Question: Consider the following statements:
(1) Ayushman Sahakar assists cooperatives in creation of healthcare infrastructure in the country.
(2) The scheme has been formulated by National Cooperative Development Corporation.
Of the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1&2
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- On 19th October 2020, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Parshottam Rupala launched Ayushman Sahakar scheme.
- It is a unique scheme to assist cooperatives to play an important role in creation of healthcare infrastructure in the country.
- Ayushman Sahakar specifically covers establishment, modernization, expansion, repairs, renovation of hospital and healthcare and education infrastructure.
- The scheme has been formulated by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the apex autonomous development finance institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Corpus Fund of NCDC:
- NCDC would extend term loans to prospective cooperatives to the tune of Rs.10,000 Crore in the coming years.
- There are about 52 hospitals across the country run by cooperatives.
- Working Methodology:
- Any Cooperative Society with suitable provision in its byelaws to undertake healthcare related activities would be able to access the NCDC fund.
- NCDC assistance will flow either through the State Governments/ UT Administrations or directly to the eligible cooperatives.
- The scheme also provides working capital and margin money to meet operational requirements.
- The scheme provides interest subvention of one percent to women majority cooperatives.
- About NCDC:
- NCDC was set up under an Act of Parliament in 1963 for promotion and development of cooperatives.
- Since 1963, it has extended around Rs.1.60 lakh crore as loans to cooperatives.
By-Amar Mani Upadhyay