Atal Bhujal Yojana is a central government scheme launched in December 2019 with the aim of improving groundwater management in the country. The scheme is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The scheme aims to address the issue of depleting groundwater resources in India by promoting sustainable groundwater management practices.
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Notes on Atal Bhujal Yojana for IAS Exam Preparation
The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) is an important topic for the UPSC civil services examination. Here are some key points to note for IAS exam preparation:
- Objectives of ABY: The primary objectives of ABY are to improve groundwater management in the country, promote sustainable use of groundwater resources, and ensure water security in the long run.
- Components of ABY: The scheme has two major components: (i) Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Component, and (ii) Incentive Component. Under the Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Component, state governments will be supported to set up groundwater management institutions and prepare plans for sustainable groundwater management. Under the Incentive Component, financial incentives will be provided to farmers and other stakeholders to adopt sustainable groundwater management practices.
- Funding: The total outlay of ABY is Rs. 6,000 crores, of which the central government will provide Rs. 3,000 crores and the remaining Rs. 3,000 crores will be provided by the World Bank as a loan.
- Target areas: The scheme will be implemented in seven states – Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh – where groundwater resources are under stress.
- Key features: Some of the key features of ABY include community participation in groundwater management, monitoring and evaluation of groundwater use, and promotion of recharge structures such as rainwater harvesting.
- Benefits: ABY is expected to bring a range of benefits, including improved water security, increased crop productivity, and enhanced livelihood opportunities for farmers.
Probable questions on Atal Bhujal Yojana for UPSC
Here are some probing questions that can be asked in the UPSC civil services examination:
- What is the Atal Bhujal Yojana? Discuss its key features and objectives.
- How will the Atal Bhujal Yojana address the issue of depleting groundwater resources in India?
- What are the components of the Atal Bhujal Yojana? Explain the Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Component and the Incentive Component.
- What are the target areas of the Atal Bhujal Yojana? Why have these areas been selected?
- Discuss the benefits of the Atal Bhujal Yojana.
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IAS Exam Preparation Tips to Ace Topics like Atal Bhujal Yojana
Here are some tips to help you prepare for topics like Atal Bhujal Yojana:
- Understand the basics: Start by understanding the basics of the scheme, including its objectives, components, and target areas.
- Analyze the scheme in detail: Analyze the scheme in detail, including its potential impact, implementation challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
- Stay updated: Stay updated with the latest developments related to the scheme, including new initiatives, funding, and policy changes.
- Refer to multiple sources: Refer to multiple sources of information, including government reports, research papers, news articles, and expert opinions.
- Practice answer writing: Practice answer writing on topics related to the scheme to improve your writing skills and enhance your understanding of the topic.
IAS Exam Preparation Strategy
- Understand the syllabus: The first step in preparing for the IAS exam is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern. Make a study plan based on the syllabus and allocate sufficient time for each topic.
- Read and revise regularly: Read and revise regularly to ensure that you have a strong understanding of the concepts. Use standard textbooks and reference materials to improve your knowledge.
- Practice answer writing: Practice answer writing regularly to improve your writing skills and time management. Analyze your answers and identify areas for improvement.
- Stay updated with current affairs: Stay updated with current affairs and their impact on policy and governance. Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources regularly to stay informed.
- Solve previous year’s question papers: Solve previous year’s question papers and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improve your performance.
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Conclusion
Atal Bhujal Yojana is a crucial scheme launched by the central government to address the issue of depleting groundwater resources in the country. The scheme aims to promote sustainable groundwater management practices and ensure water security in the long run. For IAS exam preparation, it is essential to understand the basics of the scheme, its objectives, components, and benefits.
Candidates must stay updated with the latest developments related to the scheme and practice answer writing regularly to improve their writing skills and time management. A well-planned and focused study strategy can help candidates ace topics like Atal Bhujal Yojana and other important schemes related to water management and conservation.
