Free essays for Competitive Exams-‘Make in India’: A Lion’s Step to boost manufacturing

‘Make in India’: A Lion’s Step to boost manufacturing

A high spot of the economic scene in a normal circumstance in a parliamentary democracy is the presentation of the budget. But this fiscal, the major highlight could be the launching of ‘Make in India’ campaign by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25, 2014.

The initiative basically promises the investors – both domestic and overseas – a conducive environment to turn 125 crore population strong-India a manufacturing hub and something that will also create job opportunities.

That’s in effect a plunge into a serious business but it is also punctuated with two inherent elements in any innovation – new avenues or tapping of opportunities and facing the challenges to keep the right balance. The political leadership is widely expected to be populist; but ‘Make in India’ initiative is actually seen as a judicious mix of economic prudence, administrative reforms and thus catering to the call of people’s mandate – an aspiring India.

In the words of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, “the biggest requirement is trust, confidence. I don’t know how we have run our country that we have doubted our own countrymen at every turn. I need to change this vicious cycle. We should not start from distrust, we should begin with trust”. And then he adds on rather aptly: “the government should intervene only if there’s some shortcomings”.

True to the spirit of this visionary statement, the ‘Make in India’ policy programme also commits that the campaign “represents an attitudinal shift in how India relates to investors: not as a permit-issuing authority, but as a true business partner.”

PM Narendra Modi first made the pitch for 'Make in India' during his maiden Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort "If we have to put in use the education, the capability of the youth, we will have to go for manufacturing sector and for this Hindustan also will have to lend its full strength, but we also invite world powers. Therefore I want to appeal all the people world over, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, “Come, make in India”, “Come, manufacture in India”. Sell in any country of the world but manufacture here. We have got skill, talent, discipline, and determination to do something. We want to give the world anfavourable opportunity that come here, “Come, Make in India” and we will say to the world, from electrical to electronics, “Come, Make in India”, from automobiles to agro value addition “Come, Make in India”, paper or plastic, “Come, Make in India”, satellite or submarine “Come, Make in India”. Our country is powerful. Come, I am giving you an invitation. Brothers and sisters, I want to call upon the youth of the country, particularly the small people engaged in the industrial sector. I want to call upon the youth working in the field of technical education in the country. As I say to the world “Come, Make in India”, I say to the youth of the country – it should be our dream that this message reaches every corner of the world, “Made in India”. This should be our dream.

This is a path-breaking venture. In fact, the vision statement of official website, www.makeinindia.gov.in commits to achieve for the country among other things an increase in manufacturing sector growth to 12-14 % per annum over the medium term, increase in the share of manufacturing in the country’s Gross Domestic Product from 16% to 25% by 2022 and importantly to create 100 million additional jobs by 2022 in the manufacturing sector alone. These are quite highly ambitious targets given the background that the manufacturing sector in India, which accounts for fourth-fifth of the total output, grew a meagre 3.3 per cent in January 2010.

Achievable Targets:

Target of an increase in manufacturing sector growth to 12-14% per annum over the medium term.

An increase in the share of manufacturing in the country’s Gross Domestic Product from 16% to 25%     by 2022.

To create 100 million additional jobs by 2022 in manufacturing sector.

Creation of appropriate skill sets among rural migrants and the urban poor for inclusive growth.

An increase in domestic value addition and technological depth in manufacturing.

Enhancing the global competitiveness of the Indian manufacturing sector.

Ensuring sustainability of growth, particularly with regard to environment.

Tapping Golden Opportunity:

Now let us look at the opportunity, the initiative can actually benefit India from the ground reality, especially when the Chinese manufacturing leaps have come under strain. There are already reports that several western manufacturing players operating in China want to move away from the world’s largest manufacturing hub.

Analysts say, Chinese wages are going up and the labour market is getting more challenging and that is driving away investors. Thus companies with operating factories in China should look for other alternatives in the region, such as Vietnam, Indonesia and of course India.

What are the advantages Indian business and especially manufacturing sector actually offer?

The country is expected to rank amongst the world’s top three growth economies and amongst the top three manufacturing destinations by as early as 2020. This is far more ambitious scene than promised about 2050 sometime back in the context of India’s role at the BRICS level. Indian manufacturing sector has positive elements like “favourable demographic dividends” for the next 2-3 decades. The sustained availability of quality workforce is another advantage.

Importantly again, in India, the cost of manpower is relatively low as compared to other countries. There are responsible business houses operating with credibility and professionalism. The country has a democratized polity vis-à-vis the rule of law and a strong consumerism intake ability of the domestic market.

Various speakers on September 25 at the launch of Make in India programme also spoke about robust technical and engineering capabilities backed by top-notch scientific and technical institutes as other positive offerings on the table.

Favourable Milestones:

India has already marked its presence as one of the fastest growing economies of the world.

The country is expected to rank amongst the world’s top three growth economies and amongst the top three manufacturing destinations by 2020.

Favourable demographic dividends for the next 2-3 decades. Sustained availability of quality workforce.

The cost of manpower is relatively low as compared to other countries.

Responsible business houses operating with credibility and professionalism.

Strong consumerism in the domestic market.

Strong technical and engineering capabilities backed by top-notch scientific and technical institutes.

Well-regulated and stable financial markets open to foreign investors.

The government has also pledged other focused approaches. Among other things, it intends to leverage the existing incentives/schemes to boost manufacturing.

A technology acquisition and development fund has been proposed for the acquisition of appropriate technologies, the creation of a patent pool and the development of domestic manufacturing of equipment used for controlling pollution and reducing energy consumption, official sources said in New Delhi.

This fund will also function as an autonomous patent pool and licensing agency. It will purchase intellectual property rights from patent holders.

In his speech at the launch of the campaign, the Prime Minister Shri Modi had a vital point to make when he said incentives or tax-free announcements do not win over investors. It is obvious there’s need to create development and growth oriented environment.

The government has also to deal with an existing menace in bureaucratic functioning. The bureaucratic bottle necks that hinder ease of doing business need to be removed.  

Training of Workforce:

The manufacturing sector cannot develop on its own without skilled labour force and in this context it is heartening to note the government’s initiatives for skill development. The creation of appropriate skill would definitely set rural migrants and the urban poor on a track towards inclusive growth. That would be a vital step for boosting manufacturing.

The New Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has initiated the process of revising the National Policy on Skill Development. It is significant to note that under the Rural Development ministry, the Modi government has undertaken another new initiative for skill development under a recast programmenamed after BJP icon Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya.

The new training programme envisages setting up of at least 1500 to 2000 training centres across the country and the entire project would result in an estimated expenditure of Rs 2000 crore and will be run on PPP model.

The new training programme would enable the youths to get jobs in demand-oriented markets like Spain, US, Japan, Russia, France, China, UK and West Asia. The government proposes to train about 3 lakh youths annually in first two years and by the end of 2017, it has set a target of reaching out to as many as 10 lakhrural youths.

Other steps:

As part of other steps, there is need to address other issues too like adequate development of basic infrastructures – the roads and the power chiefly. For long, MNCs and software service companies have relished doing business in India due to a robust market with enhanced purchasing ability of the citizens but in terms of building up ‘manufacturing facilities’, India has been a case of also-ran. In this context it is worth pointing out that a strong political will, business-like approach of bureaucrats and the entrepreneurs, skilled of workforce along with investment friendly policies can unleash the nation’s potential. 

It is in this context the government’s efforts to develop an “industrial corridor” between Delhi and Mumbai needs to be appreciated.

The government is also working on multi-pronged strategies like development of infrastructure linkages including pioneer plants, assured water supply, high capacity transportation and logistics facilities.

Carrying on the good works on these fronts, the government also has begun the process of reviving five ailing Public Sector units (PSUs). Of the 11 PSUs, the government also feels that for six other units that needs to be closed, it is working on one-time settlement involving voluntary retirement scheme entailing a cost of Rs 1,000 crore VRS for employees.

The state-run units which have been identified by the government for revival include HMT Machine Tools Ltd; Heavy Engineering Corporation; NEPA Ltd; Nagaland Paper & Pulp Co Ltd; and Triveni Structurals.

Free Essays for Competitive exams-Indigenous Printmaking

Indigenous Printmaking

Prints are works of art which allow multiples in almost identical forms of the initial image. The history of printmaking in India from 1556 may be outlined as an era for this form of art gaining prominence with the Portuguese bringing in the printing press to Goa. If seen in the international context, this form of art started making its mark in India almost a century after Gutenberg’s Bible. Noted artists such as Thomas Daniell (1749-1840) and William Daniell (1769-1837) made six volume series of aquatints titled as Oriental Scenery in India.  In 1786, the Daniells published an album of their monochrome etchings, Twelve Views of Calcutta. This was the first time that the possibilities of single sheet printing were explored on a large scale in India. The first lithographic single sheet print was printed in 1822 by a French artist, De Savignac.

The demand for printed images for calendars, books and other publications grew in the 1870s which resulted in the increased popularity of single sheet display prints. Eventually, several art studios and printmaking presses flourished throughout India. Bat-tala, in theShova Bazaar and Chitpur areas of Kolkata may be viewed as prominent centers for printmaking in the 19th century. Munshi Newal Kishore founded the first press in Lucknow called Newal Kishore Press and Book Depot in 1858. It is recognised as one of the oldest printing and publishing establishments in Asia where the newspapers and books were often printed with stone blocks.   Apart from these, the other major centers were set up in Ghatkopar, Mumbai with Raja Ravi Varma, establishing a lithographic press towards the end of the 19th century. The Ravi Varma Press gained prominence with him copying many of his religious and secular paintings and printing them as oleographs for mass consumption.

During the second decade of the 20^th century, a transformation of the role of printing as a creative medium was established by Abanindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore and Samarendranath Tagore. They collectively formulated the Bichitra Club to explore new forms of painting and printmaking with woodcuts and lithography.  Another prominent student of this club was Mukul Chandra Dey, who was taken to America by Rabindranath Tagore in 1916 to learn the technique of etching from James Blinding Slone.

Printmaking became popular in India during 1921 with Nandalal Bose introducing it to Kala Bhavan in Santiniketan. From his visit to China and Japan in 1924, he brought back Chinese rubbings and Japanese colour woodcut prints. Owing to this, the students of Kala Bhavana thus established a direct contact with original prints of the Far East. Benodebehari Mukherjee and Ramkinkar Baij experimented with this medium from the 1930s to 1940. Chittaprosad and Somnath Hore used linocuts and woodcuts to disseminate leftist ideologies, reformist concerns and socio-political critique of events like the Bengal Famine of 1943 and the Tebhaga movement.

Somnath Hore joined Santiniketan as the head of the department of graphic arts in the year 1969. With experimentation of diverse forms in this medium, the department became further enriched in the later years with the expertise of Sanat Kar, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Pulak Dutta, Nirmalendu Das, Ajit Seal, and Salil Sahani. Similarly in Delhi, Jagmohan Chopra (founder of the Group 8), J Swaminathan, Anupam Sud, Paramjeet Singh, Manjit Bawa and Krishan Ahuja also made sizeable contributions to this field. With the establishment of printing press by Kanwal Krishna and Devyani Krishna in 1955, a renewed energy was instilled in Delhi, outlining techniques of multi-coloured intaglio and collagraphy.  Several young printmakers visited Paris to learn the technique of multi-coloured intaglio under the guidance of William Hayter (founder of the Atelier 17) and Krishna Reddy in early 1950.

K.G. Subramanyan effortlessly incorporated lithography, etching and serigraphy in his art practice. He transformed them into children’s book illustrations which were published during his stint as a teacher at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda. Other prominent artists like N B Joglekar, Jyoti Bhatt, Jeram Patel, Shanti Dave, V R Patel, and P D Dhumal also made their important contributions in this field. After studying in Italy and at the Pratt Graphic Centre in New York, Jyoti Bhatt joined the art faculty in Baroda in the 1960s, encouraging young printmakers to experiment in this area of visual expression.

From 1970 onwards, iconic printmakers such as Laxma Goud, Devraj Dakoji and D L N Reddy in Hyderabad, R M Palaniappan and R B Bhaskaran in Chennai and Chittaprosad Bhattacharya, Atin Basak and Amitava Banerjee in Kolkata have made a significant mark in this area. The techniques of intaglio influenced  painters and sculptors in Baroda during this time including Dattatray Apte, Naina Dalal, Jayant Parikh, Vijay Bagodi, Walter D’souza and Rini Dhumal to name a few.

The works created by Robert Rauschenberg in Ahmedabad and the comprehensive collection of prints at NGMA, New Delhi reflect the diverse practices adopted by the printmakers all over the world, rendering it as one of the richest repositories of prints.  Printmaking was rekindled with the establishment of the Indian Printmakers Guild in the 1990s with members including Ananda Moy Banerji, Dattatraya Apte, Jayant Gajera, K.R. Subbanna, Bula Bhattacharya, Kavita Nayar, Kanchan Chander, Moti Zharotia, Sushanta Guha, Sukhvinder Singh, Subba Ghosh, and Shukla Sawant.

The introduction of digital technology and mechanised softwares led to a significant transformation in the field of printmaking. In its experimental form, interesting visual vocabulary created by Jyoti Bhatt, Nataraj Sharma, Ravi Kashi, Gulammohammed Sheikh, Ranbir        Kaleka, Baiju Parthan, Pushpamala N., Akbar Padamsee, Rameshwar Broota and Gogi Saroj Pal, to name a few.

Free Essays for Competitive Exams-Komagata Maru Incident

Komagata Maru Incident*

The most striking aspect of the 376 Indians who were part of the Komagata Maru adventure was the bravery they exhibited, their unwavering commitment in keeping afloat the pride of their country and vastly influencing inter-continental movement of mankind. The story of the Komagata Maru resonates beyond 1914, linking to freedom movement in India and the right to vote for South Asians in Canada. Their stand echoes all men and women everywhere who oppose exclusion and domination on grounds of race, colour and origin. It addresses how we build communities, understand multiculturalism, how we remember our past and develop multiple connections. 

Komagata Maru incident was a very significant event in the history of Indian revolutionary movement. This was the voyage of Komagata Maru, which though inspired by the doctrine of the Ghadar party indirectly gave a fillip to the Indian struggle for freedom. Indians had been migrating to Canada and U.S.A from the early years of 20^th century, but their growing numbers in Canada was resented by the Canadian Government. As a result they, with the approval of the British Government, passed a series of immigration laws restricting the entry of Indians into Canada. An Ordinance made it mandatory for the passengers to come only direct from India and that they should have a minimum of 200 Canadian dollars in their possession at the time of landing. These restrictions, though quite unjustified, were enacted within the legal framework.

In the second decade of the twentieth century the world was witness to events unfolding in the wake of the First World War. An enslaved India was no exception. The sense of patriotism and pride of the country of birth was growing in the hearts and minds of Indian masses irrespective of their socio-economic status. A section of Indians especially from the Punjab aspired to work and settle in western countries mainly to Canada in search of a better living. The overseas Indian community of today is the result of different waves of migration over hundreds of years driven by a variety of reasons. They were early harbingers of globalization. But we should not forget the hard work, sweat and toil of these early pioneers. Its early experiences make up a saga of trials, tribulations and the eventual triumph of determination and hard work. The participants in the Komagata Maru adventure one hundred years ago were the pioneers in this upward movement.

An Indian patriot, Baba Gurdit Singh, a Sikh businessman operating from Singapore, decided to travel to Canada in order to create a larger network of Indians that could support the nationalists in India and abroad. So he charted a Japanese ship named Komagata Maru to sail from Hong Kong to Japan and finish the journey at Vancouver, Canada. It carried 376 passengers and reached Vancouver on 23^rd May, 1914. When Komagata Maru was not allowed to dock at Vancouver and the immigrants were refused permission to land “as they had failed to comply with the requirements of the Canadian Law”. The ship was turned around and forced to depart on 23 July 1914 for India.  On 29^th September, 1914 Komagata Maru returned  to India and on reaching Calcutta  when the ship was docked at Budge Budge harbour, the police ordered the arrest of Baba Gurdit Singh and the 20 other men that they saw as leaders. A passenger on Komagata Maru told a British officer: “This ship belongs to the whole of India. This is the symbol of honour of India and if it will be detained, there will be a mutiny in the army”.  A renowned Ghadarite once said, “We were not Sikhs or Punjabis, our religion was patriotism”. While Baba Gurdit Singh was resisting arrest, one of his associates had an alteraction with policeman leading to a riot. The police opened fire, killing 19 unarmed and defenceless passengers. Some escaped, but the remainder were arrested and imprisoned or sent to their villages. Gurdit Singh managed to escape and lived in hiding until 1922. He was urged by Mahatma Gandhi to give himself up as a 'true patriot'; he duly did so, and was imprisoned for five years. In word and deed, those aboard the Komagata Maru upheld the finest traditions of the freedom struggle.

The Komagata Maru episode attracted worldwide attention and condemnation. For instance Japan Chronicle wrote: “It is a lamentable story and it is to be earnestly hoped that the British Government will do something for these unhappy men”.  This event inflamed the passions of youth in India to such an extent that Kartar Singh Sarabha, an eighteen year old student at the University of California, Berkley returned to India and urged Indian soldiers to revolt. He was arrested and hung until death in 1915 by the British Government in India. The Komagata Maru incident left a deep impression in the minds of Indian diaspora in Canada and the people of India.

The importance of this incident can be understood how the present generation views this unfortunate event.  Most notable was the apology given in 2008 by the Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada after 94 years.  In a goodwill gesture, the people of Canada marked the centenary of Komagata Maru episode on 23^rd May, 2014 in a solemn ceremony. The Honourable Michel de Jong moved a resolution:  I quote: “Be it resolved that this legislature apologizes for the events of May 23, 1914, when 376 passengers of the Komagata Maru, stationed off Vancouver harbour, were denied entry by Canada. The house deeply regrets that the passengers, who sought refuge in our country and our province, were turned away without benefit of the fair and impartial treatment benefitting a society where people of all cultures are welcomed and accepted” unquote.

The Nation takes pride in commemorating the Centenary of Komagata Maru incident and salutes the bravery and patriotism exhibited by the 376 Indians on board. The Ministry of Culture has planned to organise a series of events to mark this event in this centenary year. I assure you that the Ministry of Culture will do all it can to keep alive the sacrifices of these daughters and sons of India and their contributions to our people.  In particular, we will strive to inform and motivate the younger generation to be inspired by their great example.”

* Excerpts from the speech delivered by Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Shripad Naik on the occasion of inauguration of the centenary commemoration of Komagata Maru Incident.

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Luck has a particular Habit of favouring those who don't depend on it!

So Believe in Yourself and find a way to Achieve your Goals!

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Gautama Buddha was Asked,

What He Gained Through Meditation?

He Replied- Nothing At All.

But I Lost : Impatience, Anger, Depression, Insecurity, and greed.. 

Current Affairs-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa gets four-year prison term, Rs. 100cr penalty

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa gets four-year prison term, Rs. 100cr penalty

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment and fine of Rs. 100 crore in the Rs. 66 crore disproportionate asset case in Bangalore on Saturday.

Special judge John Michale Cunha pronounced the sentence and the hefty fine on charges levelled against her by DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan in 1996.

Special Public Prosecutor G Bhavani Singh informed that Jayalalithaa and the three convicted persons were taken into judicial custody after the verdict and sent to a state-run hospital in the city for medical check-up. They will be lodged in Bangalore Central Jail. The fine will be recovered by attaching jewellery and other articles seized and kept in the court's custody.

Jayalalithaa has to move bail application in the high court where she can also appeal to quash the special court order.

The verdict in the 18 year old disproportionate wealth case of AIADMK General Secretary Ms. Jayalalithaa has opened a political debate from various angles.

Ms. Jayalalithaa who has been the State’s Chief Minister for the third time, will have to step down from her post today.

Already the AIADMK enjoys a thumping majority in the State Assembly and also is the third largest party to have 37 Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha.

It also has won a majority in the local body elections held recently. It was very difficult for other parties to register their political presence in the state. This includes their arch rival the DMK, DMDK, MDMK, PMK and the BJP.

Tamilnadu Governor Dr. K. Rosaiah held a meeting with the Chief Secretary and other secretaries and police officials and has ordered them to uphold the law and order situation in the State.

General Knowledge-Current Affairs-India's first Mars satellite 'Mangalyaan' enters orbit

India's first Mars satellite 'Mangalyaan' enters orbit 

The Mars Orbiter Mission was successfully inserted into Martian orbit on 24.09.2014). The liquid Apogee motor was fired for about 24 minutes to reduce the speed of the spacecraft and orient it towards the red planet. India is the only country in the world that has achieved this feat in its first attempt itself.

Congratulating the scientists of ISRO including its Chairman K Radhakrishnan for this remarkable feat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, this victory of Indian scientists should be celebrated in all schools and colleges. The Prime Minister said, the launch was indigenously designed at a cost less than that spent on a Hollywood movie. He pointed out that our scientists and young people are capable of taking challenges in unknown regions and push frontiers.

The anxious moment before Mars Orbiter Mission was inserted into Martian orbit was palpable. The Mission Control complex at ISRO with its huge monitor, series of computers that was closely monitored by space scientists itself was mind boggling. Once the signal arrived of the spacecraft taking a curve around Mars and progressing on its orbit there was jubilation around the centre. 

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value

- Albert Einstein

Current Affairs-General Knowledge-Scotland votes to stay with the United Kingdom

Scotland votes to stay with the United Kingdom

Scotland has voted in favour of staying a part of the United Kingdom. The historic mandate by the people of Scotland rejected their country's independence. They had a simple YES or NO choice to the question, "Should Scotland be an independent country?" Official results confirmed that with the results of 30 out of Scotland's 32 Council areas having been declared, the No side has an unbeatable lead of over 18 lakh votes to 15 lakh. The margin of victory is about 55 per cent to 45 per cent.

The vote is the culmination of a two-year campaign and talks will now begin on devolving more powers to Scotland, which had joined the United Kingdom in 1707.

Glasgow, Scotland's largest Council area and the third largest city in Britain, voted in favour of independence but Edinburgh, the nation's capital, rejected the independence.

Current Affairs-General Knowledge-Mandolin Maestro U. Srinivas passes away

Mandolin Maestro U. Srinivas passes away

Music Maestro Mandolin U.Srinivas passed away in Chennai this morning. The 45 year old musician died following a failed liver transplant. Srinivas who started performing when he was 9 years old, was a phenomenal player and had won  several accolades including Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards. Hailing from Palakol in Andhra Pradesh, U Srinivas was known for having adapted a difficult western instrument to the Carnatic stage for an enthralled audience. Apart from traditional Carnatic concerts, Srinivas was also a favourite with other well known global artists like John McLaughlin, Michael Nyman and Michael Brook. His familiarity with cross over genres rendered a platform for merging his music with other traditional musical arts.

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Life is really nothing without "love"

Give everyone your love...

But don't expect it back..

Because,

"its not a deal, its a feel"....  

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Everybody can do something for you

but

Only few can do anything for you So don't miss out on those people.

They will be precious in your life.  

General Knowledge-Kamal Bawa wins Midori Prize in biodiversity

Kamal Bawa wins Midori Prize in biodiversity

An evolutionary Indian ecologist, Kamal Bawa has won the prestigious Midori Prize for biodiversity for his pioneering research, including in climate change in the Himalayas. 

The AEON Environmental Foundation, Japan, established the Midori Prize for Biodiversity in 2010, which is given to only three individuals, who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at global, regional or local levels. 

75 year Mr Bawa, will be receiving the award in Pyeongchang, South Korea in October  

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Creativity joke but TRUE:

Vegetables and fruits Are sale in platform.

But

Shoes and slippers are sale in AC Room.

What a funny world....

Current Affairs-Government clears 679-member Indian squad for Asian Games

Government clears 679-member Indian squad for Asian Games

The government of India cleared a 679-member squad for the Incheon Asiad, to be held from September 19 to October 4. Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal took the decision in consultation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There will be a total of 516 athletes and sportsmen and 163 coaches and supporting staff as against the original list of 942 participants including 662 athletes and 280 officials sent by the Indian Olympic Association. India will take part in 28 disciplines as compared to the 35 in the last edition of the Games. India had sent a contingent of 609 athletes plus 324 officials in the 2010 Asiad in Guangzhou, China. 

Current Affairs- Sania Mirza-Bruno Soares Win Mixed Doubles in the US Open

 Sania Mirza-Bruno Soares Win Mixed Doubles in the US Open

 Top seeds Sania Mirza and Bruno Soares defeated unseeded Abigail Spears (USA) and Santiago Gonzalez (Mexico) 6-1, 2-6, 11-9. Sania clinched her third mixed doubles title.

New York: India's Sania Mirza captured her third Grand Slam mixed doubles title on Friday, winning the US Open crown with Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.

Mirza and Soares defeated American Abigail Spears and Mexico's Santiago Gonazalez 6-1, 2-6, 11-9.

Soares claimed a second US Open mixed doubles title to go with his 2012 victory with Russian Ekaterina Makarova. Mirza had lifted mixed doubles titles at the 2009 Australian Open and 2012 French Open with compatriot Mahesh Bhupathi.

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

."To be trusted is a greatest compliment than being loved." 

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Prayers are invisible but they make impossible things possible.

It is GOD's job to work the wonders. Ours is the simplest part. PRAY & BELIEVE.

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Commitment in the face of conflict produces character 

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

NOT all fingers are of same LENGTH,

But, when they are BENT, all stand in EQUAL length.

Life becomes easy, when we BEND & ADJUST to certain situations. 

Quotable Quote-Message of the Day

Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If you quit, however, it lasts forever. 

Free Essays for Competitive Exams-Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: A step towards ‘Sab Ka Sath Sab Ka Vikas’

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: A step towards

‘Sab Ka Sath Sab Ka Vikas’

In his first Independence Day speech on 15^th August’2014, Prime Minister of India had announced the National Mission on Financial Inclusion titled, ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana’(PMJDY). Now in less than a fortnight the country is geared up to launch this mega event all across the country with the Prime Minister himself launching it from the national capital. Simultaneous launch functions of the Yojana are held in the state Capitals and at all district Headquarters.  Besides, camps would also be organized in the area allotted to branches of the banks.  

Now what is this Yojana and how it’s going to be different from the earlier schemes…………

The PMJDY has been conceived as a national mission on financial inclusion with the objective of covering all households in the country with banking facilities and having a bank account for each household. Financial inclusion or inclusive financing is the delivery of financial services at affordable costs to sections of disadvantaged and low-income segments of society, in contrast to financial exclusion where those services are not available or affordable. It is said that since banking services are in the nature of public product, the availability of banking and payment services to the entire population without discrimination is the prime objective of financial inclusion in public policy. With a bank account, every household gains access to banking and credit facilities. This will enable them to come out of the grip of moneylenders, manage to keep away from financial crises caused by emergent needs, and most importantly, benefit from a range of financial products/benefits. Describing the task as “gigantic,” the Prime Minister in an email to all bank officers has stressed the need to enrol over 7 crore households and open their accounts on urgent basis as all their development activities are hindered by this single disability.

Current status of financial inclusion in the country:

Various initiatives were taken up by RBI / GOI in order to ensure financial inclusion. These include like Nationalization of Banks , Expansion of Banks branch network , Establishment & expansion of Cooperative and RRBs ,Introduction of PS lending , Lead Bank Scheme, Formation of SHGs and State specific approach for Government  sponsored schemes to be evolved by SLBC .During 2005-2006, RBI advised Banks to align their  polices with the objective of financial Inclusion.  Further, in order to ensure greater financial inclusion and increasing the outreach of the banking sector, it was decided to use the services of NGOs/SHGs, MFIs and other Civil Society Organizations as intermediaries in providing financial and banking services through use of “Business Facilitator and Business Correspondent Model”.

However, as per Census, 2011, out of 24.67 crore households in the country, 14.48 crore (58.7%) households had access to banking services. Of the 16.78 crore rural households, 9.14 crore (54.46%) were availing banking services. Of the 7.89 crore urban households, 5.34 crore (67.68%) households were availing banking services. In the year 2011, Banks covered 74,351 villages, with population more than 2,000 (as per 2001 census), with banking facilities under the “Swabhimaan” campaign through Business Correspondents .However the program had a very limited reach and impact.

 The present banking network of the country (as on 31.03.2014) comprises of a bank branch network of 1,15, 082 and an ATM network of 1,60,055. Of these, 43,962 branches (38.2%) and 23,334 ATMs (14.58%) are in rural areas. Moreover, there are more than 1.4 lakh Business Correspondents (BCs) of Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks in the rural areas. BCs are representatives of bank to provide basic banking services i.e. opening of basic Bank accounts, Cash deposits , Cash withdrawals, transfer of funds, balance enquiries, mini statements etc. However actual field level experience suggests that many of these BCs are not actually functional. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) including RRBs have estimated that by 31.05.2014, out of the 13.14 crore rural households which were allocated to them  for coverage about 7.22 crore households have been covered (5.94 crore uncovered). It is estimated that 6 Crore households in rural and 1.5 Crore in urban area needs to be covered.

PMJDY

The mission mode objective of the PMJDY consists of 6 pillars. During the 1^st year of implementation under Phase I (15th August, 2014-14th August,2015), three Pillars namely(1)Universal access to banking facilities (2) Financial Literacy Programme and (3) Providing Basic Banking Accounts with overdraft facility of Rs.5000 after six months and RuPay Debit card with inbuilt accident insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh and RuPay Kisan card, will be implemented.

Phase II, beginning from 15^th August 2015 upto15^th August,2018 will address (1) Creation of Credit  Guarantee Fund   for coverage of defaults in overdraft  A/Cs (2)  Micro Insurance and (3)  Unorganized sector Pension schemes like  Swavlamban. In addition, in this phase coverage of households in hilly, tribal and difficult areas would be carried out. Moreover, this phase would focus on coverage of remaining adults in the households and students.

  The implementation strategy of the plan is to utilize the existing banking infrastructure as well as expand the same to cover all households. While the existing banking network would be fully geared up to open bank accounts of the uncovered households in both rural and urban areas, the banking sector would also be expanding itself to set up an additional 50,000 Business correspondents (BCs), more than 7000 branches and more than 20000 new ATMs in the first phase .A comprehensive plan is necessary considering the past experience where a large number of accounts opened remained dormant, resulting in costs incurred for banks and no benefits to the beneficiaries. The plan, therefore, proposes to channel all Government benefits (from Centre/State/Local body) to the beneficiaries to such accounts and pushing the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) scheme of the Union Government including restarting the DBT in LPG scheme. MGNREGS sponsored by Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD, GoI) is also likely to be included in Direct Benefit Transfer scheme.

Keeping the stiff targets in mind, in the first phase, the plan would focus on first three pillars in the first year starting from 15^th August, 2014.The target for setting up additional 50,000 BCs is quite challenging given the constraints of telecom connectivity.   In order to achieve this plan, phase wise and State wise targets for Banks have been set up for Banks for the period 15^th August, 2014 to 14^th August, 2015.    Roles of various stakeholders like other Departments of the Central Government, State Governments, RBI, NABARD, NPCI and others have been indicated. Gram Dak Sewaks in rural areas are proposed as Business Correspondent of Banks.  Department of Telecom has been requested to ensure that problems of poor and no connectivity are resolved. It is understood that of the 5.93 lakh inhabited villages in the country (2011 census) only about 50,000 villages are not covered with Telecom connectivity.

The major shift this time in this Financial Inclusion effort of the Government is that households are being targeted instead of villages as targeted earlier. Moreover both rural and urban areas are being covered this time as against only rural areas targeted earlier. The present plan pursues digital financial inclusion with special emphasis on monitoring by a Mission headed by the Finance Minister.

While the film on ‘Financial Inclusion’ and the Mission Document on Financial Inclusion scheduled for release at launch, are expected to help in creating awareness, the ‘account opening kit’ and the mobile banking facility on the basic mobile phone (USSD) envisaged on the occasion indicates the concerns of the government to end financial exclusion and usher in a new chapter in country’s governance for the people. In Prime Minister’s own words this Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana lies at the core of this government’s development philosophy of Sab Ka Sath Sab Ka Vikas.