News in Shorts: 04 October 2024

People’s Plan Campaign 2024

About People’s Plan Campaign

• It is an annual initiative launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in 2019  to promote participatory planning in rural India, aligning with the vision of decentralised governance. 
• Objective: It ensures that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) lead the development process by engaging local communities to draft Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).
• The 2024 campaign builds on previous efforts, with a key focus on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into rural development strategies.

Key Components of the Campaign

• Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP): Community-driven plan developed by Panchayats that reflects local priorities and integrates SDG targets.
• Village Prosperity and Resilience Plan (VPRP): Prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs), this plan moves from a focus on poverty reduction to community resilience and prosperity.
• Special Gram Sabhas: Regular meetings with the participation of local residents to discuss development plans and ensure transparency.
• Integration of Technology: Use of AI/ML-based planning tools such as SVAMITVA maps, which provide insights into rural infrastructure, water bodies, and solar potential, helping improve resource allocation and project implementation.

Nepal, India, Bangladesh Sign Tripartite Agreement for Cross-Border Electricity Trade

Key Highlights of the agreement:

• Export Timeline: Nepal will export surplus electricity to Bangladesh from June 15 to November 15 annually.
• Initial Phase: In the first phase, Nepal will export 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via India.
• Economic Benefits: Nepal is expected to earn around USD 9.2 million annually from the electricity exports.
• Parties Involved: The MoU was signed in Kathmandu between NEA Executive Director , NTPC Vidyut Byapar Nigam CEO , and Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman.