Indian Polity: August 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Healthcare Bills to Reform Nursing, Midwifery, and Dentistry

Why in News?

Recently, the Lok Sabha passed National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill (NNMC), 2023, and the National Dental Commission bill, 2023.

• The Bills aim to repeal existing acts and bring about improvements in the quality of healthcare in different medical fields.

What is the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill,2023?

• About:
  • The NNMC Bill is a significant healthcare legislation aimed at reforming and enhancing nursing and midwifery professions in India.
  • Establish the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) as a regulatory body for nursing and midwifery professionals.
  • Repeal the existing Indian Nursing Council Act, of 1947. As the act is outdated and does not reflect the current needs and demands of the nursing and midwifery profession, which has evolved significantly over the years in terms of education, training, practice, and service standards.
• Key Features
  • National Nursing and Midwifery Commission: NNMC will consist of 29 members.
  • Chairperson with a postgraduate degree in nursing and midwifery and 20 years of field experience.
  • Ex-officio members from Department of Health and Family Welfare, National Medical Commission, Military Nursing Services, and Directorate General of Health Services.
  • Other members from nursing and midwifery professionals and charitable institutions.
• Functions:
  • Framing policies and regulating standards for nursing and midwifery education.
  • Providing a uniform admission process for nursing and midwifery institutions.
  • Regulating nursing and midwifery institutions.
  • Establishing standards for faculty in teaching institutions.
• Autonomous Boards:
  • Nursing and Midwifery Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education Board: Regulate education and examination at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
  • Nursing and Midwifery Assessment and Rating Board: Provide the framework for assessing and rating nursing and midwifery institutions.
  • Nursing and Midwifery Ethics and Registration Board: Regulate professional conduct and promote ethics in the profession.
• State Nursing and Midwifery Commissions:
  • To be constituted by state governments.
  • Will consist of 10 members, including representatives from the health department and nursing/midwifery colleges.
  • Functions include enforcing professional conduct, maintaining state registers, issuing certificates of specialization, and conducting skill-based examinations.
• Establishment of Institutions:
  • Permission from Assessment and Rating Board required to establish new nursing and midwifery institutions or increase seats/postgraduate courses.
  • Appeals process available to National Commission and Central Government in case of disapproval.
• Practicing as a Professional:
  • Individuals must be enrolled in the National or State Register to practice nursing or midwifery.
  • Non-compliance may result in imprisonment or a fine.
• Advisory Council:
  • Provides advice and support to the National Commission on Nursing and Midwifery education, services, training, and research.
  • Includes representatives from each State and Union Territory, Ministry of Ayush, University Grants Commission, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Indian Council of Medical Research, and nursing/midwifery professionals.

What is the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023?

• About:
  • The National Dental Commission Bill focuses on the regulation and improvement of dentistry in India.
  • Establish the National Dental Commission (NDC) to regulate the profession of dentistry.
  • Repeal the Dentists Act of 1948.
• Key Features
  • National Dental Commission: Constituted by the central government with 33 members and will be chaired by an eminent and experienced dentist.
  • Chairperson appointed by the central government upon recommendation of a search-cum-selection committee which is chaired by Cabinet Secretary.
  • Ex-officio members of the commission include Presidents of three autonomous Boards, Director General of Health Services, Chief of the Centre for Dental and Educational Research, AIIMS.
  • Part-time members include faculties of dentistry from government institutes and representatives of states and union territories.
• Functions:
  • Regulating dental education, institutions, research, and infrastructure, as well as ensuring admissions through National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
• Autonomous Boards:
  • Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board: Responsible for determining education standards, developing curriculum, and granting recognition to dental qualifications.
  • Dental Assessment and Rating Board: Responsible for determining compliance assessment procedure for dental institutions, granting permission to establish new institutions, and conducting inspections and ratings.
  • Ethics and Dental Registration Board: Responsible for maintaining online national registers of dentists/dental auxiliaries, suspending/cancelling licenses, and regulating standards of conduct, ethics and the scope of the practice.
• State Dental Councils:
  • To be established within a year, responsible for maintaining registers, handling grievances, and implementing provisions.
• Entrance Examinations:
  • Admission to Bachelor of Dental Surgery through NEET, and National Exit Test (Dental) for licensing and postgraduate admissions.
  • Clearing National (Exit) Test grants a license to practice dentistry, but registration in state/national register required before commencing practice.
• Dental Advisory Council:
  • Advise the Commission on education, training, research, and equitable access to dental education.
  • Ex-officio members of the Commission are ex-officio members of the Council.

The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023

Context

Rajya Sabha passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, which cracks down on film piracy along with changing how movies are certified by the censor board.

The background

• The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2019 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha proposing changes related only to film piracy.
• This Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Information Technology, whose recommendations included age-based categories of certification.
• The revised Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021 and the final version (2023 Bill) were drafted after consultations with industry stakeholders and the public.

About the 2023 Bill

• Introduced by the Ministry of I&B, the Bill seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act 1952.
• The 1952 Act authorises the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to require cuts in films and clear them for exhibition in cinemas and on television/ refuse the exhibition of a film.

Why does the Cinematograph Act 1952 need amendments?

• To harmonise the law with various executive orders, SC judgements, and other legislations like the Copyright Act, 1957 and the IT Act (IT) 2000.
• To improve the procedure for licensing films for public exhibition by the CBFC, and
• To expand the scope of categorisations for certification.
• To curb the menace of piracy, there was a huge demand from the film industry to address the issue of unauthorised recording and exhibition of films, which is causing them huge losses (Rs 20,000 crore annually).

Significance of the Bill

• It will make the certification process more effective, in tune with the present times.
• By comprehensively curbing the menace of film piracy, it will help in faster growth of the film industry and boost job creation in the sector.

Concerns

• OTT platforms out of the purview of the Bill: What if an uncut movie is broadcast on OTT?
• Age-appropriate categories are self-regulatory: It places the onus on parents and guardians to determine if the material is appropriate for viewers of a particular age range.

India Takes First Step To Remove Animals From Drug-Testing Process

Why in the news?

Recently, an amendment to the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023) passed by the Government of India, aims to replace the use of animals in research, especially in drug testing.

• The amendment authorises researchers to instead use non-animal and human-relevant methods, including technologies like 3D organoids, organs-on-chip, and advanced computational methods, to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

What is the reason behind shifting to Alternative testing modes?

• The drug development journey involves rigorous testing to assess the efficacy and unintended effects.
• The first step of this process has been to test the candidate molecule in at least two animal species: a rodent (mouse or rat) and a non-rodent, such as canines and primates
• Lack of accuracy: Human response is influenced by factors like genetics and diet, leading to a significant mismatch between animal models and human responses.
• This mismatch contributes to the high failure rate during human clinical trials, highlighting the need for more accurate testing methods.
• Animals cannot consent to their own participation in research.
• Welfare of animals: Critics argue that animal testing can cause suffering and harm to animals. Animals are held in sterile, isolated cages, forced to suffer disease and injury, and typically euthanized at the end of each study.

What are Alternative testing modes?

• Organoids: These technologies encompass three-dimensional cellular structures, known as "organoids" or "mini-organs," which closely replicate the functions of specific body organs at a miniature scale.
• Organ-on-a-chip: The "organ-on-a-chip" technology employs small chips with human cells and microchannels to simulate physiological processes.
• organ-on-a-chip are AA-battery-sized chips lined with human cells connected to microchannels, to mimic blood flow inside the body.
• Additive manufacturing: 3D bioprinters use human cells as 'bio-ink' to build tissues. This could help make personalized drug tests and change how we create drugs.

What are Global regulatory frameworks that have adopted non-animal methods to test the effect and potential side-effects of new drug candidates?

• European Union: In 2021, the European Union adopted a resolution for an action plan promoting non-animal technologies in research, regulatory testing, and education.
• USA: The U.S. passed the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 in December 2022, permitting the use of these methods for drug safety and efficacy testing.
• South Korea: South Korea introduced a Bill for advancing alternatives to animal testing in December 2022.
• Canada: In June 2023, Canada amended its Environmental Protection Act to minimize vertebrate animal use in toxicity testing.

India

• In March 2023, the Indian government incorporated non-animal alternatives for drug testing and development into the drug development process by modifying the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules 2019.
• This step followed public input and consultation with the Drug Technical Advisory Board, which advises governments on drug-related technical issues at both the Central and State levels.

What are the challenges with these alternate methods?

• Multidisciplinary: Developing an organ-on-a-chip system requires multidisciplinary knowledge in the fields of cell biology, materials science, fluid dynamics, electronics, engineering, and pharmacology/toxicology to accurately replicate organ behavior and assess drug effects.
• At present there is a lack of focused training and expertise in India.
• Dependence of Imports: Most of the reagents, cell-culture related materials, and instruments for these technologies are currently imported from the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
• Managing Complexity: Researchers simplify recreating human tissues in the lab by minimizing components for disease simulation.
• No universal approach due to disease-specific variations; for example, a liver-on-a-chip won't fit all liver diseases.
• Variability arises from differences in lab protocols, expertise, and specific research goals. Regulators express concerns about data consistency due to these variations.

Suggestions

• Establishment of specialized institutes: Recently, a meeting organized by the Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems and Humane Society International India called for the need of specialized institutes similar to the Wyss Institute.
  • Wyss Insitute in Boston is a dedicated center that focuses on innovations that emulate human biology.
• The dedicated institute will facilitate effective communication and collaboration across various fields.
• Promoting innovation: Developing a comprehensive and self-sustaining ecosystem in India to address this gap in the fields of cell culture, material science, and electronics.
• Guidelines: Urgent need for guidelines establishing minimal quality criteria and standards for these systems.
• Existing guidelines on animal testing requirements need re-evaluation and updating to accommodate advancements in cell-based and gene-editing therapies.

Select Committee of Parliament

Why in News?

Recently, the formation of a Select Committee for the Delhi Services Bill, has sparked controversy after several Members of Parliament (MPs) claimed that their names were included without their consent.

• However, the Delhi Services Bill has been passed by both the houses of Parliament.

What is a Select Committee?

• About:
• Select Committees are a category of ad hoc or temporary committees established with the specific purpose of examining and scrutinizing particular Bills.
  • Its membership is limited to MPs from one House.
  • These committees are dissolved once their designated task has been fulfilled.
• Although temporary, the procedures and rules governing Select Committees are well-defined within the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament.
• Formation of Select Committees:
  • The formation of a Select Committee can be initiated through a motion proposed by the Minister in-charge of the Bill or any member of the Parliament.
  • This proposal is then presented to the House for adoption. If adopted, the Committee is formed to consider and report on the referred Bill.
• Selecting Members for a Select Committee:
  • The members of a Select Committee are specifically named in the motion that calls for the Bill to be referred to the Committee.
  • These members are appointed by the House, and their consent is a crucial aspect of the process.
  • While Rajya Sabha rules mandate that no member can be appointed to a Select Committee if they are not willing to serve on it, the rules do not explicitly require the collection of signatures for proposed members.
• Quorum:
  • The composition of a Select Committee varies depending on its purpose. It operates with a quorum of one-third of the total number of members.
  • If there's a tie in votes, the chairman (or presiding person) has a casting vote.
• Function:
  • The primary duty of a Select Committee is to meticulously review the Bill, examining its clauses to ensure they accurately reflect the intended purpose and objectives of the measure.
  • The Committee can gather information through memoranda from experts, oral evidence, and government officials.
  • After evaluating the evidence, the Committee formulates its conclusions, which may involve amending clauses to align them with the Bill's intent.
  • It can also form sub-committees to address specific aspects of the Bill.
  • The committee's report, including any dissenting opinions, is presented to the House.
  • The reports of the Select Committee are recommendatory in nature. The government can choose to accept or reject the committee's recommendations.

India’s 6th Minor Irrigation Census

Context 

The Ministry of Jal Shakti released the 6th census report on minor irrigation schemes. According to the report, there has been an increase of approximately 1.42 million minor irrigation (MI) schemes compared to the 5th census. 

• At the national level, both Groundwater (GW) and Surface Water (SW) schemes have seen an increase of 6.9% and 1.2%, respectively.

Details

The report provides a comprehensive overview of minor irrigation (MI) schemes in India, including information on various parameters such as irrigation sources, irrigation potential created and utilized, ownership, landholding size of owners, devices used for lifting water, sources of energy, and the use of energy-conserving devices like sprinkler and drip irrigation. It also includes data on non-conventional energy sources such as solar pumps and windmills.

Summary of the Report

• The report covers various critical parameters related to minor irrigation (MI) schemes, including the types of irrigation sources, the potential created and utilized, ownership patterns, landholding sizes of owners, water-lifting devices, energy sources, and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies like sprinkler and drip irrigation. It also includes data on non-conventional energy sources like solar pumps and windmills.
• Uttar Pradesh emerges as the state with the highest number of MI schemes, followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Regarding groundwater (GW) schemes, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana lead the way, while states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, and Jharkhand have the largest share of surface water (SW) schemes.
• The report is expected to be valuable for a diverse group of stakeholders, including planners, policymakers, researchers, agricultural and groundwater scientists, administrators, and anyone involved in the development of irrigation and the agricultural sector in India.
• Electricity has been increasingly used for groundwater extraction, driven by the adoption of tubewells and borewells capable of drawing water from greater depths. Although dugwells remain the dominant source of groundwater, their numbers have declined slightly, and shallow tubewells have also decreased. Conversely, medium-sized and deep wells have experienced growth in numbers.
• The report does not explicitly investigate the specific causes behind the increased use of more powerful and deep-reaching tubewells. However, it is suggested that state governments may have implemented schemes to incentivize or facilitate access to loans for farmers looking to purchase such tubewells.

Minor Irrigation

About

• Minor irrigation refers to the irrigation practices that involve small-scale water management systems designed to provide water to agricultural fields on a limited scale. It typically covers small water sources and structures, often at the local or individual farm level.
• Minor irrigation systems are essential for supplementing the water needs of crops, especially in areas where major irrigation projects or large dams are not feasible.

Features of Minor Irrigation

• Small-Scale Infrastructure
  • Minor irrigation systems are characterized by their small-scale nature. They consist of relatively modest structures and equipment, such as wells, borewells, tube wells, check dams, and tanks. These structures are designed to provide water to a limited area of agricultural land. Unlike major irrigation projects that cover large regions, minor irrigation focuses on serving local or individual farming needs.
• Localized Application
  • Minor irrigation systems are tailored to cater to the specific water requirements of individual farmers or small groups of farmers. This localized approach is well-suited for fragmented agricultural plots where the water needs of different fields may vary. Farmers can control and manage these systems to ensure that water is distributed efficiently to their crops.
• Diverse Water Sources
  • Minor irrigation systems draw water from various sources, depending on local hydrological conditions. This diversity includes groundwater, which is often assessed through tube wells and borewells, as well as surface water from sources like check dams and tanks. In addition, rainwater harvesting techniques are sometimes incorporated to capture and store precipitation for irrigation use. The choice of water source depends on factors such as water availability and geographical location.
• Affordability
  • One of the key advantages of minor irrigation systems is their relative affordability, especially for small and marginal farmers. These farmers may not have the financial resources to invest in large-scale irrigation infrastructure. Minor irrigation systems are often designed to be cost-effective and manageable by individual farmers or local communities, making them accessible to a broader segment of the farming population.
• Supplementary Role
  • Minor irrigation systems primarily serve as a supplement to rainfed agriculture. They play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply, particularly during dry periods or when rainfall is insufficient. By providing supplementary irrigation, these systems help farmers maintain crop growth and yields, reducing the risk of crop failure due to water scarcity.

Significance of Minor Irrigation

• Increased Agricultural Productivity
  • Minor irrigation systems provide a consistent and reliable water supply, allowing farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of seasonal variations in rainfall. This increased water availability supports higher crop yields and improved agricultural productivity. Farmers can optimize their planting and harvesting schedules, leading to better economic returns.
• Risk Mitigation
  • Dependency on rainfall alone can be risky, as erratic weather patterns and droughts can lead to crop failures and financial losses. Minor irrigation acts as a risk mitigation strategy by reducing reliance on unpredictable rainfall. Farmers have better control over their water supply, ensuring that crops receive adequate moisture even during dry spells. This resilience helps safeguard their income and food security.
• Crop Diversification
  • With the assurance of water from minor irrigation systems, farmers have the flexibility to diversify their crop choices and engage in multiple cropping cycles throughout the year. Crop diversification not only enhances the nutritional variety of local diets but also contributes to better food security. Additionally, it can lead to increased income by tapping into markets for various crops.
• Empowerment of Small Farmers
  • Minor irrigation systems empower small and marginal farmers who may have limited access to resources and face greater vulnerabilities. By providing these farmers with control over their water resources, they gain autonomy and are less reliant on external factors such as landlords or middlemen for water access. This empowerment leads to increased decision-making power and economic independence.
• Sustainable Agriculture
  • Minor irrigation systems promote sustainable water management practices. When combined with efficient water use technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation, they help conserve water resources. Sustainable practices ensure the long-term availability of water for irrigation, prevent over-extraction of groundwater and contribute to environmental conservation. By adopting these systems, farmers can achieve higher yields while minimizing their environmental footprint.

Steps Taken by India

• Financial Support
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): PMKSY is a flagship scheme of the Indian government aimed at providing financial support and incentives to farmers for various water-related activities, including minor irrigation. It promotes the development of sustainable water use practices, improved infrastructure, and efficient water management.
  • National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): NMSA includes components focused on enhancing water use efficiency and promoting minor irrigation. It provides financial support to farmers for adopting modern irrigation technologies and practices that reduce water wastage and improve crop yields.
• Technology Adoption
  • Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation: India has encouraged the adoption of modern irrigation technologies such as drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. These technologies help improve water use efficiency by delivering water directly to the root zone of crops, reducing water wastage through evaporation and runoff.
• Rainwater Harvesting
  • India has actively promoted rainwater harvesting techniques as part of its water management strategy. Rainwater harvesting structures, such as rooftop rainwater harvesting and check dams, are encouraged to capture and store rainwater. This stored water can then be used for minor irrigation, recharging groundwater aquifers, and meeting household water needs.
• Community-Based Initiatives
  • Many states in India have initiated community-based water management systems, often in the form of Watershed Development Projects. These projects involve local communities in the planning, implementation, and management of minor irrigation systems.
  • Communities play a vital role in the maintenance of check dams, farm ponds, and other water-harvesting structures, ensuring their sustainability and equitable distribution of water resources.
• Challenges
  • Access to Credit: Many farmers lack the financial resources to invest in minor irrigation systems, such as tube wells, pumps, sprinklers, or drip irrigation. They often have difficulty in obtaining loans from formal sources, such as banks or cooperatives, due to high-interest rates, collateral requirements, or bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Energy Costs: Minor irrigation systems require energy to operate, which can be costly for farmers. Electricity supply is often unreliable or unavailable in rural areas, forcing farmers to use diesel generators, which are expensive and polluting. Alternatively, farmers may use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, but these may have high upfront costs or technical challenges.
  • Sustainability: Minor irrigation systems can have negative impacts on the environment and the long-term availability of water resources. Over-extraction of groundwater can lower the water table and deplete the aquifers, leading to water scarcity and salinity problems. Moreover, inefficient use of water can cause wastage, runoff, soil erosion, and nutrient leaching.
  • Technical Knowledge: Farmers need adequate training and technical knowledge to install, operate, and maintain minor irrigation systems effectively. They need to know how to select the appropriate system for their crops and soil conditions, how to optimize water use efficiency, how to prevent or repair malfunctions, and how to monitor and evaluate the performance of the system.
  • Climate Change: Climate change poses a major challenge to the effectiveness of minor irrigation systems. Changing rainfall patterns can affect the availability and reliability of water sources, such as rivers, lakes, or groundwater. Erratic weather patterns can also affect crop growth and water demand, requiring farmers to adjust their irrigation schedules and practices accordingly.

Way Forward

• Capacity Building: Investing in training and capacity-building programs for farmers is crucial. These programs can help farmers understand modern irrigation technologies, best practices for water management, and how to optimize their irrigation systems. This knowledge can lead to improved crop yields and resource conservation.
• Energy Efficiency: Promoting energy-efficient technologies, like solar-powered pumps, is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective for farmers. These technologies can reduce operational costs associated with irrigation, making it more accessible and affordable.
• Groundwater Management: Sustainable groundwater management is essential to prevent over-extraction and depletion of groundwater resources. Implementing measures like monitoring and regulating groundwater usage can help ensure its availability for future generations.
• Community Participation: Involving local communities in the planning, management, and maintenance of minor irrigation systems fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. It also ensures that the systems are tailored to the specific needs of the community.
• Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation can lead to the development of cost-effective and sustainable irrigation solutions. This can include the creation of new technologies, improved irrigation practices, and water-saving techniques.
• Government Support: Continued government support through financial incentives and subsidies is crucial for small and marginal farmers to access and adopt minor irrigation systems. These incentives can make the initial investment more manageable and encourage wider adoption.
• Climate Resilience: Incorporating climate-resilient practices and technologies is essential in the face of changing weather patterns. This can include drought-resistant crops, weather forecasting systems, and water storage solutions to adapt to varying climatic conditions.

Conclusion

The 6th census report on minor irrigation schemes in India provides a comprehensive snapshot of irrigation practices in the country, with a particular focus on the rising use of electricity for groundwater extraction and shifts in the types of irrigation sources employed across different Indian states.

Mizoram Pioneers Digital Health Revolution

Why in News?

The National Health Authority (NHA) has unveiled the "100 Microsites" project, aimed at accelerating the adoption of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) across India.

• Mizoram has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first state to operationalize an ABDM Microsite in its capital city, Aizawl.

What are ABDM Microsites?

• About:
  • The ABDM Microsites are geographically defined regions where targeted outreach initiatives are conducted to onboard small and medium-scale private healthcare providers.
  • The Microsite project aims to ensure that all healthcare facilities, including private clinics, small hospitals, and labs, become ABDM-enabled and offer digital health services to patients.
  • An interfacing agency under this program will have an on-ground team to reach out to the healthcare providers in the area.
• Implementation:
  • The implementation of these microsites is primarily led by the State Mission Directors of ABDM, supported by the NHA's financial resources and comprehensive guidance.
• Benefits:
  • Patients can benefit from digital services such as online appointments, e-prescriptions, e-reports, e-bills, e-consent, e-referrals, and e-feedback at these facilities.
  • Health records generated within these ABDM-enabled facilities can be seamlessly linked to their Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs).
  • Furthermore, these records are accessible and shareable through any ABDM-enabled Personal Health Record (PHR) application on mobile devices, ensuring that patients have access to their health information at their fingertips.
• Current Progress:
  • Mizoram's groundbreaking achievement is not in isolation; other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, are also making substantial strides in implementing ABDM Microsites.
  • This collective effort signifies a nationwide movement towards achieving comprehensive healthcare digitization.

PM-DevINE and NESIDS Schemes

Recently, the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE), designed to promote the development of North East India, has undergone significant amendments to suit the needs and aspirations of the region.
Along with this, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has issued new plan guidelines to implement the Cabinet approved North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme- NESIDS during the period 2022-2026.

The Ministry has revised the guidelines for the following 

Revised Guidelines of PM-DevINE Scheme:

• Project oversight and governance: The MDoNER will oversee project selection, approval and monitoring in consultation with state governments, the North Eastern Council and the relevant central ministries, with implementation through the NEC or central ministries/agencies. These guidelines outline the process, which includes project identification, selection, DPR preparation, clearance, release of funds, monitoring and project completion.
• Empowered Inter-Ministerial Committee (EIMC): Constitution of Empowered Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee various works under PM-Divine.
• State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC): Formation of State Level Empowered Committee for review and approval of the project. The Chief Secretary, concerned Secretaries and representatives of NEC come under its members.
• Regarding project selection: North Eastern states should notify the State Logistics Policy and update the Gati Shakti National Master Plan data sections including land revenue charts. Along with this, speed power implementation mechanism like Empowered Group of Secretaries, Network Planning Group and Technical Support Unit should be established. States not meeting these criteria will not be sanctioned new PM-Divine projects from the year 2023-24.

North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)

• NESIDS is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% Central funding, with an updated approved outlay of Rs.8139.50 crore for the years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• The scheme comprises of two components- NESIDS- Roads and NESIDS- Other than Road Infrastructure (OTR).
• The new guidelines were formulated after the merger of the already existing North-East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) with NESIDS-Road.
• NESIDS aims to promote infrastructure development, especially coordination, in the identified areas of the North Eastern States.

• PM-DevINE Scheme
  

  PM-Divine scheme is a Central Sector Scheme. It was introduced as a part of the Union Budget 2022-23.
• On October 12, 2022, the cabinet approved the PM-Divine scheme. It is fully i.e. 100% centrally funded, to ensure that resources are directly allocated to development initiatives.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
• Purpose: This scheme is in line with the spirit of PM Gati Shakti. The scheme will fund infrastructure and social development projects based on the needs of the Northeast. Also, will enable livelihood activities for youth and women.
• Project Selection: Based on consultation with different stakeholders including NITI Aayog, concerned Ministries/Departments etc.
• Sustainability of PM-DevINE projects: Adequate provision will be made for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the assets created under the schemes.

PM-eBus Sewa

Context

The Union Cabinet approved a scheme to add 10,000 e-buses to city bus services across the country, and to shore up urban infrastructure under green mobility initiatives with a focus on cities having no organised bus services.

Details

• An e-bus is any bus whose propulsion and accessory systems are powered exclusively by a zero-emissions electricity source.
• The adoption of electric mobility services will help reduce noise and air pollution in Indian cities and also curb carbon emissions. 
• This scheme is also expected to bring in economies of scale for the production and maintenance of e-buses in India.

Highlights of the scheme

• E-bus Deployment and Urban Infrastructure: The scheme aims to add 10,000 e-buses to city bus services across the country. E-buses are those that rely exclusively on zero-emission electricity for their propulsion and accessory systems. The initiative also focuses on enhancing urban infrastructure, particularly in cities without organized bus services.
• Estimated Cost and Funding: The scheme's estimated cost is ₹57,613 crore. The Central government will provide ₹20,000 crore, and the remaining funding will come from other sources. This financial support will facilitate bus operations for a period of 10 years.
• Implementation in Two Segments: The scheme will be implemented in two segments. In 169 cities, a public-private partnership (PPP) model will be utilized to deploy the 10,000 e-buses. In 181 other cities, the focus will be on upgrading infrastructure under green urban mobility initiatives.
• Infrastructure Development: For cities in the first segment, the scheme will include the development or upgrade of depot infrastructure to accommodate the new e-buses. This will also involve the creation of necessary power infrastructure like substations.
• Initiatives for Second Segment Cities: In cities falling under the second segment, the focus will be on initiatives such as improving bus priority, enhancing infrastructure, creating multimodal interchange facilities, implementing automated fare collection systems, and establishing charging infrastructure for e-buses.
• Coverage: The scheme will cover cities with a population of three lahks and above, including all the capital cities of Union Territories, as well as the northeastern and hill states.
• Job Creation: The scheme is expected to generate around 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs, contributing to employment opportunities in the urban mobility sector.
• Central and State Roles: States or cities will be responsible for running the bus services and making payments to bus operators. The Central government will offer subsidies as specified in the scheme to support these bus operations.
• Environmental Benefits: The adoption of electric mobility services like e-buses will lead to reduced noise and air pollution in Indian cities. Furthermore, the scheme's focus on electric buses is expected to help mitigate carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation.
• Economies of Scale: The scheme's widespread adoption of electric buses is likely to result in economies of scale for the procurement of these buses through aggregation.

Overall, the PM e-bus Sewa scheme reflects the Indian government's commitment to green mobility, urban infrastructure development, and reducing the environmental impact of public transportation.