‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’: World’s Largest Grain Storage Program

(Relevant for Sociology Optional for Civil Services Examination)

Paper 2:  Rural and Agrarian Transformation: Cooperatives

Context

A new Ministry of Cooperation was formed with a mandate to realize the vision of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ Union Cabinet has given its approval for the establishment of the “world’s largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector” with an outlay of around Rs 1 lakh crore.

Sociological Analysis

Positive aspects Carl Taylor: cooperative structures enhance solidarity among village men. Cooperative sector : new social movement Reduces alienation as compared to other schems , where iron cage of rationality overpowers creativity and innovation. People are given instrumental role in decision making and creative instincts of human can be satisfied. Help in dispersal of power at plural level taking from the hand of elites Women empowerment and helping women to play expressive role, Amul is an example for the same. Issue with earlier programmes PR Dubhasi: Cooperatives are not an institution, but a movement because needs keep on changing, so the movement also evolves. AR Desai: Effort towards establishment of cooperatives can help overcome the debacle of agrarian social order caused by colonial rule. BS Bavishkar: blames power conflict for marred growth of cooperatives. The movement has been politicised and people’s active role has been abandoned, creating a new brand of “Cooperative Politics. Hijacking by Specific Sections: Daniel Thorner argues that richer people use them for own interests and the caste economics of the village is reflected in the functioning. Satya Dev studied Seed Cooperation in Haryana and reported big landlords getting the best seeds. Over-bureaucratization Regional Imbalance: MH, Gujarat Bihar, UP etc.

• About the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan: The “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector” aims to expand India’s grain storage capacity from 145 million tonnes to 215 million tonnes.
• Unlike centralized storage systems in other countries, India’s plan focuses on decentralized storage facilities in every block, ranging from 500 to 2000 tonnes. It emphasizes climate-resilient storage solutions and features inter-ministerial coordination to ensure effective implementation.

Rationale and Need for the Plan:

• Curbing post-harvest losses caused by pest attacks and weather.
• Strengthening food security by securely storing a larger portion of grain production.
• Supporting farmers through better prices, reducing distress sales.
• Economizing by lowering transportation costs.
• Boosting employment in rural areas by generating local job opportunities.

Salient Features and Distinctions:

1. Scale: The project dwarfs similar endeavors globally, envisioning a massive increase in storage capacity.
2. Decentralization: India’s approach deviates from centralized models, aiming for storage facilities in every block.
3. Climate Resilience: The plan prioritizes resilient storage facilities, a unique focus amidst global efforts.
4. Inter-Ministerial Coordination: A seamless approach involving multiple ministries ensures effective oversight.
5. Significant Financial Commitment: An allocation of INR 1 lakh crore showcases unparalleled dedication to the initiative.

Benefits of the Plan:

1. Prevention of Food Wastage: Enhanced storage capacity curtails post-harvest losses due to pests and weather.
2. Enhanced Food Security: The plan ensures secure storage, bolstering food security for millions.
3. Support to Farmers: Improved prices and reduced distress sales empower farmers.
4. Cost Savings: Local storage minimizes transportation costs.
5. Employment Generation: The plan stimulates rural economies through job creation.
6. Strengthening PACS: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies diversify activities, boosting incomes.
7. Climate Change Resilience: Robust storage facilities assist in managing climate-induced yield fluctuations.

Challenges and Hurdles:

1. PACS Revival: Non-functional PACS pose a challenge and need revival for successful implementation.
2. Fair Implementation: Tailoring the plan to diverse regions poses implementation challenges.
3. Financing and Convergence: Coordinating various schemes from different ministries requires careful planning.
4. Infrastructure and Technology: Implementing advanced storage solutions in rural areas demands technological integration.
5. Employment and Skill Development: Generating local jobs necessitates skill development and training.

Proposed Strategies:

1. PACS Revival: Prioritize the revival and strengthening of non-functional PACS.
2. Efficient Guidelines: Develop region-specific implementation guidelines for effective execution.
3. Timely Implementation: Ensuring timely execution through collaboration among stakeholders.
4. Optimal Fund Utilization: Efficiently manage allocated funds to prevent resource misallocation.
5. Technology Integration: Utilize digital tools to enhance efficiency and streamline management.
6. Climate Change Preparedness: Incorporate climate-resilient storage technologies to mitigate future impacts.
7. Capacity Building: Train personnel for smooth facility operation and maintenance.

Conclusion:

India’s audacious grain storage plan holds the potential to reshape the nation’s agricultural landscape, contributing to food security, farmers’ welfare, and rural economic growth. While challenges exist, strategic implementation and proactive measures can pave the way for the successful realization of this transformative initiative.

 

Sample Questions for UPSC Sociology Optional Paper:

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To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Optional Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Optional Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Optional Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques.

META TAGS:

Sahakar Se Samriddhi, grain storage, cooperative sector, Indian agriculture, food security, Ministry of Cooperation, rural development, farmers’ welfare, post-harvest losses, decentralized storage, climate-resilient storage, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, PACS, employment generation, technology in agriculture, Sahakar Se Samriddhi, Sahakar Se Samriddhi, Sahakar Se Samriddhi,

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Explore Sociology Optional Syllabus

Paper-1

FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIOLOGY

1. Sociology – The Discipline
   1. Modernity and social changes in Europe and emergence of sociology.
   2. Scope of the subject and comparison with other social sciences.
   3. Sociology and common sense.
2. Sociology as Science:
   1. Science, scientific method and critique.
   2. Major theoretical strands of research methodology.
   3. Positivism and its critique.
   4. Fact value and objectivity.
   5. Non- positivist methodologies.
3. Research Methods and Analysis:
   1. Qualitative and quantitative methods.
   2. Techniques of data collection.
   3. Variables, sampling, hypothesis, reliability and validity.
4. Sociological Thinkers:
   1. Karl Marx- Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation, class struggle.
   2. Emile Durkheim- Division of labour, social fact, suicide, religion and society.
   3. Max Weber- Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.
   4. Talcott Parsons- Social system, pattern variables.
   5. Robert K. Merton- Latent and manifest functions, conformity and deviance, reference groups.
   6. Mead – Self and identity.
5. Stratification and Mobility:
   1. Concepts- equality, inequality, hierarchy, exclusion, poverty and deprivation.
   2. Theories of social stratification- Structural functionalist theory, Marxist theory, Weberian theory.
   3. Dimensions – Social stratification of class, status groups, gender, ethnicity and race.
   4. Social mobility- open and closed systems, types of mobility, sources and causes of mobility.
6. Works and Economic Life:
   1. Social organization of work in different types of society- slave society, feudal society, industrial /capitalist society
   2. Formal and informal organization of work.
   3. Labour and society.
7. Politics and Society:
   1. Sociological theories of power.
   2. Power elite, bureaucracy, pressure groups, and political parties.
   3. Nation, state, citizenship, democracy, civil society, ideology.
   4. Protest, agitation, social movements, collective action, revolution.
8. Religion and Society:
   1. Sociological theories of religion.
   2. Types of religious practices: animism, monism, pluralism, sects, cults.
   3. Religion in modern society: religion and science, secularization, religious revivalism, fundamentalism.
9. Systems of Kinship:
   1. Family, household, marriage.
   2. Types and forms of family.
   3. Lineage and descent.
   4. Patriarchy and sexual division of labour.
   5. Contemporary trends.
10. Social Change in Modern Society:
    1. Sociological theories of social change.
    2. Development and dependency.
    3. Agents of social change.
    4. Education and social change.
    5. Science, technology and social change.

Paper-2

INDIAN SOCIETY: STRUCTURE AND CHANGE

INTRODUCING INDIAN SOCIETY

1. Perspectives on the study of Indian society:
   1. Indology (GS. Ghurye).
   2. Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).
   3. Marxist sociology (A R Desai).
2. Impact of colonial rule on Indian society :
   1. Social background of Indian nationalism.
   2. Modernization of Indian tradition.
   3. Protests and movements during the colonial period.
   4. Social reforms.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

• Perspectives on the study of Indian society:
  1. The idea of Indian village and village studies.
  2. Agrarian social structure – evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
• Caste System:
  1. Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GS Ghurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.
  2. Features of caste system.
  3. Untouchability – forms and perspectives.
• Tribal communities in India
  1. Definitional problems.
  2. Geographical spread.
  3. Colonial policies and tribes.
  4. Issues of integration and autonomy.
• Social Classes in India:

1. 1. Agrarian class structure.

• • • Industrial class structure.
    • Middle classes in India.
• Systems of Kinship in India:
  1. Lineage and descent in India.
  2. Types of kinship systems.
  3. Family and marriage in India.
  4. Household dimensions of the family.
  5. Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour
• Religion and Society:
  1. Religious communities in India.
  2. Problems of religious minorities.
  3. Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour

SOCIAL CHANGES IN INDIA

1. Visions of Social Change in India:
   • Idea of development planning and mixed economy
   • Constitution, law and social change.
   • Education and social change.
2. Rural and Agrarian transformation in India:
   • Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives,poverty alleviation schemes
   • Green revolution and social change.
   • Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture.
   • Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration.

3. Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:

• • Evolution of modern industry in India.
  • Growth of urban settlements in India.
  • Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.
  • Informal sector, child labour
  • Slums and deprivation in urban areas.

4. Politics and Society:

• • Nation, democracy and citizenship.
  • Political parties, pressure groups , social and political elite
  • Regionalism and decentralization of power.
  • Secularization

5. Social Movements in Modern India:

• • Peasants and farmers movements.
  • Women’s movement.
  • Backward classes & Dalit movement.
  • Environmental movements.
  • Ethnicity and Identity movements.

6. Population Dynamics:

• • Population size, growth, composition and distribution
  • Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.
  • Population policy and family planning.
  • Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.

7. Challenges of Social Transformation:

• • Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability
  • Poverty, deprivation and inequalities.
  • Violence against women.
  • Caste conflicts.
  • Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.
  • Illiteracy and disparities in education.

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