Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. The UDAN scheme has democratised air travel in India, but regional aviation still faces sustainability challenges. Discuss how Modified UDAN seeks to address these challenges.
- Q. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act is not merely a funding regulation but a framework to balance civil society activity with transparency, sovereignty and democratic accountability. Discuss in the light of the 2026 reforms.
Q. The UDAN scheme has democratised air travel in India, but regional aviation still faces sustainability challenges. Discuss how Modified UDAN seeks to address these challenges.
( GS Paper III – Infrastructure)
Introduction:
The Regional Connectivity Scheme–UDAN was launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable, accessible and inclusive for common citizens. It has expanded connectivity to underserved and unserved regions, while the newly launched Modified UDAN seeks to make regional aviation more sustainable and resilient.
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Achievements of UDAN
1. Expansion of Regional Connectivity
UDAN has connected smaller towns, remote regions, hilly areas and island locations with major urban centres. It has improved access to places such as Tezpur, Pasighat, Diu, Pithoragarh and Rourkela.
2. Affordable Air Travel
The scheme made regional air travel affordable through fare support, Viability Gap Funding and operational concessions.
3. Economic and Social Benefits
UDAN has reduced travel time, supported tourism, improved access to healthcare and emergency services, and strengthened local economic activity.
4. Passenger Facilitation
Initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafés, Flybrary and free Wi-Fi services have improved passenger comfort.
Sustainability Challenges
1. Low Passenger Demand
Many regional routes face limited passenger traffic in the initial years.
2. High Operating Costs
Smaller airports and regional routes often face high recurring costs and limited revenues.
3. Route Discontinuation
Some routes and airports became inactive after the initial subsidy period, showing the need for longer operational support.
4. Difficult Terrain
Remote and hilly regions require specialised aircraft, helicopters and helipads.
How Modified UDAN Addresses These Issues
1. Infrastructure Development
Modified UDAN proposes new airport development from unserved airstrips to expand regional aviation infrastructure.
2. O&M Support
It provides Operation and Maintenance support for smaller aerodromes to keep services functional.
3. Helipad Development
The scheme promotes modern helipads for difficult regions where conventional airports may not be feasible.
4. Viability Gap Funding
Continued VGF support will help airlines sustain operations until passenger demand improves.
5. Indigenous Aviation Capacity
Use of HAL Dhruv helicopters and HAL Dornier aircraft supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and remote-area operations.
Conclusion:
UDAN shifted Indian aviation from a metro-centric model to a more inclusive regional network. Modified UDAN builds on this by focusing on infrastructure, viability, last-mile connectivity and indigenous capacity, making regional aviation more inclusive and sustainable.
Q. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act is not merely a funding regulation but a framework to balance civil society activity with transparency, sovereignty and democratic accountability. Discuss in the light of the 2026 reforms.
(GS Paper II – Governance)
Introduction:
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by Indian individuals, associations, NGOs, trusts and companies. In an interconnected world, foreign funding supports welfare activities, but it also raises concerns related to foreign influence, sovereignty, public order and democratic accountability.
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FCRA as a Governance Framework
1. Transparency
- FCRA requires organisations to obtain registration or prior permission.
- Foreign funds must be received through a designated banking channel.
- Donor identity, amount received and purpose of utilisation must be disclosed.
2. Accountability
- Organisations must file annual audited returns.
- The system creates a traceable chain from foreign source to ground-level use.
3. Sovereignty and Security
- FCRA regulates foreign-funded activities that may affect India’s sovereignty, security, public order, electoral processes or democratic institutions.
- It protects domestic institutions from unregulated foreign influence.
4. Enabling Genuine Work
- The Act does not ban genuine civil society activity.
- Foreign contribution can support education, healthcare, rural development, disaster relief, environment, culture and scientific research.
5. Public Confidence
- Registered, disclosed and audited foreign funding improves trust in voluntary organisations.
- It protects both beneficiaries and donor intent.
Significance of 2026 Reforms
1. Purpose and Area-Based Registration
- Registration must specify the approved purpose and State/UT of operation.
- This improves activity-wise and location-wise monitoring.
2. Enhanced Reporting
- Annual returns require project-wise and activity-wise utilisation details.
- Disclosure of the ultimate foreign donor improves fund traceability.
3. Active Organisation Requirement
- Minimum utilisation requirement ensures that only functioning organisations retain live registration.
4. Asset Management Safeguards
- The proposed Designated Authority framework manages assets created from foreign contribution when registration ceases.
- Provisional vesting, restoration on renewal, and judicial appeal provide safeguards.
Concerns
- Compliance burden may affect smaller organisations.
- Delays in renewal can disrupt genuine welfare activities.
- Excessive regulation may create fear among civil society actors.
Way Forward
- Ensure time-bound approvals and renewals.
- Provide clear compliance guidance to smaller organisations.
- Maintain judicial review and grievance redressal.
- Balance national security with legitimate civil society space.
Conclusion:
FCRA should be viewed as a registration and disclosure regime, not a blanket restriction on civil society. Proper implementation of the 2026 reforms can strengthen transparency, sovereignty and democratic accountability while enabling genuine global partnerships.
