Model Answer

Introduction

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme represents a significant reform in the Indian government’s delivery system, allowing subsidies and benefits to be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and improve the efficiency of welfare programs. While the DBT scheme is a progressive step, it also presents several limitations.

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Advantages of the DBT Scheme

1. Transparency and Efficiency

The DBT scheme minimizes intermediaries, thereby reducing leakages and corruption. By transferring benefits directly, the government ensures that funds reach the intended beneficiaries. For instance, the PM-KISAN scheme provides income support directly to farmers, helping them invest in essential agricultural inputs.

2. Empowerment

The scheme empowers beneficiaries by providing them more control over their entitlements. For example, the PM Ujjwala Scheme promotes access to clean cooking fuel, enhancing women’s empowerment and reducing their dependence on traditional fuel sources.

3. Financial Inclusion

DBT encourages beneficiaries to open bank accounts, promoting financial inclusion and increasing access to credit and other financial services. This shift fosters greater engagement with the formal financial system.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

The DBT scheme allows for better tracking of benefit disbursement, facilitating improved monitoring and evaluation of welfare programs.

Limitations of the DBT Scheme

1. Digital Divide

In rural areas, low internet penetration and limited digital literacy can exclude vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, from accessing their entitlements. For example, the National Health Insurance Scheme has seen limited coverage due to awareness and connectivity issues.

2. Banking Infrastructure

Inadequate banking infrastructure can delay benefit disbursement and create access difficulties for beneficiaries, particularly in remote areas.

3. Identification and Targeting

Errors in beneficiary identification can lead to exclusion of deserving individuals, undermining the scheme’s effectiveness.

4. Administrative Capacity

Limited administrative capacity can result in processing delays and grievances, affecting the overall efficiency of the DBT system.

Conclusion

While the DBT scheme offers a progressive approach to government welfare delivery, addressing its limitations is crucial for maximizing its benefits. Ensuring the system’s inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency will enhance its effectiveness for all beneficiaries.

Model Answer

Introduction

Civil society groups play a crucial role in advocating for women’s representation in state legislatures in India, striving for a balanced and inclusive democracy. Despite these efforts, no state has achieved more than 20% representation of women in its Assembly, with Chhattisgarh leading at 18% and several states having minimal or no female representation.

Contribution of Civil Society Groups

Sensitization Programs

Organizations like Jagori and Swayam conduct awareness programs that educate the public about women’s rights and encourage political participation. These initiatives are vital for fostering a supportive environment for women in politics.

Leadership Training

The Women’s Political Empowerment Program by the Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) has empowered over 15,000 women in local governance, preparing them for roles in state legislatures. Such training equips women with essential skills for political engagement.

Policy Advocacy

The Centre for Social Research advocates for policy changes, notably the Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve seats for women in legislatures, addressing the gender imbalance in political representation.

Research and Documentation

PRIDE India focuses on data collection and research to support advocacy for women’s rights, providing a factual basis for policy discussions and reforms.

Grassroot Mobilization

SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association) mobilizes women at the grassroots level, laying a foundation for nurturing future female leaders in state legislatures.

Challenges

Despite these contributions, challenges persist:

• Patriarchal Society: Deep-rooted norms, particularly in states like Haryana, hinder women’s participation.
• Low Representation: Women make up only 10% of state legislative assemblies, far below the global average of 25.5%.
• Safety Concerns: According to an Amnesty International report, women politicians face severe threats and harassment, deterring their political involvement.
• Resource Constraints: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, women candidates received only 9% of total political funding (Association for Democratic Reforms).

Conclusion

Civil society groups have significantly contributed to advancing women’s representation in Indian state legislatures. However, addressing challenges such as safety, funding, and systemic barriers remains critical for ensuring that women can participate meaningfully in the political process. Continued support and innovative strategies will be essential for fostering an inclusive political landscape in India.