• 10 Jul 2025

35th Report on CPGRAMS

Why in News?  

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 35th monthly report of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States and Union Territories for June 2025.  

• The report provides an analysis of public grievance types and their redressal by States and UTs; in this edition, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of disposals (25,870 cases), followed by Gujarat (3,986 cases).

Key Points

• About CPGRAMS: 
  • CPGRAMS is a 24/7 online platform developed by the National Informatics Centre, for citizens to lodge grievances related to service delivery. 
  • It was launched by the DARPG under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions. 
  • It is a single portal connected to all the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and States. 
  • CPGRAMS also provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer. 
  • Issues not addressed for redressal include Right to Information (RTI) matters, court-related or sub-judice matters, religious matters, and grievances of government employees related to their service issues. 

 

• Sevottam Guidelines for 2025–26: 
  • In collaboration with ASCI Hyderabad, the DARPG has developed the Sevottam Guidelines for 2025–26, accompanied by a comprehensive training curriculum.  
  • These guidelines aim to standardize grievance redressal processes across government departments and further improve the quality of public services.

Sevottam Model 

• About:  
  • The 2^nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), in its 12th report titled "Citizen-Centric Administration – The Heart of Governance", emphasized the need to make government institutions more transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly. 
    • To implement this vision, the DARPG introduced the ‘Sevottam’ framework. 
  • The Sevottam Model serves as a structured framework to improve public service delivery in India. 
  • It promotes citizen-centric governance by fostering transparency, accountability, and continual enhancement of services in public institutions. 
• Key Components of the Sevottam Model: 
  • Citizen Charters: 
    • Public organisations publish Citizen Charters to declare the services they offer, the service delivery timelines, and citizens' entitlements. 
    • These charters empower citizens to demand better services and hold service providers accountable. 
  • Public Grievance Redressal: 
    • The model includes a strong grievance redressal system to resolve complaints effectively. 
    • It focuses on ensuring citizen satisfaction, regardless of the outcome of the grievance. 
  • Excellence in Service Delivery: 
    • This component ensures efficient service delivery through capacity building, performance management, and a culture of continuous improvement. 
• The 7-Step Sevottam Approach: 
  • Define Services: Public agencies must clearly identify and define the services offered by each department or unit. 
  • Set Standards: Authorities should lay down measurable and time-bound service standards for each identified service. 
  • Develop Capacity: Departments need to build institutional and human resource capacity to meet service delivery benchmarks. 
  • Perform: Internal systems and processes must ensure that individuals and departments consistently meet the prescribed standards. 
  • Monitor: Organisations must regularly track performance against defined benchmarks. 
  • Evaluate: Authorities should carry out periodic evaluations, incorporating citizen feedback to assess service quality. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Based on monitoring and evaluation, organisations should introduce improvements and reforms to enhance service delivery over time.

Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub

Why in News? 

The Union Education Minister inaugurated the Uttar Pradesh Agritech Innovation Hub and the Agritech Startup and Technology Showcase at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUAT), Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points 

• Integration of Technology and Natural Farming: 
  • The importance of chemical-free, natural farming was highlighted, with a call for technology to bridge the gap between the field and the market.  
  • This initiative seeks to enhance sustainability and precision farming through technology such as IoT-enabled sensors, smart irrigation, and automation technologies, which can significantly contribute to the agricultural economy, especially in North India. 
• Focus on Skill Development and Rural Youth Empowerment: 
  • The event also stressed that the Agritech Innovation Hub is a collaborative ecosystem where farmers, technologists, and startups can co-create solutions for the future.  
  • The hub aims to empower rural youth and farmers to embrace the agritech revolution. 
• Technological Collaboration: 
  • An MoU was signed between IIT Ropar and SVPUAT for collaboration in agritech research and innovation.  
  • The hub is equipped with advanced data analytics platforms and real-time monitoring systems to facilitate data-driven decision-making for farmers. 
• Training and Capacity Building Initiatives: 
  • The initiative will also focus on training and capacity building through workshops and sessions for farmers and rural youth.  
  • Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will play an essential role in training the farming community, ensuring effective technology adoption and knowledge transfer. 

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) 

• KVK is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS). 
• The mandate of KVK is technology assessment and demonstration for its application and capacity development. 
• It aims at assessment of location specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement and demonstrations. 
• KVKs also produce quality technological products (seed, planting material, bio-agents, livestock) and make it available to farmers. 
• The KVK scheme is 100% financed by the Government of India and the KVKs are sanctioned to Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, related Government Departments and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working in Agriculture. 

Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) 

• An FPO is a type of producer organisation (PO) with farmers as its members, and its promotion is supported by the Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC).  
  • The FPOs were inspired by economist YK Alagh’s recommendation (2002) to amend the Companies Act, 1956.  
  • FPOs can be registered under the Companies Act, 2013, the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or as Public Trusts under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.  
• A Producer Organisation is a group of producers, agricultural, non-farm, or artisan, that can take legal forms like producer companies or cooperatives, sharing profits among members. 

Uttarakhand Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025

Why in News? 

The Uttarakhand cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025 to promote scientific and technological research for exploring and developing geothermal resources that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Note: 

• The cabinet approved the Uttarakhand State Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2025 to encourage the formation of state-level mineral trusts. 
• It also approved amendments and formalized the Uttarakhand District Mineral Foundation Trust Rules, 2025, replacing the 2017 rules.

Key Points

• About Geo-Thermal Energy Policy 2025: 
  • The policy aims to utilize geothermal sites for power generation, heating and cooling, water purification and community development. 
  • The government seeks to enhance Uttarakhand’s energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability. 
  • The Energy Department, in collaboration with Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) will implement the policy across all geothermal projects in the state. 
• Project Duration and Allotment Process: 
  • The government will allot geothermal projects for a maximum of 30 years from the date of commissioning. 
  • Projects can be awarded to central or state PSUs or private developers through competitive bidding or other specified methods. 
• Geological Basis of Geothermal Energy in Uttarakhand: 
  • Hot springs or geothermal sources in the Himalayan region form when subsurface water reaches geothermal points and emerges through thermal vents. 
  • Heat generation occurs due to volcanic activity, tectonic movement, and rock formation deep beneath the Earth’s surface. 
    • When a water source passes near these zones, it absorbs the heat and emerges through thermal vents as hot springs. 
  • Geothermal sources lie along the Main Central Thrust, a geological fault line where the Indian plate meets the Eurasian plate. 
  • For Example, Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh), Gaurikund (Uttarakhand) 

Geothermal Energy 

• Geothermal energy is heat from the Earth’s interior, generated by radioactive decay. It is renewable, provides baseload power, available 24/7 as the Earth continuously produces heat.  
• India has 381 thermally anomalous sites identified by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) with a potential to generate 10,600 MW, enough to power 10 million households.   
  • Key projects include a 20 kW pilot plant in Manuguru, Telangana and ONGC's 1 MW project in Puga Valley, Ladakh.  
• India has established agreements with countries like Iceland (2007), Saudi Arabia (2019), and the Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP) with the US (2023) for geothermal energy collaboration. 

 

• Geothermal Features: 
  • Geysers: These are geothermal features that periodically eject water and steam due to underground heating.  
    • Geysers require large amounts of groundwater to fill underground cavities in volcanic areas. When heated by nearby magma, the water flashes into steam, causing an eruption of hot water and steam.  
    • Example: Yellowstone National Park (US) 
  • Fumaroles: These are openings in the Earth’s crust where volcanic gases and steam are released.  
    • Fumaroles occur when magma passes through the water table, heating the water and causing steam to rise, carrying volcanic gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to the surface.  
    • Often found near "dying volcanoes" where magma deep underground has solidified and cooled.  
    • Example: Barren Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)  
  • Mudpots: These are the bubbling pools of mud that form in geothermal areas.  
    • Formed when limited geothermal water mixes with mud and clay.  
    • Example: Yellowstone National Park (US) 

Haryana Sets Benchmark in Criminal Justice Reform

Why in News? 

Haryana has emerged as a leader in criminal justice reform by delivering swift, victim-centric justice. The state has set a national benchmark by adopting advanced technology, upgrading forensic infrastructure, and providing intensive training under India’s new criminal laws. 

Key Points 

• Capacity Building Under New Criminal Laws: 
  • Haryana launched an extensive training programme, equipping over 54,000 police personnel in the detailed provisions of: 
    • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 
    • Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 
    • Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 
  • iGOT Karmayogi Platform:  
    • Over 37,800 police officers have been onboarded to the iGOT Karmayogi platform. 
    • The platform supports self-paced legal education, making Haryana’s digital skilling effort one of the largest among Indian states. 
• Digital Policing Through eSummon and eSakshya: 
  • Haryana has fully implemented platforms like: 
    • eSummon: Over 91.37% of summons are now issued electronically. 
    • eSakshya: Records 100% of searches and seizures digitally. 
  • Around 67.5% of witness and complainant statements are now recorded via the eSakshya mobile app, ensuring transparent and standardized evidence collection. 
• Gender-Sensitive Justice Mechanisms: 
  • Haryana has established Fast Track Special Courts under the POCSO Act 2012 in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Panchkula. 
  • These courts ensure speedy trials in heinous crimes involving women and children. 
• New Provisions for Witness Examination: 
  • Under the new criminal laws, Haryana now allows witnesses to be examined at designated locations, expanding beyond traditional courtroom settings. 
• Enhanced Forensic Infrastructure: 
  • The state has deployed mobile forensic vans in every district (and two in larger ones). 
  • Haryana has invested Rs 68.70 crore in procuring advanced cyber forensic tools, significantly strengthening investigation capabilities. 

iGOT Karmayogi 

• About:  
  • Managed by Karmayogi Bharathas, iGOT Karmayogi offers over 2,400 courses in 16 languages, all courses align with the indigenous Karmayogi Competency Model based on Indic wisdom and Mission Karmayogi principles.  
  • Karmayogi Bharat, a 100% government-owned not-for-profit Special Purpose Vehicle, was incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. 
• Mission Karmayogi: 
  • It is aimed at creating a professional, well-trained, and future-ready civil service aligned with India’s developmental priorities and national programs. 
  • The mission promotes a shift from rule-based to role-based training, and embraces a competency-driven approach that focuses on the right blend of Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge (ASK). 
  • It follows the 70-20-10 model (70% learning through experience, 20% via peers, and 10% from formal training). It also links learning with career goals and ensures objective performance evaluation. 

Ministry of Mines Launches ‘Aspirational DMF Programme’

Why in News? 

The Aspirational DMF Programme has been launched to align the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) initiatives with the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programmes (ABP). 

• Rajasthan, along with other States is felicitated for adopting the revised Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) 2024 guidelines into DMF Rules. 

Key Points 

• District Mineral Foundation (DMF): 
  • About: 
    • As per the Mine and Minerals Development Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2015, in every district affected by mining-related operations, the state government shall, by notification, establish a trust as a non-profit body to be called the District Mineral Foundation. 
  • DMF Funds: 
    • Funds every mining lease holder of will pay a fraction of royalty, not exceeding one-third of the royalty, to the DMF as per rates prescribed by the Central Government. 
    • This fund will be used for the welfare of the people affected in the mining affected areas. 
  • Objective: 
    • The idea behind the contribution is that local mining-affected communities, mostly tribal and among the poorest in the country, also have the right to benefit from natural resources extracted from where they live. 
  • Functioning: 
    • The functioning of the DMF Trusts and the utilisation of funds, governed by the respective States’ DMF Rules, incorporate the mandates of the central guideline, PMKKKY. 
• Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) 
  • Nodal Ministry:  
    • Launched in 2025, PMKKKY is a scheme by the Ministry of Mines for the welfare of people & affected areas by using the funds accrued under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).  
  • Objectives: 
    • To implement various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas that complement the existing ongoing schemes/projects of the State and Central Government. 
    • To minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and socio-economics of people in mining districts. 
    • To ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas. 
  • PMKKKY 2024 Guidelines: 
    • PMKKKY 2024 mandates that at least 70% of DMF funds must be spent on High Priority Sectors, which directly impact the well-being of mining-affected communities. 
      • These sectors include drinking water supply, environmental preservation and pollution control, healthcare and education, welfare of women, children, elderly, and differently abled persons, skill development and livelihood generation, sanitation and housing, agriculture and animal husbandry. 
    • Up to 30% of the funds may be used for Other Priority Sectors that support long-term regional development. 
      • These sectors include physical infrastructure, irrigation and energy, watershed development. Other activities aimed at enhancing environmental quality in mining-affected areas. 

Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) 

• It was launched in 2018 which aims to transform districts that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social areas. 
• Aspirational Districts are those districts in India that are affected by poor socio-economic indicators. 
• It covers 112 districts across the country. 
• The programme is anchored by NITI Aayog. In addition, individual Ministries have assumed responsibility to drive the progress of districts. 

Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) 

• Launched on 7th January 2023, the ABP focuses on improving governance to enhance the quality of life of citizens in the most difficult and relatively underdeveloped blocks in the country.  
• The programme’s strategy revolves around consolidating existing schemes, defining outcomes, and vigilantly monitoring progress through 40 key performance indicators (KPIs) in five sectors — health and nutrition, education, agriculture and allied sectors, infrastructure, and social development. 

Successful Trials of ERASR

Why in News?  

The Indian Navy successfully conducted user trials of the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) from INS Kavaratti. 

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)'s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, Maharashtra, led the design and development of ERASR.

Key Points 

• ERASR 
  • Key Features: 
    • ERASR is a completely indigenous anti-submarine rocket designed to neutralize underwater threats. 
    • It is launched from onboard in-real-life (IRL) systems of Indian Naval Ships. 
    • The system features a twin-rocket motor configuration, enabling it to meet a broad range of operational distances with high accuracy and consistency. 
    • It uses an indigenously developed Electronic Time Fuze for precision engagement. 
• INS Kavaratti: 
  • About: 
    • The Navy named INS Kavaratti after Kavaratti, the capital of the Lakshadweep islands. 
    • It revives the legacy of the erstwhile Arnala Class missile corvette INS Kavaratti (P 80), which played a key role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. 
  • Project 28 and ASW Capabilities: 
    • INS Kavaratti is the fourth and final stealth corvette built under Project 28 (Kamorta Class) by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. 
    • It joins its three sister ships—INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, and INS Kiltan—in the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). 
  • Strategic Importance: 
    • The ship significantly boosts India's ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) capabilities, especially amid rising Chinese submarine activity in the Indian Ocean. 
    • Its induction marks a strategic game-changer on the eastern seaboard. 
  • Stealth and Structural Innovation: 
    • INS Kavaratti features enhanced stealth capabilities, including reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) through sloped surfaces and stealthy superstructure design. 
    • Along with INS Kiltan, it is one of the first major Indian warships with a carbon fibre composite superstructure, offering high strength and reduced weight. 
  • Combat-Ready Design: 
    • The ship carries state-of-the-art systems to operate in Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions. 
    • It integrates high-tech indigenous equipment such as Combat Management System (CMS), Torpedo Tube Launchers and Infra-Red Signature Suppression System.