Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Context Setting: Introduce the concept of affirmative action in India, highlighting its foundation in the Constitution aimed at uplifting underprivileged sections such as SCs, STs, and OBCs. Thesis Statement: Despite comprehensive policies, many underprivileged groups still do ...
Model Answer Introduction Poverty is defined as a sustained deprivation of resources, capabilities, and choices essential for maintaining an adequate standard of living. It transcends mere low income, encompassing a lack of opportunities and resources. Body Despite India’s progress in reducing absolRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Poverty is defined as a sustained deprivation of resources, capabilities, and choices essential for maintaining an adequate standard of living. It transcends mere low income, encompassing a lack of opportunities and resources.
Body
Despite India’s progress in reducing absolute poverty, a significant portion of its population remains ensnared in a vicious cycle of deprivation. While providing basic necessities might offer temporary relief, it is not a sustainable solution. To effectively combat poverty, it is crucial to build capabilities that empower individuals to support themselves, thereby liberating them from the cycle of deprivation.
Example: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
The MGNREGA exemplifies this approach. Instead of solely providing food and basic necessities, which are limited by state resources, the government introduced this act to guarantee 100 days of wage employment per year for adult members of rural households. This initiative not only provides immediate income but also enables individuals to work productively, helping them fulfill their basic needs sustainably. Research indicates that MGNREGA has significantly improved rural livelihoods and reduced poverty levels (Source: “MGNREGA: A Success Story” by the Ministry of Rural Development).
Other Initiatives
Other initiatives further illustrate this principle:
- Right to Education Act: Ensures access to education, empowering the youth with knowledge and skills.
- Skill India Mission: Aims to enhance employability through skill development, enabling people to secure better job opportunities.
- PM Awas Yojana (PMAY): Provides affordable housing, ensuring that families have a stable place to live, which is essential for overall well-being.
Conclusion
With a vast population and limited resources, India can only leverage its demographic dividend by investing in capabilities that liberate the poor from deprivation. By focusing on empowerment rather than mere aid, India can make significant strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1, which aims to end poverty in all forms. Such measures are essential for sustainable poverty alleviation and the overall development of the nation.
See less
Model Answer Introduction Affirmative action in India, enshrined in the Constitution, aims to uplift underprivileged sections such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) through various measures, including reservations in education, employment, and politRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Affirmative action in India, enshrined in the Constitution, aims to uplift underprivileged sections such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) through various measures, including reservations in education, employment, and political representation. However, despite these comprehensive policies, many underprivileged groups are still not reaping the full benefits intended by these initiatives.
Comprehensive Policies for Equity and Social Justice
Challenges in Realizing Benefits
Despite these policies, several challenges hinder the full realization of affirmative action benefits:
Conclusion
To ensure that underprivileged sections fully benefit from affirmative action, it is crucial to enhance outreach programs, improve education infrastructure, and promote diversity hiring in the private sector. Strengthening legal mechanisms and fast-tracking cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act can also help ensure justice for victims of discrimination. By prioritizing awareness, education, and economic empowerment, India can move closer to achieving the equity and social justice envisioned in its Constitution.
See less