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Home/upsc: poverty & hunger/Page 4

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Kusum Mehara
  • 0
Kusum MeharaBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Talk about the government’s efforts to combat urban poverty, such as the steps taken to increase access to cheap housing, essential services, and possibilities for a living, and assess how these efforts are affecting the reduction of urban inequality.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Varun Nayak
    Varun Nayak Begginer

    Addressing urban poverty involves a multi-faceted approach focusing on improving access to affordable housing, basic services, and livelihood opportunities. Governments have introduced various initiatives to tackle these issues and reduce urban inequalities. Here’s an analysis of these initiatives aRead more

    Addressing urban poverty involves a multi-faceted approach focusing on improving access to affordable housing, basic services, and livelihood opportunities. Governments have introduced various initiatives to tackle these issues and reduce urban inequalities. Here’s an analysis of these initiatives and their impact:

    1. Affordable Housing Initiatives

    A. Housing Schemes and Programs

    1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U):
      • Overview: Launched in 2015, PMAY-U aims to provide affordable housing to all eligible urban poor by 2022.
      • Components: Includes subsidies for interest rates on housing loans, construction of new houses, and upgrading existing housing.
      • Impact: PMAY-U has facilitated the construction of millions of homes for urban poor, improving housing conditions and reducing informal settlements.
    2. Affordable Housing Projects:
      • Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging private sector participation in developing affordable housing projects through incentives and regulatory support.
      • Impact: The involvement of private developers has led to the construction of affordable housing units, though the success varies by region and project.

    B. Slum Rehabilitation Programs

    1. Slum Redevelopment Schemes:
      • Overview: Initiatives like the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Mumbai aim to redevelop slum areas by providing better housing and infrastructure.
      • Impact: Redevelopment projects have improved living conditions for many slum dwellers, though challenges in implementation and displacement issues persist.
    2. In-Situ Slum Development:
      • Overview: Projects that focus on improving slum infrastructure without displacing residents, often through incremental upgrades and provision of basic services.
      • Impact: In-situ development has been effective in improving conditions while minimizing displacement, but requires significant coordination and resources.

    2. Basic Services Initiatives

    A. Infrastructure Development

    1. Smart Cities Mission:
      • Overview: Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission focuses on improving urban infrastructure through smart solutions and technology.
      • Components: Includes projects for improved water supply, sanitation, waste management, and transportation.
      • Impact: The mission has led to enhancements in urban infrastructure, although the effectiveness varies across cities and some projects face delays.
    2. Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban):
      • Overview: Aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through household tap connections.
      • Impact: Improved access to clean drinking water for urban residents, contributing to better health outcomes.

    B. Sanitation and Health Services

    1. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban):
      • Overview: Launched in 2014, this mission aims to improve sanitation and hygiene in urban areas by promoting cleanliness, waste management, and sanitation infrastructure.
      • Impact: Significant improvements in urban sanitation and the reduction of open defecation; however, challenges in maintaining cleanliness and managing waste persist.
    2. Healthcare Initiatives:
      • Overview: Programs to improve access to affordable healthcare in urban areas, including the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
      • Impact: Enhanced access to primary healthcare services, though disparities in healthcare quality and access remain.

    3. Livelihood Opportunities Initiatives

    A. Employment and Skill Development

    1. Skill Development Programs:
      • Overview: Initiatives like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focus on providing vocational training and skill development.
      • Impact: Improved employability and income-generating opportunities for urban poor, though challenges in job placement and sustainability remain.
    2. Urban Employment Schemes:
      • Overview: Programs to create job opportunities and support small businesses, including financial assistance and training for entrepreneurs.
      • Impact: Supports urban poor in starting businesses and finding employment, contributing to reduced poverty and economic empowerment.

    B. Social Protection and Welfare

    1. Social Security Schemes:
      • Overview: Initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat for health insurance and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana for financial inclusion aim to provide safety nets for the urban poor.
      • Impact: Enhanced access to healthcare and financial services, helping to alleviate the financial burden on low-income households.
    2. Subsidy Programs:
      • Overview: Providing subsidies for essential goods and services, including food, fuel, and education, to low-income urban households.
      • Impact: Helps reduce the cost of living and improve the quality of life for the urban poor, though challenges in targeting and delivery exist.

    4. Impact and Assessment

    A. Reduction of Urban Inequalities

    1. Improved Living Conditions:
      • Impact: Enhanced access to affordable housing and improved infrastructure has led to better living conditions for many urban poor, reducing inequalities.
    2. Increased Access to Services:
      • Impact: Better access to basic services like water, sanitation, and healthcare has improved the overall quality of life and contributed to reducing disparities.

    B. Challenges and Areas for Improvement

    1. Implementation Issues:
      • Challenge: Delays, inefficiencies, and inconsistencies in program implementation can hinder the effectiveness of initiatives. Ensuring timely and efficient execution is crucial.
    2. Affordability and Coverage:
      • Challenge: The affordability of housing and services, and the extent of coverage, can vary significantly. Addressing gaps in coverage and ensuring affordability remains a priority.
    3. Sustainability and Maintenance:
      • Challenge: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of infrastructure and services requires ongoing investment and maintenance. Effective management is essential for sustained impact.

    Summary

    Government initiatives to address urban poverty, such as affordable housing programs, basic service improvements, and livelihood support, have had a positive impact on reducing urban inequalities. Programs like PMAY-U and NSAP have improved housing conditions and provided essential support to vulnerable populations. Basic service initiatives, including infrastructure development and sanitation programs, have enhanced urban living standards. However, challenges in implementation, coverage, and sustainability remain. Continued focus on addressing these challenges and ensuring effective program delivery is crucial for further reducing urban poverty and achieving equitable growth.

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Garima Gupta
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Garima GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Examine the effects on improving livelihood and economic prospects of government programs to support the development of renewable energy sources and enhance energy access in rural and underserved areas.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Nakul Dixit
    Nakul Dixit Begginer

    Government Initiatives to Promote Renewable Energy and Improve Energy Access Introduction Promoting renewable energy and improving energy access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are vital for sustainable development, economic growth, and enhancing livelihoods. The Indian government hasRead more

    Government Initiatives to Promote Renewable Energy and Improve Energy Access

    Introduction

    Promoting renewable energy and improving energy access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are vital for sustainable development, economic growth, and enhancing livelihoods. The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to boost renewable energy sources and expand energy access. This analysis evaluates these initiatives and assesses their impact on livelihoods and economic opportunities.

    Government Initiatives

    1. Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources
      • National Solar Mission: Launched as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Solar Mission aims to promote solar energy by setting ambitious targets for solar power capacity. The mission seeks to deploy solar technologies at a scale that can drive down costs and foster innovation.
        • Recent Example: As of 2023, India has achieved over 100 GW of installed solar capacity, surpassing the target set for 2022, demonstrating the success of the National Solar Mission in scaling up solar energy deployment.
      • Wind Energy Initiatives: The government has also supported wind energy through policies such as the Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, which promotes the development of hybrid projects to optimize the use of land and resources.
        • Recent Example: The launch of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy in 2022 aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by integrating wind and solar power projects.
      • Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs): Under the RPO framework, states are required to purchase a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. This policy helps drive demand for renewable energy and encourages investment in clean technologies.
        • Recent Example: In 2023, several states, including Gujarat and Karnataka, exceeded their RPO targets, reflecting a growing commitment to renewable energy.
    2. Improving Energy Access in Rural and Underserved Areas
      • Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY): This scheme focuses on providing 24×7 electricity to rural areas and improving the quality of power supply through the augmentation of infrastructure.
        • Recent Example: As of 2023, DDUGJY has facilitated the electrification of over 18,000 villages and improved power supply to numerous rural households, significantly enhancing energy access in these areas.
      • Saubhagya Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) aims to provide electricity connections to all households in rural and urban areas, ensuring universal access to power.
        • Recent Example: The Saubhagya scheme, launched in 2017, has connected over 2.8 crore households by 2022, playing a critical role in extending electricity access to previously unconnected regions.
      • Solar Home Lighting Systems: To address energy access challenges in remote areas, the government promotes solar home lighting systems, which provide off-grid solutions for rural households.
        • Recent Example: The Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme, launched in 2019, supports the installation of solar pumps and home lighting systems in rural areas, benefiting farmers and remote communities.
    3. Support for Energy Storage and Grid Integration
      • Energy Storage Projects: To address the intermittency of renewable energy sources, the government supports the development of energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped storage projects.
        • Recent Example: The Energy Storage Mission, announced in 2022, aims to promote the development and deployment of advanced energy storage solutions to enhance the stability and reliability of the power grid.
      • Green Energy Corridors: These projects focus on creating infrastructure to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national grid, ensuring that renewable power generated in remote areas can be transmitted to where it is needed.
        • Recent Example: The Green Energy Corridor Phase-I, completed in 2021, has improved the transmission infrastructure for renewable energy, enabling more efficient distribution of green power.

    Impact on Livelihood and Economic Opportunities

    1. Enhanced Livelihood Opportunities:
      • Job Creation: The expansion of renewable energy projects has created numerous jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operations. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas where employment opportunities are limited.
        • Recent Example: The solar and wind sectors have collectively generated over 500,000 jobs in the past decade, with a significant portion of these jobs located in rural and semi-urban areas.
      • Increased Agricultural Productivity: Solar pumps and other renewable energy solutions for agriculture have improved irrigation and productivity, enabling farmers to cultivate more land and enhance crop yields.
        • Recent Example: The KUSUM scheme has provided solar irrigation systems to thousands of farmers, resulting in increased agricultural output and reduced dependence on diesel pumps.
    2. Economic Development:
      • Infrastructure Improvement: Electrification of rural areas has led to better infrastructure and services, including improved healthcare, education, and small-scale industries. Access to reliable power supports the establishment of local businesses and enhances quality of life.
        • Recent Example: The DDUGJY scheme’s efforts in improving power supply have led to the development of small enterprises and improved living conditions in rural areas.
      • Sustainable Development: The promotion of renewable energy supports sustainable development by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating climate change impacts.
        • Recent Example: The achievement of over 100 GW of solar power capacity contributes to India’s climate goals and supports global efforts to combat climate change.

    Challenges and Areas for Improvement

    1. Infrastructure and Maintenance:
      • Grid Reliability: While progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring grid reliability and integrating renewable energy sources effectively. Continued investment in grid infrastructure and maintenance is necessary.
    2. Affordability and Accessibility:
      • Cost Barriers: The initial cost of renewable energy systems can be a barrier for low-income households. Providing subsidies and financial support for these systems can help improve affordability.
    3. Technological and Regional Disparities:
      • Technology Adoption: There are disparities in technology adoption and infrastructure development across regions. Targeted efforts are needed to address these disparities and ensure uniform progress.

    Conclusion

    The Indian government’s initiatives to promote renewable energy sources and improve energy access in rural and underserved areas have had a significant impact on enhancing livelihoods and economic opportunities. The establishment of new medical colleges, implementation of the National Health Policy 2017, and promotion of renewable energy have led to increased job creation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced agricultural productivity. However, challenges such as grid reliability, affordability, and regional disparities remain. Addressing these challenges and continuing to invest in renewable energy and infrastructure will be crucial for achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life across the country.

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Dhairya Jain
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Dhairya JainBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Examine the government’s efforts to promote the growth of rural infrastructure, such as the extension of road connectivity, electricity, and access to sanitary facilities and clean water, and evaluate how these will affect the quality of life and employment prospects ...

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Aditya Nair
    Aditya Nair Begginer

    Government initiatives aimed at developing rural infrastructure typically focus on expanding road connectivity, electrification, and access to clean water and sanitation. These initiatives are crucial for improving living standards and economic opportunities in rural areas. Here's a detailed look atRead more

    Government initiatives aimed at developing rural infrastructure typically focus on expanding road connectivity, electrification, and access to clean water and sanitation. These initiatives are crucial for improving living standards and economic opportunities in rural areas. Here’s a detailed look at each component and its impact:

    1. Road Connectivity

    Initiatives:

    • Construction and Improvement of Roads: Governments often invest in building and upgrading rural roads to improve connectivity between rural areas and urban centers. This includes the development of national and state highways, as well as local roads.
    • Road Maintenance Programs: Regular maintenance of existing roads to ensure they remain in good condition.

    Impact:

    • Economic Opportunities: Improved road connectivity facilitates easier access to markets, enabling farmers and small businesses to transport goods more efficiently and access new markets. This can lead to increased income and economic growth.
    • Access to Services: Better roads enhance access to essential services such as education and healthcare, as people can travel more easily to schools, hospitals, and other service providers.
    • Reduction in Isolation: Improved connectivity reduces the isolation of rural communities, promoting social inclusion and integration.

    2. Electrification

    Initiatives:

    • Grid Extension: Expanding the electricity grid to reach rural areas that previously lacked access to electricity.
    • Renewable Energy Projects: Implementing solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to provide electricity in remote areas where grid extension may be challenging.
    • Subsidies and Incentives: Providing financial incentives and subsidies to encourage investment in rural electrification projects.

    Impact:

    • Quality of Life: Access to electricity improves living standards by providing lighting, enabling the use of electrical appliances, and improving communication through access to media and information.
    • Economic Development: Electrification supports the growth of small businesses and industries in rural areas, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
    • Education and Health: Reliable electricity enhances educational opportunities (e.g., through better lighting for studying) and improves healthcare services by powering medical equipment and facilities.

    3. Access to Clean Water and Sanitation

    Initiatives:

    • Infrastructure Development: Building and maintaining water supply systems, such as wells, pipelines, and treatment plants, to provide clean drinking water.
    • Sanitation Projects: Developing sanitation facilities, including toilets and sewage systems, to ensure proper waste management and reduce contamination.
    • Community Programs: Implementing educational programs on hygiene and water conservation to promote proper use and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities.

    Impact:

    • Health Benefits: Access to clean water and sanitation significantly reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases, improving overall public health and reducing healthcare costs.
    • Economic Productivity: Improved health leads to better productivity and fewer days lost to illness, which can enhance economic output in rural areas.
    • Quality of Life: Clean water and proper sanitation improve living conditions, leading to greater overall well-being and increased quality of life.

    Overall Assessment

    The combined effect of these initiatives is generally positive, contributing to:

    • Improved Living Standards: Enhanced infrastructure supports better health, education, and overall quality of life in rural areas.
    • Economic Growth: By improving access to markets, enabling businesses, and supporting local industries, these initiatives foster economic development and job creation.
    • Social Inclusion: Improved connectivity and services help reduce disparities between rural and urban areas, promoting more equitable development.

    However, the success of these initiatives often depends on effective implementation, ongoing maintenance, and the involvement of local communities in planning and managing infrastructure projects.

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Ansh Malhotra
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Ansh MalhotraBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Talk about the government’s initiatives, such the Poshan Abhiyaan and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), to combat the problems of malnutrition and undernutrition, especially in women and children.

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

    The government has implemented several initiatives to tackle malnutrition and undernutrition, particularly among children and women, with programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Poshan Abhiyaan playing pivotal roles. Here's a detailed look at these efforts: IntegratedRead more

    The government has implemented several initiatives to tackle malnutrition and undernutrition, particularly among children and women, with programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Poshan Abhiyaan playing pivotal roles. Here’s a detailed look at these efforts:

    Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
    Overview:
    The ICDS program was launched in 1975 with the goal of improving the nutritional and health status of children under six years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It aims to provide a comprehensive package of services including:

    Supplementary Nutrition

    Providing nutritious food to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through anganwadis (community-based childcare centers).
    Immunization

    Offering vaccines to prevent common childhood diseases.
    Health Check-ups

    Regular health check-ups for children and mothers to monitor growth and development.
    Education

    Promoting early childhood education through pre-school education activities.
    Referral Services

    Referring cases needing specialized medical care to appropriate health facilities.
    Impact:

    Nutritional Improvement: ICDS has contributed to improved nutritional status among children and women through supplementary feeding programs.
    Early Childhood Development: The educational component helps in early childhood development, which is crucial for long-term health and learning.
    Health Outcomes: Increased immunization and health check-ups have reduced mortality rates from preventable diseases.
    Challenges:

    Implementation Variability: Quality and coverage of services can vary significantly between regions.
    Resource Constraints: Limited resources and infrastructure issues can affect the effectiveness of the program.
    Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission)
    Overview:
    Launched in 2018, the Poshan Abhiyaan aims to reduce malnutrition and undernutrition among children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through a multi-faceted approach. Key components include:

    Convergence

    Ensuring that various government departments and programs work together to address nutrition issues comprehensively.
    Community-Based Approaches

    Engaging communities in promoting better nutritional practices and hygiene through local initiatives.
    Technology Integration

    Utilizing technology for monitoring and evaluating nutrition programs, including the use of the Poshan Tracker for real-time data.
    Behavioral Change Communication

    Running campaigns to promote healthy dietary practices and maternal and child health.
    Nutritional Support

    Providing fortified foods and supplements to address specific nutritional deficiencies.
    Impact:

    Increased Awareness: Improved awareness and community engagement in addressing nutritional issues.
    Data-Driven Decisions: Enhanced monitoring and evaluation capabilities through technology, leading to more informed policy decisions.
    Integrated Approach: Greater coordination among different stakeholders, leads to a more holistic approach to addressing malnutrition.
    Challenges:

    Data Accuracy: Ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of data collected through technology.
    Behavioral Change: Sustaining long-term behavioral change in communities can be challenging.
    Summary
    Both ICDS and Poshan Abhiyaan represent significant efforts by the government to combat malnutrition and undernutrition. ICDS has a long history of providing essential services and has made notable progress in improving child health and development. Poshan Abhiyaan, with its focus on a multi-dimensional approach and technological integration, aims to build on these successes and address existing gaps.

    However, challenges such as inconsistent implementation, resource constraints, and ensuring behavioral change remain. Ongoing improvements and adaptations to these programs are crucial for achieving sustained progress in reducing malnutrition and undernutrition among vulnerable populations.

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Sidharth Mohan
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Sidharth MohanBegginer
Asked: July 19, 2024In:
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Examine how well the government’s initiatives to reduce poverty—like the National Social Assistance Program and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana—address multifaceted poverty and guarantee food and nutrition security.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Varun Nayak
    Varun Nayak Begginer

    The effectiveness of government poverty alleviation programs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), in addressing multidimensional poverty and ensuring food and nutrition security can be analyzed through various dimensions. TheseRead more

    The effectiveness of government poverty alleviation programs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), in addressing multidimensional poverty and ensuring food and nutrition security can be analyzed through various dimensions. These programs aim to reduce poverty, provide financial support, and ensure basic needs are met, particularly for vulnerable populations.

    1. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)

    A. Overview and Objectives

    • Launched: PMGKY was launched in 2016.
    • Objectives: To provide financial assistance to the poor and marginalized sections of society, with a focus on enhancing income security and improving living conditions.

    B. Key Components

    1. Financial Support:
      • Direct Transfers: PMGKY includes various schemes that provide direct financial transfers to low-income families, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) for bank accounts and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for housing support.
      • Subsidies and Benefits: It offers subsidies for essential goods and services, including food, fuel, and healthcare.
    2. Employment Generation:
      • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Under PMGKY, MGNREGA provides guaranteed wage employment to rural households, helping to create jobs and reduce poverty.
    3. Food Security:
      • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY): A key component providing additional free food grains to beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    C. Effectiveness and Impact

    1. Poverty Reduction:
      • Positive Impact: The program has contributed to poverty reduction by providing financial assistance and creating employment opportunities. MGNREGA has been particularly effective in generating rural employment and income.
    2. Food and Nutrition Security:
      • Food Distribution: PMGKAY has ensured the distribution of free food grains to millions, significantly improving food security during crises like the pandemic.
      • Nutritional Support: Providing essential food items helps in meeting basic nutritional needs, though challenges in distribution and quality control remain.
    3. Income Security:
      • Direct Transfers: Financial support through direct transfers has helped improve the income levels of poor families, though there are issues with the adequacy and timeliness of support.

    D. Challenges and Areas for Improvement

    1. Coverage and Targeting:
      • Inclusion Errors: Ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without leakage or exclusion is an ongoing challenge.
      • Geographical Disparities: Addressing regional disparities in program implementation and ensuring equitable distribution across different areas.
    2. Sustainability:
      • Long-term Impact: Evaluating the long-term sustainability of financial support and employment programs and their effectiveness in transitioning individuals out of poverty.

    2. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

    A. Overview and Objectives

    • Launched: NSAP was introduced in 1995.
    • Objectives: To provide social assistance to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities who are in need of financial support.

    B. Key Components

    1. Financial Assistance:
      • Monthly Pensions: NSAP provides monthly pensions to elderly persons, widows, and persons with disabilities through schemes like the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS).
      • Support for Disabled: The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) offers financial support to disabled individuals.
    2. Health and Nutrition Support:
      • Supplementary Support: While primarily focused on financial support, the program also intersects with health and nutrition initiatives through coordination with other schemes.

    C. Effectiveness and Impact

    1. Poverty Alleviation:
      • Direct Assistance: The pension schemes provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable groups, helping to reduce poverty and improve living standards among the elderly and disabled.
    2. Food and Nutrition Security:
      • Indirect Impact: While NSAP does not directly address food security, the financial support helps beneficiaries access food and healthcare, indirectly contributing to their nutritional needs.
    3. Social Inclusion:
      • Empowerment: The program plays a role in social inclusion by providing financial support to marginalized and disadvantaged groups, improving their quality of life.

    D. Challenges and Areas for Improvement

    1. Administrative Issues:
      • Delays and Inefficiencies: Challenges related to delays in disbursing pensions and administrative inefficiencies can impact the timely support to beneficiaries.
      • Targeting and Identification: Ensuring accurate targeting and identification of beneficiaries remains a challenge, with issues related to inclusion and exclusion errors.
    2. Adequacy of Support:
      • Insufficient Amounts: The amount of financial assistance provided may not always be sufficient to cover the basic needs of beneficiaries, necessitating periodic reviews and adjustments.

    Summary

    The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) have made significant contributions to poverty alleviation and improving food and nutrition security in India. PMGKY’s multifaceted approach, including direct financial transfers, employment generation, and food distribution, has positively impacted poverty reduction and food security, though challenges in coverage, targeting, and sustainability remain. NSAP provides essential financial support to vulnerable groups, contributing to their well-being and social inclusion, but faces challenges related to administrative efficiency and adequacy of support. Continued efforts to address these challenges and enhance program effectiveness are crucial for achieving comprehensive poverty alleviation and ensuring food and nutrition security.

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Rohini Singh
  • 0
Rohini SinghBegginer
Asked: June 15, 2024In:
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Analyze how Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) affects the efficiency and openness of India’s social programs for the weaker segments of society.(Answer in 250 words)

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

    Answer: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) was launched in 2013 with the aim of reforming the government delivery system by re-engineering the existing process in welfare schemes for simpler and faster flow of information/funds and to ensure accurate targeting of the beneficiaries, de- duplication and reRead more

    Answer:
    Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) was launched in 2013 with the aim of reforming the government delivery system by re-engineering the existing process in welfare schemes for simpler and faster flow of information/funds and to ensure accurate targeting of the beneficiaries, de- duplication and reduction of fraud. It transfers government benefits directly into the Citizen’s Aadhar-seeded bank accounts for targeted delivery of the benefits.
    Impact of DBT on the effectiveness and transparency of welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections in India:

    • Efficient transfer of Government benefit: By using DBT, the intended benefit is directly transferred to the accounts of the beneficiaries, cutting down the middle administrative layers that were delaying the process of transfer earlier. For example, DBT to landholding farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
    • Wide coverage of schemes: According to the DBT Mission’s status report, DBT has expanded from a mere 24 schemes (as part of a pilot Programme) in 43 districts in 2013 to over 300 Central schemes across India by December 2022.
      • For example, the Government of India has transferred $312 billion to beneficiaries (nearly 65% of the vulnerable population) under its various social security schemes since the start of the DBT in 2013.
    • Ensure financial inclusion: DBT comes with the prerequisite of a compulsory Aadhaar linked Savings account and this brings the beneficiary into formal economy and introduces him/her to the banking system. For example, women hold 56% of over 46 crore Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts.
    • Increases the transparency & accountability: The intended amount for the welfare scheme and its movement can be tracked to and forth thereby providing more accountability.
    • Reduces Corruption: DBT helps in reducing the interactions between the beneficiary and officials, thereby reducing the possibility of bribe and corruption. For example, India saved over USD 27 billion in key central government schemes through direct benefit transfer.
    • Reduces the ghost beneficiaries and reduced leakage: The Aadhaar integrated transfer mechanism with biometric authentication helps to remove the ghost beneficiaries existing in the system, as multiple or fake entries can easily be mapped. As a result of which the government has been able to target the genuine and deserving beneficiaries.
    • Real time tracking: Public Financial Management System (PFMS) provides real time utilization of funds released from the consolidated fund of India. It has been designed in a way to meet complete end to end requirements of accounting and fund management.

    Notwithstanding its success, the program still faces hurdles like:

    • Lack of infrastructure: There exists many regions in the country, which are yet to be brought under the regular banking system like bank branches and ATMs and it is difficult to process DBT for those areas.
    • Digital literacy: The digital literacy of the people in rural areas is comparatively poor and they might be even unaware of the benefits that they are eligible to receive from the government.
    • Ineffective grievance redressal: The process of grievance redressal is opaque in many schemes and the point of contact in case of discrepancy is also unclear. For example, many citizens have claimed that they were not getting the DBT for their LPG connections in spite of opting for it.

    However, the continuous refinement of DBT, coupled with efforts to bridge the digital divide, can fortify India’s social welfare system, making it more robust, efficient, and citizen-centric.

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Ansh Malhotra
  • 0
Ansh MalhotraBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
  • 0

Analyze the government’s initiatives to support financial inclusion, guarantee the economically disadvantaged segments of the population have access to credit and banking services, and evaluate how well these initiatives are working to increase economic mobility.

upsc: poverty & hunger

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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 ...

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