Q.One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyze the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective?
How to approach: Address the "Why" and "How" behind each sub-part of the question using structured PESTEL or stakeholder dimensions.
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Introduction
The Union Budget 2017-18 was presented with the core theme of "Transform, Energize, and Clean India" (TEC India), aiming to catalyze economic growth while addressing key social and environmental challenges through targeted measures.
Body Analysis
Measures Proposed in Budget 2017-18 to Achieve the Objective
1. Transforming India
- Infrastructure Development:
- The budget allocated ₹3.96 lakh crore for infrastructure (roads, railways, airports). For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) received ₹19,000 crore to boost rural connectivity.
- Digital Economy:
- Allocated ₹10,000 crore for the BharatNet project to provide high-speed broadband to over 1.5 lakh gram panchayats. Promoted digital payments via tax incentives and the launch of the BHIM app.
- Housing for All:
- Reaffirmed commitment by granting infrastructure status to affordable housing projects, making them eligible for financial benefits and easier credit.
2. Energizing India
- Power Sector Reforms:
- Allocated ₹4,000 crore for Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) to ensure 100% village electrification by 2018. Supported Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) to improve the financial health of power distribution companies.
- Renewable Energy:
- Allocated ₹5,473 crore to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Reinforced the target of installing 20,000 MW of solar power capacity, promoting rooftop solar and solar pumps.
- Skill Development:
- Proposed 100 India International Skill Centers to provide advanced training in sectors like renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing.
3. Cleaning India
- Swachh Bharat Mission:
- Increased allocation to ₹19,248 crore, focusing on sanitation, waste management, and making India Open Defecation Free (ODF). Proposed constructing 50 lakh individual household toilets and 1 lakh community toilets.
- Clean Energy Cess:
- Renamed Clean Energy Cess on coal to Clean Environment Cess and increased it to ₹400 per tonne to fund environmental initiatives.
- Pollution Control:
- Incentivized electric and hybrid vehicles, and increased investment in urban public transport.
- Ganga Rejuvenation:
- Allocated ₹2,250 crore to the Namami Gange program for sewage treatment, river surface cleaning, and rural sanitation.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2017-18 holistically targeted economic growth, energy access, and environmental sustainability to fulfill the TECI vision, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2017 (Question 6) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security → Indian Economy, Agriculture & Infrastructure |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 15 Marks • 250 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 11–12 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Analyze: Deconstruct the question into its core components and explain how they interact with each other. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2017 GS3 (Indian Economy)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2017 GS Paper III question on Indian Economy?
This 2017 GS Paper III question carries 15 marks with a 250-word limit and uses the "Analyze" directive. Address the "Why" and "How" behind each sub-part of the question using structured PESTEL or stakeholder dimensions. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words) and aim to finish within 11–12 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2017 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security under the syllabus module "Indian Economy, Agriculture & Infrastructure". You can explore all repeated questions from Indian Economy in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Indian Economy PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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