NATIONAL SCHEMES

Modified UDAN Scheme

Context: The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur airport and launched the modified UDAN Scheme.

About Modified UDAN Scheme

A key emphasis is on the development of 100 aerodromes from existing unserved airstrips, supported by an outlay of over Rs 12,000 crore, to expand aviation infrastructure across the country.
Additionally, an investment of ₹3,661 crore will fund the creation of 200 modern helipads, and a continued Viability Gap Funding of ₹10,043 crore for airlines to sustain regional airline operations.
The scheme promotes the induction of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, including HAL Dhruv and Dornier platforms, for operations in underserved and remote regions.

About UDAN Scheme

The Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme is a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) launched in October 2016 by the Government of India to enhance air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.

Objectives:

- Make air travel affordable for common citizens.
- Promote balanced regional development.
- Enhance the infrastructure utilisation of unused and underutilised airports.
- The mission has two parts.

First, make air travel affordable on short regional sectors where train journeys take 10-18 hours.

- Second, revive unserved and underserved airports — places that had runways but no scheduled commercial flights.

The first UDAN flight took off on 27 April 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.

Key Features:

Airlines are selected through a competitive bidding mechanism.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF) is provided to airlines to operate on less profitable routes.
The Airports Authority of India has also waived off the airport fee for the same.
At the same time, the state governments are also providing security, electricity, and fire-fighting facilities free of cost.
50% of seats are offered at a capped fare of around Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight.
Focus on connecting remote, hilly, and island regions.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation runs it through the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which acts as the implementing agency for bidding, monitoring, and viability gap funding payouts to airlines.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)

- Context: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) being the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction has launched the ‘National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)’, a comprehensive framework aimed at prevention, awareness generation, capacity building, treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration.

To further strengthen these efforts, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched in 2020. This is in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister vision of creating a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

About Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)

- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is a nationwide anti-drug campaign to reduce drug abuse through awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- It mainly focuses on districts that are highly affected by substance abuse.

Objectives

Reduce Drug Demand: Prevent drug abuse through awareness programmes, education, and community outreach.
Community Participation: Encourage the involvement of youth, women, educational institutions, and local communities in anti-drug activities.
Treatment and Rehabilitation: Provide timely treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation services for people affected by drug addiction.

Key Features

- Target Districts: Implemented in 272 vulnerable districts identified through national surveys and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) data.

- Supply Reduction – Led by the NCB.
- Demand Reduction – Through awareness and outreach by MoSJE.
- Treatment & Rehabilitation – Supported by the Ministry of Health.

Community-Based Approach: Implemented through district- and state-level committees headed by senior government officials.
Use of Technology: Supported by the NMBA mobile app, official website, and social media platforms for awareness and public outreach.
Public Participation: Works with organisations such as Art of Living, Brahma Kumaris, and ISKCON to spread awareness against drug abuse.

Significance

Improved Public Awareness: Reached and sensitised over 18 crore people, including a large number of youth and women.
Capacity Building: Trained more than 20,000 Master Volunteers across the country.
Social Benefits: Helps reduce drug-related crimes, promotes a drug-free society, and strengthens social well-being.