PLI Nodal Agencies

Why in news?

• The Indian government is currently addressing concerns related to the extensive powers vested in the project-monitoring agencies (PMAs) responsible for implementing the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which include Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI), Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (MECON), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

Monitoring and Accountability

• To prevent any potential misuse of power and to maintain transparency and integrity, the government is actively reviewing the functioning of these PMAs.
• The PMAs play a pivotal role in providing managerial and implementation support to the ministries involved in rolling out the PLI schemes.
• Their responsibilities include appraising applications, determining eligibility for incentives, monitoring scheme performance and progress, conducting site visits, and other critical tasks.

NITI Aayog’s Concerns and Government’s Response

• NITI Aayog, the government’s policy think tank, has raised concerns about the concentration of power within the PMAs.
• It has highlighted the need to minimize any scope for corruption and external influences in the selection process.
• Consequently, the government is taking proactive measures to address these concerns and ensure that the PLI scheme is not compromised.

Strategies for Enhanced Transparency and Accountability

• Top government officials are deliberating strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the extensive powers of the PMAs.
• The primary objective is to protect the integrity of the PLI scheme and prevent any fraudulent practices or attempts to influence the selection process.
• The government plans to direct the ministries to establish robust checks and balances, leaving no room for misuse of power within the PMAs.

Avoiding Quagmires

• The government’s actions stem from the lessons learned from previous experiences, such as challenges faced by the electric-vehicle subsidy scheme.
• By implementing effective measures, the government aims to ensure that the PLI scheme operates smoothly and achieves its intended objectives without any disruptions or controversies.

Safeguarding the PLI Scheme

• By actively monitoring and reviewing the PMAs, the government is prioritizing transparency, integrity, and accountability in the implementation of the PLI scheme.
• These measures will enhance public trust in the government’s efforts to promote industrial growth and provide incentives to eligible companies, thereby ensuring the success of the PLI scheme.

GS PAPER – I

Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021

Why in news?

• Gita Press, Gorakhpur, has been awarded the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021. The decision was made by a jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging Gita Press’s significant contribution to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violent and Gandhian methods.

Promoting Gandhian Ideals and Social Harmony

• The Culture Ministry stated that the award recognizes Gita Press’s outstanding role in promoting the Gandhian principles of peace and social harmony.
• Prime Minister Modi applauded the institution for its commendable work in community service, emphasizing that the award is a testament to its dedication and impact.

The Significance of the Gandhi Peace Prize

• The Gandhi Peace Prize was established in 1995 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 125th birth anniversary.
• This annual award includes a monetary amount of 1 crore, a citation, a plaque, and an exquisite handicraft or handloom item.
• It aims to honor individuals or organizations that have made remarkable contributions to peace, social welfare, and sustainable development.

Gita Press’s Achievements

• Gita Press, celebrating its centenary year in 2023, holds the distinction of being one of the world’s largest publishers. It has published an astounding 41.7 crore books in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore copies of the Bhagavad Gita.
• The institution focuses on promoting and disseminating the teachings of Sanatana Dharma (Hindu religion) through publications of sacred texts, discourses of eminent saints, and character-building literature.

A Commitment to Public Welfare

• Gita Press and its affiliated organizations have demonstrated a commitment to the betterment of society and the welfare of all.
• Their publications are offered at highly subsidized prices, and the institution’s revenue generation does not rely on advertising.
• Their mission is to spread the principles of Hinduism and uplift the general public by making spiritual and moral literature accessible to all.

GS PAPER – III

Miyawaki Forests: Transforming Urban Spaces with Green Cover

Why in news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Miyawaki technique during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode, emphasizing its potential for creating dense urban forests in small areas. He mentioned the success story of a Kerala-based teacher who used this method to transform barren land into a thriving mini forest.

Mumbai’s Efforts in Implementing Miyawaki Forests

• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai has been actively creating Miyawaki forests to enhance the city’s green cover, despite its limited space.
• These initiatives are aimed at increasing biodiversity and improving environmental conditions in the financial capital.
• The BMC has successfully planted 64 Miyawaki forests across Mumbai since the launch of the urban forest project in January 2020.
• Notable locations include Bhakti Park in Chembur and Nahar Amrut Shakti Udyan in Chandivali.
• Over 400,000 trees have been planted in these forests, with plans to create 14 more urban forests and plant 80,400 additional trees of various indigenous species in the coming year.

Understanding the Miyawaki Method

• The Miyawaki method, named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, involves densely planting two to four different types of indigenous trees within each square meter of land.
• This close planting enables the trees to grow quickly, reaching their full length within a span of three years. The technique relies on indigenous plants that are self-sustaining and require minimal maintenance.

Benefits and Significance of Miyawaki Forests

• Miyawaki forests offer multiple benefits, including absorbing dust particles and regulating surface temperature.
• The use of indigenous trees, such as Anjan, Amala, Bel, Arjun, and Gunj, promotes a healthier ecosystem and enhances soil fertility.
• These urban forests also contribute to carbon regulation and help in maintaining a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

GS PAPER – II

Right to Change Name as a Fundamental Right

Why in news?

• The High Courts of Allahabad and Delhi have ruled that the right to change one’s name or surname is an integral aspect of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. These judgments highlight the fundamental rights of citizens to exercise autonomy over their names.

Allahabad High Court’s Verdict

• In a case where Shahnawaz sought to change his name to Md. Sameer Rao, the Allahabad High Court granted permission, emphasizing that the right to keep or change one’s name is protected under Articles 19(1)(a), 21, and 14.
• The court acknowledged the significance of self-worth and personal choice in the matter of names.

Delhi High Court’s Ruling

• In another case, the Delhi High Court allowed two brothers to have their father’s surname changed from Mochi to Nayak on their Class 10 and 12 Board certificates.
• The court stated that the right to identity is an intrinsic part of the right to life under Article 21.
• It criticized the authorities for arbitrarily rejecting the name change application and affirmed the petitioners’ fundamental rights under Articles 19(1)(a), 21, and 14.

Reasons for Denial and Counterarguments

• The CBSE, in the Delhi case, argued that changing the surname could lead to a change in caste, potentially opening avenues for misuse.
• However, the court deemed the refusal to update the certificates as unjustified.
• In the Allahabad case, the state contended that name changes are not an absolute right and are subject to legal restrictions and limitations.

High Courts’ Justifications for Name Change

• Both High Courts cited previous judgments to support their rulings.
• They recognized the right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and the right to live with dignity (Article 21) as encompassing the right to choose and change one’s name.
• The courts emphasized that names are intrinsic to identity and should not be tied to casteism or prejudice.

Conclusion

• These judgments reaffirm the importance of individual autonomy in determining one’s name. They establish the right to change or retain a name as a fundamental right, subject to reasonable restrictions. The rulings also underscore the need for consistency across identification documents, emphasizing congruence in the name change process.