Content

1. Food Irradiation
2. India’s Commitment to Disability Rights

---

Food Irradiation

---

Why is it in News?

• Government announced major push for multi-product food irradiation units under ICCVAI, PMKSY.
• ₹1,000 crore outlay (July 2025) exclusively earmarked for 50 new irradiation units.
• As of Aug 2025: 16 proposals approved, 9 operational.
• As of June 2025: 395 cold chain projects approved, 291 operational, 25.52 LMT preservation capacity created.
• Objective: reduce post-harvest losses, improve food safety, boost export competitiveness.

Relevance:  

GS-III: Indian Economy — Agriculture, Food Processing

• Modernisation of food value chains under PMKSY and ICCVAI.
• Reducing post-harvest losses (20–40%) → direct link to farmers’ income and agri-efficiency.
• Expansion of cold chain + irradiation → critical for doubling agri-exports.
• Enhances competitiveness via compliance with global SPS standards (Codex, FAO/WHO).

GS-III: Science & Technology — Applications of Radiation

• Use of gamma, X-ray, and e-beam technologies in food safety.
• Demonstrates peaceful applications of atomic energy (BRIT, DAE role).
• Supports safe, non-chemical alternatives to fumigation (methyl bromide phase-out).

What are Processed Foods?

• Any food altered from natural state using techniques like heating, canning, drying, freezing, irradiation.
• Objectives: safety, extended shelf life, nutritional enhancement, marketability, waste reduction.

Why Food Processing Matters?

• Reduces spoilage & microbial hazards (Pasteurisation, sterilisation, irradiation).
• Extends shelf life → stabilises markets for perishables.
• Leads to value addition, higher farmer income, stronger agri-food chains.
• Supports nutritional interventions (fortification, germination, fermentation).

What is Food Irradiation?

• Application of controlled ionising radiation to food to:
  • Kill bacteria, viruses, moulds
  • Destroy insects & pests
  • Delay ripening & sprouting
  • Extend shelf life
• Does not make food radioactive.

Radiation Sources Used

• Gamma Rays (Cobalt-60)
  • Supplied by BRIT (DAE); MoU with BRIT mandatory.
• X-rays
  • High-energy photons generated via electron beam–metal target.
• Electron Beam (e-beam)
  • Fast electrons, rapid processing, shallow penetration.

Applications in India

• Potatoes, onions
• Spices
• Mangoes
• Cereals, pulses, oilseeds
• Export quarantine treatment (especially mangoes)

International Scientific Endorsement

• Approved by Codex Alimentarius, FAO/WHO, IAEA.
• Supported by American Medical Association, American Dietetic Association, Institute of Food Technologists.
• Studies show no toxicological or nutritional risks.

Benefits of Food Irradiation

• Prevents sprouting of tubers.
• Extends shelf life of fruits & vegetables.
• Eliminates insect infestation → boosts export quality.
• Reduces microbial load → prevents food-borne diseases.
• Complements cold chain infrastructure.
• Reduces post-harvest losses (India loses 30–40% fruits & veggies annually).
• Supports agri-exports (e.g., mangoes to US/EU).

Consumer Information & Labelling

• FSSAI licence number.
• Logos: Organic, Fortification (F+), HACCP, ISO22000, FSSC, BIS, AGMARK, Vegan.
• Irradiation symbol (Radura).
• Examine nutrition labels: calories, sodium, added sugar, saturated fats.
• Avoid misleading claims: “natural”, “low fat”, “home-made” etc.

Government Support – ICCVAI under PMKSY

ICCVAI (Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure)

• Component of PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana).
• Objective: end-to-end cold chain from farm gate → retail.
• Addresses post-harvest losses, farmer distress sales, supply chain inefficiencies.

Key Functions

• Scientific storage
• Value addition (processing, packaging)
• Refrigerated transport
• Irradiation units for perishables

Funding Pattern

• General areas: 35% of eligible project cost (max ₹10 cr).
• Difficult Areas / SC–ST / FPOs / SHGs: 50% (max ₹10 cr).
• Difficult Areas include NE states, J&K, Ladakh, Islands, ITDP regions.

Eligibility

• Individuals, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, NGOs, Firms, Companies, PSUs.
• Land requirement: Minimum 1 acre for standalone/integrated irradiation units.
• Proposals online: sampada-mofpi.gov.in.

Strategic Objectives of ICCVAI

• Reduce post-harvest losses (currently 20–25% fruits/vegetables).
• Increase farmer income via storage & value addition.
• Improve quality & safety of perishables.
• Stabilise market prices.
• Ensure year-round availability.
• Boost export competitiveness via global-standard safety.

Major Components of ICCVAI

• Farm Level Infrastructure (FLI).
• Distribution Hub (DH).
• Pack Houses, Ripening Chambers.
• CA/Cold Stores.
• Refrigerated/Insulated Transport.
• Radiological processing units.

Funding requires FLI + linkage to DH/transport.

Progress & Achievements

Cold Chain Infrastructure (as of June 2025)

• 395 approved, 291 operational since 2008.
• Preservation capacity: 25.52 LMT/year.
• Processing capacity: 114.66 LMT/year.
• Jobs created: 1.74 lakh.

Financial Milestones

• 2016–17 onwards:
  • Grants approved: ₹2,066.33 crore
  • Released: ₹1,535.63 crore
  • Projects operationalised: 169

Food Irradiation Units (as of Aug 2025)

• 16 proposals approved
• 9 operational, 7 under implementation
• Total Grants-in-aid approved: ₹112.99 crore
• Released: ₹68.38 crore

Expanded Outlay (July 2025)

• Additional PMKSY allocation: ₹1,920 crore
• Total PMKSY allocation: ₹6,520 crore (till March 2026)
• Includes:
  • 50 irradiation units (20–30 LMT additional capacity)
  • 100 NABL-accredited FTLs

Significance for India

Economic

• Reduces wastage → raises farm incomes.
• Enhances competitiveness of Indian exports.
• Boosts food processing sector (contributes ~12% of manufacturing GVA).

Food Security

• Stabilises supply of perishables.
• Enhances safety & reduces food-borne illness burden.

Environmental

• Reduces food waste → lower climate footprint (FAO: food waste emits 4.4 Gt CO₂-eq globally).
• Efficient utilisation of harvest surpluses.

Strategic

• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in agri-value chain.
• Strengthens India’s compliance with global SPS norms.
• Reduces dependence on chemical fumigation (e.g. methyl bromide).

Challenges

• High initial CAPEX for irradiation units.
• Limited awareness among farmers & consumers.
• Misconceptions about “radiation” & food safety.
• Need for trained radiation safety personnel.
• Logistics integration with wider cold chain still uneven.
• Rural connectivity gaps affect collection & distribution efficiency.

Way Forward

• Strengthen farmer awareness through Krishi Vigyan Kendras & FPO networks.
• Incentivise private investment through expanded subsidies.
• Integrate irradiation with digital traceability (blockchain, QR-based tracking).
• Promote irradiation for export-oriented clusters (mango, spices, onions).
• Facilitate BRIT capacity enhancement for Cobalt-60 production & supply.
• Strengthen last-mile refrigerated transport networks.

Conclusion

• Food irradiation is emerging as a scientifically robust, economically efficient, and export-enabling technology within India’s modernising food ecosystem.
• With strong government push under ICCVAI/PMKSY, India is creating a resilient, integrated cold chain that minimises losses, enhances safety, increases farm incomes, and ensures reliable availability of high-quality food.
• The scaling of irradiation units, alongside testing labs and cold chain expansion, marks a critical transition towards a future-ready, low-waste, high-value food system.

---

India’s Commitment to Disability Rights

---

Why Is This in News?

• Government highlighted major achievements in disability inclusion ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December).
• Launch of revamped Sugamya Bharat App, expanded ISL Digital Repository (3,189 e-content videos), and updates on national schemes (ADIP, SIPDA, UDID, PM-DAKSH).
• Recent large-scale events (Divya Kala Mela, Purple Fest 2025) showcased government efforts on accessibility, skilling, and digital inclusion.

Relevance:  

GS-II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

• Disability inclusion aligned with RPwD Act, SIPDA, UDID, ADIP, NDFDC.
• Government interventions for assistive devices, livelihood, education, rehabilitation.
• National institutes, CRCs, PM-DAKSH enabling skilling and job linkage.

GS-II: Social Justice, Equality, Rights

• Enforcement of Articles 14, 15, 16, 41, 46 for equitable access.
• Rights-based approach replacing charity model → core constitutional values.
• Reservation in jobs and education; anti-discrimination mandates.

GS-II: Governance & Administration

• Digital public infrastructure: UDID, Sugamya Bharat App, ISL e-library.
• Standardisation of disability certification and service delivery.
• Regulation of rehabilitation professionals (RCI Act).

Disability Rights — Constitutional & International Context

• Constitutional grounding:
  • Equality before law (Article 14), non-discrimination (Articles 15–16).
  • Social justice and empowerment under Directive Principles (Articles 41, 46).
• UNCRPD:
  • India is a signatory (2007), driving accessibility-centric laws and programmes.
• Census 2011:
  • PwDs: 2.68 crore (2.21% of population).
  • Male: 1.50 crore, Female: 1.18 crore.

Legal and Policy Framework

1. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

• Replaced 1995 Act; effective from 19 April 2017.
• Expanded disability categories from 7 to 21.
• Mandates:
  • 4% reservation in government jobs, 5% in higher education.
  • Barrier-free access in public buildings, transport, ICT.
  • Inclusive education and community-based living.
  • Centralised disability certification (UDID integration).

2. National Trust Act (1999)

• Welfare for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability & Multiple Disabilities.
• Runs group homes, respite care, and guardian systems.

3. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, 1992

• Regulates training and certification of rehabilitation professionals; maintains national register.

4. SIPDA (Scheme for Implementation of RPwD Act)

• Umbrella programme supporting Ministries/States in accessibility, awareness, skill development, and inclusion.

Key Government Schemes & Initiatives

1. Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), 2015

• Aims for universal accessibility in:
  • Built environment
  • Transport systems
  • ICT services
• Revamped Sugamya Bharat App (2025):
  • Accessibility mapping/rating of public spaces.
  • Digital directory of schemes, jobs, scholarships.
  • Grievance redressal for accessibility complaints.
  • Supports assistive tech, voice navigation, multi-language UI.

2. ADIP Scheme (1981)

• Provides assistive aids/devices + corrective surgeries.
• Covers hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetics, cochlear implants.
• Case Highlight: Cochlear implant success story of Kritika (Nagpur).

3. Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)

• Financial assistance to NGOs for special education, training, and rehabilitation services.

4. National Divyangjan Finance & Development Corporation (NDFDC)

• Concessional loans for entrepreneurship.
  • DSY: Loans for self-employment.
  • VMY: Microfinance via SHGs/JLGs.

5. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)

• Only Indian PSU manufacturing a full range of assistive devices.
• Setting up Pradhanmantri Divyasha Kendras (PMDKs) across national institutes.

6. Unique Disability ID (UDID)

• Centralised national database.
• Single ID ensures uniformity, transparency, and targeted delivery.
• Includes online applications, renewals, MIS tracking, future scalability.

7. PM-DAKSH-DEPwD Portal

• One-stop platform for skill development and employment:
  • Divyangjan Kaushal Vikas: 250+ skill courses, UDID-based enrolment.
  • Rozgar Setu: 3,000+ geo-tagged job listings; MoUs with private companies.

8. National Institutes & CRCs

• 9 National Institutes + 30 CRCs providing rehabilitation, training, R&D, and outreach.

Purple Fest 2025 (Goa)

• India’s largest inclusion festival.
• Key launches:
  • Revamped Sugamya Bharat App.
  • IELTS Handbook for PwDs.
  • RPL Certification for ISL interpreters/SODA/CODA.
  • Training programmes in ASL/BSL for ISL professionals.

Promotion of Indian Sign Language (ISL)

ISLRTC (Nodal Body)

• Established 2015 under DEPwD.
• Key achievements:
  • World’s largest ISL Digital Repository (3,189 videos; 2,200+ glossary videos).
  • ISL Dictionary > 10,000 terms.
  • Channel 31 under PM e-Vidya dedicated to ISL training.
  • ISL translation of NCERT textbooks (Classes 1–12) to be completed by 2026.
  • PRASHAST App: screened 92 lakh+ students for early disability detection.

Strengths

• Strong rights-based legislative framework aligned with UNCRPD.
• Digital-first inclusion strategy (UDID, Sugamya Bharat App, PM-DAKSH).
• Rapid expansion of ISL ecosystem — repository, dictionary, training channels.
• Economic empowerment through NDFDC, skill programmes, Divya Kala Melas.

Challenges

• Physical accessibility in public spaces remains uneven across States.
• Delayed disability certification; rural areas lack trained assessors.
• Assistive devices market still dependent on imports despite ALIMCO.
• Learning materials in ISL need faster translation cycles.
• Employment for PwDs remains below 1% in many sectors.

Way Forward

• Seamless integration of disability inclusion in Smart Cities and urban design.
• Strengthening local-level rehabilitation services via Panchayati Raj institutions.
• Incentivising private sector hiring via tax benefits and accessibility ratings.
• Expanding ISL interpreter workforce and formalising ISL as a recognised language.

Conclusion

• India’s disability rights movement has shifted from a welfare approach to a rights-based, accessibility-driven model.
• The combination of strong legislation, digital inclusion tools, targeted financial schemes, assistive technology expansion, and large-scale awareness festivals reflects a maturing, institutionalised framework.
• These initiatives collectively aim to build a society where persons with disabilities participate fully and independently, with dignity and equal opportunity.