What is the primary objective of the GOBARdhan scheme approved by the Union Cabinet?

To increase local compressed biogas production through a structured framework

To provide direct cash transfers to farmers for cattle maintenance

To replace all coal-based power plants with municipal waste-to-energy plants

To promote the export of agricultural residue to international markets

Which of the following can be used as feedstock for producing compressed biogas under the GOBARdhan scheme?

Agricultural residue, cattle dung, and sugar industry waste

Industrial plastic waste and chemical effluents

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7 August 2026

GOBARdhan scheme approval

The GOBARdhan scheme is a major, high-outlay national flagship policy directly relevant to sustainable development, rural economy, and renewable energy, making it a high-probability topic for UPSC Mains.

Notes

The Union Cabinet approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, known as GOBARdhan (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan).
The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹23,371 crore and is scheduled to remain in effect until FY2035-36.
The primary objective is to increase local compressed biogas (CBG) production by nearly tenfold.
Key mechanisms include assured offtake, administered pricing, capital subsidies, improved pipeline infrastructure, and enhanced access to finance.
Feedstock for CBG production includes agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugar industry waste (press mud), municipal organic waste, and other biomass.
The produced CBG is intended for blending into CNG for automobiles and for use as piped natural gas (PNG).
The scheme aims to scale up from approximately 300 operating plants to 5,000, with an expected impact on rural employment generation.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 3 in Implementation and expansion of the GOBARdhan scheme, which has been running since 7 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Discuss the significance of the GOBARdhan scheme in promoting a circular bioenergy economy and its potential impact on rural employment and sustainable energy transition in India. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
The transition to compressed biogas (CBG) is essential for India's energy security and waste management goals. Examine the role of government interventions like the GOBARdhan scheme in overcoming structural barriers to the growth of the bioenergy ecosystem. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

What is the primary objective of the GOBARdhan scheme approved by the Union Cabinet?

Which of the following can be used as feedstock for producing compressed biogas under the GOBARdhan scheme?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

Govt. okays ₹23,371 cr. GOBARdhan scheme

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-07/gobardhan-scheme-approval