UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on role of MSME’s and India’s border infrastructure (Week 91)

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QUESTION 1

Discuss the Teesta bridge’s strategic and security relevance in light of India’s border infrastructure expansion. How might such projects help with regional connectivity and national security?

QUESTION 2

Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth and employment generation in India. What targeted interventions are needed in labour-intensive sectors to take growth to the next level?

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the Teesta bridge’s strategic and security relevance in light of India’s border infrastructure expansion. How might such projects help with regional connectivity and national security?

Introduction:

— The Teesta River flows southward via gorges and rapids in the Sikkim Himalaya, beginning with the Pahunri (or Teesta Kangse) glacier above 7,068 m. The river then flows past the town of Rangpo, where it joins the Rangpo River and marks the border between Sikkim and West Bengal, before reaching Teesta Bazaar.

— After more than a decade, the West Bengal government approved the Teesta Bridge Project, which will connect Sikkim and West Bengal. The new bridge will assist enhance tourism while also serving strategic interests.

— Currently, the Teesta has only one British-era bridge that connects West Bengal with Sikkim.

Body:

— From 1937 to 1941, the Coronation Bridge was erected to commemorate King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. At the time, the construction cost more than Rs 1 lakh. The foundation stone was laid by then-Bengal Governor John Anderson.

— Even after over 80 years, it remains the sole link between West Bengal and Sikkim. The bridge was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, so the Centre began constructing an alternate bridge to improve connection between the two states on this strategically crucial corridor.

— The Doklam stalemate between India and China in 2017 made the construction of a new bridge even more imperative, since the Coronation bridge is the sole lifeline for the armed forces to deliver necessary equipment to the China and Bhutan border and military bases.

— For the security forces’ soldiers, the bridge is just as crucial.The bridge will boost tourism and make it easier for the military forces stationed in forward regions to carry supplies.

Conclusion:

— The Teesta basin in India covers 9,855 square kilometres, or around 0.28% of the nation’s total land area. West Bengal (27.57%) and Sikkim (72.43%) are the states that contain the basin. The Teesta River flows between Bangladesh and India and is 414 km long, having a total drainage area of 12,540 sq. km.

— At Teestamukh Ghat near Kamarjani-Bahadurabad in the Rangpur district of Bangladesh, the Teesta River eventually empties into the Brahmaputra.

(Source: After a decade, Teesta bridge gets Bengal nod: The project, its security significance by Atri Mitra, http://www.cwc.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Tributaries of Teesta River

Connectivity between the Indian mainland and northeastern India

Related Previous Year Questions

India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BM) Scheme. (2024)

The North-Eastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (2017)

QUESTION 2: Discuss the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth and employment generation in India. What targeted interventions are needed in labour-intensive sectors to take growth to the next level?

Introduction:

— According to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act of 2006, MSME, which stands for “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,” refers to a Ministry within the Indian government that is tasked with fostering and growing small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing and service sectors.

Definition:

(i) a micro enterprise, where the investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment does not exceed one crore rupees and turnover does not exceed five crore rupees;

(ii) a small enterprise, where the investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment does not exceed ten crore rupees and turnover does not exceed fifty crore rupees;

(iii) a medium enterprise, where the investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment does not exceed fifty crore rupees and turnover does not exceed two hundred and fifty crore rupees.

Body:

What measures can be taken for higher growth?

— There are various sections where you can do stuff. Targeted measures can boost labour-intensive industries such as footwear, apparel, tourism, furniture, and so on.

— MSMEs have a sizable employment base. The ECLGS (Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme) should be strengthened and continued.

— The government has done an excellent job of digitising the economy, and there are numerous digital platforms accessible for MSMEs, including Udyam, TReDS, GeM, and ONDC.

— Give momentum to manufacturing. A targeted approach with a comprehensive view of investments, trade, infrastructure, and skilling would be beneficial.

Conclusion:

— Agriculture will always be vital. It represents approximately 45 or 46 percent of the workforce. Even if it decreases, it will remain large. We must implement agricultural reforms to increase farmer incomes.

— In terms of job creation, boosting labour-intensive sectors, supporting MSMEs, and integrating into global value chains will all result in high-quality job opportunities.

— There is a significant demographic dividend in rural areas due to improved physical and digital connectedness, such as the establishment of integrated rural hubs that include components for health care, skilling, education, career management, and so on.

(Source: Targeted interventions in labour-intensive sectors, MSMEs needed to take growth to the next level: CII president Sanjiv Puri by Aggam Walia , Aanchal Magazine)

Points to Ponder

Role of MSME’s in GDP of India

How can MSME generate more employment?

Related Previous Year Questions

Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. (2023)

“Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (2017)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 90)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 89)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 90)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 89)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 88)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 89 ad 90)

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