Context:
The Government of India has come up with a new digital platform called CDP-SURAKSHA to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
CDP-SURAKSHA Platform
- Full Form: System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance (SURAKSHA).
- Objective: Instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers directly into their bank accounts using the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Features:
- Database integration with PM-KISAN.
- Cloud-based server space provided by NIC.
- UIDAI validation for authentication.
- Integration with e-RUPI.
- Local Government Directory (LGD) for administrative purposes.
- Content Management System for data and information.
- Geotagging to track the location of beneficiaries and vendors.
- Geo-fencing to set geographical boundaries.
Working:
- Access: The platform is accessible to farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDA), and officials of the National Horticulture Board (NHB).
- Order Placement: Farmers can log in using their mobile number and place orders for planting material like seeds, seedlings, and plants.
- Cost Sharing: After placing the order, farmers are prompted to contribute their share of the cost. The government’s subsidy amount is automatically displayed.
- e-RUPI Voucher: Upon the farmer’s payment, an e-RUPI voucher is generated, which is received by the vendor supplying the planting material.
- Verification: Farmers must verify the receipt of the ordered planting material with geo-tagged photos and videos of their fields.
- Payment Release: Once verified, the IA releases the payment to the vendor.
- Invoice Upload: Vendors upload an invoice of the payment on the platform. The IA compiles all necessary documents and forwards them to the CDA for subsidy release.
e-RUPI:
- Definition: A one-time payment mechanism developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- Redemption: Can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access at merchants accepting e-RUPI.
- Distribution: Can be shared with beneficiaries for specific purposes or activities via SMS or QR code.
