The Magical Adventure of Little Lily

Once upon a time in the quaint town of Rainbowville, there lived a sweet and curious little girl named Lily. Lily was an imaginative third-grader with a heart full of wonder and excitement. She had a special love for colors, and her favorite place in the whole world was the enchanted forest just beyond her school.

One sunny afternoon, after finishing her classes, Lily decided to explore the magical forest. As she skipped along the winding path, she noticed something peculiar – a rainbow-colored butterfly dancing through the air. Without a second thought, Lily followed the butterfly, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Deeper into the forest, the colors seemed to come alive. Vibrant flowers whispered tales of magical adventures to the little girl, and the trees hummed tunes that only Lily could understand. The rainbow butterfly led her to a hidden clearing where a wise old owl named Oliver perched on a branch.

“Hello, little one! You must be Lily,” hooted Oliver, his eyes twinkling with wisdom.

Lily nodded, her heart pounding with excitement.

“Today, my dear, you are in for a magical adventure,” proclaimed Oliver. “But to embark on this journey, you must pass through the Rainbow Arch.”

Lily looked around and saw a magnificent arch made of shimmering colors. With a deep breath, she stepped through it, feeling a surge of energy envelop her. The moment she crossed, the world transformed.

Suddenly, Lily found herself in a land where everything was made of candy! The ground was made of chocolate, the trees were lollipops, and the rivers flowed with sweet syrup. A candy unicorn trotted by, inviting Lily for a ride through the sugary meadows.

As Lily giggled with joy, she met a friendly group of marshmallow creatures who taught her a magical dance. Every step made the flowers bloom, and every twirl created a shower of candy confetti.

After hours of delightful exploration, Lily found herself back at the Rainbow Arch. With a grateful heart, she bid farewell to her candy wonderland and stepped through the arch once more.

As she emerged back into the familiar forest, the rainbow butterfly returned, landing gently on Lily’s shoulder.

“You’ve experienced the magic of colors, dear Lily. Carry it with you always,” whispered the butterfly before fluttering away.

With a heart full of enchanting memories, Lily skipped back to Rainbowville, her ordinary town now filled with an extraordinary sparkle. From that day forward, every time she looked at a rainbow, Lily knew that magical adventures awaited those with curious hearts and colorful dreams.

And so, the sweet little girl named Lily continued to explore, her world forever touched by the magic of the enchanted forest.

Benefits of Research Writing and Publication

by Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Research is the cornerstone of academic and scientific progress, and the dissemination of research findings through publication is a crucial step in advancing knowledge across various fields. Research publication serves as a conduit for sharing discoveries, insights, and innovations with the global community. Here are some key benefits of research publication:

1. Contribution to Knowledge:
Publishing research allows scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields. It is through these publications that researchers share their findings, theories, and experimental results, enriching the collective understanding of a subject.

2. Academic Recognition:
Research publications are a testament to a researcher’s academic contributions. They are a valuable metric for assessing the impact and significance of a researcher’s work. Publication in reputable journals and conferences enhances academic recognition and credibility within the scholarly community.

3. Dissemination of Findings:
The primary purpose of research is to uncover new insights and solutions. Publication facilitates the widespread dissemination of these findings, ensuring that others in the field, as well as the broader public, have access to the latest advancements and discoveries.

4. Collaboration Opportunities:
Research publication serves as a bridge for collaboration among researchers, institutions, and industry professionals. When findings are accessible, it opens avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and expertise.

5. Professional Development:
For researchers, publishing is an integral part of professional development. It not only contributes to the growth of the researcher’s body of work but also enhances skills in scientific writing, critical analysis, and effective communication of complex ideas.

6. Impact on Policy and Practice:
Research findings often have implications for policy-making and real-world applications. By publishing research, scholars can influence decision-makers, practitioners, and policymakers, contributing to evidence-based policies and practices.

7. Career Advancement:
Research publications play a vital role in career advancement within academia. They are often considered in promotion and tenure decisions. Additionally, a strong publication record can enhance opportunities for research grants, collaborations, and invitations to conferences.

8. Peer Review and Quality Assurance:
The peer-review process, an integral part of research publication, ensures the quality and validity of scholarly work. By subjecting research papers to rigorous evaluation by peers in the field, the publication process upholds standards and helps maintain the integrity of academic research.

9. Global Impact:
Published research has the potential for a global impact, reaching scholars, professionals, and students worldwide. It contributes to the international dialogue on critical issues and fosters a shared understanding that transcends geographical boundaries.

10. Documenting Progress and History:
Research publications serve as a historical record of scientific and academic progress. They document the evolution of ideas, methodologies, and technologies, providing future generations with a foundation upon which to build and innovate.

11. Intellectual Property Protection:
Research publications establish a researcher’s claim to their intellectual property. By publishing findings, researchers can protect their discoveries and innovations, establishing a record of ownership and priority.

In conclusion, research publication is a cornerstone of the academic and scientific landscape, offering a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the individual researcher. It is a dynamic process that not only shapes the present understanding of various fields but also lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs and advancements. Embracing the publication of research is an essential and rewarding aspect of the scholarly journey.

References

Aitchison, C., & Lee, A. (2006). Research writing: Problems and pedagogies. Teaching in higher education, 11(3), 265-278.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.

Gosden, H. (1992). Research writing and NNSs: From the editors. Journal of Second Language Writing, 1(2), 123-139.

MacArthur, C. A., Graham, S., & Fitzgerald, J. (Eds.). (2008). Handbook of writing research. Guilford Press.

Role of NGO in Social Transformation

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in social transformation by addressing various issues and working towards positive change in communities. Their impact extends across a spectrum of areas, contributing significantly to societal development. Here are key roles that NGOs play in fostering social transformation:

Community Empowerment:
NGOs often work at the grassroots level, empowering communities by providing them with resources, knowledge, and skills. Through education, vocational training, and awareness campaigns, NGOs enable individuals to take charge of their lives and contribute to the overall development of their communities.
Advocacy and Awareness:
NGOs act as advocates for social issues, raising awareness about pressing concerns such as poverty, gender inequality, environmental issues, and human rights violations. By amplifying marginalized voices, NGOs work to influence policies and bring about positive change on a broader scale.
Education and Skill Development:
Many NGOs focus on education as a key driver of social transformation. They establish schools, organize workshops, and provide educational resources to underserved communities. Additionally, NGOs often emphasize skill development programs to enhance employability and economic independence.
Healthcare Initiatives:
NGOs play a crucial role in healthcare, especially in regions with limited access to medical facilities. They organize health camps, provide medical services, and conduct awareness programs on issues such as hygiene, sanitation, and preventive healthcare measures.
Human Rights Protection:
NGOs actively work towards protecting human rights and ensuring justice for marginalized or vulnerable groups. They may offer legal aid, advocate for policy changes, and raise awareness about human rights violations to bring about social justice.
Environmental Conservation:
Many NGOs are dedicated to environmental causes, working to address climate change, deforestation, pollution, and other ecological issues. By promoting sustainable practices and engaging in conservation efforts, NGOs contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment:
NGOs champion gender equality by addressing issues such as gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, and economic disparities. Through awareness campaigns, training programs, and policy advocacy, NGOs strive to create a more equitable society.
Poverty Alleviation:
Poverty remains a pervasive challenge, and NGOs are actively involved in poverty alleviation programs. These initiatives may include microfinance projects, vocational training, and community development programs aimed at uplifting economically disadvantaged populations.
Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation:
NGOs play a crucial role in providing immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation in the aftermath of natural disasters or conflicts. Their rapid response teams often work on the ground, providing essential services, shelter, and support to affected communities.
Crisis Intervention and Social Services:
NGOs provide essential social services, including counseling, rehabilitation, and support for individuals facing crises such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. They contribute to building resilient communities through their intervention programs.

In summary, NGOs serve as catalysts for social transformation by addressing multifaceted challenges and fostering sustainable development. Their diverse roles contribute to building inclusive, equitable, and thriving societies, making them indispensable agents of positive change.

Excel in Your Content Writing Internship at Track2Training: A Guide to Success

Congratulations on securing a content writing internship at Track2Training! As you embark on this exciting journey, here are some key strategies to ensure that you make the most of this opportunity and leave a lasting impression:

1. Understand the Audience:
Before you start creating content, take the time to understand Track2Training’s target audience. Familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission, values, and the type of content they currently publish. Knowing the audience will help you tailor your writing style to engage and resonate with readers.

2. Research Thoroughly:
In the world of content writing, well-researched articles stand out. Dive deep into the topics you’re assigned and gather information from reputable sources. Ensure your content is accurate, up-to-date, and provides value to the readers.

3. Embrace the Tone and Style:
Every platform has its unique tone and style. Pay attention to the content published by Track2Training to understand the preferred writing style. Whether it’s informative, conversational, or professional, adapting to the established tone will help your content seamlessly integrate with the platform.

4. Communicate Effectively:
Clarity is key in content writing. Practice concise and effective communication. Make your sentences clear, avoid jargon when unnecessary, and ensure your message is easily comprehensible to a diverse audience.

5. Collaborate with the Team:
A successful content writer is not just an individual contributor but also an effective team player. Collaborate with fellow interns, editors, and other team members. Seek feedback, share ideas, and contribute to a positive and creative work environment.

6. Meet Deadlines:
Timeliness is crucial in the world of content creation. Stick to deadlines diligently. This not only showcases your commitment but also ensures a smooth workflow for the entire team. If you anticipate challenges in meeting a deadline, communicate proactively with your supervisor.

7. Hone Your Editing Skills:
Editing is an integral part of content writing. Before submitting your work, review it for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. A well-edited piece reflects professionalism and dedication to quality.

8. Stay Open to Feedback:
Feedback is a valuable tool for improvement. Embrace constructive criticism with an open mind. Use feedback as a guide to enhance your writing skills and better align your content with Track2Training’s objectives.

9. Be Proactive:
Take initiative in identifying potential topics, suggesting improvements, and contributing fresh ideas. Proactive involvement demonstrates enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to adding value to the organization.

10. Showcase Creativity:
While maintaining professionalism, don’t shy away from injecting creativity into your writing. Engage readers with interesting anecdotes, visuals, or unique perspectives that make your content memorable.

11. Learn and Grow:
Internships are learning experiences. Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your knowledge, learn about content marketing strategies, and gain insights into the industry. Attend training sessions, webinars, and actively seek to enhance your skill set.

By incorporating these strategies into your approach, you’ll not only thrive in your content writing internship at Track2Training but also lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in content creation. Good luck!

Dumitru Baleanu

Lebanese American University,Beirut, Professor at Institute of Space Sciences,Bucharest

Verified email at lau.edu.lb

Applied Mathematics Control Systems Nonlinear Systems Mathematical Physics Fractional Dynamics


TITLE	CITED BY	YEAR
New fractional derivatives with nonlocal and non-singular kernel: theory and application to heat transfer model A Atangana, D Baleanu Thermal Science 20 (2), 763-769	3328	2016
Fractional calculus: models and numerical methods D Baleanu, K Diethelm, E Scalas, JJ Trujillo World Scientific	2906	2012
A new collection of real world applications of fractional calculus in science and engineering HG Sun, Y Zhang, D Baleanu, W Chen, YQ Chen Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation 64, 213-231	1219	2018
Fractional dynamics and control D Baleanu, JAT Machado, ACJ Luo Springer Science & Business Media	904	2011
New trends in nanotechnology and fractional calculus applications D Baleanu, ZB Güvenç, JAT Machado Springer 10, 978-90	849	2010
A new study on the mathematical modelling of human liver with Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative D Baleanu, A Jajarmi, H Mohammadi, S Rezapour Chaos, Solitons & Fractals 134, 109705	604	2020
Local fractional integral transforms and their applications XJ Yang, D Baleanu, HM Srivastava Academic Press	529	2015
New properties of conformable derivative A Atangana, D Baleanu, A Alsaedi Open Mathematics 13 (1), 000010151520150081	524	2015
Anomalous diffusion expressed through fractional order differential operators in the Bloch–Torrey equation RL Magin, O Abdullah, D Baleanu, XJ Zhou Journal of Magnetic Resonance 190 (2), 255-270	505	2008
Discrete fractional logistic map and its chaos GC Wu, D Baleanu Nonlinear Dynamics 75, 283-287	499	2014
Caputo-type modification of the Hadamard fractional derivatives F Jarad, T Abdeljawad, D Baleanu Advances in Difference Equations 2012, 1-8	430	2012
On a new class of fractional operators F Jarad, E Uğurlu, T Abdeljawad, D Baleanu Advances in Difference Equations 2017 (1), 1-16	423	2017
Fractal heat conduction problem solved by local fractional variation iteration method XJ Yang, D Baleanu Vinca Inst Nuclear Sci	350	2013
A Hamiltonian formulation and a direct numerical scheme for fractional optimal control problems OP Agrawal, D Baleanu Journal of Vibration and Control 13 (9-10), 1269-1281	329	2007
Stability analysis of Caputo fractional-order nonlinear systems revisited H Delavari, D Baleanu, J Sadati Nonlinear Dynamics 67, 2433-2439	326	2012
A review of the Adomian decomposition method and its applications to fractional differential equations JS Duan, R Rach, D Baleanu, AM Wazwaz Communications in Fractional Calculus 3 (2), 73-99	321	2012
Integration by parts and its applications of a new nonlocal fractional derivative with Mittag-Leffler nonsingular kernel T Abdeljawad, D Baleanu arXiv preprint arXiv:1607.00262	308	2016
About Lagrangian formulation of classical fields within Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives D Baleanu, SI Muslih International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and …	301	2005
Caputo-Fabrizio derivative applied to groundwater flow within confined aquifer A Atangana, D Baleanu Journal of Engineering Mechanics 143 (5), D4016005	292	2017
On some new properties of fractional derivatives with Mittag-Leffler kernel D Baleanu, A Fernandez Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation 59, 444-462

4.03 lakh Foreign Tourist visits Goa during January-November 2023

The details of Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) in the State of Goa during 2019-2022 is given below:

Year	FTVs (in Lakh)	Growth over previous year (%)
2018	9.34	–
2019	9.37	0.32
2020	3.03	-67.66
2021	0.22	-92.74
2022	1.75	695.45
2023(Jan-Nov)*	4.03	130.29

Source: State Tourism Department

*Provisional

As per the inputs received, Tourism department of Government of Goa has launched and notified the below mentioned schemes to recover from Covid-19 pandemic:

(i) “Tourist Trade Support (Working Capital Interest Subvention) Scheme 2021”: to support the MSME’s in tourism industry which has been adversely affected due to pandemic by subsidizing the working capital loans for 6-month period. Under the said scheme, there is a provision of reimbursement of interest up to maximum of 5% on working capital loans amounting to a maximum of INR 25 Lakhs for 6 months in one single claim wherein the maximum burden on Government per eligible entity shall be Rs.62,500/- and maximum number of beneficiaries covered under the scheme are 800. All registered B, C, D category hotels/accommodation and Travel & Tour Operators are eligible for benefit of the said scheme.

(ii) “International Charter Support (Waiver of Landing Fees) Scheme 2021”: to provide relaxation in landing charges of International Charters to Goa in order to attract higher number of charters by reducing the burden on cost of operation of international chartered flights. Under the said scheme, reimbursement to charters up to maximum of INR 1 lakh per international charter flight on landing charges excluding GST at Dabolim Airport, Goa during the period of the Scheme. The said scheme was in force from October 2021 to March 2022.

(iii) Department is undertaking all possible statutory, remedial and preventive measures to ensure increase in tourist traffic in the State. As a part of promotional campaign, the State Department of Tourism along with the travel trade participates at important international and domestic travel Marts/Exhibitions. In addition, Road Shows are also organized in international and domestic markets. The Department prints, distributes brochures in foreign as well as English language. In order to create awareness about Tourism in the State, this Department releases advertisements in various National and International magazines, newspapers, etc. Besides, advertisement is also released in national and international TV channels in English and local foreign languages.

Goa Tourism shall continue its efforts of promotion of Goa in International markets by participating in various prominent international Travel Marts/exhibitions such as WTM, ITB, BTL, ATM, MITT, OTDYKH etc. & shall organised series of international roadshows to boost the inflow of foreign tourists in the State.

The Ministry of Tourism promotes the tourist destinations and tourism products of the country in a holistic manner. It endeavors to position India as a preferred tourism destination in the tourism generating markets, under the Incredible India brand, to promote various tourism products and destinations in the global tourism market through an integrated marketing and promotional strategy and a synergized campaign in association with the Travel Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions overseas.

Tourism Ministry notifies 57 destinations in the country for development under Swadesh Darshan 2.0

The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the formulation of national policies and programs and for the co-ordination of activities of various Central Government Agencies, State Governments/UTs and the Private Sector for the development and promotion of tourism in the country. Major functions of the Ministry of Tourism are:

i. All policy matters

ii. Planning

iii. Co-ordination with other Ministries, Departments, State/Union Territory Administrations

iv. Regulation

v. Infrastructure & Product Development

vi. Research, Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation

vii. International Co-operation and External Assistance

viii. Legislation and Parliamentary Work

ix. Overall Review of the Functioning of the Field Offices

x. Marketing & Promotion Work

The Ministry of Tourism promotes the tourism destinations and tourism products of the country in a holistic manner both within the country and overseas markets. Promotions are also undertaken through the Website and Social Media platforms of the Ministry. The tourist destinations in the country are also amplified through the different promotional materials, films and other collaterals developed by the Ministry. Ministry of Tourism also participates in travel fairs/exhibitions held in overseas markets to showcase India’s tourism destinations and products. In addition, Ministry of Tourism releases media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas and within the country under the “Incredible India” brand – line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country.

The Ministry of Tourism launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of theme-based tourist circuits. A total of 76 projects have been sanctioned. The Ministry of Tourism has revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, following a destination & tourism-centric approach. In line with the scheme guidelines, the respective State/UT prepares State Perspective Plan and the Ministry of Tourism selects destination for development accordingly. The Ministry has notified 57 destinations in the country for development under SD2.0. The details of the projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan 1.0 Scheme and the destinations notified under SD2.0 Scheme are at Annexure-I.

The Ministry of Tourism launched National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations. The scheme aimed at creation of pilgrimage/spiritual tourism infrastructure development at the identified destinations. A total of 46 projects have been sanctioned under the scheme. The details of projects sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme is given at Annexure-II.

The reply was given by Union Minister of Tourism Shri G.K Reddy in Lok Sabha today.

ANNEXURE-I

Circuit wise list of projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme from FY 2014-15 till 21.01.2024

(Amount Rs. in Crore)

Sr. No.	Name of the Theme	Number of projects	Amount Sanctioned
1.	Buddhist Circuit	05	319.01
2.	Coastal Circuit	10	631.39
3.	Desert Circuit	01	50.01
4.	Eco Circuit	06	415.44
5.	Heritage Circuit	10	742.85
6.	Himalayan Circuit	07	587.92
7.	Krishna Circuit	02	153.19
8.	North-East Circuit	10	816.13
9.	Ramayana Circuit	02	196.66
10.	Rural Circuit	02	101.62
11.	Spiritual Circuit	13	672.61
12.	Tirthankar Circuit	01	33.96
13.	Tribal Circuit	04	371.47
14.	Wildlife Circuit	02	186.78
15	Wayside	01	15.07
	TOTAL	76	5294.11

List of Destinations notified under Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0

S.N.	States/Union Territory	Destinations Notified
1	Andhra Pradesh	Gandikota, Arakku-Lambassingi
2	Arunachal Pradesh	Nacho, Mechuka
3	Assam	Jorhat, Kokrajhar
4	Bihar	Gaya, Nalanda
5	Chhattisgarh	Bilaspur, Jagdalpur
6	Goa	Porvorim, Colva
7	Gujarat	Dholavira, Dwarka
8	Haryana	Panchkula (Morni)
9	Himachal Pradesh	Pong Dam
10	Jammu & Kashmir	Basholi
11	Jharkhand	Chandil
12	Karnataka	Hampi, Mysuru
13	Kerala	Kumarakom, Kozhikode (Beypore)
14	Madhya Pradesh	Gwalior, Chitrakoot
15	Maharashtra	Sindhudurg, Ajanta-Ellora
16	Manipur	Moirang (Bishnupur)
17	Meghalaya	Shillong, Sohra
18	Mizoram	Aizawl, Champhai
19	Nagaland	Niuland, Chumukedima
20	Odisha	Koraput, Debrigarh along with special attraction of ‘Khinda Village’
21	Punjab	Amritsar, Kapurthala
22	Rajasthan	Bundi (Keshoraipatan), Jodhpur
23	Sikkim	Gangtok, Gyalshing
24	Tamil Nadu	Mamallapuram, The Nilgiris
25	Telangana	Bhongir, Ananthagiri
26	Tripura	Agartala, Unakoti
27	Uttar Pradesh	Prayagraj, Naimisharanya
28	Uttarakhand	Pittoragarh, Champavat
29	Chandigarh	Chandigarh
30	Lakshadweep	Lakshadweep
31	Puducherry	Puducherry, Karaikal
32	Ladakh	Leh, Kargil
	Total	57

ANNEXURE-II

State wise list of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme from FY 2014-15 till 31.01.2024.

(Amount Rs. in Crore)

S. No.	Name of State/ UT	Number of Projects	Sanctioned Amount
1	Andhra Pradesh	3	124.89
2	Arunachal Pradesh	1	37.88
3	Assam	1	29.80
4	Bihar	2	45.81
5	Chhattisgarh	1	48.44
6	Gujarat	5	205.53
7	Haryana	1	48.53
8	Jammu & Kashmir	1	40.46
9	Jharkhand	1	36.79
10	Karnataka	1	45.71
11	Kerala	1	45.19
12	Madhya Pradesh	2	93.92
13	Maharashtra	1	52.92
14	Meghalaya	1	29.29
15	Mizoram	1	44.89
16	Nagaland	2	43.44
17	Odisha	1	50.00
18	Punjab	2	37.97
19	Rajasthan	1	32.64
20	Sikkim	1	33.32
21	Tamil Nadu	2	18.85
22	Telangana	3	142.28
23	Tripura	1	37.80
23	Uttar Pradesh	6	130.28
25	Uttarakhand	3	145.28
26	West Bengal	1	30.03
	Grand Total	46	1631.93

***

Increase in Employees’ Pension Fund pension

Representations have been received from various stakeholders including trade unions and public representatives to increase the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 from existing Rs. 1000/- per month.

The EPS, 1995 is a “Defined Contribution-Defined Benefit” Social Security Scheme. The corpus of the Employees’ Pension Fund is made up of (i) contribution by the employer @ 8.33 per cent of wages; and (ii) contribution from Central Government through budgetary support @ 1.16 per cent of wages up to an amount of Rs.15,000/- per month. All benefits under the scheme are paid out of such accumulations. The fund is valued annually as mandated under paragraph 32 of the EPS, 1995 and as per the valuation of the fund as on 31.03.2019, there is an actuarial deficit.

Amount of member’s pension under the Scheme is determined taking into account the pensionable period of service and pensionable salary as per following formula:

Pensionable Service X Pensionable Salary

However, the Government, for the first time, in the year 2014, provided a minimum pension of Rs. 1000 per month to the pensioners under the EPS, 1995 by providing budgetary support, which was in addition to the budgetary support of 1.16 per cent of wages provided annually towards EPS to Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Safety of workers at construction sites

The Central Government is committed to protect and promote the welfare, social security, safety and health of labourers. The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 [BOCW (RE&CS) Act, 1996] and Central rules, 1998 regulate the employment and conditions of service of building and other construction workers, provide for their safety, health and welfare measures and for other matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

India, being a founding member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has deep respect for its principles and objectives. The Government of India has always upheld the basic tenets of ILO in regard to conventions related to health and safety of labourers. The provision of the BOCW (RE&CS) Act, 1996 and Rules made thereunder are the comprehensive legislations stipulated all the measure to ensure Welfare, Safety and Health at construction site as par of ILO convention no. 167.

The provisions related to Safety are covered in Chapter VII of the BOCW (RE&CS) Act 1996 and the same are enforced along with other provisions of the Act and the BOCW (RE&CS) Central Rules 1998. The Chapter XIII of the BOCW (RE&CS) Central Rules, 1998 deals with exclusive provision for Excavation and Tunnelling Works under Rule 119 to 168.

The CLC(C) organization through its field offices enforces various provisions of the BOCW (RE&CS) Act 1996 and the rules made thereunder ensuring the safety measures of workers working in construction sites in the Central Sphere. Regular inspections are conducted by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) [CLC(C)] Organisation in the Central Sphere as per the Inspection Scheme of the Ministry of Labour & Employment.

Further, in order to augment the eﬀorts in the direction of safety and health of construction workers, “Construction Advisory Service (CAS) Division” has been created in Directorate General of Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI). The “Construction Advisory Service (CAS) Division” at DGFASLI, Mumbai has initiated various certificate courses in the field of Construction Safety.

Further, a Model Welfare Scheme for BOC Workers and Action Plan for strengthening Implementation Machinery were forwarded to all States/UTs, wherein the State / UT Governments through their State/UT BOCW Welfare Boards were entrusted upon to comply with the Scheme for the welfare of the construction workers and asking the State Welfare Boards to formulate and implement these kind of welfare schemes including in respect of Life and disability cover, health and maternity cover, education of the wards of the workers, transit housing, skill development, awareness programs and pension to registered BOC workers.

Moreover, Several directions under Section 60 of the BOCW (RE&CS) Act, 1996 have been issued from time to time to State/UT BOCW Welfare Boards for implementation of the provisions of the Act and for optimum utilization of the cess funds for the social security & other welfare measures of the BOC workers which include the benefits of welfare schemes of the State Welfare Boards and social security schemes of the Central/State Governments.

The Government is always attentive to take cognizance of such type of accidents and take timely appropriate action. In the recent accident at Silkyara in Uttarkashi wherein main thrust of the operation was of saving the precious lives of labourers.

Therefore, despite the fact that the site was a hilly area and various technical and other intricacies involved, the entire Government machinery in a planned manner & taking all precautionary measures with the help of local administration and duly monitored by the Central Government ensured safe rescue of all the trapped workers.

The Provisions of the BOCW (RE&CS) Act, 1996 and BOCW (RE&CS) Central Rules, 1998 ensure the safety of workers at construction sites. Rule 36 of Chapter VI deals with provisions for emergency action plan. The Chapter XIII deals with exclusive provision for Excavation and Tunnelling Works under Rule 119 to 168, comprehensively dealing with safety provision in case of workers trapped inside of tunnel.

As per Rule 36 of the Central Rules, 1998, in case more than 500 building workers are employed at a construction site, the employer shall ensure that the emergency action plan to handle the emergencies like fire and explosion, collapse of lifting appliances and transport equipment, collapse of building, sheds or structure, etc., gas leakage or spillage of dangerous goods or chemicals, drowning of building workers, sinking of vessels, and landslides getting building workers buried, floods, storms and other natural calamities, is prepared and submitted for the approval of the Director General of Inspections under BOCW Act, 1996.

Set up of schools for child labour

The Ministry of Labour & Employment had implemented the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme for rehabilitation of child labourers through District Project Societies under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate since inception of the Scheme in 1988. Under the NCLP scheme, the children in the age group of 9-14 years are rescued / withdrawn from work and enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres (STCs), where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, mid-day meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system. NCLP scheme has now been subsumed under Samagara Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Scheme with effect from 01.04.2021. Henceforth, the recused child labourers will be mainstreamed into formal education system through STC operational under SSA. At present, no Special Training Centres (STC) is functional under NCLP scheme.

No new STCs under NCLP Project have been approved after 31.03.2021. The number of districts in which Special Training Centres under NCLP Scheme were sanctioned since inception as on 31.03.2021 is at Annexure-I.

The details of funds released under the NCLP scheme during 2020-21 to 2022-23 is at Annexure-II. As on 31.03.2023, around 14.3 lakh children were rescued/withdrawn from work, rehabilitated and mainstreamed under National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme since inception of the Scheme.

Annexure-I

Number of Districts in which Special Training Centres were sanctioned under NCLP Scheme since inception as on 31.03.2021

Sl. No.	Name of State	No. of Sanctioned NCLP Districts
	Andhra Pradesh	13
	Assam	5
	Bihar	24
	Chhattisgarh	8
	Gujarat	9
	Haryana	3
	Jammu & Kashmir	3
	Jharkhand	8
	Karnataka	17
	Madhya Pradesh	22
	Maharashtra	18
	Nagaland	1
	Odisha	24
	Punjab	3
	Rajasthan	27
	Tamil Nadu	18
	Telangana	31
	Uttar Pradesh	56
	Uttarakhand	13
	West Bengal	20
	Delhi	1
	Total	324

Annexure –II

Grant Released under National Child Labour Project Scheme, State-wise, during 2020-21 to 2022-23:

( Rs. In Lakhs)

Sl. No.	Name of State	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23
1	Andhra Pradesh	306.29	32.01	116.37
2	Assam	49.64	81.10	140.68
3	Chhattisgarh	0	0	0
4	Gujarat	61.36	12.23	0
5	Haryana	116.83	34.79	0
6	Jammu & Kashmir	32.48	0	12.70
7	Jharkhand	177.42	0	60.73
8	Karnataka	82.74	7.53	18.14
9	Madhya Pradesh	363.41	143.29	236.50
10	Maharashtra	931.49	196.53	102.54
11	Nagaland	0	0	0
12	Odisha	115.16	236.66	57.24
13	Punjab	206.41	317.35	37.53
14	Rajasthan	124.19	16.64	0.64
15	Tamil Nadu	482.00	323.45	184.74
16	Telangana	152.86	71.56	94.65
17	Uttar Pradesh	433.83	137.70	99.91
18	Uttarakhand	0	0	0
19	West Bengal	463.37	203.10	424.26

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Rameshwar Teli in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

***

Improvement of employment generation

The data on Employment and Unemployment is collected through Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) which is conducted by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) since 2017-18. The survey period is July to June every year. As per the latest available Annual PLFS Reports, the estimated Worker Population Ratio (WPR) on usual status for persons of age 15 years & above during the years 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 is 47.3%, 50.9%, 52.6%, 52.9% and 56.0%, respectively. The data indicates that the WPR, indicating employment, has an increasing trend over the years.

Rozgar Mela events are being held across the country and the new appointees are inducted into various Central Ministries/ Departments/ Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs)/ Autonomous Bodies including Health & Education Institutes, Public Sector Banks etc. Filling up of vacant posts in various Ministries/Departments is a continuous process. All vacant posts are being filled in a Mission Mode.

As per the Annual Report on Pay and Allowances released by Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, the number of regular civilian employees in Central Government and Union Territory administrations were 31.91 lakh, 31.15 lakh and 30.64 lakh as on 01.03.2020, 01.03.2021 and 01.03.2022, respectively. The State Government-wise information is not maintained centrally.

Total number of candidates recommended by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) for appointment in Central Government was 1,61,550 during the year 2022-23. Apart from this, SSC and RRBs have recommended 1,03,196 candidates for appointment in the 1st quarter of 2023-24.

As per the information available with Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance, the total number of regular employees working in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) was 9.20 lakh, 8.61 lakh and 8.60 lakh during 2019-20, 2020- 21 and 2021-22, respectively.

Further, the net addition in Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) subscriptions is an indicator of the extent of formalisation of the job market, and the coverage of social security benefits to the organized/ semi-organized sector workforce. The net addition in EPF subscribers during the period 2020-21 to 2022-23 are as follows:

Years	Net addition in EPF subscribers (all ages)
2020-21	77,08,375
2021-22	1,22,34,625
2022-23	1,38,51,689

Source: EPFO, Payroll data

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) was launched with effect from 1st October, 2020 to incentivize employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic. The terminal date for registration of beneficiaries was 31.03.2022. Since inception of the scheme, till 19.01.2024, benefits have been provided to 60.49 lakhs beneficiaries under the scheme.

Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority of the Government. Accordingly, the Government of India has taken various steps for generating employment in the country.

Investments in Infrastructure and productive capacity have a large multiplier impact on growth and employment. The budget of 2023-24 proposed to increase capital investment outlay steeply for the third year in a row by 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore, which would be 3.3 per cent of GDP. This substantial increase in recent years is central to the government’s efforts to enhance growth potential and job creation.

The Government of India has announced Aatmanirbhar Bharat package to provide stimulus to business and to mitigate the adverse impact of Covid-19. Under this package, the Government is providing fiscal stimulus of more than Rupees Twenty Seven lakh crore. This package comprises of various long term schemes/programmes/policies for making the country self-reliant and to create employment opportunities.

Government is implementing Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi Scheme) since June 01, 2020 to facilitate collateral free working capital loan to street vendors to restart their businesses, which were adversely impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic. As on 31.01.2024, 83.67 lakh loans have been sanctioned under the scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was launched by the Government for facilitating self-employment. Under PMMY, collateral free loans upto Rs. 10 lakh, are extended to micro/small business enterprises and to individuals to enable them to setup or expand their business activities. As on 26.01.2024, more than 46.16 crore loans were sanctioned under the scheme.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes is being implemented by the Government with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore, for a period of 5 years starting from 2021-22 which have potential for creating 60 lakh new jobs.

PM GatiShakti is a transformative approach for economic growth and sustainable development. The approach is driven by seven engines, namely, Roads, Railways, Airports, Ports, Mass Transport, Waterways and Logistics Infrastructure. This approach is powered by Clean Energy and SabkaPrayas leading to huge job and entrepreneurial opportunities for all.

The Government of India is encouraging various projects involving substantial investment and public expenditure on schemes like Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pt. DeenDayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs) and Deen Dayal Antodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) etc. for employment generation.

To enhance the employability of the youth, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the “National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)” wherein the Government reimburses 25 percent of the stipend payable to apprentices.

The Government is implementing a programme for skilling of rural youth for entrepreneurship development through Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs).

Besides these initiatives, various flagship programmes of the Government such as Make in India, Start-up India, Stand-up India, Digital India, Housing for All etc. are also oriented towards generating employment opportunities in the country.

All these initiatives are expected to collectively generate employment in the medium to long term through multiplier-effects.

Entrepreneurs after employment

Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), collateral-free institutional credit upto Rs. 10 lakh is provided to any individual, who is otherwise eligible to take a loan and has a business plan for small business enterprise can avail loan under the Scheme. Loans can be availed for income generating activities in the manufacturing, trading, services sector and also for activities allied to agriculture under three categories, viz. Shishu (loans up to Rs. 50,000), Kishor (loans above Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 5 lakh) and Tarun (loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakh).

As on 24.11.2023, more than 44.46 crore loans amounting to Rs. 25.47 lakh crore have been disbursed to the borrowers under PMMY since inception. Further, the State/U.T./ -wise details of loans sanctioned and amount disbursed under the Scheme, are placed at Annexure-II.

The Government has been implementing various initiatives under the Startup India initiative which was launched on 16th January 2016 in order to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation, startups and encouraging investments in the startup ecosystem of the country.

Stand UP India (SUPI) was launched on 5th April 2016, with the aim to promote entrepreneurship among the Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe and Women by facilitating bank loans between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.100 lakh to at least one SC/ST borrower and one Woman borrower per bank branch of Scheduled Commercial Banks for setting up Greenfield enterprises in trading, manufacturing, services sectors and activities allied to agriculture.

PM SVANidhi was launched on 1st June, 2020, to provide, collateral free loans in three tranches i.e. Rs.10,000 in first tranche, upto Rs.20,000 in second tranche and upto Rs.50,000 in third tranche to street vendors.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to enhance the employability of youth.

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) through Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), is implementing Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) for assisting entrepreneurs across the country in setting up of new units in the non-farm sector. It aims to provide employment opportunities to traditional artisans/ rural and urban unemployed youth at their doorstep.

PM Vishwakarma was launched on 17th September, 2023. The Scheme aims to provide end-to end holistic support to traditional artists and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades through access to skill training, collateral-free credit, modern tools, market linkage support and incentive for digital transactions.

Annexure-I

State/UT-wise estimated Self-employed workers (in %) in usual status during 2021-22 to 2022-23.

S. No.	States/UTs	2021-22	2022-23
S. No.	States/UTs	2021-22	2022-23
1	Andhra Pradesh	43.4	45.5
2	Arunachal Pradesh	71.9	74.3
3	Assam	61.2	57.2
4	Bihar	59	63.9
5	Chhattisgarh	66.8	67.3
6	Delhi	31.1	34.6
7	Goa	37.1	35.1
8	Gujarat	54.5	53.2
9	Haryana	44.6	45.3
10	Himachal Pradesh	69.1	71.8
11	Jharkhand	66.3	69.9
12	Karnataka	48.1	48.5
13	Kerala	38.3	39.7
14	Madhya Pradesh	63.4	63.8
15	Maharashtra	45.7	47.9
16	Manipur	64.3	69.9
17	Meghalaya	47.7	48
18	Mizoram	68.8	69.1
19	Nagaland	63.5	67
20	Odisha	60.1	64.3
21	Punjab	44.3	45.1
22	Rajasthan	68.9	69.8
23	Sikkim	55.2	61.9
24	Tamil Nadu	36.8	35.7
25	Telangana	63.9	60.1
26	Tripura	52	56.7
27	Uttarakhand	59.8	66.4
28	Uttar Pradesh	70.9	71.2
29	West Bengal	49.9	54.6
30	Andaman & N. Island	42.5	44.1
31	Chandigarh	26.7	20.6
32	Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu	23.1	33.7
33	Jammu & Kashmir	62.4	68.3
34	Ladakh	55.4	66.9
35	Lakshadweep	23.4	37.2
36	Puducherry	34.7	29.7
37	all India	55.8	57.3

Source: PLFS, MoSPI

Annexure-II

State/ UT-wise/ Year-wise details of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) for the year 2021-22 to 2023-24 (As on 24.11.2023)
(Amount in Rs. Crore)
	Financial Year	F.Y. 2021-22			F.Y. 2022-23			F.Y. 2023-24 (as on 24.11.2023)
Sr No	State/ U.T. Name	No. of Loan A/Cs	Sanctioned Amount	Disbursed Amount	No. of Loan A/Cs	Sanctioned Amount	Disbursed Amount	No. of Loan A/Cs	Sanctioned Amount	Disbursed Amount
1	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	1,901	77.40	76.53	3,463	127.29	124.34	1,863	71.69	69.82
2	Andhra Pradesh	11,17,922	11,829.82	11,445.42	13,48,593	16,450.70	16,212.30	8,77,921	11,120.98	10,898.90
3	Arunachal Pradesh	5,705	90.50	86.51	17,193	224.78	214.59	17,070	186.56	180.14
4	Assam	6,82,889	4,866.50	4,577.28	5,99,213	6,300.99	6,182.19	1,91,868	2,360.63	2,268.69
5	Bihar	66,78,155	32,096.95	30,725.07	84,89,231	46,463.15	45,448.59	41,47,624	24,436.54	23,270.68
6	Chandigarh	14,926	281.66	273.03	17,261	301.41	293.58	8,659	180.19	173.25
7	Chhattisgarh	9,70,396	5,929.49	5,797.46	11,14,927	8,391.61	8,262.57	4,90,278	4,370.81	4,101.57
8	Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu	4,397	70.37	68.25	5,512	103.89	102.21	1,431	47.38	46.73
9	Delhi	1,94,835	2,616.58	2,559.59	3,37,476	3,800.63	3,759.22	1,67,717	2,334.36	2,263.22
10	Goa	35,950	491.36	472.87	42,745	719.27	700.19	23,943	445.90	430.94
11	Gujarat	15,90,960	12,152.39	11,990.04	17,84,437	17,668.10	17,507.49	9,77,786	10,302.51	10,126.93
12	Haryana	10,57,963	7,768.34	7,574.18	12,18,808	10,154.93	9,944.79	5,56,711	5,689.67	5,442.62
13	Himachal Pradesh	1,07,556	2,152.58	2,027.43	1,51,733	3,133.01	3,080.21	73,550	1,596.91	1,492.95
14	Jharkhand	17,77,882	8,817.00	8,615.43	20,56,159	11,266.17	11,097.08	11,31,935	6,674.13	6,506.88
15	Karnataka	42,98,481	28,695.29	28,374.92	55,92,066	40,964.95	40,746.09	33,80,637	25,375.92	25,244.95
16	Kerala	16,20,168	11,698.12	11,549.58	17,81,474	15,400.47	15,079.22	10,52,430	9,475.90	9,338.90
17	Lakshadweep	725	16.66	16.47	1,623	26.81	26.75	1,369	22.83	22.69
18	Madhya Pradesh	32,31,804	18,814.95	18,218.44	37,01,661	25,301.30	24,632.59	17,68,797	13,317.86	12,435.84
19	Maharashtra	41,58,052	25,797.74	25,416.48	52,53,324	36,531.98	36,104.52	29,14,993	22,696.41	22,402.83
20	Manipur	74,138	413.42	379.20	39,744	487.23	471.22	6,614	112.08	104.53
21	Meghalaya	16,892	211.84	204.01	24,937	340.62	331.52	14,322	210.18	203.91
22	Mizoram	11,396	211.29	192.30	23,394	424.40	420.92	16,555	336.70	333.11
23	Nagaland	15,191	229.00	209.49	15,172	314.62	296.78	10,424	222.87	216.79
24	Odisha	36,70,907	16,900.00	16,557.27	39,22,511	21,708.62	21,505.13	19,59,871	11,621.76	11,461.57
25	Pondicherry	1,31,525	801.43	795.30	98,394	741.23	735.74	78,104	589.45	586.36
26	Punjab	11,09,810	8,179.96	7,926.06	12,59,891	11,055.03	10,766.37	5,76,501	6,383.52	5,861.67
27	Rajasthan	26,67,998	18,999.20	18,728.94	29,77,440	24,686.97	24,492.62	13,93,347	13,791.47	13,626.31
28	Sikkim	11,059	162.54	156.89	13,805	225.77	219.30	8,509	112.22	106.02
29	Tamil Nadu	56,25,146	32,477.55	32,262.94	64,06,513	43,948.08	43,730.39	40,88,433	30,703.48	30,529.48
30	Telangana	5,33,545	6,168.85	6,010.47	6,39,323	8,134.81	7,995.30	4,26,660	5,488.43	5,315.61
31	Tripura	3,57,304	2,496.63	2,445.73	3,50,659	2,363.45	2,349.61	95,155	700.97	673.21
32	Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir	2,62,645	5,788.31	5,696.54	3,30,963	7,317.51	7,219.71	1,71,311	4,124.22	3,665.49
33	Union Territory of Ladakh	8,176	233.79	231.55	9,988	288.30	285.87	5,231	159.73	154.48
34	Uttar Pradesh	57,87,982	33,663.73	32,850.80	68,08,721	48,194.90	47,427.26	38,93,278	29,770.90	28,978.01
35	Uttarakhand	3,33,914	3,015.89	2,939.91	4,45,328	4,369.82	4,303.54	2,23,433	2,528.94	2,468.34
36	West Bengal	56,27,231	34,893.20	33,949.81	54,26,916	38,605.21	38,353.85	21,98,960	16,437.00	16,224.12
	All India	5,37,95,526	3,39,110.33	3,31,402.19	6,23,10,598	4,56,538.01	4,50,423.65	3,29,53,290	2,64,001.10	2,57,227.54
Source: As per data uploaded by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) on Mudra Portal

Water quality monitoring

Government of India, in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) since August, 2019 to provide potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country. Drinking Water being a state subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States including Assam by providing technical and financial assistance.

As per operational guidelines for the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission up to 2% of the allocation to States/ UTs under JJM can be utilized for carrying out water quality monitoring and surveillance activities. The water quality monitoring and surveillance is done through testing of water samples in Labs as well as testing through field testing Kits (FTKs) by community.

As reported by States/UTs, so far 2,118 drinking water quality testing laboratories (including 83 laboratories in Assam) at different levels viz. State, regional, district, sub-division and/or block level, have been set up in the country. To encourage water quality testing to ensure potable drinking water supply, these laboratories have also opened for general public for testing of their water samples at a nominal rate.

In order to empower the communities to monitor the water quality, States/ UTs have also been advised to identify and train 5 persons, preferably women, in every village to conduct water quality testing using Field Testing Kits (FTKs)/ bacteriological vials at village level and report the same on the WQMIS portal. So far, as reported by States/UTs, more than 22.98 lakh women (including 1.08 lakh in Assam) have been trained for testing water using FTKs.

To enable States/ UTs to test water samples for water quality, and for sample collection, reporting, monitoring and surveillance of drinking water sources, an online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed. As reported by States/UTs on WQMIS portal, as on 30/01/2024, more than 60.93 lakh water samples have been tested in the water testing laboratories and more than 99.99 lakh water samples using Field Testing Kits, during 2023-24. As reported by Assam, as on 30/01/2024, more than 2.23 lakhs water samples have been tested in water testing laboratories and more than 10.04 lakh water samples using Field Testing Kits, during 2023-24.

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, priority is accorded to make provision of tap water supply in drought-prone & desert areas, water quality-affected habitations, villages in Aspirational & JE–AES affected districts, Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) and SC/ ST majority villages. Under JJM, 0.5% of annual allocation is earmarked to States having Japanese Encephalitis-Acute Encephalitis Syndrome affected districts. Due to priority given to JE-AES affected districts (61), the tap water supply to households has increased from 8.01 lakh (2.71%) HHs in August 2019 to 216.04 lakh (72.99%) as on 30.01.2024.

Progress Report on Implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission

Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with states, in August 2019. Drinking Water is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.8%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 30.01.2024, more than 10.98 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 30.01.2024, out of 19.27 Crore rural households in the country, more than 14.21 Crore (73.76%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.

As JJM follows a universal approach for coverage of rural households, caste-based details of beneficiaries of tap water connections are not maintained at Government of India level. However, under the mission, priority has been given to SC/ ST majority villages and villages in Aspirational districts to provide tap water connections for clean tap water supply. Further, a 10% weightage is assigned for population residing in SC/ ST dominated areas, while allocating the fund, to prioritize the coverage in these areas. Further, Government of India has also approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) for development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) aiming at the targeted development of 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Rate this:

References

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this:

Rate this: