Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 14 November 2023
On the 15th of November, 2023, the Union Government is set to unveil a momentous nationwide campaign titled ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this transformative initiative on the occasion of Birsa Munda Jayanti-Jan Jaati Gaurav Diwas. The launch will take place by flagging off Information, Education, and Communication Vans at Khunti district in Jharkhand.
Simultaneously, the Lt. Governor of A&N Islands and Vice Chairman of Islands Development Agency, Admiral D. K. Joshi, will commence the journey by flagging off Information, Education, and Communication Van from Campbell Bay, the southernmost part of India, underscoring the diverse national participation in this extensive campaign.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands will play a crucial role in this national endeavour toward ‘Viksit Bharat’, with Great Nicobar Island marked as the starting point for the islands’ involvement. The strategic significance of this island, being the southernmost point of the country, resonates in its selection as the launchpad for this initiative.
Key Projects and Importance of Great Nicobar Island
Great Nicobar Island holds paramount importance due to its strategic positioning, lying approximately 40 km from the major international sea route through the Malacca Strait. Recognising its strategic value, the Government of India has conceived the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island project. This comprehensive initiative encompasses the establishment of an International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), a Greenfield International Airport, a Power Plant, and a Township.
The proposed ICTT, with a cargo capacity of 14.2 Million twenty-foot equivalent units, is poised to significantly contribute to the regional and global maritime economy. It aims to attract maritime traffic from ports along the Eastern coast of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, positioning Great Nicobar Island as a pivotal player in cargo transshipment.
The Nationwide Campaign and Objectives:
The ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ will commence from tribal districts, starting in Khunti district, Jharkhand. All panchayats of the country will be covered during the yatra. 14,000 locations in urban areas (Over 3,700 Urban Local Bodies) will be covered during this extensive campaign.
The Yatra aims to showcase the key features of 20 schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, PM PRANAM Yojana, and Urea Subsidy Scheme. Information dissemination will occur through various mediums in regional languages, spanning audio-visuals, brochures, pamphlets, and interactive sessions.
Moreover, the Yatra is not merely an information-sharing initiative but also a platform for feedback collection. It will encourage citizen participation through activities like ‘Kahaani Meri Zubaani’, on-spot Quiz Competitions, live telecasts of Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat, virtual question-answer sessions with the Prime Minister, and provision of on-the-spot services such as Health Camps, Aadhaar enrolment, and MY BHARAT volunteer enrolment.
Krishi activities like drone demonstrations and interactions with progressive farmers on Soil Health Cards and natural farming will also be integral parts of the Yatra.
With over 2,500 vans earmarked for rural areas and 200 for urban areas, this campaign seeks to bridge information gaps, foster engagement, and empower citizens across the nation.