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  • Cooperative Banks in Odisha Stable, NPAs Decline: Govt

    New Delhi, March 19: Cooperative banking institutions in Odisha remain financially stable, with no banks under liquidation and a marginal decline in non-performing assets (NPAs), the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

    In a written reply, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah said the state has 9 Urban Cooperative Banks, 18 Rural Cooperative Banks — including one State Cooperative Bank and 17 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) — and 4,287 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

    According to data shared by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NABARD, none of the cooperative banks in Odisha are under liquidation. However, around 725 cooperative societies are currently under liquidation, with outstanding dues of ₹11.08 crore to banks.

    The minister said annual audits of these societies are conducted by the Directorate of Cooperative Audit, Odisha.

    The asset quality of cooperative banks in the state has shown improvement. The Gross NPA ratio of the Odisha State Cooperative Bank (OSCB) declined from 1.08% as of March 2024 to 0.87% as of March 2025.

    Similarly, the cumulative Gross NPA ratio of all 17 DCCBs reduced from 7.33% to 7.18% during the same period.

    As of March 2025, seven DCCBs reported NPAs below 5%, eight were in the 5–10% range, and two had NPAs between 10% and 15%.

    The financial position of cooperative banks is regularly reviewed by the state government, RBI, and NABARD. NABARD also conducts statutory inspections of the Odisha State Cooperative Bank and DCCBs.

    The government said several measures have been implemented to improve governance and financial stability. These include allowing cooperative banks to expand branch networks, offer doorstep banking services, and enhance lending capacity.

    Other reforms include higher loan limits, one-time settlement schemes, integration with the RBI’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, onboarding on Aadhaar-enabled payment systems (AePS), and inclusion under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

    The Odisha government has also extended financial support to strengthen cooperative banks by contributing to their share capital. Assistance to DCCBs stood at ₹102 crore in 2022–23, ₹73 crore in 2023–24, and ₹28.02 crore in 2024–25.

    The government said ongoing regulatory reforms, technological integration, and capital support are aimed at improving governance, reducing financial risks, and strengthening the cooperative banking sector in the state.

  • Over 4,400 PACS Computerised in Bihar to Boost Transparency, Farm Services: Govt

    New Delhi, March 19: The government has computerised more than 4,400 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in Bihar as part of efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to farmers, the Rajya Sabha was informed.

    In a written reply, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah said Bihar has a total of 8,463 PACS, of which 4,477 have been taken up for computerisation. So far, 4,474 societies have been onboarded to ERP software, and 4,465 have been declared as e-PACS.

    The minister said a majority of PACS in the state are being transformed into multipurpose entities. Of the total, 7,617 PACS are engaged in at least two services, while 6,234 are involved in three or more activities.

    These include procurement operations, custom hiring centres, storage facilities, fertiliser distribution, fair price shops, and common service centres.

    In addition, 5,375 PACS are functioning as Common Services Centres, 2,304 are involved in fertiliser distribution, and 1,696 have been upgraded as PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras. Some PACS are also operating as Jan Aushadhi Kendras and banking correspondents for cooperative banks.

    The government is also implementing a pilot project under the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector” to address storage gaps and build decentralised infrastructure.

    In Bihar, 36 PACS across nine districts have been identified under the plan, with a total storage capacity of 1.045 lakh metric tonnes. Loans have been sanctioned for 27 PACS, while construction support is being provided through the Bihar State Warehousing Corporation.

    Data shared by the government showed that in 2024–25, 305 godowns with a capacity of 2.43 lakh metric tonnes were sanctioned, of which 77 have been completed and 228 are under construction. In 2025–26, 278 additional godowns have been approved, with most currently under construction.

    To support the transition, extensive training has been conducted for PACS and cooperative bank officials. Over 10,000 participants have been trained in ERP operations, handholding support, and refresher programmes.

    The computerisation initiative enables PACS to carry out transactions through a common digital platform, improving accountability and streamlining financial operations.

    The Ministry of Cooperation, NABARD, and state authorities are monitoring progress through multi-level committees at national, state, and district levels. Regular review meetings are being held to track performance and ensure timely implementation.

    The government said these measures are aimed at strengthening the cooperative sector in Bihar, enhancing farmer outreach, and improving access to agricultural services.

  • India Post Serves 47 Crore Savings Accounts, Expands Citizen Services: Govt

    New Delhi, March 19: The Department of Posts is serving over 47 crore Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) account holders through its network of more than 1.64 lakh post offices, the government informed the Lok Sabha.

    In a written reply, Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said India Post continues to play a key role in financial inclusion by offering a range of savings schemes, including savings accounts, time deposits, recurring deposits, Public Provident Fund, and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.

    The department also supports the distribution of pensions, subsidies, and other benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into post office accounts.

    According to the data, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana accounts have reached 3.83 crore, while the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme has 37.3 lakh accounts as of February 28, 2026. These schemes aim to promote financial security for the girl child and enhance women’s financial participation.

    India Post has set up 13,352 Aadhaar centres across the country, including mobile units for remote areas. These centres have processed over 14.72 crore transactions, improving access to identity services, particularly for rural and elderly populations.

    In collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the department operates 452 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). These centres have processed more than 2.09 crore passport applications and police clearance certificates, improving access to passport services in rural and semi-urban areas.

    India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is providing a range of citizen-centric services, including Aadhaar-enabled payments, digital life certificates, mobile number updates in Aadhaar, and enrolment services for children under five years of age.

    The department has also upgraded its Complaint Management System under Advanced Postal Technology 2.0, launched in March 2025. The new system includes a customer-interactive resolution process, requiring user consent before closing complaints and enabling automatic escalation in case of disputes.

    The government said these initiatives are aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and improving access to essential services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

  • Govt Reviving Stalled Irrigation Projects, Expanding Digital Agriculture Push: Shivraj Singh in Lok Sabha

    New Delhi, March 19: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the government has expedited long-pending irrigation and river-linking projects while undertaking structural reforms in agriculture aimed at improving farmer incomes and rural productivity.

    Replying to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Chouhan said several major irrigation projects that remained incomplete for years have been fast-tracked under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

    He stated that out of 140 major irrigation projects, 99 had remained stalled earlier, and the government has now prioritised their completion, with work progressing to bring irrigation coverage to about 2.7 million hectares of additional farmland.

    The minister also said river-linking initiatives, including the Ken–Betwa project connecting parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, are being advanced to address issues of floods and droughts.

    Chouhan said the government is working to ensure the availability of quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides to farmers. He informed the House that new legislation on seeds and pesticides is being prepared to regulate standards and prevent the sale of substandard products.

    He added that strict approval mechanisms have been introduced for bio-stimulants, with only those products cleared after multiple scientific trials being allowed in the market.

    Highlighting digitisation efforts, the minister said nearly 9 crore farmer IDs have been created under the Digital Agriculture Mission. These digital profiles are expected to streamline access to institutional credit and improve delivery of government schemes.

    He also referred to an AI-based platform, “Bharat Vistaar,” which will enable farmers to seek real-time advisory services by sharing crop images or queries, with responses provided in local languages.

    Chouhan said the government is promoting natural farming to address concerns over soil health and sustainability. The initiative aims to reach one crore farmers, provide training to 18 lakh farmers, and expand natural farming practices to around 75 lakh hectares.

    He added that the Centre is working with states to develop region-specific agricultural plans based on local conditions and crop suitability.

    The minister said government interventions, including MSP operations and direct benefit transfers, are aimed at ensuring income support and reducing vulnerabilities faced by farmers.

    He maintained that the focus is on improving farm productivity, strengthening rural economies, and advancing the goal of a self-reliant agricultural sector.

  • Kerala Scales Up Ayush Network with Rs.285 Crore Funding and 700 Wellness Centres

    Kerala Scales Up Ayush Network with Rs.285 Crore Funding and 700 Wellness Centres

    Kerala is expanding its Ayush healthcare ecosystem with central assistance of over ₹285 crore in the last four years, alongside the operationalisation of 700 Ayush wellness centres, strengthening its position as a key hub for traditional medicine and wellness services.

    Data presented in Parliament shows that funding under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to Kerala has risen steadily, peaking at ₹110.37 crore in 2024–25, before moderating to ₹51.38 crore in 2025–26. The total allocation between 2022–23 and 2025–26 stands at ₹285.65 crore.

    Expanding Wellness Infrastructure

    A major component of the expansion is the upgrade of 700 dispensaries into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. All centres are now operational, delivering integrated healthcare services that include Ayurveda, Yoga, and other Ayush systems.

    This large-scale rollout strengthens Kerala’s already established reputation in Ayurveda and wellness tourism, while also expanding access to preventive and primary healthcare at the community level.

    Healthcare Meets Wellness Economy

    Kerala’s push comes at a time when demand for alternative medicine and preventive healthcare is rising, both domestically and globally. The state is well-positioned to leverage this trend, given its strong base in Ayurveda, trained practitioners, and established wellness infrastructure.

    The integration of Ayush services into public healthcare through these centres also signals a shift toward cost-effective, preventive care models, which can reduce long-term healthcare expenditure.

    Boost to Medical Value Travel

    The promotion of Medical Value Travel (MVT) is emerging as a key economic driver. The Ministry of Ayush recently held a South Zone MVT Summit in Chennai, with participation from Kerala and other southern states, aimed at positioning India as a global destination for traditional medicine and wellness therapies.

    Kerala, in particular, stands to benefit due to its global brand recognition in Ayurveda-based treatments and wellness retreats.

    Policy and Funding Trends

    While public health remains a state subject, central funding through NAM continues to play a catalytic role in infrastructure development and capacity expansion. The funding pattern indicates both strong central support and the state’s active participation through State Annual Action Plans.

    Opportunities and Challenges

    The expansion opens up opportunities across multiple segments, including wellness tourism, herbal product markets, training institutions, and tele-health services.

    However, scaling up services while maintaining quality, standardisation, and global credibility will be critical, especially as Kerala targets international patients under medical value travel initiatives.

    Outlook

    With a combination of public investment, infrastructure expansion, and global demand for wellness services, Kerala is positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare and tourism.

    If supported by quality assurance and international outreach, the state’s Ayush ecosystem could evolve into a significant contributor to both public health outcomes and the regional economy.

  • Ayush Services Expand in Rural Odisha with Focus on Outreach, Training and Tele-Consultation

    Ayush Services Expand in Rural Odisha with Focus on Outreach, Training and Tele-Consultation

     

    Ayush healthcare services are witnessing steady expansion in rural and tribal areas of Odisha, supported by increased deployment of doctors, outreach programmes, and digital health initiatives, according to official data presented in Parliament.

    The state currently has 584 Ayurvedic Medical Officers, 525 Homoeopathic Medical Officers, and 2 Unani Medical Officers posted across government dispensaries, strengthening primary healthcare delivery in underserved regions.

    Strengthening Rural Healthcare Delivery

    The expansion reflects a broader push to integrate traditional systems of medicine into public healthcare, particularly in areas where access to conventional medical infrastructure remains limited.

    Public health being a state subject, Odisha has taken the lead in scaling awareness, training, and service delivery. At the same time, central support under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) is enabling infrastructure development, capacity building, and outreach programmes.

    Investment in Training and Capacity Building

    The state has rolled out induction and refresher training programmes for Ayush practitioners, including those serving as Community Health Officers at 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres.

    This focus on workforce development is critical for standardising care quality and expanding the role of Ayush practitioners in preventive and primary healthcare services.

    Expanding Outreach and Preventive Care

    Odisha has increased awareness through large-scale health campaigns and camps, including integrated Ayush camps, geriatric care initiatives, and screening programmes for musculoskeletal disorders.

    These efforts are aligned with a preventive healthcare model, which is gaining policy traction as a cost-effective way to manage long-term health burdens, particularly in ageing populations.

    Digital Push with Tele-AYUSH

    A notable development is the rollout of tele-consultation services under the e-Sanjeevani platform. The model connects 50 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centres as spokes with major institutions such as Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College in Bhubaneswar and Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya in Puri acting as hubs.

    This hub-and-spoke approach is expected to improve access to specialist consultations in remote areas while reducing the need for physical travel.

    Emerging Healthcare Ecosystem

    The state’s network of 422 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is playing a central role in delivering holistic healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care. Activities such as yoga sessions, medicinal plant distribution, and health awareness campaigns are also being integrated into service delivery.

    Policy and Market Implications

    The expansion of Ayush services reflects growing institutional support for alternative medicine systems within India’s healthcare framework. For the broader healthcare ecosystem, this could open opportunities in areas such as herbal medicine, wellness services, tele-health platforms, and training infrastructure.

    Outlook

    As demand for affordable and preventive healthcare rises, Odisha’s model of integrating Ayush services with digital platforms and community outreach could serve as a template for other states.

    The long-term impact will depend on service quality, patient trust, and the ability to scale infrastructure while maintaining standards.

  • Cabinet Approves Rs.1,718 Crore MSP Support for Cotton, Strengthening Farm Incomes and Textile Supply Chain

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved ₹1,718.56 crore in Minimum Support Price (MSP) funding to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the 2023–24 cotton season, reinforcing price support mechanisms for cotton farmers.

    The funding is aimed at enabling CCI to undertake large-scale procurement when market prices fall below MSP, ensuring farmers receive assured returns and are protected from price volatility.

    Cabinet Approves Rs.1,718 Crore MSP Support for Cotton, Strengthening Farm Incomes and Textile Supply Chain

     

    Stabilising Prices, Supporting Farm Incomes

    MSP operations play a critical role in preventing distress sales during periods of weak market demand. By stepping in as a buyer of last resort, CCI helps stabilise cotton prices, which has broader implications for both farmers and downstream industries.

    India’s cotton economy is substantial, with around 60 lakh farmers dependent on the crop and an estimated 4–5 crore people engaged across the value chain, including ginning, trading, and textiles.

    For the 2023–24 season, cotton cultivation covered about 114.47 lakh hectares, with production estimated at 325.22 lakh bales, making India one of the largest global producers with roughly a quarter of total output.

    Implications for Textile Industry

    Stable cotton prices are crucial for India’s textile sector, which relies heavily on domestic raw material supply. MSP-backed procurement can help ensure consistent availability of cotton, reducing supply-side uncertainties for manufacturers.

    However, large-scale procurement can also influence market dynamics by tightening open market supply in the short term, potentially impacting prices for mills depending on the scale and timing of CCI interventions.

    Expanding Procurement Network

    CCI has strengthened its procurement infrastructure, operating over 508 centres across 152 districts in 11 major cotton-growing states. This wide network improves farmer access to MSP operations, particularly in key producing regions.

    The agency continues to procure Fair Average Quality (FAQ) cotton without any quantity cap, ensuring that farmers can sell their produce at MSP whenever market prices fall below the threshold.

    Technology Push in Procurement

    The corporation has also introduced digital tools to improve transparency and efficiency. Initiatives such as the Bale Identification and Traceability System (BITS) and the “Cott-Ally” mobile app aim to streamline procurement processes and improve communication with farmers.

    These measures could help reduce delays, improve traceability, and enhance trust in MSP operations.

    Fiscal and Policy Perspective

    The MSP funding reflects the government’s continued reliance on price support mechanisms to stabilise farm incomes. While such interventions provide immediate relief to farmers, they also carry fiscal implications and can influence market behaviour over time.

    Outlook

    The approval comes at a time when global cotton markets remain sensitive to demand fluctuations and supply disruptions. A strong MSP-backed procurement framework could help shield Indian farmers from global volatility while ensuring raw material stability for the domestic textile industry.

    The effectiveness of the intervention will depend on procurement efficiency, market conditions, and how well supply is balanced between government stocks and industry demand.

  • Cabinet Clears Rs.6,969 Crore Barabanki–Bahraich Highway Project to Boost Trade and Logistics

    In a move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and cross-border trade, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the construction of a four-lane access-controlled National Highway-927 from Barabanki to Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh. The 101.5 km project will be developed at a cost of ₹6,969.04 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

    The project is expected to significantly improve logistics efficiency in eastern Uttar Pradesh while enhancing trade linkages with Nepal through the Rupaidiha Land Port near the Nepalganj border.

    Logistics and Trade Gains

    The upgraded highway is designed to reduce travel time between Barabanki and Bahraich to nearly one hour, improving freight movement and lowering transportation costs. By easing congestion and improving road geometry, the corridor is likely to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle operating expenses for logistics operators.

    The project will connect multiple economic, social, and logistics nodes, including 12 logistics hubs, strengthening supply chain networks in the region. Improved connectivity to airports and trade gateways is expected to further support cargo movement.

    Boost to Cross-Border Commerce

    With improved access to the Rupaidiha Land Port, the highway is poised to play a key role in facilitating India–Nepal trade. Faster transit times and better infrastructure could increase the volume of goods moving across the border, particularly agricultural produce and small-scale industrial goods.

    Industry observers note that better road connectivity in border areas can help reduce delays and inefficiencies that often impact cross-border trade.

    Investment and Regional Growth

    The project is expected to unlock economic potential in districts such as Bahraich and Shravasti by improving access to markets and attracting new investments. Enhanced connectivity could also support sectors like agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing.

    Under the HAM model, private players will participate in project execution, ensuring a mix of public funding and private sector efficiency. The model has become a key instrument in India’s highway development strategy, helping to accelerate infrastructure creation while managing fiscal risks.

    Construction and Employment Impact

    Beyond long-term gains, the project is expected to generate employment during the construction phase and create opportunities in ancillary sectors such as logistics, roadside services, and maintenance.

    Outlook

    The Barabanki–Bahraich highway project aligns with the government’s broader focus on improving logistics infrastructure under the PM GatiShakti initiative. By integrating road networks with economic and trade nodes, the project aims to enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

    If executed on schedule, the corridor could emerge as a key logistics link in northern India, supporting both domestic commerce and cross-border trade flows.

  • BHAVYA Scheme Signals Shift to Ready-to-Use Industrial Ecosystems

    The Union Cabinet’s approval of the ₹33,660 crore Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) marks a significant shift in India’s industrial policy, from land allocation and incentives to fully serviced, plug-and-play manufacturing ecosystems.

    At its core, BHAVYA attempts to solve a long-standing problem in India’s industrial landscape: delays between investment intent and actual production. By offering pre-cleared land, ready infrastructure, and integrated services, the scheme aims to compress this timeline dramatically.

    Moving Beyond Industrial Corridors

    The scheme builds on the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), which focused on large, strategically located industrial regions. However, BHAVYA expands this model in two important ways.

    First, it decentralizes industrial development by spreading 100 parks across states and Union Territories. Second, it introduces a more execution-focused approach, where readiness of infrastructure becomes the key selling point rather than just location or policy incentives.

    This suggests a policy evolution from macro-planning to micro-level execution.

    Plug-and-Play: Solving India’s Entry Barrier Problem

    One of the biggest deterrents for investors in India has been procedural complexity and infrastructure gaps. Even after approvals, companies often face delays due to land issues, utilities, or logistics bottlenecks.

    BHAVYA directly targets this friction. By ensuring that land is pre-approved and infrastructure is in place, the government is effectively lowering the cost and uncertainty of entry.

    If implemented well, this could particularly benefit MSMEs and global manufacturers looking to diversify supply chains away from single-country dependencies.

    Competitive Federalism in Action

    The “challenge mode” selection of projects introduces a competitive dynamic among states. Only those offering reform-oriented, investment-ready proposals will qualify for central support.

    This approach aligns with a broader trend of competitive federalism, where states compete on ease of doing business, infrastructure readiness, and policy stability. It also shifts responsibility to states to deliver reforms rather than rely solely on central funding.

    Infrastructure Depth, Not Just Scale

    The scheme’s design indicates a move toward deeper infrastructure development rather than just expanding industrial land.

    Support for core, value-added, and social infrastructure reflects a recognition that industrial ecosystems require more than factories. Worker housing, logistics facilities, testing labs, and digital systems are critical for sustained productivity.

    The inclusion of underground utility corridors and green energy systems also signals a push toward more efficient and sustainable industrial zones, potentially reducing long-term operational disruptions.

    Economic Multiplier and Job Creation

    With parks ranging from 100 to 1,000 acres, BHAVYA is expected to generate significant employment across manufacturing, logistics, and services. The clustering of industries could also strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.

    However, the real multiplier effect will depend on how quickly these parks attract anchor investors. Without early movers, infrastructure risks remaining underutilized, as seen in some past industrial projects.

    The Execution Challenge

    While the design of BHAVYA is ambitious, its success will hinge on execution at the state and local levels.

    Key challenges include:

    • Timely land acquisition and clearances

    • Coordination between multiple agencies

    • Ensuring last-mile connectivity

    • Maintaining investor confidence through policy stability

    Past experience with industrial parks in India shows that delays and uneven implementation can dilute impact.

    Strategic Timing

    The scheme comes at a time when global supply chains are being reconfigured, and countries are competing to attract manufacturing investments. India’s push for plug-and-play infrastructure aligns with this global shift.

    If executed effectively, BHAVYA could position India as a more predictable and efficient manufacturing destination, complementing initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.

    Bottom Line

    BHAVYA represents a structural shift in India’s industrial strategy, from policy-driven incentives to infrastructure-led competitiveness. It acknowledges that investors value speed, certainty, and ecosystem readiness as much as financial support.

    The intent is clear. The outcome will depend on whether India can deliver industrial parks that are not just announced, but fully operational when investors arrive.

  • Cabinet Approves Rs.2,584 Crore Small Hydro Power Scheme to Boost Clean Energy

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore and aims to install small hydro power projects with a combined capacity of around 1,500 MW.

    The initiative focuses on promoting small hydro projects with capacities between 1 MW and 25 MW across the country. It is expected to significantly benefit hilly regions and North Eastern states, where there is high potential for such projects.

    Under the scheme, enhanced financial support will be provided to projects in North Eastern states and districts along international borders. These areas will receive central assistance of up to ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30 percent of the project cost, whichever is lower, subject to a maximum of ₹30 crore per project. In other states, assistance will be up to ₹2.4 crore per MW or 20 percent of the project cost, capped at ₹20 crore per project.

    Cabinet Approves Rs.2,584 Crore Small Hydro Power Scheme to Boost Clean Energy

     

    Out of the total allocation, ₹2,532 crore has been earmarked for project development. The scheme is expected to attract investments of around ₹15,000 crore in the sector, boosting clean energy capacity and driving development in remote and rural regions. It will also support domestic manufacturing, with 100 percent of plant and machinery expected to be sourced within the country, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

    Additionally, ₹30 crore has been allocated to support state and central agencies in preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for approximately 200 future projects. This is aimed at creating a strong pipeline for continued growth in the small hydro sector.

    The scheme is projected to generate about 51 lakh person-days of employment during the construction phase, along with long-term jobs in operation and maintenance. Since these projects are decentralized, they require minimal transmission infrastructure, reducing energy losses.

    Officials said the initiative will help revive the small hydro power sector and accelerate the use of untapped potential. SHP projects are considered environmentally sustainable as they involve limited land use, minimal deforestation, and low displacement of communities. With a typical lifespan of 40 to over 60 years, these projects are also expected to contribute to long-term socio-economic development in remote areas.