3 December 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Objectives of SHAKTI Yojana

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2079744&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India (SHAKTI), introduced in 2017, aims to ensure a transparent coal allocation process for power producers. It includes provisions for granting coal linkages, auction mechanisms, and policy amendments to meet evolving power sector needs.

Key Features Of The Scheme:

• Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA): Coal is allocated to power plants with valid Letters of Assurance (LoA) that meet required conditions.
• Coal Linkages:
  • For public sector power plants, coal is allocated at notified prices.
  • Independent Power Producers (IPPs) bid for linkages based on discounted tariffs.
  • Power producers without Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) get linkages through auctions.
• Support for New Projects: Fresh coal linkages are allocated for new PPAs to States.
• Group Power Needs: Aggregated procurement for multiple States is facilitated.

Benefits

• Provides assured coal supply for power generation.
• Promotes competition and reduces tariffs through auction-based allocations.
• Supports stressed power assets by enabling coal supply for short-term needs.

Outcome

• SHAKTI ensures efficient coal use, supports energy needs, and enhances transparency in the power sector.

2. SCHEMES TO REVIEW MSME SECTOR FACING CRISIS

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2079786&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) implements several schemes and programmes to support MSME growth nationwide. Key initiatives include the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGS), Cluster Development Programme, Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme, and Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme.

Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS)

• CGS strengthens credit delivery systems for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) by offering collateral-free credit up to ₹500 lakh.
• Term loans and working capital facilities qualify under this scheme.

Union Budget 2024-25 Support

• Financing, regulatory reforms, and technology support for MSMEs include:
  • Promotion of MSMEs and manufacturing sector-specific credit guarantee schemes.
  • A new assessment model for MSME credit and enhanced Mudra loan limits from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
  • Credit support during stress periods and mandatory onboarding in TReDS.
  • Establishment of SIDBI branches in MSME clusters and e-commerce export hubs.

Marketing and Procurement Support

• Public Procurement Policy: Mandates 25% annual procurement from MSMEs, including 4% from SC/ST and 3% from women-owned enterprises.
• Marketing Schemes: Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme enhances MSME participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
• International Cooperation Scheme: Encourages exports and facilitates MSME participation in international events.
• Capacity Building for Exporters: Supports first-time exporters by reimbursing costs for certifications, insurance, and testing.

PYQ: Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2023)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of the MSME sector in India’s economic growth and evaluate the impact of government schemes, such as the Credit Guarantee Scheme and Public Procurement Policy, in addressing challenges faced by the sector. (150 Words /10 marks)

3. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2079826&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The Accessible India Campaign was launched on 3rd December 2015 by the Prime Minister. It aims to create an inclusive society for persons with disabilities (PwDs) by ensuring universal accessibility in key domains such as built infrastructure, transport systems, and digital platforms. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and addresses gaps in the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.

Key Achievements

1. Accessible Infrastructure:

• Accessibility audits were conducted for 1,671 government buildings.
• Retrofitting for accessibility features was completed in 1,748 government buildings, including 1,100 Central and 648 State/UT buildings.
• A fund of ₹562 crore was allocated for retrofitting projects.

2. Accessible Transportation:

• All 35 international airports and 55 out of 69 domestic airports have accessible features such as ramps, Braille systems, and lifts.
• 709 railway stations are fully accessible, and 29% of buses have some accessibility features.

3. Digital Accessibility:

• 95 Central Government websites and 476 State Government websites have been made accessible.
• A plan to make an additional 500 government websites accessible is under implementation.

4. Education and Language Accessibility:

• The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) was established in 2015 to promote Indian Sign Language (ISL).
• Over 1,013 individuals have received ISL training.

Innovative Initiatives

• Sugamya Bharat App: A platform to report accessibility issues with features for font adjustments and screen readers.
• Accessibility measures have been initiated for 75 pilgrimage sites and integrated into training programs for government officers.

Financial Commitment

• Budget allocation increased significantly from ₹560 crore (2013-14) to ₹1,225.15 crore (2023-24).

Conclusion

• The campaign now functions under the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA), ensuring a sustained focus on accessibility and inclusivity.