Latest news with #Abhiyan
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
DBT of central, state aid in agriculture still riddled with challenges
What remains the Holy Grail of DBT is the direct transfer of input subsidies into the bank accounts of farmers, and within it, the transfer of fertiliser subsidies New Delhi Listen to This Article One of the several policy issues identified by the Central government during the fortnight long 'Vikshit Bharat Krishi Abhiyan' based on their extensive interactions with farmers was the need to move towards direct transfer of all subsidy schemes and assistance that the Centre and states give, instead of routing them through intermediaries. The Abhiyan, which concluded a few weeks back, has identified a set of policy initiatives which the Central government could adopt in the years to come; the move towards a more direct transfer of benefits is one of them. In fact, DBT was also one of the ideas
News18
03-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Illuminating Dholpur: ChandraJyoti Abhiyan And The Rebirth Of Democracy From ‘Kitab Ka Pehla Panna'
Every school textbook in India starts with the Preamble to the Constitution—the 'Kitab Ka Pehla Panna". Yet, as Nivrutti keenly observed, this page is often hurried past in the rush to complete the syllabus. Teachers, burdened by curriculum targets, and students, anxious about exams, tend to overlook this foundational text. But in a nation as diverse and dynamic as India, that first page encapsulates the soul of our democracy. Recognising this missed opportunity, the ChandraJyoti Abhiyan was born. 'If we can bring the Preamble out of obscurity," Nivrutti explains, 'we can bring the Constitution to life in young minds." And so began a journey that would transform the educational landscape of Dholpur. Schools as Hubs of Democracy The Abhiyan spread its wings to 350 schools, impacting over 50,000 students from Classes 5 to 11. Through Baal Sansad (Youth Parliament) sessions, children—many from communities historically marred by conflict—engaged directly with the principles of democracy, governance, and civic responsibility. They debated, enacted, and questioned. Primary schoolchildren began reciting the Preamble during morning assemblies, articulating ideals like Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity with a clarity that belied their age. Teachers, too, were empowered. Over 200 educators, especially Political Science teachers, received training aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, enabling them to make constitutional principles a living part of classroom discussions. Debates, quizzes, role-plays, and poster-making competitions enriched the learning experience, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. Beyond Classrooms: Communities in Action The ChandraJyoti Abhiyan did not stop at the school gates. It reached into the heart of communities through Gram Sabhas and Child-Friendly Panchayat meetings, enabling students to witness and participate in grassroots democracy. Republic Day and Constitution Day were celebrated not just as ceremonial events, but as occasions to reflect on civic duties and constitutional ideals. A particularly innovative feature was the 'Constitution on the Wall" project—vibrant murals depicting constitutional articles on the walls of the Zila Parishad office. Guided tours by Somnath himself demystified complex constitutional provisions, making them accessible to even the youngest learners. The movement culminated in a district-level competition on April 27, 2025, with 15 schools and over 150 students showcasing their knowledge. The winners were felicitated, and a ChandraJyoti Abhiyan booklet was released, capturing the journey and voices of those touched by this silent revolution. From Books to Buildings: The Savidhan Ghar Vision Building on this momentum, Nivrutti envisioned a new chapter: the Savidhan Ghar project. In a candid interview, he shared, 'During my field visits, I observed many unused government buildings—once functional, now lying idle. I asked myself, why not reimagine these spaces as vibrant centres of knowledge and civic awareness? That's how Savidhan Ghar was born—turning forgotten infrastructure into living platforms for constitutional learning and community empowerment." Dholpur has identified 28 unused government buildings across 28 Gram Panchayats. These are being renovated into community libraries—spaces where civil services aspirants, avid readers, and community members can access newspapers, books on law and governance, and educational materials. But at their core, every Savidhan Ghar will focus on the Indian Constitution, reinforcing citizenship, democracy, and participation. Advertisement Nivrutti's vision is not limited to physical renovation. 'My vision," he says, 'is to develop not just readers, but citizens—thoughtful, informed, and empowered individuals." To ensure sustainability, village-level community groups are being formed to manage these spaces, embedding a sense of ownership and pride. The Five Strategic Pillars of ChandraJyoti What makes ChandraJyoti so effective is its foundation in five strategic pillars—a framework that ensures the campaign is participatory, grounded, and scalable: 1. Community-Led and Ownership-Driven: Through extensive stakeholder consultations, local champions from education and Panchayati Raj institutions shaped the campaign's goals. An inclusive Steering Committee, with active representation from PRIs and teachers, ensures grassroots ownership and accountability. 2. Behavioural Change through the Five 'स' Approach: At the heart of ChandraJyoti is a structured journey from awareness to action- सोच (Spark): Why should I care? समझ (Reflect): How does this relate to me? संकल्प (Commit): What will I do about it? सक्रिय (Act & Share): I'm doing it—and others can see it. समाक्रिष्ट (Embed): This is now part of who we are. 3. Spaces of Civic Learning: The campaign created multiple learning spaces- advetisement Schools for learning activities; PRIs for participatory democracy in action; Zila Parishad Office as a living lab where students witness governance firsthand. 4. Culture of Constitutional Citizenship: Dholpur is emerging as a model where democratic values are not just taught but lived daily. The Five 'स' framework and civic ecosystem model are now templates for replication in other districts, nurturing a culture of empathy, ethics, and participation. 5. Resilient Institutions, Informed Citizens: The Abhiyan strengthens trust between government and citizens, especially among youth. Public institutions are better equipped to foster critical thinking and civic values at scale. ChandraJyoti: A Proof-of-Concept for Civic Renewal ChandraJyoti is not just a district programme—it's a proof-of-concept for civic renewal: Transferable Framework: The Five 'स' approach can be adapted to any thematic area or geography. Departmental Convergence: Education, Panchayati Raj, and Administration working hand-in-hand. Productisation: Replicable playbook, dashboards, and materials make scale feasible. 'Through ChandraJyoti," Nivrutti says with conviction, 'Dholpur won't just teach the Constitution—it will live it." advetisement Challenges and Reflections Yet, this journey is not without challenges. A persistent lack of ownership in government buildings often leads to neglect and decay. Teachers, burdened by administrative work, sometimes fail to act as role models for civic engagement. Education, while imparting knowledge, often falls short of equipping the next generation with the skills and values needed to thrive in a democracy. Nivrutti is candid about these realities. 'We need to reimagine the role of teachers as torchbearers of democracy, not just syllabus-finishers," he notes. He emphasises bridging the digital divide—a key element of the Savidhan Ghar model is its integration with the Digital Samvidhan Ghar platform, which will bring e-resources, e-libraries, and interactive modules to rural students. 'This is not just about buildings," he insists. 'It's about building citizens—digitally empowered, constitutionally aware, and community-focused." A Beacon for the Nation As Dholpur's children recite the Preamble and communities gather in Constitution-themed libraries, one is reminded of Nivrutti's closing reflection: 'In today's world, especially in rural India, access to credible information and learning spaces is still limited. If Savidhan Ghar can bridge that gap, even in a small way, then I believe we are sowing the seeds for a stronger, more participatory democracy. It's about building the citizen of tomorrow—starting today."
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Inside Agri Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's bold new vision to modernise Indian farms and farmers
In the first week of June, on a bright and warm day, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Bihar, an agriculture-dependent state, as part of his ongoing outreach to the farming community. During his visit, Krishan Kumar, a litchi farmer from the state's renowned litchi belt, candidly highlighted a pressing challenge faced by growers in the region. Krishan Kumar, in a video shared on social media, explained how litchis start to turn black and rot within 48 hours of being harvested, drastically reducing their shelf life. This rapid deterioration leads to significant financial losses for farmers who depend heavily on the seasonal fruit for their livelihoods. Chouhan, feeling compelled by the issue, instructed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR ) to soon work on developing a litchi variety that has aclonger shelf life to improve marketability and reduce post-harvest losses. The minister also called for the urgent development of modern storage and cold chain infrastructure in the region. As part of the outreach programme, the 66-year-old former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has been actively engaging with farmers in Bihar and across the country, demonstrating his hands-on approach by addressing issues directly on the ground and interacting with them. During his visit, Chouhan interacted with several farmers. Notably, Chouhan's ascent from a young activist to the Union Agriculture Minister is marked by his commitment to engaging with people at the grassroots level. In 1991, he walked barefoot across Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, earning the nickname 'Paav-Paav Wale Bhaiya'. Now, 34 years later, Chouhan—a six-time Member of Parliament and the Union Agriculture Minister—was once again on foot. But this time for a bigger mission: Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan . Speaking at a press conference in Delhi on June 18, marking the conclusion of Abhiyan, Chouhan reaffirmed the government's commitment to the ongoing 15-day nationwide Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. The initiative was launched from Puri (Odisha) on May 29, 2025, and concluded at Bardoli, Gujarat, on June 12, covering 20 states. 'We will take forward the success of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan; this campaign will not stop,' Chouhan declared, signalling that the initiative is set to continue beyond its initial timeline. 'As Agriculture Minister, I will personally visit farms and interact with farmers two days a week.' Live Events Chouhan interacting with farmers during a choupal in one of the villages. Over 1.4 lakh villages covered According to the government, the Abhiyan saw the formation of 2,170 teams comprising agricultural scientists, ministry officials, and subject-matter experts who visited over 143,000 villages across the country. These teams engaged directly with more than 13.4 million farmers, addressing concerns, sharing best practices, and gathering insights from the grassroots level. In 177 tribal districts, more than 8,000 programmes were conducted across 1,024 blocks, reaching nearly 1.8 million farmers. In 112 aspirational districts, teams visited approximately 6,800 villages, engaging directly with 1.5 million farmers. Additionally, outreach extended to nearly 100 border districts and vibrant villages. 'This campaign aimed to fill up the gap between the research labs and the agricultural fields. We have seen remarkable work happening, but challenges persist. Our focus must now be on increasing productivity, reducing input costs, and ensuring that agriculture becomes a profitable and sustainable livelihood for every farmer,' he added. One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team Chouhan articulated the vision of 'One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team', underscoring the importance of a unified, collaborative approach to agricultural development. He emphasised the need for an integrated platform where farmers, scientists, institutions, and policymakers work seamlessly together toward the shared goal of a modern, prosperous, and resilient agricultural sector. Chouhan stressed the urgent need to bridge existing gaps in knowledge, research, and institutional capacity to deliver meaningful, on-the-ground benefits to farmers. He emphasised the pivotal role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in this effort, announcing that KVKs will serve as nodal agencies in every district, operating as coordinated teams focused on meeting the immediate needs of the farming community. As part of this renewed focus, KVK scientists will now be mandated to spend at least three days a week in the field, directly engaging with farmers to offer guidance and gather feedback. In order to promote progressive agriculture and ensure farmer prosperity, the government stressed the urgent need for enhanced coordination among all institutions. Chouhan announced the establishment of a centralised coordination mechanism that brings together key stakeholders across research, policy, and implementation to streamline and align efforts. As part of this initiative, the ICAR will appoint a state-wise nodal officer for agriculture. These officers will be tasked with overseeing scientific trials, identifying region-specific agricultural challenges, offering expert guidance, and maintaining regular communication with respective state governments. The objective is to ensure that scientific insights and policy interventions are tailored to the unique agro-climatic and socio-economic contexts of each state. The Minister also assured that he, along with senior officials, will hold regular consultations with state governments to align strategies, promote cooperative federalism in agriculture, and deliver regionally relevant, outcome-driven solutions for farmers across the country. He announced that the campaign will be relaunched during the upcoming Rabi season to sustain its momentum and deepen impact. Chouhan announced the establishment of a centralised coordination mechanism that brings together key stakeholders across research, policy, and implementation to streamline and align efforts. In addition, the government plans to amend the Seeds Act soon to enhance seed traceability, safeguard farmers, and ensure the supply of quality seeds in response to concerns over the availability of spurious seeds. As part of targeted follow-up actions, the government will initiate a dedicated Action Plan for Soybean. A stakeholder consultation in this matter is scheduled for June 26 in Indore, and similar focused missions will follow for other key crops, such as cotton, sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds. In preparation, a national-level hybrid meeting is scheduled on June 24 bringing together scientists, agricultural officers, and state agriculture ministers to review the outcomes of the campaign and chart the way forward. ' Convergence is the solution' Chouhan praised the ICAR and the Ministry of Agriculture for their instrumental role in the successful execution of the Abhiyan. The campaign was organised in more than 700 districts, with participation from 731 KVKs, 113 ICAR institutes, state-level departments, and officials from agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries as well as innovative farmers. 'To the best of my knowledge, such a comprehensive agricultural campaign or Abhiyan has never taken place in India's history. What truly set it apart was the unprecedented level of coordination; for the first time ever, institutions like ICAR, KVKs, agriculture universities, state agriculture departments, and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture all came together with a shared vision and unified execution strategy. This level of integration has simply never happened before,' Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General (DG) ICAR, told ET Digital. 'The insights gathered through this campaign will now shape a more targeted and responsive agricultural agenda,' noted Jat. For the first time, our research priorities are being aligned with the real-time needs of farmers, as directly observed during extensive field visits, said Jat. In parallel, the government has mapped the training requirements of each state and is now developing customised training programmes designed to address the specific challenges and tap into the unique agricultural potential of every region. The Agriculture Ministry has identified more than 300 farmer-led innovations across the country during this Abhiyan. Select innovations include a solar light trap for apple borers, glucose collusion to extend litchi life, a spade-cum-whip device for orchard management, an onion seed drill and sugarcane bud chipper, a portable desi egg incubator and a bio-decomposer from vines as a potash substitute. 'We now aim to document these grassroots innovations in detail and assess how they can be scaled or transferred to benefit other farmers in need,' he said. 'In addition, we are exploring the idea of bringing these innovative farmers together for a structured dialogue to learn from their experiences and build a community of practice that can inspire broader agricultural transformation.' The ministry has received extensive feedback from the ground on how to improve the government schemes, said Jat. 'All inputs have been taken seriously, and we are committed to making the necessary adjustments,' he added. Suggestions will be prioritised based on their urgency and relevance so that our schemes become more effective, responsive, and impactful for the farming community, noted Jat. On climate change, Jat emphasised that building resilience in agriculture cannot follow a 'business-as-usual' approach. 'We need a convergence model,' he said. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi on June 18, marking the conclusion of Abhiyan, Chouhan said the campaign will not stop. There is a need to bring the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Agriculture onto the same page, said Jat, announcing plans for a joint meeting to explore collaborative strategies between the two ministries. 'We are aligned in our thinking and will soon roll out a concrete action plan to address climate resilience in an integrated way. The journey ahead may be long, but our focus remains on ensuring their prosperity,' said Jat. Meanwhile, Chouhan's recent visit has rekindled hope among the farming community, with many believing that long-standing gaps in support could finally be addressed. Rupesh Gehlot, a 45-year-old small farmer from Tigipur village on the outskirts of Delhi, noted that farmers in the capital region had largely remained outside the ambit of several central agricultural schemes. However, how these issues will be resolved and how long it will take remain to be seen. Only time will tell.
India Gazette
12-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Gujarat: Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan to meet farmers in Bardoli under 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan'
Surat (Gujarat) [India], June 12 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in Surat on Thursday to take part in several programmes, including a farmer interaction in Bardoli under the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp' Abhiyan. During his visit, he will interact with farmers in Bardoli, Gujarat, and discuss their practical problems. Before that, he will attend Kisan Chaupal to listen to them personally. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will also be present during the visit aimed at addressing farmers' concerns and promoting advanced, region-specific agricultural research. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Chouhan interacted with farmers during a 'Kisan Chaupal' event held in Tigipur village, Delhi, and emphasised his deep commitment to farmers, declaring that,'serving farmers was like the service of God to him.' Speaking at the event, the Minister said that serving farmers was like the serving of God to him. He added that this was the reason he was going among farmers across the country and interacting with them. The Minister highlighted that while the 'Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign' drew close, it marked 'a new beginning' in India's agricultural policy direction. The program was organised as part of the nationwide 'Developed Agriculture Sankalp Abhiyan', which concludes today. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, this 15-day campaign started in Odisha on 29 May. Under this nationwide campaign, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has interacted with farmers from Odisha, Jammu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi. During this program, 2170 teams of 16 thousand scientists from across the country will join virtually. So far, these teams have reached one crore eight lakh farmers through the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan program. Through this program, farmers are being informed about research for advanced agriculture, keeping in mind the needs of their specific area, climatic conditions, soil fertility capacity, and other factors. Along with this, efforts are also being made to listen to the practical problems and needs of farmers and find their solutions so that the direction and policies of future agricultural research can be decided. (ANI)
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Agri production increased by 40% in 10 years: Union Minister Chouhan
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said agriculture production in the country increased by 40 per cent in the last 10 years and that the sector saw growth rate of 5.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024-25 financial who attended events here as part of the Central government's ' Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan ' , said even a one-two per cent growth in agriculture is considered big in the (June 9) is a historic day as it marks the first anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in his third tenure, he year has been full of achievements, he added."If I see from the agriculture perspective, it is the impact of PM Modi's vision, policies and programmes that agriculture growth rate was 5.4 per cent in the fourth quarter," he told country has set new records in the production of wheat, paddy, soya bean, groundnut and others and the storehouses for grain are full, he said."In the last 10 years, we have increased (agriculture) production by 40 per cent. There is no shortage of food grains and India is exporting to other countries," he congratulated PM Modi, farmers and scientists on the record food a gathering as part of the Abhiyan, Chouhan said he had a meeting with officials during the recent India-Pakistan conflict to take stock of food said he was told that the warehouses are full and there is no cause for worry even if the conflict emphasised ensuring food security, increasing farmers' income, making available nutritious food and safeguarding soil that agriculture scientists are being encouraged to interact with farmers, he said 2,170 scientific teams are visiting villages across the country. PTI
