaluate the impact of PESA on forest conservation in India. Directive word : Critically evaluate – Provide a balanced assessment of the impacts, considering both positive and negative aspects. Structure of the answer: Introduction : Provide an overview of the PESA Act and its objectives. Body : Discuss the positive impacts of PESA on forest conservation , such as empowering local communities, promoting sustainable forest management practices, and enhancing biodiversity. Mention the challenges and limitations faced in the implementation of PESA, including issues of governance, resource allocation, and conflicts with other laws. Use examples and evidence to support both sides. Conclusion : Summarize the overall impact of PESA on forest conservation, emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges to realize its full potential.

Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996  is a law enacted by Government of India to cover the “Scheduled Areas”, which are not covered in the 73rd Constitutional amendment. This particular act extends the provisions of Part IX to the Scheduled Areas of the country. PESA brought powers further down to the Gram Sabha level. The Gram Sabha in the Panchayat Act were entrusted with wide ranging powers starting from consultation on land acquisition to that of ownership over minor forest produces and leasing of minor minerals.

Under the PESA, the  Gram Sabha or Panchayats at appropriate  level shall have the following powers:

• To be consulted on matters of land acquisition and resettlement.
• Grant prospecting license for mining lease for minor minerals and concessions for such activities.
• Planning and management of minor water bodies.
• The power to enforce prohibition or to regulate or restrict the sale and consumption of any intoxicant.
• The ownership of minor forest produces.
• The power to prevent alienation of land and to restore any unlawfully alienated land of a scheduled tribe.
• The power to manage village markets.
• The power to exercise control over money lending to scheduled tribes.

Success of PESA

• PESA devolves powers to gram sabhas (village councils) in Scheduled Areas.
• Communities actively participate in forest management decisions.
• Tribals and forest dwellers gain a sense of ownership over their ancestral lands.
• They become stewards of forest resources, leading to better conservation.
• PESA recognizes indigenous knowledge about forests.
• Communities use sustainable practices like rotational grazing and non-destructive harvesting.
• Tribals engage in eco-friendly livelihoods (e.g., honey collection, herbal medicine).
• Reduced dependence on destructive activities like illegal logging.
• PESA grants rights to manage and protect community forests.
• Tribals conserve diverse flora and fauna.
• Local communities safeguard critical habitats.
• Preservation of endemic species and ecosystems

Problems with PESA:

• Dilution of role of Tribal Advisory Councils:  PESA comes under the Fifth Schedule, which mandates Tribal Advisory Councils to oversee tribal affairs and also gives extrajudicial, extra constitutional powers to the Governors of each State to intervene in matters where they see tribal autonomy being compromised.
• However, the councils, with the Chief Minister as their chairperson, have evolved into a non-assertive institution amid the machinations of upper-class politics, and its representatives hardly speak against the State governments’ policies.
• The Governors, in order to have friendly relations with the Chief Ministers, have desisted from getting involved in tribal matters. Tribal activists have constantly complained that there is not even a single instance where the Governors have responded to their petitions for interventions in threatening crises, such as deepening clashes over land, mining or police excesses.
• Lack of coordination at Centre:  Even if one were to expect proactive intervention from the Centre, PESA would get entangled in bureaucratic shackles. Two different ministries, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, have an overlapping influence on the implementation of PESA and they function almost without any coordination.
• Lack of operationalization: I n most of the state the enabling rules are not in place more than eight years after the adoption of the Act suggests that the state governments are reluctant to operationalize the PESA mandate.
• Ignoring the spirit of PESA:  The state legislations have omitted some of the fundamental principles without which the spirit of PESA can never be realised. For instance, the premise in PESA that state legislations on Panchayats shall be in consonance with customary laws and among other things traditional management practices of community resources is ignored by most of the state laws.
• Ambiguous definitions:  No legal definition of the terms like minor water bodies, minor minerals etc. exist in the statute books. The states in their conformity legislations have also not defined the term leading to ambiguity and scope of interpretation by the bureaucracy.

Conclusion:

In recent years, many reports  ‘The Report of Expert Group of the Planning Commission on Development Challenges in Extremist Affected Areas’ (2008) ,  ‘The Sixth Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission’ (2007) ,  ‘The Balchandra Mungekar Committee Report’ (2009) , etc. have clearly underlined the dismal situation of the implementation of PESA.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to opt for an effective device whereby maximum people can be informed, made aware and motivated to come forward for the proper implementation and execution of PESA. There is an urgent need to break the culture of silence among tribal and to strive for capacity building, sensitization and orientation to improve the tribal self-rule scenario.

Topic: Indian Economy: Infrastructure

5. What are the safety challenges faced by Indian Railways? How can AI and other measures help mitigate these challenges? (250 words)

 Difficulty level: Easy

Reference: The Hindu , I nsights IAS

Why the question: Despite improvements, Indian Railways continues to face safety challenges, highlighted by recent accidents. There is a need to explore how AI and other modern measures can help address these challenges effectively. Key Demand of the question: To discuss the safety challenges faced by Indian Railways and explain how AI and other measures can help mitigate these challenges. Directive word: Explain – Provide a detailed account of the safety challenges and elaborate on how AI and other measures can help in overcoming these challenges. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Introduce the safety challenges faced by Indian Railways, highlighting recent incidents and their impact. Body: Safety Challenges Faced by Indian Railways: Accidents: Frequent train collisions and derailments. Infrastructure Issues: Poor track maintenance and outdated signalling systems. Human Errors: Mistakes by train crew, station masters, and other personnel. Vacancies and Overwork: High vacancy rates lead to stress and overwork among critical staff. Role of AI and Other Measures in Mitigating Safety Challenges: AI-enabled Systems: Use of AI to analyze data from station data loggers and train microprocessors to predict and prevent accidents. Kavach System: Implementation of the Indigenous Kavach signalling system to prevent collisions. Enhanced Surveillance: Use of CCTV and other monitoring tools for real-time tracking and communication. Infrastructure Upgrades: Modernizing tracks, signalling systems, and other infrastructure. Recruitment and Training: Addressing vacancies and providing regular training to staff on safety protocols. Conclusion: Summarize the importance of addressing safety challenges in Indian Railways and the potential of AI and other measures to create a safer railway system, ensuring the well-being of passengers and staff.

The Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, with millions of people relying on it for transportation every day. The recent tragic accident involving the GFCJ container train (goods train), which, while travelling at high speed, rammed into the 13174 Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express, resulting in 11 deaths and approximately 40 injuries, highlights the safety concerns faced by Indian Railways.

However, Govt statistics show that over the last two decades, the number of derailments which constitute the majority of accidents has drastically declined from around 350 per year around the turn of the millennium, to 22 in 2021-22.

Major safety issues faced by Indian Railways

• Derailments  have been a major cause of train accidents in India.
• Lapses in safety protocols, track maintenance, and failure to identify and rectify track defects  have resulted in derailments.
• The railway infrastructure , which includes tracks, bridges, overhead wires, and rolling stock, is often  defective due to poor maintenance, ageing, vandalism, sabotage, or natural disasters .
• Much of the infrastructure was built in the 19th and 20th centuries and has not been upgraded to meet the growing demand and modern standards.
• The railway system also suffers from a  lack of funds, corruption, and inefficiency , which hamper its development and maintenance.
• Moreover, many routes are  operating at over 100% capacity , which increases the risk of accidents due to congestion and overloading.
• The railway staff, who are responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing the trains and tracks, are prone to human errors due to fatigue, negligence, corruption, or disregard for safety rules and procedures.
• Human errors can result in  wrong signalling, miscommunication, over speeding, or overlooking defects or hazards .
• The railway staff also  lack adequate training and communication skills , which affect their performance and coordination.
• The  signalling system , which controls the movement and direction of trains on the tracks, can fail due to technical glitches, power outages, or human errors.
• Signalling failures can lead to trains  running on the wrong track, colliding with other trains or stationary objects, or overshooting stations . For example, the recent train accident in Odisha was reportedly caused by a change in electronic interlocking that was not communicated properly to the drivers.
• Unmanned level crossings  are places where railway tracks crossroads without any barriers or signals to regulate traffic. They pose a high risk of accidents as vehicles or pedestrians may not notice the approaching train or may try to cross the track when the train is near. In 2018-19, UMLCs accounted for 16% of all train accidents in India.
• The railways have eliminated all the unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on broad gauge routes, but there are still many manned level crossings (MLCs) that pose a risk of accidents.

Government Initiatives undertaken so far

• KAVACH  is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection(ATP) System for Indian Railways.
• The government initiated the  Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh  in 2017-18, a dedicated fund aimed at carrying out safety-related work in a systematic manner.
• Project Mission Raftar  is an Indian Railway project, introduced in the Railway Budget of 2016-17 and approved by NITI Aayog in 2017. The goal is to double the average speed of freight trains and increase passenger train speed by 50%.
• The government has been investing significant funds in the modernization and upgradation of railway infrastructure. This includes the electrification of railway lines, the expansion of rail networks, and the introduction of high-speed and ultra-high-speed lines, such as the Vande Bharat Express.
• Lighter and safer coaches for Mail/Express trains. These coaches are based on German technology and have better anti-climbing features, fire retardant materials, higher speed potential and longer service life than conventional ICF design coaches.
• The government has been working towards the elimination of manned level crossings, which are prone to accidents. Efforts are being made to replace them with underpasses, overpasses, and other safety measures to enhance railway safety.
• Efforts have been made to implement safety measures across the railway network. These include the installation of fire and smoke detection systems in coaches, the provision of fire extinguishers, and the development of technologies like the Kavach application that aids locomotive pilots in triggering the brake system automatically.

AI can be leveraged to enhance Indian Railways safety

• Analyzing data from station loggers and train microprocessors to predict and prevent accidents.
• Indigenous signalling system to prevent collisions.
• Real-time tracking using CCTV and monitoring tools.
• Modernizing tracks, signalling, and other critical infrastructure.
• Addressing vacancies and ensuring staff safety protocols

Way forward

• Allocate more funds for track renewal, bridge repair, signalling upgrade, coach refurbishment, etc.
• Provide regular and comprehensive training to the railway staff on the latest technologies, equipment, systems, safety rules and procedures.
• Construct Road overbridges (ROBs) or road underbridges (RUBs) to replace the unmanned and manned level crossings.
• Install anti-collision devices (ACDs) such asKavach/ Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Train Protection Warning System (TPWS), Automatic Train Control (ATC), etc. The railways are in the process of installing these technologies on some sections of tracks, but they need to be expanded to cover the entire network.
• Reward the railway staff based on their performance and compliance with the safety rules and procedures.
• Transfer the non-core activities such as maintaining hospitals, colleges etc to private or public sector entities, which can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Set up a railway safety authority as a statutory body with powers to frame safety standards, conduct safety audits and inspections, enforce accountability and penalties for lapses, and investigate accidents.
• Monitor, evaluate and audit the safety performance of the railway staff, infrastructure and equipment, and enforce strict accountability and penalties for lapses.
• Improve the communication and coordination among the railway board, zonal railways, divisions, production units, research organisations, etc., which are involved in railway operations.

Topic: Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships.

6. “As much as the common public expects the public servants to empathize with them, the public too should empathize with the public servants at times.” Do you agree with this view? Critically analyze. (10M) 

Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General Studies paper – 4. Key Demand of the question : To critically analyze the view that the public should empathize with public servants as much as they expect empathy from them. Directive word : “Critically analyze” means to evaluate an issue by examining various perspectives, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and forming a balanced conclusion. Structure of the answer: Introduction : Define empathy and its relevance in public service. Body : Present arguments for the view, including examples and evidence. Present arguments against the view, including examples and evidence. Analyze the balance between these perspectives. Conclusion : Provide a balanced view, summarizing the importance of mutual empathy in the relationship between public servants and the public.

Empathy  refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings, perspectives, and experiences of others. It involves putting oneself in someone else’s shoes and recognizing their emotions and needs.

In public service, empathy extends beyond mere sympathy; it drives compassionate action and informed decision-making.

Need for Empathy in Public Service :

• Empathetic public servants actively listen to citizens, fostering open dialogue.
• Trust between government and the public increases when citizens feel heard and understood.
• Empathy enables officials to identify root causes of issues, rather than just addressing symptoms.
• Policymakers who empathize with marginalized communities design more effective solutions.
• Empathy ensures policies consider diverse needs, promoting inclusivity.
• Examples: Disability accommodations, affordable housing, and mental health services.
• Empathetic leaders mediate disputes, seeking win-win solutions.
• Diplomacy and negotiation benefit from understanding opposing viewpoints.

Arguments Against Overreliance on Empathy :

• Excessive empathy may cloud judgment or lead to biased decisions.
• Public servants must weigh emotions alongside evidence and legal frameworks.
• Empathy alone cannot address resource scarcity or budget limitations.
• Tough choices (e.g., allocating funds) require pragmatic considerations.
• Continual exposure to citizens’ hardships can strain mental health.
• Self-care and boundaries are essential for sustainable empathy.

Balancing Perspectives :

• Empathetic approach: Prioritize aid to vulnerable populations (e.g., homeless, elderly).
• Objective approach: Allocate resources based on cost-effectiveness and impact.
• Balance: Consider both perspectives—targeted assistance while optimizing overall impact.
• Train public servants in empathetic communication and emotional intelligence.
• Establish mechanisms for feedback and citizen evaluation.

Public servants and citizens benefit from understanding each other’s realities. Empathy informs policies that uplift the most marginalized.

Empathy is a powerful tool in public service, but its application requires thoughtful balance. When public servants authentically connect with citizens, they create a more compassionate and responsive government.

The need of the hour is to combine empathy with evidence-based decision-making for effective public service.

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