[WpProQuiz 399]

THE CONTEXT: The 22nd edition of the Council of Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States (SCO-CHS) concluded with India taking over chair of the regional forum. In this article, we will analyse the background of SCO, What are the bilateral and Multilateral challenges faced by the countries, highlights of the Indian Prime Minister’s speech, and the most importantly, the outcomes and the way forward.

THE OUTCOMES SAMARKAND DECLARATION

Decision by the Council of Heads of the SCO Member States on the Comprehensive Action Plan for 2023-2027 for implementation of provisions of the Treaty on Long-Term Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States and also to Develop Interconnectivity and Create Efficient Transport Corridors and “smart” agriculture and agro- innovation.

• The Samarkand declaration advocated “commitment to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation”.
• The rotational presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been handed over to India. New Delhi will hold the presidency of the grouping for a year until September 2023.

• Member States on signing the Memorandum of Commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to become a member State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

• Member States on launching the procedure of admitting the Republic of Belarus as a member, granting the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Maldives the status of Shanghai Cooperation Organization dialogue partner.
• The SCO plans to prepare a single list of terrorist, separatist and extremist groups whose activities are banned on the territories of the member states. This move aims to counter the threat posed by them to the region.
• Member States on declaring Varanasi, Republic of India, as the Tourist and Cultural Capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2022-2023.
• India once again refrained from affirming support for China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative in the Joint Declaration.
• Member States on the approval of the Report of the Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure on the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS OF INDIAN PRIME MINSTER SPEECH DURING THE SUMMIT

• Indian Prime Minister urged the world leaders present at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit 2022 to work towards solving the supply chain issues that were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The United Nations had previously expressed concerns about the food and energy crisis that has been plaguing a number of countries.
• Addressing the summit, Indian Prime Minister framed the “right to transit” in the context of connectivity and how it could help establish reliable and resilient supply chains in the region. Lack of transit across Pakistan’s territory has been a challenge for India to access Central Asian markets, and Delhi has flagged this concern several times in the past.
• The Indian Prime Minister also took the opportunity to talk about how the Indian economy has bounced back after the pandemic and the growth expected in the near future. “We are focussing on people-centric development model. We are supporting innovation in every sector. Today there are more than 70,000 start-ups and over 100 unicorns in our country.”

BILATERAL MEETING WITH IRAN

• During the meeting, the two leaders discussed many important issues pertaining to the bilateral relationship and expressed their desire for strengthening the relationship further. Prime Minister highlighted that India- Iran bilateral ties are marked by historic and civilizational connections, including strong people to people contacts.
• The two leaders reviewed the progress in the development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal,Chabahar Port and underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity.
• They also discussed international and regional developments including Afghanistan. Prime Minister reiterated India’s priorities of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and the need for a representative and inclusive political dispensation in support of a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan.
• President Raisi briefed the Prime Minister on the status of the JCPOA negotiations.

BILATERAL MEETING WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT

• Indian Prime Minister began his comments by telling the Russian President that the “era of war” is over, indicating India’s discomfort with Russia’s attack on Ukraine for the first time in public, although New Delhi has not criticised Russia for its action thus far. He reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

• The two leaders also had a discussion pertaining to global food security, energy security and availability of fertilizers in the context of the challenges emanating from the current geopolitical situation.

HOW DOES MEMBERSHIP OF THE SCO HELP INDIA?

FOR ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

• India’s membership provides it with select opportunities in the geoeconomic and the geostrategic sphere in the Central Asian Region (CAR). The CAR supplies around 10 percent of oil and energy to the world. With India being one of the most energy-hungry nations, involvement in the SCO provides it with an opportunity to satisfy its energy requirements through regional diplomacy.
• India’s pending energy projects like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline, IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India) pipeline, and CASA (Central Asia-South Asia)-1000 electricity transmission projects — all of which are blocked, due in part to Pakistan’s recalcitrant approach — can get a much-needed push through the SCO.

FOR SECURITY

• In the sphere of security, the SCO formed Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) in 2005 at Tashkent. RATS which works on information sharing and joint counterterrorism measures between member states. The SCO has successfully nullified 600 would-be attacks and extradited more than 500 terrorists through the RATS mechanism. India’s full membership in the SCO will enable it to play an instrumental role in RATS.

FOR INDIA-PAKISTAN AND INDIA-CHINA RELATIONSHIP

• In the absence of the SAARC summit, the SCO summit gives an opportunity for Indian and Pakistani leaders to meet informally, on the side-lines. Both sides have the obligation not to bring in bilateral disputes but can cooperate on issues of mutual interest and importance.
• China, Pakistan and Russia are already in talks with the Taliban, India can volunteer to work upon a stable solution for crisis at Afghanistan crisis, much needed for peace in the region.
• Signing off on joint counter-terrorism exercises will be a new form of engagement between the two militaries. With China, it is yet another opening, like the BRICS summit last year (2021), to bring down tensions, and ahead of the next informal summit in October in India.

FOR GLOBAL GEOPOLITICS

• The US’ power struggle with China, exit from the Iran nuclear deal Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) (affects India’s oil imports from Iran), and adversarial attitude towards Russia (affects India’s defence purchase like S-400) have forced India to choose sides. While Washington’s stance against Islamabad after the Pulwama attack was evidence of its support to New Delhi, India has had a strained relationship with China after the Doklam stand-off, followed by attempts to reset relations in Wuhan.
• In the SCO, India’s sitting down with less-than-free regimes, Russia and China has always had the West worried. India, however, has always been tactful in not aligning with these countries on governance issues. What draws India to SCO is the “Shanghai spirit”, which emphasises harmony, non-interference in others’ internal affairs, and non-alignment. The bottom line is that it helps India keep all options open in terms of international partnerships.

POINT TO BE NOTED

• India’s bilateral trade with Central Asia stands at about $2 billion and with Russia about $10 billion in 2017.
• In contrast, China’s trade with Russia has crossed $100 billion in 2018 while the bilateral figures for Central Asia stand at over $50 billion.

WHAT’S THE DOWNSIDE WITH THE SCO?

THE COUNTER-TERRORISM AND CONNECTIVITY

• For India, two important objectives are counterterrorism and connectivity. These sit well with the SCO’s main objective of working cooperatively against the “three evils”. India wants access to intelligence and information from SCO’s counter-terrorism body, the Tashkent-based Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS). A stable Afghanistan too is in India’s interest, and RATS provides access to non-Pakistan-centred counter-terrorism information there. Connectivity is important for India’s Connect Central Asia policy.

DEFINITION OF TERRORISM

• India’s definition of terrorism is different from the definition of SCO under RATS.
• India points to state-sponsored cross border terrorism, but for SCO, terrorism coincides with regime destabilization.
• SCO’s targets groups like East-Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Al-Qaeda, whereas groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jayesh-e-Mohammad, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network do not come under its anti-terror structure.

GROWING RUSSIA-CHINA CONVERGENCE

• One of the major factors for Russia pushing India’s inclusion into the SCO was to balance China’s power.
• However, today the challenge India faces is the growing closeness of Russia and China, even as India has promoted better relations with the US.
• Further, the new equation of growing Russia — China — Pakistan triangular convergence of interests is a challenge that needs to be navigated.

CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

• India has expressed its strict reservations against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) and has not accepted the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) of China.
• Since, all the group members except India have endorsed BRI, it makes India standalone on its position.

RIVALRY OF INDIA-PAKISTAN

• India and Pakistan rivalry makes it difficult to adopt a common stand. The deliberate raising of bilateral issues into the SCO is a blatant violation of principles and norms of the charter of the grouping.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• INDIA AS SCO CHAIR: From being an Observer since 2005, India became a member of the SCO in 2017. Following the Summit meeting in Samarkand, India has for the first time assumed the SCO Chair.

In 2021, Iran’s trade with the SCO member states surpassed US$37 billion, which accounts for about 30 percent of the country’s total foreign trade.

• India’s economy is expected to grow by 7.5 per cent in 2022 – the highest among the world’s largest economies. Being the fastest growing major economy of SCO, the growth impetus in the SCO area will be vastly contributed by Indian economy in the coming years. India has assumed the Chairmanship at an important time when the region needs greater cooperation to overcome the challenges.
• IRAN’S SCO ACCESSION: One of the crucial reasons for the lack of flourishing of trade between India and Central Asian states is that there is no direct access. India has to either trade with Central Asia through China or through Europe via Russia, thus making it an expensive affair. Chabahar port in Iran has provided some convenience but in a limited way. Also, Iran can play as a “hub country” a central role in the East-West and International North-South transit corridors (INSTC). India should use Iran as a gateway for Central Asian countries for its geo-economic importance.
• BALANCING THE BLOCS:For India, the buzzword now is ‘all-alignment’. Our External Affairs Minister in his book “The India Way”, offers a critique of India’s traditional policy of “non-alignment” where he distinguishes between the “optimistic non-alignment” of the past, which he feels has failed, that must give way to more realistic “multiple engagements of the future”.

THE CONCLUSION:  Since its formation, SCO has largely been successful in keeping its ‘core’ stable and secure. Further, the SCO has also provided as a platform to strengthen bilateral cooperation among members. The successful cooperation in security domain in SCO will encourage the countries to increase cooperation in economy, technology, healthcare, innovation and connectivity areas. There can be no meaningful economic cooperation without unhindered inter-regional connectivity and territory transit. The economic potential makes the organisation a powerful force for growth and prosperity.

FOR PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

MULTINATIONAL JATE “ANTI-TERROR EXERCISE 2022”

Recently, Pakistan has been invited to the closing ceremony, of the ongoing Joint Anti-Terror Exercise (JATE) under the ambit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) being hosted by India.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The National Security Guard (NSG) is hosting the multinational JATE “Manesar Anti-Terror 2022” under the framework of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), at the NSG Manesar Garrison.

• An Indian delegation had participated in the closing ceremony of the two-week-long JATE-2021 hosted by Pakistan at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, in September 2021.
• The exercise is aimed at exchanging expertise and best practices and build synergy between the Counter Terrorism Forces of the SCO RATS member countries to enhance capabilities for conducting anti-terrorist operations and countering other security threats collectively.

AIM OF THE EXERCISE

• “JATE is being conducted with a view to practice and master various drills and procedures involved in Counter Terrorism operations including Cordon & Search, Compound Clearance, Close Quarter Battle and medical evacuation.
• The exercise is aimed at enhancing synergy and interoperability among Special Services and Law Enforcement Agencies of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries for combating international terrorism, practice mechanisms to respond to a crisis situation and capacity building of the forces.
• RATS, headquartered in Tashkent, is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

ADD TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE

BACK2BASICS: ABOUT SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic and security grouping founded on the 15th of June, 2001. It is headquartered in Beijing. Its members include China, Russia, India and Pakistan, as well as 4 Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It is the world’s largest regional grouping, covering about 60 per cent of the area of Eurasia, 40 per cent of the global population and more than 30 per cent of the global GDP. India and Pakistan became members in 2017. The SCO is currently the world’s largest regional organization.

The main objectives of the SCO are to

1. strengthen relations among member states;
2. promote cooperation in political affairs, economics and trade, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection;
3. safeguard regional peace, security, and stability; and
4. create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

1. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What Importance does it hold for India?

1. What are the outcomes of the recent SCO Summit which was held in Uzbekistan capital. And what are the importance of Manesar Anti-Terror Excercise Under SCO RATS.

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. JALLIKATTU-CULTURAL PRACTICE OR CRUELTY?

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE- GS-II-GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Amid the Supreme Court quash the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 in 2014, the State said the ban on Jallikattu was perceived as an onslaught against the cultural identity of the people of Tamil Nadu.

THE EXPLANATION:

What is Jallikattu?

• It is a bull-taming sport and a disputed traditional event in which a bull such is released into a crowd of people.
• Multiple human participants attempt to grab the large hump on the bull’s back with both arms and hang on to it while the bull attempts to escape.
• Participants hold the hump for as long as possible, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. In some cases, participants must ride long enough to remove flags on the bull’s horns.
• It is typically practised in the state of Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal (harvest) celebrations in January.

Issue with the sport

• An investigation by the Animal Welfare Board of India concluded that “Jallikattu is inherently cruel to animals”.
• Human deaths: The event has caused several human deaths and injuries and there are several instances of fatalities to the bulls.
• Manhandling of animals: Animal welfare concerns are related to the handling of the bulls before they are released and also during the competitor’s attempts to subdue the bull.
• Cruelty to animal: Practices, before the bull is released, include prodding the bull with sharp sticks or scythes, extreme bending of the tail which can fracture the vertebrae, and biting of the bull’s tail.
• Animal intoxication: There are also reports of the bulls being forced to drink alcohol to disorient them, or chilli peppers being rubbed in their eyes to aggravate the bull.

Arguments in favour

• Native breed conservation: According to its protagonists, it is not a leisure sport available but a way to promote and preserve the native livestock.
• Cultural significance: Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE) and finds mention in Sangam texts.
• Man-animal relationship: Some believe that the sport also symbolizes a cordial man-animal relationship.

2. 50 ASI-PROTECTED MONUMENTS DISAPPEAR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE-GS-I

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Culture recently told Parliament that 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments were missing.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Fifty of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments have gone missing, according to the Ministry of Culture has told Parliament.

What are centrally protected monuments?

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under this Act.
• The Act protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old, including temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars that may be of historical significance.
• According to the provisions of AMASR Act, ASI officials are supposed to regularly inspect the monuments to assess their condition. Apart from various conservation and preservation operations, ASI officials can also file police complaints, issue show cause notices for the removal of encroachments, and communicate to the local administration the need for demolition of encroachments.

How can a monument go “missing”?

• The ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, when he realised the need for a permanent body to oversee archaeological excavations and conservation. But while the body remained largely dysfunctional in the 19th century owing to fund crunch, in the decades preceding Independence, it became very active. A bulk of the protected monuments were taken under the ASI’s wings during the 1920s and 30s, up till the 50s, according to the sources.
• But in the decades after independence, the focus of successive governments was on health, education and infrastructure, rather than protecting heritage. Even within the scope of heritage, the aim was to uncover more monuments and sites, instead of conservation. So in due course, many monuments and sites were lost to activities like urbanisation, construction of dams and reservoirs, and even encroachments.
• As per the ASI submission in Parliament, 14 monuments have been lost to rapid urbanisation, 12 are submerged by reservoirs/dams, while 24 are untraceable, which brings the number of missing monuments to 50.
• The agency told the Parliamentary committee that security guards were posted at only 248 of the 3,693 monuments. “The committee notes with dismay that out of the total requirement of 7,000 personnel for the protection of monuments, the government could provide only 2,578 security personnel at 248 locations due to budgetary constraints”.

VALUE ADDITION:
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

• The AMASR Act provides for preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
• It provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
• The Archaeological Survey of India functions under the provisions of this act.
• The Act prohibits construction in ‘prohibited area’, an area of 100 meters around protected monument.
• It does not permit construction in such prohibited areas even if it is for public purposes, except under certain conditions.
• The central government can extend the prohibited area beyond 100 meters.
• The iconic monuments in India, Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, The Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Sun Temple of Konark, among others are designated as “ancient monuments of national importance” and protected under the AMASR Act. The Archaeological Survey of India is the custodian of these monuments.
• National Monument Authority will make a recommendation, for construction of public works to the central government, only if it is satisfied that there is no reasonable possibility of moving the construction outside the prohibited area.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. INDIA-FRANCE STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

TAGS-GS-II-INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The 36th India-France dialogue will record a forward movement with French President Emmanuel Macron committed to support India for developing advanced military industrial complex.

THE EXPLANATION:

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DIALOGUE
Aircraft Engines and Submarines

• One area where India is seeking French assistance is in the manufacturing of aircraft engines. India is looking for a transfer of technology to enable it to make engines for its indigenous twin-engine fighter, as well as the design and development of next-generation military and civilian engines for future fighter and transport platforms. The Tata group has already teamed up with Airbus to manufacture C295 tactical transport aircraft in Gujarat, and this partnership is set to be expanded to include the production of other civilian and military aircraft through a joint venture with France.
• In addition to aircraft engines, India is also interested in continued French assistance with the production of submarines. The Kalvari (French Scorpene) class submarine line is set to deliver its final submarine this year, and India is hoping that France will help to continue the manufacturing line at Mumbai Dockyards. The plan is to retrofit diesel attack submarines with indigenous air independent propulsion (AIP) systems for long endurance. It is expected that progress will be made on both aircraft engines and long-range submarines during this year’s strategic dialogue with France.

Indo-Pacific Security and Space Cooperation

• Another key topic of discussion during the strategic dialogue will be the Indo-Pacific region, where France is ready to help India with ocean bed mapping and the development of underwater drones and sensors.
• With the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China becoming increasingly aggressive in the Indo-Pacific, and rapidly expanding its warship and nuclear submarine force, India and its allies must be prepared for any eventualities in the Indian Ocean, which is fast becoming a new frontier. In order to ensure maritime domain awareness and security from the east coast of Africa to the far Pacific, India and France have formed a trilateral group with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• In addition to security in the Indo-Pacific, India and France are also working together in the field of space technology, sharing knowledge in an effort to counter China’s rapid strides in this area.

Terrorism and Regional Stability

• During the strategic dialogue, Bonne will also be briefed by Doval on the posture of the PLA along the 3488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) between China and India, and the two leaders will discuss ways to bring both Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table to end the conflict that began in February 2022.
• Another topic of discussion will be the issue of radicalization in the region, particularly in the Af-Pak region, in the wake of the rise of the Taliban, as well as terrorism emanating from Pakistan and targeting India, as seen in the recent terrorist attacks in Rajouri by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayebba (LeT) group.

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY

4. SILENT VALLEY BIRD SPECIES GOES UP TO 175

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a bird survey conducted at the Silent Valley National Park in the December 2022 identified 141 species, of which 17 were new.

THE EXPLANATION:

• This year’s survey marked the 30th anniversary of the first bird survey in Silent Valley. Brown wood owl, Banded Bay cuckoo, Malabar woodshrike, White-throated kingfisher, Indian nightjar, Jungle nightjar, and Large cuckooshrike were among the 17 species newly identified in the Silent Valley.

Silent Valley National Park:

• It is a beautiful representation of the last remaining rainforest of Kerala. The forests of the Silent Valley National Park harbour some of the most pristine, unique and highly productive forests in the world.
• Silent Valley is located in the Southwestern corner of Nilgiris.
• A perennial river named Kunthipuzha is passing through the western side of the park, from north to south direction finally merging into Bharathapuzha.
• Fauna: Silent Valley Park is known for many highly endangered species such as lion-tailed macaque, tiger, gaur, leopard, wild boar, panther, Indian Civet and Sambhar.
• The indigenous tribal groups that live within park boundaries include Irulas, Kurumbas, Mudugas and Kattunaikkars.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTION

5. TELANGANA JOINS FREE RICE SCHEME

TAGS: GS-II-GOVERNMENTS SCHEMES & INTERVENTIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Telangana government has recently made the decision to join the free rice scheme of the Central government under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

THE EXPLANATION:

• This initiative aims to provide assistance to families in need by distributing free rice to those who are eligible under the NFSA. The Telangana government’s decision to join this scheme demonstrates a commitment to addressing issues of food security and poverty in the state.
• The Central scheme envisages the supply of five kilograms of rice per person per month to 54.44 lakh NFSA cardholders in the state. However, the Telangana government will extend this benefit to an additional 35.52 lakh cardholders, at its own cost.
• Previously, both types of cardholders were receiving free rice under the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which is a part of the Public Distribution System (PDS). The Central government used to supply this rice at a subsidized price of ₹3 per kilogram. However, the Telangana government added its own subsidy of ₹2 per kilogram and distributed the PDS rice for only ₹1 per kilogram.

Uncertainty Surrounding Amount of Rice Supplied

• It is currently unclear whether the state government will continue to supply six kilograms of rice per person per month, as it did under the PMGKA, or if it will restrict this amount to the five kilograms specified under the NFSA.
• The Telangana government has made the decision to join the free rice scheme of the Central government under the National Food Security Act in order to provide assistance to families in need. Although there is some uncertainty surrounding the amount of rice that will be supplied, the state government is committed to distributing free rice to all cardholders starting on January 5, 2022.

About PMGKAY

• In March 2020, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government had announced the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) welfare scheme. Initially, the scheme was planned for a period of 3 months but since then, it has been extended several times.
• This scheme looked to provide every individual covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) with an additional 5 kg of grains (rice or wheat) free of cost, along with the 5 kg of subsidized food grain that is already being provided through the country’s Public Distribution System (PDS). It covers people belonging to Below Poverty Line – Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) categories.
• It also covers other vulnerable people like widows, terminally ill, elderly, landless agricultural labourers, primitive tribe households, informal sector workers etc. More than 81.35 crore people are benefiting from this scheme. Wheat has been allocated for 6 states and union territories and rice has been provided for the rest. This supplements the monthly entitlements under the NFSA.

Connect the Dots:

• National Food Security Act (NFSA)
• What is the difference between Central sector schemes and Centrally sponsored schemes

[WpProQuiz 398]