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The Budget 2024-2025 announcement by Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> saw productivity and resilience in <keyword id="19931887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture" source="keywords">agriculture</keyword> being prioritised above all else. With a desire to turn focus on <keyword id="19934969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers" source="keywords">farmers</keyword>, or Annadatas, ₹1.52 lakh crore has been allocated for agriculture and its allied sectors. This is quite an increase from the Interim Budget announcement of ₹1.27 lakh crore in February 2024. It is being speculated that this substantial focus on the agricultural sector stems from the BJP's vote share dipping in semi-urban and rural areas during the recent Lok Sabha elections. In fact, when Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> returned for a third term in office, the first file he signed was for the release of the 17th instalment of the PM <keyword id="22000840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kisan-nidhi" source="keywords">Kisan Nidhi</keyword> scheme, ET reported. However, the government's commitment to transforming agriculture and potentially the lives of Indian farmers could lead to the agricultural sector growing at 3.7% in the current fiscal, compared to 1.4% last year, as per the CII. <h2>Key initiatives in agriculture</h2>Transforming Agriculture Research The government is set to conduct a comprehensive review of the agricultural research framework, with an emphasis on enhancing productivity and developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Funding will be allocated on a challenge basis, including to private sector initiatives. This research will be overseen by domain experts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Release of New Varieties A total of 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops will be introduced for farmers to cultivate. Promoting Natural Farming In the next two years, the government plans to transition one crore farmers to natural farming practices, supported by certification and branding efforts. This initiative will be carried out through scientific institutions and willing <keyword id="20030597" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gram-panchayats" source="keywords">gram panchayats</keyword>, with 10,000 bio-input resource centers to be established based on need. Missions for Pulses and Oilseeds To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will strengthen their production, storage, and marketing. As outlined in the interim budget, a strategy is being implemented to attain 'atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) for oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111930255" title="Economic Survey calls for urgent agricultural reforms; cites growth hurdles" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Vegetable Production &amp; Supply Chains Large-scale clusters for vegetable production will be developed near major consumption centers. The government will support Farmer-Producer Organizations, cooperatives, and startups to streamline the vegetable supply chain, including collection, storage, and marketing. Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture Building on the success of a pilot project, the government, in partnership with states, will facilitate the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture over the next three years. This year, a digital crop survey for Kharif crops will be conducted in 400 districts, integrating details of six crore farmers and their lands into registries. Additionally, Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be issued in five states. Shrimp Production &amp; Export Financial support will be provided to establish a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for shrimp broodstocks. NABARD will facilitate financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export. National Cooperation Policy A new National Cooperation Policy will be introduced to promote systematic and comprehensive development of the cooperative sector. This policy aims to fast-track rural economic growth and create large-scale employment opportunities. <h2>Budget allocation highlights</h2><ul><li>PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi: Will be retaining its allocation of ₹60,000 crore to provide direct financial assistance to 11.8 crore small and marginal farmers.</li><li>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Allocated funds to provide crop insurance to four crore farmers, protecting them from adverse weather conditions.</li><li>e-NAM Expansion: Integration of 1,361 mandis into the e-NAM platform to enhance market efficiency and transparency, benefiting 1.8 crore farmers with an expected trading volume of ₹3 lakh crore.</li></ul><h2>Government committed to Polavaram irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh</h2>The Finance Minister said that the government is fully committed to financing and expeditiously completing the Polavaram irrigation project, which is considered a lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. <h2>Future directions</h2>The government aims to increase public and private investment in post-harvest infrastructure and supply chains, promoting aggregation, modern storage, and efficient processing to reduce losses and improve food security. Additionally, the dairy and fisheries sectors will see significant development, with initiatives to boost productivity and exports, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111951205" title="Budget 2024-25: Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?

<ul><li>Finance minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> allocated ₹6,000 crore towards BharatNet.</li><li>The budget proposes to connect over 1 lakh Gram Panchayats in 2020.</li><li>It plans to bring rural and remote regions of India online through fiber to home (FTTH) connections.</li></ul> India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet to digitise 1 lakh Gram Panchayats in 2020. As a part of Digital India, the government wants of public sector enterprises to be digitised — even at the Gram Panchayat Level. “Our vision is that all public institutions at the Gram Panchayat level, such as aanganvaadis, health and wellness centres, government schools, PDS outlets, post offices, and police stations will all be provided with digital connectivity,” said Sitharaman. BharatNet was established in 2017 as a highly scalable network infrastructure accessible on a non-discriminatory basis to provide affordable access to the internet at speeds of at least 2 megabytes per second. “So, the fibre to home (FTTH) connections through BharatNet will link 100,000 Gram Panchayats this year itself. It is purposed therefore to provide ₹6,000 crore to BharatNet program 2020-21,” explained Sitharaman. BharatNet is funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). This was set up by the government to improve telecom services in rural and remote regions of India. The aim is not only to provide the internet but to deliver digital services like e-governance, e-health, e-education, and e-banking among others. “The new economy is based on innovations that disrupt established business models. Artificial intelligence, internet of things, 3D printing, drones, DNA, data storage, quantum computing etc. are all rewriting the world economic order,” said Sitharaman explaining why it’s important to bring all of India online. She also pointed out that India has already embraced a new paradigms — such as the sharing economy with aggregator platforms displacing conventional businesses. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2020-aayushman-bharat-allocation-to-eradicate-tuberculosis-by-2025-announced-by-nirmala-sitharaman/articleshow/73832769.cms">Budget 2020 aims to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025 using AI and ML to empower Aayushman Bharat</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2020-nirmala-sitharaman-wants-nabard-to-geo-tag-cold-storage-facilities-to-make-them-more-efficient/articleshow/73832369.cms">Nirmala Sitharaman wants NABARD to geo-tag cold storage facilities to make them more efficient</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/isro-space-budget-2020-allocation-and-updates/articleshow/73830948.cms">ISRO Budget 2020 allocated ₹13,479 crore for space exploration</a>

Budget 2020 allocates ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats

Centre closely monitors central funds given to states: TomarNew Delhi, Feb 11 () The government closely monitorsutilisation of central funds given to states under theRashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), Lok Sabha was informedon Tuesday.Union Minister for Panchayati Raj Narendra Singh Tomarsaid under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of RGSA, fundsreleased to states and Union Territories are utilised by themfor undertaking activities sanctioned or permitted under theirannual plans as recommended by Central Empowered Committee(CEC) and finally approved by the competent authority."The progress of implementation of the scheme, includingutilisation of funds, is closely monitored through meetings,video conferences etc. with states," he said during theQuestion Hour.Tomar said for further release of funds to states, thestatus of utilisation of funds released earlier is also takeninto account.In addition to this, an online monitoring and reportingsystem (MIS) for RGSA has been developed and operationalised.Moreover, transaction based Public Financial Management System(PFMS) has been introduced for release and tracking of fundsunder RGSA, he said. ACBDV DV

LS-PANCHAYAT-FUNDS

Telecom minister <keyword id="6357016" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manoj-Sinha">Manoj Sinha</keyword> has told the Lok Sabha that around 50,000 villages across India are yet to get mobile networks, including locations in the Northeast, Naxal-hit states, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. 
 
"We have never claimed that mobile network has reached all over the country. There are around 50,000 villages where mobile network has not reached," he said. 
 
The Minister said that he has informed all states to know about the number of villages that still lack mobile connectivity. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/promotional-plans-help-retain-customers-but-telecom-companies-lose-revenue-says-dot/articleshow/58060673.cms">Promotional plans help retain customers but telecom companies lose revenue, says </a>DoT 
 
He added that an ambitious project called '<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/digital-india-backbone-bharat-net-gets-an-allocation-bump-in-budget-2017/articleshow/56911720.cms">Bharat Net</a>' is being implemented, which would provide 100 mbps broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats, the number of which goes up to 250,000. 
 
As of now, the first phase of this project, which would connect 100,000 GPs, is being <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/PM-Modi-Sagarmala/articleshow/52670429.cms">implemented</a>. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/bsnl-sets-aside-rs-4300-cr-for-this-fiscal-plans-75k-wifi-spots/articleshow/58063989.cms">BSNL sets aside Rs 4,300 cr for this fiscal; plans 75K WiFi spots</a> 
 
"As on March 31, 2017, trenching and ducting has been completed for 11,294 km (4,780 GPs), Optical Fibre Cable has been laid for 12,172 km (4,213 GPs) and 443 GPs have been provided with broadband connectivity," he said. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/additional-4-7-million-skilled-workers-needed-in-telecom-sector-by-fy22/articleshow/57692686.cms">Additional 4.7 million skilled workers needed in telecom sector by FY22</a> 
 
(Image source NewsFiller)

50,000 villages yet to get mobile network: Manoj Sinha

The <keyword id="37102" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> Panchayat Raj and Rural Development has released an official notification for the recruitment of 400,000 <keyword id="7787495" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="grama-volunteer-jobs">Grama volunteer jobs</keyword>. The applicants can register on the Andhra Pradesh government’s official website gramavolunteer.ap.gov.in until 5 July 2019 and the interviews will commence from 11 July to 25 July. The selected applicants will work as Volunteers for the Andhra Pradesh Gram Panchayat with a monthly pay of ₹ 5,000. The minimum educational qualification required to volunteer is intermediate. However, for the applicants from tribal areas, the candidate must have passed class 10th examinations. The selection for the Grama Volunteer jobs will be based on the interview with the <keyword id="84019" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tehsildar">Tehsildar</keyword> or the MPDO. The selection committee will then extend recruitment offers to the candidates. To apply for the AP Grama Volunteer job 2019, follow the steps: <ul><li>Visit the AP government’s official website <a href="http://gramavolunteer3.ap.gov.in/GRAMAVAPP/VV/index.html">http://gramavolunteer.ap.gov.in</a> </li><li>Click on the tab that says ‘Apply Now’ </li><li>On the next window, read and accept the declaration to register </li><li>Fill the registration form and submit. </li></ul>

AP Grama Volunteer Recruitment 2019: Government opens applications for 400,000 Grama Volunteer jobs, apply @gramavolunteer.ap.gov.in

<ul><li>As per the <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword>'s ruling, no third party will be allowed to interfere in marriages. </li><li>Khap panchayats are unelected (usually all-male) community councils in villages, primarily in the Jat-heavy states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. </li><li>The ruling was based on a petition filed in 2010 by Shakti Vahini, an NGO, to put an end to honour killings.</li></ul>In a welcome move, a Supreme court bench led by Dipak Misra, the Chief Justice of India, declared on March 27th that a <keyword id="122529" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Khap-panchayat">Khap panchayat</keyword> did not have any power to block a <keyword id="6355896" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Marriage">marriage</keyword> between two consenting adults and that any attempts to do so were “absolutely illegal”. The ruling will be backed by punitive measures and legislation. Khap panchayats are unelected (usually all-male) community councils in villages, primarily in the Jat-heavy states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. While Gram (village) panchayats are allowed to act as “self-governing bodies” under Article 40 of India’s Constitution and resolve disputes, panchayats based on “khap” or clan don’t have a constitutional basis. However, these quasi-judicial councils have been acting like the moral arbiters in villages long before the Constitution was drafted. Not only do they interfere in marriages between people from different castes and religions, but they have also been responsible for ordering honour killings. A prime example is the double murder in 2007 of the newly-wedded Manoj and Babli Banwala in Haryana’s Kaithal district. Manoj and Babli were said to belong to the same gotra, or <keyword id="6374122" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindu-clan">Hindu clan</keyword>. This went against the khap panchayat’s governing concept of “bhaichara”, wherein people of the same clan are considered siblings. In 2010, Shakti Vahini, a human rights NGO, filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to prevent such extra-judicial killings and curb the authority of the councils that ordered them. The Supreme Court’s ruling today was based on this petition. Under the law, no third party will be allowed to interfere in marriages. The Supreme Court’s order preventing the khap panchayats’ interference in marriages is a step in the right direction. But it needs to be backed by further checks on the power of these councils. While their role as arbitrators of disputes such as those involving property or loans can’t be undermined, their dated traditions and patriarchal beliefs render them impediments to India’s social progress rather than its enablers. For example, in response to the court’s tough stance on the marriage issue in February, a number of khap leaders proposed an outright ban on the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/dont-meddle-in-our-age-old-traditions-or-we-will-stop-giving-birth-to-girl-child-khap-leaders-on-sc-order/articleshow/62810872.cms">births of female children. </a>In 2015, a khap panchayat in Haryana’s Yamunagar district punished an alleged rapist with <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/rapist-haryana-panchayat-5-shoe-slaps-246781-2015-02-14">only five slaps with a shoe. </a>In 2012, a khap panchayat leader in Haryana’s Jind district attributed the rising number of rape incidents to the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Haryana-khap-blames-consumption-of-chowmein-for-rapes/articleshow/16829882.cms">consumption of chowmein.</a> The statement came a week after another khap leader suggested lowering the legal marriage age for women from 18 to 16 so as to prevent rapes. As this is India, curbing the powers of a regressive vote-bank is an ill-advised political move, especially when the parties in question are enforcers of Hindu traditions. Local politicians and policemen are complicit in supporting the decision-making powers of these bodies. However, in order to rule, a council needs people to rule over. As more Indians migrate to cities and become less conscious of caste, one hopes that the authority of these councils will eventually wane.

Khap panchayats can’t stall marriage between consenting adults: Supreme Court

Communications and <keyword id="422454" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Information-Technology-Minister">Information Technology Minister</keyword> <keyword id="6354886" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ravi-Shankar-Prasad">Ravi Shankar Prasad</keyword> said electronic equipment manufacturing would be a top priority for the Modi-led BJP government, adding that it would generate employment to the tune of 2.80 crore jobs. 
 
Due to the rising consumption of electronic goods in India, the demand is expected to increase to $400 billion by 2014 and within a few years, import of electronics will surpass the fuel bill. 
 
Talking about the increasing participation of Chinese equipment manufacturing firms in the country and the potential security threat, the minister said, "I want to assure the nation that whosoever are the electronics manufacturers, India's security will always be of paramount." 
 Chinese equipment manufacturing firms, such as <keyword id="6357456" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Huawei">Huawei</keyword> and <keyword id="6359151" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="ZTE">ZTE</keyword>, have faced some tough time in India over the past couple of years for alleged involvement in cyber espionage. 
 Prasad has already seen presentations from equipment makers such as <keyword id="10591" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Samsung">Samsung</keyword> and <keyword id="6354716" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Nokia">Nokia</keyword>. 
 As a second priority, he has laid down the alignment of <keyword id="1444022" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="national-optic-fibre-network">national optic fibre network</keyword>. 
 The minister expects 50,000 gram <keyword id="56561" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="panchayats">panchayats</keyword> to be connected by National Optic Fibre network by 2014-15, another 1 lakh by 2015-16 and by 2016-17, the remaining will be connected. According to him, every panchayat should have facilities like e-education, tele-medicine, etc. 
 
“The government programme should be delivered to the panchayats. We have taken the issue very seriously," he said. 
 Prasad also said that the agenda to improve the situation of the State-owned <keyword id="30351" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="BSNL">BSNL</keyword> and <keyword id="28256" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="MTNL">MTNL</keyword> would be addressed on a priority basis. "Both these organisations have not received the attention they needed. They need proper infrastructure support and my government is committed to give them that." He also proposed to set up a system in his chamber from where he can gauge towers of these State-owned firms. 
 
The minister, however, refused to comment on the key issues of the sector such as spectrum sharing, improving the merger &amp; acquisition scenario or even the next round of spectrum auctions. 
 The ministry, which is plagued with controversies, saw favouritism to some firms during the tenure of the former <keyword id="46149" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Telecom-minister">telecom minister</keyword> <keyword id="136745" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="A-Raja">A. Raja</keyword>. Prasad also said that during his tenure, all decisions would be taken on merit. "The days of lobbying and favouritism are over," he added. 
 
The government is also keen to start a new programme for postal banking services as India has 1,55,000 post offices across the country and subsequently, a deep penetration and wide reach. (Image: Facebook account of Communications and Information Technology Minister <keyword id="8748" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Ravi-Shankar">Ravi Shankar</keyword> Prasad.)

Electronics Manufacturing To Generate 2.8
Crore Jobs In India, Says IT Minister

Celebrated wrestler <keyword id="19895499" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vinesh-Phogat" source="keywords">Vinesh Phogat</keyword> on Saturday received a grand welcome on her return to the country with hundreds of supporters gathering outside the <keyword id="20219207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IGI-airport" source="keywords">IGI airport</keyword>, showing immense solidarity with her. Stars such as <keyword id="19910804" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bajrang-Punia" source="keywords">Bajrang Punia</keyword>, <keyword id="19895495" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sakshi-Malik" source="keywords">Sakshi Malik</keyword> and panchayat leaders received Vinesh, who endured a heartbreaking exit at the Paris <keyword id="19933819" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Olympics" source="keywords">Olympics</keyword>, where she was disqualified for being overweight on the day of her 50kg final. Heavily garlanded, Vinesh stood in an open Jeep and thanked all the supporters."I thank the entire country," she said, her hands folded in humility. There was a thick security cover as Phogat, who was found 100 grams overweight just before the Olympic finals, landed in the national capital. Vinesh's caravan left for her native village Balali in Haryana, and on the way she met her supporters, positioned at different spots. A group of 50 followed her jeep. They offered prayers at a temple in Delhi's Dwarka before continuing their journey towards Balali. Vinesh had stayed back in Paris after challenging her disqualification in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and demanding a joint silver. The application was dismissed on Wednesday. "She has come back to her country after such a long time. She is very emotional also. She will spend time with family and calm herself. What Vinesh has done for women is praiseworthy. She might not have received a medal, but she is a champion for us," said Sakshi Malik. London Olympics bronze medal-winning shooter Gagan Narang, who was the chief de mission of the Indian contingent in Paris, called her a champion, posting a photo with Phogat at the Paris airport. Both of them were on the same flight to Delhi. "People are waiting to welcome her at our village. People are exciting to meet Vinesh and encourage her," her brother, Harvinder Phogat said. The feisty wrestler, in her first reaction after her disqualification, on Saturday said that under "different circumstances" she could see herself competing till 2032 because she still has a lot of wrestling left in her, but is now unsure about her future as things "might never be same again". Vinesh had announced her retirement from the sport after her disqualification. In an emotional post on social media, Vinesh shared her childhood dream, the hardships she faced after losing her father and also put on record the contribution made by people in her extraordinary journey that ended in heartbreak in Paris.

You Searched For "gram panchayats" and got 8 results

What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?

BI India Bureau

Budget 2020 allocates ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats

Prabhjote Gill

LS-PANCHAYAT-FUNDS

PTI

50,000 villages yet to get mobile network: Manoj Sinha

BI India Bureau

AP Grama Volunteer Recruitment 2019: Government opens applications for 400,000 Grama Volunteer jobs, apply @gramavolunteer.ap.gov.in

BI India Bureau

Khap panchayats can’t stall marriage between consenting adults: Supreme Court

Dilsher Dhillon

Electronics Manufacturing To Generate 2.8 Crore Jobs In India, Says IT Minister

BI India Bureau

Vinesh Phogat returns to hero's welcome after Paris heartbreak

PTI

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