Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Crosses 100 Crore Linked Health Records
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- Context: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has successfully linked more than 100 crore health records with Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA).
- The mission is implemented by the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
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- The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was officially launched by Prime Minister in September 2021 through a virtual event.
- The mission seeks to create digital health identities for all citizens of India so that hospitals, insurance providers, and individuals can securely access medical records electronically whenever needed.
- The pilot phase of the programme was first announced by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2020.
- Initially, the mission was introduced on a pilot basis in six States and Union Territories.
- Enrolment and participation in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are completely voluntary for citizens.
Role of ABHA
- ABHA functions as a unique digital health identity for citizens.
- It enables individuals to securely: store, access, and share medical records
across hospitals, laboratories, clinics, and healthcare providers.
Consent-Based Health Information Sharing
- ABDM uses a consent-based health information exchange system.
- Citizens can digitally share medical records while ensuring: privacy, security, and control over personal health data.
One of the World’s Largest Digital Health Ecosystems
- ABDM has grown from fewer than 1,000 linked records in its initial phase to over 100 crore today, making it one of the world’s largest digital health ecosystems.
Leading States in ABHA-Linked Records
- Top contributing States include: Uttar Pradesh – over 15.03 crore linked records, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat.
Government Programmes Supporting ABDM
Major contributors include:
- CoWIN
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
- Non-Communicable Disease Programme
- eHospital by National Informatics Centre
- eSushrut by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
- State platforms such as: eKavach, TeCHO, and iHMS.
Contribution of Private Sector
- Private health technology companies and ABDM-enabled digital platforms are also playing an important role in expanding the digital health ecosystem.
Importance of the Achievement
- The milestone supports the creation of longitudinal digital health records for citizens.
- It is expected to make healthcare delivery: more connected, efficient, accessible, secure, and patient-centric.
VB-G RAM G: New Rural Jobs Scheme
- Context: The new law, Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G), will replace the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act from July 1.
Higher Funds for Larger and Poorer States
- Central allocations to States will be based on the 16th Finance Commission’s horizontal devolution formula.
- This formula gives greater weightage to:
- Poorer States through Per Capita GSDP Distance (42.5% weightage).
- Larger States through Population (17.5% weightage).
Parameters Used for Allocation
- The allocation formula includes: Population (2011 Census), Demographic performance, Forest cover Geographical area, Per capita GSDP distance, Contribution to GDP.
Shift from Demand-Based Model
- Unlike MGNREGA’s demand-driven structure, VB-G RAM G moves towards a normative allocation model.
- Funds will no longer automatically expand according to employment demand.
Cost Sharing Between Centre and States
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- Under MGNREGA, the Centre paid 100% of wages.
- Under VB-G RAM G, wage expenditure will be shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and States for most States.
- A National Level Steering Committee and Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council will guide allocations, monitoring, and implementation.
Performance-Based Funding
From the second year onward, a portion of funds will depend on States’ performance based on:
- Timely payment of wages
- Compliance with social audits
- Percentage of completion of works
- Other indicators notified by the Centre
BHAVYA Scheme
- Context: The Union Government has issued detailed operational guidelines for the BHAVYA Scheme, which aims to establish 100 world-class industrial parks across India.
About the BHAVYA Scheme
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- BHAVYA is a Central Sector Scheme focused on developing integrated industrial ecosystems capable of attracting both domestic and international manufacturing investments.
- The initiative is aligned with major government programmes such as: Make in India, PM Gati Shakti, and the national manufacturing expansion strategy.
- Its objective is to make industrial investment more efficient, globally competitive, and easier to implement.
Development of 100 Industrial Parks
- Under the scheme, 100 industrial parks are proposed to be developed between 2026-27 and 2031-32.
- During the first phase, up to 50 industrial parks will be selected through a competitive challenge-based process.
- States, Union Territories, and eligible agencies will compete based on: quality of infrastructure, connectivity, and investment potential.
- The competitive selection mechanism is expected to improve execution efficiency and project standards.
Main Features of the Scheme
- A major feature of BHAVYA is the emphasis on plug-and-play industrial infrastructure.
- This approach allows industries to begin operations quickly without long delays in obtaining basic infrastructure and utilities.
Facilities Proposed in Industrial Parks
- The industrial parks will provide: multimodal logistics connectivity, uninterrupted water and power supply, underground utility networks, renewable energy infrastructure, housing facilities for workers, skill development centres, waste management and treatment systems, and testing laboratories.
