- The Cabinet Secretariat has flagged administrative and research delays in the implementation of the 'Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' mission. - India heavily relies on pulse imports to meet domestic demand, making self-sufficiency (aatmanirbharta) a strategic agricultural and economic priority. - Delays in agricultural research, seed distribution, and inter-ministerial coordination hinder efforts to scale up indigenous pulse varieties and farming adoption. - Addressing these bottlenecks is critical for ensuring nutritional security, farmer income stability, and cutting down import bills. - **Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Mission:** A 6-year Union government initiative (2025–26 to 2030–31) with an ₹11,440 crore outlay aimed at boosting domestic pulse production, expanding cultivation, and achieving import self-sufficiency. - **Cabinet Secretariat:** The apex executive coordinating body in India under the Prime Minister, responsible for inter-ministerial coordination, policy implementation monitoring, and administrative functioning of government business. - **Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:** The apex governmental body in India responsible for formulating and administering national policies, research, and schemes related to agricultural development, farmer welfare, and food security. - **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):** India's apex autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education across agriculture, horticulture, and animal sciences. **Introduction** The Cabinet Secretariat has raised concerns regarding delays in research and implementation under the 'Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' mission, which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production in India and reduce dependence on imports. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Cabinet Secretariat has flagged administrative and research delays in the implementation of the 'Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' mission. - India heavily relies on pulse imports to meet domestic demand, making self-sufficiency (aatmanirbharta) a strategic agricultural and economic priority. - Delays in agricultural research, seed distribution, and inter-ministerial coordination hinder efforts to scale up indigenous pulse varieties and farming adoption. - Addressing these bottlenecks is critical for ensuring nutritional security, farmer income stability, and cutting down import bills. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Mission:** A 6-year Union government initiative (2025–26 to 2030–31) with an ₹11,440 crore outlay aimed at boosting domestic pulse production, expanding cultivation, and achieving import self-sufficiency. - **Cabinet Secretariat:** The apex executive coordinating body in India under the Prime Minister, responsible for inter-ministerial coordination, policy implementation monitoring, and administrative functioning of government business. - **Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:** The apex governmental body in India responsible for formulating and administering national policies, research, and schemes related to agricultural development, farmer welfare, and food security. - **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):** India's apex autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education across agriculture, horticulture, and animal sciences.