Inclusion of Urea in Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme
Why in news?
CACP has recommended that Urea should be brought under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) regime to address the problem of imbalanced nutrient usage in agriculture.
- Under the NBS regime – fertilizers are provided to the farmers at the subsidized rates based on the nutrients (N, P, K & S) contained in these fertilizers. Also, the fertilizers which are fortified with secondary and micronutrients such as molybdenum (Mo) and zinc are given additional subsidy.
- NBS policy intends to increase the consumption of P&K fertilizers so that optimum balance (N:P: K= 4:2:1) of NPK fertilization is achieved.
- It is being implemented from April 2010 by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
Urea is out of NBS
- Currently, urea is excluded from the NBS scheme, which has led to disproportionate use and deteriorating soil health.
- Keeping urea out of NBS essentially means that the government has retained direct control over MRP of urea and its subsidy.
- The MRPs of other fertilisers have been under indirect control by virtue of NBS policy. Manufacturers of these fertilisers have the freedom to fix MRP within “reasonable limits”, and a fixed per-tonne subsidy linked to their nutrient content is given. This has caused their MRPs to increase over the years, whereas urea’s price has remained unchanged.
- While the price of urea was fixed at Rs 5,360 per metric tonne (MT), the price of DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate) was at Rs 27,000 per MT in April.
Dimethyl Ether
Why in News?
Recently, India’s first 100% Dimethyl Ether (DME) fuelled tractor/ vehicle for on- and off-road applications has been developed by IIT Kanpur.
About
- Dimethyl ether (DME) is a synthetically produced alternative to diesel for use in specially designed compression ignition diesel engines. Under normal atmospheric conditions, DME is a colorless gas.
- Dimethyl ether requires huge pressure to be in liquid form. Because of this, DME’s handling requirements are similar to those of propane—both must be kept in pressurized storage tanks at an ambient temperature.
- Dimethyl ether has several fuel properties that make it attractive for use in diesel engines. Several countries, including Japan, USA, China, Sweden, Denmark, and Korea, are already using DME to power their vehicles.
- It has already been used as an ozone-friendly aerosol propellant to replace ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
- Because of its lack of carbon-to-carbon bonds, using DME as an alternative to diesel can virtually eliminate particulate emissions and potentially negate the need for costly diesel particulate filters.
- DME can be produced from biomass, methanol, and fossil fuels. DME can be produced directly from synthesis gas produced from natural gas, coal, or biomass. It can also be produced indirectly from methanol via a dehydration reaction.
- Syngas, also known as synthesis gas, synthetic gas or producer gas, can be produced from a variety of different materials that contain carbon. These can include biomass (wood gas), plastics, coal, municipal waste or similar materials. Syngas is created by the gasification or pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body that works to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes (SC) in India. Article 338 of the constitution of India deals with this commission.
- It consists of: Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Three other members. They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
Functions
- Monitoring and investigating all issues
- Enquiring into complaints
- Advising the central or state governments
- Regular reporting to the President
- Recommending steps for socio-economic development
Important points to remember
- Recommendations are not binding
- No role in criminal cases
Constitutional Provisions for Upliftment of the Schedule Caste
- Article 15: This article specifically addresses the issue of discrimination based on caste, emphasizing the protection and upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- Article 17: This article abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form. It seeks to eliminate social discrimination and promote the equality and dignity of all individuals.
- Article 46: Promotion of Educational and Economic Interests: This article directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and other weaker sections of society and protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.
- Article 243D(4): This provision mandates the reservation of seats for SCs in Panchayats (local self-government institutions) in proportion to their population in the area.
- Article 243T(4): This provision ensures the reservation of seats for SCs in Municipalities (urban local bodies) in proportion to their population in the area.
- Article 330 and Article 332 provide for reservation of seats in favour of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and in the legislative assemblies of the States (respectively).