Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Leaving No Citizen Untouched by Development

Bhupendra Singh

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) is a transformative bridge connecting government welfare programmes to millions of eligible citizens who have not yet reaped their benefits. This visionary initiative by the Government of India transcends mere information dissemination, actively fostering awareness and citizen engagement through impactful on-the-spot enrolment, services, and experience sharing.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra - Urban : Strategic Arsenal for Impact

The urban leg of the campaign that started on 15th November 2023, aims to cover 4,900 Urban Local Bodies across 15,400 locations, ensuring no one gets left behind. As the yatra unfolds, 160 vans, each a canvas of awareness, traverse diverse urban landscapes, from bustling metros to smaller towns.

VBSY isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It employs a dynamic arsenal of mobile vans, camps, outdoor campaigns, flash mobs, and even selfie points to capture hearts and minds. The campaign thrives on a robust coordination structure. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting helms location and route planning, while states and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) take ownership of execution, ensuring on-the-ground effectiveness.

From PM SVANidhi to Startup India, VBSY shines a light on key government schemes relevant to urban populations, empowering them to claim their rightful entitlements. With citizen participation at the core, VBSY is about taking citizens onboard in decision making and implementation of government schemes. On-the-spot camps for various schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Scheme, Aadhar updation etc., create a platform for direct interaction, breaking down barriers and fostering trust.

Furthermore, VBSY is a clarion call for collective action. From state governments providing logistic support to ULBs mobilising beneficiaries, everyone has a role to play. Through Jan Bhagidari, VBSY fulfills its promise of vibrant, empowered, and inclusive urban India where no citizen is left behind.

 Impact Analysis 

·         By focusing on vulnerable populations eligible for urban schemes but yet to avail the benefits, the yatra addresses inclusivity and ensures that marginalised sections of the urban society receive the necessary support.

·         The yatra's emphasis on disseminating information and generating awareness about urban schemes empowers citizens to make informed choices, fostering a sense of financial and social well-being.

·         The inclusion of personal stories and experiences from beneficiaries allows for a nuanced understanding of the impact of government schemes. It fosters a sense of community and encourages the sharing of knowledge and best practices.

·         The yatra's approach of enrolling potential beneficiaries during the events ensures that the reach of government schemes expands, directly impacting citizens' access to essential services.

·         The comprehensive outreach plan, involving various ministries and departments, reflects a holistic approach to urban development. By addressing multiple facets such as healthcare, sanitation, education, and housing, the yatra aligns with the government's broader development agenda.

·         The yatra's adoption of a "Whole of Government" strategy underscores the collaborative efforts across ministries, promoting efficiency and coherence in policy implementation.

·         Schemes like PM Mudra Loans and Startup India contribute to economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. Empowering citizens with access to financial services can spur economic activities at the grassroots level. 

·         Initiatives like PM Awas Yojana (Urban) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) contribute to the development of urban infrastructure, creating an environment conducive for economic growth.

·         The incorporation of IT platforms for real-time monitoring enhances the government's ability to track and assess the impact of the schemes. This technological integration promotes transparency, accountability, and effective governance.

·         The availability of data and information on beneficiary enrolment and scheme saturation enables datadriven decision-making, optimising resource allocation and programme effectiveness.

·         The yatra's emphasis on community mobilisation activities fosters a sense of collective responsibility and participation. This social cohesion can lead to sustained community development beyond the duration of the campaign.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra - Rural: Strengthening Grassroots Development

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra's rural-centric initiative harnesses the power of specially equipped Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) vans to traverse over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats. These mobile platforms, adorned with multimedia tools in Hindi, English, and regional languages, serve as dynamic conduits for highlighting the transformative impact of various government welfare programmes, with a particular emphasis on rural-centric schemes. The campaign spotlights key initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat - PMJAY, PM Awas Yojana (Rural), PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Har Ghar Jal - Jal Jeevan Mission, SVAMITVA, and Nano Fertilizer, addressing essential rural needs from healthcare and housing to agricultural support. Jan Bhagidari events, featuring onthe-spot quiz competitions, drone demonstrations, health camps, and interactions with beneficiaries, embody participatory ethos tailored to resonate with rural communities. At the campaign's core lies the impactful "Meri Kahaani Meri Zubaani" segment, where beneficiaries share personal experiences, fostering authenticity. The celebration of local achievements further instills a sense of rural pride, transforming the campaign into a collective journey towards rural progress and prosperity. The tailored focus on vulnerable population makes the yatra a robust and inclusive rural-centric endeavour, weaving together information dissemination, community engagement, and celebratory milestones to empower rural citizens and drive holistic development.

While the District Collector has been tasked with the responsibility of ensuring logistical arrangements, security, and overall coordination of the yatra, the District Level Committee ensures that the yatra aligns with the district's development goals and is executed efficiently. Gram Panchayats (GPs) are entrusted with leading the initiative at the grassroots. They are the focal points for the effective implementation of the yatra, ensuring that the benefits reach every household. GP level functionaries, as illustrated in the list, coordinate activities ranging from cultural performances to on-spot services. This ensures that the yatra is a dynamic and engaging experience for the rural populace.

Impact Analysis

·         By involving communities in various aspects of the campaign, the VBSY in rural areas is poised to uplift and empower citizens, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in developmental achievements.

·         The meticulous deployment of functionaries and on-spot services ensures that citizens in remote areas gain enhanced access to government schemes, services, and essential resources.

·         The VBSY in rural areas embodies a bottom-up approach to development, leveraging community participation and administrative efficiency. z It holds the promise of not just being a campaign but a catalyst for sustainable rural transformation, contributing significantly to the overall growth and development of the nation.

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra - Tribal: Focussed Interventions

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra's Tribal-centric campaign meticulously spotlights crucial schemes tailored to uplift tribal communities. The Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, a joint endeavour of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, seeks to provide affordable and quality healthcare to patients in tribal areas, emphasising awareness, altered practices, and screening interventions. Enrolment in Eklavya Model Residential Schools, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, stands as an initiative by the National Education Society for Tribal Students to offer free education in residential setups for tribal children from class VI to XII. The scholarship schemes offered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, extend financial assistance to around 30 lakh Scheduled Tribe students, fostering education through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Forest Right Titles, managed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, empowers forestdwelling tribal communities by recognising their rights to forest resources, addressing livelihood, habitation, and sociocultural needs. The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, an integral part of the Van Dhan Yojana, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, focuses on organising Self-Help Groups, contributing significantly to tribal earnings and addressing multifaceted challenges faced by the tribal population. Lastly, the PM Vishwakarma scheme, facilitated by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, aims to enhance the quality and reach of artisanal products, integrating artisans into domestic and global value chains. This concerted effort underscores the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra's commitment to holistic development and empowerment of tribal communities.

Impact Analysis

·         Immediate improvement in healthcare access for tribal communities through awareness campaigns, screening initiatives, and affordable healthcare services.

·         Increased enrolment and improved educational opportunities for tribal children through the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools and financial assistance via scholarship schemes.

·         Reinforced recognition and protection of forest rights for tribal communities, addressing historical injustices and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

·          Swift economic empowerment through initiatives like Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, facilitating the organisation of Self-Help Groups and boosting tribal earnings through the collection and sale of Minor Forest Produce.

·         Rapid development of artisanal skills and products, contributing to the integration of artisans into domestic and global value chains, thereby enhancing their economic well-being. 

·         Immediate steps to preserve and promote tribal culture by acknowledging and safeguarding their unique identity and heritage.

·         Accelerated development of essential infrastructure, including sanitation facilities, electricity connections, and housing for the underprivileged in tribal areas.

·         Swift implementation of initiatives like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, ensuring food security for tribal communities and addressing immediate nutritional needs.

·         Immediate empowerment of tribal women through various schemes, recognising their contributions and providing avenues for skill development and economic participation.

·         Rapid enhancement of community engagement through on-the-spot events, quiz competitions, health camps, and celebrations, fostering a sense of collective achievement and pride.

These immediate impacts collectively contribute to the overall well-being and development of tribal communities, reflecting the campaign's commitment to creating positive and tangible changes in their lives.

"Meri Kahaani Meri Zubaani": Voices of Transformation

A pivotal component of the VBSY is the segment where beneficiaries share their experiences. This segment, titled "Meri Kahaani Meri Zubaani," serves as a powerful catalyst for the campaign's impact, creating a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with the audience. Here's how the testimonies of beneficiaries significantly influence the overall success and effectiveness of the campaign:

·         Humanising Development: When beneficiaries share their experiences, they humanise the impact of government schemes. Personal narratives have a unique ability to connect with people emotionally, transcending statistics and policy jargon. The stories become relatable, portraying the tangible and positive changes brought about by the initiatives.

·         Building Trust and Credibility: Hearing directly from beneficiaries adds an authentic and genuine dimension to the campaign. The credibility of the initiatives are enhanced when real people attest to the positive outcomes they have experienced. This, in turn, builds trust among the wider community, dispelling skepticism and fostering confidence in government programmes.

·         Inspiration for Others: Success stories shared by beneficiaries serve as a source of inspiration for others within the community. Knowing that their peers have benefited encourages more active participation and engagement. It creates a positive domino effect, motivating individuals to avail themselves of the opportunities presented by the campaign.

·         Feedback Loop for Improvement: Beneficiary testimonials provide valuable insights into the groundlevel impact of schemes. This feedback loop is instrumental for policymakers to understand what is working well and where adjustments might be necessary. It creates a dynamic dialogue between the government and the community, fostering a responsive and adaptive approach to development.

·         Word of Mouth Effect: Personal stories have a remarkable "word of mouth" effect. Beneficiaries, as storytellers, become ambassadors of the campaign within their communities. This grassroots advocacy amplifies the outreach and awareness, reaching individuals who might otherwise be difficult to engage through conventional means.

·         Fostering Community Pride: The segment also involves celebrating local achievements. Recognising and felicitating individuals for their contributions to various schemes instill a sense of pride within the community. It becomes a shared celebration of accomplishments, reinforcing the notion that development is a collective endeavour.

 In essence, the sharing of beneficiary experiences is not just a component of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra; it is the heartbeat of the campaign. These personal stories breathe life into policies, making them tangible and impactful for the everyday citizen. By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, the campaign ensures that development is not just a top-down process but a shared journey towards progress and prosperity.

The vision of VBSY is to bridge the gap between government initiatives and the people they're meant to serve. It's about empowering citizens to claim their rightful place in India's urban as well as rural tapestry. It is a testament to the government's commitment for inclusive development, and its success will be measured not just by numbers, but by the transformed lives of millions of citizens.

(The author is Correspondent, All India Radio News. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@ gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.