75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 1
GS 1
GS1. Examine the significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in the struggle for civil rights and social justice in India. 10M
Key demand of the question
To write about the significance of Vaikom Satyagraha.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
- Write about the Vaikom Satyagraha– a peaceful civil rights movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed to challenge the practice of untouchability, committed to nonviolence and were able to overcome the opposition through their peaceful protests and demonstrations.
- Next, write about the significance of the above and its legacy.
Conclusion
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The Vaikom Satyagraha, which took place from 1924 to 1925 in the princely state of Travancore (present-day Kerala), was a nonviolent protest aimed at securing the right for all castes to use the public roads surrounding the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, a privilege that was traditionally restricted to upper-caste Hindus. The movement was one of the earliest organized efforts to challenge the rigid caste system and played a pivotal role in shaping future social and political reforms in India.
Body:
Significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in the struggle for civil rights and social justice in India:
- Public support and mediation: It was cosmopolitan in character and people from various religious communities, castes and provinces took part in it. Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement brought national attention to the issue.
- g. The Akalis of Punjab came to Vaikom to open a free kitchen for the Satyagrahis.
- It also heralded the mass participation of women in public action.
- Abolition of caste-based discrimination: The Vaikom Satyagraha was a significant step towards challenging and dismantling caste-based discrimination. Although it did not immediately abolish all caste restrictions, it set a precedent for future movements.
- Empowerment of lower castes: The movement empowered the lower castes, instilling a sense of solidarity and encouraging them to fight for their rights.
- It highlighted the importance of unity and collective action in the struggle against social injustices.
- Catalyst for temple entry movements: The Vaikom Satyagraha inspired similar movements across India, particularly in Kerala.
- It laid the groundwork for the Guruvayur Satyagraha (1931-32) and the Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936, which allowed all castes to enter Hindu temples in Travancore.
- Strengthening the nationalist movement: By aligning the fight for social justice with the broader nationalist movement, the Vaikom Satyagraha reinforced the interconnectedness of the struggle for independence and social reform.
- It demonstrated that the fight for freedom from British rule was also a fight against internal social inequalities.
- Institutional support for social justice: The movement highlighted the need for institutional support for social justice reforms. It encouraged political leaders and reformers to push for legislative measures that would protect and promote the rights of marginalized communities.
Conclusion
Thus, Vaikom Satyagraha became a primary struggle for human rights in India and became a laboratory for testing important methods like Satyagrahas. Vaikom is a symbol of social justice and symbolizes the eradication of caste barriers.
Q2. How do taboos and myths surrounding menstruation impact women’s socio-cultural participation in India? What steps can be taken to challenge these norms and promote inclusivity? 15M
Key demand of the question
To identify and explain how taboos and myths surrounding menstruation affect women’s participation in socio-cultural activities in India and to propose steps to challenge these norms and enhance inclusivity.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduce the topic of menstruation-related taboos and myths in India, briefly explaining their prevalence and impact on women’s lives.
Body:
- Firstly, discuss the impact of taboos and myths surrounding menstruation – social exclusion, educational barriers, health implications, economic disadvantages etc.
- Next, write the steps to challenge menstruation-related norms and promote Inclusivity –
- Educational awareness,
- improving menstrual hygiene management.
- Policy and Legal Interventions- such as tax exemptions on sanitary products.
- Promoting inclusive education- involving both genders.
- Promoting engagement and dialogue among men and women to break down taboos and foster understanding.
Conclusion
Conclude with a call for collective action to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women.
Introduction
Menstruation is a natural biological process that typically starts in females between the ages of 11 and 14, marking the onset of puberty. Despite its natural occurrence, menstruation is often surrounded by secrecy, restrictions, and myths in various cultures. In India, for example, menstruating women may face numerous limitations such as being forbidden from touching water, cooking, participating in religious and cultural ceremonies, entering sacred or cultural sites, and engaging in community activities.
Body:
The stigma associated with menstruation significantly impacts the social development of girls and women in India in several ways:
- Exclusion from public life: Restrictions preventing menstruating females from entering temples, kitchens, or touching holy books reinforce the notion that women and girls have limited access to public spaces, thereby restricting their participation in public life.
- g. in festivals like Durga Puja and Navratri.
- Hindering socio-economic progress: The cultural shame linked to menstruation and the lack of menstrual products can prevent women from attending school and working, thereby undermining gender equality and hindering their socio-economic advancement.
- E.g. According to a report by Dasra, around 23 million girls drop out of school annually in India due to a lack of menstrual hygiene management facilities.
- Health and hygiene concerns: About 88% of menstruating women in India use unsafe sanitary methods such as newspapers, old rags, husks, ash, and leaves, which increases their risk of infection.
- E.g. A 2023 NFHS-5 survey found that 47% of married women between the ages of 15 and 24 exclusively use sanitary methods, while still 23% exclusively use cloth.
- Barriers to opportunities: Misconceptions about the diminished physical and emotional capacities of menstruating women create barriers to opportunities, reinforcing gender inequality.
- For example, in some rural areas, it is believed that women should not participate in physical activities or sports during menstruation, limiting their opportunities for personal development.
- Increased vulnerability: Menarche, the onset of menstruation, is often seen as a sign that girls are ready for marriage or sexual activity, which can undermine their human rights and increase their vulnerability to abuses such as child marriage and sexual violence.
- g. in certain communities, girls are married off soon after they start menstruating, increasing their risk of early pregnancy and associated health complications.
Steps needed to challenge menstruation-related norms and promote Inclusivity:
- Raising awareness: Community-based health education campaigns can inform adolescent girls about menstrual health and hygiene, preparing them better for menstruation.
- g. NGOs like Goonj and Menstrual Hygiene Day are actively working to raise awareness and provide menstrual education.
- Educating males: Informing men about menstruation as a natural phenomenon can help bring about societal change and reduce stigma.
- g. Programs like Men Engage are working to involve men and boys in conversations about menstruation and gender equality.
- Providing necessary infrastructure and products: Ensuring the availability of sanitary napkins and adequate sanitation and washing facilities in educational institutions, public offices, and other relevant locations.
- E.g. The Indian Government’s Menstrual Hygiene Scheme aims to increase access to sanitary napkins for adolescent girls in rural areas by providing subsidized products through schools and Anganwadi centres.
- Sensitizing health workers: Health workers should be trained to spread knowledge within the community and mobilize social support to dispel menstruation-related myths.
- g. Organizations like UNICEF and WHO are involved in training health workers to promote menstrual hygiene management.
- Implementing menstrual leave policies: Governments should consider formulating menstrual leave policies for working women and female students to allow them the right to rest without penalty.
- E.g. Some Indian states, like Bihar, have already implemented menstrual leave policies, setting an example for others to follow.
Conclusion
Addressing prejudices and myths about menstruation requires a multi-dimensional approach. Physical infrastructure, water, and sanitation projects need to be linked with health education and reproductive health programs for a more holistic approach to the issue.
ETHICS
Q3. Discuss the importance of cultivating a service-oriented attitude in civil servants. [10M, 150words]
Key Demand of question:
Discuss the significance of having service service-oriented attitude in public life.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction: Start with the definition of Attitude.
Body:
- An attitude is “a relatively enduring organization of beliefs, feelings, and behavioural tendencies towards socially significant objects, groups, events or symbols”.
- Write about the importance of having a service-oriented attitude.
- Then discuss briefly how lacking service service-oriented attitude is a threat.
- At last, write a few ways in which such an attitude of service can be inculcated.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarizing the above content.
Introduction:
Attitude is the State of mind or a set of views or a settled way of thinking or feeling about something in a particular way that has an evaluative feature (Positive, Negative, or Neutral).
Body:
The importance of having a service-oriented attitude is:
- Public Trust and Accountability: When civil servants prioritize the needs of the public and work diligently to serve them, it fosters a positive relationship between the government and the citizens.
- Ethical Governance: Civil servants who act with a genuine intention to serve the public good are more likely to uphold ethical standards and make decisions that are fair and just.
- Efficiency and Effectiveness: Civil servants with a service-oriented mindset are more likely to implement policies and deliver services in a way that maximizes public welfare and minimizes bureaucratic delays.
- Social Cohesion and Inclusiveness: By prioritizing the welfare of all segments of society, especially the marginalized and vulnerable, civil servants can promote social cohesion and inclusiveness.
But if the service attitude lacking it will impact society through:
- Erosion of Public Trust: When civil servants lack a service-oriented attitude, it leads to public distrust and dissatisfaction with the government.
- g.: the NTA NEET exam scam where integrity was compromised.
- Corruption and Misuse of Power: Without a commitment to serving the public, officials may prioritize personal gain over the public good, leading to unethical practices and undermining the integrity of public institutions.
- Eg: Recently Pooja Kedkhar IAS misused the power at the office.
- Inefficiency and Red Tape: This results in delayed services, inadequate implementation of policies, and overall inefficiency in governance, adversely affecting the public.
- Eg: Two Delhi IPS booked for sexual harassment.
- Social Injustice and Inequality: When civil servants do not prioritize the needs of the disadvantaged, it can lead to policies and actions that marginalize certain groups, thereby increasing social divisions and tensions.
Service-oriented attitude can be inculcated in the following ways:
- Ethical Training and Education: Courses on moral philosophy, public service ethics, and the importance of altruism can instil a sense of duty and commitment to public welfare.
- g.: Mission Karmayogi to instil foundational values.
- Role Models and Mentorship: Encouraging mentorship by exemplary civil servants who embody a service-oriented attitude can inspire others.
- Eg: Exemplifying leaders like T N Sesan.
- Creating a Supportive Environment: This includes setting clear expectations, providing necessary resources, and creating policies that encourage and facilitate public service.
- Community Engagement and Feedback: Engaging with the community and seeking their feedback can help civil servants understand the real impact of their work and reinforce their commitment to serving the public.
- Eg: Social audits like in MNREGA.
Conclusion:
By fostering a service-oriented attitude in civil servants, we can ensure that public officials act in the best interests of society, uphold ethical standards, and contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the nation.
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