PM RAHAAT Scheme: Features, Objectives and Governance Reforms for UPSC GS2

Context
The Prime Minister inaugurated the new PMO Seva Teerth and Central Secretariat buildings Kartavya Bhavan 1 & 2, calling them milestones in citizen-centric governance. The structures replace old colonial-era offices that were cramped and symbolic of the British Empire.

Schemes in News

1. PM RAHAAT Scheme (Accident Victim Support)
   • Provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road-accident victims
   • Aim: Rapid emergency care, reduce preventable deaths
   • Funded through central support + nodal ministry (MoRTH)
   
2. Lakhpati Didi Scheme
   • Target doubled to 6 crore women beneficiaries
   • Promotes women’s economic empowerment through self-help groups (SHGs) enabling them to earn ₹1 lakh/year
     
3. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
   • Boosted allocation: subsidy support doubled to ₹2 lakh crore
   • Purpose: Provide low-interest loans for agri-infrastructure such as storage, processing, supply-chain facilities.
   • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

Rajya Sabha Elections: Article 80, STV System and Quota Formula for UPSC GS2

Context
Odisha’s Assembly numbers create a scenario where BJP, despite not having enough MLAs on its own, is confident of winning 3 of 4 Rajya Sabha seats, mainly due to support from Independents and the strength distribution of parties.

Rajya Sabha Elections

Relevant Constitution provision
• Article 80 → composition of Rajya Sabha
• Article 84 → qualifications for membership

Members are elected by State Legislative Assemblies through:
• Indirect election
• Proportional Representation (PR)
• Single Transferable Vote (STV)
• MLAs vote, not the public

Winning formula (quota):
Required votes = Total MLAs / (Vacancies + 1) + 1