Content:

1. PM-GATI SHAKTI NATIONAL MASTER PLAN
2. World Consumer Rights Day 2025

PM-GATI SHAKTI NATIONAL MASTER PLAN

Introduction

• Launch & Context: Introduced in October 2021, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) aims to address India’s high logistics costs (13-14% of GDP) and revolutionize infrastructure development through integrated, data-driven planning.

• Objective: Ensure seamless multimodal connectivity across roads, railways, ports, airports, and waterways for efficient movement of people, goods, and services.

• Key Feature: Utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based portal for precise project planning, alignment optimization, and execution.

• Ministry Responsible: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) spearheads implementation, aligning National Highway (NH) development projects with NMP principles to enhance logistics efficiency and connectivity.

Relevance : GS 3(infrastructure)

Core Principles of PM Gati Shakti NMP

• Data-Driven Planning: Uses a GIS-based portal with over 550 data layers, including:
  • Economic nodes (industrial hubs, SEZs)
  • Social nodes (urban centers, healthcare, education facilities)
  • Logistics nodes (ports, warehouses, freight corridors)

• Multimodal Connectivity: Integrates road, rail, air, and water transport modes for a seamless logistics network.

• Holistic Development: Aligns infrastructure projects with economic and logistics hubs, addressing missing connectivity gaps.

• Seamless Mobility: Reduces travel times and logistics costs, boosting India’s global competitiveness.

Implementation & Achievements

Road Infrastructure Planning

• Scale: 115 NH projects covering ~13,500 km with an investment of ₹6.38 lakh crore have been examined using the Gati Shakti portal.

• Coordination: The Network Planning Group (NPG) under NMP ensures optimized project alignments.

• Efficiency Gains: Reduces project costs and timelines by streamlining design, clearances, and approvals.

Use of GIS & Digital Tools

• DPR Module: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) tool integrates GIS data for:
  • Refined NH alignments
  • Assessment of ecological impacts (forest areas, eco-sensitive zones)
  • Minimization of mid-course corrections

• Outcomes: Faster project preparation, reduced environmental disruption, and efficient resource utilization.

Integration with Other Databases

• Key Integrations:
  • Electronic Detailed Accident Database (eDAR) for safety planning
  • Traffic survey data and toll plaza statistics for real-time monitoring
• Benefits: Enables data-driven decision-making and proactive infrastructure adjustments.

Benefits of PM Gati Shakti NMP

• Reduced Logistics Costs: Optimized NH alignments and multimodal integration cut transit delays and fuel costs.

• Faster Project Approvals: The GIS-based portal streamlines clearances, reducing approval timelines.

• Environmental Sustainability: Minimizes ecological impact by incorporating conservation considerations in project planning.

• Economic Growth: Enhanced connectivity boosts trade, attracts investment, and generates employment.

• Improved Public Services: Better infrastructure improves healthcare, education, and market accessibility, particularly in rural areas.

Challenges & Way Forward

Challenges

• Data Integration: Harmonizing data across ministries and states requires advanced systems for accuracy and consistency.
• Land & Clearances: Land acquisition and environmental approvals remain bottlenecks.
• Real-Time Updates: Continuous data updation is needed to reflect current infrastructure conditions.

Future Plans

• Data Expansion: More state and local infrastructure layers will be added.
• Advanced Technology: AI and Big Data analytics will enhance predictive infrastructure planning.
• Logistics Hubs: Strengthening multimodal logistics hubs will further reduce supply chain bottlenecks.

Conclusion

• Transformative Impact: PM Gati Shakti NMP represents a paradigm shift in India’s infrastructure development, enabling data-driven, multimodal integration.

• Strategic Vision: With continuous GIS upgrades and inter-ministerial collaboration, the plan aims to reduce logistics costs and enhance economic growth.

• Broader Goals: As per Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the NMP aligns with India’s $5 trillion economy vision, positioning the country as a global leader in infrastructure development.

World Consumer Rights Day 2025

Overview

• Date and Origin:
  • Observed annually on March 15 since 1983.
  • Commemorates President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 speech to the US Congress, which first formally recognized consumer rights globally.

• Theme for 2025:
  • “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”
  • Focuses on affordable, equitable, and sustainable consumer choices amid climate change and social equity challenges.

• Global Objective:
  • Raises awareness of consumer rights.
  • Advocates for robust protection and empowerment mechanisms worldwide.

• Indian Context:
  • The Department of Consumer Affairs aligns with this theme through:
    • Modern policies
    • Digital innovations
    • Sustainable consumption initiatives (2024-25).

Relevance : GS 2(Consumer Rights, Governance) , GS 3(Economy)

Key Initiatives and Developments in Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

• Modernization:
  • Repealed the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
  • Addresses globalization, e-commerce, and technological advancements.
  • Effective since 2019.

• Structure:
  • Establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial system:
    • District Consumer Commission
    • State Consumer Commission
    • National Consumer Commission

• Powers:
  • Enables compensation, product replacements, and penalties against unfair trade practices.

• Timelines:
  • Complaint resolution mandates:
    • 3 months (if no testing required).
    • 5 months (if testing required).

Consumer Welfare Fund (CWF)

• Purpose:
  • Financial support for consumer welfare and movement promotion.

• Funding Model:
  • 75:25 cost-sharing (90:10 for special category states/UTs).
  • Establishes State Consumer Welfare Corpus Funds.

• Progress (2024-25):
  • ₹32.68 crore released as the central share.
  • 24 states and 1 UT (out of 28 states and 8 UTs) established Corpus Funds.
  • Supports awareness campaigns and consumer rights projects.

Strengthening Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

E-Daakhil Portal

• Launch: September 7, 2020, by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.

• Features:
  • Paperless, transparent online consumer complaint filing and tracking.

• Impact:
  • Reduces costs and travel for complainants.
  • Accelerates access to justice.

e-Jagriti

• Introduction: Launched in 2024.

• Benefits:
  • Faster case disposal.
  • Reduces delays and improves communication between parties.

National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 2.0

• Upgrades:
  • AI-powered speech recognition.
  • Translation system (17 languages).
  • Multilingual chatbot via toll-free number 1915.

• Growth:
  • Calls increased from 12,553 (Dec 2015) to 1,55,138 (Dec 2024).

• Integration:
  • Links with FSSAI, BIS, and INGRAM portal for rapid grievance redressal.

• Convergence Programme:
  • 1,000+ companies onboarded (e-commerce, banking, FMCG) for pre-litigation resolution.

Consumer Empowerment Tools

Jaago Grahak Jaago Portal and App

• Purpose:
  • Alerts consumers to unsafe URLs and scams.

• Functionality:
  • Phishing alerts, digital safety tools, and marketplace support.

Consumer Protection in E-Commerce and Digital Transactions

E-Commerce Rules, 2020

• Framework:
  • Notified under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Focus Areas:
  • Transparency, accountability, and grievance redressal.

Dark Patterns Guidelines, 2023

• Issued by CCPA: November 30, 2023 (Central Consumer Protection Authority).
• Scope:
  • Regulates 13 deceptive practices (e.g., hidden fees, forced subscriptions).
• Objective:
  • Protects consumers from manipulative online tactics.

BIS Draft Standard for E-Commerce

• Objective:
  • Establishes self-governance framework for fair and transparent marketplaces.

• Provisions:
  • Clear disclosures (e.g., pricing, country of origin).
  • Prohibits misleading ads.
  • Ensures quick action against counterfeit products.

• Impact:
  • Boosts consumer trust and security in digital transactions.

Broader Implications

• Sustainable Lifestyles
  • Aligns with India’s push for ethical consumption and environmental responsibility.

• Digital Empowerment
  • Expands justice access via digital tools (e-Jagriti, NCH 2.0).

• Economic Impact
  • Strengthened e-commerce regulations drive consumer confidence.

• Global Alignment
  • India’s focus on consumer rights and sustainability positions it as a leader.

Challenges

• Implementation Gaps
  • 4 states and 7 UTs yet to establish Consumer Welfare Corpus Funds.

• Awareness Deficit
  • Rural consumers often unaware of digital redressal tools (e-Daakhil, NCH).

• E-Commerce Compliance
  • Stricter monitoring and penalties required to enforce dark pattern and counterfeit regulations.

Conclusion

• Transformative Steps
  • Modern laws, digital innovations, and sustainable policies enhance consumer protection.

• Future Outlook
  • Expanding digital platforms and rural education will improve accessibility.

• Alignment with Theme
  • Transparency, accessibility, and fairness will shape a just and sustainable marketplace.