Content:

1.   Mahaparinirvan Diwas

2.   PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

 Mahaparinirvan Diwas

Context:  Mahaparinirvan Diwas

•  Observed annually on December 6, commemorating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s death anniversary.

Relevance: GS1 (History)

Significance of Mahaparinirvan Diwas

 Historical Context:

• The term “Mahaparinirvan” is rooted in Buddhist tradition, symbolizing ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

• Ambedkar’s death anniversary reflects his alignment with Buddhist philosophy and his role as a reformist leader.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Contributions

Advocacy for Social Justice

Dalit Rights:

• Worked to eradicate untouchability and caste discrimination.

• Advocated for reservation policies in education, employment, and politics.

Public Movements:

• Mahad Satyagraha (1927): Fought for Dalits’ right to access public water.

• Kalaram Temple Entry Movement (1930): Challenged caste hierarchies in religious spaces.

Media and Organizations:

• Founded Mooknayaka to amplify marginalized voices.

• Established Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha for education and welfare.

Constitutional Contributions

Drafting the Constitution:

• As Chairman of the Drafting Committee, ensured provisions for equality, justice, and protection of downtrodden.

• Advocated for fundamental rights and social justice within governance frameworks.

• Poona Pact (1932): Replaced separate electorates with reserved seats for Dalits in legislatures.

Economic and Infrastructure Vision

Economic Thought:

• Advocated for systemic reforms in labor and finance sectors.

• Inspired the creation of the Reserve Bank of India through his doctoral research.

Infrastructure:

• Instrumental in projects like the Damodar Valley Project and Hirakud Dam.

• Proposed a National Power Grid System to strengthen energy security.

Buddhism and Ideology

• Adopted Buddhism in 1956 to fight caste oppression.

• Viewed Buddhism as a path to equality and liberation for the oppressed.

Legacy

• Nation-Builder: His emphasis on equality and justice has shaped India’s social and political frameworks.

• Bharat Ratna Awardee (1990): Recognized for his immense contributions to the nation.

• Inspiration: His life urges us to build a society free from discrimination and oppression.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Introduction

• Launched on February 15, 2024, by PM Narendra Modi.

• Targets 1 crore rooftop solar installations by March 2027.

• Provides free electricity through subsidized solar panels.

Key Benefits

• Free Electricity: Subsidized solar panels significantly reduce household energy costs.

• Government Savings: Expected to save ₹75,000 crore annually on electricity costs.

• Renewable Energy Promotion: Increases renewable energy usage nationwide.

• Environmental Benefits: Reduces carbon emissions, contributing to sustainability.

Subsidy Details

• Subsidy amounts based on average monthly consumption:

• 0-150 units: ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 for 1-2 kW systems.

• 150-300 units: ₹60,000 to ₹78,000 for 2-3 kW systems.

• Above 300 units: ₹78,000 for systems above 3 kW.

• Applications via the National Portal with vendor ratings and benefits calculators.

• Collateral-Free Loans: Low-interest loans at 7% for up to 3 kW systems.

Impact

 For Households:

• Substantial savings on electricity bills.

• Income generation by selling surplus power (e.g., 3 kW generates 300+ units/month).

For India:

• Adds 30 GW solar capacity by 2027.

• Cuts 720 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over 25 years.

• Creates 17 lakh direct jobs in related sectors.

Model Solar Village Initiative

• Establishes one solar village per district to promote energy self-reliance.

• ₹800 crore allocated, with ₹1 crore per village.

• Selection based on renewable energy capacity of villages (>5,000 population).