Content :

1. A holistic Approach at Transforming Mining Sector
2. Tripura becomes third state in the country, after Mizoram and Goa, to achieve Full Functional Literacy

A holistic Approach at Transforming Mining Sector

Introduction :

• Over the last 11 years, India’s mining sector has undergone transformative reforms aimed at boosting transparency, private participation, and strategic resource security.
• Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy’s article outlines how these reforms support India’s vision for Viksit Bharat, linking mining with national goals of economic growth, self-reliance, and sustainability.

Relevance : GS 3(Mines and Minerals)

Structural Reforms in Mining Sector

• Auction regime (post-2015): Replaced opaque allocation with transparent, competitive bidding; over 500 blocks auctioned, 119 in just the last year.
• Amendments to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act between 2015–2023 enabled policy modernization.

Centre-State Synergy

• Strengthened cooperative federalism: ₹4 lakh crore earned by states via auction premiums and royalty.
• Tools like State Mining Index, State Mineral Exploration Trust, and Mining Ministers’ Conclaves deepened collaboration.
• District Mineral Foundation (DMF) enhanced local welfare through decentralized mineral wealth distribution.

Critical & Strategic Mineral Push

• National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) launched to boost self-reliance in lithium, cobalt, REEs, nickel, etc.
• India’s first potash block auctioned, and offshore mineral exploration initiated.
• Strategic global outreach: Lithium mines in Argentina acquired; KABIL securing assets abroad.

Private Sector Enablement

• 50-year leases, seamless transfer of clearances, and exploration license regime fostered investor confidence.
• MSMEs and start-ups now have greater access via reforms like faceless return filing, Mining Tenement System, and drone surveys.

Tech & R&D Ecosystem

• National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) funded initiatives like Centres of Excellence and start-up R&D.
• Push for local innovation in recycling and processing, critical for a circular economy.

Outcome & Vision

• Mining sector now aligned with goals of energy security, food security, and economic growth.
• Reforms have ensured predictability, transparency, and inclusivity, supporting India’s march to become the 3rd largest economy.

Tripura becomes third state in the country, after Mizoram and Goa, to achieve Full Functional Literacy

Introduction:

• On 23 June 2025, Tripura became the third Indian state (after Mizoram and Goa) to achieve full functional literacy (95.6%), as per national benchmarks.
• This success was achieved under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a flagship adult education scheme aligned with NEP 2020.

Relevance : GS 2(Education ,Governance)

About the ULLAS Programme

• Centrally sponsored scheme (2022–2027), targeting non-literate individuals aged 15+.
• Focuses on foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical life skills using both physical outreach and digital tools (ULLAS mobile app).

Implementation Highlights in Tripura

• Intensive district-level rollout with door-to-door surveys, volunteer mobilization, and strong community engagement.
• Emphasis on Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) and Kartavyabodh (sense of duty) ensured grassroots ownership.
• Leveraged digital platforms for certification and monitoring, enabling real-time progress tracking.

Significance of the Milestone

• Tripura’s literacy rise from 20.24% in 1961 to 95.6% in 2025 reflects sustained policy and social commitment.
• Enhances human capital, gender empowerment, and inclusive development — key pillars of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Reinforces the NEP 2020 principle of education as a lifelong and universal process.

Broader Implications for India

• Demonstrates scalable best practices for adult literacy and community-led education models.
• Serves as a replicable model for other states and UTs in achieving educational equity.
• Boosts India’s global positioning in achieving SDG 4 – Quality Education for All.