Mains Daily Question
Oct. 3, 2023
Q2. The Vision for 'Amrit Kaal' articulated in the Union Budget for FY 2023-24 is centered around the seven priorities, termed Saptarishi. Highlighting these pillars, discuss the steps taken by the government to realize the idea of Amrit Kaal. (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: The question has two main headings: 1) Seven Priorities and 2) Government steps. Introduction: Type 1: Explain the meaning of Amrit Kaal and Saptarishi with their focus areas. Type 2: Describe the link between Amrit Kaal objectives and Saptarishi. Use a diagram to show these interconnections. Body: Heading 1: Seven Priorities: Highlight the focus area of each priority. Heading 2: Government steps: Discuss the initiatives taken so far. For value addition, use institutional data. Conclusion: Give a forward-looking conclusion – Type 1: Mention how the objectives of Amrit Kaal can be utilized for sustainable development. Type 2: Mention (in short) suggestive steps to even enhance the performance under seven pillars. |
Answer: Amrit Kaal refers to the next 25 years (up to 2047) leading to the centenary of India’s independence. It envisions an empowered and inclusive economy with focus on youth, job creation and stable macro-environment creation. Amrit Kaal will be guided by seven priorities that complement each other and act as the ‘Saptarishi’ (Budget 2023-24).
Seven Priorities for Amrit Kaal
- Inclusive Development
- Extending the philosophy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
- Focus on agriculture and cooperatives, accessible education & skilling and affordable health for all
- Reaching the Last Mile
- Government's commitment to extending essential services and infrastructure to every citizen of the country, regardless of their location or socio-economic status
- Infrastructure and Investment
- To boost economic growth and employment by increasing investments in infrastructure and productive capacity
- Unleashing the Potential
- To enhance the ease of doing business and promote trust-based governance in the country by moving towards a transparent and accountable administration
- Green Growth
- To steer the economy on the sustainable development path by achieving the climate goals
- Youth Power
- To empower the youth and help the ‘Amrit Peedhi’ realize their dreams by bringing out such initiatives, providing digital platforms, etc.
- Financial Sector
- Promoting financial stability, efficient flow of credit, convenience for companies and steps for financial inclusion
Steps taken by the Government
- For Inclusive Development
- Launch of Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Programme.
- Vision to make India ‘Sree Anna’- a global hub for millets.
- Setting up Agriculture Accelerator Fund to encourage start-ups in rural areas.
- ₹20 lakh crore credit for animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sector.
- Education expenditure enhanced: 2.9% of GDP in FY23.
- Setting up National Digital Library for adolescents and children.
- Health expenditure enhanced: 2.1% of GDP in FY23.
- Establishment of 157 new nursing colleges.
- Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia to be launched
- For Reaching the Last Mile
- Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission for the all-round development of vulnerable tribal groups.
- Financial assistance to promote sustainable micro irrigation in Karnataka's drought prone areas.
- Free food grain to all Antyodaya & priority households for one year under PMGKAY.
- Launch of Bharat SHRI for the digitization of ancient inscriptions
- For Infrastructure and Investment
- Increase in capital investment outlay by 33.4% to ₹10 lakh crore.
- Continuation of 50-year interest free loan to State Governments.
- Creation of Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) to build modern infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
- For Unleashing the Potential
- Establishment of three Artificial Intelligence centres in educational institutes.
- Formation of a National Data Governance Policy.
- An Entity DigiLocker will be set up for MSMEs for secure online storing and sharing of documents.
- For Green Growth
- PM PRANAM to be launched to encourage the use of alternative fertilisers
- Set up of 500 new ‘Waste to Wealth’ plants under GOBARdhan scheme
- MISHTI program for mangrove plantation
- For Youth Power
- Stipend for 47 lakh youth under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme.
- Selection of 50 locations for their development as prime tourist spots of the country.
- Setting up Unity Malls in state capitals to promote the sale of ODOPs (One District, One Product), GI and handicraft products
- For Financial Sector
- Setting up a National Financial Information Registry to foster financial stability.
- Establishment of Central Data Processing Centre to speed up administrative work under the Companies Act.
- Mahila Samman Bachat Patra- a one-time small savings scheme for women
Overall, the government's vision for 'Amrit Kaal' is ambitious yet realistic and the steps taken so far demonstrate a strong commitment towards achieving its objectives. With sustained efforts and effective implementation, the idea of 'Amrit Kaal' has the potential to transform India into a prosperous and equitable society, while also positioning it as a global leader in the 21st century.
