Gobardhan Scheme: Objectives, Benefits, Challenges & More | UPSC Notes

The Gobardhan Scheme, or Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, is a quite ambitious scheme initiated by the Government of India in respect of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) in 2018. The objective of the Gobardhan Scheme is the processing and transformation of the cattle dung and other organic matter present in the rural area into useful resources such as bio-gas, compost, bio-slurry, and bio-CNG. This policy not only supports cleanliness and sanitation in rural areas but also profits from wealth and energy generation through the conversion of waste, thus improving socio-economic conditions in the rural population.

This topic is highly relevant to General Studies Paper III of the UPSC syllabus, which includes issues related to Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change. An understanding of the Gobardhan Scheme will give UPSC aspirants an insight into the governmental measures taken for sustainable development and environmental conservation-something that is indispensable for complete preparation.

About the Gobardhan Scheme

The Gobardhan Scheme forms part of the bigger Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). Organizing dung into usable material, the primary agenda of this scheme is to tackle the massive problem of organic waste management. India, with over 300 million cattle that produce approximately 3 million tonnes of dung every day, has a vast, relatively untapped potential of bio-energy production. This scheme is a concept for converting these wastes into value-added resources, hence improving rural sanitation and producing energy for homes in the countryside.

Objectives of the Gobardhan Scheme

The Gobardhan Scheme is formed with several set objectives:

• Waste Management: Improve the effective management and treatment of cattle dung and other organic waste.
• Resource Generation: Convert waste into valuable resources like bio-gas, bio-slurry, and bio-CNG.
• Cleanliness and Hygiene: Improve cleanliness and hygiene in rural areas by properly managing organic waste.
• Renewable Energy: Generate renewable energy through bio-gas plants to meet local demand and reduce reliance on other energy sources.
• Economic Benefits: Generate additional income through the sale of bio-gas and organic manure.
• Job Generation: Provide employment opportunities in rural areas through the construction and maintenance of bio-gas plants and waste management units.

Gobardhan Scheme Guidelines

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has specified guidelines for the implementation of the Gobardhan Scheme, which are as follows:

• Community Engagement: Involve local communities, especially gram panchayats, in the planning and implementation of the scheme.
• Technological Leap: Incentivize better environment-friendly technologies resulting in improved efficiency of waste-to-energy conversion.
• Financial Protection: Provide financial support and subsidies from central and state governments for biogas plant installations.
• Capacity Development: Conduct training programs for local communities, farmers, and stakeholders for the smooth running and maintenance of bio-gas plants.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure the scheme’s effectiveness and sustainability.

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Implementation of the Gobardhan Scheme

The Gobardhan Scheme involves several stakeholders working in coordination:

• Gram Panchayats: Mobilize and manage waste and oversee the functioning of bio-gas plants.
• State Governments: Promote the scheme by co-funding it and providing technical assistance.
• NGOs and Private Sector: Facilitate awareness creation, provide technical guidance, and conduct training programs.
• Central Government: Formulate policy, frame guidelines, and fund the scheme.

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Assistance Provided Under the Gobardhan Scheme

Several forms of assistance are provided under the Gobardhan Scheme to ensure its successful implementation:

• Financial Incentives: Central and state governments provide grants and offer incentives for the establishment of bio-gas plants and waste management infrastructure.
• Technical Support: Assistance and guidance in the installation, operation, and maintenance of bio-gas units.
• Training Programs: Capacity building and skill development programs for local groups, farmers, and other stakeholders.
• Market Linkages: Establish market linkages for the sale of bio-gas and organic manure produced under the scheme.

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Benefits of the Gobardhan Scheme

The Gobardhan Scheme benefits the farmers in several ways:

• Environmental Benefits: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution by efficiently managing and converting organic waste into useful products.
• Economic Benefits: Generates additional income from selling bio-gas and organic manure.
• Health and Hygiene: Ensures better sanitation and reduces health hazards associated with unmanaged cattle dung in rural areas.
• Production of Bio-energy: Generates bio-gas, a renewable source of energy, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Employment Generation: Offers employment opportunities concerning the construction, operation, and maintenance of bio-gas plants, as well as waste processing units.

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Challenges Faced by the Gobardhan Scheme

Despite its benefits, the Gobardhan Scheme faces several challenges:

• Financial Restrictions: Financial crunch and delayed subsidy disbursements hamper the setting up and sustaining of bio-gas units.
• Technical Constraints: Lack of technical awareness and expertise at the grassroots level affects the productivity and sustainability of bio-gas units.
• Awareness and Acceptance: There is a deficit of awareness and acceptance in rural pockets regarding the benefits and working of bio-gas plants.
• Logistical Problems: Collection, transportation, and processing of organic waste in scattered and inaccessible regions pose major logistical problems.

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Way Forward

To make the Gobardhan Scheme more effective and overcome the challenges it faces, the following steps need to be taken:

• Adequate and Timely Funding: Ensure both Centre and State provide timely funds for bio-gas infrastructure.
• Extensive Capacity Building Programs: Implement necessary training to ensure local communities develop the right skills and knowledge.
• Awareness Programs: Undertake awareness campaigns extensively throughout rural areas regarding the advantages of waste-to-energy conversion.
• Advanced Production Technologies: Employ the latest cost-effective technologies to enhance the productivity and sustainability of bio-gas production.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Establish PPPs and collaborations between government departments, NGOs, and the private sector to leverage skills and competencies.

We hope your doubts regarding the topic have been addressed after going through the above article. Testbook offers good quality preparation material for different competitive examinations. Succeed in your UPSC IAS exam preparations by downloading the Testbook App here!