In an attempt to bring evident transformation in India which stands as a very promising nation at the turn of the century, Shri Narendra Modi launched the AMRUT yojana in 2015. 

The main focus of this yojana is to improve the infrastructure of India (for which it usually is poked fun at, on a global scale), and to ensure robust mechanisms in place that enhance sewage draining and clean water supply provisions. 

Poor infrastructure is a ghost that our country can’t seem to have rid of in all our years of Independence. However, the Government has now directed all its efforts towards the creation of a spotless nation; abreast with the world in terms of technological advancements and a general sense of cleanliness that is expected of countries worldwide. 

The mission was launched for the Rejuvenation and Urbanisation to provide basic amenities like water supply and sewage systems, urban transport and various other features that provide one a decent shot at civilized living and basically bridges the gap between the rich and the poor. 

How this Yojana aims to make a difference?

This central Government Yojana aims to uplift regions in India that face issues because of lack of Infrastructure. One glaring example in this regard seems to be Rajasthan where the lack of access to resources due to poor infrastructure has led to most of its issues. 

Some of the basic objectives of this mission are to provide households with taps and a definite water connection. It also aims at increasing the amenity value of certain cities by increasing greenery around it. 

It also aims at curbing pollution which would overall contribute to the well-being of all. Pollution is the aftereffect of rampant acts of unclean industrial practices and lack of awareness in waste management. 

The AMRUT scheme aims to create awareness and train people to tackle these problems in a better manner so that we not only reduce the pollution levels of India but also manage to make a dent in the overall pollution levels of the Earth. 

How much money is being invested in AMRUT?

Reports suggest that there approximately is a 1 lakh crore investment in this project, as it is being conducted on a nationwide scale. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation of around 500 cities has already been sanctioned by the Central Government. 

The primary focus of the mission is to firstly ensure that every household at least has access to tap water and a sewage connection. Secondly, the AMRUT yojana aims to increase the value of amenity of cities by developing the scenery around the cities through well maintained open spaces and better scenery to be offered. 

Lastly, and quite importantly, the AMRUT yojana aims to reduce pollution in cities by switching to public transport and by the construction of facilities for non-motorized transport like cycling, walking, etc. 

The AMRUT website highlights the things it has done so far and the budget those tasks took. This is done to maintain a considerable sense of transparency with and also to display a certain sense of accountability, which is the basic duty of every government. 

Various Eco-friendly means are resorted to; to make cities energy-efficient and to reduce the carbon footprint we have on the world. 

Funds invested in the AMRUT to meet objectives:

The total outlay for the AMRUT is INR 50,000 Crore for the five years spanning from the Fiscal Year 2015-16 to the Fiscal year 2019-20. The mission, primarily, is being operated as the Central Sponsored scheme. 

The funds of the project are divided among the States and Union Territories in an equitable formula in which 50% weightage is given to the urban population of each State and Union Territory and the number of various Statutory towns across the nation. 

Progress update of the AMRUT mission up to now: 

As of now, there have been over 2,250 projects undertaken by the AMRUT yojana with amassing to an overall budget of INR 6899 Crores.  

Various objectives of the Rejuvenation of cities has been undertaken by the AMRUT project. One such objective was changing street lights with energy-efficient LED lights. Of the targeted 97,93,386 light bulbs to be changed, a total of 62,78,571 have already been achieved. 

Another such objective was Energy audits to be conducted of Water pumps. Of the signed 446 cities, audits have been completed of 358 cities. There have also been various plantation drives and training programs aimed to involve the youth towards the betterment of the nation. 

This works as a double benefit, as it helps beautify the cities of the country and also eventually abolish unemployment, which seems to be the dire need of the hour. 

In conclusion

This Pradhan Mantri Yojana can be said to change the face of the nation as we know it, and that holds true through various perspectives. Many cities across states have been bettered under this Yojana, and as time progresses, India rises to a better, cleaner and brighter future.

Not only does the AMRUT yojana help the nation to rise to a cleaner and greener future, but it also inherently gives rise to a feeling of having our own country appear clean and presentable to the rest of the world. 

The Swach Bharat Abhiyan works in tandem with the AMRUT program making India a whole lot more beautiful than we have known and seen it to be.

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