NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 1
Topic: population and associated issues.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about different approaches to be taken in order to greater prospects for demographic advantage and reaping the available demographic dividend.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context and citing statistic regarding the population growth in India.
Body:
In the first part, write about the challenges that India will face because of it growing population.
Next, write about the various different approaches in education, health, environmental impact and skill development that need to be taken in the order ensure there is equitable growth and development resulting in a welfare state.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
According to the UNFPA State of World Population (SOWP) Report 2023, China is projected to hand over the baton of the most populous country to India by mid-2023. The report further added that India will have a population of 142.86 crores by mid-2023, which is 2.9 million higher than China’s population of 142.57 crores.
Undoubtedly, India has a population problem, but any strategy to change fertility rates should be carefully thought out. India’s population concern is largely restricted to Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and MP.
Body
Rising population is a boon for India
- Population is a resource as long as the country’s carrying capacity is intact.
- There are greater prospects for demographic dividend than a disaster.
- With 68% of the working age population in 2023, the country continues to have a demographic window of opportunity for the next 35 years to reap an economic dividend.
- A demographic window of opportunity in itself will not automatically turn into an economic dividend.
- Declining and ageing populationin Japan, China, the US and other major economies.
- Potential to become a worldwide market for both production and consumption, with lower manufacturing costs due to a relatively cheaper workforce.
- This is very much evident in India’s IT sector.
- Potential to boost per capita GDPby an additional 43% by 2061, provided the socio-economic and political enabling environment is conducive.
Increasing Population is a bane for India
- Drastic population control methods run the risk of inducing forced population ageing.
- A total fertility rate of lessthan 8 may not be economically beneficial for India. Once fertility tends to decline, it is hard to reverse it.
- What the country needs are policies that support an enabling environment that can provide high-quality education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, and gender empowerment.
- If India falls short in this, its “demographic dividend” can become a “demographic disaster”.
- Population growth acts as a hurdle in addressing effectively the problem of poverty, hunger and malnutrition and also in providing the better quality of health and education.
- SDGs 1, 2, 3 and 4are going to be affected adversely because of India’s existing pattern of growth in the population.
- Presently, India is producing around 25 million job seekers in the country, however, the country is able to provide jobs only to 7 million.This gap of 18 million is increasing the burden of unemployment and underemployment in the country, turning a demographic dividend into a demographic disaster.
- India’s population growth is not sustainable.India is only about 35-40% of China’s landmass.
- In the 19th century, when Europe had a demographic explosion, it had occupied America, Australia etc. India does not have another landmass to occupy and the available landmass cannot take this population growth.
Measures needed to ensure that population growth is a boon for India
- Employment or job creation: If India is able to generate sufficient and quality jobs for its bulging working age population.
- Education, skills generation and ensuring a healthy lifespan: It is critical not only for better productivity but it also reduces excessive public spending and helps in greater capital creation.
- Good governance: Reflected through conscientious policies, it will help in creating a healthy environment for increasing efficiency and productivity of the population.
- India needs to invest more in the health sector. India invests only 1.3% of its GDP. The family planning budget is only 4% of the entire health budget and within that India spends only 1.5% on birth spacing methods.
- Investments should be made particularly for the old people because by the year 2050, India’s population of old people is going to grow almost 10 times more.
- Education is very important, not only for empowering women but for fertility to decline.
- Education should be made free for women till college-level.
- Better education will help women in better decision making for family planning.
- Unless women are part of the workforce, no society can bring down fertility rates with progress. Therefore, policies must look at the whole issue of declining workforce participation by women.
- India needs to focus on some areas which are socially, culturally, economically depressed. Identification of 140 high focussed districts is the right step by the governmentin this direction. However, it needs to work in the whole of Bihar, U.P., Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
- India needs to give huge stress on declining sex ratiosand the discrimination towards girls so that people don’t have a high number of children in the hope of having a boy.
- India can achieve a number of SDGs if it links them with family planning.Family planning is a promotive and preventive method for bringing down maternal mortality and child mortality.
- It is important to see the issue of population growth not only from the national perspective but also from the state’s point of view i.e. different states need to be encouraged to take necessary steps for containing the population.
Conclusion
Opportunities and costs are the two sides of the coin when it comes to being the world’s largest populous country. However, the relatively younger population of India provides higher support ratios.
Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To understand the main issues in the urban areas as well as mention the necessary steps through planning and administration to boost the quality of life in urban areas.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
Begin by giving an account on how rapidly Indian Urban spaces are growing both in terms of population density as well as growing urban spills .
Body:
First, mention the various issues plaguing urban areas such as a need for affordable housing, issues of urban slums, waste management, poor drainage etc.
Next, mention about the important factors on which policy deliberation needs to take place such as balance of urban population density with economies of scale and infrastructural facilities among others.
Next discuss the importance of mobilising funds other than public funds and also some of the essential components of urban planning to include sustainability, improved mobility etc for a well-functioning urban space.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the key components for a functional and effective urban city.
Introduction
Currently, India’s nearly 30% population lives in urban areas and it is expected to rise upto 50% by 2050. Being a developing country with a huge population pressure India is facing many challenges due to rural to urban migration. To contain these challenges and to make a proper trajectory towards new India, Sustainable urban planning is an important aspect.
Body
Significance of sustainable urbanization:
- Safe drinking water: According to a report by NITI Aayog, 21 cities will run out of groundwater by 2020. To avoid further worsening of such crisis we need careful urban planning.
- Affordable housing: One of the largest government programmes is to provide affordable housing to citizens. Sustainable urban planning will help to manage land resources in equitable way.
- Urban sewage and solid waste management: In India less than quarter of the waste generated gets proper treatment. For rapidly growing urban agglomerations we need planning to manage this rising challenge.
- Transportation and communication: Sustainable urban planning will provide efficient and eco-friendly public transport facilities to overpopulated urban cities of India.
- Sustainable urban planning will also help in equitable resources distribution and affordable service delivery.
- It will also help in creating sustainable environment and disaster management.
In absence of sustainable urban planning India is facing manifold challenges:
- Rise in Slums:Few of the Asia’s largest slums are in Delhi and Mumbai where unplanned urbanisation led to polluted water, health issues and rising rate of crimes.
- Urban flooding:Floods in Mumbai and Chennai are examples of urban flooding. These are results of unsustainable urbanisation.
- Rising number of accidents:Fires in buildings and deaths in various urban accidents are daily routine in Indian cities.
- Degrading environment:According to WHO report, out of 20 most polluted cities, 14 are in India.
Challenges in sustainable urbanization:
- Economic Sustainability
- Lack of Investments
- Poor technology
- Ecological Sustainability
- Dependence on fossil fuels and coal energy
- Poor Waste management process and technologies
- Vehicular pollution and Climate Change
- Social Sustainability
- Building society based on constitutional principles
- Increasing Population and Proliferation of Slums
- Lack of public awareness
- Weak gender perspective in development
Government efforts towards sustainable urbanization:
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) as a step towards harnessing the agglomeration economies of the urban centres and making cities engines of growth.
- It envisages convergence across various initiatives such as Amrut, Smart Cities, Hriday (National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing with credit linked subsidy.
- Smart cities Mission- It is an urban development programme launched by the government of India with the mission to develop 100 cities across the country and making them citizen friendly and sustainable.
Way forward
- India needs to work on achieving the goals set by United Nations under SDG-11 to be achieved by 2030.
- Need for Comprehensive National urban plan for effective and timely implementation of policies and schemes
- Ensure access for all through adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums, transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
- Give special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women and children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
- Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
- Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
- Substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Conclusion
Cities are living ecosystems. They need to be managed accordingly. Rather than going by populist measures or sticking to the original master plans, local solutions to local problems, innovative, in situ and tailor made solutions should be evolved, adapted and adhered to. Authorities need to be willing to learn, evolve and discard if necessary. We need to empower our cities, with a focus on land policy reforms, granting urban local bodies the autonomy to raise funds and enforce local land usage norms.
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the complex nature of diversity and the potential challenges it presents in a society.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how differences and diversity and inclusivity coexist in India and challenges posed by it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining various attributes of diversity.
Body:
First, write about importance of diversity.
Next, mention the various political narratives which bring out sharp distinctions in prejudices. Throw light on homogenous tendencies which ignore diversity.
Next, write about how despite the above shortcomings how inclusion and diversity in the Indian society. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to achieve inclusivity by overcoming political differences.
Introduction
At its core, diversity signifies the acknowledgment and celebration of the unique attributes that each individual brings to the table. It extends a welcoming embrace to the myriad hues of thought, belief, heritage, and expression that together enrich the mosaic of our global community.
With its vast landmass, diverse climates, and ancient history, India boasts an astonishing array of languages, religions, traditions, cuisines, art forms, and lifestyles. Its diversity is evident in the coexistence of numerous ethnic groups, languages, and religious practices within its borders.
This diversity is deeply rooted in India’s history, where multiple civilizations have flourished and intermingled over millennia. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Mughal Empire and beyond, India has been a melting pot of ideas, beliefs, and customs, which have influenced its architecture, literature, music, and way of life.
Body
Diversity leading to divisiveness
- Religious Differences and Communal Tensions: India is known for its religious diversity, with Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and other religious groups coexisting. However, this diversity has, at times, led to religious tensions, conflicts, and even communal violence. Disagreements over religious practices, beliefs, and places of worship have resulted in incidents that have strained social cohesion.
- Example: The Ayodhya dispute involving the Babri Masjid and Ram Janmabhoomi has been a longstanding religious conflict between Hindus and Muslims, resulting in communal tensions and violence over the years.
- Delhi riots, KG Halli riots in Karnataka etc.
- Caste-based Discrimination: The caste system, deeply ingrained in India’s social fabric, has led to caste-based discrimination and inequalities. While measures have been taken to address these issues, caste-based conflicts and intolerance continue to exist, particularly in rural areas.
- Eg: Even today instances in rural India have been reported where discrimination is seen against Dalits using public spaces.
- Linguistic Diversity and Regionalism: India’s linguistic diversity is vast, with hundreds of languages spoken across the country. However, linguistic diversity has sometimes fueled regionalism and separatist movements. Differences in language have occasionally led to tensions over language policies, state boundaries, and cultural identities.
- Example: The movement for the separate state of Telangana emerged due to regional disparities and differences in language and culture, leading to protests and demands for the creation of a new state.
- Identity Politics and Reservation: Identity-based politics, such as caste-based reservations, though intended to uplift marginalized communities, have sometimes exacerbated divisions. Competitions for limited resources and opportunities have led to conflicts between different social groups.
- Maratha reservation, Jat reservation issue are case in point.
- Political and Ideological Differences: India’s political landscape is characterized by a range of ideologies and parties representing various interests. These differences can escalate into intolerance and divisiveness, particularly during election campaigns, when rhetoric might target specific communities or groups.
- Ethnic and Tribal Conflicts: Tribal and ethnic diversity has sometimes resulted in conflicts over land, resources, and rights. Tribes and indigenous communities have at times been marginalized, leading to tensions between them and the larger society.
- The Manipur violence and riots between Meiteis and Kukis is a black mark in Independent India’s history.
- Regional Differences and Autonomy: India’s vast geographical expanse encompasses various regions, each with its own distinct culture and identity. Regional differences can sometimes give rise to demands for greater autonomy or even separatist movements, leading to tension with the central government.
- Example: The demand for a separate Gorkhaland state by the Gorkhas in West Bengal has resulted in conflicts with the state government, reflecting regional identity clashes and calls for autonomy.
- Social Media and Misinformation: While social media has connected people from diverse backgrounds, it has also been used to spread misinformation, hate speech, and divisive narratives. False narratives related to religious, ethnic, or cultural issues can easily spread online, exacerbating tensions.
- Historical Conflicts and Narratives: Different communities might have varying interpretations of historical events, which can lead to tensions and disputes. Historical grievances and narratives can contribute to intolerance and divisive attitudes.
- Economic Disparities: Socioeconomic disparities between different groups can lead to resentment and intolerance. When economic opportunities are unequally distributed, it can contribute to a sense of inequality and divisiveness.
Diversity in India despite challenges
- Festivals: India’s diverse festivals are a testament to its inclusivity. Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, is also enjoyed by Sikhs and Jains. Eid, observed by Muslims, sees participation from people of various faiths who join in the spirit of celebration. Holi, the festival of colors, is embraced across communities.
- Eg: Initiatives like Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat
- Unity in Crisis: During times of crisis, communities come together irrespective of their differences. Instances like natural disasters or communal tensions often lead to neighbours and strangers helping one another without regard for religious or cultural background.
- Cultural Exchanges: Various art forms and cultural practices are appreciated and shared across communities. Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak are admired beyond their originating regions. Music genres, culinary traditions, and traditional attire find enthusiasts across the country.
- Interfaith Marriages: In recent times, interfaith marriages are becoming more common, exemplifying individuals’ willingness to embrace love and unity despite religious differences. Such unions often lead to cultural exchanges that enrich families and communities.
- Historical Sites: India’s historical sites and monuments often reflect the synthesis of diverse architectural styles and cultural influences. The Qutub Minar in Delhi, for instance, exhibits both Islamic and Hindu architectural elements.
- Language Bridges: While India has a multitude of languages, English and Hindi serve as bridges between different linguistic groups, enabling communication and interaction across regions.
- Cultural Heritage: UNESCO’s recognition of Indian cultural sites like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s cityscape, and Ahmedabad’s historic city center underscores the value placed on preserving and celebrating diverse heritage.
- Education and Workplaces: Educational institutions and workplaces often bring together people from different backgrounds, fostering understanding and cooperation. Students and professionals engage with peers from various regions, cultures, and languages, leading to a broader worldview.
- Cuisine: India’s culinary landscape is a testament to its diverse culture. People from all community relish dishes from across the country, appreciating the variety of flavors and ingredients that different regions offer.
- Constitutional Values: India’s Constitution enshrines the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and freedom of religion. Legal protections exist to ensure that individuals can practice their beliefs and cultures without fear of prejudice.
- Civil Society Initiatives: Various non-governmental organizations and community-driven initiatives work to promote understanding, tolerance, and collaboration among diverse groups. These efforts are visible in community projects, dialogues, and cultural events.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that while diversity can sometimes contribute to intolerance and divisiveness, these issues are not inevitable outcomes. They often arise due to historical, social, economic, and political factors. Efforts to promote understanding, tolerance, and dialogue among diverse communities are crucial for fostering unity and ensuring that diversity remains a source of strength rather than division.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses a scheme aimed at assisting urban poor individuals in constructing houses in cities, emphasizing the significance of affordable housing for vulnerable urban populations.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about significance “Affordable Housing for All” in the economic development and well-being of India.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define what is meant by housing for all.
Body:
Firstly, discuss in what way Food, cloth and housing are the basic necessities of any individual. How Affordable housing improves well-being of an individual and a country.
Next, elucidate on how Affordable housing helps in human development, how it helps in Economic Development.
Next, write about the mechanisms available from the government side for the same and what are the challenges involved in the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
“Affordable Housing for All” represents a vision that extends beyond the basic provision of shelter. By ensuring that everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing, a country like India can catalyze the creation of a more equitable and thriving society. This concept involves several interconnected dimensions that contribute to social, economic, and environmental well-being
Body
Affordable housing: Significance
- Dignity and Security: Access to safe and affordable housing grants individuals and families a sense of dignity and security. It provides a stable foundation from which people can pursue opportunities, access education, and lead healthier lives. Adequate housing protects vulnerable populations from environmental hazards, displacement, and exploitation.
- Economic Empowerment: Affordable housing contributes to economic empowerment in multiple ways. When people spend less on housing, they have more resources to invest in education, healthcare, and starting businesses. It boosts local economies by creating jobs in construction, real estate, and related industries.
- Education and Skill Development: Stable housing can positively influence educational outcomes for children. When families have a secure place to live, children can attend school regularly and focus on their studies. This contributes to a cycle of education and skill development that leads to better employment opportunities in the future.
- Community Development: Affordable housing promotes the growth of vibrant and cohesive communities. People are more likely to engage in local activities, collaborate on projects, and build social networks when they have a stake in their community. Strong communities contribute to a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
- Reducing Inequality: Affordable housing initiatives target the root causes of inequality by providing marginalized and underserved populations with access to a fundamental need. This creates a more level playing field and reduces disparities in living conditions and opportunities.
- Health and Well-being: Housing conditions have a direct impact on health. Adequate housing reduces exposure to environmental hazards, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes for residents.
- Urban Planning and Sustainability: Well-planned affordable housing projects can contribute to sustainable urban development. Concentrating housing close to employment centers and public transportation reduces commuting times and energy consumption. Additionally, integrating green spaces and energy-efficient design principles can create more livable and environmentally friendly communities.
- Social Cohesion: A society that prioritizes affordable housing for all fosters a sense of inclusivity and shared purpose. When people from diverse backgrounds live in close proximity, they have opportunities to interact, learn from one another, and challenge stereotypes, promoting social cohesion.
- Reduced Informal Settlements: Adequate affordable housing options can help reduce the prevalence of informal settlements, slums, and unregulated housing. This leads to improved living conditions and reduces the strain on urban infrastructure and services.
- Long-term Economic Stability: Providing affordable housing contributes to long-term economic stability. It reduces the burden on social services, enhances overall quality of life, and supports sustainable urbanization.
Challenges in affordable housing scheme
- Identification of Beneficiaries: Identifying eligible beneficiaries accurately is a challenge. Ensuring that those who are most in need receive the benefits while preventing potential misuse of the program requires a robust and transparent selection process.
- Land Availability: Acquiring suitable land for housing projects, particularly in urban areas, can be difficult and time-consuming. Land scarcity and high land prices can hinder the timely implementation of projects.
- Funding and Financing: The financial resources required for the ambitious housing projects under PMAY can strain government budgets. Mobilizing funds, securing loans, and coordinating with financial institutions to ensure a steady flow of resources is a persistent challenge.
- Timely Implementation: Delays in project implementation can occur due to bureaucratic processes, administrative bottlenecks, and lack of coordination among various stakeholders. Timely completion is crucial to meeting the housing needs of the beneficiaries.
- Quality Control: Ensuring the construction of quality housing units that are durable and safe is vital. Monitoring and maintaining construction standards across a large number of projects can be challenging, especially in remote or underserved areas.
- Infrastructure and Services: Affordable housing projects must also provide basic infrastructure and services such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, and access to healthcare and education. Coordinating these services alongside housing construction can be complex.
- Preference for Location: Beneficiaries often prefer housing units located closer to their places of work or original residences. Balancing these preferences with the availability of land and infrastructure can be a challenge.
- Geographical Diversity: India’s geographical diversity presents varied challenges in terms of climate, terrain, and local building practices. Designing housing solutions that are suitable for different regions while maintaining quality standards can be demanding.
- Awareness and Participation: Raising awareness about the PMAY scheme among eligible beneficiaries and ensuring their active participation is crucial. Many potential beneficiaries might not be aware of the program or how to apply.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are needed to track the progress of the program, measure its impact, and identify areas that require improvement.
Government measures
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): PMAY is a flagship affordable housing scheme aimed at providing “Housing for All” by 2022. It is divided into two components: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).
- Under PMAY (Urban), financial assistance is provided to eligible beneficiaries to construct new houses, renovate existing ones, or buy ready-built houses.
- PMAY (Gramin) focuses on providing financial assistance for the construction of pucca houses to rural beneficiaries.
- Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS): CLSS is a component of PMAY that offers interest subsidies on home loans for different income groups.
- Beneficiaries falling under Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low-Income Groups (LIG), Middle-Income Group-I (MIG-I), and Middle-Income Group-II (MIG-II) can avail interest subsidies based on their income.
- Affordable Housing Fund (AHF): The Affordable Housing Fund was set up by the government to provide financing to affordable housing projects. It encourages banks and financial institutions to extend credit for housing projects targeted at EWS and LIG beneficiaries.
- Infrastructure Status for Affordable Housing: Affordable housing was granted infrastructure status, making it easier for developers to access institutional funding and loans at more favorable terms. This facilitates faster project approvals and development.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) Reduction: The government reduced GST rates on under-construction affordable housing projects, which has led to lower overall costs for homebuyers.
- Urban Rental Housing Policy: The Urban Rental Housing Policy aims to provide a regulatory framework for the rental housing market, making it more attractive for both landlords and tenants. This encourages increased supply and affordability of rental housing.
- Pradhan Mantri Swamitva Yojana: This scheme aims to provide property ownership rights to people living in rural areas. By providing property titles, it enables access to formal credit, and this can contribute to better housing conditions and affordability.
- Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA): While RERA primarily focuses on transparency and accountability in the real estate sector, its implementation has indirectly contributed to better consumer protection and more realistic pricing, which can benefit homebuyers.
- Incentives for Developers: Various incentives, such as tax breaks and faster approvals, are provided to developers who focus on building affordable housing projects.
Conclusion
“Affordable Housing for All” transcends the idea of mere shelter. It represents a transformative approach to social development that addresses numerous interconnected challenges. By ensuring that everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing, India can foster a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous society for present and future generations.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article explores the concept of measuring poverty beyond traditional monetary metrics and suggests alternative approaches.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about various ways to measure poverty and issues in regards to poverty measurement.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about importance of poverty measurement.
Body:
First, write about the various ways to measure poverty – National Sample Survey (NSS) based per capita consumption, Income based poverty line, consumption-based poverty line, Poverty line basket, Various committees and international standards etc.
Next, write about the various issues with poverty measurement in India.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to overcome the above issues.
Introduction
Poverty can be defined as a condition in which an individual or household lacks the financial resources to afford a basic minimum standard of living. Economists and policymakers estimate “absolute” poverty as the shortfall in consumption expenditure from a threshold called the “poverty line”.
The official poverty line is the expenditure incurred to obtain the goods in a “poverty line basket” (PLB). Poverty can be measured in terms of the number of people living below this line (with the incidence of poverty expressed as the head count ratio). The “depth” of poverty indicates how far the poor are below the poverty line.
Body
Various ways to measure poverty
- Planning Commission Expert Group (1962), working group constituted by the Planning Commission formulated the separate poverty lines for rural and urban areas (₹20 and ₹25 per capita per year respectively).
- VM Dandekar and N Rath (1971), made the first systematic assessment of poverty in India, based on National Sample Survey (NSS) data.
- Unlike previous scholars who had considered subsistence living or basic minimum needs criteria as the measure of poverty line, VM Dandekar and N Rath were of the view that poverty line must be derived from the expenditure that was adequate to provide 2250 calories per day in both rural and urban areas.
- Expenditure based Poverty line estimation, generated a debate on minimum calorie consumption norms.
- Alagh Committee (1979): Task force constituted by the Planning Commission under the chairmanship of YK Alagh, constructed a poverty line for rural and urban areas on the basis of nutritional requirements and related consumption expenditure.
- Poverty estimates for subsequent years were to be calculated by adjusting the price level for inflation.
- Lakdawala Committee (1993): Task Force chaired by DT Lakdawala, based on the assumption that the basket of goods and services used to calculate Consumer Price Index-Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) and Consumer Price Index- Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) reflect the consumption patterns of the poor, made the following suggestions:
- Consumption expenditure should be calculated based on calorie consumption as earlier.
- State specific poverty lines should be constructed and these should be updated using the CPI-IW in urban areas and CPI-AL in rural areas.
- Discontinuation of scaling of poverty estimates based on National Accounts Statistics.
Tendulkar Committee (2009): Expert group constituted by the Planning Commission and, chaired by Suresh Tendulkar, was constituted to review methodology for poverty estimation and to address the following shortcomings of the previous methods:
- Obsolete Consumption Pattern: Consumption patterns were linked to the 1973-74 poverty line baskets (PLBs) of goods and services, whereas there were significant changes in the consumption patterns of the poor since that time, which were not reflected in the poverty estimates.
- Inflation Adjustment: There were issues with the adjustment of prices for inflation, both spatially (across regions) and temporally (across time).
- Health and Education Expenditure: Earlier poverty lines assumed that health and education would be provided by the state and formulated poverty lines accordingly.
Issues involved in measuring poverty in India
- Monetary-based poverty measures are inadequate: In most cases, not all individuals who are income poor are multidimensionally poor and not all multidimensionally poor individuals are income poor.
- As per the Tendulkar estimation, the percentage of people living below the poverty line in India is 21.9%. However, as pe Rangarajan estimation, the percentage of people living below the poverty line in India is 29.5%.
- Economic growth does not always reduce poverty or deprivation. Several studies have found that economic growth is not strongly associated with a reduction in other deprivations, such as child malnutrition or child mortality.
- Poverty as multidimensional: Poor people describe ill-being to include poor health, nutrition, lack of adequate sanitation and clean water, social exclusion, low education, bad housing conditions, violence, shame, disempowerment and much more.
- Need for more policy-relevant information on poverty, so that policymakers are better equipped to deal with it: For example, an area in which most people are deprived in education requires a different poverty reduction strategy from an area in which most people are deprived in housing conditions
Conclusion
The World Health Organization has described poverty as the greatest cause of suffering on earth. Poverty eradication should not be the goal of the government but the goal of the government policies should be to create prosperity. Both monetary and non-monetary measures of poverty are needed to better inform the policies intended to address the needs and deprivations faced by poor populations.
General Studies – 4
Topic: strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
trace the link between non-partisanship in public administration and equality amongst citizens.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by highlighting the importance of neutrality and non-partisanship in public administration.
Body:
Begin by talking about values which are important to the level of justice and continuity in public administration with suitable examples.
Mention about how public servants must be accountable to the government for the effective delivery of its programs.
Then finally talk about responsiveness of the administration to the government of the day within the law and the how constitution is key to the effective implementation of government policies in an equitable manner.
Conclusion:
Complete the answer by suggesting ways for neutrality in public administration in an increasingly polarizing world.
Introduction
Non-partisanship is not being specifically owned or affiliated with any group, party or cause. Non-partisanship can be called as political neutrality. Non-partisanship implies that the administrator is to do his/her task without any fear of or favour to any political party.
Body
A bureaucrat is needed to be politically neutral:
- Neutralitydepicts that public officials are not slaves to either the politicians or any other authority other than the moral authority of the Constitution.
- It shows that the principle of neutrality implies a measure of independence both from the partisan interests of the government of the day and the exogenous agenda that prompts certain social groups to cow others down to humiliating vulnerability.
- Bureaucracy should be neutral in terms of ideology and politics. So that there will not be an affinity to a particular class or ideology.
- For a genuine public official, commitment to constitutional principles is not only a lifelong project but, more importantly, it can be carried out without any political or ideological mediation.
- If bureaucracy won’t be neutral then it cannot lend its whole-hearted support to the existing political system, and to the economic and political system if any radical changes are introduced.
- Without neutrality, there can be a close nexus between bureaucracy and large-scale enterprises which could further lead to crony capitalism.
- By and large, the spirit of neutrality imbedded by civil servants enables them to perform their duties in a detached and impartial manner.
Impartiality and Non-partisanship which determine the foundation of a non-partisan public service. These are:
- Recruitment, promotions or even terminations should be completely free of any kind of political influence and done purely on merit basis.
- All public officials should perform their duties in an impartial manner.
- Kenneth Kernaghan has put forth a model of political neutrality which suggests the following:
- Politics and policy are completely separate from administration. While politicians take policy decisions, it is the public officials which put them in execution.
- All public officials are recruited purely on merit basis and not depending on any political inclination or affiliation.
- Public officials do not engage in any partisan politics.
- Public officials do not express their personal views on government policies and administration.
- Public officials give correct and objective advice to their political masters.
- All policies are implemented with full zeal and enthusiasm keeping all personal biases at a side.
- The major advantage of this value is that it removes all scope of controversy that a public servant may encounter during his time of service. Neutral nature of work will keep issues away from public fanfare.
- Ex: If a public servant gives permission for holding rally to a particular political party and denies the same for another, it will create controversy. By maintaining neutrality this can be avoided.
- In multi religious and multicultural society such as India there are many issues that arise between two groups, which may result in tension. The public official must exercise his duty by maintaining distance from both the parties in order to maintain peace.
- Ex: Religious procession is one of the many events where different groups show their strength. During this time the public official must be ready to take rational decisions without favouring one party over the other.
- Government is ruling body that needs to maintain distance from getting involved too closely with public. If that barrier is broken, the value and dignity of the position will be compromised.
- Ex: Members of UPSC should keep distance from candidates who they know personally. If any links are established, then reputation of the body will be under threat.
Conclusion
Impartiality and Non-partisanship both form essential foundational values for civil services. While impartiality ensures equality without any bias and prejudices in the general, non-partisanship ensures a neutral approach in politics and a solid commitment to the government
Topic: ethical issues in international relations and funding;
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write international morality and its nature.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining international morality.
Body:
Start by explaining what is international ethics – moral principles, customary International Law, Human rights, Cooperation, Non-aggression etc. Cite examples to substantiate your points.
Next, write about if it is just a theoretical concept or it is applied in practise as well.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a balanced opinion on international morality.
Introduction
Ethical questions are central to the study of international relations, as it is a field of study concerned with war and peace, trade and production, and law and rights. Yet, a persistent conventional wisdom suggests ethics are marginal to international relations.
Realists believe that International relations is solely based on power and national interest and has no place for morality. In the words of Thucydides “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”.”
Body
Do Ethical considerations have a say in international relations?
To answer this question, realists and idealists have an ongoing debate. But since the second world war, the debate was settled largely in favour of the realists.
Hans Morgenthau, gave 6 principles of Realism in International Relations
- Politics is governed by Objective Laws which have roots in Human Nature:
- The first principle of political realism holds that “politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature.” Humans are power seeking by nature and so are the states.
- National Interest defined in terms of National Power:
- No considerations of Moral Imperatives when it comes to national interest. For eg: Even though India espoused Panchsheel principles, China went to war with India in 1962 without as much of a warning.
- National Interest is always dynamic and it keeps changing. Eg: Russia had imposed arms embargo on Pakistan by being a friend to India, which was lifted recently.
- Abstract Moral Principles cannot be applied to Politics:
- Politics is not ethics and the ruler is not a moralist. The primary function of a state is to satisfy and protect the demands of national interest by means of national power.
- No universal moral principle in international relations
- Political realism refuses to identify the moral aspirations of a particular nation with the moral principles that govern the universe. It refuses to accept that the national interests and policies of any particular nation reflect universally applied moral principles.
- Autonomy of International Relations: It is neither ethics nor law or economics. It is an autonomous discipline where national interest reigns supreme
However, it must be noted that, it is without the element of morality that USA decided to use nuclear bomb on Japan. Only after this plan was executed, the world became aware of the devastating consequences that had ensued. Below are examples that highlight this norm.
- The alleged just war cause where a country thinks it’s their moral responsibility to save the world. E.g.: USA and Iraq war.
- Threat to the Rules-based order of the world by side-lining of the Global bodies like UNSC, WTO such as USA. Pursuing unilateralism and Protectionism goes against the ideal of Rules-based international world order.
- China’s dominance in the South China Sea and its policy of “Debt-Trap diplomacy”, “Island-encirclement” and “String of Pearls” show that there is no adherence to morality.
International morality and International Relations
- Rights and Responsibilities: The UNPeackeeping mission is based on the principle of universal peace. This is the responsibility of the Security Council and all the nations to maintain universal peace. India believes in this ideology and has been the largest cumulative troop contributing nation.
- Equality: Ethics aim at “Peaceful World”, “Respect for All” & “Equality” while forming international organizations, declarations & forums. E.g.: The demand for equality in IMF & UNO shows the demand of adhering to ethics in a way.
- Resolving Tensions: Ethics helps to avoid the “Ego Clash” & “Ideological Clash” between two or more nations. For instance, the disruption between India & Pakistan relations can be avoided if both take a decision based on ethics.
- Solidarity: Natural disasters and refugee crisis situations require a more compassionate view of the global community. These are not isolated events and rather, the duty of every global citizen to help in the times of crisis. g.- Aid during natural disasters (Nepal earthquake)
- Human rights: Adherence to human rights is vital after the Decalaration of Human Rights in the UN Charter. Eg- lack of ethics in the international relation has been the cause of wars & genocide many times in history (Rawnda and Burundi) and also like the first world war.
Conclusion
International ethic is not just an ethic of some leading country, it is not simply an ethic of a powerful country having obligations towards others, because of the power they have over others. International ethics may be elaborated as, that which enables one to participate more actively in shaping and building good international community. The vision of international community that every country has and reality of an international community provides us with food for thought, on what ought to be the nature and purpose of investing in international relations to build an international community.
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