INTRODUCTION:
The Indian Railways have generated more than 6,40,000-man days under Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan in six states. They are Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh.
HIGHLIGHTING ISSUES:
Till August 21, 2020, around 12,276 workers have been enrolled under Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan. The Indian Railways had identified the following works under the scheme
- Construction and maintenance of approach roads for level crossings
- Cleaning of silted water ways
- Construction and maintenance of approach roads to railway stations
- Repair and widening of existing railway embankments
- Protection works of existing embankments
- Plantation of trees at extreme boundary railway lands
During COVID-19 crisis, majority of migrant workers have returned to these six states. These districts cover about two-thirds of migrant workers. The chosen districts include aspirational districts as well.
The scheme was launched by PM Modi to boost livelihood opportunities in rural India. The following are the major highlights of the scheme
- The priority of the scheme is to meet immediate requirement of workers who have gone back to their districts due to COVID-19 crisis and lock down
- Public works of Rs 50,000 crores are to be carried out under the scheme
- It mainly focuses on rural citizens
- Around 25 different types of works have been identified to provide employment. It includes those identified by the Indian Railways as well
The scheme is being coordinated by 12 different ministries including road transport, panchayati raj, mines, drinking water and sanitation, rural development, renewable energy, etc.
The villages are to join the scheme through Common Service Centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
WHAT IS KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS:
- They are an integral part of National Agricultural Research System.
- These centres assess the location of specific technology modules through technology assessment, demonstrations and refinement. It is 100% financed by GOI.
