New Delhi:
The central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making efforts to communicate the “Second Order Impact” – the far-reaching consequences – of various schemes to the people as it marks nine years in office next month, government sources say. There are several government welfare schemes that have proven very successful, but now the “second order impact” of these schemes is also visible, which the government is trying to explain to the people.
Observing “Second Order Impact” is a new and innovative approach, showing the far-reaching vision behind government policies and regulations, sources say. While the direct benefits of government schemes are often discussed, their indirect benefits are equally effective and permanent, they added.
As an example, government sources cited the “Nal Se Jal (tap water) plan”. This is the first time that millions of households have access to clean drinking water. The immediate effect was also that it permanently freed women from the daily chore of fetching water from far away. Now women have a lot of spare time, which they can use in a better and more creative way, according to sources.
Tap water also means that many diseases caused by contaminated water have been reduced, helping to save the lives of thousands of children each year. Also, a number of children who helped their mother fetch water can go to school, according to sources.
Likewise, tens of millions of toilets built across the country have not only promoted cleanliness, but also cured many diseases caused by filth. More children go to school because of the construction of toilets. For the poor, having a toilet in the home meant ensuring dignity and self-respect, sources said.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the government’s flagship vehicle for providing cooking gas connections to the poor, has not only provided millions of women with clean and safe fuel, it has also banned wood smoke from the kitchen, ensuring their health and well-being, sources said.
And because they now don’t have to go to the forest to get wood, they save time that they can use for themselves and for paid work.
The government, sources said, will launch an extensive campaign to highlight the “Second Order Impact”. Six committees have been formed under the leadership of senior ministers to outline various programs and schemes.
The committees headed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal have already held two meetings.