Daily Answer Writing

Model Answer

Introduction

The recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report has raised serious concerns about the functionality of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), highlighting its inactivity over the past four years. This examination reveals several key challenges that the NCST faces.

Challenges

1. Pending Reports:
   • Reports since 2018 remain under process in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and have not been presented to Parliament. For instance, the study on the impact of the Indira Sagar Polavaram Project in Andhra Pradesh on the tribal population is still pending (Parliamentary Standing Committee Report, 2023).
2. Manpower and Budgetary Shortage:
   • Many positions within the Commission are vacant due to recruitment challenges, including a high eligibility bar that limits the number of applicants.
3. Lack of Regular Meetings:
   • The NCST met only four times during the financial year 2021-22, indicating insufficient engagement in its mandate.
4. Delay in Dispute Resolution:
   • The pendency rate for complaints and cases is close to 50%, resulting in significant delays in addressing tribal grievances.
5. Lack of Action on Reports:
   • Ministries and Departments have not been forthcoming in communicating their acceptance or rejection of the NCST’s recommendations on policy issues.

Proposed Measures

1. Urgent Recruitment and Budget Allocation:
   • The Parliamentary Committee has recommended immediate action to fill vacancies and increase budgetary support for the NCST.
2. Meaningful Consultations:
   • The Cabinet Secretariat and the Ministry of Law should ensure that the NCST is consulted on legislative proposals prior to their presentation to the Council of Ministers.
3. Timely Follow-Up on Reports:
   • Reports should be presented in Parliament and State Legislatures within three months to ensure accountability.
4. Legislative Scrutiny:
   • A memorandum detailing the action taken on the NCST’s recommendations should be submitted to Parliament or State Legislatures within six months of report submission.
5. Feedback Mechanisms:
   • Establishing a structured feedback process will enlighten the NCST about government views on its recommendations, enabling it to refine future proposals.

Conclusion

By implementing these measures, the NCST can effectively fulfill its mandate, ensuring the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes in India. Strengthening the NCST is vital for promoting tribal rights and enhancing their voice in governance.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Education, aims to enhance student enrollment, retention, and nutrition. Despite serving approximately 9.17 crore children in 2018-2019, recent data indicate a significant shortfall in achieving its nutritional goals, as evidenced by India’s drop to 101st place in the Global Hunger Index (2021) (Global Hunger Index, 2021).

Reasons for Shortfall

1. Poor Infrastructure:
   • The MDM scheme suffers from inadequate facilities, such as insufficient cooking sheds, poor water supply, and lack of proper utensils, which hinder effective meal preparation.
2. Corruption and Leakages:
   • The Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) performance audit in 2015 highlighted financial mismanagement, fund diversion by states, and instances of fake enrollments, undermining the scheme’s integrity.
3. Social Discrimination:
   • A study by the Institute of Dalit Studies found systemic caste-based discrimination in several schools during food preparation and serving, affecting the inclusiveness of the program.
4. Meagre Resource Allocation:
   • Low salaries for cooks and helpers demotivate them, impacting the quality and consistency of meal preparation.
5. Quality of Food:
   • Reports of substandard and adulterated food leading to food poisoning have raised serious concerns about the safety and nutritional value of the meals provided.
6. Inadequate Monitoring:
   • Although provisions for social audits and inspections exist, they are rarely conducted, leading to a lack of accountability and oversight (monitoring reports ceased after FY15).

Proposed Corrective Actions

1. Nutritional Guidelines Compliance:
   • Establish a robust system to ensure adherence to stipulated nutritional requirements in meals.
2. Address Enrollment Discrepancies:
   • Align reported enrollments with the actual number of children receiving meals to enhance program reach.
3. Effective Monitoring Mechanisms:
   • Strengthen internal controls at all levels and build data systems to track scheme implementation comprehensively.
4. Enhance Food Quality:
   • Provide periodic training for cooks and helpers on hygiene and health standards, possibly involving Self-Help Groups to maintain quality.
5. Stakeholder Orientation:
   • Implement a systematic orientation program for all stakeholders, including policymakers, implementers, and community members, to ensure the scheme’s success.

Conclusion

Through these measures, the Mid-Day Meal scheme can significantly enhance its effectiveness in addressing the nutritional needs of students, ultimately contributing to improved health and educational outcomes.

Model Answer

Introduction

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG-5 (Gender Equality). SRHR promotes safe reproductive choices and impacts maternal and child health, making it essential for overall development.

Barriers to SRHR in India

1. Social Stigma:
   • There exists considerable stigma surrounding topics such as teenage pregnancy and young people’s sexuality, which inhibits access to SRHR services.
2. Lack of Funds:
   • Financial constraints lead to chronic underfunding of reproductive healthcare, particularly in areas like safe abortion and family planning.
3. Lack of Awareness:
   • A significant portion of the population is unaware of lawful abortion care and contraception options. The availability of these services is particularly limited in rural areas.
4. Reproductive Rights Barriers:
   • India has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, with 103 deaths per 100,000 live births (2017-19) due to inadequate healthcare services (WHO). The maternal mortality rate (MMR) has decreased from 122 in 2015-17 but still reflects a concerning trend.
5. Implementation Failures:
   • Public policies tend to focus heavily on sterilization rather than a variety of contraceptive methods, limiting choice.

Suggested Measures

1. Access and Affordability:
   • Ensure SRHR information and services are accessible and affordable for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status.
2. Engaging Men in SRHR:
   • Government programs should encourage men to participate as supportive partners in SRHR while safeguarding women’s autonomy in decision-making.
3. Comprehensive Sexuality Education:
   • Implement sexuality education programs to dispel myths and taboos around sexuality. NGOs can play a significant role in this effort.
4. Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure:
   • Address the public healthcare infrastructure shortfall by improving access to free medicines, diagnostics, and skilled healthcare professionals.
5. Legal Frameworks:
   • Leverage Supreme Court judgments (e.g., Puttaswamy v. Union of India) that emphasize dignity, privacy, and bodily integrity in relation to SRHR.

Conclusion

To realize SRHR in India, it is imperative to tackle existing barriers through comprehensive policies and community involvement. By engaging all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and private sector, India can make significant strides toward achieving the SDGs related to health and gender equality.

Model Answer

Introduction

West Asia is strategically vital for India due to its geopolitical and economic dimensions, influencing India’s energy security, diplomatic engagements, and regional partnerships.

1. Energy Engagement

India’s energy security heavily depends on West Asia, with a significant portion of its crude oil and gas supplies coming from this region. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are major energy partners. Economic diversification plans, such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, have enhanced energy collaboration, with companies like ARAMCO and ADNOC engaging more deeply with Indian public and private sectors.
Fact: India imports over 60% of its crude oil from West Asia.

2. Diplomatic Ties

India’s diplomatic outreach in West Asia has strengthened mutual geo-strategic and geo-economic interests. For instance, India was invited to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2019, despite Pakistan’s opposition. Saudi Arabia and the UAE supported India’s stance on the abrogation of Article 370, reflecting deeper trust in Indian diplomacy.
Fact: In 2019, India became the first non-Islamic country to be invited as a guest of honor at the OIC summit.

3. Diaspora and Remittances

With over 9 million Indians in West Asia, the diaspora is a crucial soft power for India and a significant source of remittances. This workforce also contributes to the region’s economic development.
Fact: Remittances from the Gulf accounted for $49 billion in 2020.

4. Relations with Iran

Iran plays a key role in India’s regional strategy, particularly through the Chabahar port project, which helps India access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Fact: India has invested $500 million in developing the Chabahar port.

5. Formation of ‘New Quad’ (I2U2)

India’s involvement in the I2U2 grouping (India, Israel, UAE, US) strengthens its cooperation in areas like maritime security, infrastructure, and trade. This emerging bloc is similar to ASEAN in its early days and focuses on regional stability and economic growth.

6. Policy Shift in the Gulf

The Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, are diversifying their strategic alliances by looking towards the East, reducing their reliance on the West. This shift offers India new opportunities for deeper political and economic collaboration.

Conclusion

West Asia holds immense strategic value for India due to energy needs, strong diaspora ties, and diplomatic influence. However, the region’s internal conflicts, such as the Iran-Saudi and Iran-Israel tensions, present challenges for India. India, with its balanced diplomacy, is well-placed to protect its interests in the region while playing a role in mitigating regional hostilities.