SUBJECT:

• GS-2: Governance (Food Security, Welfare Schemes)
• GS-3: Economy (Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure Development)

Key Highlights

Launch of the Campaign

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign in Limbayat, Surat.
• Aims to distribute benefits under the National Food Security Act to 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.
• Represents Surat’s collective progress in ensuring food security for the poor and marginalized.

Objectives of the Campaign

• Ensures universal access to food security programs, leaving no one behind.
• Targets 2.5 lakh new beneficiaries, including elderly and differently-abled individuals.
• Provides free rations and nutritious food to vulnerable sections, promoting fair and inclusive welfare.

Government Initiatives for Food Security

• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): Launched during COVID-19 to support the poor.
• PM Poshan Scheme: Provides nutritious meals to school children.
• Saksham Anganwadi Program: Focuses on maternal and child nutrition.
• PM Matru Vandana Yojana: Offers financial aid to pregnant women.

Nutrition and Cleanliness: Key Public Health Priorities

• Eliminating Malnutrition & Anaemia: The government aims to improve nutritional standards.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Contributes to better hygiene and reduced disease prevalence.
• Har Ghar Jal Campaign: Ensures clean drinking water to enhance public health.

Financial Inclusion & Social Security for the Poor

• One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC): Enables beneficiaries to access rations anywhere in India.
• Mudra Yojana: Provides collateral-free loans to small entrepreneurs.
• PM SVANidhi Yojana: Supports street vendors with financial aid for self-reliance.

Economic Empowerment of the Middle Class

• Tax relief measures enable the middle class to retain higher earnings.
• New tax slabs promote financial stability and investment growth.

Surat’s Economic & Infrastructure Development

• Surat is a major entrepreneurial hub for textiles and chemicals.
• Government supports MSMEs through credit schemes and policy initiatives.
• Major projects include:
  • Surat Metro for urban mobility.
  • New airport terminal to boost regional connectivity.

Women Empowerment & Social Inclusion

• PM emphasizes women’s success stories to encourage female entrepreneurship.
• Special programs promote women’s contributions across various sectors.

Mains Mock Question

“How do food security initiatives like the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign contribute to social equity and economic stability? Suggest additional measures to strengthen food security programs in India.”