Composite Water Management Index (CWMI)

The establishment of the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) is a landmark achievement in the context of India’s water management. The Index can help reinforce the principle of ‘competitive and cooperative federalism’ in the country and enable innovation in the water ecosystem. The CWMI is the country’s first comprehensive and integrated national dataset for water. The conceptualization, development, and operationalization of this Index has involved close collaboration between several levels of national, state, and local policymakers and government officers. This has enabled the collection and compilation of key information in a data-scarce sector, which is expected to have two major benefits. The first is that the Index can help establish a sense of competitiveness across states to improve their performance in water management, while fostering close collaboration across states and with the centre. Second, since the data will be available on a public platform, researchers, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and policymakers can use it to create innovative products, provide value-added services, and design targeted policies and interventions. Going forward, the government can support this process by potentially designing a technological platform with open APIs to help unlock innovation in the broader water ecosystem.

Objectives of the Index:
 The CWMI is envisioned to bring about much-required improvements in water resource management and conservation in India in a coherent and collaborative manner. The Index will be a public platform that provides an annual snapshot of the water sector status and the water management performance of the different states and UTs in India. The Index will measure both the overall progress made by states in water management and the incremental improvement in performance across time. The results of the entire exercise will be used to propel action in the states to improve water outcomes, besides improving data collection and performance monitoring mechanisms. The Index is expected to promote the spirit of ‘competitive and cooperative federalism’ in the country, and ensure sustainable and effective management of water resources. The data included in the Index will be made publicly available to researchers and entrepreneurs to drive innovation in the sector. The collection and compilation of this strategic dataset is a big step towards addressing the country’s projected water risk and shortfall.




Scope and structure of the Index Themes and indicators The Index comprises nine themes (each having an attached weight), covering groundwater and surface water restoration, major and medium irrigation, watershed development, participatory irrigation management, on-farm water use, rural and urban water supply, and policy and governance. The themes and their respective weights are displayed . The themes are further sub-divided into 28 indicators. It should be highlighted that the data collection exercise necessary to develop and populate the Index was unprecedented. Not only was data on several indicators collected for the first time, but the exercise also involved deep collaboration among states, as well as extensive centre-state coordination.

The Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) is a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive scorecard for identifying, targeting, and solving problems in the water sector across the country. Its ranking and scoring system across states, as well as the collaborative process of Index design and updates, will ensure that the principle of ‘competitive and cooperative federalism’ is actualized in the country’s water management system. As the Index goes through multiple iterations, its ability to capture the fundamental drivers of water in India will increase, and it is likely to emerge as the definitive dataset for understanding India’s water sector. Going forward, the government can amplify the impact of the Index by developing a platform that can be accessed by researchers, NGOs, entrepreneurs and policymakers to enable innovation in the broader water ecosystem.




The indicators in the Water Index have been grouped into nine broad themes, which are:
i. Source augmentation and restoration of water bodies
ii. Source augmentation (Groundwater)
iii. Major and medium irrigation—Supply side management
iv. Watershed development—Supply side management,
v. Participatory irrigation practices—Demand side management
vi. Sustainable on-farm water use practices—Demand side management
vii. Rural drinking water
viii. Urban water supply and sanitation
ix. Policy and governance

Mission Satyanishtha in Indian Railways

In first of its kind event held by any government organization, the Indian Railways organized a programme on Ethics in Public Governance and Launched “Mission Satyanishtha” at a daylong event.

People define an organization and an organization defines its people, hence, work culture has to be improved and transparency brought about, data should be displayed on public domains so as to get constructive feedbacks from the users”.  “Lack of interest towards work in any system, may be termed as unethical amounting to corruption”.

The issue of Ethics, Integrity and probity in public life have been a matter of concern all over the government sector. In this context it is also extremely important that all railway servants adhere to impeccable conduct and integrity at all times. “Mission Satyanishtha” launched on 27th July 2018 aims at sensitizing all railway employees about the need to adhere to good ethics and to maintain high standards of integrity at work. Talks and Lectures on the subject are being organised all over the Indian Railways today for this purpose.  The objectives of the Mission are:

1. To train every employee to understand the need and value of ethics in Personal and Public life.
2. To deal with ethical dilemmas in life and Public Governance.
3. To help understand the policies of Indian Railways on ethics and integrity and the employee’s role in upholding the same.
4. To develop inner governance through tapping inner resources.

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has sanctioned a total of 105 projects of sewerage infrastructure in Ganga basin states at an estimated cost of Rs.17484.97 crores for river cleaning and Ganga rejuvenation. Out of these, 25 sewerage infrastructure projects have so far been completed resulting into creation of approximately 421 MLD additional STP capacity through construction/ rehabilitation and approximately 2050 KM new sewer lines have been laid. Rest of the projects are under different stages of execution.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) carries out water quality monitoring of river Ganga from Gangotri to West Bengal. Comparison of observed water quality (2017) with bathing water quality criteria indicates that Dissolved Oxygen which is an indicator of river health has been found to be within acceptable limits of notified primary water quality criteria and satisfactory to support the ecosystem of river across all seasons and for almost entire stretch of river Ganga. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is found above acceptable limit in part of stretches downstream of Haridwar to Kannauj, at Kanpur, at Allahabad, at Varanasi; and some stretches in West Bengal (e.g. Bahrampore, Serampore, Palta, Dakhshineswar, Howrah, Garden Reach, Uluberia and Diamond Harbour).

The river water quality monitoring carried out in 2017 indicates improvement in water quality trends as compared to 2016.  The Dissolved Oxygen level are improving at 33 locations and is above the quality requirements of 5 mg/l. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels are reducing which is an improvement, at 26 locations and coliform bacteria count is reducing which is an improvement, at 30 locations.

Some examples of stretches showing improvements are:

1. Ganga at Rishikesh U/S
2. Ganga at Haridwar D/S
3. Ganga at Allahabad D/S (Sangam),
4. Ganga at Kanpur D/S (Jajmau Pumping Station)
5. Ganga at Varanasi U/S (Assighat)
6. Ganga at Buxar, Ramrekhaghat
7. Ganga at Punpun, Patna
8. Ganga at Diamond Harbour
1. Ganga at Garden Reach
10. Ganga at Baharampur
11. Ganga at Howrah Shivpur

The Central Government approved the 'Namami Gange' program on 13th May, 2015 as a comprehensive approach to rejuvenate the river Ganga and all its tributaries under one umbrella by consolidating the existing ongoing efforts and planning for a concrete action plan for the future. Also, as per the mandate of NMCG, all the projects have a targeted completion by 2020.

Lokpal Appointment

The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 came into force w.e.f. 16.01.2014. The Government initiated the process for appointment by convening the Selection Committee meeting on 03.02.2014.  The Selection Committee under section 4(1) of the Act, also constituted an eight Member Search Committee on 21.02.2014 in terms of section 4(3) of the Act. Two members of the Search Committee declined the offer of appointment.  Looking into such difficulties experienced and to remove certain difficulties in the operationalisation of the Act including issues relating to appointment of Chairperson and Members of Lokpal, etc. in the absence of a Leader of Opposition recognized as such in the Lok Sabha, the Government introduced the Lokpal and Lokayuktas and other related law (Amendment) Bill, 2014 in Lok Sabha on 18.12.2014. The Bill was referred to the Department –related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice for examination and report. The said Committee has submitted its report in the Parliament on 07.12.2015. In view of the apex court’s decision in the matter of Writ Petition (C) No. 245/2014 filed by Common Cause – a registered society, wherein it was observed that the law as it stands today is an eminently workable piece of legislation, two meetings of the Selection Committee under section 4(1) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 were held on 1st March, 2018 and 10th April, 2018. Upon the recommendations of the Selection Committee, Hon’ble President has nominated Shri MukulRohatgi, former Attorney General of India as “Eminent Jurist” Member of the Selection Committee. The next meeting of the Selection Committee has been convened on 19th July, 2018 to consider the constitution of Search Committee in terms of provisions of section 4(3) of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

Proposed Nuclear Reactors

The Government in June, 2017 accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for setting up ten indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each in fleet mode. These reactors of indigenous technology are being set up by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a wholly owned PSU of Government of India under the administrative control of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

These reactors are proposed to be set up at the following locations:

Location & State	Project	Capacity(MW)
Chutka, Madhya Pradesh	Chutka -1&2	2 X 700
Kaiga, Karnataka	Kaiga - 5&6	2 X 700
Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan	Mahi Banswara - 1&2	2 X 700
Gorakhpur,  Haryana	GHAVP - 3&4	2 X 700
Mahi Banswara, Rajasthan	Mahi Banswara - 3&4	2 X 700

Pre-project activities comprising of Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Environmental Clearance, etc are in progress at various stages at these sites. Land is available at Kaiga and Gorakhpur sites and land acquisition is at an advanced stage at Chutka and Mahi Banswara sites. Environmental Clearance is accorded for Chutka 1&2 and GHAVP 3&4 projects. For other sites, the process of Environmental Clearance is in various stages. In addition, procurement of long manufacturing cycle equipment, human resource planning etc. have been initiated.

With the progressive completion of projects under construction (including 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), being implemented by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited [BHAVINI] and projects sanctioned (including these ten PHWRs), the total nuclear power capacity will reach 22480 MW by the year 2031.

Impact of Cutting Trees on Pollution

 “The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) accords prior environmental clearance for projects or activities listed in the Schedule to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 (and its amendments) after having followed the prescribed process in the said notification. The Ministry after having followed the prescribed process in the EIA Notification, 2006 has granted environmental clearance to the re-development of general pool residential colonies at Netaji Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and Thyagraj Nagar, subject to stipulation of various environmental safeguards in terms of the provisions of the EIA Notification, 2006 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Permission for cutting/felling of trees is under the jurisdiction of State Forest Department and NOC/permission before felling of trees is required to be obtained from them under the Delhi Preservation of Tree Act, 1994.

Environmental Clearances are granted with specific stringent conditions which are both project specific and general in nature as well as mitigative measures in accordance with the Environment Management Plan Report which is prepared on the basis of the study and are to be complied with by the project proponents. The compliance of these conditions is strictly assessed / evaluated / monitored by the concerned authorities at the State and Central level.

In order to protect the environment, different conditions were stipulated in the environmental clearances issued to these projects which inter-alia includes:

• The project proponent shall obtain all necessary clearance/ permission from all relevant agencies including town planning authority before commencement of work. All the construction shall be done in accordance with the local building byelaws.

• The project proponent shall obtain necessary clearance/ permission from concerned authority before felling any tree.

• The project proponent should comply with the directions given by the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal vide its Order dated 4th September, 2017 in the matter of OA No. 553 of 2016 and Order dated 22nd September, 2017 in the matter of MA No. 1154 of 2017 in OA No. 553 of 2016.

• A minimum of 1 tree for every 80 sqm of land should be planted and maintained. The existing trees will be counted for this purpose. Preference should be given to planting native species. Where the trees need to be cut, compensatory plantation in the ratio of 1:10 (i.e. planting of 10 trees for every 1 tree that is cut) shall be done and maintained in compliance with the directions given by the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal vide its Order dated 4th September, 2017 in the matter of OA No. 553 of 2016”.

National Testing Agency

The Minister of Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has started its work and will be conducting various entrance examinations for higher educational Institutions from next academic sessions onwards.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, he said that the NTA will bring qualitative difference in the examination process by its focus on research and scientific test design using services of Experts, Researchers, Statisticians, Psychometricians, Test Item Writers and Education Specialists. The item writers would be trained to ensure that the quality of questions is as per the test design. The experts, statisticians and item writers/subject matter experts are already identified for being inducted into NTA. The new system will be student friendly, fair , transparent and flexible, the Minister added.

The Minister highlighted that for the first time in the history of competitive examinations, the JEE (Main) and NEET (UG) will be conducted twice before admissions in the next academic session. This gives a choice to the students especially if they fail to appear in a test due to unwarranted circumstances. He also informed that the syllabus and the pattern of question paper would remain the same and there will be NO increase in the exam fees currently being charged.

He also informed that the examinations for all candidates will be conducted in computer based  mode only (Starting from next exam UGC-NET exam). He further informed that these examinations will use highly secured IT software and encryption to ensure delivery of tests just in time. This will ensure no leakages and other malpractices.  

National Testing Agency (NTA) was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2017 as an Autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational Institutions.

Features of exams to be conducted by NTA:

1. This will give more chances to students thereby giving adequate opportunity to bring out his/her best and reducing stress which develops due to single exam conducted on one single day in the year. However, sitting in both the tests will not be compulsory. The two tests (each for JEE (Main) & NEET (UG)) will be equated using psychometric methods, standardisation techniques and best of the equated scores will be used for the admissions.
2. All the tests ( UGC- NET ( December), JEE (Main) & NEET (UG)) will be conducted in multiple sittings and a candidate will have an option of dates to choose from. Scores of different candidates in multiple sittings will also be equated using standardisation techniques.
3. NTA will establish a network of test practice centres for students of rural areas so that everyone will have an opportunity to practice before the exam. Schools/engineering colleges with computer centres would be identified and kept open on Saturday/Sunday starting from 3rd week of August. Any student can use the facility free of charge.
4. All tests would be set in a scientific manner with the test items developed jointly by the subject matter experts and psychometricians. Before developing the question papers, the item writers for the exams will be given feedback on the functioning of the previous years’ items so that they are able to make test items which are more valid and reliable. All the above mentioned examinations will be held in existing number of languages.

India's diplomacy global success

One of the biggest successes of the  government in the past 48 months has been in the diplomatic arena, from the neighbourhood to beyond, the diplomacy has worked well. Though there have been some disappointments as well given the evolving global situation, but India's global profile and its respect amongst the comity of nations has gone up many notches.To understand it better, the following are the key areas in which the Government's policy has had its successes:The surgical strike against Pakistan is a case in point, which was a game changer approach. India ensured it sent a strong message to Pakistan, that it will no longer act with restraint if Pakistan continues to provoke it with terrorist incidents. It was also a message to the military establishment in Pakistan that India will respond at a time of its choosing and will not hesitate to hit back. While Pakistan was shocked, the global community supported India. The fact that even Pakistan’s close backers  are questioning it on the issue of terrorism is a major shift. This has been brought about by its increased isolation in the global arena following India's sustained efforts during bilateral and multilateral parleys in the world.A majority of SAARC countries decided to boycott the summit in Pakistan which led to the postponement of the summit.  Not only this, the Trump administration also gave a strong warning to Pakistan on the issue of terrorism.Besides this, from receiving the highest civilian award from Saudi Arabia to a closer strategic relationship with the Gulf countries like UAE, Oman and Qatar to engaging Israel, the diplomacy under Narendra Modi has seen an accelerated push.  From cooperation on security issues and repatriation of Indian fugitives to investment by their sovereign wealth funds, India's diplomatic engagement has brought in tangible strategic outcomes.The Road AheadDiplomacy has been one of the high points of Narendra Modi government's tenure from the gains at the UN, winning ICJ and a strong support from the US President Donald Trump on the issue of terrorism. India's global clout has expanded exponentially.Work on India US ConfluenceThe Indo US relations have intensified with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump forging a good chemistry. That has translated into US putting Pakistan on notice. The Defence partnership is booming. The two countries need to resolve the trade and immigration issues and get this relationship into a delivery mode. On the boundary issue post the Doklam Standoff with China, there have been disappoint-ments but India has dealt with them firmly, only elevating India's status in the global power arena. In the changed global order, the power profile of the country also comes from a combination of its economic profile, besides the ability of the leader of the country to have many friends across the globe. One of the key successes of the government has been to have a string of close friends across the globe which have helped India assume a higher diplomatic profile globally.Robust Act East PolicyAnother key achievement of the Modi government has been to successfully transform India's look East policy to a robust Act East policy which has helped build India's global profile. The Prime Minister's recent trip to Indonesia, his participation in the Shangrila Dialogue, a dialogue with the Singapore leadership and a stopover in Malaysia were all aimed at reinforcing India's continued commitment to relationship with these countries. Earlier, the fact that all ASEAN leaders were invited as a Chief Guests at the Republic Day parade was a manifestation of that special partnership. This partnership is based on three essential pillars, first is economic cooperation, where India and these countries reap the benefits of a dynamic trade relationship, second is strategic where they cooperate on defence, ensuring sea lanes of communication, cooperate against sea piracy and on counter terrorism. The third pillar is cultural links where India and these countries cooperate on their cultural and traditional links while forging a fresh connect through Indian diaspora. It also serves another larger strategic objective in ensuring that India's dominant role in Asia as a preserver of peace and stability is reinforced.A strong alliance in Asia, has also helped a new global coinage of Indo-Pacific reaffirming India as a dominant player in the region. It has also proved an effective counter weight to any hegemonic designs in the Asian region.Expanding India's humani-tarian DiplomacyIn the age of social media and increasing awareness about global issues India must ensure that Indians abroad and those who engage with India, travelers and visa seekers are welcomed with a humanitarian angle. Indian missions and the Indian foreign office must create awareness around it, and Indian missions and Envoys must become the first outpost of a welcome that tourists will await in India when they come to the country.The other part of the humanitarian diplomacy is India's outreach to countries in need, so far we have done it in India's strategic neighbourhood but we must extend beyond this. For our global aspirations we must be seen as a country which stand with the have nots of the world. We must engage and spread our global goodwill diplomacy.Climb the Chinese WallAfter the resolution of the Doklam standoff and the Wuhan summit the understanding between the two countries has increased. Both countries have economic stakes in a better relationship with each other. They have the potential of cooperating on global environment and sustainability issues and on multilateral forums.A softer touch for the neighbourhoodFrom Nepal, Sri Lanka to Afghanistan and Bangladesh India needs to work on a policy of soft engagement working on cultural similarities and creating goodwill amongst these countries. A region specific public diplomacy initiative needs to be carried out directed at the young people in these countries to create a goodwill for India.Engaging Russia and EuropeRussia is an old friend of India and we should not forget old friends, it is crucial for India in Afghanistan and is an important energy and defence partner. It will require a sustained effort with multiple options including military and diplomatic to ensure that costs are inflicted on Pakistan for its support to terrorism.Human-centric DiplomacyFor any country a successful diplomatic outreach is also measured if its citizens feel reassured that their government will save them if they are in harm's way especially if they are abroad. Global powers like the US were considered as a role model for the pressure they would bring about to get their citizens safely back home. This has been a major shift for India, as the Government has been more receptive and the Indian Missions have ensured that thousands of Indians were brought back home through the Government's extended outreach through diplomatic intervention. What has changed now is that the social media has become an important medium in ensuring that the citizens reach out to the Government when in distress and the Indian missions have been directed to ensure that help reaches them swiftly. While India has had successful evacuation missions in the past as well, but what has been a big change is the swiftness and the other is to ensure that an individual citizen also has a voice by which they can reach out to their government when they are in crisis.Successful Power DiplomacyDeveloping personal chemistry has been a key measure of success for the Narendra Modi government, and the Prime Minister deserves credit for his attempts to create a good rapport with World leaders. From the US President Donald Trump, to Vladimir Putin of Russia , Xi Jinping of China, Shinzo Abe of Japan and Emanual Macaron of France the personal touch diplomacy of the Indian PM has yielded successful results. In some cases the success has been mixed, especially when it comes to the recent Trade and Immigration related differences with Russia for deeper economic and defence cooperation. While EU and India will have their divergence of views, we should continue to work and get innovation, skill development and aerospace into the gamut of our relationship with our leading partnerships in Europe and UK.Diplomacy for a new IndiaAs India's global canvas grows it has to adapt its diplomacy to newer tools of modern day statecraft by factoring to a social media and internet age. Indian diplomacy now needs to get in more domain experts, create a strategy using digital and social media to engage with young people as diplomacy and foreign policy are also about creating public diplomacy perceptions.

HEFA

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister  has approved the proposal for expanding the scope of Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) by enhancing its capital base to Rs. 10,000 crore and tasking it to mobilise Rs. 1,00,000 crore for Revitalizing Infrastructure and Systems in Education (RISE) by 2022.

Details:

In order to expand this facility to all institutions, especially to the institutions set up after 2014, Central Universities which have very little internal resources, and the school education/health education infrastructure like AllMSs, Kendriya Vidyalayas, the CCEA has approved the following five windows for financing under HEFA and the modalities of repaying the Principal portion of the fund (interest continues to be serviced through Government grants in all these cases):

1. Technical Institutions more than  10 years old:  Repay the whole Principal Portion from the internally generated budgetary resources.
2. Technical Institutions started between 2008 and 2014: Repay 25% of the principal portion from internal resources, and receive grant for the balance of the Principal portion.

• Central Universities started

1. prior to 2014: Repay 10% of the principal portion from internal resources, and receive grant for the balance of the Principal portion.
2. Newly established   Institutions  (started   after   2014):   for   funding construction of permanent campuses: Grant would be provided for complete servicing of loan including the Principal and interest.
3. Other educational institutions and grant-in-aid institutions of Ministry of Health: All the newly set up AIIMSs and other health institutions, the Kendriya Vidyalayas / Navodaya Vidyalayas would be funded and the Department/Ministry concerned will give a commitment for complete servicing of the principal and interest by ensuring adequate grants to the institution.

The Cabinet has also permitted the HEFA to mobilise Rs 1,00,000 crore over the next 4 years till 2022 to meet the infrastructure needs of these institutions. The CCEA has also approved increasing the authorized share capital of HEFA to Rs. 10,000 crore, and approved infusing additional Government equity of Rs. 5,000 crore (in addition to Rs. 1,000 crore already provided) in HEFA.

The CCEA has also approved that the modalities for raising money from the market through Government guaranteed bonds and commercial borrowings would be decided in consultation with the Department of Economic Affairs so that the funds are mobilized at the least cost.

This would enable addressing the needs of all educational institutions with differing financial capacity in an inclusive manner.

This would enable HEFA to leverage additional resources from the market to supplement equity, to be deployed to fund the requirements of institutions.  Government guarantee would eliminate the risk factor in Bonds issue and attract investment in to this important national activity.

Background:

HEFA has been set up on 31st  May 2017 by the Central Government as a Non ­Profit, Non Banking Financing Company (NBFC) for mobilising extra-budgetary resources for building crucial infrastructure in the higher educational institutions under Central Govt. In the existing arrangement, the entire principle portion is repaid by the institution over ten years, and the interest portion is serviced by the Government by providing additional grants to the institution. So far, funding proposals worth Rs. 2,016 crore have been approved by the HEFA.

Minimum Support Price of Paddy 2018

Giving a major boost for the farmers’ income, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all kharif crops for 2018-19 Season.

The decision of the CCEA is a historic one as it redeems the promise of the pre-determined principle of fixing the MSPs at a level of at least 150 percent of the cost of production announced by the Union Budget for 2018-19.  The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended MSPs for all kharif crops broadly in line with the announced principle.

The Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all kharif crops of 2018-19 season have been increased as follows:

(Rs/quintal)

Commodity	Variety	MSP for 2017-18Season	MSP approvedfor 2018-19Season	Increase		Return*over cost in percent
				Absolute Absolute	Percentage
Paddy	Common	1550	1750	200	12.90	50.09

Grade A Grade A

1590

1770

180

11.32

51.80

* Includes all paid out costs such as those incurred on account of hired human labour, bullock labour/machine labour, rent paid for leased in land, expenses incurred on use of material inputs like seeds, fertilizers, manures, irrigation charges, Depreciation on implements and farm miscellaneous expenses, and imputed value of family labour.

Details:

The Budget for 2018-19 had indicated that a paradigm shift in the agricultural policies is needed to achieve the objective of doubling farmers' income by 2022 through greater emphasis on generating higher incomes of farmers. The increase in the MSPs of Nigerseed at Rs.1827 per quintal, moong by Rs.1400 per quintal, sunflower seed by Rs.1288 per quintal and cotton by Rs.l 130 per quintal is unprecedented.

Amongst cereals and nutri cereals, in terms of absolute increase, MSP of paddy (common) has been raised by Rs 200 per quintal, jowar (hybrid) by Rs 730 per quintal and ragi by Rs 997 per quintal. The highest percentage increase in MSP over the previous year is for ragi (52.47 %) followed by jowar hybrid (42.94%). For pulses, apart from Moong, MSP of arhar (tur) has been raised by Rs 225 per quintal yielding a return over cost by 65.36 per cent and urad by Rs 200 per quintal with a return over cost by 62.89 per cent in order to maintain inter-crop-price parity. Similarly, the MSP of Bajra has been raised by Rs.525 per quintal yielding a return of 96.97 per cent over cost.

Promoting cultivation of pulses can help India overcome nutrition insecurity, improve soil fertility by nitrogen fixation and provide income support to farmers. Thus, increased MSPs for pulses will give a price signal to farmers to increase acreage. Further enhanced MSPs would boost production of oilseeds and encourage investment in its productivity and help reduce India's import bill. Increase in MSPs of nutri-cereals will improve nutritional security and allow farmers to get higher prices.

Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other designated State Agencies would continue to provide price support to the farmers in the case of cereals including nutri-cereals. National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED), FCI, Small Farmers Agri -Business Consortium (SFAC) and other designated Central Agencies would continue to undertake procurement of pulses and oilseeds. Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) will be the central nodal agency for undertaking price support operations for Cotton.

Farmer friendly initiatives by the Government:  

Besides increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of kharif crops, Government has also taken several farmer friendly initiatives. Theseare as follows:

*      The premium rates to be paid by farmers are very low - 2 % of sum insured for all kharif crops, 1.5% for all rabi crops and 5 % for commercial and horticulture crops under smart technology through phones & remote sensing for quick estimation and early settlement of claims. The Government has also launched a Mobile App "Crop Insurance" which will help farmers to find out complete details about insurance cover available in their area and to calculate the insurance premium for notified crops.

•      The Government has also launched a scheme to develop a pan India electronic trading platform under 'National Agriculture Market' (NAM) aiming to integrate 585 regulated markets with the common e-market platform in order to facilitate better price discovery and ensure remunerative prices to farmers. Each State is being encouraged to undertake three major reforms - allow electronic trading, have a single license valid throughout the State and a single entry point market fee. It will also enable farmers to discover better prices for their produce. As on 23rd  March, 2018, 585 markets in 16 States and 2 Union Territories have already been brought on the e-NAM platform.

•      Government has also formulated a new model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2017 to provide farmers market options beyond the existing APMC regulated market yards.

•      Soil Health Cards are being issued to farmers across the country. These will be renewed every two years. The card provides information on fertility status of soil and a soil test based advisory on use of fertilizers. As on 25th June, 2018, 15.14 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed.

•      Under ParamparagatKrishiVikasYojana (PKVY), the Government is promoting organic farming and development of potential market for organic products.

•      The Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchaiYojana is being implemented with the vision of extending the coverage of irrigation 'HarKhetkoPani' and improving water use efficiency 'Per Drop More Crop ' in a focused manner with end to end solution on source creation, distribution, management, field application and extension activities.

•      Government is focusing on improving production and productivity of crops such as rice, wheat, coarse grains and pulses under the National Food Security Mission.

•      A dedicated online interface e-KrishiSamvad provides direct and effective solutions to problems faced by farmers.         

•      Government is encouraging formation of Farmer Producer Organisations. The Budget for 2018-19 has extended a favourable taxation treatment to Farmer Producers Organisations (FPQs) for helping farmers aggregate their needs of inputs, farm services, processing and sale operations.

•      Government has set up a buffer stock of pulses and domestic procurement of pulses is also being done under Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) mainly with a view to protect consumers. The Budget for 2018-19 indicated that increasing MSP. is not adequate and it is more important that farmers should get full benefit of the announced MSP. For this, it is essential that if price of the agriculture produce market is less than MSP, then Government should purchase either at MSP or work in a manner to provide MSP for the farmers through some other mechanism. NITI Aayog, in consultation with Central and State Governments, will put in place a fool-proof mechanism so that farmers will get adequate price for their produce.

•      A handbook for women farmers 'Farm Women Friendly Hand Book' containing special provisions and package of assistance which women farmers can claim under various on­ going Missions/ Submissions/ Schemes of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare has been brought out.

•      With the above measures taken, the Government has set a target to double the farmers' Income by 2022.