12 SEPTEMBER, 2023

by | Sep 12, 2023

CAG Report Reveals PM-KISAN Implementation Issues in Arunachal Pradesh

– The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), as mandated by the Indian Constitution, scrutinised the Arunachal Pradesh government’s execution of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

– PM-KISAN, launched in 2019, aims to provide income support to farmers for agricultural expenses and domestic needs.

– The CAG report flagged a significant deficiency: Arunachal Pradesh lacked an approved mechanism for identifying beneficiaries, leading to issues in the scheme’s implementation.

– The audit, covering 2019-20 to 2020-21, revealed that reliance on self-declaration forms as the sole eligibility criterion resulted in the inclusion of many ineligible beneficiaries.

– This report underscores the constitutional role of the CAG in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. It highlights the need for robust mechanisms to execute government schemes effectively.

Article of the Indian Constitution: Role of CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General)

– Article 148: The Indian Constitution under Article 148 establishes the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). 

– Independent Oversight: CAG is an independent constitutional authority responsible for auditing the finances and accounts of both the Central and State governments.

– Checks and Balances: CAG ensures financial accountability, transparency, and the prudent use of public funds by conducting audits of government expenditures.

– Audit Reports: CAG submits its audit reports to the President or Governor, who then places them before the respective legislatures (Parliament or State Assemblies).

– Parliamentary Oversight: These audit reports are subject to examination by the Public Accounts Committees (PAC) in Parliament and State Legislatures, strengthening the system of checks and balances.

– Performance Audits: Apart from financial audits, CAG conducts performance audits to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and policies.

– Recommendations: CAG’s reports often include recommendations for improving government financial management and operations.

– Constitutional Safeguard: CAG’s role serves as a constitutional safeguard against financial irregularities and misuse of public funds, promoting good governance in India.

Vishwakarma Yojana: Empowering Traditional Craftsmen

The Vishwakarma Yojana, set to launch at 70 locations across India on September 17, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at uplifting skilled individuals in traditional craftsmanship. Announced during the Independence Day speech at the Red Fort, this scheme is poised to make a substantial impact on grassroots-level welfare for the working class. Central ministers in all states and union territories will inaugurate the program, with 70 ministers participating nationwide. Over the next five years, the scheme will allocate an expenditure of 13,000 crores.

Primary Objective of Vishwakarma Yojana:

The primary objective of the Vishwakarma Yojana is to provide financial assistance, training, and welfare support to workers in various sectors of traditional craftsmanship.

Benefits for Traditional Workers:

In the initial phase, workers will receive a loan of one lakh rupees at a five percent interest rate, followed by two lakh rupees in the second phase. This financial assistance is primarily targeted at cobblers, washermen, carpenters, and others engaged in traditional crafts.

Support for Training and Development:

The Vishwakarma Yojana includes provisions for training artisans and labourers, accompanied by a daily stipend of 500 rupees for trainees.

Significance in the Context of Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections:

The Vishwakarma Yojana holds significant relevance in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections due to its comprehensive coverage of 18 different types of work and its emphasis on grassroots-level welfare. It addresses the needs of a diverse section of the workforce, making it a crucial policy initiative in the political landscape.

Union Minister Participates in the 2nd Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability

Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change actively participated in the virtual ‘High-Level Dialogue on Human Health and Environment’ held as part of the 2nd Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability. This event serves as a critical platform to discuss pressing global issues concerning chemical and waste management, offering vital political direction.

Key Highlights:

  1. 2nd Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability: This high-level forum is a significant international event with the primary goal of providing political guidance and impetus on critical global matters related to sound chemical and waste management.
  2. Organised by BMU: The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMU) hosted the 2nd Berlin Forum, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing these challenges.
  3. SAICM Beyond 2020: The forum sought to garner support and set ambitious goals for the ‘Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Beyond 2020.’ This framework aims to promote chemical safety worldwide and ensure responsible chemical management.
  4. Significance of Sound Chemical Management: Proper chemical and waste management is crucial as chemicals are vital for various sectors like agriculture, industry, and healthcare but can pose substantial risks to human health and the environment if not managed effectively.
  5. Global Collaboration: Chemicals and waste management issues often transcend borders, necessitating international cooperation. The forum highlighted the need for collaborative efforts and shared responsibility to address these global challenges effectively.
  6. Sustainability and SDGs: Sound chemical and waste management aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and plays a pivotal role in protecting the environment, human health, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Additional Notes:

– The Stockholm Convention, a global treaty, aims to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). India ratified the convention in 2006.

– Other conventions related to chemicals include the Basel Convention (on Hazardous Wastes), Minamata Convention (on Mercury), and Rotterdam Convention (on Hazardous Chemicals in International Trade). These international agreements promote responsible chemical management and trade.

Proper management of chemicals and waste is not only essential for safeguarding human health and the environment but also for advancing global sustainability and meeting international development goals.

Written By Vishakha Khatri

My name is Vishakha Khatri. I am an engineering graduate and a civil service aspirant with a passion for spreading knowledge about Indian polity. I believe that understanding our political system is crucial for every citizen, and I am committed to making this information accessible to everyone in my own easy way. Through my experiences in civil service preparation and my unique perspective as an engineering graduate, I hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of Indian polity.

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