August 2023 :  Yojana Magazine GIST : Micro Notes or Revision Notes : Yojana Magazine Summary

 

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (Celebrating 75 Years of Indian Independence)

Overview

• Initiative to celebrate 75 years of Indian independence (2021-2023).
• Aims to honor India’s history, culture, and achievements.
• Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).

Five Themes

1. Freedom Struggle:Recounts stories of freedom fighters and historical milestones.
2. Ideas@75:Focuses on ideals and philosophies shaping India’s future.
3. Actions@75:Highlights efforts to strengthen India’s global position.
4. Resolve@75:Emphasizes collective determination for a better future.
5. Achievements@75:Celebrates India’s progress as a 75-year-old nation.

Initiatives and Campaigns 2.0

Aligned with the Prime Minister’s “Panch Pran” (five vows), these campaigns focus on:

• Women and Children
• Tribal Empowerment
• Water Conservation
• Cultural Pride
• Sustainable Living
• Health and Wellness
• Inclusive Development
• Self-Reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)
• Unity

Mera Maati Mera Desh (My Land, My Country) – Culminating Event

• A tribute to fallen heroes (Veers and Veeranganas) from August 9th, 2023.
• Activities and ceremonies across India at various levels (Panchayat to National).

Key Elements

• Shilaphalakam:Stone memorials erected locally to express gratitude.
• Panch Pran Pledge:A solemn oath affirming commitment to India’s development, self-reliance, heritage, unity, and security.
• Vasudha Vandhan (Nurturing the Earth):Planting 75 indigenous trees and developing “Amrit Vatika” (Elixir Garden).
• Veeron Ka Vandan (Saluting the Brave):Honoring freedom fighters and their families.
• Rashtragaan (National Anthem):Singing the national anthem at ceremony sites.
• Amrit Kalash Yatra (Elixir Urn Journey):Collecting soil from villages/towns for a national urn.

Other Initiatives

• Har Ghar Tiranga (Tricolor at Every Home):Encouraging hoisting the national flag for India’s 76th independence day.
• Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (My Village, My Heritage): Culturally mapping 6.5 lakh villages, with over 2 lakh already completed.

 

Integrated Approach for Holistic Well-being in India

Combining Traditional and Modern Medicine

• A new approach integrates traditional medicine with allopathy for holistic well-being.
• This combines strengths of both systems, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

Ayushman Bharat Initiative

• Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat offers comprehensive healthcare:
  • Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) provide primary care and wellness activities.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) offers free hospitalization for the poor.
• Over 23 crore Ayushman cards created and 28,368 hospitals empanelled.

Digital Transformation

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) creates a digital health infrastructure.
• Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) provide unique IDs for patients.
• E-health initiatives like eSanjeevani services expand access to specialist care.

Pandemic Response and Preparedness

• India rapidly expanded its testing capacity to over 3,388 labs by 2022.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat reduced diagnostic costs and increased domestic production.
• Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM) strengthens healthcare infrastructure.

Human Resources for Health (HRH)

• Since 2014, government strategies increased skilled HRH availability.
• India now has over 1.07 lakh medical education undergraduate seats.
• New nursing colleges will add 15,700 graduates annually.

Immunization and Disease Control

• Universal Immunization Programme improved coverage from 62% (2015-16) to 76.4% (2019-21).
• Consistent efforts reduced malaria cases by 85.3% and Japanese Encephalitis cases by 52.8% (2014-2021).
• Pradhan Mantri TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan raises awareness about free TB treatment.

Mental Health and Well-being

• Tele-MANAS, a digital mental health service, has received over 1.5 lakh calls.
• Government-funded health insurance coverage has risen substantially.
• Out-of-pocket health spending has declined by 16% since 2013-14.

Benefits of Traditional Medicines

• Recognizing their effectiveness, the government integrates traditional practices.
• Standardized protocols and evidence-based guidelines are being developed.
• Ministry of AYUSH promotes traditional medicine and collaboration with allopathy.

India’s G20 Presidency

• The theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future” reflects India’s commitment to global well-being.
• It is inspired by the ancient Indian principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).

 

Indian Economy: Historical Perspective and Way Forward

Liberalization and Growth (1990s-2000s)

• 1991 Reforms: Addressed macroeconomic imbalances with policies like:
  • Dismantling license raj
  • Encouraging foreign investment
  • Privatization
  • Flexible exchange rate
• Results:
  • Increased real GDP growth (5.5% in 1980s to 6.3% in 1993-2000)
  • Boosted external trade (trade-to-GDP ratio rose from 17.2% to 30.6%)
• Early 2000s:
  • Further liberalized FDI
  • New Telecom Policy (1999) – IT sector boom
  • Disinvestment and privatization gained momentum
  • FRBM Act addressed fiscal deficit

High Growth Phase (2003-2008)

• Global growth at 4.8%, India’s average growth exceeded 8%.
• Factors:
  • Strong domestic activity
  • Improved corporate performance
  • Favorable global conditions
  • Substantial capital inflows

Reforms Since 2014

• Focus: Restore growth potential, improve infrastructure.
• Initiatives:
  • Eased business regulations (IBC, RERA)
  • Tax reforms (GST, lower tax rates)
  • Increased public spending on infrastructure
    • Capital Expenditure up from 2.8% (2013-14) to 3.8% (2022-23)
    • National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) – ₹111 lakh crore investment by 2024-25

Promoting Manufacturing and Exports

• Atmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India initiatives
• Production Linked Incentives (PLIs) attract investments
• Liberalized FDI policy (automatic route for most sectors)

MSME Support

• Decriminalizing minor offences under Companies Act
• Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)
• Revised MSME definition (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
• TReDS platform for faster MSME payments
• Retail & Wholesale trades included as MSMEs
• Extended non-tax benefits for growing MSMEs

Digital Economy

• Digital economy grew 2.4x faster than overall economy (2014-2019)
• Digital infrastructure:
  • Created digital identities
  • Improved access to finance and markets
  • Reduced transaction costs
  • Enhanced tax collection

Way Forward

• Contextually relevant economic reforms considering demographics and strategic challenges.
• Goal: Achieve steady growth leading to India’s 2047 vision.