Important Terms and Concepts Related to Indian Economy

Important Terms and Concepts Related to Indian Economy

Important Terms and Concepts Related to Indian Economy

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GDP (Gross Domestic Product): It is the monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period, usually a year.

Inflation: It is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and, subsequently, purchasing power is falling.

Fiscal Policy: It refers to the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy.

Monetary Policy: It is the process by which the monetary authority of a country controls the supply of money, often targeting a rate of interest for the purpose of promoting economic growth and stability.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI): It is the central banking institution of India, responsible for regulating the country’s monetary policy and controlling the supply of money.

Demonetization: It is the act of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal tender, usually in an effort to combat corruption or counterfeiting.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): It is an indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India, introduced on 1 July 2017, which replaced multiple cascading taxes levied by the central and state governments.

Public sector undertakings (PSUs): They are companies in which the government has a majority stake, often engaged in industries deemed essential for the development of the country, such as oil, steel, and power.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): It is the investment made by a foreign company in the economy of another country, typically involving the acquisition of an existing company or the creation of a new venture.

Black Economy: It refers to economic activity that is not reported or taxed by the government, often involving illegal or illicit activities such as tax evasion or the black market.

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Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders during a specific time period, usually a year.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a measure of a country’s economic performance. It is the total value of all final goods and services produced within a country’s borders during a specific time period, usually a year. GDP is often used as an indicator of a country’s economic health and can be used to compare the economic performance of different countries.

There are three ways to calculate GDP: the production approach, the income approach, and the expenditure approach.

The production approach calculates GDP by adding up the value of all goods and services produced in the country, regardless of who purchases them. The income approach calculates GDP by adding up all the income earned by individuals and companies in the country. The expenditure approach calculates GDP by adding up the total amount spent on goods and services within the country, including household consumption, government spending, investment, and net exports.

GDP can be used to measure a country’s standard of living, as it reflects the country’s ability to produce goods and services that people can consume. However, GDP does not necessarily reflect the well-being of individuals within a country, as it does not take into account income inequality, environmental degradation, or other social factors.

Fiscal Policy: The use of government spending and taxation policies to influence the economy.

Fiscal policy is the use of government spending and taxation policies to influence the economy. The main objective of fiscal policy is to stabilize the economy by achieving full employment, controlling inflation, and promoting economic growth.

The two main components of fiscal policy are government spending and taxation. When the government spends more money than it collects in taxes, it is said to have a budget deficit. Conversely, when the government collects more in taxes than it spends, it is said to have a budget surplus.

During times of economic downturn, fiscal policy can be used to stimulate the economy by increasing government spending and/or reducing taxes. This can increase demand for goods and services, leading to increased production and employment. On the other hand, during times of inflation, fiscal policy can be used to cool down the economy by reducing government spending and/or increasing taxes. This can reduce demand for goods and services, leading to lower inflation.

Fiscal policy can be implemented through various measures, such as increasing government spending on infrastructure projects, providing tax cuts for businesses or individuals, increasing transfer payments to individuals in need, or reducing government regulations. The effectiveness of fiscal policy in achieving its objectives depends on a variety of factors, including the overall health of the economy, the magnitude and timing of the policy measures, and the response of consumers and businesses to the policy measures.

Monetary Policy: The use of interest rates and other monetary tools by the central bank to control inflation, maintain price stability, and promote economic growth.

Monetary policy is the use of interest rates, money supply, and other monetary tools by the central bank to control inflation, maintain price stability, and promote economic growth. The central bank of a country is responsible for implementing monetary policy.

The main objective of monetary policy is to regulate the money supply in the economy to influence interest rates, which in turn affects the level of economic activity. This is done by adjusting the interest rates at which banks can borrow money from the central bank, known as the central bank’s policy rate. When the central bank increases the policy rate, it becomes more expensive for banks to borrow money, which reduces the money supply and increases interest rates in the economy. This can reduce inflation and cool down the economy. Conversely, when the central bank decreases the policy rate, it becomes cheaper for banks to borrow money, which increases the money supply and reduces interest rates in the economy. This can stimulate economic growth and increase inflation.

Other tools used in monetary policy include open market operations, reserve requirements, and discount rates. Open market operations involve the central bank buying or selling government securities in the open market to influence the level of reserves held by banks. Reserve requirements refer to the percentage of deposits that banks are required to hold in reserve at the central bank. Discount rates refer to the interest rates at which banks can borrow money from the central bank.

The effectiveness of monetary policy in achieving its objectives depends on a variety of factors, including the overall health of the economy, the magnitude and timing of the policy measures, and the response of consumers and businesses to the policy measures. In some cases, the central bank may also need to coordinate its monetary policy with fiscal policy measures to achieve optimal results.

Inflation: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, the purchasing power of currency is falling.

Inflation refers to the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services in an economy is increasing over a period of time. In other words, it is the rate at which the purchasing power of money is decreasing. Inflation is typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the average change in prices of a basket of goods and services over time.

Inflation can be caused by various factors, including an increase in demand for goods and services, a decrease in supply of goods and services, an increase in the cost of production, and changes in exchange rates. High inflation can have negative effects on the economy, such as reducing the value of savings, discouraging investment, and increasing uncertainty and risk.

Central banks use monetary policy tools, such as adjusting interest rates and managing the money supply, to control inflation and maintain price stability. In general, higher interest rates can help to reduce inflation by reducing the amount of money available for spending, while lower interest rates can stimulate spending and lead to higher inflation. The optimal level of inflation for an economy is subject to debate, with some arguing that a low level of inflation is desirable for promoting stability and investment, while others argue that a slightly higher level of inflation can promote economic growth and discourage hoarding of money.

Inflation can also have distributional effects within an economy, with some groups benefiting from inflation while others are negatively affected. For example, borrowers may benefit from inflation as the value of their debts decreases over time, while savers may suffer from a decrease in the purchasing power of their savings. It is important for policymakers to consider these distributional effects when implementing inflation control measures.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investment by foreign companies in domestic companies, infrastructure, or other assets.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to investment made by a foreign company or individual in a business or asset in another country. FDI involves the transfer of resources, including capital, technology, and management expertise, from the investing country to the host country.

FDI is an important source of external financing for countries and can provide benefits such as job creation, technology transfer, and access to international markets. FDI can also stimulate domestic investment and promote economic growth. However, FDI can also have potential risks, such as loss of control over key industries and potential negative effects on local businesses and labor markets.

FDI can take various forms, such as greenfield investments, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. Greenfield investments involve establishing a new business operation in the host country, while mergers and acquisitions involve acquiring or merging with an existing business. Joint ventures involve partnering with a local business to create a new business entity.

Governments may use policies and incentives to attract FDI, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and streamlined regulations. However, governments must also balance the potential benefits of FDI with the potential risks and ensure that FDI does not negatively impact local industries and labor markets.

The level of FDI in a country is an important indicator of its attractiveness to foreign investors and can have implications for the country’s economic growth and development.

Current Account Deficit (CAD): When a country’s imports exceed its exports, leading to a negative balance of payments.

Current Account Deficit (CAD) refers to a situation where a country’s current account balance is negative, meaning that the value of goods and services imported by the country exceeds the value of goods and services exported by the country, plus net income from abroad (such as earnings from foreign investments).

The current account is a component of a country’s balance of payments, which tracks all economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world. A current account deficit means that a country is importing more than it is exporting and therefore relying on external financing to make up the difference. This external financing can come in the form of foreign investment, borrowing from abroad, or using foreign reserves.

A current account deficit can be the result of various factors, including a decline in the competitiveness of a country’s exports, an increase in the price of imported goods, or a decline in the value of a country’s currency relative to other currencies. A persistent current account deficit can be a cause for concern as it may signal an imbalance in a country’s economy and potential vulnerability to external shocks.

However, a current account deficit is not necessarily a negative indicator, as it may reflect a country’s strong demand for imports, which can be a sign of a growing economy. Moreover, a country may be able to finance a current account deficit if it attracts sufficient foreign investment or has a large stock of foreign reserves.

Policymakers may use a variety of measures to address a current account deficit, such as promoting exports, reducing imports, and attracting foreign investment. They may also use fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate domestic demand and support the overall health of the economy.

Trade Deficit: When a country imports more goods and services than it exports, leading to a negative balance of trade.

A trade deficit occurs when the value of a country’s imports of goods and services is greater than the value of its exports. This means that the country is buying more goods and services from other countries than it is selling to them. A trade deficit is a component of a country’s balance of payments and is measured by the difference between the value of imports and exports.

A trade deficit can be the result of various factors, such as a lack of competitiveness in domestic industries, higher consumer demand for imported goods, or a stronger currency that makes exports more expensive and imports cheaper. A persistent trade deficit can lead to concerns about a country’s ability to pay for its imports, as well as potential negative impacts on domestic industries and employment.

However, a trade deficit is not necessarily a negative indicator, as it can also reflect a country’s strong demand for imports, which can be a sign of a growing economy. Additionally, a country may be able to finance a trade deficit if it attracts sufficient foreign investment or has a large stock of foreign reserves.

Policymakers may use a variety of measures to address a trade deficit, such as promoting exports, reducing imports, or attracting foreign investment. They may also use fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate domestic demand and support the overall health of the economy. In some cases, a trade deficit may be addressed through trade negotiations with other countries to increase exports and reduce barriers to trade.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): A value-added tax levied on most goods and services sold in India.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a value-added tax that was introduced in India on July 1, 2017. GST replaced several indirect taxes that were previously levied by the central and state governments, such as excise duty, service tax, and value-added tax. GST is a consumption-based tax that is levied on the supply of goods and services across India, from the manufacturer to the consumer.

The GST is a multi-stage tax that is collected at every stage of the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the consumer. It is designed to simplify the tax system and reduce the tax burden on consumers, while also increasing compliance and transparency in the tax system. GST rates are structured into four tax brackets – 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% – with some goods and services attracting no tax or being exempted.

GST is administered by the GST Council, which is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprises the finance ministers of all the states and union territories. The GST Council is responsible for setting the tax rates, defining the tax base, and making decisions on other GST-related issues.

The introduction of GST has had a significant impact on India’s economy, with the tax system becoming more transparent and efficient. It has also led to the formalization of the informal sector, increased compliance, and reduced the overall tax burden on consumers. However, there have also been concerns about the impact of GST on certain industries and the need for ongoing reforms to address these issues.

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Companies owned and operated by the government.

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are companies that are owned and operated by the government of India. These companies are created to undertake commercial activities in areas considered important for the development of the country, such as infrastructure, energy, mining, and manufacturing.

PSUs can be classified into two categories – Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and State Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs). CPSEs are owned by the central government, while SPSEs are owned by the state governments.

PSUs are set up to serve the public interest and generate revenue for the government. They are subject to government oversight and are expected to operate in a manner that is socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. PSUs also play a role in promoting industrial development and providing employment opportunities.

PSUs have played a significant role in India’s economic development since independence, with several key sectors being dominated by PSUs. However, there have also been concerns about the efficiency and profitability of some PSUs, and the need for reforms to improve their performance. The government has initiated several measures to address these issues, including strategic disinvestment, mergers and acquisitions, and the adoption of new technologies and business models.

Foreign Exchange Reserves: The foreign currency deposits and investments held by a country’s central bank.

Foreign exchange reserves refer to the assets held by a central bank or monetary authority in foreign currencies. These reserves typically include foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, euro, and yen, as well as gold and other assets denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange reserves are held by countries to support their domestic currency and to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market.

Foreign exchange reserves are important for a country’s economy as they provide a cushion against external shocks, such as a sudden outflow of capital or a sharp devaluation of the domestic currency. They also provide the means for a country to finance its international trade and investment activities and to meet its external obligations, such as debt repayments.

In India, the foreign exchange reserves are managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI holds foreign exchange reserves as part of its monetary policy framework and manages them to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market and support the value of the Indian rupee.

India’s foreign exchange reserves have grown significantly over the years, driven by factors such as higher foreign investment, a growing trade surplus, and remittances from overseas Indians. As of April 2021, India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at around USD 580 billion, making it one of the largest holders of foreign exchange reserves in the world.

Balance of Payments: A record of all economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world over a specified period.

The Balance of Payments (BoP) is a record of all the economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world over a specific period of time, usually a year. It is a comprehensive accounting system that includes transactions in goods, services, capital, and financial assets.

The BoP is divided into two main components – the current account and the capital account. The current account records all the transactions involving the exchange of goods and services, such as exports and imports, tourism, and remittances. The capital account records all the transactions involving the exchange of financial assets, such as foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, and loans.

A country’s BoP can be in surplus or deficit, depending on the overall balance of its current and capital accounts. A BoP surplus means that a country is earning more from its exports and other transactions with the rest of the world than it is spending on imports and other transactions. A BoP deficit, on the other hand, means that a country is spending more on imports and other transactions than it is earning from exports and other transactions.

The BoP is an important indicator of a country’s economic health and is closely watched by policymakers, investors, and analysts. It reflects the degree of a country’s integration with the global economy, its competitiveness in international trade, and its ability to attract foreign investment.

Black Money: Unreported income or assets that are not declared to the government for tax purposes.

Black money refers to income that is earned through illegal or unreported means and is not subject to taxation. This includes income earned from activities such as bribery, corruption, illegal trade, and tax evasion. Black money is often hidden in offshore accounts or invested in assets such as real estate, gold, or other forms of unreported wealth.

The existence of black money has significant economic and social implications. It leads to a loss of revenue for the government, as well as unfair competition for honest businesses. It also undermines the effectiveness of the tax system and erodes public trust in government institutions. Moreover, the accumulation of unreported wealth in the hands of a few can lead to income inequality, which can have negative consequences for social and economic stability.

The Indian government has taken several steps to curb the generation and circulation of black money. These include initiatives such as demonetization, implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the introduction of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, among others. The government has also established various agencies, such as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money, to investigate and prosecute cases of black money. Additionally, India has signed several agreements with other countries to exchange information on tax evasion and money laundering.

Subsidies: Financial assistance provided by the government to individuals or organizations in order to support a particular activity or sector.

A subsidy is a form of financial assistance provided by the government to a particular individual, group, or industry. It is typically provided to support and promote economic activities that are considered to be in the public interest or to address market failures.

Subsidies can take various forms, including direct cash transfers, tax breaks, interest rate subsidies, price supports, and grants. They can be targeted at specific industries or sectors, such as agriculture, education, or healthcare, or they can be broad-based, such as subsidies for renewable energy or social welfare programs.

Subsidies are intended to achieve a variety of economic and social objectives. For example, they can be used to support the development of new industries, promote exports, encourage innovation, or help low-income households access essential services. They can also be used to offset the negative effects of market failures, such as environmental pollution, public health risks, or unequal distribution of income.

Subsidies are a controversial issue, as they can have both positive and negative effects on the economy and society. On the one hand, subsidies can provide much-needed support to vulnerable individuals and industries, promote economic growth, and enhance social welfare. On the other hand, they can also create market distortions, lead to inefficiencies, and contribute to budget deficits. Therefore, the appropriate use and targeting of subsidies are essential to ensure that they are effective in achieving their intended objectives while minimizing their negative consequences.

Poverty Line: The minimum income level required to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.

The poverty line is a threshold level of income or consumption below which a person or household is considered to be living in poverty. It is typically calculated based on the minimum level of income required to meet basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.

The poverty line is an important indicator of the extent and severity of poverty in a country. It is often used by policymakers and social welfare programs to determine eligibility for various forms of assistance, such as food subsidies, housing support, or cash transfers.

In India, the poverty line is determined by the Planning Commission, which uses a consumption-based approach to estimate poverty. The Commission calculates poverty based on the average per capita consumption expenditure of a household, which is adjusted for regional price variations and inflation.

The Indian government has implemented several poverty alleviation programs, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, among others. These programs aim to provide financial assistance, employment opportunities, and basic services to those living below the poverty line. However, there is ongoing debate about the accuracy of poverty estimates in India and the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs in reducing poverty levels.

Demonetization: The act of invalidating existing currency and replacing it with new currency, often done to curb black money or corruption.

Demonetization is the act of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal tender, typically with the intention of replacing it with a new currency or promoting a cashless economy. It is a drastic policy measure that is usually implemented by governments to address issues such as inflation, corruption, tax evasion, or counterfeiting.

In India, the most recent and significant instance of demonetization occurred on November 8, 2016, when the Indian government announced the sudden withdrawal of all 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes, which accounted for about 86% of the country’s cash circulation. The government claimed that the move was aimed at curbing black money, corruption, and the use of counterfeit currency.

The sudden demonetization caused widespread disruption and chaos in the economy, as people rushed to exchange their old notes for new ones, leading to long queues at banks and ATMs. The cash shortage also had adverse effects on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, and the informal sector, which relies heavily on cash transactions.

The impact of demonetization on the economy is a subject of ongoing debate. While the government claimed that it was successful in reducing the circulation of black money and promoting a cashless economy, critics argue that the move had significant negative consequences, including a slowdown in economic growth, job losses, and a negative impact on the informal sector.

GDP Growth Rate: The rate at which the country’s GDP is increasing over a given period. The GDP growth rate is a measure of the rate at which a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is increasing or decreasing over a specific period, usually a year or a quarter. It is calculated as the percentage change in the value of GDP from one period to another.

The GDP growth rate is an important indicator of the health of an economy and its ability to generate wealth and improve the standard of living for its citizens. A positive GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is expanding, while a negative growth rate indicates that the economy is contracting.

In India, the GDP growth rate has varied over time, influenced by various factors such as government policies, global economic conditions, and natural disasters. In recent years, India has been one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 6.8% in 2018-19, 4% in 2019-20, and a sharp contraction of 7.7% in 2020-21 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GDP growth rate is closely monitored by policymakers, investors, and analysts as an indicator of the overall health of the economy and its prospects for the future. A higher growth rate is generally considered desirable, as it can lead to increased employment opportunities, higher incomes, and improved standards of living. However, sustained high growth rates can also lead to inflation and other challenges.

Industrialization: The process of developing industries in a country or region.

Industrialization refers to the process of economic and social transformation from an agrarian-based society to a manufacturing-based one. It involves the growth of industries, factories, and other forms of industrial production, as well as the development of new technologies, transportation systems, and urbanization.

In India, industrialization has been a key driver of economic growth and development since independence. The country has witnessed significant industrial growth in sectors such as textiles, steel, chemicals, automobiles, and electronics, among others. Industrialization has created employment opportunities, improved standards of living, and contributed to the overall development of the country.

However, industrialization has also had negative consequences, such as environmental degradation, health hazards, and the displacement of communities. The unregulated growth of industries and the use of outdated technologies have led to pollution, deforestation, and other environmental problems.

The Indian government has implemented various policies and programs to promote sustainable industrialization and address these challenges, such as the National Clean Energy Fund, the National Action Plan on Climate Change, and the Swachh Bharat Mission, among others. The government has also introduced measures to promote ease of doing business, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract foreign investment in the industrial sector.

Disinvestment: The sale or transfer of government-owned assets or companies to private individuals or organizations.

Agriculture Sector: The sector of the economy that includes farming, cultivation of crops, and livestock.

Service Sector: The sector of the economy that includes industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and financial services.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product): the total value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a given period of time, usually one year.

Inflation: a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, usually measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Fiscal Policy: the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy.

Monetary Policy: the use of interest rates, reserve requirements, and other tools by a central bank to influence the economy.

Public Sector: the part of the economy that is owned and operated by the government.

Private Sector: the part of the economy that is owned and operated by private individuals and businesses.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): the investment made by a foreign company in a domestic company or industry.

Balance of Payments (BoP): the record of all economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world over a certain period of time.

Trade Deficit: when a country imports more goods and services than it exports.

Foreign Exchange Reserves: the foreign currency deposits and bonds held by a central bank or monetary authority.

Current Account Deficit: when a country’s current account (the sum of its trade balance, net income, and net transfer payments) is negative.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): a comprehensive indirect tax on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services across India.

Make in India: an initiative launched by the Indian government to encourage domestic and foreign companies to manufacture their products in India.

Make in India is an initiative launched by the Government of India in September 2014 to promote manufacturing and attract foreign investment into the country. The program aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging domestic and foreign companies to manufacture their products in India and invest in the country’s infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.

The Make in India initiative focuses on 25 sectors, including automobile, defense, textiles, biotechnology, chemicals, and electronics, among others. The program aims to create jobs, increase exports, and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.

Under the Make in India initiative, the government has taken various measures to improve the ease of doing business, such as simplifying regulations, streamlining procedures, and reducing bureaucratic red tape. The government has also launched programs to provide financial support, training, and skill development to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Make in India program has been successful in attracting foreign investment and promoting manufacturing in the country. According to government data, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI), with FDI inflows increasing from $36 billion in 2013-14 to $81.7 billion in 2020-21. The initiative has also led to the growth of domestic manufacturing and the creation of new employment opportunities in the country.

Startup India: an initiative launched by the Indian government to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India.

Startup India is an initiative launched by the Government of India in January 2016 to promote and support entrepreneurship in the country. The program aims to create a favorable ecosystem for startups, encourage innovation and create employment opportunities.

The Startup India program focuses on three main areas: simplification and handholding, funding support, and industry-academia partnership. Under the program, the government provides various benefits and incentives to startups, such as tax exemptions, relaxed labor laws, and funding support.

Some of the key benefits provided by the Startup India program include:

Self-certification: Startups can self-certify compliance with various labor and environmental laws, reducing the regulatory burden.

Tax exemptions: Startups are eligible for a tax holiday for three consecutive years, and exemptions on capital gains tax for investments in startups.

Funding support: The government has set up a fund of funds with a corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore to provide funding support to startups.

Incubation support: The program provides incubation support to startups, including mentoring, training, and access to networks and resources.

Patent support: Startups can avail of fast-track patent examination and a 80% rebate on patent filing fees.

The Startup India program has been successful in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the country. According to government data, over 50,000 startups have been recognized under the program, and they have created over 5 lakh jobs. The program has also attracted investment from both domestic and foreign sources, and has contributed to the growth of the startup ecosystem in India.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: a national campaign launched by the Indian government to clean up the streets, roads, and infrastructure of Indian cities, towns, and rural areas.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a cleanliness and sanitation campaign launched by the Government of India in 2014. The campaign aims to create a clean and hygienic environment in urban and rural areas of the country, and to achieve the goal of an open defecation-free India.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan program has two main components:

Cleanliness and Sanitation: The program focuses on the construction of toilets, the management of solid and liquid waste, and the promotion of cleanliness and hygiene in schools, households, and public places.

Behavioral Change: The program aims to bring about a behavioral change among people, especially in rural areas, to adopt cleanliness and sanitation practices.

Some of the key features of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan program include:

Construction of Toilets: The program focuses on constructing toilets in rural and urban areas to eliminate open defecation.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin): The program focuses on achieving open defecation-free status in all villages in the country.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban): The program focuses on improving the sanitation and cleanliness of urban areas, including the construction of public toilets and waste management.

Cleanliness and Hygiene Promotion: The program promotes cleanliness and hygiene practices through mass media campaigns, community mobilization, and school programs.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan program has been successful in creating awareness about cleanliness and sanitation practices and achieving the goal of an open defecation-free India. According to government data, the program has led to the construction of millions of toilets and has contributed to a significant reduction in open defecation in rural and urban areas of the country. The program has also contributed to the development of a clean and hygienic environment in the country.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): a social security scheme launched by the Indian government to provide guaranteed employment to rural households.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a social welfare program launched by the Government of India in 2005 to provide employment opportunities to rural households in the country. The program aims to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to each household in a financial year.

Under the MGNREGA program, rural households can register for unskilled manual work, such as construction of rural roads, water conservation, and afforestation, among others. The program provides a minimum wage to workers and ensures timely payment of wages. The program also aims to promote sustainable rural development by creating community assets and improving the infrastructure of rural areas.

Some of the key features of the MGNREGA program include:

Employment guarantee: The program guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment to each rural household in a financial year.

Wage payment: The program provides timely payment of wages to workers through bank accounts.

Focus on women empowerment: The program ensures that at least one-third of the workers are women and provides equal wages to men and women.

Decentralized planning: The program follows a decentralized planning process, where village councils and other local bodies identify and prioritize projects.

Social audit: The program has a social audit mechanism, where local communities can monitor and evaluate the implementation of the program.

The MGNREGA program has been successful in providing employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of rural households in the country. According to government data, the program has generated over 4.5 billion person-days of employment and has benefited over 11 crore households. The program has also led to the creation of community assets and has contributed to the development of rural infrastructure in the country.

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): a health program launched by the Indian government to provide basic health services to rural communities.

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is a flagship program launched by the Government of India in 2005 to improve the health status of rural populations in the country. The program aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to people living in rural areas, particularly women and children.

Under the NRHM program, the government provides funding to states to strengthen their healthcare infrastructure and improve the delivery of healthcare services in rural areas. The program focuses on improving maternal and child health, reducing communicable and non-communicable diseases, and strengthening health systems and institutions.

Some of the key components of the NRHM program include:

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): The program trains and employs ASHAs, who are local women trained to provide basic healthcare services in their communities.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): The program provides financial incentives to women for institutional deliveries and postnatal care.

National Disease Control Programs: The program focuses on controlling and preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and cancer.

Strengthening Health Systems: The program aims to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and institutions in rural areas by providing funds for infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and human resource development.

Community Participation: The program promotes community participation in healthcare delivery by involving local communities in planning, monitoring, and evaluating healthcare services.

The NRHM program has been successful in improving the health status of rural populations in the country. According to government data, the program has led to a decline in infant and maternal mortality rates and has improved access to healthcare services in rural areas. The program has also contributed to the development of healthcare infrastructure and institutions in the country.

National Food Security Act (NFSA): a law passed by the Indian government to provide subsidized food grains to two-thirds of India’s population.

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) is a social welfare program launched by the Government of India in 2013 to provide food security to people living in poverty in the country. The program aims to provide subsidized food grains to around two-thirds of the population, including 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations, under the targeted public distribution system (TPDS).

Under the NFSA program, the government provides wheat, rice, and coarse cereals at highly subsidized rates to eligible households. The program also provides cash transfers to pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of six to address malnutrition. The program also aims to address issues related to the food distribution system, such as leakages and inefficiencies.

Some of the key features of the NFSA program include:

Entitlements: The program provides highly subsidized food grains to eligible households. Each person is entitled to 5 kg of food grains per month at a nominal price.

Identification of Beneficiaries: The program uses a systematic approach to identify and target eligible households.

Transparency and Accountability: The program has provisions for transparency and accountability in the distribution of food grains, including the use of electronic weighing machines and the establishment of vigilance committees.

Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: The program has a grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints and grievances related to food distribution.

The NFSA program has been successful in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the country. According to government data, the program has led to an increase in the availability of food grains to eligible households and has contributed to a decline in malnutrition rates. The program has also contributed to the development of a transparent and efficient food distribution system in the country.

Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP): a program launched by the Indian government to promote rural entrepreneurship. The Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) is a government initiative launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas of India. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, and it aims to create sustainable rural enterprises by providing skill development, capacity building, and financial assistance to aspiring rural entrepreneurs.

The SVEP program works closely with state governments and local communities to identify potential entrepreneurs and to provide them with the necessary training and support to set up and run successful enterprises. The program focuses on building a strong ecosystem for rural entrepreneurship by providing access to finance, technology, and marketing support.

The key objectives of the SVEP program are:

To create new enterprises and generate employment opportunities in rural areas.

To promote entrepreneurship among marginalized communities, including women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

To provide skill development and capacity building support to rural entrepreneurs.

To provide access to finance and other resources to rural entrepreneurs.

To promote the use of technology and innovation in rural enterprises.

The SVEP program has been successful in promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas of India. According to government data, the program has supported the creation of over 30,000 rural enterprises and has generated employment opportunities for over 2 lakh people. The program has also contributed to the overall development of the rural economy by promoting local entrepreneurship and by creating a sustainable ecosystem for rural enterprises.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): a crop insurance scheme launched by the Indian government to provide affordable insurance coverage to farmers.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2016. The scheme provides insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases. The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on farmers and protect their income and livelihoods.

Under the PMFBY scheme, farmers are required to pay a nominal premium, and the remaining premium is subsidized by the government. The scheme covers all food and oilseed crops, as well as horticulture crops, for which the farmers pay a premium of 2% of the sum insured for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for horticulture crops.

Some of the key features of the PMFBY scheme include:

Timely Settlement of Claims: The scheme ensures that claims are settled within two weeks of the loss assessment.

Flexibility in Crop Selection: The scheme allows farmers to select the crops they want to insure, based on their cropping pattern and market demand.

Use of Technology: The scheme uses technology such as smartphones and remote sensing to facilitate quick assessment of crop losses and settlement of claims.

Farmer Awareness: The scheme conducts farmer awareness programs to educate farmers about the benefits of crop insurance and the procedures for availing the scheme.

The PMFBY scheme has been successful in providing financial protection to farmers in case of crop loss due to natural calamities and other factors. According to government data, the scheme has benefited millions of farmers across the country and has helped to reduce their financial burden. The scheme has also contributed to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the country.

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