Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population
Q3. Fragmented welfare delivery undermines fiscal efficiency and citizen access. Evaluate the case for integrating social protection schemes in India. Propose measures to ensure transparency and improve delivery efficiency. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
The recent debate on a unified welfare state in India, highlighted by duplication and inefficiencies in existing welfare schemes, raises the need to explore integration for fiscal efficiency and citizen access.Key demand of the question
The question requires evaluating the rationale behind integrating social protection schemes and suggesting measures to improve transparency and delivery efficiency in the Indian welfare system.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly state the scale and fragmentation of India’s welfare architecture and its impact on access and fiscal sustainability.Body
- Case for integration: Reduction of duplication, better targeting, constitutional alignment, and international best practices.
- Measures for transparency and efficiency: Unified platforms, unique IDs, outcome-based monitoring, grievance redressal, and capacity building.
Conclusion
Highlight the transformative potential of a federated, tech-driven welfare model for inclusive and sustainable governance.
