SAMARTH Campaign to Promote Digital Transactions at Gram Panchayat Level

SAMARTH Campaign: it is an initiative of Ministry of Rural Development to enhance the adoption of digital transactions in rural regions, with a specific focus on empowering women. SAMARTH Campaign is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 2- Various Social Issues and initiatives taken by government to promote welfare of the vulnerable sections of the population including women in India).

SAMARTH Campaign in News

Recently, Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh launched  SAMARTH campaign to promote digital transactions at Gram Panchayat Level.

SAMARTH Campaign Details

Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India has initiated a “Campaign on Promoting Digital Transactions in 50000 Gram Panchayats” from 1st February 2023.

• Objective: SAMARTH Campaign aims to enhance the adoption of digital transactions in rural regions, with a specific focus on empowering women.
• Duration: The SAMARTH Campaign is scheduled to run until 15 August 2023.
• Participation: Around 1000 BC Sakhis participated in the event at Lucknow with over 8000 BC Sakhis participating virtually.
  • State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and other stakeholders from all over India joined the event through webcast.
  • The event was also live streamed on social media.
• Organizing Ministry: SAMARTH Campaign is being organized under overall guidance and supervision of Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
• Key Events: During the event, a compendium consisting of 75 Inspirational Tales of BC Sakhis was unveiled, accompanied by live testimonies showcasing the transformative impact these BC Sakhis have had on their lives.
  • They shared their success stories with the esteemed audience.
  • Furthermore, newly selected BC Sakhis were provided with Biometric PoS machines and received Certificates of On-boarding during the same occasion.

SAMARTH Campaign, Highlighting role of SHGs

It was stated that SHG’s NPA came down from 9.58 % in 2013 percent to below 2% now under the inspirational leadership of  PM Shri Narendra Modi.

• Through the efforts of BC Sakhis in Uttar Pradesh (UP) alone, the digital transformation has facilitated a remarkable 5 crore 57 lakh transactions.
• This has not only enabled convenient doorstep banking services in remote villages but has also resulted in significant cost savings for banks in handling low-volume transactions.
• The increased earnings of BC Sakhis have not only granted them a respected position within their households but also within society, thereby accelerating the empowerment of women in rural areas of India.

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM)

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is an embodiment of all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political, and economic identity.

• Celebrating People of India: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey.
  • People of India also hold within them the power and potential to enable the Prime Minister’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Beginning of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: The official journey of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” commenced on 12th March 2021 which starts a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of Independence.
• Categorize: Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is envisioned to be celebrated in five categories –
  • Freedom Struggle,
  • Idea @75,
  • Achievements @75,
  • Action @75 and
  • Resolve @75

Mahila SHGs Sammelan Organised by TRIFED