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UPSC : APFC ANSWER KEYS - 2016

Subject: Recruitment Test for Recruitment to 170 posts of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner in Employee Provident Fund Organization – sharing of infromation : Answer Keys

[Advt No. 52/2015 , Vacancy No. 15065201720 , RT held on 10.01.2016 ]

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UPSC : APFC EPFO EXAM ANSWER KEYS

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UPSC : APFC CUT OFF-2016

Subject: Recruitment Test for Recruitment to 170 posts of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner in Employee Provident Fund Organization – sharing of infromation : Cut-off Marks

[Advt No. 52/2015 , Vacancy No. 15065201720 , RT held on 10.01.2016 ]

(A) Details of the Marks of candidates will be posted on the Website shortly.

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UPSC : APFC EPFO EXAM CUT OFF MARKS

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The Gist of Kurukshetra : Prime Minister’s 7 Point Action Plan: Doubling Farmers’ Income - August - 2017

• Enhanced focus on irrigation with large scale investments, with the aim of 'per drop, more crop'.
• Availability of Quality Seeds and Nutrients.
• Large scale investments in Warehousing, cold chains and storage facilities.
• Value- addition through food processing.
• Risk Management through introduction of crop insurance schemes.
• Setting up a National Farm Market and;
• Promoting ancillary activities like poultry, fisheries etc.

Initiatives for Farmers' Welfare

Record production: (2016-17 Estimates)

• Record Production of Foodgrains: Estimated at 271.98 MT
• Record production of Rice Estimated at 108.86 MT
• Record Production of Wheat Estimated at 96.64 MT
• Record Production of Coarse Cereals Estimated at 44.34 MT
• Record Production of Pulses Estimated at 22.14 MT
• Record Production of Oilseeds Estimated at 33.60 MT

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

• To provide insurance at lowest premium rate to farmers with added benefits.
• Highest financial support till date by the Central Government in crop insurance.
• Plan to increase crop insurance coverage from 20 per cent to 50 per cent by 2018-19.
• During Kharif 2016, 3.90 crore farmers insured over t.he sum insured of Rs.1,41,883.30 crores.
• During Rabi 2016-17, 1.67 crore farmers insured over the sum insured of Rs. 71,728.59 crores.

Relief to Farmers In Distress:

• If 33 per cent or more crop damaged, a farmer would get relief. Earlier relief was given only when crop damage was 50 per cent or more.
• Amount of relief under various heads increased by 1.5 times.
• For food grains damaged due to excessive rainfall, full minimum support price to be paid.
• Families of the deceased persons to be given an assistance of Rs.4 lakhs, up from Rs.2.5 lakhs.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):
• Water to Every Field / Har Khet Ko Paani'.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is targeting speedy completion of irrigation projects which are pending for long-time.
• PMKSY to cover 28.5 Lakh hectare area under irrigation.
• Rs. 50,000 crores to be investedin five years to achieve 'Water to Every Field / Har Khet Ko Paani',
• Budget of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna increased to Rs.737? crore.
• Long Term Irrigation Fund Augmented by 100 per cent to Rs 40,000 Crore (Budget 2017-18).
• Dedicated Micro Irrigation fund with a sum of Rs. 5000 crores to be set up forthe achievement of the goal of More crop per drop.
• Under 'Per Drop More Crop' for micro irrigation 15.86 lakh hectares brought under micro irrigation from 2014-17.

Soil health Cards

• Soil Health Cards carry crop wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilizers required for individual farms to help farmers to improve productivity through judicious use of inputs.
• Scheme launched to reduce fertilizers usage and expenses.
• Soil Health Cards to be issued to all farmers by 2018
• 6.04 crore soil Health Cards distributed.
• 2.78 crore soil samples collected till 15.4.2017.

Credit facility for Farming and Agriculture

• Has been raised to RS.I0 lakh crore.

National Agriculture Market (e-Nam)

• This is an initiative where all agricultural mandis are linked electronically.
• Farmers will be able to get better price of their crop through e-Nam.
• 415 Mandis across 13 states are live on e-NAM.
• More than 39.75 lakh farmers and 88,474 traders are registered on this platform .
• Agriculture produce worth Rs. 15,009 crores has been transacted on e-NAM platform (As on 23.03.2017).
• Rs 7S'lakhs allotted for every mandi to set up e-NAM infrastructure.

Neem Coated Urea -  Now no queues for Urea

• Government makes Neem coating of Urea mandatory.
• 100 per cent of Neem Coating of Indigenous and Imported Urea achieved.
• New Urea Policy 2015-Assured availability of Urea.
• Diversion of highly subsidized urea towards non-agricultural purposes reduced to negligible.
• 5 to 17 per cent increase in crop yield seen in various crops.
• Earlier, subsidised urea used to be diverted to non-agricultural use. This diversion also created shortage of urea. The launch of Neem Coated Urea has made non-agricultural use impossible and hence, urea is available tofarmers in adequat quantity.

Abolition of Levy System

In a major pro-farmer move, the government has abolished procurement of paddy under the levy system thereby enabling the farmers to sell their paddy directly to the centres opened by the Government agencies at a more beneficial price.

Direct Subsidy to Sugarcane Farmers

Direct subsidy to sugarcane farmers- Amount released directly to farmers' Account.

Payment of Sugarcane Arrears

• For years, sugarcane farmers in north India have been suffering under sugarcane arrears.
• So, the Government extended financial assistance.
• Cane farmers' due payments cleared upto 99.33 per cent (2014-15 sugar season) and 98.21 per cent(2015-16 sugar season).

Stabilization of prices of Pulses

• For the first time, a buffer stock of up to 20 lakh MT of pulses is being created to manage price volatility of pulses.
• Buffer of around 17.141akh tonnes of pulses already built.
• Big hike in the minimum support price (MSP) of kharif pulses for 2016-17 viz. Arhar increased from Rs. 4,625 to Rs. 5,050 per quintal, Urad increased from Rs. 4,625 to Rs. 5,000 per quintal and Moong increased from Rs 4,850 to Rs. 5,250 per quintal.
• Substantial increase in MSP of Rabi Pulses, price of gram increased from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 4000 per quintal and the price of lentil (Masoor) increased from Rs. 3400 to Rs. 3950 per quintal.

Agro-Meteorological Services for Farmers

• Farmers are directly benefitted by the Agro-Meteorological Services provided through SMS and other modes for their day to day farming operations.
• About 7 million farmers were receiving information in Indian languages in 2014. About 21 million farmers are currently receiving AAS in vernacular languages.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

• Promoting organic farming.
• 10,000 clusters covering 2 lakhs hectare area under Organic Farming being covered during 2015-18.
• Organic value chain for North Eastern States.

'Blue Revolution': A Revolution in the Fisheries Sector:

• Merged all the ongoing fisheries schemes under the umbrella of Blue Revolution.
• Fish production increased from 186.12 lakh tonnes during 2012-14 to 209.59 tonnes during 2014-16.
• Insurance cover increased to Rs. 2 lakh from Rs. 1 lakh for accidental death and permanent disability.
• Average 4.90 lakh fishermen benefited annually under Saving-cum-Relief.
• Average Rs. 48.65 lakh fishermen insured annually.
 

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The Gist of Kurukshetra : Transforming Agriculture for Farmers’ Prosperity - August - 2017

The transformation of some sectors of Indian economy following economic reforms in early 1990s lifted growth rate of total economy from 4.2 per cent during 1971 to 1991 to close to 7 per cent after 1991. This helped in doubling per capita income at constant prices (2004-05) in just 17 years as compared to 37 years before 1991. However, agriculture sector, which comprised over 40 per cent of Indian economy and 59 per cent workforce in year 1991, did not experience any permanent change in its growth rate. GDP of agriculture and allied sectors doubled in about 23 years before 1991 and it took same number of years to double again. Even recent years show that agriculture growth is stuck around long run average of 2.9 per cent whereas non-agriculture growth hovers around 8 per cent. The higher growth rate in non-agriculture sector has been accompanied only by a small shift of farmers to non- farm occupations. Consequently, the income of cultivators (farmers) has remained low and the gap with non- farm workers has enlarged.

Agricultural activities generated net income of Rs. Ten thousand per cultivator per month in year 2015-16 which is less than one-third of the income of non farm worker. If farmers income continue to rise at same rate as witnessed during the last two decades, it will not reach even Rs. 20 thousand mark in real terms in next 20 years. Therefore, special focus is needed to raise income of farmers at a faster rate like “Doubling Farmers Income by 2022.

Use of certified quality seed distributed by various agencies is quite low. Fertiliser use in most of states is sub optimal. More than one crop is grown on less than 50 per cent of area under cultivation. Improved technology has not yet reached large number of farmers which is evident from the fact that more than 30 per cent area under cereals is Linder traditional varieties. The main reasons for this are poor extension, missing link with supply chain of quality seed and quality plant propagation material and low availability of institutional credit in many states.

Despite large investments in irrigation, more than half of cultivated area does not have access to irrigation. High value crops like fruits and vegetables, which have much higher productivity as compared to other crops are raised on less than 10 per cent area.

Indian agriculture is missing the state of the art technology and modern method of farming. Advance world is moving towards precision farming using sensors and other scientific tools for exact practices and application of inputs. It saves costs, reduce environmental effect and yield more and better quality produce. We still continue to use flood method of irrigation, broadcasting fertilisers, and indiscriminately spraying chemicals. Application of advance science at farm level requires skill, knowledge, investments and improvement in human capital in farming. This warrants renewed commitment and higher participation of public and private sectors in agriculture.

Prices at farm level can be raised in two ways. First, by ensuring MSP and second by creating competitive market. In many states, the farmers get 10-20 per cent lower price than MSP even for paddy and wheat where a large part of marketed surplus is procured by the government. Ensuring MSP in such cases will raise 'farmer income by 13-26 per cent. It is important to mention that green revolution happened in those states only where farmers got remunerative prices. Recently, it has been demonstrated in Madhya Pradesh. The recent move by government of Uttar Pradesh to ensure MSP to its farmers is sure to bring green revolution and much higher income to farmers in U.P, in the next 5-7 years. Similar scope exists in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam ,where farm harvest prices of cereals often rule lower than MSP.

The centre came out with a proposal to adopt Model APMC Act in year 2003 which was prepared in consultation with the stales. The objective was to dismantle excessive regulation and control over markets, facilitate direct sale purchase, create more options for sellers, dismantle market collusion by "local traders, and attract competition and investments in agricultural markets. However, the adoption and implementation of Model APMC law by states remained patchy, diluted and insignificant. Some states did not change the Act. Those which changed the Act did not notify rules, and where notification was done, it was restricted to tiny fraction of produce. Thus, agricultural markets remained deprived of new commerce, modern infrastructure and formal sector participation, and modern value chains. Consequently, traditional capital, large price spread, price crashes at harvest time and spikes in lean period, with little value addition, remained the order of the day. This is leading to loss of faith in market and demand for MSP for every agricultural commodity.

Renewed efforts have been started by NITI Aayog in year 2016 to bring comprehensive reforms in agriculture marketing. E-NAM is another important initiative of Government of India to use pan-India electronic trading portal for bidding and network the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. Central Government provide financial assistance of Rs. 75 lakh for each market under E-NAM. Even small reforms in marketing show big return in terms of price realization by farmer.

Along with crops, we need to tap potential of livestock which contribute 25-30 per cent of farmers income. About 1 crore and 10 lakh cows and buffaloes of breedable age never calved. Age at first calving is 34 months. Calving interval is large. Better management of herd and feed and healthcare are needed to raise growth of livestock.

Food processing in rural areas has an important role to procure raw material and provide employment. In recent years, the industrial output has grown at a very high rate in rural areas but employment growth has been below 1 per cent. The reason is that, the type of industry which is growing at high rate is not employment intensive, and the industry which is employment intensive (food processing) has a very low growth rate (about 3 per cent per year).
Substantial increase in farmers income will materialise only if states own this goal and extend their support to the reform agenda to ensure that agriculture marches to next stage of development and it is not left behind, when we move to New Age India as it happened with the first wave of reforms started in 1991.

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The Gist of Kurukshetra : Double of Farmers' Income: Agriculture Growth and Farmers' Welfare - August - 2017

Continuing Critical Role of Agriculture in India Agriculture is the principal source of livelihood for about 48 per cent of the population of the country. It caters to the food security of the nation besides generating exportable surpluses. It provides the bulk of wage goods required in non-agriculture sector and most of the raw materials for the industrial sector. Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is unquestionably the largest livelihood provider in India, more so, in the vast rural geographies. It contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDPJ1 of the nation's overall economy, though in terms of percentage, it has been declining. This also highlights the need for increasing the size of agri-GDP (agri-GVA since 2012-13)2, so that per capita share of the farmers dependent on the sector improves.
India's agriculture sector has been undergoing a structural change with respect to its farm size, cropping pattern and share in the national GVA.lt would benefit all concerned with policy formulation and implementation, to recognize that agriculture sector is the largest private enterprise in the country. It is logical, therefore, to enable the spirit of private enterprise of the farmers to excel itself. So far, the nation's broad focus has been on achieving higher production and realize food security, which has been done with satisfaction. However, it has also spawned a number of issues that challenge sustainability and one sees agrarian crisis today. In the wake of this, it is more approphate to adopt farm income- centric approach in preference to production at any cost as the basis of agricultural policy. The farmer has to be facilitated to operate his farm-enterprise on the basis of profitable returns.

As per 2011 Agriculture Census, number agricultural workers in the country were 26.3 crore comprising 11.87 crore of cultivators and 14,43 crore of agricultural labourers. This in terms of percentage of the total number of agricultural workers accounted for 45.1 per cent and 54.9 per cent respectively. In comparison, the corresponding figures for the year 1951 were 9.72 crore of total number of agricultural workers, consisting of 6.99 crore of cultivators (71.9 per cent) and 2.73 crore of agricultural labourers (28.1 per cent). It is clear, that not only has there been an increase in the total number of agricultural workers, but also relative to the total number of cultivators, the numbers of agricultural labourers have increased. It is also important to learn from these statistics, that while the percentage of people depending on agriculture has reduced to 48 from the high of 80 in 1951, in terms of absolute figures, the dependency on agriculture sector for employment, income and livelihood has increased.

At current prices, the size of the agriculture GDP (including Agriculture, Forestry & logging and Fisheries) stood at Rs. 19,06,348 crore (Rs.1.90 million crore) in the year 2013-14. Exclusive of Forestry and logging, the size of agri-GDP (including Field Crops, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Fisheries alone) worked out to Rs.14,95,591 crore (Rs.1.49 million crore).

As a share of the total Gross Value Added (GVA) of the nation's economy at 2011-12 prices, the GVA of agriculture sector has been declining. It has declined from 17.8 per cent in 2012-13 to 17.5 per cent in 2013-14 to 16.3 per cent in 2014-15 and to 15.3 per cent in the year 2015-16. That agri-GVA of 15.3 per cent in the year 2015-16 supported nearly 50 per cent of the population makes it explicit, that the purchasing power of the farmers is at a level less than desired. The percentage of farmers below poverty line in 2011-12 based on total household (farm and non-farm) income in the country was 22.5 per cent and obviously a situation that needs amelioration.

As per 2013 Survey, the average monthly income of the agricultural household at All India level was Rs. 6,426/- and its composition from different sources as a percentage of the total was as follows:

Further, 2013 Survey brought out, that as against the average monthly income of Rs. 6,246- the average monthly consumption expenditure was Rs. 6,223/-. This is reflective of the vulnerability of the farmer in terms of adequacy of his income to meet family expenses and create savings that can be plowed back as investments on his farm.

The changes in the farmers' income are linked in a major way to the growth rates of agriculture sector. During the 11th plan period (2006-07 to 2011-12), the agriculture sector registered an average growth rate of 3.3 per cent as against the target of 4 per cent. The growth rate of the sector during ongoing 12th plan period (2012-13 to 2017-18) has been less than targeted on account of poorer performance in 2012-13 and two severe consecutive droughts in the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. However, the current year, 2016-17 has shown growth buoyancy. Based on 3rd Advance Estimates of production, the year 2016-17 is expected to register a growth rate of 4.3 per cent. The estimated output are 272 million metric tonnes (mmts) of foodgrains and 287 mmts of fruits & vegetables surpassing the earlier respective record of 265 mmts and 284 mmts achieved in the year 2013-14. It is important to register robust and consistent growth rates in the sector in order to keep at bay agrarian distress and raise the farmers' income, so that they are able to realize higher standard of living and also generate savings required. to meet capital investment needs. In the absence of savings coupled with non-availability of required quantum of institutional credit, the farmer is driven to borrowings from money lenders. As per annual reports of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Ministry of Home" Affairs, Government of India, amongst various reasons pushing the farmer to suicide, indebtedness is an important one. As per 2013 Survey, about 52 per cent of the agricultural households in the country were estimated to be indebted and the average amount of outstanding loan per. agricultural household was Rs.47,000/- (approx.).

It is in the above context, that Government of India in its budget 2016-17 declared its commitment to doubling the income of the farmers over the period of 6 years (2016-17 to 2021-22). The budgetary announcement was preceded by the declaration of Hon'ble Prime Minister on 18th February, 2016, at his Bareilly address committing the nation to this goal. As seen from the contents of Table it is reasonable to target the doubling of the income of the farmers, if only all the states are able to register higher growth rates on a consistent basis. Of course, high growth rate in production is a necessary condition, but not a sufficient condition. Greater emphasis is needed on reforms on the post-production segment, so as to enable the farmer to realize greater value & monetary turns on his produce.
Agriculture sector which is defined by biological process, is by its very nature vulnerable to the vagaries of climate which impact the sector adversely. Further, it is also exposed to market uncertainties since production cannot be maneuvered as easily as in the case of industrial production system. This affects the farmers at every stage of production and post-production systems, thereby influencing his income directly. It is, therefore, important to provide support to the farmers and enable them to negotiate such risks & uncertainties without compromising on their family expenditure needs, human dignity and life security.

In order to achieve higher growth rates in any sector including agriculture, some pre-requisites are facilitative policy framework leading to suitable programmes and projects supported by adequate investments from both public and private sectors, that contribute to increased Gross Capital Formation (GCF). It would always be necessary to prioritize sub-sectors for investments and efforts so as to achieve higher growth rates from the sector as a whole. Since agriculture sector comprises various sub-sectors including field crops, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries, it would be important to understand the composition of these sub-sectors and the growth potential that exists in respect of each of these.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Funding SS Entrepreneurs - August - 2017

The scheme of Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes was launched in 2014-15 with unique feature of higher level of loans from Rs.50 lakhs to Rs.15 crores for SC entrepreneurs. Till date loans amounting to Rs.236.66 crores to 65 Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs has been sanctioned in different areas including Solar Energy, Water treatment plants, Food processing and Beverages, Hotel etc. In nine projects, beneficiaries have started repayment and the Scheme is also having multiplying effect on other SC entrepreneurs.

So far as the Skill Development is concerned, training is undertaken by all State Governments under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan and by National Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) and National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). Over 1.5 lakh beneficiaries have benefitted from 2014-15 to 2016-17 and 48.42 per cent got wage/self-employment.

Under Entrepreneurship, over 17 lakh people have benefitted from subsidy given for loans taken for economic activities in the last three years under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan. Over 8.12 lakh beneficiaries have been given loans by the Corporations for entrepreneurships in the last three years.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Angel Funding - August - 2017

Angel funding or investments are typically the earliest equity investments made in start-up companies. Angel investors invest in small start-ups or entrepreneurs and they usually invest in the entrepreneur starting the business rather than on the viability of the business. They help start-ups take their first step and do not bother about the possible profit they may get from the business.

The term ‘angel’ has been taken from theatre, where it was used to describe wealthy individuals who provided money for’theatrical productions that would otherwise have had to shut down. Angel investors are almost always wealthy individuals and commonly band together in investor networks. Often these networks are based on regional, industry, or academic affiliation. In recent years, India has emerged as one of the top three countries globally in terms of the number of start-ups founded and the Indian start-up landscape seems to be very vibrant. According to India Venture Capital and a private equity report prepared by the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras (IIT-M), the total venture investment in start-ups during the period 2005-15 is estimated at Rs. 117 billion (using 2015 as the base year). Actual investment could be much higher since details of investment amount are not available for many of the deals. The average annual growth rate in investment flow during the period 2005-15 is about 42 percent. Between the years 2005-15, more than 10,000 start-ups have received funding. The average.annual growth in the number of start-ups that have been funded for the period 2005-15 has been 16 percent. In most sectors, there has been an equivalent Indian start-up to that of a foreign start-up. While many foreign start-ups have also started operations in India, the presence. of an Indian start-up meant that the Indian consumer need riot have to wait till the foreign company started operations in India. Current ‘best practices’ suggest that angels might do better setting their sights even higher, looking for companies that will have at least the potential to provide a 20 to 30 times return over a five- to seven-year holding period. After taking into account the need to cover failed investments and the multi-year holding time for even the successful ones, however, the actual effective internal rate of return for a typical successful portfolio of angel investments is, in reality, typically as ‘low’ as 20-30 per cent. While the investor’s need for high rates of return on any given investment can thus make angel financing an expensive source of funds, cheaper sources of capital, such as bank financing, are usually not available for most early-stage ventures. Indian Angels Network is the country’s oldest network of angel investors, which started in 2006. Last year, it signed 18 term sheets and completed 11 deals in a broad range of companies from food tech start-up Mukunda to an online marketplace for co-operative and community-based producers GoCoop. Some of the other angel groups include Mumbai Angels, Harvard Angels, Chennai Angels and India Quotient.

Young entrepreneurs can be optimistic about raising financing from angel investors, as highly publicised success stories are encouraging more angel investors to commit capital to start-ups.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Job Creation: Challenges & Way Forward - August - 2017

India has the world's largest youth population comprising around one-fifth of the total world youth population. Indian youth can contribute to higher economic growth if properly absorbed in the labour market. More than half (60.3 per cent) of India's population falls within the 'working' age category of 15-59 years and about a quarter (27.5 per cent) in the 'youth' category of 15-29 years (Census of India, 2011). The youth population in India has grown at a higher rate annually (2 per cent) compared to overall rate of growth of population (1.6 per cent) between 2001 and 2011. India, as a result, adds around 10 million young people to the labour market every year.

The Indian government has introduced a number of employment generation schemes to address this problem, such as, Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Swaranajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY), SwarnaJayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojna (SJSRY), 'Make in India' and 'Skill India'.
Worker Participation Rate (WPR) denotes the proportion of workers employed persons to total population In 2015-16, WPR for the youth was 39.2 as against WPR of 57.3 for the older age group of 30 years and above. This is expected a significant proportion of person belonging to 18-29 years also attend educational institution.

Around two-fifth of the workers aged 18-29 years were self-employed, as against around half for the workers above age of 30 years.
The industrial distribution of workers shows that the majority of persons in the age category of 18-29 years were employed in agriculture and allied activities (38.1 per cent) followed by trade, hotel and restaurant (19.4 per cent), construction (15.1 per cent), manufacturing (13.1 per cent) and other services. A comparison with the older age group of30 years and above shows that younger people are joining non-agricultural sectors such as construction, manufacturing and trade and related activities in greater numbers.

Unemployment rate is the proportion of persons who were available for work but did not get work and are still seeking work. The unemployment rate for the youth belonging aged 18-29 years during 2015-16 was 13.2 per cent which was more than 8 times the unemployment rate of workers aged 30+ years (1.6 per cent). The unemployment rate for young females in the youth category was 20.0 per cent which is almost double that of young males (11.3 per cent). Unemployment is higher in urban than in rural areas and for females compared to males. The unemployment rate among young females in urban areas is alarmingly high at 28 per cent for young males it was 11.5 per cent.

Unemployment among educated youth is becoming increasingly more acute as the level of unemployment among youth rises with increase in the level of education. Unemployment is, 23 per cent among youth having a certificate course at undergraduate level or having diploma at graduate level, which increases to around 35 per cent for those who complete their graduate degree and above.

More than one-third of educated females aged 18-29 years, having completed certificate course or diploma degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels are unemployed. The situation is acute for young women who are graduate and above - the unemployment rate in this category is around 48 per cent. This means that the Indian labour market is not only creating inadequate jobs, but that discrimination prevails against females in recruitment and hiring practices in the labour market.
The government has initiated 'The Start-up India' and 'Stand-up India' in January, 2016 to encourage entrepreneurship by providing assistance such as tax benefits and a mega start-up fund of Rs 10,000 crores. The government has also taken various measures to improve the ease of doing business by building an enabling environment for Stand-ups by initiating a liberal approach in registration, legal formalities, regulatory control, tax concession, etc. India had about 4,700 Stand-ups by December, 2016. However, these schemes have not been able to provide the desired results as over 200 Stand-ups initiated have closed down within a year. Although it is argued that this is a natural progression and not more than 20 per cent of the Stand-ups survive a highly competitive market (India start-up outlook report, 2017), there is a need to pay more attention to the attribution rate.

The government also launched the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) in April, 2015, to provide access to institutional finance to micro/small business units. Under the PMMY three kinds of loans can be sanctioned which signify the stage of growth/development and funding needs of the unit - Shishu (Rs 50,000), Kishor (Rs 50,000 to Rs 5,00,000), and Tarun, (Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000). The total amount of loans disbursed under the PMMY programme crossed Rs. 1.25 trillion as of March 2016. Out of 32.7 million borrowers, 30.3 million borrowers were in the Shishu category.

In order to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas, the government is planning to launch the "Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme" (SVEP). The objective of the SVEP is to energize and streamline economic growth by providing necessary thrust from the grass roots, i. e. villages, towards creation of sustainable self employment opportunities. SVEP is expected to support creation and strengthening of about 1.82 lakh village enterprises in 125 blocks across 24 States in four years i.e. 2015-19. This is expected to create employment for about 3.78 lakh persons. This program can do much to enhance entrepreneurial opportunities for the growing number of rural youth if implemented properly.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Indian Youth : Emerging Power - August - 2017

The term 'Youth' as defined by the UNESCO - is "best understood as a period of transition from the dependence on childhood to adulthood's independence and awareness of our independence as members of a community. Youth is a more fluid category than a fixed age group".

As per the Annual Report of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (Department of Youth Affairs), 2016-17, the youth make up to be the most enthusiastic segment for any institution for governance. Due to their vibrant and dynamic approach, 'India' comes across as a young nation with nearly 65 per cent of its population falling under the rough age bracket of "under 35", thus making it a largely young nation. The Annual Report estimates that by the year 2020, India would have a median age of 28 years as compared to the 38 years of other South Asian nations and China. The Indian population under the age group of 15-29, comprises 27.5 of the total population, giving India a favorable demographic profile.

With an array of social, political or civil movements, the youth have been at the. centre of activities. From the LGBTQ movement to the 'equal right for women' and from environmental concerns to humans rights - the youth have been at the centre of activities encompassing multifarious arenas in public life and often act as a workable pressure group. In order to have their expansive interest and concerns manifested, the new media tools have been both continuously and extensively exploited so that Media/social media puts forward, debates and circulates the popular opinion. The new media tools not only help in the formation of idea, these also help in collaboration and communication of an idea and eventually help in validating it with mass acceptance. The reason why youth should be at the core of economic/socially meaningful actions is its innate ability to adapt to the ever-changing societal dynamics.

One of the most crucial factors that help youth in finding roots is the use of, and emphasis on technology. Government's efforts to advocate digitalization with associated moves and concepts like cashless economy and digital India - technology is emerging as an effective option in all efforts to address the issues of the economy. Technology as we know and interact within our day to day lives is a positive means of advancements. Technology has helped mankind achieve seemingly impossible feats and we look at conquering new milestones each day. Technology has also been used for the betterment of lives - more so in the developing nations.
The digital environment in India has empowered the youth to stand up to the world in a more consolidated manner. It leads to faster communication; quicker learning and also links two geographically distant places on a common platform. It acts as a collection of likeminded ideas and then 'works out on possible solutions and results. At the touch of a button, W0- can share ideas, consult, collaborate and articulate the thoughts and action. Technology is more than what meets the eye. A student can have a highway of study materials and apply for institutions that have specialized study centres. Technology has enabled equal opportunities; at least in matters of accessibility and it is again to the credit of youth that they have been in the forefront of learning and adaptation of new technological options.

The government, through its specialized Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports has constantly looked and re-looked at development and advancement aspects for the substantial and beneficial growth of the Indian youth. It, alongside regular reviews, has also been coming out with new initiatives/programmes and workshops on issues concerning the youth for regular training and lifestyle/leadership Skills.
The objectives and priority areas under National Youth Policy 2014 are-

(i) Creating a productive workforce that can make a sustainable contribution to India's economic development.

The priority areas for this are
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Employment and skill development

(ii) Develop a strong, healthy generation equipped to take on future generations. To be operated through
• Health - hea1thy lifestyle
• Sports

(iii) Instil social values and promote community service to build rational ownership - operative tools are
• Promotion of social values
• Community engagements

(iv) Facilitate participation and civic engagements at all centres of governance to be operated through
• participation in politics and governance youth engagement

(v) Support youth at risk and create equitable opportunities for all disadvantaged and marginalized youth. The priority areas being Inclusion and Social Justice.

As per 2011 census, approximately 41 per cent of the Indian population is below the age of 20 years. This age bar is the most crucial in the aspect of personality development - for it rests heavily on right guidance, orientation and directions. The young today have sadly been subjected to the ill-effects of fast growing urban sutures and are drawn to crimes even to maintain a living. A major reason for this negative outlook is the disparity between availability and accessibility. While, there may be programmes and initiatives undertaken by the government - the method or means to avail of them has not been easy. Dominant hurdles in accessing these facilities are the 'financial constraints or the 'social structure'. Also, prominent reason for the unawareness of youth crisis, and mechanism to counter it - has been in the failure of the concern being accommodated at a wider academic panel.

As per the Ministry Annual Report-20 16-17, for the successful working of the National Youth Policy, 2014, alongside the priority areas of its' operation, there also is a list of suggested interventions. Significantly enriching them include -

• Building system capacity and quality in education.
• Targeting youth outreach and awareness -building link across systems and stakeholders in employment and skill development.
• Meeting customized programmes in entrepreneurship.
• Improving service delivery in the health sector.

The RYSK now aims to provide a more holistic and overall development as it now operates in an interdisciplinary approach rather than a compartmentalized one.
Some of the important initiatives of the government are mentioned below-

1. Skill up gradation Training program (SUTP): It aims to develop vocational training skill with the help of trained masters to help generate extra income and boost self confidence.

This programme also aims to recognize the local need and thus imparts vocational training.

2. Mahatma Gandhi Yuva Swachta Abhiyaan and Shramdaan Karyakram to alert and engage the youth in contributing to the cleanliness drive and water conservation.

3. Life Skill Training for adolescents (Empowerment for Adolescents): This is an important and major initiative for it highlights the psychological derailment of the youth, and training youth in a manner that enables them to cope with the pressure and make healthy life choices. This scheme also aims to sensitize and make aware the adolescent about reproductive sexual health, the issues and concerns. It aims to draw a consensus by pooling their potential for problem solving.
By the virtue of enactment Act 2012- The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development was established. It aims to establish itself as "a globally recognized and acclaimed centre of academic excellence in the field of Youth Development"

It offers various academic programmes mainly post graduate degrees in M.Sc. In Counseling psychology, M.A. in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, M.A Gender studies and M.A. in development policy and practice etc. it also makes available the facility of pursuing doctoral degree, pertaining to the subject concerning the youth in an interdisciplinary manner.

With the idea to provide an economically feasible, socially trusted and easily available accommodation- the government has stationed various Youth Hostels centered across cities located at historically and culturally rich places, among city centres and tourist destinations- equipped with full power and water supply, it aims to provide a living experience of the nationwide diverse culture and interaction by providing an accessible accommodation.

The government through its various means has tried its best to bring out the potential and capability' of each individual youth, that not only helps in personality development but foster an emerging national global dominant voice. The transforming youth shall be the torch bearers of a much sensitized, conscious and harmonious world.

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Courtesy : Yojana