Overview

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated India's commitment to eliminate Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 31, 2026. He emphasized the progress made in the fight against Naxalism, highlighting key successes and outlining the strategy for the coming years.

Key Pointers

• Government Commitment: Amit Shah emphasized the joint commitment of the Government of India and the Chhattisgarh state leadership to rid the state of Naxalism by 2026.
• Security Forces’ Success: Over the past year, Chhattisgarh police neutralized 287 Naxalites, arrested around 1,000, and saw 837 surrenders.
• Top Naxal Cadres Neutralized: The state forces successfully neutralized 14 high-ranking Naxal cadres.
• President’s Police Colour Award: Chhattisgarh Police received the President's insignia within 25 years, a significant achievement for the state.

The Three-Pronged Strategy for Eliminating Maoist Insurgency

1. Security Measures (Force)

Deployment of Security Forces

• Enhanced Presence: Increased deployment of Central and State police forces in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas.
• Joint Operations: Coordinated operations between state and central forces, including CRPF and COBRA units.
• Upgraded Technology: Incorporation of UAVs, solar lights, and mobile towers to enhance operational efficiency.

Operation SAMADHAN

• Key Elements:
  • Smart Leadership: Leading with innovative strategies.
  • Aggressive Strategy: Swift, decisive action against insurgents.
  • Motivation and Training: Strengthening the capabilities of forces.
  • Actionable Intelligence: Real-time intelligence for effective operations.
  • Harnessing Technology: Using modern tech for strategic advantage.

2. Development Initiatives

Focused Development Schemes

• PMGSY: Rural road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
• Aspirational Districts Program: Improving infrastructure in Naxal-affected areas.
• Skill Development: Targeted schemes in 47 LWE-affected districts to reduce unemployment.

Infrastructure Development

• Special Infrastructure Schemes: Building schools, roads, and bridges in remote areas to integrate them into the mainstream economy.
• Rehabilitation: Focus on providing rehabilitation for former Naxals through education and vocational training.

3. Empowerment (Winning Hearts and Minds)

Public Engagement

• Tribal Empowerment: Strengthening communication with tribal communities to reduce alienation and mistrust.
• Rehabilitation Policies: Surrender schemes offering incentives like education and financial aid to reintegrate former insurgents into society.

Maoism: Ideology and Background

What is Maoism?

• Origin: A form of communism developed by Mao Tse Tung, focusing on armed insurgency to capture state power.
• Core Beliefs: Maoists believe in violence and insurrection as legitimate means to overthrow the state and establish a People’s Democratic Republic.
• Indian Maoism: The Communist Party of India (Maoist), formed in 2004, leads the largest Maoist insurgency in India.

Recent Achievements in Combatting Maoist Insurgency

Key Successes in 2023

• Maoist-Free Villages: Villages in Dantewada declared "Maoist-free," a significant victory for the state.
• Reduction in Security Forces’ Casualties: 14 deaths in 2024, a dramatic decrease from 198 deaths in 2007.
• Infrastructure and Logistical Support: Enhanced use of helicopters and fortified police stations.

Government’s Commitment to Rebuilding

• Rehabilitation and Welfare: The government is implementing policies to improve the living standards of affected families, including 15,000 houses for Naxal-affected regions.
• Economic Development: Focus on building infrastructure and providing employment through skills training programs.

Challenges in Eliminating Naxalism

Socio-Economic Issues

• Exploitation of Tribals: Marginalization of tribals due to displacement for mining and forestry.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Basic amenities like roads, schools, and healthcare are absent in many areas.
• Centralized Naxal Command: The CPI (Maoist) retains a strong leadership, despite fragmentation of its forces.

Governance and Trust Issues

• Alienation of Local Populations: Ineffective governance and poor implementation of welfare schemes fuel local support for Naxal groups.
• Resource Conflict: The Naxals exploit rich mineral resources in the region to fund their insurgency.

Way Forward

Governance and Economic Reforms

• Tribal Empowerment: Form Tribal Advisory Councils as per the Fifth Schedule for better resource management.
• Land Redistribution: Enforce the Land Ceiling Act to reduce inequality.
• Livelihood Programs: Offer alternative livelihoods to reduce dependency on illegal activities.

Security Measures

• Paramilitary Deployment: Specialized forces to secure tribal areas and enable local governance.
• Resource Management: Ensure sustainable exploitation of natural resources, involving tribal communities in the decision-making process.

Peace Dialogues

• Inclusive Policies: Engage in dialogue with Naxals to facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society.

Conclusion

Naxalism in India, particularly in Chhattisgarh, is a complex issue rooted in socio-economic inequalities, lack of development, and historical alienation of tribal communities. The government's approach, encapsulated in the SAMADHAN strategy, combines security operations with developmental initiatives and a focus on empowerment to tackle the problem. With a clear commitment to eliminate Naxalism by 2026, the Indian government is making significant strides in reducing violence, improving governance, and integrating affected communities into the mainstream.

Introduction

In response to the evolving threat of pandemics, NITI Aayog has released an Expert Group report titled "Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response — A Framework for Action." The report offers a strategic blueprint for India to enhance its pandemic preparedness, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis and global best practices. This framework aims to create a rapid, well-coordinated response system for future public health emergencies.

Rationale Behind the Expert Group

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerability of global and national health systems to emerging infectious diseases. As future pandemics are inevitable, especially with increasing zoonotic threats, India has taken a proactive step in planning for such eventualities. The WHO has warned that 75% of future pandemics may be zoonotic, caused by pathogens transmitted from animals to humans.

Key Findings from COVID-19 Response

India's response to COVID-19 highlighted several strengths and weaknesses in the public health system. Key efforts included developing vaccines, enhancing research and development frameworks, and deploying digital tools for data management across its 1.4 billion population. However, gaps were identified in governance, data management, and cross-sectoral coordination. These lessons have been integrated into the expert group’s framework for future preparedness.

The 100-Day Response Framework

A crucial aspect of the report is the emphasis on the first 100 days of a pandemic. The expert group argues that a rapid response within this period is essential for minimizing the impact of any outbreak. The framework outlines a detailed roadmap for preparedness, which includes tracking, testing, treating, and managing outbreaks efficiently. A robust system for quick deployment of countermeasures, including vaccines and treatments, is pivotal during these critical days.

Four Pillars of Pandemic Preparedness

The report's recommendations are organized around four pillars:

• Governance, Legislation, Finance, and Management:
  • Proposes a new Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) to address modern pandemic needs.
  • Creation of an empowered group of secretaries (EGoS) for rapid decision-making and coordination.
• Data Management, Surveillance, and Predictive Tools:
  • Calls for a unified data platform to aggregate and analyze data for timely decision-making.
  • Emphasizes strengthening genomic surveillance and establishing a national biosecurity network.
• Research, Innovation, and Infrastructure:
  • Recommends a high-risk innovation fund to support research on diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.
  • Suggests enhancing manufacturing capacity and building biosafety containment facilities.
• Partnerships and Community Engagement:
  • Stresses the importance of private sector involvement and community engagement in managing pandemics.
  • Proposes a risk communication unit at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to manage public information and prevent misinformation.

International and National Collaboration

The report underscores the need for cross-border collaboration, aligning India’s efforts with international frameworks such as the WHO’s revised International Health Regulations and the Pandemic Accord negotiations. Collaboration with global institutions, academia, and the private sector is essential for sharing data, technology, and expertise during health crises.

Lessons from Past Epidemics

The report draws lessons from several past epidemics, including SARS, H1N1, and Ebola, which revealed the importance of timely diagnostics, coordinated surveillance, and rapid response. These lessons highlight the need for stronger international regulations, integrated data systems, and enhanced public-private partnerships in tackling future pandemics.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The framework offers actionable recommendations to strengthen India’s pandemic preparedness. From institutionalizing governance structures and creating a dedicated pandemic fund to enhancing surveillance and fostering innovation, these steps are designed to ensure rapid response and minimize the impact of future health crises. By focusing on governance, data management, research, and community partnerships, India aims to build a resilient health system capable of facing future challenges effectively.

Introduction

The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 8, 2015, with the aim of providing financial support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro enterprises in India. Through this initiative, loans are provided to individuals and small businesses who are unable to access formal institutional finance.

In the Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an increase in the loan limit under PMMY from ?10 lakh to ?20 lakh, with the introduction of a new loan category, Tarun Plus, aimed at fostering growth in the entrepreneurial sector.

Key Features of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

Loan Limit Increase

• Loan Limit Raised: The loan limit has been increased from ?10 lakh to ?20 lakh for eligible entrepreneurs.
• New Loan Category: The newly introduced Tarun Plus category caters to entrepreneurs who have previously availed and successfully repaid loans under the Tarun category.
• Credit Guarantee: The Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) will cover these enhanced loans, further ensuring the security of micro-enterprises.

Categories of MUDRA Loans

PMMY provides collateral-free loans through financial institutions like Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). These loans are provided for income-generating activities in sectors like manufacturing, trading, services, and allied agriculture activities.

Objectives of PMMY

1. Financial Inclusion: PMMY targets marginalized and socio-economically neglected sections of society, promoting financial inclusivity.
2. Support to Small Businesses: By providing affordable loans, the scheme encourages small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly women and minority groups, to establish and expand their businesses.
3. Fostering Entrepreneurship: PMMY aims to unlock the potential of India’s entrepreneurial spirit, especially in rural and underserved areas.

MUDRA: The Institutional Backbone

Role of Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd. (MUDRA)

MUDRA is the primary institution set up by the Government of India to manage and implement the Mudra Yojana. It acts as a refinancing agency that provides financial support to small and micro-enterprises by working through financial intermediaries, such as banks and micro-finance institutions.

Funding Sources

• Scheduled Commercial Banks
• Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
• Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
• Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs)

Application Process

Applicants can avail loans through any of the aforementioned financial institutions or apply online via the Udyami Mitra Portal.

Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

• Collateral-free Loans: No security is required to obtain loans, which reduces the financial burden on borrowers.
• Easily Accessible: PMMY loans are available across India, making them accessible to entrepreneurs in both rural and urban areas.
• Quick and Flexible Loans: Loans can be disbursed quickly with flexible repayment terms (up to 7 years).
• Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The scheme offers special incentives for women entrepreneurs, helping them to establish and grow their businesses.
• Support to Rural Areas: Special emphasis on empowering rural enterprises and reducing regional disparities.
• MUDRA Card: The MUDRA Card is a RuPay debit card that allows borrowers to access funds through an overdraft facility, enhancing liquidity for businesses.
• No Default Penalty: In case of loan defaults due to unforeseen circumstances, the government will step in to reduce the burden on entrepreneurs.

Categories of Loans Under PMMY

1. Shishu Category: Loans up to ?50,000

• Targeted at micro-enterprises at the initial stage of their business journey.

2. Kishore Category: Loans between ?50,000 and ?5 lakh

• Targeted at enterprises looking to expand their operations and upgrade their infrastructure.

3. Tarun Category: Loans between ?5 lakh and ?10 lakh

• For established businesses that are in need of funds to scale up.

4. Tarun Plus: Loans between ?10 lakh and ?20 lakh

• A new category designed for entrepreneurs who have repaid loans under the Tarun category and wish to further expand their business.

Achievements of PMMY (2023-24)

• Total Loans Sanctioned: ?5.4 trillion across 66.8 million loans in FY 2023-24.
• Loans Disbursed: Significant amounts were disbursed under each category:
  • Shishu: ?1,08,472.51 crore
  • Kishore: ?1,00,370.49 crore
  • Tarun: ?13,454.27 crore
• Women Borrowers: A large share of loans have gone to women entrepreneurs, ensuring gender inclusivity.
• Minority Borrowers: The scheme also emphasizes financial empowerment of minority communities.
• NPA Reduction: The Non-Performing Assets (NPA) in Mudra loans have reduced to 3.4% in FY 2024, compared to higher levels in earlier years.

Digital Tools and Support Systems

MUDRA MITRA App

The MUDRA MITRA mobile app helps users access information about the PMMY scheme, loan application procedures, and other resources. The app is available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Online Loan Application

Entrepreneurs can apply for loans online via portals such as PSBloansin59minutes and Udyamimitra, providing greater convenience and accessibility.

Steps to Improve Implementation

• Handholding Support: Assistance in submitting loan applications is available for applicants.
• Intensive Awareness Campaigns: The government conducts publicity campaigns to raise awareness about PMMY.
• Simplified Loan Process: The loan application forms have been simplified to encourage wider participation.
• Performance Monitoring: Regular monitoring of PMMY implementation to ensure its success.
• Interest Subvention: A 2% interest subvention is offered for prompt repayment of Shishu loans.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has been a transformative scheme in fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring financial inclusion for small and micro-businesses across India. With the recent increase in loan limits and the addition of the Tarun Plus category, the scheme continues to empower emerging entrepreneurs and provides a crucial lifeline for business growth and sustainability. By supporting women, minorities, and new entrepreneurs, PMMY has contributed significantly to economic upliftment and inclusive growth in the country.

Introduction to Rice Fortification

Fortification refers to the process of adding micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to food products that are not naturally present in sufficient amounts. In India, rice fortification has been identified as a cost-effective strategy to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. These deficiencies contribute to various health problems such as anemia, stunted growth, and cognitive impairments, particularly among women and children.

Background: India’s Fortified Rice Program

India has one of the highest rates of malnutrition globally, with anemia affecting every second woman and every third child in the country. Rice is a staple food for approximately 65% of India’s population, making it an ideal vehicle for micronutrient fortification. In 2019, the Indian government launched the rice fortification initiative as part of its broader strategy to improve public health and nutrition outcomes.

In July 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the fortified rice program under key welfare schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). This initiative will run until December 2028, and aims to make fortified rice a common feature of the Public Distribution System (PDS), mid-day meals, and anganwadis, reaching millions of beneficiaries across the country.

Fortification Process and Standards

The fortification of rice involves adding essential micronutrients—iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12—to rice grains. This can be done by either coating the rice with a premix or producing extruded rice kernels that are enriched with nutrients before blending them with regular rice. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), every kilogram of fortified rice should contain:

• Iron: 28 mg - 42.5 mg
• Folic Acid: 75 - 125 micrograms
• Vitamin B12: 0.75 - 1.25 micrograms

Scientific Safety and Efficacy of Iron Fortified Rice

The safety and effectiveness of iron-fortified rice have been under close scrutiny. Concerns were raised about whether individuals with hemoglobinopathies (such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia) might be adversely affected by the added iron. Initially, the packaging of fortified rice carried health advisories for these individuals, but a 2023 scientific review and committee assessment concluded that there were no health risks from iron fortification for such individuals. The iron levels in fortified rice are minimal compared to the levels of iron patients with Thalassemia receive through blood transfusions, and Sickle Cell patients have naturally elevated levels of hepcidin, which limits iron absorption.

Following the review, the advisory was removed in July 2024, aligning with global practices where similar advisories are not required in countries that fortify rice.

Expansion of Fortified Rice Infrastructure

India’s rice fortification program has scaled up rapidly. As of 2024, over 21,000 rice mills have installed blending equipment to produce fortified rice, with a monthly capacity of 223 lakh metric tons (LMT). Additionally, 232 premix suppliers have the capacity to produce 75 LMT annually, significantly surpassing the requirements of the PMGKAY, which mandates the procurement of 5.2 LMT of fortified rice annually.

To ensure quality, NABL-accredited labs conduct rigorous testing on fortified rice products across the country. This infrastructure expansion supports the goal of fortifying rice distributed through welfare schemes and public safety nets.

Global Context: Rice Fortification Worldwide

Fortification of staple foods, including rice, is a globally recognized practice aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations with limited access to diverse diets. As of 2024, 18 countries globally are actively involved in rice fortification. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed rice fortification as an effective means to combat iron deficiency anemia, especially in countries like India where rice is a primary dietary staple.

Countries such as the U.S. have been fortifying rice since the late 1950s, and WHO recommends iron fortification where rice constitutes a major part of the diet.

Benefits of Iron Fortification of Rice

• Improved Cognitive Development: Iron is crucial for brain development and cognitive function. Adequate iron intake during early childhood is linked to better cognitive performance, which can improve educational outcomes.
• Enhanced Maternal and Infant Health: Iron deficiency during pregnancy is associated with risks such as maternal anemia and poor fetal development. Fortified rice helps reduce these risks by improving iron intake among pregnant women.
• Reduction in Prevalence of Anemia: Regular consumption of fortified rice has been shown to improve hemoglobin levels in populations suffering from iron deficiency anemia. This has been particularly evident in pilot districts in India, where iron fortification has led to improved health outcomes among both adults and children.

Potential Risks and Challenges

• Bioavailability of Iron: Iron bioavailability refers to the body's ability to absorb and utilize the iron from fortified foods. While iron from rice is absorbed to a lesser extent compared to meat, its fortification still contributes significantly to overall iron intake, especially in populations that consume rice regularly.
• Overload of Iron: Excessive iron intake can lead to iron toxicity, causing oxidative stress, liver damage, and increased risk of infections. Special care must be taken to ensure that individuals with conditions like hemochromatosis or those receiving other forms of iron supplementation do not experience iron overload.
• Technical and Social Barriers: While India has made substantial progress in infrastructure for rice fortification, challenges remain in ensuring the quality, stability, and safety of fortified rice. Moreover, ensuring affordability, accessibility, and acceptance of fortified rice among diverse population groups remains a critical concern.

Future Directions for Rice Fortification

• Nanotechnology for Enhanced Iron Absorption: To improve the bioavailability of iron, exploring the use of nanotechnology could help encapsulate iron particles, enhancing their absorption and effectiveness in the body.
• Biofortification Integration: Combining iron fortification with biofortification—the process of breeding rice varieties with naturally higher iron content—could provide a sustainable solution for long-term micronutrient deficiency.
• Public-Private Partnerships: To scale up rice fortification, there is a need for collaborations between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These partnerships can help improve distribution networks, technology development, and financial sustainability.
• Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Rigorous evaluation studies, such as those being conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and NITI Aayog, will help assess the effectiveness of the rice fortification program and ensure its continuous improvement.

Conclusion: A Path to Nutritional Security

The fortification of rice in India represents a powerful tool to address the growing problem of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, which affects millions of people, especially women and children. By ensuring that fortified rice is integrated into government welfare schemes, India can take a significant step toward improving public health and achieving its nutritional goals.

While challenges related to bioavailability, iron overload, and implementation remain, ongoing research, technological innovation, and collaborative efforts can help mitigate these risks. As India continues to expand its rice fortification program, it offers a model for other countries facing similar nutritional challenges, reinforcing the role of fortified foods in achieving global sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to health and nutrition.

In News:

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) from July 2023 to June 2024 provides crucial insights into the employment landscape in India.

Key Findings from the PLFS Report 2023-24

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
  • The LFPR for individuals aged 15 years and above rose to 60.1%, an increase from 57.9% the previous year.
  • For males, LFPR is at 78.8%, while for females, it increased to 41.7%, up from 37.0%.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
  • The WPR for the same age group stands at 58.2%. This is composed of 76.3% for males and 40.3% for females.
  • Female WPR improved from 35.9% to 40.3% during the reporting period.
• Unemployment Rate (UR):
  • The overall unemployment rate is 3.2%. It slightly declined for males from 3.3% to 3.2%, while it increased for females from 2.9% to 3.2%.

Overview of the PLFS

The PLFS, initiated in April 2017, aims to provide timely and accurate labor market data. It focuses on two main objectives:

• Short-term Employment Indicators: Measure key employment metrics every three months in urban areas using the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.
• Annual Estimates: Gather employment and unemployment data for both urban and rural areas, assessing them in terms of Usual Status and CWS.

Methodology and Sample Design

• The survey employs a rotational panel sampling design in urban areas, where households are visited multiple times to ensure comprehensive data collection.
• During the 2023-24 period, a total of 12,800 Field Sampling Units (FSUs) were designated, with 12,743 successfully surveyed.

Conceptual Framework

Key indicators measured include:

• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Percentage of the population working or actively seeking work.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Percentage of employed individuals in the total population.
• Unemployment Rate (UR): Proportion of unemployed individuals among the labor force.

Challenges in Job Creation

India continues to face significant challenges in generating formal jobs. Key factors contributing to this issue include:

• Informalization of Employment: Growth in sectors like agriculture and construction is leading to increased informal employment, lacking social security and job protections.
• Technological Advancements: Automation and AI threaten job opportunities, even for skilled workers, as evidenced by layoffs in the IT sector.
• Skill Mismatch: Despite a push for skill development, the share of skilled jobs has declined, highlighting a growing disconnect between training programs and labor market needs.
• Policy Impacts: Past policies, such as demonetization and poorly implemented GST, have negatively impacted small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for job creation.

Way Forward:

To address these challenges, several strategies are proposed:

• Sectoral Diversification: Fostering investments in manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology can generate productive jobs.
• Support for MSMEs: Targeted financial aid and regulatory relief for micro, small, and medium enterprises are crucial for boosting their employment potential.
• Skill Development: Aligning training initiatives with current industry demands, particularly in emerging sectors, is essential.
• Focus on New-Age Services: Encouraging growth in sectors like e-commerce and online education could create diverse job opportunities.

Conclusion

The PLFS 2023-24 reveals an encouraging increase in labor force participation, particularly among women, while also highlighting persistent challenges in unemployment and gender disparities. The findings underscore the need for continued efforts to enhance job creation and improve employment conditions in both formal and informal sectors.

In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme for the 15th Finance Commission cycle, with a total outlay of ?2,602.98 crore. This scheme aims to enhance the conservation of wildlife and their habitats across India, building upon the earlier "Assistance for the Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries."

Overview of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)

IDWH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to support various components critical to wildlife conservation. Key aspects of the scheme include:

• Support to Protected Areas: This encompasses national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and community reserves.
• Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas: This aims to safeguard wildlife habitats and corridors beyond designated reserves.
• Recovery Programs: These initiatives focus on critically endangered species and their habitats.

Key Projects Under IDWH

The scheme integrates several prominent conservation projects:

1. Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this initiative seeks to ensure a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats. It employs advanced technologies such as the M-STrIPES application for effective management and monitoring.
2. Project Elephant: Initiated in 1992, this project focuses on elephant conservation, addressing human-elephant conflicts, and promoting the welfare of domesticated elephants.
3. Development of Wildlife Habitat: This includes Project Dolphin, which utilizes technology like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for monitoring dolphin populations, and Project Lion, aimed at strengthening lion conservation efforts in line with the “Lion @ 2047” vision.

Significance of the Scheme

The IDWH scheme promises significant ecological and economic benefits:

• It is projected to generate over 50 lakh man-days of direct employment, alongside indirect job opportunities through eco-tourism and related activities.
• A total of 55 tiger reserves, 33 elephant reserves, and 718 protected areas will benefit from the scheme, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• By supporting keystone species such as tigers, elephants, cheetahs, snow leopards, and lions, the scheme contributes to the overall integrity of these ecosystems.

The overall outlay for the three components for the 15th Finance Commission cycle as well as its remaining period:

S.No.                   Name of the Scheme             Central Share                State Share                 Total

1.                        Project Tiger                            1575.00                         955.00                         2530.00

2.                        Project Elephant                      182.58                           54.00                            236.58

3.            Development of Wildlife Habitat           845.4                           273.02                           1118.42

*All figures in Rs. Crores       Total                  2602.98                       1282.02                         3885.00       

Component of EFC                                   2024-25               2025-26

Project Tiger                                            365.00                   365.00     

Project Elephant                                      40.00                      40.12

Development of Wildlife Habitat              195.00                    183.16

*All figures in Rs. Crores       Total       600                         588.28