Kurukshetra Magazine Summary November 2023- Talent In Rural India

Kurukshetra Magazine November 2023 Summary

1.NURTURING SPORTS TALENT IN RURAL INDIA.

Sports in Rural India:

• Archery, wrestling, horse-riding, and chariot racing have historical significance in India, evident in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Government initiatives like the Khelo India Scheme and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) emphasise building India as a sporting nation, with a focus on rural areas.

Initiatives to Strengthen Sports in Rural Areas:

• Khelo India Scheme, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, breaks geographical boundaries to nurture a sporting culture.
• The scheme identifies and supports talented athletes, providing financial assistance, coaching, sports science support, and promoting rural, indigenous, and tribal sports.

Emphasis on the Development of Sports Infrastructure:

• The Khelo India Scheme allocates funds to create and upgrade sports infrastructure, fostering a grassroots sports culture.
• Approximately Rs. 2741 crore has been sanctioned since 2016-17 for projects like Synthetic Athletic Track in Telangana and Multi-Purpose Hall in Rajasthan.

Sports as a Catalyst to Defeat Drug Abuse:

• Youth engagement in sports serves as a deterrent to drug abuse in rural areas, providing social and economic benefits.
• The Government encourages athletes to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs, contributing to a drug-free India.

Women Athletes Making India Proud:

• Women athletes have achieved historic success, winning medals at events like the Asian Games 2022, challenging traditional gender roles.
• Initiatives like ‘Sports for Women’ in the Khelo India Scheme and the ‘ASMITA Women’s League’ empower women in sports and promote a comprehensive approach towards health and fitness.

Inspiring Stories of Rural Women Athletes:

• Athletes like Roshibina Devi and Parul Chaudhary exemplify determination and achievement, breaking barriers in martial arts and athletics.
• Roshibina’s historic silver medal in Wushu at the Asian Games and Parul’s gold medal in the 5000m race showcase the resilience and inspiration of rural women athletes.

Conclusion:

• Rural athletes excel, contributing to India’s success in sports, and government support promotes rural sports, fostering a healthier path for rural youth.
• India celebrates athletes rising from humble origins and overcoming adversity globally, and the combination of government support and individual determination shapes a promising, drug-free sporting future.
  

  ---

 2. PM VISHWAKARMA YOJANA – EMPOWERING ARTISANS

 PM Vishwakarma Scheme for Rural Artisans:

• Rural India possesses untapped talent in traditional crafts like pottery and metalwork, carried forward by artisans who play a vital role in preserving India’s heritage.
• PM Vishwakarma scheme, launched on September 17, 2023, demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusive development and progress, focusing on empowering traditional artisans.

Trades Covered:

• The scheme covers 18 family-based traditional trades, including carpenter, blacksmith, goldsmith, potter, cobbler, and others, contributing to small economies in rural areas.

Registration and Eligibility:

• Artisans can register through Common Service Centres on the PM Vishwakarma portal with minimal documentation.
• Eligibility criteria include age, engagement in traditional trades, and not availing loans under similar credit-based schemes.

Interventions Under The Scheme:

• Recognition: Beneficiaries receive a PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID card after registration and verification.
• Skill Upgradation: Artisans undergo basic and advanced training, receiving stipends and NSQF certification, with free board and lodging.
• Toolkit Incentive: Artisans receive incentives up to Rs. 15,000 after skill assessment, accompanied by digital guides and video tutorials.
• Credit Support: The government offers collateral-free loans up to Rs. 3 lakh with a 5% interest rate and 8% government subvention, supporting self-reliance.
• Incentive for Digital Transaction: Cashback incentives of Re. 1 per digital transaction, promoting digital transactions.
• Marketing Support: A comprehensive marketing plan covers quality certification, branding, advertising, and tailored services, boosting artisans’ products globally and locally.

Review of Existing Artisans-Related Schemes:

• Approximately 20 central sector schemes aid artisans, including those by the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and others.
• States like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat have schemes supporting artisans with credit, toolkits, and training.
• PM Vishwakarma aims to encompass all unserved artisans, providing holistic support from skill training and credit to marketing and modern toolkits for traditional trades.

Conclusion:

• PM Vishwakarma seeks to empower artisans, foster entrepreneurship, and enrich society with creativity and skills.
• The scheme aims to promote the talent of artisans nationwide and globally, fostering an environment for their prosperity and celebrating India’s cultural heritage.
  

  ---

 3. DEVELOPING TALENT IN HEALTHCARE.

 Introduction:

• Rural India, housing the majority, faces poverty and healthcare challenges.
• Reports highlight a significant deficit of healthcare workers, necessitating urgent efforts.

Government Initiatives:

• Ayushman Bharat expands healthcare needs, requiring 15.4 lakh doctors and 24 lakh nurses by 2023-24.
• NITI Aayog’s New India@75 aims for 15 lakh public health sector jobs by 2022-23.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) since 2014 has bridged skill gaps and collaborates with functional arms and training institutes.

Skill Development for Healthcare:

• MSDE collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on the ‘Skill for Life, Save a Life’ initiative.
• IGNOU plans a cell to develop skill-based programs for healthcare roles, extending to districts and villages.
• Under the Skill India Mission, MSDE conducts a Special Training Programme for healthcare frontline workers.

Other Skill Development Schemes:

• Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana fosters entrepreneurship in ITIs, Polytechnics, PMKKS, and JSS students.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) trains rural youth, reducing poverty for over 550 lakh individuals.

Future Initiatives for Skill Development in Healthcare:

• Collaboration with NGOs and corporate sectors can enhance existing schemes.
• National Education Policy 2020, Saksham Anganwadi, and POSHAN 2.0 emphasise early childhood care and education.
• Rural women can establish creches/daycare centres, addressing the need for trained personnel.
• Training for managing pregnant women, lactating mothers, and the elderly can be provided.
• Entrepreneurial skills for producing and marketing nutritious food can be imparted.
• Training in physiotherapy, yoga/meditation, and sports nutrition can address various health aspects.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Skill Development:

• SDG-4 emphasises equal access to quality education and vocational training for all.
• SDG-8 focuses on reducing youth unemployment and developing a global strategy for youth employment.

Healthcare Sector Skill Council (HSSC):

• HSSC, a recognised awarding body, assesses and certifies skill qualifications in the healthcare sector.
• Critical functions include developing standards, courses, curricula, accreditation of training institutes, assessment, certification, and placement support.

Competency Enhancement Programme (CEP):

• CEP covers healthcare sector issues, promoting skill development and continuous learning.
• It addresses infection control, health & wellness, first aid, geriatric care, maternal & newborn care, mental health, e-health, and handling specialised medical devices.

Conclusion:

• Skill development in rural healthcare addresses challenges, transforming healthcare workers into valuable assets for families, communities, and the nation.
• Initiatives align with SDGs, emphasising education, vocational training, and reducing youth unemployment.
  

  ---

4. ENCOURAGING MICRO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

Introduction:

• With 1.5 billion people, India grapples with challenges in agriculture, necessitating diversification for sustainable growth.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India emphasises rural micro-entrepreneurship to address challenges, boost employment, and reduce urban migration.

Scope/Benefits of Micro-Entrepreneurship:

• Micro enterprises invest less than Rs. 1 crore in machinery, earning under Rs. 5 crores yearly.
• They serve local markets, employ fewer than ten people, and often start with microcredit.
• Found in emerging economies, they address job shortages and contribute to economic growth.

Key Characteristics of Micro-Entrepreneurship:

1. Flexibility:
   • Micro-business owners can quickly adapt to changing conditions without bureaucratic processes.
   • Beneficial for those with family obligations or part-time jobs.
2. Low Barriers to Entry:
   • Starting a micro-business requires minimal resources, allowing more people to pursue entrepreneurship.
   • Enables individuals with limited financial resources to pursue their aspirations without significant risk.
3. Job Creation:
   • Micro-businesses contribute to local economic growth by creating jobs and reducing unemployment.
4. Innovation:
   • Micro-entrepreneurs, being more nimble, introduce new goods, services, and concepts to the market.
   • Quick experimentation with new ideas fosters innovation in specialised markets.
5. Local Economic Growth:
   • Micro-businesses source locally, employ locals and generate tax revenue for community improvements.
6. Self-Reliance:
   • Micro-business owners have more influence over their financial destinies, fostering empowerment.
7. Diverse Offerings:
   • Micro-firms specialise in niche markets, offering unique goods and services not provided by larger companies.
   • Fosters competition, expands choices, and accommodates various business models.
8. Economic Resilience:
   • Microenterprises, due to their small size and adaptability, can be more resilient during economic downturns.
   • Pivoting and adjusting offerings to meet changing customer needs is a strength.

Challenges and Rewards of Micro-Entrepreneurship:

• Challenges include financial uncertainty and resource constraints, requiring strong discipline.
• Micro-entrepreneurship can be a rewarding career, contributing to India’s thriving startup ecosystem.

Government Schemes Supporting Micro-Entrepreneurship:

1. ASPIRE:
   • Promotes innovation in agribusiness and entrepreneurship through technology and incubation centres.
2. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana:
   • Supports micro-enterprises with collateral-free loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs, benefiting service providers and vendors.
3. Support for International Patent Protection in Electronics and Information Technology (SIP-EIT):
   • Supports MSMEs and startups in filing foreign patents, fostering innovation and global recognition.
4. Multiplier Grants Scheme (MGS):
   • Fosters collaboration between companies and R&D groups to enhance industry-academic relationships.
5. Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE):
   • Promotes credit flow to the MSE sector, offering startups and small businesses collateral-free loans.
6. Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS):
   • Facilitates MSE involvement in government purchases by eliminating the need for an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD).
7. Extra Mural Research or Core Research Grant (CRG):
   • Supports academic and R&D institutions for cutting-edge research in science and engineering.
8. High-Risk and High-Reward Research:
   • Promotes innovative ideas in science and technology, supporting advanced theories and breakthroughs.
9. Design Clinic Scheme:
   • Supports MSMEs in experimenting with new product designs through financial assistance for design seminars.
10. Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Scheme:
    • Encourages high-quality manufacturing with support for adopting advanced production techniques.

Role of Startups in Rural India:

1. Training and Skill Development:
   • Startups fund initiatives for skill development, enhancing the local workforce’s capabilities.
2. Adoption of Technology:
   • Tech-driven solutions by startups enable rural businesses to increase production and efficiency.
3. Business Incubation and Support:
   • Incubators and accelerators in rural areas offer aspiring business owners guidance, tools, and infrastructure.
4. Innovation and Problem-Solving:
   • Startups address specific difficulties in rural areas, creating new products tailored to local needs.
5. Networking and Cooperation:
   • Promotes cooperation and community among rural business owners, encouraging information and resource sharing.

Conclusion:

• Micro-entrepreneurship can emerge as a game-changer for rural development, aligning with the government’s vision.
• Government schemes and startup initiatives contribute to building a resilient and innovative rural economy, fostering sustainable growth.
  

  ---

 5. INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO RURAL EDUCATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING OF TEACHERS.

 Overview of the Indian Education System:

India’s education system includes 14.89 lakh schools, 95 lakh teachers, and 26.52 crore students, with a significant portion in rural areas. While a 100.13% Gross Enrollment Ratio at the elementary level indicates progress, a 12.6% secondary school dropout rate remains a challenge.

Challenges in the Education System:

Disparities between rural and urban areas persist, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted issues like connectivity, smartphone access, and digital literacy, hindering nationwide digital learning progress.

Visionary Approach of NEP 2020:

The National Education Policy 2020 aims to bridge rural-urban divides, emphasising access, equity, quality, affordability, and practical, skill-based learning. It advocates an expanded role for technology in teaching, teacher development, and administrative processes.

Initiatives by the Ministry of Education:

Several initiatives have been undertaken to nurture talent in rural India and strengthen digital infrastructure and online learning facilities.

Nurturing the Talent of Students:

• Pradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Programme: Identifies and encourages talented children, mentoring them with renowned experts.
• Samagra Shiksha: Supports youth and eco clubs and cultural and sports activities to showcase and nurture students’ talents.
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB): Fosters national integration through linguistic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges, engaging millions of students.
• Navodaya Vidyalayas: Selects talented rural children for residential schooling from class 6th to 12th grade.
• National Talent Search Scheme (NTSE): Identifies and nurtures students through a two-tier process, providing financial assistance and conducting nurturing programs.

Technological Interventions:

• Enhancing ICT under Samagra Shiksha: Supports e-content, ICT, and smart classrooms in government schools, ensuring equitable digital education.
• Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+): Gathers real-time data for objective system evaluation and evidence-based interventions.
• Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0: Monitors SDG Goal 4 indicators, providing insights on school education status and areas for improvement.
• National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR): Creates a unifying national digital infrastructure to achieve NEP 2020 goals.
• Vidya Samiksha Kendra: Utilises data and technology to boost learning outcomes, empowering stakeholders through big data analysis, AI, and machine learning.
• PM e-Vidya DIKSHA: A unified digital platform offering diverse curriculum-related content, QR-coded Energised Textbooks, teacher courses, quizzes, and more.
• Capacity Building of Teachers (NISHTHA): Mandates 50 hours of annual CPD for teachers’ professional growth, integrating training across key areas.

Conclusion:

Technology plays a profound role in reshaping education, and NEP 2020 focuses on inclusivity and technology integration. Initiatives address rural students’ needs, fostering creativity, learning, and opportunities and promoting lifelong learning through inclusive technology. Bridging the digital divide is crucial for equitable access, with teachers facilitating interactive, collaborative learning and technology fostering professional growth.

---

6. LEVERAGING POSTAL NETWORK PROMOTING TALENT IN RURAL INDIA.

Evolution of India Post:

With a history of over 160 years, India’s Department of Posts has transformed into a modern, multifaceted service, boasting 1.59 lakh Post Offices. Since 2014, it has embraced technology, becoming a one-stop-shop for diverse services.

IT Modernization Project (2014):

• The fast-tracked IT Modernization Project since 2014 networked all 1.59 lakh Post Offices, turning them into accessible and cost-effective digital service providers.

Financial Inclusion and Services:

• Manages 25.85 crore active Post Office Savings Scheme accounts, witnessing outstanding balances growth from Rs. 6.19 lakh crore to Rs. 16.34 Lakh Cr since 2014.
• Core Banking Solution offers modern banking services nationwide, including Internet banking, mobile banking, e-passbook, and NEFT-RTGS inter-operability solutions.

Jan Suraksha Schemes (2015):

• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) were launched, with 3.91 lakh APY accounts, 1.26 lakh PMJJBY policies, and 20.85 crore PMSBY policies as of July 2023.
• Doorstep Banking services are provided through 650 branches and 1.44 lakh India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) access points.

IPPB Achievements:

• IPPB opened more than 6.64 crore accounts, with 78% in rural areas and 47% in women customers.
• Turned profitable ahead of the 2024-25 target, with a Rs. 2579 crore deposit.
• 84 lakh women customers received Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), totalling more than Rs. 5519 crores.
• Opened 15.09 lakh student accounts and organised 24,500 financial literacy camps, benefiting 15 lakh beneficiaries.

Passport and Aadhaar Services:

• Collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs resulted in 431 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras processing over 1.18 crore applications.
• Aadhaar services, as a UIDAI registrar, processed over 8.25 crore enrolments/updates through 13,352 centres.

Collaboration with CSC e-Governance Services:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSC e-Governance Services to establish ‘Common Service Centres’ (PO-CSCs) in Post Offices, providing over 100 Citizen-Centric services.

Mission Karmayogi (2022):

• Over 4 lakh employees, including Gramin Dak Sewaks, received training on multiple skills and services via the Dak Karmayogi portal.

Talent Search and Nurturing Programs in India:

• Overview of the NTSE (National Talent Search Examination) and its weaknesses, especially in late talent identification.
• Comparison with talent search programs in the USA and Russia, emphasising the need for early identification and nurturing.

Way Forward – Talent Search through Post Offices:

• Designate rural Post Offices as Village Level Talent Search Centres (VLTSC).
• Train Village Postmasters online on the National Scheme for Searching Talented and Gifted Children.
• Encourage coordination with schools, parents, and teachers to promote the talent search scheme.
• Incentivize Village Postmasters to complete online screening test forms.
• Conduct age-appropriate screening tests in schools.
• Identify gifted students based on their performance in the selection test.
• Establish gifted student centres in each State, similar to the Sochi Centre.
• Offer free hostel facilities in Navodaya Vidyalayas and later in colleges/universities for talented students from marginalised sections.

Coordinated Efforts with the Education Department:

 For effective implementation, ensure close coordination between the rural Postal network and the Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of India.

Conclusion:

• In conclusion, India Post’s evolution into a tech-driven, multifunctional service underscores its pivotal role in financial inclusion and citizen services.
• The proposed collaboration between Post Offices and educational departments aims to revolutionise talent search, fostering early identification and nurturing of gifted and talented children, particularly in rural areas.
  

  ---

 7. SUSTAINABILITY OF RURAL ENTERPRISES OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD.

 Introduction:

Rural entrepreneurship, driven by over 63 million MSMEs, is pivotal in India’s economic growth, addressing societal issues and contributing to holistic rural development.

Types of Rural Enterprises:

• Proprietary ownership
• Group entrepreneurship (SHGs, Cooperatives, Producer companies)

Importance of Rural Entrepreneurship:

• Resources Utilisation: Enhances productivity and mobilises rural savings.
• Employment Generation: Solves unemployment and underemployment issues.
• Artistic Activities Promotion: Preserves and promotes rural heritage.
• Check on Social Evils: Diminishes poverty, slums, and pollution.
• Encouraging Rural Youth: Exposes rural youth to entrepreneurship as a career.
• Stimulate Economic Development: Curbs rural-urban migration and promotes balanced growth.

Positive Changes in Rural Development:

• Growing awareness about natural resources.
• Emergence of agro-based industries.
• Traditional sectors like Handloom and Handicraft are gaining traction.

Challenges Faced by Rural Entrepreneurs:

• Societal biases, gender disparities, and limited business understanding.
• Hurdles in grasping market needs, product viability, and manufacturing suitability.
• Market linkages, urban competition, infrastructure gaps, and government support unawareness.

Recovery Roadmap:

• Introduce models like marketing cooperatives and common facility centres.
• Build business acumen through capacity-building, concessional interest rates, and collateral security waivers.
  • Implement skill and entrepreneurship development programs through various approaches:
  • Project Mode: Skill training and handholding support.
  • Cluster Development: Holistic forward and backward linkages.
  • Incubation: Skill development, incubation process, and credit linkages.

Role of Government:

• Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP): Supports rural enterprises with financial access and Community Resource Persons.
• Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs): Offers skill and entrepreneurship development training.
• Pradhan Mantri-YUVA initiative: Fosters nationwide entrepreneurial training.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE): Promotes entrepreneurship expansion, aids existing enterprises, and supports women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Conclusion:

Boosting rural enterprises is integral for national growth, requiring sustained support, training, and finance access. Government initiatives like SVEP and RSETIs play a vital role, emphasising the need for an entrepreneurial culture to drive rural development.