PM Modi’s Gobar-Dhan Yojana: Clean Fuel and Jobs for Rural India
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 1: To promote clean fuel, the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented the Gobar-Dhan Yojana (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan Yojana). This scheme focuses on cleanliness and sustainable development in rural areas.
Under this scheme, the central and state governments provide a subsidy of Rs 37,000 to establish biogas plants. These plants offer alternative energy sources, a clean environment, health benefits, and employment opportunities to rural areas. Currently, more than 7,200 biogas plants are operational in Gujarat, benefiting livestock owners and reducing traditional fuel costs.
Prime Minister Modi has also launched the nationwide ‘Swachhata Hi Seva – 2024’ campaign from 17 September to 31 October to accelerate cleanliness programs across the country. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, the ‘Swabhav Swachhata-Sanskar Swachhata’ spirit has been instilled among Gujarat’s citizens through various cleanliness activities.
The Gobar-Dhan Yojana, part of the Government of India’s comprehensive biogas program, was launched on 1 November 2018 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti – Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The scheme aims to convert organic waste like cattle dung and agricultural residues into biogas, which can be used for cooking and generating electricity.
To avail of this scheme, a person must own at least two livestock animals. The total cost to set up a biogas plant is Rs 42,000, with the beneficiary needing to invest only Rs 5,000. Banas Dairy, Sabar Dairy, Doodh Sagar Dairy, Amul Dairy, and NDDB are the implementing agencies for these biogas plants.
Under Phase-2 of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), 200 individual biogas plants have been established in clusters in each of the 33 districts. Against the target of 7,600 biogas plants in the state, a total of 7,276 have been installed to date. In 2022-23, Rs 50 lakh per district was allocated for these biogas plants.
Biogas produced from organic waste can be used for cooking, leading to fuel savings and improved taste. According to a survey by Sabar Dairy, 100 percent of families agreed that food cooked with biogas tastes better, and 87 percent said it cooks faster than wood or LPG. Additionally, cleaning utensils becomes easier, and health issues related to smoke and infections have significantly decreased.
The Gujarat government plans to establish 10,000 more plants across 50 additional clusters. The use of biogas has reduced expenses on LPG cylinders and stopped pollution from burning wood. The slurry from these plants can be used as organic fertilizer, promoting organic farming and increasing farmers’ income. Women from self-help groups have become self-reliant through fertilizer cooperatives, finding new employment opportunities.
Doubts Revealed
PM Modi -: PM Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the country and makes important decisions for the people.
Gobar-Dhan Yojana -: Gobar-Dhan Yojana is a government plan to turn cow dung and other organic waste into useful things like biogas, which can be used for cooking and electricity.
biogas -: Biogas is a type of gas made from organic waste like cow dung. It can be used as a clean fuel for cooking and generating electricity.
sustainable development -: Sustainable development means making progress in a way that doesn’t harm the environment and can be continued for a long time.
rural India -: Rural India refers to the villages and countryside areas of India, where many people live and work on farms.
Gujarat -: Gujarat is a state in western India. It is known for its rich culture and strong economy.
LPG -: LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It is a type of gas used for cooking in many homes.
pollution -: Pollution is when harmful substances are released into the environment, making the air, water, or land dirty and unsafe.
self-help groups -: Self-help groups are small groups of people, often women, who come together to support each other and work on projects to improve their lives.
fertilizer cooperatives -: Fertilizer cooperatives are groups that help farmers get fertilizers, which are substances added to soil to help plants grow better.
