Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
3. Evaluate the idea of merging state and central income support schemes as a comprehensive approach that can cover landless laborers, farmers, and poor consumers.(250 words)
Reference: Financial Express
Why this question:
The question is based on the article authored by Ashok Gulati, who discusses the idea of merging state and central income support schemes as a comprehensive approach to solve the current crisis facing the agrarian sector.
Key demand of the question:
Explain the benefits of the comprehensive approach as suggested by the author in the article, discuss how it can benefit the landless laborers, farmers, and poor consumers.
Directive:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
One can start by bringing out the inherent issues facing the sector, issues with realizing the goal of effective cash transfers.
Body:
Highlight the present challenges with the income packages that have been offered by the centre and the state governments differently. Explain why there is a need to unify the two and come up with a comprehensive package. Discuss the possibilities of merging income support schemes like PM-KISAN at the Centre and at state levels, as well as MGNREGA, on one hand, and price-subsidy schemes like food and fertilizer subsidies at the Centre and power subsidy at the state level.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of such idea.
