Roadmap for Answer Writing To effectively answer the question “What challenges do elderly individuals face in accessing and benefiting from government schemes and initiatives designed to enhance their quality of life?”, follow this structured approach: 1. Introduction Provide context about the elderly population ...
Model Answer Effective development and management of human capital are crucial for promoting sustainable growth in India. This involves enhancing economic growth, fostering social advancement, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Enhanced Economic Growth Investing in human capital, particularlRead more
Model Answer
Effective development and management of human capital are crucial for promoting sustainable growth in India. This involves enhancing economic growth, fostering social advancement, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Enhanced Economic Growth
Investing in human capital, particularly in education and skill development, can significantly boost India’s economic competitiveness. With over 65% of its population in the working age, India has the potential to become an economic superpower, supplying a substantial portion of Asia’s workforce in the coming decades. This demographic dividend can attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and stimulate economic growth .
Promotion of Entrepreneurship
A well-developed human capital framework encourages entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of new businesses and job opportunities. For instance, Indian entrepreneurs on platforms like Shopify contributed approximately ₹139 billion to the national GDP and created around 200,000 jobs in 2022. This entrepreneurial ecosystem is vital for sustainable economic development .
Equitable Development
Investments in education, particularly for marginalized groups such as women and minorities, empower these populations to participate in the workforce. Research indicates that every $1 spent on girls’ education can yield a return of $2.80, translating into billions of dollars in additional GDP .
High Earning Potential
Education enhances earning potential, with the World Bank noting that each additional year of learning can increase earnings by about 10% annually. This correlation between education and income underscores the importance of human capital development in securing better employment opportunities .
Green Innovations and Sustainability
Effective management of human capital in sectors like environmental science and renewable energy can drive green innovations. An educated workforce is more likely to adopt sustainable practices and technologies, such as smart irrigation systems in agriculture, which optimize resource use and promote environmental sustainability.
Government Initiatives
Recognizing the importance of human capital, the Indian government has launched initiatives like the National Education Policy, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat Yojana to enhance the quality and accessibility of education and healthcare, thereby refining its human resources for sustainable growth .
In conclusion, the effective development and management of human capital are essential for fostering sustainable growth in India, impacting economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
See less
Model Answer Low Awareness A significant barrier is the low awareness among the elderly regarding available schemes. For instance, only about 55% of older adults are aware of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) . Poor Targeting Many elderly individuals either do not meet theRead more
Model Answer
Low Awareness
A significant barrier is the low awareness among the elderly regarding available schemes. For instance, only about 55% of older adults are aware of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) .
Poor Targeting
Many elderly individuals either do not meet the eligibility criteria for various schemes or are unaware of their ineligibility. For example, 47% of elderly widows are not eligible for the Indira Gandhi Pension Scheme, highlighting issues with targeting and strict eligibility requirements .
Corruption and Mismanagement
Corruption and mismanagement further complicate access to benefits. Among elderly women receiving widow pensions, 35.7% reported delays in receiving their pensions, and 30.7% indicated they had to pay bribes to receive their entitlements .
Digital Divide
The increasing reliance on digital platforms for scheme registration poses challenges for many elderly individuals who lack digital literacy and access. For example, online registration for IGNOAPS and applications for Senior Citizen Certificates can be daunting for those unfamiliar with technology .
Cumbersome Processes
The administrative processes involved in accessing these schemes are often cumbersome, requiring excessive documentation and physical presence at offices. More than a third of elderly individuals find the process too complex to navigate .
Legal Hesitance
Many elderly individuals are hesitant to take legal action against family members due to fear of social stigma. This is particularly evident in cases where they face neglect or abuse, as many are reluctant to report such issues under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
Inadequate Infrastructural Support
Finally, there is a lack of adequate infrastructural support for elderly care. The National Programme for Health Care for the Elderly suffers from insufficient facilities, with very few hospitals offering specialized geriatric care .
To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages, it is crucial to address these challenges and facilitate better access to government schemes for the elderly.
See less