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Home/upsc: human resource & human capital/Page 2

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Aarush Kapoor
  • 0
Aarush KapoorBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Examine how the government is trying to improve the connections between research institutions, business, and academia in order to make graduate programs and research findings more relevant and useful.

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Nitin Malhotra
    Nitin Malhotra Learner

    The government’s efforts to strengthen the linkages between academia, industry, and research institutions aim to enhance the relevance and applicability of higher education and research outputs. This triad synergy is crucial for driving innovation, improving employability, and addressing real-worldRead more

    The government’s efforts to strengthen the linkages between academia, industry, and research institutions aim to enhance the relevance and applicability of higher education and research outputs. This triad synergy is crucial for driving innovation, improving employability, and addressing real-world challenges. Here’s an analysis of these efforts and their impact:

    Key Initiatives and Policies
    National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

    Overview: NEP 2020 emphasizes the need for closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry to create a robust ecosystem for research and innovation.
    Impact: The policy promotes interdisciplinary research, vocational education, and the establishment of research-intensive universities and innovation hubs. It encourages internships and apprenticeships to align academic curricula with industry needs.
    Industry-Academia Collaboration Programs

    Collaborative Research Projects: Government-funded projects often require collaboration between academia and industry to ensure the practical applicability of research.
    Impact: These collaborations help in translating academic research into marketable products and services, thereby enhancing the commercial viability of research outputs.
    Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs)

    Overview: Establishment of TTOs in universities and research institutions to facilitate the transfer of research outcomes to industry.
    Impact: TTOs act as a bridge between researchers and industries, helping in the commercialization of research, securing patents, and fostering startup creation based on academic research.
    Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

    Overview: PPPs in research and development (R&D) projects encourage joint investments in innovation and technology development.
    Impact: These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors, providing resources, expertise, and infrastructure for high-impact research.
    Research Parks and Innovation Centers

    Overview: Establishment of research parks and innovation centers within or near academic institutions to foster collaboration and innovation.
    Impact: These centers provide a conducive environment for startups and industry-driven research projects, encouraging entrepreneurship among students and researchers.
    Skill Development and Vocational Training

    Overview: Programs like Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aim to align educational outcomes with industry requirements.
    Impact: These initiatives help in bridging the skills gap, ensuring that graduates are job-ready and capable of meeting industry standards.
    Funding and Incentives

    Overview: Government schemes like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Department of Science and Technology (DST) grants provide funding for collaborative research projects.
    Impact: These financial incentives encourage institutions to undertake industry-relevant research, fostering innovation and practical application of academic work.
    Impact on Higher Education and Research
    Enhanced Employability

    Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Closer linkages ensure that academic curricula are regularly updated to reflect industry needs, making graduates more employable.
    Internships and Apprenticeships: Practical training and exposure to real-world scenarios through internships and apprenticeships enhance students’ job readiness.
    Innovation and Entrepreneurship

    Startup Ecosystem: Support for innovation centers and research parks promotes the creation of startups, driving entrepreneurship among students and researchers.
    Commercialization of Research: Effective technology transfer mechanisms help in converting academic research into commercially viable products and services.
    Improved Research Quality

    Collaborative Research: Joint research projects with industry partners ensure that academic research addresses real-world problems, enhancing its relevance and quality.
    Access to Resources: Partnerships provide academic institutions with access to industry resources, including funding, technology, and expertise, leading to high-quality research outputs.
    Economic Growth and Development

    Innovation-Driven Economy: Strengthened linkages between academia, industry, and research institutions contribute to an innovation-driven economy, fostering economic growth and development.
    Skilled Workforce: A well-trained and industry-ready workforce supports industrial growth and competitiveness in the global market.
    Challenges and Areas for Improvement
    Coordination and Collaboration

    Inter-Institutional Coordination: Ensuring effective coordination between academic institutions, industries, and research bodies can be challenging due to differing priorities and operational cultures.
    Collaborative Frameworks: Developing robust frameworks and policies to facilitate seamless collaboration is essential.
    Funding and Resource Allocation

    Sustainable Funding: Ensuring sustained funding for collaborative projects is crucial for long-term success.
    Resource Sharing: Effective mechanisms for resource sharing, including infrastructure and expertise, need to be established.
    Regulatory and Policy Support

    Streamlined Processes: Simplifying regulatory processes for research collaboration and technology transfer can enhance efficiency.
    Policy Incentives: Providing additional policy incentives for industry-academia partnerships can encourage more active participation.
    Awareness and Capacity Building

    Building Awareness: Raising awareness about the benefits of collaboration among academic institutions and industries is necessary.
    Capacity Building: Developing the capacity of academic institutions to engage in meaningful collaborations with industry is important for sustained impact.
    Conclusion
    The government’s efforts to strengthen linkages between academia, industry, and research institutions have made significant strides in enhancing the relevance and applicability of higher education and research outputs. Initiatives like the NEP 2020, collaborative research projects, TTOs, and innovation centers have created a conducive environment for innovation and practical application of academic research. However, challenges remain in coordination, funding, regulatory support, and capacity building. Addressing these challenges through sustained efforts and policy support will further enhance the effectiveness of these linkages, contributing to a more innovative and economically robust society.

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Ansh Malhotra
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Ansh MalhotraBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Examine the government’s initiatives to raise the standard and accessibility of healthcare personnel, such as the National Health Policy 2017’s implementation and the founding of new medical schools.

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Nakul Dixit
    Nakul Dixit Begginer

    Government Efforts to Improve the Quality and Availability of Healthcare Human Resources Introduction Improving the quality and availability of healthcare human resources is essential for strengthening a country's healthcare system. The Indian government has undertaken several initiatives to addressRead more

    Government Efforts to Improve the Quality and Availability of Healthcare Human Resources

    Introduction

    Improving the quality and availability of healthcare human resources is essential for strengthening a country’s healthcare system. The Indian government has undertaken several initiatives to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and enhance the quality of medical education and training. This analysis examines these efforts, including the establishment of new medical colleges and the implementation of the National Health Policy 2017.

    Establishment of New Medical Colleges

    1. Expansion of Medical Education:
      • Increase in Medical Colleges: In recent years, the Indian government has significantly increased the number of medical colleges to address the shortage of doctors and enhance healthcare accessibility. The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) is a key initiative aimed at improving medical education infrastructure.
      • Recent Example: As of 2023, the government has sanctioned the establishment of several new medical colleges, including in underserved regions. For instance, 14 new medical colleges were approved in 2022, focusing on states with fewer existing medical institutions.
    2. Enhancing Infrastructure and Facilities:
      • Infrastructure Development: New medical colleges are equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure, including teaching hospitals and state-of-the-art laboratories, to ensure high-quality medical training.
      • Recent Example: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bilaspur, inaugurated in 2022, is designed to provide comprehensive medical education and healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh, addressing regional disparities in healthcare access.
    3. Focus on Regional Disparities:
      • Targeted Locations: The establishment of new medical colleges in remote and underserved areas is aimed at reducing regional disparities in healthcare services and increasing the availability of healthcare professionals in these areas.
      • Recent Example: New medical colleges in states like Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand have been established to address the shortage of medical professionals in these regions and improve healthcare access for local populations.

    Implementation of National Health Policy 2017

    1. Objectives and Goals:
      • Vision for Healthcare: The National Health Policy 2017 aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all, with a focus on strengthening the healthcare delivery system, improving quality of care, and increasing the number of healthcare professionals.
      • Recent Example: The policy emphasizes universal health coverage, the development of health and wellness centers, and the improvement of primary healthcare services to ensure comprehensive and equitable healthcare for all citizens.
    2. Strengthening Medical Education:
      • Accreditation and Standards: The policy focuses on improving the quality of medical education by establishing accreditation norms and enhancing curriculum standards. This includes measures to ensure that medical education meets global standards and prepares students to address emerging healthcare challenges.
      • Recent Example: The National Medical Commission (NMC), established under the National Health Policy 2017, aims to regulate and ensure the quality of medical education and practice in India. The NMC has introduced reforms to enhance the standards of medical education and training.
    3. Increasing Availability of Healthcare Professionals:
      • Recruitment and Training: The policy emphasizes the need for increased recruitment and training of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers. It aims to expand training programs and improve workforce distribution across different regions.
      • Recent Example: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Ayushman Bharat Scheme have been complemented by efforts to increase the availability of healthcare professionals in public hospitals and health centers, enhancing the capacity of the healthcare system to deliver services.
    4. Focus on Primary Healthcare:
      • Health and Wellness Centers: The policy aims to strengthen primary healthcare by establishing Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) across the country. These centers provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, and curative care.
      • Recent Example: By 2023, over 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centers have been set up under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, contributing to improved access to primary healthcare services and the deployment of more healthcare professionals at the grassroots level.

    Impact and Evaluation

    1. Improved Healthcare Access:
      • Increased Medical Professionals: The establishment of new medical colleges and implementation of the National Health Policy have led to a rise in the number of trained healthcare professionals, improving access to medical services, especially in underserved areas.
      • Recent Example: According to the National Health Profile 2022, there has been a notable increase in the number of doctors and healthcare facilities, contributing to better healthcare delivery and reduced regional disparities.
    2. Enhanced Quality of Care:
      • Standardization and Accreditation: The focus on accreditation and quality standards has led to improvements in the quality of medical education and healthcare services. This has resulted in better training for healthcare professionals and improved patient outcomes.
      • Recent Example: The National Medical Commission’s accreditation standards have raised the bar for medical education institutions, ensuring that graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of modern healthcare.
    3. Challenges and Areas for Improvement:
      • Infrastructure and Resource Allocation: Despite the efforts, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, uneven distribution of resources, and regional imbalances persist. Addressing these issues requires continued investment and effective implementation of policies.
      • Workforce Distribution: Ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare professionals remains a challenge. Efforts are needed to address shortages in remote and underserved areas and to provide support for professionals working in these regions.

    Conclusion

    The Indian government has made significant strides in improving the quality and availability of healthcare human resources through the establishment of new medical colleges and the implementation of the National Health Policy 2017. These initiatives have led to increased access to medical education, improved quality of care, and better distribution of healthcare professionals. However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps and regional disparities remain. Ongoing efforts to address these challenges and further strengthen the healthcare system are essential for achieving comprehensive and equitable healthcare for all citizens.

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Ajay Sundar
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Ajay SundarLearner
Asked: February 18, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Define the relationship between poverty and malnutrition, emphasizing how they create a vicious cycle that adversely affects human capital formation. Mention the significance of addressing this issue for sustainable development. Understanding the Vicious Cycle Explain how poverty leads to malnutrition: Economic ...

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Poverty and malnutrition are interconnected issues that create a vicious cycle adversely affecting human capital formation in India. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that targets the root causes of malnutrition and poverty. How Poverty and MalnutRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Poverty and malnutrition are interconnected issues that create a vicious cycle adversely affecting human capital formation in India. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that targets the root causes of malnutrition and poverty.

    How Poverty and Malnutrition Create a Vicious Cycle

    1. Economic Barriers to Nutrition: Economic limitations restrict access to nutritious food, particularly for vulnerable populations. For instance, the 2023 Global Hunger Index ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, highlighting significant nutritional deficiencies due to economic disparities.
    2. Developmental Impacts of Malnutrition: Malnutrition during early childhood impairs physical and cognitive development, leading to lifelong negative effects on productivity. Approximately 35% of children under six are stunted, according to the Poshan Tracker.
    3. Healthcare Costs of Malnutrition: Malnourished individuals face higher susceptibility to diseases, increasing healthcare costs and draining family resources. A study by the Public Health Foundation of India indicates that malnutrition raises the risk of diseases like tuberculosis, leading to economic strain.
    4. Educational Limitations: Cognitive delays caused by malnutrition reduce educational attainment, limiting future employment opportunities and perpetuating socio-economic disparities across generations.
    5. Productivity Loss: A malnourished workforce contributes less to national productivity, hindering overall economic growth. The World Bank estimates that India loses 2-3% of its GDP annually due to undernutrition in children under two.

    Steps to Break the Cycle

    1. National Nutrition Strategies: Strengthen initiatives like the Poshan Abhiyan to reduce stunting and undernutrition among children.
    2. Enhanced Public Distribution System: Improve the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure consistent access to food grains for economically vulnerable populations.
    3. Mid-Day Meal Program Enhancement: Expand the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to provide nutritious meals in schools, improving child nutrition and educational outcomes.
    4. Empowerment through Education and Employment: Focus on women’s education and employment to improve family nutrition and health outcomes.
    5. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships to enhance food storage, processing, and distribution, reducing food wastage and improving market access for farmers.
    6. Community Nutrition Education: Implement community-driven education programs on nutrition and sustainable agriculture to promote better dietary practices.

    By adopting these strategies, India can effectively address the intertwined issues of poverty and malnutrition, enhancing human capital and promoting sustainable development.

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Swapna Sundari
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Swapna SundariLearner
Asked: January 20, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing To effectively address the question “How can the effective development and management of human capital promote sustainable growth in India?”, follow this structured approach: 1. Introduction Define human capital and its significance in the context of sustainable growth. Briefly mention ...

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    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.

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Ayon Iyengar
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Ayon IyengarLearner
Asked: January 9, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define human capital development (health, knowledge, skills). Mention the importance of early childhood, adolescence, and youth in shaping human capital. Briefly introduce how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted human capital accumulation. 2. Disruptions during Critical Phases Early Childhood: Lack of food ...

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Disruptions in Human Capital Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic 1. Lack of Food Security and Healthcare The pandemic caused significant reductions in household income, leading to food insecurity for children, negatively impacting their physical and cognitive development. The restrRead more

    Model Answer

    Disruptions in Human Capital Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    1. Lack of Food Security and Healthcare
    The pandemic caused significant reductions in household income, leading to food insecurity for children, negatively impacting their physical and cognitive development. The restrictions on movement and healthcare staff shortages further limited children’s access to essential health services, increasing the risk of long-term disabilities (World Bank).

    2. Deterioration of Family Environment and Missed Preschool Education
    Children’s home environments worsened during the pandemic, and millions of children missed out on preschool education, impairing their early development and preparation for elementary school.

    3. Learning Losses and Dropout Risk
    Remote learning, although implemented, was not accessible to all, especially marginalized groups, leading to significant learning losses. Many children, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, failed to return to school after closures, affecting their educational trajectory.

    4. Youth Employment Losses
    The youth faced severe employment setbacks, disrupting their transition from education to work. This period is crucial for accumulating human capital, and the pandemic exacerbated the long-term consequences by delaying their entry into the workforce.

    Measures to Overcome These Losses

    1. Support for Households
    Government policies should support households recovering from pandemic-induced income losses to ensure children do not miss essential healthcare or preschool services.

    2. Enhanced Learning Interventions
    To address learning losses, measures like extended instructional time, targeted catch-up programs, and tutoring for students who fell behind should be implemented. Curriculum adjustments to focus on foundational skills will help students regain lost learning.

    3. Reducing Dropouts and Financial Constraints
    Tracking at-risk students, providing financial support, and implementing streamlined curricula can help reduce school dropouts.

    4. Promoting Youth Employment
    Government policies should focus on demand-side measures to stimulate hiring, along with adaptive training programs, job placement initiatives, and entrepreneurship support for youth.

    By rebuilding human capital through targeted interventions, countries can recover from the setbacks caused by the pandemic and prepare for future challenges.

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Ishaan Chopra
  • 1
Ishaan ChopraBegginer
Asked: July 9, 2024In:
  • 1

What does the term “human capital” mean to you? Describe the relationship between the creation of human capital and economic development.

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Shruti Mankoti
    Shruti Mankoti Begginer

    The concept of "human capital" describes the monetary worth of a workforce's qualifications, expertise, and attributes, such as their health, education, and training. The efficiency and output of employees are improved by these qualities. Growth in the economy and the development of human capital arRead more

    The concept of “human capital” describes the monetary worth of a workforce’s qualifications, expertise, and attributes, such as their health, education, and training. The efficiency and output of employees are improved by these qualities. Growth in the economy and the development of human capital are closely related. Health and education improvements provide a workforce that is more capable and productive, which promotes creativity and technical breakthroughs. The resources required for additional investments in human capital are provided by economic development. Growing economies can boost healthcare, education, and training initiatives, starting a never-ending cycle of improvement. Economic development, in turn, maintains and improves human capital, resulting in a trained and effective labour force. Put simply, economic growth is driven by human capital.

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

The current legal measures pertaining to the prevention of human trafficking were harsh and impractical. How comprehensive and forward-thinking is the recent legislation on human trafficking?

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Kamal Singh
    Kamal Singh Begginer

    A study by Azim Premji University estimates that nearly 230 million Indians have fallen below the poverty line since the pandemic. The vulnerable populace reeling under such desperation makes the perfect recipe for exploitation. One such form of exploitation is human trafficking. Even today, India lRead more

    A study by Azim Premji University estimates that nearly 230 million Indians have fallen below the poverty line since the pandemic. The vulnerable populace reeling under such desperation makes the perfect recipe for exploitation. One such form of exploitation is human trafficking. Even today, India lacks an overarching law on human trafficking although there are a multitude of laws that deal with different forms of trafficking. In such a context, the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill 2021 is both necessary and pertinent.

    The Existing Legal Provisions Related To Prevention Of Human Trafficking Were Impracticable And Punitive In Nature

    1. There are various existing provisions related to the prevention of human trafficking, such as; Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1986, Bonded Labour Act, Immoral Traffic Act, Juvenile Justice Act, and various provisions of IPC.
    2. Definitions of offences, trafficking, and such other terms are very vague and narrow, keeping large sections of victims and criminals out of the ambit of the laws.
    3. There is no clear distinction between the trafficked and the trafficker in the existing legal provisions. It often leads to criminal treatment of victims.
    4. There are multiple loopholes such as trafficking in the guise of marriage or employment, etc.
    5. There is ambiguity in the prescribed process of rescue, investigation, relief, and rehabilitation. Often cases remain unresolved due to the complexity of laws, huge pendency before courts, and bureaucratic red tapism.

    How Far The Recent Law On Human Trafficking Is Comprehensive And Progressive

    1. Recent comprehensive anti-human trafficking law will treat survivors as victims in need of assistance and protection rather than as criminals.
    2. This law aims to unify existing anti-trafficking laws, prioritise survivors’ needs, and prevent victims such as those found in brothel raids from being arrested and jailed like traffickers.
    3. The draft legislation provides for special courts to expedite trafficking cases, more shelters, and a rehabilitation fund to help victims rebuild their lives.
    4. It also provides for anti-trafficking committees – at district, state, and central levels – that will oversee prevention, protection, and victim rehabilitation.
    5. The draft bill makes providing narcotic drugs or alcohol for the purpose of trafficking, and using chemical substances or hormones for purposes of exploitation, offences.
    6. The Bill has increased the scope of the nature of offenses of trafficking as well as the kind of victims of these offenses, with stringent penalties including life imprisonment, and even the death penalty in cases of an extreme nature.
    7. The fact that the NIA, which looks at national security concerns, will be the main investigative agency, ensures that cross-border offenses are also looked at.
    8. The Bill also extends beyond the protection of women and children as victims to now include transgenders as well as any person who may be a victim of trafficking and also does away with the provision that a victim necessarily needs to be transported from one place to another to be defined as a victim.

    Concerns Remain

    1. There are also concerns about the absence of community-based rehabilitation, the missing definition of reintegration, and also about the funds related to rehabilitation of survivors in the bill.
    2. Some experts working in the area have pointed out that in absence of rescue protocol there is always the fear of forced rescue of adult persons who may have been trafficked but do not wish to get rescued.
    3. There are also apprehensions that the proposed Bill will criminalise sex work and the choice of sex work as a profession.
    4. From draft Bill, it is not clear how the NIA as a nodal agency will gather information and intelligence from different parts of the country through Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at the district level and State level.

    Human trafficking places vulnerable people in highly exploitative situations, stripping victims of their freedom and choice. Besides, it is a highly lucrative organised crime that amounts to a billion-dollar industry. The new Bill is victim-centric and prioritises the dignity, care and rehabilitation of trafficked victims. The Bill will have an impact on the lives of thousands of survivors of human trafficking across the country.

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Shreyas Rao
  • 1
Shreyas RaoBegginer
Asked: July 13, 2024In:
  • 1

India continues to have the lowest human development indicators even with its history of rapid growth. Analyze the problems that make inclusive and balanced growth difficult to achieve.

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Dolly Mehara
    Dolly Mehara Learner

    In recent years, India has enjoyed consistently high rates of growth. However, the country faces a critical challenge of high growth accompanied by persistent poverty and inequality. The Human Development Index (HDI) of India, which is a composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capitaRead more

    In recent years, India has enjoyed consistently high rates of growth. However, the country faces a critical challenge of high growth accompanied by persistent poverty and inequality. The Human Development Index (HDI) of India, which is a composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, is ranked 129th out of 189 countries in 2019. According to this index, Inequality and deprivation continue to be high in the country.

    Consistent High Economic Growth And Lower Human Development Indicators

    1. India’s economic growth post liberalisation remained high. In the last decade, GDP growth rate remained more than 5% reaching up to 11% in 2010.
    2. With an approximately $2.9 trillion economy, India is one of the largest economies of the world.
    3. Despite these economic achievements, India is home to 28 per cent of the 1.3 billion multidimensional poor in the world.
    4. India ranked 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020 and continues to be in the “serious” hunger category.
    5. In gender inequality, India has a GII value of 0.501, ranking it 122 out of 162 countries in the 2018 index. The decline in women’s labour force participation from 31% to 24% means that India is among the countries with the lowest.
    6. Only 39 per cent of adult women have reached at least a secondary level of education compared to 63.5 percent of their male counterparts.

    Issues In Achieving Balanced And Inclusive Development

    Economic Issues

    Jobless growth and disguised employment: India created fewer jobs as compared to economic growth. Similarly, more than 40% of the workforce is employed in the agriculture sector with a GDP contribution of merely 16%. Such a huge workforce engaged in agriculture makes it disguised employment.

    1. Unequal Distribution of Wealth: India’s richest 1% of the population hold 42.5% of national wealth while the bottom 50%, the majority of the population, owns a mere 2.8%. Such huge inequality leads to poor human development.

    Social Issues

    1. Casteism is a historic and cultural issue plaguing Indian society, which leads to social exclusion and pushes communities such as Dalit and Adivasis into the vicious cycle of poverty.
    2. Gender inequality is also another social menace affecting the social and economic growth of India. Defined gender roles and gender-based discrimination affect the health and education of women.

    Poor Education And Health

    1. The commercialisation of education and declining quality of education in public schools produce an unemployable and unskilled workforce.
    2. Due to huge inequality and resource scarcity, access to quality health and education services becomes unaffordable for a large part of the population.
    3. India is home to one of the largest number of malnourished children in the world and 50% of the Indian women are anaemic. Such poor health conditions affect the ultimate productivity and trap people in poverty.

    Political Issues

    1. Indian politicians resort to Communal politics rather than a development agenda. Corruption and diversion of public money towards political gains rather than public welfare is a huge issue.
    2. Due to the lack of political will in critical aspects such as agriculture and migrant workers issues, we are not able to trickle-down economic growth to all the sections of the society.
    3. Passage of important bills such as the labour code bill is also pending due to misplaced political priorities.

    Way Forward

    1. Development initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (for financial inclusion) and Ayushman Bharat (for universal health-care) are crucial in ensuring inclusive growth with improvements in human development.
    2. A recent initiative to implement One Nation One Ration is also going to help in the elimination of hunger and malnourishment.
    3. Strategy planned under IndiaYash Thakur for inclusive growth, school and higher education, and universal health coverage, etc must be implemented on a mission mode.
    4. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, such as zero hunger, no poverty and gender equality with inclusive and sustainable growth, India should play the role of a welfare state in letter and spirit.
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Varun Nayak
  • 0
Varun NayakBegginer
Asked: July 19, 2024In:
  • 0

Examine the government’s initiatives to support retirement, active aging, and elderly care, as well as the policies and programs that have been developed to meet the issues brought on by an aging population.

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Anita Dhruw
    Anita Dhruw Legend

    Positive Moves: Social Security Programs: -Senior Citizens' Pension Scheme: Supplements the exigent financial requirement of the aged and infirm populace belonging to the economic lower strata. -Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): Pension plans on the other hand are the programs meant for thRead more

    Positive Moves:
    Social Security Programs:

    -Senior Citizens’ Pension Scheme: Supplements the exigent financial requirement of the aged and infirm populace belonging to the economic lower strata.
    -Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): Pension plans on the other hand are the programs meant for the senior citizens.
    Health Programmes:

    -National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Assists in enhancing notch and quality of life of elder population by optimizing primary health, care, and geriatric care.
    -Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): It offers medical care insurance to the elderly citizen and also include hospital expense.
    Legal Framework:

    Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: It provides civil liability to elderly people from negligence and mistreatment.
    Areas for Improvement:

    Inadequate Coverage: Most elderly individuals including those in the rural areas and those of low income, low asset value or low levels of education are excluded from social security schemes and health care plans.

    Poor Infrastructure and Equipment – adequate equipment and health institutions needed for specialty and rehabilitation, long-term medical care services including better geriatric care still remains wanting in some parts of the country.
    Aging Focus has remained Lack or weak since much more attention lacks for promotion toward active aging since active aging addresses issues in empowering elderly individuals’ maintenance of good health, full independence, as well as effective social involvement.
    -Inadequate Infrastructure: The LDs reveal that transportation, ramps, and other aging-friendly equipment are completely missing or inadequate in the day-to-day existence of older adults.
    Fundraising Issues: Lack of adequate funds for programs and initiatives in as far as elderly care is concerned distorts their effectiveness and scope.

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Sidharth Mohan
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Sidharth MohanBegginer
Asked: July 19, 2024In:
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Talk about the government’s initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and the Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme, which aim to improve women’s representation and involvement in the workforce.

upsc: human resource & human capital
  1. Krish Vyas
    Krish Vyas Begginer

    Government Efforts to Enhance the Participation and Representation of Women in the Workforce 1. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) Overview: Launched in April 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) aims to provide financial support for the small and micro-enterprises in the country. It is desiRead more

    Government Efforts to Enhance the Participation and Representation of Women in the Workforce

    1. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

    Overview:
    Launched in April 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) aims to provide financial support for the small and micro-enterprises in the country. It is designed to promote entrepreneurship among women and enable them to start or expand their businesses by offering loans up to ₹10 lakhs without collateral.

    Recent Examples:

    Women Entrepreneurs Focus (2023): Recent reports highlight that women entrepreneurs have benefited significantly from PMMY, with over 50% of the loans disbursed under the scheme going to women-led businesses. For instance, Shaila’s Boutique in Uttar Pradesh received a Mudra loan to expand her tailoring business.
    Skill Development Initiatives: In conjunction with PMMY, the government has launched various skill development programs tailored for women, such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), which helps women acquire the skills needed to manage their enterprises.
    Impact:

    Increased Financial Inclusion: PMMY has significantly improved access to finance for women, contributing to their economic empowerment and encouraging entrepreneurship.
    Job Creation: The scheme has facilitated the creation of numerous jobs, both within women-owned enterprises and through the growth of businesses in local communities.
    Challenges: Despite its success, challenges such as lack of financial literacy and inadequate support structures for women entrepreneurs persist.
    2. Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) Scheme

    Overview:
    The Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) Scheme aims to empower rural women by providing them with a platform for skill development, capacity building, and participation in local governance. It focuses on improving women’s access to resources and opportunities at the grassroots level.

    Recent Examples:

    Skill Training Programs (2023): The MSK scheme has supported various skill training programs, including computer literacy and vocational training, which have helped women gain employable skills and start small businesses.
    Community Engagement Projects: MSK has been involved in organizing workshops and community meetings to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes and local governance. For instance, MSK initiatives in Bihar have successfully trained over 2,000 women in leadership and community management.
    Impact:

    Empowerment and Participation: MSK has significantly enhanced the participation of women in community development and local governance, empowering them to take leadership roles.
    Skill Development: The scheme has contributed to improved skills and employment opportunities for rural women, leading to better economic prospects.
    Challenges: Ensuring consistent implementation across diverse regions and addressing local cultural barriers remain challenges that need ongoing attention.
    3. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme

    Overview:
    The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, focuses on improving the child sex ratio and promoting the education of girls. It is aimed at creating a supportive environment for women and girls to pursue education and career opportunities.

    Recent Examples:

    Awareness Campaigns (2023): Recent campaigns under BBBP have focused on increasing awareness about the importance of girl child education and preventing gender-based discrimination, resulting in higher school enrollment rates for girls in states like Haryana and Punjab.
    Incentives for Education: The scheme has also supported scholarships and financial incentives for girls pursuing higher education and vocational training.
    Impact:

    Increased Enrollment: BBBP has contributed to a rise in the enrollment and retention of girls in schools, laying the foundation for their future workforce participation.
    Cultural Change: The scheme has helped challenge societal norms and reduce gender biases, promoting a more inclusive environment for women.
    Challenges: Persistent gender biases and socio-economic barriers in some regions continue to affect the effectiveness of the scheme.
    4. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

    Overview:
    The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), launched by NITI Aayog, provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to access various resources, including mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities.

    Recent Examples:

    Virtual Ecosystem (2023): WEP has created a virtual ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, providing them with online resources, networking opportunities, and access to funding. For example, the platform facilitated a funding round for women-led startups like Rang De and Zolve.
    Startup Initiatives: WEP supports initiatives like the Women’s Startup Programme, which provides seed funding and mentorship to women-led startups.
    Impact:

    Support and Networking: WEP has created a robust support system for women entrepreneurs, enhancing their ability to scale businesses and access critical resources.
    Funding and Growth: The platform has facilitated access to funding and mentorship, contributing to the growth and success of women-led businesses.
    Challenges: Ensuring equitable access to the platform and addressing the diverse needs of women entrepreneurs across different sectors and regions are areas for ongoing improvement.
    Conclusion

    The Indian government’s initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Women Entrepreneurship Platform, have made significant progress in enhancing the participation and representation of women in the workforce. These efforts have contributed to increased financial inclusion, skill development, and empowerment. However, challenges such as regional disparities, cultural barriers, and the need for better infrastructure continue to require focused efforts to ensure sustained and inclusive growth.

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