Current Affairs

Model Answer

Introduction

Women play a crucial role in driving economic growth, contributing significantly to productivity and innovation. As of 2023, India’s female labor force participation stands at 41.7%, a considerable rise from 23.2% six years ago, yet still below the global average of 50%. This underscores the need for enhanced efforts to fully integrate women into the workforce.

Role of Women in Economic Growth

Several factors are contributing to the increasing participation of women in India’s economy:

1. Educational Advancements and STEM Inclusion:
   The rising educational attainment among women has led to their increasing presence in skilled sectors, particularly in STEM fields where women now represent 42.57% of students. This shift not only empowers women but also drives innovation in the economy.
2. Policy Initiatives for Women-Led Development:
   Government policies have shifted from welfare to women-led development, focusing on enabling women as leaders and entrepreneurs. For instance, 10 crore women are connected to 9 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs), facilitating economic participation.
3. Rise of Women Entrepreneurship:
   Women are increasingly becoming job creators, with over 10% of SIDBI funds earmarked for women-led start-ups. Successful entrepreneurs like Falguni Nayar of Nykaa exemplify this trend.
4. Financial and Digital Inclusion:
   Access to banking and digital financial tools has empowered women economically, with 39.2% of bank accounts held by women. Digital platforms are enabling broader participation in the economy.

Challenges Faced by Women

Despite these advancements, women face significant challenges:

1. Persistent Low Labor Force Participation:
   Many women drop out of the workforce post-marriage or childbirth due to societal norms and lack of flexible jobs.
2. Unpaid Domestic Work:
   Women disproportionately shoulder unpaid domestic responsibilities, spending 236 minutes per day compared to 24 minutes by men, limiting their ability to engage in paid work.
3. Gender Pay Gap:
   Women earn significantly less than men, facing a 29.4% pay disparity in urban areas. The majority of women work in informal sectors without job security.
4. Gender-Based Violence:
   Safety concerns restrict women’s mobility and employment opportunities, with India recording 51 cases of crime against women every hour.
5. Underrepresentation in Leadership:
   Women hold only 13.6% of seats in the Lok Sabha, limiting gender-responsive policymaking.

Measures for Enhancement of Women’s Empowerment

To address these challenges, several measures can be implemented:

1. Integrating Skilling with Local Economic Ecosystems:
   Align skilling initiatives with local job markets to ensure women gain relevant skills.
2. Scaling Women’s Enterprises:
   Provide financial support through schemes like MUDRA loans and create mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs.
3. Institutionalizing Childcare Support:
   Develop childcare facilities to support working mothers, reducing the dual burden of work and domestic responsibilities.
4. Promoting Gender-Responsive Policies:
   Implement gender quotas in government and decision-making bodies to enhance women’s representation.
5. Developing a Unified Digital Identity:
   Create an Aadhaar-linked platform to streamline access to welfare, credit, and educational resources for women.

Way Forward

Empowering women is not just a matter of equity; it is essential for India’s economic growth. By addressing the challenges women face and implementing targeted measures, India can harness its demographic dividend, potentially adding $770 billion to its GDP by 2025. A gender-equal economy will foster inclusive growth and national development, aligning with global goals for gender equality.

Model Answer

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to transform India’s education landscape by promoting inclusive and quality education. Despite its ambitious goals, the effectiveness of educational reforms is hindered by several critical challenges.

Key Challenges

One of the foremost issues is the infrastructure deficit, particularly in rural areas, where many schools lack basic amenities such as clean water and electricity. A recent report indicates that only 47% of schools have access to drinking water, severely affecting student health and attendance.

Additionally, there is a significant shortage of qualified teachers. From 2021 to 2023, teaching positions have decreased by nearly 6%, and many educators lack proper training. This deficiency compromises the quality of education delivered, particularly in STEM subjects.

Inadequate funding further exacerbates the situation. Public expenditure on education remains around 4% of GDP, insufficient for implementing sweeping reforms under the NEP. Moreover, socio-economic disparities continue to limit access for marginalized communities, with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds facing significant barriers to quality education.

The persistence of rote learning practices undermines critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Surveys show that 75% of Class 3 students cannot read Grade 2 texts, indicating a failure to transition to competency-based learning. Furthermore, the digital divide remains pronounced, particularly in rural areas where only 47% of students have access to high-speed internet, hindering their ability to engage with digital learning platforms.

Measures to Strengthen the Education System:

To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Enhanced teacher training programs must be implemented, focusing on modern pedagogical skills and continuous professional development. Investing in infrastructure is crucial, with targeted funding for basic amenities in rural schools.

Bridging the digital divide is another priority. Expanding broadband access and providing affordable digital devices will enable equitable learning opportunities. Integrating vocational training into the curriculum will align education with industry needs, equipping students with relevant skills for the job market.

Strengthening public-private partnerships can enhance resource allocation and foster innovation in education. Revising the curriculum to encourage critical thinking and practical application of knowledge will better prepare students for real-world challenges.

In conclusion, addressing the challenges hindering educational reforms is imperative for India’s future. A collaborative effort involving government, educators, and communities is essential to create a resilient, equitable, and quality education system that empowers every child in India.