Rajasthan Economy

NABARD Sanctions money to Rajasthan

I. Recent NABARD Sanctions to Rajasthan

A. Overview

1. Total sanction: Rs 1,974.07 crore
2. Purpose: Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2023-24
3. Sanctioning body: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

B. Breakdown of Sanctions

1. Rural Drinking Water Supply Projects:
   • Amount: Rs 930.44 crore
   • Districts: Ajmer, Jalore, and Kota
   • Impact: To provide clean and potable water to 2.87 lakh households in 2,500 villages
2. Rural Roads Construction:
   • Amount: Rs 926.48 crore
   • Scope: Construction of 676 rural roads
   • Areas: Desert and tribal regions of the state
   • Impact: Improved connectivity in 1,229 villages across 12 districts
3. Veterinary Infrastructure:
   • Amount: Rs 117.15 crore
   • Scope: Construction of 104 veterinary hospitals and 431 sub-centres
   • Coverage: All districts of the state

II. Additional NABARD Initiatives in Rajasthan

A. Micro-Irrigation Support

1. Coverage: 4.28 lakh hectares
2. Financial support: Rs 740 crore from the Micro Irrigation Fund

B. Canal Lining Project

1. Scope: Lining of 450 km of earthen canals
2. Location: Kota and Bundi districts
3. Financial assistance: Rs 623.38 crore under NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance

III. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

A. Overview

1. Type: Development bank
2. Primary focus: Rural sector of India
3. Role: Apex banking institution for Agriculture and rural development finance
4. Headquarters: Mumbai

B. Establishment

1. Year: 1982
2. Legal basis: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981
3. Status: Statutory body

IV. The Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)

A. Establishment

1. Year: 1995-96
2. Set up by: Government of India

B. Purpose and Management

1. Primary objective: Financing ongoing rural Infrastructure projects
2. Fund management: Maintained by NABARD

C. Functioning

1. Main objective: Provide loans to State Governments and State-owned corporations
2. Focus: Completion of ongoing rural infrastructure projects

V. Significance of NABARD Sanctions for Rajasthan

1. Boost to rural infrastructure:
   • Improved water supply
   • Enhanced road connectivity
   • Strengthened veterinary services
2. Agricultural development:
   • Support for micro-irrigation
   • Potential increase in agricultural productivity
3. Socio-economic impact:
   • Better quality of life in rural areas
   • Potential for increased rural employment and economic activities

VI. Key Points for Revision

1. Total NABARD sanction to Rajasthan: Rs 1,974.07 crore
2. Major projects: Drinking water supply, rural roads, veterinary infrastructure
3. Additional initiatives: Micro-irrigation support, canal lining
4. NABARD: Apex institution for rural and agricultural development finance
5. RIDF: Key mechanism for financing rural infrastructure projects

VII. Potential Exam Questions

1. Discuss the role of NABARD in rural development, with special reference to its recent sanctions to Rajasthan.
2. Analyze the potential impact of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund on Rajasthan’s agricultural sector.
3. How do the recent NABARD-sanctioned projects address the specific developmental needs of Rajasthan’s rural areas?
4. Compare and contrast the different types of infrastructure projects being funded by NABARD in Rajasthan. Which do you think will have the most significant impact and why?
5. Evaluate the importance of micro-irrigation in Rajasthan’s agricultural landscape. How might NABARD’s support in this area affect the state’s water management and agricultural productivity?

Economic Revival Task Force

Why in News?
On 26th January 2024, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra announced the establishment of an Economic Revival Task Force to develop a strategic roadmap for strengthening the state’s economy.

Key Points of the Economic Revival Task Force

1. Objective and Purpose:
   • The task force is designed to build a robust economic infrastructure for Rajasthan, with a focus on sustainable and holistic development. The main objective is to lay the foundation for long-term economic stability and growth.
2. Ease of Doing Business:
   • The ease of doing business model will be pivotal to the task force’s strategy. The state government is committed to simplifying business processes to foster economic growth and attract investments.
3. Antyodaya Concept:
   • The initiative aligns with the Antyodaya concept promoted by Jan Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyaya, which emphasizes inclusive socio-economic development for the upliftment of all sections of society, especially the underprivileged.

About Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

1. Background:
   • Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916–1968) was an influential Indian politician and ideologue, born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
   • He was a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His thoughts on integral humanism have had a profound impact on India’s socio-political landscape.
2. Contributions to Political Thought:
   • Known for his advocacy of “integral humanism” – a philosophy that seeks to balance material and spiritual values in human development.
   • He transcended party lines, influencing the broader political discourse on self-reliance, rural development, and poverty alleviation.
3. Major Schemes Named After Deendayal Upadhyaya:
   • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY): Aimed at poverty alleviation by providing skill training and financial support to the rural poor.
   • Antyodaya Diwas: Celebrated as part of DAY, it seeks to diversify income sources for rural poor families and support the career aspirations of rural youth.
   • Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana: A rural electrification scheme providing electricity to villages and rural households.
   • Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shramev Jayate Karyakram: Focuses on industrial development through skill training to create an environment conducive to employment generation.
   • Deendayal Upadhyaya Swaniyojan Yojana (DUSY): Also known as the rural Start-Up India scheme, DUSY supports rural entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives.

Implications for Rajasthan’s Economy

1. Promoting Entrepreneurship:
   • The ease of doing business model will simplify regulatory processes, encouraging entrepreneurs and startups, and boosting the job market.
2. Infrastructure Development:
   • The task force will focus on economic infrastructure development, from transportation networks to digital connectivity, providing a strong foundation for diverse economic activities.
3. Inclusive Growth:
   • With the Antyodaya concept at its core, the task force aims to ensure that economic benefits reach the most marginalized sections of society, aiming for an inclusive approach to growth.

Potential RPSC Exam Questions

1. Describe the purpose of the Economic Revival Task Force announced by Rajasthan Governor in January 2024.
   • Expected Answer: The task force aims to strengthen Rajasthan’s economic infrastructure with a focus on sustainable and holistic development, following an ease of doing business model and the Antyodaya concept for inclusive growth.
2. Explain the significance of the “ease of doing business” model for Rajasthan’s economic development.
   • Expected Answer: This model simplifies regulatory processes, reduces bureaucracy, and fosters an environment conducive to business, encouraging investment, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
3. Discuss the philosophy of Antyodaya as proposed by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and its relevance to modern socio-economic development.
   • Expected Answer: Antyodaya emphasizes uplifting the most underprivileged sections of society. It advocates inclusive socio-economic policies ensuring equitable development, crucial for achieving sustainable and balanced growth in a diverse society.
4. Who was Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and what were his contributions to Indian political thought?
   • Expected Answer: Deendayal Upadhyaya was a key leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. His philosophy of integral humanism sought a balanced development approach, integrating both material and spiritual well-being.
5. List and briefly describe the major schemes launched in India in the name of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
   • Expected Answer: Some key schemes include:
     • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) for poverty alleviation,
     • Antyodaya Diwas for diversifying income sources of rural poor,
     • Gram Jyoti Yojana for rural electrification,
     • Shramev Jayate Karyakram for industrial skill training, and
     • Swaniyojan Yojana (DUSY), a rural counterpart to Start-Up India supporting rural entrepreneurship.
6. What is the role of the Economic Revival Task Force in achieving sustainable development in Rajasthan?
   • Expected Answer: The task force is responsible for devising strategies to strengthen the economic foundation, focusing on long-term stability, inclusive growth, and environmentally sustainable practices.

Drone Survey Against Illegal Mining

Why in News?
The Rajasthan government recently launched a campaign to combat illegal mining activities by deploying drones for surveillance and monitoring. The initiative aims to curb illegal mining and has already detected 75 cases in Bhilwara district alone.

Key Points

1. Mineral Wealth in Rajasthan
   • Rajasthan is rich in mineral resources, with 81 varieties of minerals identified in the state, out of which 57 are commercially exploited.
   • The state has the highest number of mining leases in India, making it a significant contributor to the country’s mineral production.
2. Use of Technology to Curb Illegal Mining
   • The state government utilizes remote sensing data and geographic information systems (GIS) to monitor and detect illegal mining activities.
   • Drone surveys provide precise data on illegal mining locations, aiding in real-time monitoring and quick action.
3. Role of Revenue Authorities
   • Revenue officials are engaged in the campaign, implementing measures under the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955.
   • Khatedari (title) rights on land used for illegal mining can be canceled, providing a legal route to penalize offenders and prevent the continuation of illegal activities.
4. Data Collection and Action
   • Field officers collect data on the mining mafia and violators, which is then submitted online to streamline follow-up action. This ensures that enforcement authorities have up-to-date information for taking further legal steps.

Understanding Illegal Mining

1. Definition
   • Illegal mining refers to the extraction of minerals, ores, or other valuable resources without the required permits, licenses, or regulatory approvals.
   • It often involves violations of environmental, labor, and safety standards.
2. Impact of Illegal Mining
   • Illegal mining results in loss of government revenue, environmental degradation, and often leads to unsafe working conditions, affecting local communities and ecosystems.
3. Laws Related to Mining in India
   • The Indian Constitution divides mining-related powers between the central and state governments:
     • State List (List II, Entry 23): The state governments control minerals within their boundaries.
     • Union List (List I, Entry 54): The central government has jurisdiction over minerals in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
   • Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act): This central legislation governs all mining activities and provides a framework for mineral regulation and development.
   • Minor vs. Major Minerals:
     • State Governments have the authority to create policies for minor minerals.
     • Major minerals fall under the Ministry of Mines at the central level, which formulates policies and legislation.

Additional Information on the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955

• The Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955 provides the legal framework for land tenure in Rajasthan, regulating land use, tenancy rights, and title ownership.
• Under this act, khatedari (title) rights can be revoked if the land is found to be used for illegal purposes, such as unauthorized mining activities.

Potential RPSC Exam Questions

1. Explain the recent measures taken by the Rajasthan government to combat illegal mining.
   • Expected Answer: The Rajasthan government has launched a drone-based surveillance campaign to curb illegal mining. By using remote sensing and GIS, authorities can identify illegal mining sites and collect data on violators. Revenue authorities are involved in canceling khatedari rights on illegally mined land under the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955.
2. Describe the types of minerals found in Rajasthan and the state’s role in India’s mining sector.
   • Expected Answer: Rajasthan has 81 types of minerals, with 57 commercially exploited, making it a significant mining state in India. The state has the highest number of mining leases, contributing substantially to the mineral economy of India.
3. What is illegal mining, and what are its impacts?
   • Expected Answer: Illegal mining is the unauthorized extraction of minerals without proper permits, often violating environmental and safety norms. It leads to revenue losses, environmental damage, and unsafe conditions for workers, affecting both the economy and local communities.
4. What does the MMDR Act, 1957 regulate, and how are the powers distributed between the central and state governments?
   • Expected Answer: The MMDR Act, 1957 governs the regulation and development of minerals in India. The central government controls major minerals and policy-making through the Ministry of Mines, while state governments manage minor minerals within their jurisdictions.
5. How does the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955 assist in curbing illegal mining activities?
   • Expected Answer: The Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955 allows revenue authorities to cancel khatedari (title) rights on lands used for illegal mining. This legal provision is instrumental in reclaiming and protecting land from unlicensed activities.
6. List the technological tools used by the Rajasthan government to monitor mining activities.
   • Expected Answer: The Rajasthan government uses drones, remote sensing data, and geographic information systems (GIS) to monitor and detect illegal mining sites, allowing authorities to respond swiftly and efficiently.