Question

Read the following text carefully and answer question given below:

The centre's PM Gati Shakti Scheme will give much needed push to infrastructure development and logistic across India. This scheme will drive the economic growth by giving boost to industries such as steel and cement. Greater connectivity is expected to improve economic opportunities for small farmers and small and medium enterprises through new roads, cargo terminals etc. The Gati Shakti Scheme features at the centre stage of Budget 2022-23, highlighting the importance of quality multi-modal transport in achieving overall cost competitiveness. Under Gati Shakti Scheme, the railways will develop new products and services targeted at small farmers and businesses to help them become a part of layer supply chain. (Source: The Economic Times, Feb., 2, 2022 (Modified)

1. State the meaning of infrastructure.
2. Explain any two objectives of PM Gati Shakti Scheme. 

Answer 1

1. Infrastructure provides supporting services in the main areas of industrial and agricultural production, domestic and foreign trade and commerce. These services include roads, railways, ports, airports, dams, power stations, oil and gas pipelines, telecommunication facilities, the country’s educational system including schools and colleges, health system including hospitals, sanitary system including clean drinking water facilities and the monetary system including banks, insurance and other financial institutions.
2. • To improve connectivity in order to increase the economic opportunities for small farmers and small and medium-sized businesses.
   • To include farmers and businesses in the layer supply chain.
   • The scheme is in synergy with the 'National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)' which was announced to provide a clear framework for monetization and give potential investors a ready list of assets to generate investor interest.