Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Polity & Governance

Shri Tokan Sahu, Minister of State (Housing and Urban Affairs), recently chaired a review meeting on the Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) program under AMRUT 2.0, emphasizing the need to enhance community participation in the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is supporting 75 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) nationwide in planning and implementing scientific groundwater recharge interventions to strengthen urban water security and reduce urban flood risk. The review highlighted the mapping of 870 sites and the preparation of 539 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) with an estimated project cost exceeding ₹28 crore under SAM 2.0, building upon the successful pilot of SAM 1.0 in ten AMRUT cities between 2022 and 2024. Shri Sahu urged officials to document and promote indigenous, community-led water conservation practices alongside modern groundwater recharge technologies, stressing that water conservation should become a “Jan Andolan” by actively involving local communities, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), academic institutions, and other grassroots organizations.

This development is relevant for Banking, SSC, and RBI Grade B aspirants as it touches upon key aspects of governance, public policy, and socio-economic development. The ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign and the SAM program demonstrate the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and water resource management, which are critical for long-term economic stability and environmental resilience. Questions may arise regarding the AMRUT 2.0 mission, its objectives, the role of various ministries and institutions like NIUA, and the financial outlay for such projects. Furthermore, the emphasis on community participation, SHGs, and RWAs highlights the importance of inclusive development models and grassroots engagement, which are frequently tested in exams under social schemes and government initiatives. Understanding these programs provides insight into India’s developmental priorities and the mechanisms for their implementation, crucial for comprehending current affairs in the context of polity and governance.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

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