GOBARdhan Scheme

28 Sep 2023 GOBARdhan Scheme

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “GOBARdhan Scheme”. This topic has relevance in the “Economy” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is Gobardhan Scheme? 

For Mains:

GS2:  Economy

Why in the news?

Recently, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, introduced a Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan to streamline the registration of CBG and biogas plants nationwide.

GOBARdhan Scheme 

• GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) is a significant initiative undertaken by the Government of India to convert waste into wealth and promote a circular economy. 
• It aims to establish a robust ecosystem for Biogas/ Compressed Biogas (CBG)/ Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) plants, driving sustainable economic growth and addressing India’s climate action objectives.
• The GOBARdhan scheme is a sub-scheme of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin-Phase 2.

• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, is the nodal department for GOBARdhan. 

Initiatives Enabling GOBARdhan Scheme:

• Market Development Assistance (MDA):

• • The Department of Fertilisers has implemented the Market Development Assistance (MDA) program to promote the production and adoption of organic fertilisers derived from GOBARdhan biogas plants.
  • A substantial Rs. 1451.82 Crore budget has been allocated for MDA over three years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26).
  • MDA aims to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and promote Integrated Nutrient Management across agricultural practices.
  • The program focuses on two key objectives: efficient organic waste management and enhancing soil organic carbon in agricultural soils, creating fertile conditions for organic farming.

Other Initiatives Enabling GOBARdhan:

• Standardising bio-slurry:

• • Bio-slurry, a byproduct of the biogas production process, has significant potential to increase the use of organic farming practices and provide economic benefits to farmers.
  • Efforts are being made to standardise the production and utilisation of bio-slurry to enhance its effectiveness as an organic fertiliser.

• Inclusion of CBG plants in the AIF and AHIDF:

• • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has included Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants in the Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
  • This recognition and support from RBI contribute to the development and financial backing of CBG plants, further enabling the success of the GOBARdhan scheme.

• Revisions in categorisation and recalibration of CBG plant categories:

• • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revised the categorisation and calibration of CBG plant categories.
  • This step ensures that CBG plants are assessed and regulated effectively, improving their efficiency and overall performance.

• Revival of Waste to Energy Scheme:

• • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revived the Waste to Energy Scheme, which complements the GOBARdhan scheme.
  • This initiative promotes converting various types of waste, including organic waste, into energy, further supporting the circular economy approach.

Benefits and Impacts: 

• Clean Energy Transition: The shift towards CBG/biogas contributes to India’s clean energy transition, ensuring energy security, affordability, and reduced environmental impact.
• Rural Employment Opportunities: Establishing biogas plants creates job opportunities for semi-skilled and skilled labour, stimulating rural economies.
• Women’s Empowerment and Improved Health: Access to clean fuel through CBG/biogas improves hygiene in villages, reduces the incidence of diseases, and benefits rural communities, particularly women.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): GOBARdhan is in line with India’s goals of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and others.
• Circular Economy: GOBARdhan significantly contributes to the circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources and promoting a sustainable waste management system.

Sources: Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in) 

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 28th Sep 2023

Q1. With reference to GOBARdhan Scheme, consider the following statements: 

1. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, is the nodal department for GOBARdhan.
2. Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants are included in the Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
3. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revived the Waste to Energy Scheme, which complements the GOBARdhan scheme.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 

Q2. Consider the following:

1. Help in managing the major solid waste in villages.
2. Promotion of linear economy
3. Improved hygiene and health 
4. Providing employment in rural areas

How many of the abovementioned are benefits of GOBARdhan?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All Four 

Answer: (c)

Q3. Discuss the key initiatives and impacts of the GOBARdhan scheme in promoting a circular economy and achieving India’s climate action objectives.

Gaurav N