magazine gist august 2018 part-i - abhimanu ias · sukanya samridhi yojana pradhan mantri vandana...

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ABHIMANU IAS

Magazine Gist August 2018 Part-I August 2018 Part-I

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Magazine Gist August 2018 Part-I

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1. Introductory Article ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Understanding the concept of Social Empowerment ........................................................................................ 3

Assignment ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Empowering the Vulnerable ............................................................................................................................... 5

Reference Articl: Yojana-Building an Inclusive Society by Nilam Sawhney ....................................................... 5

How to Use the Summary .................................................................................................................................. 7

3. Important Initiatives for the welfare of Tribals .................................................................................................. 8

Reference Article-Yojana-initiatives of the government for Tribal Welfare ...................................................... 8

4. New Educated Class .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Reference Article-Yojana-Social Change among SC and ST by S.Srinivasa Rao & Sundaresha DS .................. 10

How to Use this Summary ................................................................................................................................ 11

5. Inclusive Development Strategy ....................................................................................................................... 13

Reference Article-Yojana-Fostering Entrepreneurship Among the Marginalised-By Sunil Shukla ................. 13

How to Use the Smmary .................................................................................................................................. 15

6. Panchayati Raj Institutions ................................................................................................................................ 16

Reference Article-Yojana-Empowerment through Political Interventions-by T Brahmanandam & Kv Srinivas

.......................................................................................................................................................................... 16

How to Use the Summary ................................................................................................................................ 18

Answers ................................................................................................................................................................. 20



1. INTRODUCTORY ARTICLE

UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Social Empowerment as a Concept:

Empowerment means to have control over one’s life as an individual. And social empowerment means all sections of the society having equal control over their lives and opportunity to take important decisions. However, it must be noted that empowerment is a subjective concept and can have different connotations for different people. For the youngsters like us, it could mean freedom to have a lifestyle of our own choice regardless of social norms and customs. For example it may entail freedom to get modern education and chose the means of making livelihood; freedom to follow or not to follow a religious tradition (without harming the sentiments of others); freedom to get married with the person of one’s choice irrespective of caste/religion or not to get married at all; and so on. Similarly, for aged it would mean being able to live a life of dignity and self-respect in the twilight years of their life. For the male members of society it could mean the financial freedom while to female members of the society it could mean freedom from gender bias.

Why do we need Social Empowerment? How is it being enforced in India?

Social Empowerment is both a pre-requisite as well as an indicator of a nation’s development. For a nation to grow, it is a first and foremost requirement that all sections of the society are equally empowered. This can be achieved only when different plans and policies are integrated to ensure equitable growth opportunities and access to all. The government has been trying to empower these different sections by adopting a multipronged approach. I. FOR THE POOR AND THE MARGINALIZED SECTIONS: like SCs, STs, OBCs, empowerment means equal access to things like basic education,

livelihood and opportunities for growth. This is being achieved through various government interventions and affirmative actions. Schemes like:

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana,

MUDRA,

Venture Capital Fund Scheme,

Start UP India,

Stand Up India,

Skill India reservation in jobs etc

have offered these sections inclusive opportunities and equal access to development resources. II. FOR TRIBALS: empowerment essentially entails the right to their very ethnic entity. But, many a times the national mainstream policies lead to certain compulsions, thereby generating a feeling of alienation among the tribals. However, government initiatives like:

National fellowship and scholarship for higher education for

ST students;

schemes for vocational training;

Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce;

Scheme of development for PVTGs; and

Forest Rights Act

have contributed to the social and economic empowerment of tribals to some extent. III. FOR WOMEN: who have remained historically subdued under the patriarchal norms of the Indian society, the struggle for empowerment starts from their birth. A girl child has to fight even for her right to be born. Realizing these problems, government of India has taken many steps to make women empowerment the prime focus of the government. Schemes like:

Beti bachao beti padhao,

Sukanya Samridhi Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Vandana Yojana

Law&Order for women safety



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And many other initiatives have been taken which will go a long way in empowering women and improving their status in the society. IV THE SENIOR CITIZENS: who are the powerhouse of knowledge but feel neglected and unwanted during their twilight years. In order to ensure a life of dignity along with economic self sufficiency to them, the government has taken several initiatives like:

Integrated Program for Senior Citizens

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

Atal Pension Yojana

Vaya Vandana Yojana etc

V) FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED: life is a different story altogether. Their disability often makes them feel that they are a burden on society. The programs and policies to empower them would therefore need customization to suit their specific needs. In the light of this, government has taken initiatives like:

Technology development (to enable the disabled) projects

in Mission mode

Inclusive education for Disabled at secondary stage

Accessible India Campaign

Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Schemes etc.

Such interventions have encouraged the differently abled to achieve quality of life thereby contributing to their empowerment.

ASSIGNMENT

Make a list of all the schemes described in the article and note down the following things:

1. Nodal Ministry 2. Nodal Agency 3. Targeted beneficiaries 4. Core objective of the scheme 5. Check whether the scheme is Central Sectoral Scheme

or Centrally Sponsored scheme

Doing this assignment will help you to answer many Prelim Questions like:

Prelim 2016:

Q1 Regarding 'Atal Pension Yojana', which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly

targeted at unorganized sector workers.

2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme.

3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber's death.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c)* 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?

(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to startup entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy

(b) Providing electricity to every household in the countries by 2018

(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time

(d)* Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies

Q3. With referene to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements:

1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any reason of the year.

2. This scheme covers postharvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only*

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2



2. EMPOWERING THE VULNERABLE

REFERENCE ARTICL: YOJANA-BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY BY NILAM SAWHNEY

Building an Inclusive Society:

Having a free and an inclusive society had been the most important narrative during Freedom Struggle of India. It is the basic objective foundational objective of India as an independent country.

Empowering the vulnerable protecting the weakest is therefore a cherished objective of the Government

The Government through its Department of Social Justice and Empowerment seeks to build an inclusive society where the most oppressed and backward sections of our population can live a life of dignity, pride and actively contribute to the Nation's Human Capital

The target Population to realize this objective is the historically deprived section of the society. These sections primarily include Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, Old, Divyangs and Manual Scavengers

WELFARE OF SCS

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention

of Atrocities) Act, 1989:

It is an important act to ensure protection and dignity of the members of SC and ST community

Over the years it has been strengthened and added more teeth to make it more effective in realising its objective

Special Central Assistance for SC Sub Plan:

Its nomenclature has been renamed to "Allocation for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (AWSC)" in 2017

It has been in existence since 1979-1980 and it seeks to ensure proportionate flow of plan resources for the development of SC/ST

Through Web Portal, the department of social justice captures online data of various Ministries and departments on financial, physical and outcome based monitoring indicators as per the formats designed by NITI Aayog

Educational Aid to SC:

Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students

It has been in operation since 1944

It is the single largest intervention by the government of India for the for the educational empowerment of SC students

It has witnessed various positive outcomes in terms of

Improvement in Literacy Levels

Reduction in Dropout Rates

Higher Participation in Higher Education

Overall excellence in the formation of Human Capital

Standard of Living:

Beyond Education, an area based approach has been developed for the Development of SC Habitation

It seeks to improve the living standards by focusing on: Education health and nutrition Swacch Bharat Livelihood and skill development

WELFARE OF BACKWARDS CLASSES

Education:

Scholarship Schemes remain the mainstay of interventions for the BCs

Skill and Livelihood:

Skill Development is an important intervention and is being undertaken through National



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Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

In addition to this, there is a need to build entrepreneurship abilities of this group which would have a wide ranging benefits for the community and the society

WELFARE OF SENIOR CITIZENS:

Number of senior citizens as well as the old age dependency ratio both are increasing at an exponential rate

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana:

It is meant for Providing Living Assisted Devices

A total of 292 districts have been selected

assessment camps have been held in 52 districts and distribution camps held in 39 districts

REHABILITATION OF MANUAL SCAVENGERS

The inhumane act has been acknowledged as a historical injustice which led to severe indignity suffered by manual scavengers

National Survey of Manual Scavengers A survey was conducted in 170 identified

districts of 18 states The scavengers identified in the survey

will be each given a payment of One Time Cash Assistance (OTCA) of Rs 40,000 and rehabilitated through subsequent measures

Further, memorandum of Agreements with Panchayats and Municipal Corporations to purchase sanitation related vehicles and equipments are being entered into

WELFARE OF DIVYANGS:

Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan launched by Government to provide a life of ease and dignity to Divyang

Efforts have been taken to make at least 50% of all Government buildings in the National Capital and all State Capitals "fully accessible"

Special Camps organized for distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices to 8 lakh persons with disabilities

All 34 international airports and all 48 Domestic Airports have been provided with accessible features such as ramps, accessible toilets, lifts with Braille Symbols and Auditory Signals

Shikshit Bharat, Saksham Bharat A scholarship scheme launched in 2014 It seeks to provide Scholarship to Divyang

Students to pursue technical education Scholarship amount worth Rs 30000 is

provided towards tuition fee reimbursement and Rs 20,000 as Contingency Allowance

Under the scheme 1000 scholarships are available

Indian Sign Language Research Training Centre has been established under this scheme

CONCLUSION:

To sum up, it can be pointed out that Government of India has remained committed to its objective of bringin inclusiveness in the society. Compared to the traditional Indian Society, India has achieved a lot in terms of empowering its vulnerable sections. However, with changing social values (due to globalisation), technology (social media etc) and new economic opportunities, the people have started to aspire for more. Different sections of our society have become more assertive with regards to their rights and aspirations and such a situation has led to the emergence of new challenges in bringing Social Inclusion. The approach to tackle social exclusion would have to be modified frequently to deal with emerging issues. A lot has been done and it should be continued with a new and vibrant approach.



HOW TO USE THE SUMMARY

Relevance for Essay

The summary enumerates section wise schemes and government interventions which may be used as an example in essay

It contains social justice angle (Justice to Manual Scavengers )

Etc Practice Question for Prelims: Q. Who amongst the following are beneficiaries of Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana? a. any member of a BPL family below the age of 65 years b. all senior in the country c. female senior citizens only d. all senior citizens belonging to BPL category

MAINS

Q. Having an inclusive society can ensure a faster and more robust Development. In this context discuss the various initiatives by Government of India that seek to build an inclusive society. What are the challenges faced therein and how can they be tackled?

Inputs form the summary:

Statements like: “Having a free and an inclusive society had been the most important narrative during Freedom Struggle of India. It is the basic objective foundational objective of India as an independent country”

Section wise schemes will give a structure to your answer:

Welfare of SC; Welfare of Backward classes; Welfare of Manual scavengers etc

Go beyond the summary and use innovation by quoting other practical examples, like more inclusive society will curtail the feeling of being deprived thereby reducing social conflicts which will maintain peace and make our progress faster and more robust.




3. IMPORTANT INITIATIVES FOR THE WELFARE OF TRIBALS

REFERENCE ARTICLE-YOJANA-INITIATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR TRIBAL WELFARE

In the sphere of Legislation

SCHEDULED TRIBES AND OTHER TRADITIONAL

FOREST DWELLERS (RECOGNITION OF FOREST

RIGHTS) ACT, 2006

The act was enacted to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation of forest land in forest dwelling to Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, who had been residing in these forests for generations, but whose rights could not be recorded

It not only secures the right to live on forest land but also grants several other rights like: right of ownership access to collect, use and dispose minor

forest produce community rights habitat rights for primitive tribal groups and

pre-agricultural communities right to protect , regenerate or conserve or

manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use.

In the sphere Financial Aid

SPECIAL CENTRAL ASSISTANCE TO TRIBAL SUB

SCHEME

It is a 100% grant from Government of India

Its objective is to bridge the gap between Scheduled Tribes population and others by providing support for Education Health Sanitation and Water supply Livelihood and Skill development Minor Infrastructure etc

MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE (MSP) FOR MINOR

FOREST PRODUCE (MFP):

MFP is a major source of livelihood for tribals who belong to the poorest of the poor section of society

It has a strong linkage with women's financial empowerment as most of the MFPs are collected, used and sold by women

MFP has a potential to create about 10 million workday jobs annually in the country

The Minimum Support Price for MFP seeks to establish a framework to ensure fair prices for the produce collected by them

It seeks to ensure: assured buying at a particular price, primary processing, storage,

transportation etc and also ensure sustainability of the

resource base Starting from 10 MFPs in 9States, it has

now been expanded to 24 MFPs in all States

It also envisages training on sustainable harvesting and value addition activities including facilitation for marketing of the produces so that natural resources can be optimally utilized in a sustainable manner

In the Sphere of Providing Amenities

"DEVELOPMENT OF PVTG"- SCHEME:

Being implemented by Ministry of Tribal Affairs covering 75 identified PVTGs among Scheduled Tribes in 18 States and Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

It is a flexible scheme and covers funding for activities like :



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Housing, Land Distribution and Land Development

Agricultural Development and Animal Husbandry

Construction of Link Roads Installation of non-conventional sources

of energy for lighting purpose social security including "JANSHREE BIMA

YOJANA" Any other innovative activity meant for

the comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs

In the Sphere of Education

SCHOLARSHIPS:

Ministry of Tribal Affairs offers pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for needy Scheduled Tribe Students.

The pre-matric scholarships also aims to support the parents of ST students for education of their wards studying in classes IX and X to reduce the drop out rate

The post-matric scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to the post secondary stage ST students to pursue higher education

Assistance for Pursuing Higher Education:

Scheme: National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST students'

Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides scholarships to ST students for pursuing higher education at Graduate/ Post Graduate level in the different fields in identified Institutions of Excellence.


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4. NEW EDUCATED CLASS

REFERENCE ARTICLE-YOJANA-SOCIAL CHANGE AMONG SC AND ST BY S.SRINIVASA RAO &

SUNDARESHA DS

State's Actions :

Constitution of India recognizes the less privileged and more disadvantaged groups for special safeguards and affirmative measures

Such measures seek to ensure special safe-guards and affirmative action such as:

o anti-discrimination o anti-atrocity o positive discrimination laws which

includes: o Prohibition of Un-Touchability o Protection of the rights to land and

habitation o provision of scholarships and reservations

in education and employment o Ear marking sub plans in Union and State

Budget for improving the lot of both SC and ST

Emergence of New Educated Middle Class among SCs & STs

According to various studies, the affirmative actions taken by the government diluted the traditional social barriers for the upward social mobility of these historically deprived communities

'Reservation' Policy remains at the centre stage of these developments

It has played a crucial role in social, economic and political empowerment of these deprived communities

Cyclical Nature of the benefits:

By the action of state SCs and STs are empowered and can access education

With education they improve their socio-economic status and assimilate with the mainstream society

With this assimilation, they are able to access more resources for their further development which were hitherto inaccessible

This further empowers them by which they can further access better education and employment opportunities

Positive Results:

Higher Education Participation among SC/ST has been the major impact of the state's affirmative action. The positive results are visible from the following stats and observation:

Higher aspirations among SC/ST to get good and relevant education for employment. Thereby making them more assertive.

Increase in enrolments in elementary education, reduction in dropout rates and improved retention at various levels

The period between 2000 and 2015 has witnessed a higher rate of growth of higher education participation rates for all groups, more so for SCs

The Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education has witnessed tremendous improvement in past 15 years. Among SCs, it has improved to 19.1% in 2014-15 in comparison to a mere 8.4% in 2005-06.

Women from SC/ST have benefitted tremendously from this boom. Their participation has almost tripled in the period of 15 years.


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Significance:

The higher participation symbolizes a new consciousness regarding relevance of education for social and economic empowerment among these groups.

It has resulted in restructuring the middle-class, professional occupational profile of these castes and tribes in the recent times and has brought forth considerable social change and dignity among the SCs and STs.

More and More SC/ST professionals are going abroad for higher education and for employment, and are also setting up diasporic groups in their host countries, which signifies tremendous social and economic empowerment.

Highlighting some concerns:

A bulk of Group IV jobs i.e. lower government and private sector jobs are largely populated by SC/ST reproducing a sort of hierarchical pyramid in modern secular occupations.

The growth of Private Institutions for Higher Education has been more than that of state sponsored educational institutions. This development seems to limit the social mobility prospects among aspiring SC/ST

Similarly, withdrawal of Government has been witnessed after liberalisation reforms which led to more growth in Private Jobs and a shrinking government sector. Absence of reservation in private sector jobs leaves SCs and STs either to be left out or become educated Unemployed.

Gender Parity remains an issue in all groups, particularly among women. Such a plight leaves SC/ST women to be deprived within the deprived section of society.

The negative impact of Rural-Urban divide is severely felt by SC/STs. Due to traditional dogmas still prevalent in Rural India, SC/ST are unable to reap the benefits of different affirmative action. Not even 5% of Rural SC/ST Households are employed in formal sector.

Summing UP:

While the lot of SCs and STs has improved significantly over the past few decades, it remains far more to be improved. With changing circumstances, there is a need that the government devise a new approach to address the issues faced by SC/ST. Also, it becomes important that rights of mainstream sections are also given due importance and protection. The fertile grounds for a social change have already been laid out and SC/ST communities are becoming conscious of importance of education more and more.

HOW TO USE THIS SUMMARY

Relevance in Essay:

It justifies the affirmative action of the state

It contain dimensions for “Lending Hands to Someone is

Better than giving a dole”

Social Justice Angle

Road to an egalitarian society-angle

Some data to justify positive outcome of State's Affirmative

Action

It also contains inputs for Ethical angle

Prelims Question:

Q Ever since its independence, government of India has been making efforts to ensure equality in society. Such efforts aim to remove: 1. Privileges 2. Restraints 3. Competetion Select the correct code: a) 1 only b) 1&2 only c) 2&3 Only d) 1& 3 Only

*Understanding is more important than merely memorising facts. Students are advised to discuss this question with the faculty.

Mains Questions:

Q Since Independence, Government of India has taken several affirmative actions so as to uplift the traditionally and historically deprived sections of society-


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SC/STs. To what extent have these actions fulfilled their objective.(250 words)

Some Inputs from this summary:

Action of State:

o in legislative sphere/ Constitutional Provisions

o in economic sphere

o in social sphere/education

Cyclical Nature of Benefits- have exponentially benefitted the SC/ST

Statistics on Positive Results & their Significance

Lacunae/Highlight some Concerns

*Do not Restrict yourself to this summary only, incorporate some more innovative points in your answer to make it holistic.



5. INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

REFERENCE ARTICLE-YOJANA-FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMONG THE MARGINALISED-BY

SUNIL SHUKLA

CONTEXT:

An emerging economy needs inclusivity in its programs and schemes to empower each and every section of society.

Despite several years of liberalization and economic progress, achieving equal access to resources & opportunities and the state of inclusive development remains an unaccomplished goal

Amidst this entrepreneurship seems to be instrumental in achieving this long cherished goal.

The summary seeks to examine entrepreneurship as an Inclusive Development Strategy.

SOCIAL PERCEPTION ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Various studies indicate a positive change in the perception towards entrepreneurship and its significance in fighting poverty:

STUDY CONDUCTED BY PRATHAM FOR NITI AYOG-

2016:

About 70 per cent of respondents coming from semi urban or rural areas aspire to become 'self employed' entrepreneurs, in stark contrast to their Urban counterparts

GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONITOR REPORT

(GEM)-2016-17:

There has been an increase in the rate of 'entrepreneurial intention' to 14.9 percent compared to 9 per cent in 2015-16

Fear of failure has declined from 44 per cent in 2015-16 to 37.5 percent in 2016-17

44 per cent of adults in India perceive they have 'capabilities to start a business'

CHALLENGES:

Lack of education and skills is a major impediment among the marginalized resulting in lack confidence to undertake responsibilities (particularly in women). This further leads to lack of aptitude and awareness towards various facilities available.

Shortage of finance, fear of risk and lack of functional literacy are some of the reasons that impede people from starting their own business

There are also constraints in terms of Raw Material Supply, absence of Marketing Infrastructure etc. These constraints are the primary hindrances for a rural entrepreneur.

Post-1990 Economic Reforms in India have resulted in sporadic rise of Dalit entrepreneurs in country but the employment generated by them has remained very low as there is lower rate of workforce participation in SC owned enterprises.

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES:

Before the solutions are explored, it is imperative to understand the core principle which would guide any policy which is formulated in this regard.

Core Principle: There is a need to contextualize Rural Entrepreneurship for Rural Setup. Also, the inter-relationship between internal market conditions and their dependency on larger policy frameworks should be assessed so as to build a program suitable to the nature and needs of the regions.

Entrepreneurship motivation and Skill development with hands-on training can address the skill/educational deficiency.

Financial inclusion and financial literacy can go a long way in tackling the financial barriers that impede the start up of a business



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Proper Linkages with the incubation cells and focused entrepreneurial training, guidance and mentoring is needed address the issues in Raw Material Supply and Market Infrastructure

There is a need to dilute caste barriers so as to encourage workforce participation in SC owned enterprises

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS:

START UP INDIA:

Govt has set up funds of funds for start-ups (FFS) under it with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore to support the companies

This money is stated to be disbursed via Small Industries Development Bank of India

More than 74 start ups have been given tax exemptions under Section 80 IAC of Income Tax Act.

A virtual Start-Up Hub was created to provide information and learning resources to aspirants.

The portal claims to have resolved 75,643 queries so far and boasts of 15000 registered users on the Start-Up India Hub.

The Learning and Development module designed for nascent entrepreneurs under the Start-up India program has been used by 1,89,000 individuals so far.

ASSESSMENT: The initiative is appreciable but the impact is too less in a country like ours. The program is yet to gain momentum and leave a noticeable impact in terms of empowering youth and aspiring entrepreneurs.

STAND-UP INDIA INITIATIVE:

It was formulated to promote entrepreneurship at grass-roots for economic empowerment and job creation

Around 1.5 lakh bank branches are encouraged to fund SC/ST and women entrepreneurs in the country.

It seeks to facilitate bank loans from Rs 10Lakhs to Rs 100Lakhs by each bank branch to one SC/ST and One Women under Start-Up India scheme

It would also leverage the existing financial infrastructure and credit guarantee schemes to reach the people at the bottom of the social pyramid

An estimated 2.5 Lakh beneficiaries will benefit from it

PM MUDRA YOJANA

Micro Units Development and Re-finance Agency is the executing financial body that fulfils the program objectives under Stand-up India initiative.

Mudra provides funding support to financial institutions that lend small loans to micro-units

Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro-Units was also commissioned to provide payment against default in micro loans extended by banks, NBFC, MFI and other FI intermediaries.

Micro Loans have been categorized as: 'Shishu', 'Kishor', 'Tarun'.

Under the scheme Rs 6 Trillion has been given to 12 crore beneficiaries and out of 12 crore beneficiaries, 28 per cent are first time entrepreneurs

About 74 per cent borrowers are women and 55 per cent belong to the SC/ST and OBC categories.

ASSESSMENT: A lot more needs to be done. Follow-Up mechanism and Entrepreneurship mentoring would increase the enterprise sustenance of MUDRA supported enterprises and the government could yield more jobs if these enterprises sustain on growth.

CONCLUSION:

Promoting Entrepreneurship abilities among marginalized can lead to multi-dimensional progress

It could be used as an effective affirmative action tool to counter the social malaise of discrimination.

It can aid in achieving the twin objective of generating the employment on one hand and exploiting the untapped resources on the other.


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HOW TO USE THE SMMARY

Inputs for Essay:

Summary contains explanation for: "Lending Hands to Someone is Better than giving a dole"

Poverty Alleviation Angle

Entrepreneurship as a panacea for social discrimination

etc. Practice Question for Prelim: Q Consider the following statements about Start-Up India and select the incorrect statement/s. 1) Under this scheme bank loans between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 100 lakh are to be given by each bank branch to one SC/ST and one Women 2) It is being implemented by MUDRA bank 3) As a part of this plan, a fund of funds with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore has been set up to support the start-up companies over next four years Select the correct codes: a) 3 Only b) 1&2 Only c) 2 Only d) 1 & 3 Only

Mains Question: Q To what extent can fostering of Entrepreneurship among the marginalized help in realizing the goal of inclusive development. (200 words) Instructions:

key word here is "To What Extent"

First, describe what makes the marginalised excluded from development

Then describe the process where fostering entrepreneurship can address these problems

Don't forget to describe those areas where fostering entrepreneurship will face limitations

You may suggest some ways to address the challenge/limitation, but keep it short

Innovation is always appriciated in UPSC, therefore Go

beyond the summary Q Over the years the social perception towards Entrepreneurship in India has changed positively. Analyze the impact of this social change in context of India. Instructions:

Give some supporting data ex: Study conducted by PRATHAM

key word here is "analyse"; therefore divide the "impacts" into different parts. It may be Positive/ negative; Socio-Economic or any other classification

Innovation is always appriciated in UPSC, therefore Go beyond the summary Q. Government's policy of positive discrimination and affirmative action has been successful to cause the emergence of a New Educated Class among SC/ST community. Comment (200 words) Instructions:

Since the question has asked you to comment, therefore you are supposed to give your "Value Judgement"

The directive is placed after the statement. Therefore you have to comment on the statement as a whole.

In "Comment" you have the liberty to add your suggestions for furthering the cause of the issue asked in question.

Write the answer and get it evaluated. MUST FOR THOSE WHO ARE ASPIRING FOR UPSC MAINS 2019


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6. PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS

REFERENCE ARTICLE-YOJANA-EMPOWERMENT THROUGH POLITICAL INTERVENTIONS-BY T

BRAHMANANDAM & KV SRINIVAS

Context of Political Empowerment

In a democratic political structure, a proper and effective representation of people is necessary so as to allow them a meaningful participation in the decision making on the matters that affect their lives.

Political inclusion is therefore necessary for ensuring Democracy in its true sense. It can help in fostering a change in the existing power relations, to bring certain historically excluded sections of society within the arena of decision making.

It will enable people from different sections of society to positively engage in Developmental Process of the country. Hence Political Empowerment has a tremendous potential in realising more inclusive Development.

Status of Marginalised in India (Economic, Political)

With a population of 1.3 billion and an average growth rate of 6-7 per cent per annum, almost one fourth of our population lives in poverty.

Seven out of ten Indians live in rural areas, where social evils like caste violence, manual scavenging, child marriage, and dowry continue to act as agents of depravation.

With low literacy, abject poverty, complex socio-ethnic environment, the poor and the vulnerable are mired in historical suppression and subordination.

The economic condition of the poor is inextricably intertwined with the social dimensions of his well-being.

Journey of PRI in post independent India

BEFORE 73RD AMENDMENT

Soon after Independence, it was realised that villages had to be strengthened to strengthen the democracy in India.

Hence the task of strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) was undertaken with an aim of making villages self sufficient.

The initial government interventions failed to generate popular interest and enthusiasm. Consequently Balwantrai Mehta Committee was appointed in 1956 by the planning Commission.

The committee recommended a three tier PRI in the country because “only grass root level agency can establish a link between local leadership and the local people”.

Consequently by mid 1960s, Panchayati Raj had reached all parts of the country. The people felt that there was a system which could attend to their issues at local level.

ISSUES:

Within 2 years of its reach, the Panchayati Raj failed to strengthen further.

Experts highlighted that lack of a constitutional status was a problem that should be dealt with.

In many states, the PRIs functioned as agent of the government rather than the institutions of self governance.

These institutions were not seen as institutions of people’s participation that played a role in deepening democracy, but rather seen as instruments to facilitate the implementation of National Policies.

73RD CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT:

The Panchayati Raj Bill introduced in September 1991 was passed in 1992 as the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act. It came into force in April 1993.


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It accorded the much needed Constitutional Status to the PRIs all over India, thereby giving them uniformity in structure, composition, powers and functions.

The act provided a 3 tier system of panchayat at village, intermediate and district levels.

Political Empowerment through 73rd Amendment:

A landmark feature of this act was that in all panchayats, seats should be reserved for SCs and STs in proportion of their population.

1/3rd seats will be reserved for women.

Reservation of seats and offices of the chairpersons for scheduled castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population has the potential to bring radical change in the socio-political structure of his country.

The reservation policy has given a chance to elect nearly 18.51 per cent of SCs; 11.26 per cent for STs; and 36.87 per cent for women in all 239,582 Panchayats in the country.

Impact of 73rd Amendment on Marginalised Section:

IMPACT ON WOMEN

The 73rd Amendment and the reservation clause has brought a virtual Democratic Revolution with more than 50 Lakh representatives getting

elected at local level every five years; out of which 13 Lakh are women.

The political empowerment of women has enhanced their social status.

It has enabled them to participate in almost every matter connected with the society on an egalitarian basis.

The change in status of women at the grass root level of society is likely to make a wider social impact in terms of women empowerment.

IMPACT ON SC/STS:

The elected representatives of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are actively participating in decision-making and implementation of different pro-poor programmes at Panchayati level.

SC/ST leaders accord priority to the developmental activities which leads to the benefit of their community. It will allow the historically deprived sections of the society to access the resources and join the mainstream for overall development of society.

IMPACT ON SOCIETY AS A WHOLE:

The experience of functioning of the Panchayati Raj bodies over the last two decades suggests that stability-cum-continuity is being achieved, including execution of civic function.

Political Representation and empowerment is likely to create the foundation of an egalitarian society in India.

Such interventions have the potential to dilute the caste and gender barriers, thereby allowing the SC/STs and Women to equally contribute in the social development.

Such interventions will pave the way for the penetration of modern secular ideas (beyond caste and gender) which is necessary for a faster, sustainable and inclusive development of India.

Certain Lacunae and Challenges

The continued dominance of traditional/dominant groups in rural India and the constitutional provisions of 73rd Amendment


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have intensified the antagonistic or conflict ridden rural situation which result in, more often than not, the violations of Human Rights on mass scale including violence, bloodshed and loss of life.

Certain modifications in the Panchayat act by State leaves out a major chunk of the deprived section from being able to participate in elections. For example “Two Child norm” or “Matriculation Certification” as eligibility criteria leaves a major chunk ineligible to contest elections.

Many Chairpersons and Members of PR bodies feel deprived because of a lack of meaningful stake in local governance.

In many cases women representatives are merely the stooges of the male members, having no real opinion or autonomy of their own. Even if they have a political talent, it is sabotaged due to the patriarchal psyche of the society.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

73rd Amendment to some extent has brought Rural India out of a regressive social structure and has allowed even the marginalised to stake claim in political representation and make their contributions in the society. However, there are certain loopholes that should be plugged.

Unless modern education makes deep inroads in the rural society, the traditional dogmas (caste and Gender) cannot be dealt with effectively. Modern Education should complement the political interventions so as to contain the antagonistic tendencies between the dominant social groups and the marginalised.

Having a criteria like “Two-Child norm” etc has its significance, yet, it should be ensured that it is not mala fide and politically motivated.

Members and Chairpersons of PR bodies should be given some meaningful stake in governance in terms of autonomy and certain devolved powers. However, at the same time checks and balances should be put in place so as to not let this autonomy be an instrument of corruption.

There is also a need to impart certain financial autonomy to the Panchayats.

Women Education and Training of Women Members of the PR bodies should be promoted so as to make them active members of the Local Self Governance.

Many states have acknowledged the importance of Panchayats in enforcing Participatory Democracy. A number of states have enacted some laws so as to give more functional autonomy to PRIs but a lot more needs to be done. Democracy is not only an intrinsic value but is instrumental to ushering in an inclusive and just society. This cannot happen without developing democratic local governance with a sense of urgency.

HOW TO USE THE SUMMARY

Essay:

Important Statements like:

“Democracy is not only an intrinsic value but is instrumental to ushering in an inclusive and just society”

“In a democratic political structure, a proper and effective representation of people is necessary so as to allow them a meaningful participation in the decision making on the matters that affect their lives”

Political Angle of Women Empowerment (Grass root Level)

Political Dimension of the ‘concept of Empowerment’

Etc Practice Question for Prelim

Q To be empowered essentially means: a. To be capable b. Having freedom of choice c. Having Political Authority d. Absence of fear

Mains Question:

Q. “If India is a body, the villages are the cells. A social change in villages of India can bring a significant impact


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on the larger Indian Society”. In the light of this statement, critically discuss as to what extent can PRIs empower women in India.

Hints and Inputs:

Context of the statement: Villages of India are the raw material not just in terms of material inputs but also in terms of ideologies and values. Better Villages mean better Indian Society

Supporting Quote: “India Lives in its Villages”

While answering keep in mind the main directives: “Critically Discuss” and “To What Extent”

Inputs from this summary:

Use points from “Impact of 73rd Amendment on Women”

Lacunae in PRIs with regards to women participation and Women Empowerment

Way Forward to make PRIs more accommodative for empowering women.

Use your innovative ideas to make your answer ‘original’ and more appealing.


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ANSWERS

Chapter1

Q1: c

Q2: d

Q3: b

Chapter 2

Q1: d

Chapter 4

Q1: b

Chapter 5:

Q1: b

Chapter 6

Q1: b

magazine gist august 2018 part-i - abhimanu ias · sukanya samridhi yojana pradhan mantri vandana...

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