[Synopsis] Day 24 – July 26, 2024 – 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – Social Justice

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – Social Justice

Social Justice

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development

Q1. Economic survey notes that India has moved from women’s development to women-led development. Critically analyze. (10M)

Key Demand of the question:

Critically analyze the shift from women’s development to women-led development as noted in the Economic Survey.

Directive:

Critically analyze – Provide a balanced evaluation of the shift, discussing its implications, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define “women’s development” and “women-led development.” Briefly state the significance of this shift as noted in the Economic Survey.

Body:

First part: Implications and Benefits of Women-Led Development

Empowerment and leadership roles

Economic Growth and community development

Social Change

Second part: Challenges and Criticisms

Implementation Gaps

Intersectionality

Resource Allocation:

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for targeted strategies and comprehensive support to fully realise the potential of this approach.

Introduction:

Recent Economic survey notes that the share of the Gender Budget in the total Union Budget has increased to 6.5% in Financial Year 2025, the highest since the introduction of Gender Budgeting Scheme in Financial Year 2006. This shows that India is shifting from women’s development to women-led development.

Body: 

Historic focus on Women’s Development: 

1. Education: Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aimed at improving female literacy and reducing dropout rates.
2. Health: Programs for maternal and child health, such as Janani Suraksha Yojana.
3. Economic Support: Financial inclusion initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.

Shift to Women-Led Development: 

“Women-led development” refers to a development approach where women take on leading roles and actively participate in shaping and driving the economic, social, and political progress of a society or community. 

1. Leadership: Promoting women in leadership roles in politics, business, and community organizations.

• Example: Women’s reservation bill to increase women upto 33% in politics.

2. Economic Independence: Schemes like the Stand Up India Scheme and Mudra Yojana to support women entrepreneurs.

• Example: National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) boasts of a large number of women members of 10 Cr into Self Help Group (SHG) of 90 Lakh SHGs.

3. Skill Development: Vocational training programs under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) aimed at enhancing employability.

• Data: The number of women trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has increased from 42.7% in financial year 2016 to 52.3% in financial year 2024.

Benefits of Women-Led Development: 

The Economic survey estimated that direct public investment in care economy equivalent to 2% of the GDP has the potential to generate 11 million jobs in the sector, nearly 70% of which will go to women. 

1. Increased Agency: Women have greater control over resources and decision-making processes.
2. Economic Growth: Enhanced participation in the workforce contributes to GDP growth and economic diversification.
3. Social Impact: Promotes gender equality and social justice, potentially leading to more sustainable development outcomes.

Challenges to Women-Led Development:

1. Deep-Seated Patriarchy: Ingrained patriarchal norms and societal structures impede women’s empowerment and leadership.
2. Gender-Based Violence: High rates of violence against women, with 4,05,861 cases reported in 2021, including 32,033 rape cases, undermine safety and equality.
3. Resource Allocation: Gender Component is only 6.5% of the total budget.
4. Political Underrepresentation: Women are significantly underrepresented in political roles, with only 82 women in Parliament (15.2% in LS, 13% in RS).

Conclusion: 

Women led development requires more women as entrepreneurs, political leaders and an essential shift in the societal mindsets.

Topic: Institutions and bodies for welfare and safeguard of vulnerable sections.

Q2. What are the constitutional provisions and issues faced by National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) in India? Suggest reforms for increasing its effectiveness. (15M)

 Key Demand of the question:

Discuss the constitutional provisions related to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), the issues it faces, and suggest reforms to enhance its effectiveness.

 Directive:

What, Suggest– Provide a detailed analysis of the constitutional provisions, issues, and potential reforms.

 Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the role and importance of the NCBC.

Body:

First part: Constitutional Provisions:

Article 338B: Explain the provision for the NCBC under Article 338B of the Constitution.

Role and Function

Second part: Issues Faced by NCBC

Limited Powers

Administrative Challenges

Representation and Inclusivity

Coordination with State Bodies:

Third part: Reforms to Increase Effectiveness

Resource Allocation

Strengthening Coordination

Enhanced Representation

Shift to binding nature of recommendations

Conclusion:

Emphasize the importance of implementing reforms to strengthen the NCBC and improve its effectiveness in serving the backward classes.

Introduction: 

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) in India has developed over time to tackle historical inequalities and support marginalised groups, promoting social justice and equality. Following the 1992 Indra Sawhney case, the NCBC was established as a permanent body to assess and recommend the inclusion or exclusion of Backward Classes.

Body:

Constitutional Provisions:

1. 102nd Amendment Act (2018):

• It granted the NCBC constitutional recognition.
• Introduced Articles 338B and 342A.
• Article 338B allows the NCBC to review complaints and propose welfare measures.
• Article 342A gives the President the authority to identify socially and educationally backward classes.
• Article 340: Deals with the identification of backward classes. It examines factors leading to their backwardness and recommends solutions.

Challenges Faced by the NCBC:

1. Non-binding Recommendations: The NCBC’s recommendations do not have legal force, making them non-binding on the government.
2. Defining Backwardness: The NCBC struggles with defining criteria for backwardness, affecting its ability to address the inclusion of various castes.
3. Lack of Expert Characteristics: The current NCBC structure does not fully meet the expert body criteria set by the Supreme Court.
4. Imbalanced Representation: Recent data shows an imbalance in representation among SC/ST and OBC groups, impacting effective representation.
5. Political Interference: NCBC is accused of cherry-picking issues of backward classes based on political preferences.

Suggested Reforms:

1. Inclusive Composition: Improve gender sensitivity and include diverse stakeholders in the NCBC to better represent the communities it serves.
2. Shift to Value-based Politics: Move away from vote bank politics and adopt a value-based approach to ensure reservations benefit only genuinely disadvantaged groups.
3. Periodic Revision Mechanism: Implement a mechanism for the periodic review of backward classes, as directed by the Supreme Court, involving consultation with the NCBC.
4. Binding Recommendations: Consider legislative changes to make the NCBC’s recommendations more binding and impactful on policy decisions.
5. Community Consultations: Actively engage with the communities represented by the NCBC to better address their needs and concerns.

Conclusion: 

By implementing the proposed reforms, the NCBC can better serve marginalised communities and advance the broader goals of equity and inclusion in India.

ETHICS

Q3. Discuss and evaluate the relevance of the following in the context of the civil service:

1. 1. Dedication to service
   2. Tolerance
   3. Objectivity
   4. Non-partisanship [10M, 150words]

 Key Demand of question: Define various foundational values, and mention their significance in civil service.

 Structure of the answer:

 Introduction: Directly you can address a question or you can start by defining values

 Body:

• For each key term follow these structure
• Define what it is along with an example
• Then, write the significance of value in civil service.

 Conclusion: Conclude by highlighting other important values too or you can write about how to inculcate it in life.

Introduction:

Values are individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another. They serve as a guide for human behavior.

Body:

1. a) Dedication to service: It refers to a strong commitment and devotion to one’s duties and responsibilities, prioritizing the welfare of the public and the effectiveness of service delivery over personal interests.

Eg: Sujata Arya Indian soldier working in the UN peacekeeping force awarded for her dedication to serving in South Sudan.

Significance in civil service:

1. Enhanced public trust: A dedicated civil servant is more likely to work diligently to meet the needs of the public, thereby building trust and confidence in government institutions.
2. Improved service delivery: Dedication ensures that civil servants are committed to providing high-quality, timely, and efficient services, which enhances overall governance and administration.
3. Personal fulfillment and integrity: Commitment to service fosters a sense of personal fulfillment and professional integrity, reinforcing the moral and ethical standards required in public

1. b) Tolerance: It is the capacity to accept and respect differing opinions, beliefs, and practices, especially when dealing with diverse populations and perspectives.

Eg: Assam rifle controlling the Manipur violence without bias and intolerance.

Significance in civil service:

1. Effective conflict resolution: Tolerance helps civil servants manage and resolve conflicts by understanding and accommodating diverse viewpoints.
2. Inclusivity and equity: Promotes inclusive and equitable service delivery by respecting and addressing the needs of various demographic groups without bias.
3. Building stronger communities: Enhances the ability to engage with and serve a diverse population, thereby contributing to social cohesion.

1. c) Objectivity: It involves making decisions based on factual evidence and impartial criteria, rather than personal feelings or biases.

Eg: Use of SECC data to determine the beneficiary of the scheme.

Significance in civil service:

1. Fair decision-making: Ensures that policies and actions are based on unbiased and factual information, leading to fair and equitable outcomes for all stakeholders.
2. Enhanced credibility: Upholding objectivity strengthens the credibility of civil servants by demonstrating adherence to principles of fairness and impartiality.
3. Prevention of corruption: Reduces the risk of corruption and favoritism by focusing on evidence and objective criteria rather than personal interests or external pressures.

1. d) Non-partisanship: It refers to the principle of remaining neutral and impartial, avoiding any alignment or influence from political parties or personal political beliefs in professional duties.

Eg: Staying politically neutral without aligning to the party in public space.

Significance in civil service:

1. Upholding democracy: Maintains the integrity of the civil service by ensuring that decisions and actions are based on public interest rather than political agendas.
2. Equal service to all: Guarantees that all citizens receive fair and equal treatment regardless of political affiliation, ensuring equitable distribution of services and resources.
3. Professional integrity: Enhances the professionalism and ethical standards of civil servants by preventing political biases from influencing their work and decisions.

Conclusion:

By embedding these principles into daily practice and institutional frameworks, civil servants can better serve the public, foster trust, and ensure that decisions are made fairly and based on merit.

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