Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan for Livelihood Generation in Prelims

Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan for Livelihood Generation in Prelims

Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan (GKRA) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at generating livelihood opportunities for migrant workers and rural populations, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme addresses critical challenges of unemployment and infrastructure development in rural areas. It’s a significant topic for UPSC Prelims as it combines elements of social welfare, economic upliftment, and rural development.

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Key Features of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan

1. Launch Date and Objective
   • Launched on June 20, 2020, the scheme seeks to mitigate the adverse impacts of the pandemic on rural livelihoods.
   • It focuses on creating jobs and strengthening rural infrastructure to drive local development.
2. Duration and Coverage
   • The program is implemented over 125 days, targeting 116 districts across six states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
   • These districts were chosen based on the significant influx of returning migrant workers.
3. Financial Outlay
   • The scheme allocated a ₹50,000 crore budget to finance public works and rural infrastructure projects.
4. Implementation
   • It integrates 25 existing schemes under 12 different ministries, focusing on employment generation, rural infrastructure, and capacity building.
   • The Ministry of Rural Development acts as the nodal agency for monitoring and coordination.

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Objectives of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan

1. Employment Generation
   • To provide immediate livelihood opportunities to migrant workers returning to rural areas.
2. Rural Infrastructure Development
   • Enhance rural infrastructure, including roads, wells, community facilities, and sanitation projects.
3. Skill Development
   • Utilize workers’ existing skills and enhance them through projects, ensuring sustainable employment.
4. Boosting the Rural Economy
   • Stimulate rural economic activities through large-scale public works.

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Key Projects Under GKRA

1. Construction of Roads and Bridges
   • Focuses on connecting remote villages with mainstream markets and facilities.
2. Building Rural Housing and Toilets
   • Supports schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
3. Plantation and Horticulture Projects
   • Promotes environmental sustainability alongside employment.
4. Water Conservation and Irrigation Projects
   • Implements initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission to improve water management.
5. Community Sanitation Complexes
   • Enhances hygiene and public health infrastructure.

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Impact of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan

1. Employment for Migrant Workers
   • Over 125 million man-days of work were created, directly benefiting migrant workers.
2. Rural Infrastructure
   • Improved rural connectivity, water supply, and sanitation facilities.
3. Economic Empowerment
   • Injected substantial funds into rural economies, alleviating the financial distress of vulnerable populations.
4. Capacity Building
   • Workers gained skills that have long-term employment potential.

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Challenges in Implementation

1. Limited Scope
   • The program’s 125-day duration restricted its ability to offer long-term solutions.
2. Administrative Coordination
   • Integrating 25 schemes across 12 ministries posed significant logistical challenges.
3. Coverage Gaps
   • Exclusion of migrant workers outside the targeted districts limited its overall impact.

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Strategies for Exam Preparation

1. Understanding Scheme Integration
   • Study how GKRA integrates existing schemes like PMAY, SBM, and Jal Jeevan Mission.
2. Focus on Employment and Rural Development
   • Analyze the scheme’s role in addressing unemployment and developing rural infrastructure.
3. Data and Reports
   • Memorize key statistics, such as ₹50,000 crore allocation and the number of man-days generated.
4. Current Affairs
   • Relate GKRA to recent developments in employment policies and rural development.

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Resources for Preparation

Inbound Links

• Visit Sleepy Classes for comprehensive modules on rural development and employment generation schemes.
• Explore their Current Affairs Course to stay updated on policy impacts.

Outbound Links

• Official Ministry of Rural Development for scheme guidelines and updates.
• Wikipedia for historical and policy details.
• PRS Legislative Research for analytical insights on GKRA.

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Integrating GKRA into UPSC Prelims Answers

1. Introduction
   • Start with a definition or a key statistic. For example:
     “Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, launched in June 2020, is a ₹50,000 crore initiative to provide employment to rural migrant workers.”
2. Body
   • Explain its objectives, features, and implementation.
   • Highlight its integration with other schemes and its impact on rural development.
3. Conclusion
   • Conclude with a forward-looking statement emphasizing the need for such programs in tackling rural unemployment and promoting sustainable development.

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Conclusion

The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan is a critical example of a government response to an unprecedented crisis, showcasing a proactive approach to employment generation and rural development. By addressing the immediate needs of migrant workers and creating long-term infrastructure, GKRA provides a holistic framework for inclusive growth. For aspirants preparing for UPSC Prelims, this scheme offers valuable insights into policy integration and its role in fostering resilience in rural India.