Model Answer

The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, introduced to support street vendors with collateral-free working capital loans, has achieved notable successes in advancing social justice and equity. However, several challenges persist in ensuring its optimal impact.

Achievements of the Scheme

1. Inclusive Entrepreneurship
   • The scheme has significantly contributed to reducing socio-economic disparities.
   • According to an SBI Research Report, 75% of beneficiaries belong to non-general categories, reflecting its inclusivity.
2. Relief from Predatory Lending
   • Vendors previously reliant on informal lenders with exorbitant interest rates now have access to affordable credit through PM SVANidhi.
3. Gender Equity
   • Women constitute 43% of beneficiaries, showcasing the scheme’s role in empowering female entrepreneurs and addressing gender disparities.
4. Digital Inclusion
   • The scheme has improved the adoption of digital transactions among street vendors.
   • For instance, loans given to Jan Dhan beneficiaries increased digital transactions for 9.5% of users who previously conducted fewer than 10 transactions.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Banking Hurdles
   • Migrant vendors face difficulties in obtaining loans due to lack of documents, with banks often demanding unnecessary paperwork.
2. Cumbersome ULB Process
   • Obtaining a vending certificate or Letter of Recommendation from Urban Local Bodies is time-consuming and bureaucratic.
3. Lack of Awareness
   • Awareness about the scheme remains low, with 52% of street vendors in a study unaware of its benefits.
4. Limited Benefits for Minorities
   • Only 9% of loans have been disbursed to vendors from minority communities, indicating gaps in equitable access.

Conclusion

The PM SVANidhi scheme has made significant strides in fostering social justice by empowering marginalized and gendered groups. However, addressing the challenges of accessibility, awareness, and equitable outreach is crucial to ensure that its benefits reach all street vendors effectively. Simplifying processes and enhancing targeted outreach can further bolster its impact.

Model Answer

Achievements of the Forest Rights Act

1. Empowered Gram Sabha
   The FRA has empowered local communities by involving the Gram Sabha in decision-making regarding forest governance. For instance, Mendha Lekha village in Maharashtra successfully secured Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights over 1,800 hectares, empowering the community in forest conservation and governanceender Justice**
   The Act promotes gender inclusion by mandating that at least one-third of the Gram Sabha quorum must be women. This ensures that women are included in decisions that affect their lives and access to forest resources .
2. Heritage
   FRA has been instrumental in preserving the cultural and ecological heritage of tribal communities. For example, the Dongria Kondhs in Odisha used the Act to resist a bauxite mining project in Niyamgiri Hills, protecting both their ancestral land and the forest .
3. Livelihooent
   By granting rights over forest resources, the Act has improved livelihoods. In Mendha Lekha, the community generated over Rs. 1 crore in turnover from bamboo harvesting under CFR rights .
4. Alignment with Glovation Goals
   The FRA’s recognition of forest rights aligns with international conservation commitments, such as those under the Convention on Biological Diversity, promoting sustainable forest management by the communities themselves .

Challenges in Implementati Bureaucratic Apathy

The involvement of multiple departments has created delays in land title approvals. Many CFR claims, like those in Nagarhole and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, have been pending since 2009, causing frustration among tribal communities .

1. Lack of Awareness
   A significa of tribal populations remain unaware of their rights under the FRA due to low literacy rates (59% among tribals vs. 73% nationally) .
2. Gender Disparity in Data
   The absence o-disaggregated data** hinders understanding the full impact of FRA on women’s participation in forest governance .
3. Human Rights Violations
   Despite the Act, there instances of human rights violations, including false accusations of being associated with insurgent groups or police brutality, particularly in areas like Sundarban and Kaziranga .

Conclusion

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has made addressing historical injustices and promoting democratic governance of forests, but challenges like bureaucratic delays, lack of awareness, and human rights abuses need to be tackled for the Act to fulfill its full potential.