Latest news with #FHTC
Hans India
27-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Parvatipuram aims to develop in a saturation mode under PM JANMAN
Parvatipuram: Parvathipuram Manyam district administration is aiming to gain all round development through Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme. This programme is aimed to saturate Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with basic facilities like housing, water, sanitation, education, healthcare, connectivity, and livelihood. District Collector A. Shyam Prasad is spearheading the implementation in Parvatipuram, emphasizing timely completion. In Seethampeta ITDA, 447 PVTG habitations across four mandals covering 49,611 tribals have seen 2,530 houses sanctioned. Apart from this,417 drinking water schemes, roads, anganwadis, hostels, and multipurpose centers developed. All habitations are electrified; 27 BSNL towers and 53 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are operational. In Parvatipuram ITDA, 3,323 houses have been sanctioned (1,827 grounded), 16 road works (34.77 km) sanctioned, 376 FHTC projects initiated (55 completed), and mobile connectivity extended to 248 habitations. Anganwadis, hostels, and multipurpose centers are under construction. Over 1.5 lakh welfare documents like Aadhaar, Ayushman cards, and caste certificates have been issued across both ITDAs. The Collector affirmed the programme's top priority status, calling it transformative for tribal welfare and district infrastructure, with a strong focus on saturation-based,timely execution.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on Jal Jeevan Mission and India-UK Free Trade Agreement (Week 103)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-2 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household in India. Despite significant progress in infrastructure, disparities in actual water usage persist. Critically examine. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is projected to yield multiple economic benefits for India, including enhanced bilateral trade, integration into global supply chains, and increased foreign investments. Discuss. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household in India. Despite significant progress in infrastructure, disparities in actual water usage persist. Critically examine. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the central government's flagship project, is currently suffering serious structural and functional issues. The JJM was established in 2019 with the goal of providing 100 percent functional household tap connections (FHTC) by 2024. — According to the most recent NSSO data, the government has made great headway, with nearly 90% of rural families having access to a tap connection. The government plans to cover the remaining homes by 2028. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — There is a significant difference in tap water access and consumption, with only 39% of rural households using taps as their major source (NSS 79th Round, 2022-23). Furthermore, how tap water is used varies greatly by region. Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha have very low tap usage rates ranging from 6% to 30%. The disparity between tap water access and use suggests that the JJM has significant functioning issues. — Reports reveal a reduction in financial assistance by the central government, bureaucratic irregularities at the state level, and scams in constructing JJM's infrastructure, which has slowed down JJM's progress. Increasing financial burdens, coupled with incomplete infrastructure and a lack of transparency in the provision of the tender, leave JJM with an uncertain future. — Structural issues necessitate consideration from both central, state, and local governments. It is critical to understand how tap water infrastructures are maintained and managed in everyday life, as well as what factors aid in closing the gap between tap access and use. — As a result of worldwide debates and constitutional reforms, some countries have attempted to establish a decentralised and community-driven drinking water system. However, we have yet to establish a decentralised method. Local institutions and players responsible for tap water supply have limited financial and technical autonomy. It is critical to address the social and spatial problems that these institutions encounter when placing taps, as well as whether they are technically capable of managing water quality and quantity and supplying it on time. — There is an urgent need to strengthen grievance resolution channels and methods. Another major problem is that administrative-level data does not accurately reflect reality on the ground. The JJM display reveals that many villages and areas have 100% tap water availability. However, it used outdated census data to determine tap water access. — The JJM also involves material considerations for water, infrastructure, and families. The concern over unpredictable climate, untimely precipitation, and surface and groundwater depletion has had an impact on water quality, quantity, and a timely and appropriate drinking water supply. — Leakage, breakage, disruption, breakdown, and suspension are all valid concerns, alongside others. An efficient tap water supply necessitates ongoing repair and maintenance efforts. Conclusion: — The position of the water tank, as well as the distance between residences and the tank, are critical to receiving enough pressure. Furthermore, involving different caste groups in local-level institutions (for example, as plumbers, pump operators, and engineers) is critical for an efficient tap water supply as well as repair and maintenance operations. — With an expanding population and insufficient secure infrastructure, rural communities are once again trapped in water source precarity, dependence, and economic hardship. The Jal Jeevan Mission's future must include these components in order to have an efficient supply chain. (Source: Many challenges of Jal Jeevan Mission: Decentralisation is the only way ahead) Points to Ponder Read more about JJM Read about other schemes under Ministry of Jal Shakti Related Previous Year Questions In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role in containing the adverse impact of the marketisation of the system. Suggest measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (2024) 'To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes'. Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (2017) QUESTION 2: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is projected to yield multiple economic benefits for India, including enhanced bilateral trade, integration into global supply chains, and increased foreign investments. Discuss. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — In a world economy plagued by trade disputes and fears about decreasing trade growth, the conclusion of India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) talks is a significant milestone. — After 15 rounds of rigorous negotiations since January 2022, a historic free trade deal was struck in principle on May 6. However, installation will require some time. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The FTA appears to abolish tariffs on roughly 99 percent of Indian exports to the UK, creating considerable commercial prospects. — The pact might also result in significant benefits in services, with the UK promising ambitious market access promises and easier transfer of Indian specialists to the UK. — Parallel negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) to protect investments between the two countries may be more difficult to conclude. Disagreements regarding dispute resolution processes and investor protections may impede development on the BIT. — FTAs are well suited to India's fast growing economy, which is rising at more than 6% per year in a global economy growing at half that rate. For Britain, signing trade agreements with the United States and India at the same time signals a re-engagement with the two largest democracies and their markets following Brexit. — Geopolitical signalling is important in this transaction. The free trade agreement between the world's fourth and sixth largest economies comes at a time when the Trump administration's reciprocal tariff policies are generating economic uncertainty. This has rekindled previously dormant negotiations about concluding FTAs between like-minded countries. — An India-EU free trade agreement, in conjunction with an India-UK free trade agreement, has the potential to alter global trade rules and even resuscitate the World Trade Organisation. Potential economic benefits for India — Lowering trade and regulatory barriers through the FTA will stimulate specialisation and commerce based on comparative advantage between India and the United Kingdom. — India is a minor contributor in global supply chains, accounting for approximately 1.5 percent of goods exports in 2023. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement provides incentives for multinational corporations such as Apple to invest in export-oriented Indian manufacturing capacity, as well as the possibility of India potentially supplying the UK market. — As tariffs are reduced under the bilateral FTA, consumers will benefit from more access to high-quality products and lower pricing. — The FTA is a step towards India's inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP, a high-standard, massive FTA that lowers trade barriers for its members but which India declined to join, accounts for a significant portion of global commerce. Conclusion: — The India–UK FTAs are an enabling condition for India's growth and influence in the global economy. Countries that use FTAs as a springboard to implement broad economic reforms and address supply-side issues will reap the most geopolitical and economic benefits. (Source: Four ways in which India gains from an FTA with the UK) Points to Ponder Read about India and UK trade relations Read about FTA Related Previous Year Questions What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of 'Trade War', especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (2018) Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of the Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further, discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition. (2024) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 102) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 103) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 102) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 101) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 102) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 101) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Many challenges of Jal Jeevan Mission: Decentralisation is the only way ahead
Written by Amit Kumar Srivastwa Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship scheme of the central government, is now facing major structural and functional challenges. The JJM was started in 2019 to provide a 100 per cent Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024. The recent NSSO data suggests that the government has made significant progress, as almost 90 per cent of rural households have access to a tap connection. The government is expected to cover the remaining households by 2028. However, there is a wide gap between tap water access and use, as only 39 per cent of the rural households can use taps as their primary source (NSS 79th Round, 2022-23). Moreover, tap water use is widely different across regions. States like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha have very low tap use, ranging from six per cent to 30 per cent. The gap between tap water access and use indicates that the JJM faces severe challenges at the functionality level. There are also structural challenges. Reports by this newspaper reveal a reduction in financial assistance by the central government, bureaucratic irregularities at the state level, and scams in constructing JJM's infrastructure, which has slowed down JJM's progress. Increasing financial burdens, coupled with incomplete infrastructure and a lack of transparency in the provision of the tender, leave JJM with an uncertain future. While structural problems require deliberation from both central, state, and local governments, it is important to understand how tap water infrastructures are operated and managed in everyday life, and what considerations are helpful in reducing the gap between tap access and use. There are some major technical-bureaucratic concerns that require immediate attention. For the longest time in post-colonial India, the drinking water supply was driven by a centralised technical order. This means that the design, operation, standards, procedures, manuals, norms, and guidelines for managing drinking water supply were made by central-level institutions and were followed by regional and local-level institutions. As a result of global deliberations and constitutional amendments, different governments have tried to create a decentralised and community-driven drinking water supply. However, we are yet to achieve a decentralised mechanism. The local institutions and actors who manage the tap water supply have limited financial and technical autonomy. It is essential to address what social and spatial challenges these institutions face while installing taps and whether they are technically equipped to manage water quality and quantity, and provide a timely supply. There is an urgent need to strengthen the grievance redressal channels and mechanisms. No data is available on how many grievances are received and solved by the local-level actors. Another significant concern is that administrative-level data does not reflect the reality on the ground. The JJM dashboard shows a 100 per cent tap water access for many villages and regions. However, it used outdated census data to elucidate the tap water access. The percentage of rural households has increased over the last 14 years, and with no official account, it is hard to make sense of whether households have tap access. The JJM also requires material consideration of water, infrastructure, and households. Water has its own agency, and the flow and availability of water cannot be totally regulated. The concern of unpredictable climate, untimely precipitation, and surface and groundwater depletion has affected the water quality, quantity, and a timely and adequate drinking water supply. It is important to consider how an unpredictable variable like water could be managed efficiently in a closed drinking water system. Similarly, different parts of the tap infrastructure, for example, pipes, taps, treatment plants, and water tanks, have a lifespan, and they degrade over time. The concerns of leakage, breakage, disruption, breakdown, and suspension are as important as other factors. An efficient tap water supply requires continuous repair and maintenance activities. While material degradation in the larger infrastructure is easily visible and can be repaired, attention to household-level repair and maintenance activities is required. One of the main reasons behind low tap water use is that rural households have marginal living conditions and low infrastructure management capabilities. Finally, technical and material aspects of JJM must function in coherence with the social order. The JJM is designed to serve rural households at the ward level. Carefully considering how different caste groups are located at the ward and village levels is necessary for an efficient tap water installation and supply design. The location of the water tank and the location and distance of households from the tank play a crucial role in receiving adequate pressure. Moreover, including different caste groups in the local-level institutions (e.g., in the roles of plumber, pump operator, and engineers) is crucial for an efficient tap water supply and repair and maintenance activities. Water sources like handpumps and open wells are already degrading and producing unsafe water quality. This again impacts people's health and livelihood conditions. With the increasing population and limited safe infrastructures, rural populations are once again stuck in water source precarity, dependency, and economic burden. The future of the Jal Jeevan Mission must entail these factors for an efficient supply system. The writer is a scholar at Ambedkar University Delhi and works on Jal Jeevan Mission
