The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan (GKRA) was launched by the Government of India to address the challenges faced by returnee migrant workers and rural populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative, spanning 125 days, aims to provide immediate employment and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. This overview provides a balanced perspective on the GKRA, its objectives, and its implementation strategies.
Objectives of the GKRA
The GKRA has three primary objectives:
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To provide immediate employment to returnee migrant workers and affected rural populations.
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To saturate villages with public infrastructure and assets.
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To enhance long-term livelihood opportunities.
Coverage and Duration
The Abhiyaan covers 116 districts across six states, including 27 Aspirational Districts. The states are Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. It is operational for 125 days, starting from June 20, 2020.
Intended Beneficiaries
The scheme is primarily intended for:
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Returnee migrant workers.
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Similarly affected rural populations in the six selected states.
Implementation Strategy
The GKRA is implemented through an inter-ministerial approach, converging resources from 12 central government ministries. The strategy focuses on:
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25 target-driven works.
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Public infrastructure development.
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Livelihood generation activities.
Key Features of the Scheme
The GKRA is designed with several key features:
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Proactive Intervention: It is activated when market conditions become unfavorable for farmers.
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Non-Plan Scheme: It is not part of the regular five-year plan, allowing for flexible implementation.
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Focus on Distress Sales: It specifically aims to prevent farmers from selling their produce at throwaway prices.
Financial Assistance and Sharing Pattern
The financial burden of the MIS is shared between the Central and State Governments:
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Normal States: The loss is shared on a 50:50 basis.
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North-Eastern States: The loss is shared on a 75:25 basis (Central:State).
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Loss Cap: The total loss borne by the government is limited to 25% of the total procurement value.
Implementation and Contact
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Managing Department: The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation manages the scheme.
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Contact Person: The Joint Secretary, Cooperation Division, is the main point of contact.
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Location: The division is located at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
Financial Allocations and Expenditure (in ₹ Crores)
Here’s a summary of the financial aspects:
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2012-13: Expenditure: 0.00
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2013-14: Expenditure: 7.17
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2014-15: Expenditure: 6.40
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12th Plan Allocation: ₹1274.50 crores (Proposed)
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Actual Expenditure (12th Plan): ₹213.34 crores (17% of allocation)
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2014-15 Excess Expenditure: ₹7.35 crores (due to sudden decrease of funds at RE stage)
The GKRA in the Broader Context
The Market Intervention Scheme is a crucial tool for the Indian government to support its farmers. It complements the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system by addressing the price volatility of horticultural products. The scheme helps in:
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Protecting Farmers: Preventing exploitation and ensuring fair prices.
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Maintaining Supply: Ensuring a stable supply of agricultural commodities in the market.
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Market Stability: Reducing price fluctuations and promoting a more stable agricultural market.
Conclusion
The Market Intervention Scheme is vital for stabilizing the agricultural market and protecting farmers from distress sales. Through financial assistance and market intervention, the scheme ensures fair prices, particularly during bumper crop seasons. The MIS showcases the Indian government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring the economic well-being of its farmers.