Topic – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes
5) Critically analyze the performance of unnat Bharat abhiyan in transforming rural lives through technology and whether there is a need to alter the approach?(250 words)
Why this question
The article critically analyzes the performance and the approach of schemes such as unnat Bharat abhiyan which seek to uplift the lives of vulnerable section of our population through technological changes. The question would enable you to analyze the impact of unnat Bharat abhiyan and role of technology in altering lives of rural population in India.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to explain the strategy and details of unnat Bharat abhiyan and the positives and the pitfalls of the scheme. Thereafter, we need to give our view on whether technological changes without understanding the needs of population can lead to transformational changes in the lives of people and if not, what needs to be done.
Directive word
Critically analyse – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, all you need to do is look at the good and bad of something and give a fair judgement.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – explain what unnat Bharat abhiyan is.
Body –
- Discuss the strategy followed under UBA.
- Discuss the positive impact of UBA – development of a biogas conversion kit for diesel engines by IIT Delhi, the utilisation of paddy straw into bio-power generation through biomethane and bioethanol production, the modified bio-sand water treatment plant by NIT Manipur and so on. Some of these have managed to solve real problems such as sewage disposal, waste and water management, energy sources, organic farming, provision of basic amenities, and convergence of remote technologies. Students get to learn the practical aspects of the sciences taught in the classroom, while communities benefit
- Discuss the limitations of the approach – Many developmental organisations, apart from universities, are developing technological and social solutions for rural communities. But there is no concrete example of any such initiative changing lives, The problem with most of these programmes is they carry an urban bias and assume that benefits will trickle down to the masses. Social aspirations of these communities are not given due importance in technical applications. Most of these technologies are made with commonly available resources that aim to keep these ecosystems self-dependent. For example, there are easy-to-make chulhas and bullock carts. Comparable approaches in urban areas do not expect people to construct their own scooters or stoves. Also, developers of these technologies are only able to make minor improvements to existing systems.
- Discuss what kind of a change in approach is requires ( you can also take a stand that no change is required)
Conclusion – give your view on the efficacy of such programmes and discuss the way forward.
