Prime Minister Announces Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan 2020
The Coronavirus situation is taking its toll on the people, and Indian economy. The central government took the decision to initiate Lockdown 3.0 in all the states. During the lockdown, people were requested to stay in their homes and abide by the social distancing norms. Though this step did not stop the number of Coronavirus affected people from increasing, medical professionals say that the situation would have gone out of hand if the third stage of lockdown was not activated.
On the other hand, the trade and commerce sectors are non-operational. It means that the overall GDP of India will diminish considerably. The central government has developed and implemented various schemes and financial welfare packages for the common people. as scheduled, after attending a meeting with the Chief Ministers of all the Indian states, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi addressed the people of the country.
The public speech was broadcasted on the 12th of May, 2020 at 8:00PM. In this speech, the Prime Minister shed light on various aspects. However, the highlight of this speech was the announcement of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Details of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
As the name suggests, the scheme has been developed as a financial relief package. The Prime Minister said that the overall budget of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is Rs. 20 lakh crore. The funds will be utilized for the betterment of the common people during 2020. He also pointed out that the successful implementation of this project will ensure a 10% growth in the GDP of the country. He said that the Indian Finance Minister will explain the various aspects of this relief package from 13th May, 2020.
Focus on different spheres
The Prime Minister said that the financial relief package has been created in such a manner that it will bring about a growth in economy, infrastructure, technology, demography and developing the supply and demand chain. The four targeted areas are land, law, labor and liquidity.
He pointed out that financial aid will be given to MSME register ventures. The central government will provide financial security to migrant workers, construction labors, and organized and unorganized sector employees. Financial assistance for the farmers will ensure that the agricultural practices run smoothly.
FAQ about the scheme
Ans: The Prime Minister introduced the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to boost the “Make in India” movement. It will make the nation self-sufficient, and the manufacturing industry will grow. Though it is not an Anti-China scheme, the scheme will be implemented to reduce India’s dependence on China.
Ans: Proper financial grant to all agriculture, manufacturing and labor sectors will improve the “Make in India” program.
Ans: The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan will pave the path for several benefits for people from all sections of the Indian society. From the needy farmers, labors, migrant workers, to the middle and lower middle income groups of people, all will be benefited by from this program.
Ans: The primary objective, as mentioned by the Prime Minister is to improve the financial infrastructure of the country. However, it is too early to state whether the project resembles the Anti-Liberalization Scheme, as was proposed by PV Narsimha Rao and Manmohan Singh.
Ans: The new program has not been proposed for a particular state. It will be implanted on a pan-India basis. As the scheme is for the overall growth of the nation, it is expected that the states, where BJP is not in power, will also support the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
Ans: Yes. The Prime Minister has mentioned that all the businesses, which are registered with the MSME, will receive the direct benefits of this scheme. Pooling more money in these ventures will assist in expansion, more production, and better revenue generation.
Ans: The central government can take all the necessary measures for the betterment of the country and its citizens. China’s reaction towards this scheme is irrelevant from Indian government’s point-of-view.
Ans: The scheme puts more emphasis on developing India’s self-sufficiency. It does not mean that the program is Anti-US in nature.
Ans: Nothing has been announced about the date of official implementation of this massive financial relief package. However, Finance department will soon start taking the necessary precautions, which will ensure speedy and smooth operation of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman will provide information about this relief package.