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.
4. Despite being one of the largest welfare states in the world, India seems to have failed to provide for its most vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critically analyse. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article explains how leveraging existing schemes and providing universal social security is of utmost importance in the current times.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the importance of making social welfare universal in the country and analyse the failures of the government in this regard while suggesting solutions to fix the same.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, 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, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
India witnessed multiple crises: mass inter- and intra-migration, food insecurity, and crumbling health infrastructure. As per some estimates, the pandemic has pushed an estimated 75 million people into poverty. The second wave of the pandemic has also affected middle and upper-class citizens.
Body:
Explain that Economic capital, in the absence of social capital, has proven to be insufficient in accessing healthcare facilities. India has over 500 direct benefit transfer schemes for which various Central, State, and Line departments are responsible. However, these schemes have not reached those in need.
Then move on to argue for a universal social security system in India. Present arguments with suitable examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the pandemic has revealed that leveraging our existing schemes and providing universal social security is of utmost importance. This will help absorb the impact of external shocks on our vulnerable populations.
