Sign Up

Have an account?

Sign In

Don't have account,

Forgot Password

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.


Have an account?

Sorry, you do not have permission to ask a question, You must login to ask a question.

Need An Account,

Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.

Search
Ask A Question

Poverty & Hunger

Share
Followers
95 Answers
62 Questions
Home/Social Justice/Poverty & Hunger/Page 3

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Team
  • 0
TeamSupreme
Asked: August 28, 2024In:
  • 0

What are their primary concerns regarding hunger and poverty? (200 Words) [UPPSC 2018]

uppsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Umang Singh Yadav
    Umang Singh Yadav Expert

    India struggles with significant poverty and hunger affecting millions. Despite economic growth, 218 million Indians face food insecurity and 30% of children suffer from malnutrition. Government initiatives and social programs aim to alleviate these issues. Poverty related issues -  Uneven distributRead more

    India struggles with significant poverty and hunger affecting millions. Despite economic growth, 218 million Indians face food insecurity and 30% of children suffer from malnutrition. Government initiatives and social programs aim to alleviate these issues.

    Poverty related issues – 

    1. Uneven distribution of wealth, exacerbating poverty as the rich accumulate while the poor struggle.
    2.  Insufficient quality education, hindering skill development, employability and socioeconomic mobility opportunities.
    3. Lack of stable, gainful employment, perpetuating poverty and limiting economic mobility opportunities.
    4. Insufficient access to quality medical services, exacerbating poverty through untreated illnesses and debts.
    5. Social exclusion and bias against marginalized groups, limiting education, employment and economic opportunities.

    Hunger related issues – 

    1. Limited access to nutritious food, causing hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability to illnesses nationwide.
    2. Deficiencies in essential nutrients, causing stunted growth, weakened immunity and increased mortality rates nationwide.
    3. Insufficient clean water access, exacerbating hunger, malnutrition and health issues, particularly in rural areas.
    4. Crop failures, poor productivity and limited resources hinder food production, exacerbating hunger and poverty.
    5. One third of produced food discarded, exacerbating hunger, resource depletion and environmental degradation unnecessarily.

     

    India’s initiatives include the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Public Distribution System, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana to combat poverty and hunger.

     

     

    See less
Team
  • 0
TeamSupreme
Asked: August 21, 2024In:
  • 0

Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context: Introduce the significance of poverty alleviation in India and the challenges faced. Thesis Statement: State that the effectiveness of these programs is often undermined by insufficient political will. 2. Overview of Major Poverty Alleviation Programs Mahatma Gandhi National ...

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction India continues to face significant challenges related to poverty and inequality, despite the implementation of numerous poverty alleviation programs. The effectiveness of these initiatives is often hindered by insufficient political commitment. According to World Bank dataRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    India continues to face significant challenges related to poverty and inequality, despite the implementation of numerous poverty alleviation programs. The effectiveness of these initiatives is often hindered by insufficient political commitment. According to World Bank data, while there has been a gradual decline in poverty rates, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, highlighting the need for robust political will to drive systemic reforms aimed at poverty alleviation.

    Major Poverty Alleviation Programs

    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

    Launched in 2006, MGNREGA aims to provide at least 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. However, its implementation has faced challenges, including corruption and delays in wage payments. A report by the Accountability Initiative in 2020 noted that only 32% of payments were made on time during the fiscal year 2019-20, and the average days of employment provided per household fell short of the mandated 100 days due to inadequate budget allocations.

    Public Distribution System (PDS)

    The PDS provides subsidized food grains to vulnerable populations. While it has contributed to food security, inefficiencies and corruption plague the system. The Economic Survey 2015-16 reported that nearly 54% of wheat and 48% of sugar allocated to the PDS was lost due to leakages. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) also highlighted significant diversions of PDS grains for open market sales.

    Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

    Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to the urban and rural poor. Despite progress, the demand for housing far exceeds supply. A CAG report indicated that only 1.2 crore houses were completed under PMAY (Rural) against a target of 2.6 crores, and as of January 2021, only about 32.6 lakh houses were completed under PMAY (Urban).

    Role of Political Will

    Implementation

    Strong political will is essential for the effective implementation of programs like MGNREGA, ensuring timely wage payments and proper monitoring.

    Resource Allocation

    Political commitment is crucial for allocating adequate resources to poverty alleviation programs. For instance, in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), political will facilitates the opening of bank accounts and promotes awareness among marginalized communities.

    Monitoring and Evaluation

    With political backing, programs can be effectively monitored, enabling data-driven decision-making. The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) exemplifies this, as political will is vital for resource allocation and monitoring progress.

    Tackling Corruption

    Political will is necessary to combat corruption that undermines the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs. Initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) require political commitment to ensure accurate targeting of beneficiaries and address challenges during implementation .

    Conclusion

    For poverty alleviation programs in India to transition from mere showpieces to effective instruments for social progress, steadfast political commitment is essential. Only with strong political will can these initiatives achieve their intended outcomes and significantly reduce poverty.

    See less
Vedha Priyadharshini M
  • 0
Vedha Priyadharshini MBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
  • 0

poverty
  1. Neelam Nautiyal
    Neelam Nautiyal Begginer

    India the seventh largest country in the world according to area but now first largest according to population. Not everyone in India gets food to eat , so nutritious is something very far away from the reach. Barriers which come between nutritious food and impoverished community and leads to decreaRead more

    India the seventh largest country in the world according to area but now first largest according to population. Not everyone in India gets food to eat , so nutritious is something very far away from the reach.

    Barriers which come between nutritious food and impoverished community and leads to decreasing their access to nutritious food:

    Population : Accordingly I feel that over population is the biggest barrier for the lack of food or we can say nutritious food for the impoverished community.

    Poverty : Not everyone in India is that much rich that they can afford healthy and nutritious food for themselves and the family.

    Lack of personal and public hygiene: People practising poor hygiene are also lowering the nutritional value of food.

    Consequences of disturbing the mother Earth: Nowadays all this experiments , pollution and degradation going on mother Earth results in natural disasters which lowers the availability of food thus resulting in high prices of food which cannot be afford by everyone.

    Discrimination against females: In many households especially in impoverished households in India it is considered that the man should eat more healthy food as he has to work much harder than a women resulting in low nutritious food available for women. As due to low family income nutritious food cannot be afford for everyone or whatever is available it is given away to man.

    Ways that can help to overcome these barriers:

    1.Education : Education is something that can help each and every community to understand the importance of eating nutritious food.

    2.Addressing Poverty: Addressing poverty is very important to reduce the problem of lack of nutritious food as having a good financial balance can provide everyone the access to buy and eat nutritious and healthy food.

    3.Population :The major problem, as facilities are inversely proportional to number of individuals. More the number of people in family less will be the access of each and every family member to nutritious diet.

    In conclusion we can say that poverty and population are the major issues that need to be discuss if we really want a healthy and disease free country.

     

     

     

    See less
Dhruv Kapoor
  • 1
Dhruv KapoorLearner
Asked: July 12, 2024In:
  • 1

Despite producing enough food grains to feed all 1.38 billion people, India continues to rank low on the Global Hunger Index. Analyze critically.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Gopal Sharma
    Gopal Sharma Begginer

    In India, food-grain production increased from 217 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 275.11 million tonnes in 2016-17. The government proudly concluded that the country was not only self-sufficient but had enough to export. Despite tonnes of food grains being stored in the government godowns across the cRead more

    In India, food-grain production increased from 217 million tonnes in 2006-07 to 275.11 million tonnes in 2016-17. The government proudly concluded that the country was not only self-sufficient but had enough to export. Despite tonnes of food grains being stored in the government godowns across the country, India ranks 102 out of 117 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2019. It is much below to its South Asian neighbours such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

    Hunger In India

    1. India’s stunting rate of children under the age of five, owing to a combination of low calories and low micronutrient intake, was 37.9 percent according to GHI 2019.
    2. The wasting level in India is extremely high, at 20.8 per cent.
    3. The GHI report stated that some 9.6 percent of children between 6 and 23 months received a minimum acceptable diet.
    4. As per the Global Nutrition Report, India ranks 170th out of 185 countries on the prevalence of anaemia. Anaemia continues to affect 50 per cent of women, including pregnant women, and 60 percent of children in the country.

    Causes Of Hunger Despite Surplus Food Grains Production

    1. A complex system of procurement and distribution: The distribution of food grain is based on a complex system of classification of and distribution to different sections of the people: Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Open Market Sales.
    2. Internal Migration: Due to migration and absence of permanent residence, it is difficult for people to access their food grains. Current PDS system provides food grains only at registered addresses and specific fair price shops.
    3. Black marketing, corruption and leakages: PDS is yet to be fully digitised. Therefore there is a huge scope of corruption. Lack of storage infrastructure leads to wastage of huge amounts of food grains every year.
    4. Prevailing social practices: Because of certain social and cultural practices, nutritious food does not reach the needy especially women and children. For example, women of the family eat after men, limited dietary options leading to insufficient nutrient consumption.
    5. Lack of localised infrastructure and decentralisation: It leads to bureaucratic and transportation delays and affects the timely availability of food grains.
    6. Food security is not nutritional security: PDS system usually provide wheat and rice. Pulses and other protein sources are not as cheaply available as wheat and rice. Limited options lead to hidden hunger in the form of nutritional deficiencies.

    Achievements Of India

    Though prima facie data and statistics present a stark picture, there are hundreds of government initiatives and schemes which significantly improved the situation of India since independence.

    1. The prevalence of malnutrition in children 6-59 months in India has declined between 2005-06 to 2015-16 with chronic malnutrition decreasing from 48.0 percent to 38.4 percent and underweight decreasing from 42.5 percent to 35.7 percent.
    2. Stunting has declined by one fifth during the last decade with an annual decline of around one percent. The POSHAN Abhiyan targets to decline stunting from 30 percent to 25 percent by 2022.
    3. The introduction of mid-day meals at schools and Anganwadi systems to provide rations to pregnant and lactating mothers are also giving positive results.
    4. Implementation of the National Food Security Act 2013 is the largest step taken to provide food security to more than 60% of the population.
    5. Direct benefit transfer of up to 6000 rupees to new mothers under various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matritave Vandana Yojana, etc is also helping in the improvement of women by giving them the choice of diet selection.

    Measures For Further Improvements

    1. Digitisation of ration cards and PDS system will help in improving the efficiency of service delivery. Also, duplication of beneficiaries will be reduced giving space to the inclusion of hitherto left out needy populations.
    2. “One nation One Ration” should be implemented on mission mode to enable accessibility throughout India.
    3. Food security should be addressed along with nutritional security.
    4. Awareness about healthy food habits and diverse varieties of nutritious meals will also help in the reduction of hidden hunger.

    Goal 2 of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda seeks to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition and double agricultural productivity in the next 15 years. Ensuring this sustainable access to nutritious food universally will require sustainable food production as well as efficient government policies.

    See less
Aakash Gupta
  • 0
Aakash GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
  • 0

Examine how the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) are being implemented effectively by the government, and consider how they can help combat poverty and food insecurity.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Dheeraj Kumar
    Dheeraj Kumar Begginer

    The government has made significant efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Both acts are crucial in addressing poverty and food insecurity, and their effective implementation is key to their sucRead more

    The government has made significant efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Both acts are crucial in addressing poverty and food insecurity, and their effective implementation is key to their success. Here’s an analysis of these efforts and their roles:

    National Food Security Act (NFSA)
    Overview:
    The NFSA, enacted in 2013, aims to provide food security to the population by ensuring access to subsidized food grains. It covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. The key provisions include:

    Entitlements:

    Subsidized Food Grains: Provides rice, wheat, and coarse cereals at highly subsidized rates (Rs. 3/kg for rice, Rs. 2/kg for wheat, and Rs. 1/kg for coarse cereals).
    Nutritional Support: Special provisions for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six years old, including free meals and supplements.
    Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS):

    Identification of Beneficiaries: Implemented through a system that includes both the Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries.
    Grievance Redressal:

    Redressal Mechanisms: Establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms to address issues related to food distribution.
    Implementation Efforts:

    Digitalization:

    Aadhaar Linking: Linking ration cards with Aadhaar to minimize duplication and ensure accurate distribution.
    ePOS Devices: Introduction of electronic point-of-sale devices in fair price shops for better tracking and accountability.
    Transparency and Accountability:

    Public Display of Information: Mandating the display of information about beneficiaries and entitlements at fair price shops.
    Monitoring Mechanisms: Implementation of monitoring systems to ensure proper distribution and address discrepancies.
    Awareness Campaigns:

    Educational Programs: Running awareness campaigns to inform beneficiaries about their rights and the benefits available under NFSA.
    Impact:

    Food Security: NFSA has contributed to improved food security for millions of people by providing subsidized food grains.
    Reduction in Hunger: Increased access to food has helped in reducing hunger and improving nutritional outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
    Challenges:

    Implementation Issues: Variability in the effectiveness of implementation across states, including issues like leakage and fraud.
    Coverage Gaps: Some eligible beneficiaries may still be excluded or face difficulties accessing their entitlements.
    National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) – Now MGNREGA
    Overview:
    The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, provides a legal guarantee for at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household. Key provisions include:

    Employment Guarantee:

    Minimum Wage: Ensures minimum wage employment for eligible households.
    Types of Work: Work includes various public works like road construction, water conservation, and land development.
    Social Security:

    Income Security: Provides a safety net for rural households by ensuring access to wage employment.
    Implementation Efforts:

    Decentralized Planning:

    Gram Panchayats: Involves local governance institutions like Gram Panchayats in planning and implementing projects, ensuring that the work aligns with local needs.
    Transparency Measures:

    Social Audits: Regular social audits and transparency measures to monitor the implementation and prevent corruption.
    Online Systems: Implementation of online management systems for tracking and transparency.
    Capacity Building:

    Training Programs: Providing training to local officials and workers to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
    Impact:

    Poverty Alleviation: MGNREGA has played a significant role in alleviating poverty by providing wage employment to rural households and enhancing their income security.
    Infrastructure Development: Contributed to the development of rural infrastructure, including roads, water resources, and land improvements.
    Social Protection: Provides a safety net during times of economic distress, reducing the vulnerability of rural households.
    Challenges:

    Implementation Gaps: Issues such as delays in wage payments, corruption, and inefficiencies in project execution.
    Quality of Work: Concerns about the quality and sustainability of the infrastructure created under the program.
    Summary
    NFSA and MGNREGA have been instrumental in addressing food insecurity and poverty:

    NFSA has improved access to affordable food and contributed to better nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations.
    MGNREGA has provided income security through wage employment and contributed to rural infrastructure development.
    Challenges in both programs, such as implementation gaps and inefficiencies, need to be continuously addressed through better monitoring, transparency, and capacity-building efforts to enhance their effectiveness and impact.

    See less
Rajashree Shirke
  • 0
Rajashree ShirkeLearner
Asked: January 22, 2025In:
  • 0

Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction (1-2 Paragraphs) Context: Briefly mention India’s progress in reducing extreme poverty and the importance of addressing food insecurity and nutrition. Thesis: Acknowledge that while extreme poverty has decreased, access to healthy food remains a challenge for many, especially ...

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Despite a reduction in extreme poverty, access to healthy food in India remains a significant challenge. Several factors contribute to this: High Inflation and Stagnant Wages Food inflation in India has consistently hovered around 8%, while real wages have remained stagnant. According tRead more

    Model Answer

    Despite a reduction in extreme poverty, access to healthy food in India remains a significant challenge. Several factors contribute to this:

        1. High Inflation and Stagnant Wages
          Food inflation in India has consistently hovered around 8%, while real wages have remained stagnant. According to the State of Working India 2023 report, earnings from regular wage and salaried work have not increased significantly between 2017-2021. This economic strain makes it difficult for many to afford nutritious food, as higher food prices outpace income growth.
        2. Over-reliance on Rice and Wheat
          India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), which serves over 80 crore people, predominantly focuses on rice and wheat. While these staples are calorie-dense, they are low in essential nutrients like zinc and iron. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has pointed out that high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat are poor at absorbing critical micronutrients from the soil, thus affecting overall nutrition levels.
        3. Food Wastage
          Inefficient post-harvest management in India leads to an annual loss of 10-25% of vegetables, exacerbating food insecurity. The lack of proper storage and transportation infrastructure means that much of the available healthy food never reaches consumers, reducing its accessibility.
        4. Lack of Awareness About Nutrition
          A significant portion of the population is unaware of balanced diets and healthy eating practices. According to reports, 85% of Indians are unaware of vegetarian protein sources, and over 50% don’t know about healthy fats, highlighting a critical knowledge gap about nutrition.

    Measures to Improve Access to Healthy Food

        1. Improving Affordability
          The government must focus on making nutritious food more affordable. Reforms in the PDS, including the introduction of a broader range of nutritious foods, can make a significant difference. Transparent monitoring of food inflation is also essential to ensure that prices of healthy food remain stable.
        2. Agricultural Reforms
          Incentives should be provided to diversify agriculture, encouraging the cultivation of a variety of nutrient-rich crops. Additionally, improving the storage and transportation infrastructure can help reduce food wastage and ensure more healthy food reaches the market.
        3. Education and Awareness
          Nationwide nutrition education campaigns, especially in schools and rural communities, can raise awareness about balanced diets and the importance of healthy eating. These initiatives could significantly reduce malnutrition and improve overall public health.

    In conclusion, addressing these barriers through targeted policy changes and awareness campaigns will be critical in making healthy food accessible to all. Efforts like Mission POSHAN 2.0 and the inclusion of millets in PDS by states like Karnataka are encouraging steps forward.

    See less
Aakash Gupta
  • 0
Aakash GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
  • 0

Examine how the government’s efforts to fortify the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) would affect hunger reduction and food security, especially in light of the COVID-19 epidemic.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Deepti Garg
    Deepti Garg Begginer

    The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) are critical mechanisms for ensuring food security and reducing hunger, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government efforts to fortify these systems can have significant impacts on hungerRead more

    The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) are critical mechanisms for ensuring food security and reducing hunger, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government efforts to fortify these systems can have significant impacts on hunger reduction and food security in several ways:

    • Strengthening the TPDS and PDS involves expanding their reach to include more beneficiaries, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations who may have been previously excluded. This expansion ensures that more households have access to essential food grains and other commodities at subsidized rates.
    • Governments can enhance identification mechanisms to ensure that the right beneficiaries are targeted. Leveraging technology, such as biometric authentication and digital ration cards, helps minimize errors of inclusion and exclusion, ensuring that the intended recipients receive the benefits.
    • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments increased the allocation of food grains under the TPDS and PDS. This ensured that households, particularly those impacted by job losses and economic downturns, had a steady supply of essential food items.
    • Integrating technology into the TPDS and PDS, such as using GPS for tracking deliveries and digital payments, increases transparency and reduces corruption. These innovations ensure that food grains reach the intended beneficiaries without leakages.
    See less
Mansi Gautam
  • 0
Mansi GautamLearner
Asked: July 20, 2024In: ,
  • 0

Talk about the government’s initiatives to improve the capabilities and practices of human resource management in the public sector, such as the e-Office program and the Civil Services Reforms, and assess how they have improved administrative efficiency and service delivery.

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Aaditya Kapoor
    Aaditya Kapoor Begginer

    The government of India has initiated various efforts to strengthen human resource management practices and capabilities within the public sector, aiming to enhance service delivery and administrative efficiency. Two significant initiatives in this regard are the Civil Services Reforms and the e-OffRead more

    The government of India has initiated various efforts to strengthen human resource management practices and capabilities within the public sector, aiming to enhance service delivery and administrative efficiency. Two significant initiatives in this regard are the Civil Services Reforms and the e-Office program. Let’s discuss these initiatives and evaluate their impact:

    Civil Services Reforms:
    Objective and Focus:

    Modernization: Aimed at modernizing and reforming the structure, functioning, and accountability mechanisms of the civil services.
    Efficiency and Transparency: Emphasizes improving efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of civil servants in delivering public services.
    Key Components:

    Performance Management: Introduction of performance appraisal systems to evaluate and reward civil servants based on performance and outcomes.
    Capacity Building: Enhancing training and skill development programs to equip civil servants with contemporary knowledge and skills.
    Ethics and Integrity: Promoting ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability among civil servants to ensure impartial and effective governance.
    Impact Assessment:

    Improved Service Delivery: Greater emphasis on performance management has incentivized civil servants to enhance service delivery and meet public expectations.
    Enhanced Administrative Efficiency: Streamlining administrative procedures and promoting digital governance have reduced bureaucratic delays and improved efficiency.
    e-Office Program:
    Objective and Implementation:

    Digital Transformation: Aims to transform government offices into paperless, digital workplaces through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
    Automation: Automates routine administrative tasks such as file management, correspondence tracking, and approvals to improve workflow efficiency.
    Transparency and Accountability: Facilitates real-time monitoring, tracking, and auditing of administrative processes, enhancing transparency and accountability.
    Key Components:

    Digital File Management: Transition from physical files to electronic files, enabling quick access, retrieval, and archival of documents.
    Workflow Automation: Automation of routine tasks such as approvals and notifications, reducing processing time and improving decision-making.
    Training and Capacity Building: Training programs for employees to adapt to digital tools and workflows, ensuring effective utilization of e-Office systems.
    Impact Assessment:

    Efficiency Gains: Significant reduction in processing time for administrative tasks has led to improved efficiency and productivity within government offices.
    Cost Savings: Reduced expenditure on paper, printing, storage, and logistics associated with physical file management.
    Improved Governance: Enhanced transparency and accountability in decision-making processes, leading to better governance outcomes and citizen satisfaction.
    Evaluation of Impact on Service Delivery and Administrative Efficiency:
    Positive Outcomes:

    Both Civil Services Reforms and the e-Office program have contributed to improving service delivery by making processes more transparent, efficient, and responsive to citizen needs.
    Adoption of performance-based incentives and digital tools has motivated civil servants to enhance their productivity and accountability.
    Challenges:

    Resistance to Change: Cultural and organizational resistance to adopting new technologies and performance-based evaluation systems.
    Infrastructure and Connectivity Issues: Inadequate ICT infrastructure and connectivity in remote and rural areas hamper the effective implementation of digital initiatives.
    Way Forward:

    Continued investment in capacity building and training to ensure that civil servants are equipped with the necessary skills and mindset for digital governance.
    Addressing infrastructural gaps and improving digital literacy among stakeholders to maximize the benefits of digital transformation initiatives.
    Conclusion:
    The government’s initiatives such as Civil Services Reforms and the e-Office program have demonstrated significant strides towards strengthening human resource management practices and capabilities within the public sector. By promoting modernization, efficiency, and transparency, these initiatives have enhanced service delivery and administrative efficiency, ultimately contributing to improved governance and citizen satisfaction. Addressing remaining challenges and sustaining momentum in reform efforts will be crucial for achieving long-term positive impacts on public administration in India.

    See less
Krishana Lal
  • 0
Krishana LalBegginer
Asked: June 14, 2024In:
  • 0

The effectiveness of policy interventions to reduce the threat of hunger and starvation is a prerequisite for the eradication of hunger. Talk about the worries sparked by the most recent news on India’s hunger crisis in this perspective.(250 words)

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Bharti Singh
    Bharti Singh Begginer

    Answer: India slipped to 101st rank out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021, from its earlier position of 94th out of 107 countries in 2020. India is trailing behind Pakistan (92), Bangladesh (76) and Nepal (76). Further, according to FAO estimates in "The State of Food Security aRead more

    Answer: India slipped to 101st rank out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021, from its earlier position of 94th out of 107 countries in 2020. India is trailing behind Pakistan (92), Bangladesh (76) and Nepal (76). Further, according to FAO estimates in “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2020 report, 189.2 million people are undernourished in India. Concerns raised by the recent reports on the hunger situation in India are:

    • Wasting (low weight for height) among children increased from 17.1% between 1998 and 2002 to 17.3% between 2016 and 2020.
    • Conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 (3Cs) threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years.
    • Despite showing improvement in indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, there is still a prevalence of stunting among children and a prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food intake.
    • According to a World Bank report, malnutrition in India is two to seven times higher than in other BRICS member countries.

    Some policy interventions undertaken to curb the menace of hunger and starvation include:

    • POSHAN Abhiyaan, launched in 2018, is a multi-ministerial convergence mission with the vision to ensure the attainment of a malnutrition-free India by 2022 in a phased manner through a life cycle approach by adopting a synergized and result-oriented approach.
    • Mid-day meals in primary and upper primary schools along with anganwadis have played an important role in monitoring and supplementing efforts to reduce malnutrition through free food for children (and pregnant as well as lactating women).
    • The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, is one of the flagship programs of the government to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years.

    Reasons for the persistence of hunger in India despite various measures are:

    • Due to policy inadequacy:
      • Weak implementation of schemes: It is a direct result of various factors such as a top-down approach, poor implementation processes, lack of effective monitoring, siloed approaches, shortage of qualified human resources, etc.
      • Social structure: Several schemes do not reach large sections of the population, especially marginalized tribes, and Dalits, who find themselves ostracized by the distribution system.
    • Other reasons:
      • Food wastage: India wastes about 7% of its total annual food production and almost 30% of its fruits and vegetables because of inadequate warehousing facilities and cold storage.
      • Low status of women: Indian women’s nutrition, feeding and caring practices for young children are inadequate. This is due to their status in society, the practice of early marriage, low weight during pregnancy, and their lower level of education.
      • Shifts in diet and lifestyle patterns: More consumption of food and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt, as they are cheaper and more readily available.

    To eradicate hunger, the government needs to re-activate and scale up services for the early detection and treatment of child wasting, organize regular orientation programs, use information technology to improve program monitoring, design more efficient integrated schemes for food production, processing, and preservation, and bring about behavioral changes among the population.

    See less
Rebekah J Peter
  • 0
Rebekah J PeterBegginer
Asked: July 21, 2024In: , , , , , , , , , , ,
  • 0

communismmarxismrevolutionrussiarussian revolutionworld war 1
  1. Shivanjali S
    Shivanjali S Begginer

    Social Factors Class Inequality: A stark divide between the wealthy nobility and the impoverished peasantry created social unrest. The vast majority of Russians lived in poverty, while the elite enjoyed considerable privileges. Autocratic Rule: The rigid autocratic system under Tsar Nicholas II leftRead more

    Social Factors

    1. Class Inequality: A stark divide between the wealthy nobility and the impoverished peasantry created social unrest. The vast majority of Russians lived in poverty, while the elite enjoyed considerable privileges.
    2. Autocratic Rule: The rigid autocratic system under Tsar Nicholas II left little room for political reform or dissent. The lack of political freedom and widespread repression fueled discontent.
    3. Industrialization: Rapid industrialization led to poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation in factories, increasing discontent among the urban working class.
    4. Intellectual Movements: Revolutionary ideas gained traction among intellectuals and students, who criticized the autocracy and advocated for democratic reforms and socialism.

    Economic Factors

    1. Economic Strain: Russia’s involvement in World War I placed a severe economic burden on the country, causing food shortages, inflation, and economic instability.
    2. Agricultural Problems: The agricultural sector struggled with outdated practices and poor management, leading to food shortages and contributing to peasant unrest.
    3. Poor Governance: Economic mismanagement by the Tsarist regime exacerbated economic difficulties, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for change.

    These social and economic factors combined to create a volatile environment, leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917.

     

    See less
Load More Questions

Resources & Suggestions

Mains Answer Writing Latest Articles

On: March 10, 2025

Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (10 March 2025)

The National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030 aims to develop a ‘future ready’ railway system by 2030. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words) भारत के लिए राष्ट्रीय रेल योजना (NRP)- 2030 का लक्ष्य वर्ष 2030 तक ‘भविष्य के लिए ...

On: March 8, 2025

Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (8 March 2025)

Examine the key issues that obstruct the development of port infrastructure in India and outline the recent measures taken by the government to address these challenges. (Answer in 200 words) भारत में बंदरगाह अवसंरचना के विकास में आने वाली विभिन्न ...

On: March 7, 2025 Comments: 0

मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष का प्रबंधन

प्रधानमंत्री की घोषणा: मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष प्रबंधन के लिए एक समर्पित केंद्र की स्थापना। चुनौतियाँ: जनसंख्या वृद्धि और संसाधनों की प्रतिस्पर्धा। वन्यजीव संरक्षण का महत्व पारिस्थितिक संतुलन और जलवायु अनुकूलन: वन्यजीव पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को बनाए रखने और जलवायु पैटर्न को विनियमित ...

Explore Our Blog