What is ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Programme?

The ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Programme is an innovative measure to enhance better understanding and further improve bonding between all the States and Union territories, through innovative measures and was announced by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on 31st October 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Why in News?
The Indian Railway has decided to offer 50% travel concession for Youth Participants of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ programme. The 50% travel concession will be on the basic fare of Second/Sleeper Class, for youths with earnings/emoluments of not more than Rs.5000/- per month travelling from one state to another state for participating in the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme. The Concession on return journey may also be issued on payment of one single journey fares of Second/Sleeper class in Mail/Express trains for travelling more than 300 km. The 300 Kms will be calculated from the journey commencing station to the station serving the place of the festival.
The Concession will be only provided on producing of the requisite certificate as prescribed in the railway format from the Secretary of the concerned departments under the Human Resource Development(HRD) Department of the particular states.