News In Shorts

Union Cabinet approved Budgetary Support for MERITE Scheme. 

About MERITE Scheme

• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
• Objective: To improve the quality, equity and governance in technical education covering all States/UTs. 
  • Aligned with National Education Policy 2020.
• Budget: Rs.4200 crore for a period from 2025-26 to 2029-30. 
  • Includes external assistance of Rs.2100 crore from World Bank as loan.
• Beneficiaries: 275 technical institutions comprising 175 engineering institutions and 100 polytechnics.

The achievement stems from the "Digi Keralam" programme, launched in 2023, with the goal of extending the digital revolution and e-services to all residents, irrespective of age. 

• It also builds upon Kerala’s earlier Akshaya project, which made Malappuram the first e-literate district in India. 

Digital Literacy

• It is "the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations".
• Digitally Literate Household means at least one member (of 5 years of age or older) can operate a computer and use the internet. 

Positive Impacts on Socio-Economic Development

• Improved government efficiency: Projects like Kisan Call Centres, Common Services Centres (CSCs) lead to better service delivery and transparency.
• Global connectivity: Provides "window to the world" for accessing information and decision making and also helps in improved social life and family bonds.
• Participation in Democratic Processes: Empowers citizens to engage more actively with governance.
• Accelerated Financial Inclusion: Fast-tracks schemes like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Unified Payment Interface (UPI)
• Imparting Basic ICT Skills and enhancing livelihood opportunities for the evolving digital economy.

Kerala's achievement as the first digitally-literate state in India showcases a successful model for inclusive digital transformation.

RGI asked States to take steps towards achieving universal registration of births and deaths.

About RGI

• Appointed under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
• Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Key Responsibilities
  • Housing & Population Census: Under Census Act, 196.
  • Civil Registration System (CRS): Under the Registration of Births & Deaths (RBD) Act (1969) which provides for the compulsory registration of births and deaths.
  • Others: Sample Registration System, National Population Register, Mother Tongue Survey, etc.