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  • Dispelling population myths triggered by a working paper

    Why in the News?

    The working paper released by the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister makes an erroneous assertion regarding the growth of the Muslim population.

    Composition of the Population of various communities highlighted by EAC:

    • Absolute Increase in Population (1950-2015): Hindu population grew by 701 million. The Muslim population increased by 146 million.
    • Proportional Changes: The proportion of Hindus in the population fell by 6.64 percentage points (from 84.7% in 1950 to 78.06% in 2015). The proportion of Muslims increased by 4.25 percentage points (from 9.84% in 1950 to 14.09% in 2015).
      • Despite these changes, the Muslim population remains significantly smaller compared to the Hindu population.

    What does the 2011 census say?

    • The proportion of the Hindu population to the total population in 2011 declined by 0.7 percentage points (PP); the proportion of the Sikh population declined by 0.2 PP and the Buddhist population declined by 0.1 PP during the decade 2001-2011.
    • The proportion of the Muslim population to the total population has increased by 0.8 PP. There has been no significant change in the proportion of Christians & Jains.

    Issue of Misinterpretation and Sensationalism of Data:

    • Misleading Media Reports: Many media reports and politicians have sensationalized the findings of the EAC-PM working paper inaccurately suggesting that the Muslim population in India is growing rapidly while posing a threat to the Hindu population.
      • Such interpretations contribute to a divisive political narrative and misinform the public about population issues.
    • Limitations of the Paper: The working paper itself states that understanding changes in religious demography is a multivariate phenomenon. However, the paper does not contain sufficient evidence to support this claim.

    The true story behind this Data::

    • Influence of Socio-Economic Factors: Population growth is significantly influenced by socio-economic conditions such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Higher fertility rates in a community often reflect lower levels of socio-economic development rather than religious factors.
    • Policies and Development Indicators: The Muslim community in India has a higher population growth rate primarily because it lags in some of the Population and Marriage policies that affect socio-economic development indicators as compared to the Hindu community.

    Need for Exact Data:

    • Contextual Analysis: Detailed analysis is essential to avoid misinterpretation of demographic changes. Understanding the multi-faceted reasons behind population changes requires considering socio-economic, cultural, and political factors.
      • Religious Composition: According to the Pew Research Center (2021), the proportion of India’s six largest religious groups has remained relatively stable since Partition.
      • Fertility Rates: Recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) rounds indicate significant declines in Muslim fertility rates.

    Conclusion: Accurate and comprehensive analysis is necessary to understand population trends and avoid fueling divisive narratives.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled, and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • An overview of the AMRUT scheme | Explained

    Why in the News?

    By 2047, over 50% of India’s population will be urban. The AMRUT scheme launched in 2015 and updated in 2021, addresses urban infrastructure needs.

    About Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation -AMRUT:

    • It is a flagship urban development scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2015.
    • The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
    • Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
    • Objectives:  
      • Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
      • Increase the green areas in the cities.
      • Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport.
    • Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage.
    • The Mission covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over one lakh with notified Municipalities.
    • Revenue Set Aside for the Scheme:
      • AMRUT 1.0: Total outlay was ₹50,000 crore for five years from FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20.
      • AMRUT 2.0: Total outlay is ₹2,99,000 crore, with a central outlay of ₹76,760 crore for five years, starting from October 1, 2021.

    Achievements by AMRUT Mission:

      • Financial Utilization: As of May 19, 2024, a total of ₹83,357 crore has been disbursed under the AMRUT scheme, combining contributions from the Central Government, States, and cities.
    • Infrastructure Achievements:
      • Tap Connections: A total of 58,66,237 households have been provided with tap connections, ensuring access to a reliable water supply.
      • Sewerage Connections: 37,49,467 households have been connected to the sewerage system, improving sanitation and hygiene.
      • Parks Development: 2,411 parks have been developed, enhancing urban green spaces and recreational areas.
      • LED Street Lights: 62,78,571 LED street lights have been replaced, contributing to energy efficiency and better urban lighting.

    Present Challenges:

    • Public Health Crisis: Approximately 2,00,000 deaths annually due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. The disease burden from unsafe water and sanitation in India was 40 times higher per person than in China as of 2016.
    • Water and Sanitation Issues: Significant untreated wastewater increases vulnerability to diseases. Major reservoirs are at just 40% capacity, threatening water supply for drinking, irrigation, and hydro-electricity.21 major cities are projected to run out of groundwater soon.

    Causes for the present shortcomings:

    • Non-Comprehensive Approach: The scheme adopted a project-oriented rather than a holistic approach, failing to integrate comprehensive urban planning.
      • For example, cities had no significant participation in the scheme’s design or implementation, reducing its effectiveness.
      • Secondly, the governance was led by bureaucrats and private interests with little involvement of elected city governments, violating the 74th constitutional amendment.
    • Inadequate Water Management: The scheme did not adequately factor in local climate, rainfall patterns, or existing infrastructure, leading to inefficient water and sewage management.
      • Urban planning became dominated by real estate development interests, resulting in the disappearance of water bodies, disrupted stormwater flows, and poor drainage systems.
      • Continued inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene contribute to significant public health problems, including high disease burden and mortality rates.

    Way Forward:

    • Comprehensive Approach: Shift from a project-oriented to an extensive urban planning approach that includes all aspects of infrastructure development.
      • Ensure active participation of city governments and local bodies in planning and implementation to reflect local needs and conditions.
      • Strengthen the role of local elected representatives in decision-making processes to ensure accountability and community involvement.
    • Nature-Based Solutions: Incorporate sustainable urban planning, including preserving and restoring water bodies and green spaces.
      • Integrate climate and rainfall pattern considerations into water and sewage management to enhance efficiency and resilience.
      • Prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure improvements to reduce disease burden and improve public health outcomes.

    Conclusion: The need to take a balanced approach combining holistic urban planning, enhanced city participation, empowerment of local bodies, nature-based solutions, climate-responsive strategies, and a strong public health focus is essential for sustainable urban development.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Q With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.” (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • A door to a housing scheme, tribals find hard to open

    Why in the News?

    The PM JANMAN presents a new opportunity to transform the lives of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

    About PVTGs:

    India has numerous Adivasi groups, with 75 identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These comprise around 14.6 lakh households and live in scattered, remote, and often inaccessible areas. Their livelihoods rely on methods and tools that predate agriculture. PVTGs have low literacy rates, economic backwardness, and stagnant populations.

    In 1960-61, the Dhebar Commission identified disparities among Scheduled Tribes, leading to the creation of the “Primitive Tribal Groups” (PTG) category.
    In 2006, this category was renamed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

    Government Initiatives:

    • Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission. Announced for the fiscal year 2023-24 to improve socio-economic conditions of PVTGs.
    • Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) launched in November 2023.
    •  Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

    PM JANMAN Objectives:

    • Provide essential services to PVTGs, including safe housing, clean drinking water, and sanitation.
    • The largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in the initiative.
    • Aims to reach 4.90 lakh PVTG households by 2026.
    • Households to receive ₹2.39 lakh each in three instalments.

    Technical Challenges in the PM JANMAN Housing Scheme

    App Functionality and Data Gathering:

    • Data Collection Areas: The ‘Awaas+’ app records geographical locations, household profiles with geo-tagging, and bank account details for cash transfers.
    • Mandatory Jobcard: Registration requires a jobcard, but many have been deleted, affecting PVTGs’ eligibility.

    Jobcard Issues:

    • Deletion of Jobcards: Widespread deletion of over eight crore MGNREGA jobcards in the past two years has led to many PVTGs being ineligible for the scheme.
    • Jobcard Misuse: Cases of fraudulent registrations with someone else’s job cards further complicate the registration process.

    Village List Discrepancies:

    • Inconsistent Data: The pre-populated list of villages in the app does not match the MGNREGA Management Information System (MIS). For example, the app lists 22 villages while the MIS lists 31 villages for ‘Vanjari’ Panchayat in Andhra Pradesh, causing confusion.

    Aadhaar-related Issues:

    • Name Matching: The app requires names as per Aadhaar records but does not guide what to do if Aadhaar is absent.
    • PVTG Identification: The app does not explicitly identify PVTGs, using a default ‘ST’ option, leading to non-PVTG registrations.

    Certification Issues:

    • Local Certification: Ineligible registrations prompt local officials to ask PVTGs for certification from sarpanches/mukhiyas.
    • Conflict of Interest: Non-PVTG sarpanches/mukhiyas in mixed communities may act against the interests of PVTGs, complicating the certification process.

    Geo-tagging Problems:

    • Network Issues: Geo-tagging required for planned construction locations faces chaos due to poor network connectivity, hindering accurate data capture.

    Bank Selection Complexity:

    • Overwhelming Options: The app’s dropdown lists for banks are excessively long. For example, selecting ‘Commercial Bank’ shows over 300 options, and choosing ‘State Bank of India’ in Andhra Pradesh presents over 500 branches, adding unnecessary complexity for both PVTGs and officials.

    Opportunity/Way Forward for PM JANMAN Housing Scheme

    • Simplify App Interface: Update the ‘Awaas+’ app to have a more user-friendly interface and reduce unnecessary complexities, such as the long dropdown lists for banks.
    • Clear Guidelines for Aadhaar: Provide explicit instructions on what names to use in the absence of Aadhaar, ensuring all eligible PVTGs can register.
    • Verify Jobcard Authenticity: Introduce robust mechanisms to prevent fraudulent registrations using others’ jobcards.
    • Improve Network Infrastructure: Invest in better network infrastructure in remote areas to support the geo-tagging feature.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • Spotlighting Pre-eclampsia, ensuring safe motherhood

    Why in the News?

    The prevalence of Congenital Anomalies and Neurological Challenges in newborns highlights the need for adequate Antenatal and Perinatal care to address them.

    Key observations made by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5):

    Perinatal mortality rates stand at 32 for 1,000 pregnancies, neonatal mortality rates at 25 for 1,000 live births, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy remain a leading cause of maternal death.

    • Cause of Maternal and Perinatal Mortality: Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, with early onset PE posing higher risks.  
    • Combination of Maternal factors and Biomarkers: Screening based on maternal risk factors alone has suboptimal performance, while a combination of maternal factors and biomarkers like mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, and serum placental growth factor can improve detection rates significantly.
    • Early Intervention with Aspirin Prophylaxis: First-trimester screening models, like the FMF prediction algorithm, have been effective in identifying high-risk pregnancies for preterm PE, allowing for early intervention with aspirin prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia.

    What is Pre-eclampsia?

    • Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy. Preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and high levels of protein in urine indicate kidney damage (proteinuria), or other signs of organ damage. 
    • Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had previously been in the standard range.

     

    Challenges to cure Pre-eclampsia (PE):

    • Complex Screening Protocols: Effective screening requires a combination of maternal history, demographics, color Doppler ultrasound, mean arterial pressure, and placental biomarkers, which may not be uniformly available or implemented.
    • Limited Resources: Not all healthcare facilities have access to advanced screening tools and technologies like color Doppler ultrasound and placental biomarker testing.
    • Lack of Awareness: Pregnant women may not be aware of the symptoms and risks associated with pre-eclampsia, leading to delayed presentation and diagnosis.
    • Delayed Intervention: Identifying high-risk pregnancies early is crucial, but delays in screening and diagnosis can lead to missed opportunities for timely intervention.
    • Pharmacological Challenges: Ensuring timely pharmacological intervention, such as aspirin prophylaxis, requires adherence to established protocols, which may only sometimes be followed.
    • Logistical Issues: Implementing widespread screening and management protocols involves logistical challenges, including training healthcare providers and ensuring the availability of necessary equipment.
    • Complexity of the Disorder: The systemic nature of pre-eclampsia, affecting multiple organs, complicates its management and requires a multidisciplinary approach.

    Programs in India:

    • “Samrakshan” program: The Indian Radiological and Imaging Association’s (IRIA) “Samrakshan” program aims to reduce pre-eclampsia from 8%-10% to 3% and fetal growth restriction from 25%-30% to 10% by the end of the decade.
    • The program focuses on spreading awareness, screening for pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, and ensuring comprehensive care throughout pregnancy.

    Way Forward: 

    • Early Detection and Management: Early detection through regular prenatal care, including blood pressure monitoring and urine testing for protein, is crucial in managing pre-eclampsia.
      • Timely intervention can help prevent severe complications and ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
    • Promoting Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women is essential for early recognition and prompt action.
      • Education on risk factors, preventive measures, and the importance of regular antenatal check-ups can significantly impact maternal and neonatal outcomes.
    • Ensuring Access to Quality Maternal Healthcare: Access to quality maternal healthcare services, including skilled antenatal care, monitoring, and timely interventions, is vital in addressing pre-eclampsia and reducing maternal mortality rates.
      • Empowering healthcare providers with the knowledge and resources to manage pre-eclampsia effectively is key to ensuring safe motherhood.
    • Collaborative Efforts for Maternal Health: Collaboration between governments, healthcare institutions, non-profit organisations, and the private sector is essential in implementing comprehensive maternal health programs that prioritise the prevention, early detection, and management of pre-eclampsia.

    Conclusion: By spotlighting pre-eclampsia and emphasising the importance of early detection, awareness, access to quality care, and collaborative efforts, we can strive towards ensuring safe motherhood for all women, safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and their babies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.(UPSC IAS/2013)

     

  • [1 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunization’

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 

    Q) Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (UPSC  IAS/2013)

    Q) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC  IAS/2021)

    Prelims:
    ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to   (UPSC  IAS/2016)

    a) Immunization of children and pregnant women
    b) Construction of smart cities across the country
    c) India’s search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
    d) New Educational Policy

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Government Schemes and Policies;

    Mains: Health Care System in India; Immunization Programme;

    Mentor comments: The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) initiative by WHO was crucial as it coincided with the near eradication of smallpox, prompting the need to expand immunization efforts globally. Following this, most countries, including India, established their national immunization programs. India’s EPI was later renamed the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985.  Universal health coverage means that all people can benefit from quality health services, where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship.

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    Year 2024 marks the completion of 50 years of the Global and Indian Immunization Programs since the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) by the World Health Organization in 1974. 

    • This year also marks the completion of 20 years since India’s last nationwide independent field evaluation of the  Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), highlighting the need to assess progress and plan for the future.
    Present Status of Immunization in India:

    In 1974, there were vaccines to prevent only six diseases. But after five decades, there are now vaccines for 13 diseases that are universally recommended.There are also vaccines against 17 additional diseases for a context-specific situation. 

    Ongoing research aims to develop vaccines for around 125 pathogens, with a focus on diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. 

    This progress underscores the importance of continuous evaluation, innovation, and collaboration in advancing immunization efforts for better public health outcomes.

    Initiatives and Success stories by governments:

    • Low and Middle-Income countries: In the early 1970s, around 5% of children in low- and middle-income countries had received three doses of DPT, which increased to 84% in 2022 at the global level. 
    • Disease Eradication: Smallpox has been eradicated, polio eliminated from all but two countries and many vaccine-preventable diseases have nearly disappeared.
      • India launched a pilot initiative of adult BCG vaccination as part of efforts to ‘end TB’ in India.
    • Vaccination Coverage: In India, the coverage has increased every passing year, and in 2019-21, 76% of children received the recommended vaccines.
      • Vaccines have been instrumental in saving lives and reducing hospitalizations, with a high cost-effectiveness ratio. 
    • Built Health Infrastructure: In Public-private health systems, immunization often remains the only health intervention with greater utilization from the government sector.
      • For instance, in India, the share of the private sector in overall health services is nearly two-thirds; however, almost 85% to 90% of all vaccines are delivered from government facilities. 

    Challenges faced by Immunization Programs:

    • Issue with Coverage: In early 2023, UNICEF’s ‘The State of the World’s Children’ report revealed a concerning trend: for the first time in more than a decade, childhood immunization coverage had declined in 2021. 
    • Issue with Recommendations: In 2022, globally, an estimated 14.3 million children were zero doses (did not receive any recommended vaccine) while another 6.2 million children were partially immunized.
    • Issue of Inequities: Over the years, vaccination coverage in India has increased, both nationally and State-wise. However, there are persisting inequities in coverage by geography, socio-economic strata, and other parameters, which demand urgent interventions.

    Need to shift focus from Child vaccination to Adult Vaccination:

    • Vaccines have historically been available for all age groups, not just children. While children were prioritized due to limited resources, adult vaccination is now crucial as vaccine-preventable diseases are becoming more common in the adult population. 
    • Governments should focus on expanding adult vaccination coverage, learning from the success of childhood immunization programs

    What can be done?

    • Need for Better Policies: Considering that vaccines are highly cost-effective, once recommended by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), vaccines for all age groups should be made available as free at government facilities.
    • Technical expansion of the Program: The recent announcement on HPV vaccines for teenage girls is a good start. However, we need to remember that once a vaccine is recommended by the government body, the coverage is likely to be far greater than if the vaccines are not recommended by the government.
    • Generating Awareness: The government must consider the help of professional communication agencies to dispel myths (and in a layperson’s language and with the use of social media).
      • Medical colleges and research institutions should generate evidence on the burden of diseases in the adult population in India.

    Conclusion: In the 50 years of the EPI, it is time for another expansion of the program with a focus on zero-dose children, addressing inequities in vaccine coverage, and offering vaccines to adults and the elderly. It is time to make EPI an ‘Essential Program on Immunization’. 

  • An overview of the PMAY-U scheme | Explained

    Why in the News? 

    As the current Union government completes two terms, one of its flagship programs was Housing For All (HfA) by 2022, both in urban and rural areas, planned under the PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) scheme in 2015.

    About the PMAY scheme:

    The declared objectives of the scheme included rehabilitation of slum dwellers with private developers’ participation; promotion of affordable housing for the weaker sections through Credit Linked Subsidy Schemes (CLSS); affordable housing in partnership with public and private sectors; and subsidy for Beneficiary-led Construction (BLC).

    Issues related to the PMAY Scheme:

    • PMAY-U faltering Performance: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) initiative has been criticized for its faltering performance. Data from the PMAY dashboard suggests a shortfall of around 40 lakh houses from sanctioned and completed segments.
    • ISSR Failure: The in-situ slum redevelopment (ISSR) component, aimed at addressing the largest demand in cities, has been particularly criticized for its failure. Only a small number of houses have been sanctioned under ISSR, falling far short of expectations.
    • The large difference between achievement and need: Despite delivering 80 lakh homes, the PMAY-U program has only addressed about 25.15% of the housing shortage. Even if the remaining sanctioned houses are constructed by the end of 2024, it would only address about 37% of the real need, leaving almost 2.4 crore households without adequate housing.
    • Not fulfilling the promise as per Spending: The housing program, which received significant budgetary allocation (over $29 billion in the last five years), has not been able to fulfill its promise of “Housing for All.” Despite the focus and financial support, the goal remains unfulfilled.

    The reason behind the failure of the PMAY Scheme

    • Challenges in Slum Rehabilitation: Despite efforts, some projects aimed at slum rehabilitation have faced issues, such as vertical growth leading to increased utility costs and unsuitable living spaces, as well as difficulties in acquiring land.
    • Neglecting social housing needs: City development plans, including PMAY, are often influenced by consultants favoring capital-intensive solutions, potentially neglecting social housing needs and community involvement.
    • Less central government’s share: The funding structure of PMAY involves significant contributions from beneficiary households and state governments, with the central government’s share being relatively small.
    • Limited Government Role: The architecture of PMAY places limited responsibility on the government, particularly in providing interest subsidies and cost-sharing with beneficiaries, leading to concerns about addressing the needs of the landless and the poor.

    Way Forward:

    • Reevaluation of Funding Allocation: The central government should consider increasing its share of funding to ensure adequate resources for housing projects. 
    • Enhanced Focus on Slum Rehabilitation: The government should review and enhance the implementation of the in-situ slum redevelopment (ISSR) component. This may involve better planning, community engagement, and addressing challenges such as land acquisition and vertical growth.
    • Community Participation and Needs Assessment: Incorporating community participation in the planning and implementation of housing projects is crucial 

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing unbanked to the institutional fiancé fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • [pib] Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)

    Why in the news?

    This newscard is an excerpt from an explainer published in the PIB.

    Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA)

    • ABHA, an integral part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), serves as a link for all health records of an individual.
    • It is a sub-component of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission launched in September 2021.
    • It is a 14-digit id employed to uniquely identify individuals, verify their identity, and connect their health records (with their consent) across various systems and stakeholders.

    Features of ABHA

    • Cashless Transactions: ABHA enables cashless transactions for eligible beneficiaries, reducing the financial burden during medical emergencies.
    • Electronic Health Records (EHR): It integrates electronic health records, facilitating storage, and retrieval of patient information for streamlined healthcare delivery.
    • Portability: ABHA accounts are portable across various healthcare providers under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, ensuring seamless access to services.
    • Real-time Monitoring: Incorporating real-time monitoring mechanisms to track fund utilization, ABHA ensures efficient allocation and prevents misuse.

    Various Components

    • Beneficiary Identification: ABHA involves the identification and registration of eligible beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, assigning a unique health identification number (UHID).
    • Funds Management: It manages the allocation and disbursement of funds for healthcare services, ensuring prompt and secure transfers.
    • Claim Settlement: ABHA processes and settles claims submitted by healthcare providers, verifying authenticity, and disbursing payments.
    • Audit and Oversight: Incorporating audit mechanisms to monitor fund utilization, ABHA ensures compliance with regulations and maintains system integrity.

    Back2Basics: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

    Details
    Umbrella Scheme
    1. Ayushman Bharat
    2. Incepted in National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
    Launch Year 2018
    Components
    1. Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
    2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
    Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
    • Offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care
    • Provides cashless and paperless access to services at any empanelled hospital across India
    • Portable scheme, allowing beneficiaries to avail treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital
    Coverage
    • 3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation
    • Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines
    • No restriction on family size, age, or gender
    • Covers all pre-existing conditions from day one
    Beneficiaries Identified through Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data
    Funding
    • Shared funding: 60:40 for states and UTs with legislature, 90:10 in Northeast states and J&K,
    • Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, 100% central funding for UTs without legislature
    Nodal Agency National Health Authority (NHA)

    • Autonomous entity under the Society Registration Act, 1860
    • Responsible for effective implementation of PM-JAY in alliance with state governments

    State Health Agency (SHA)

    • Apex body of the State Government responsible for the implementation of AB PM-JAY in the State

     

    PYQ:

    2021:

    “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements about the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):

    1.    3 days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post-hospitalisation.

    2.    Includes diagnostic care and expenses on medicines.

    3.    No restriction on family size, age, or gender.

    4.    Beneficiaries are identified from national family health survey.

    How many of the above discussed features is/are correct?

    (a) One

    (b) Two

    (c) Three

    (d) Four

  • [pib] ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

    Why in the news-

    About Vocal for Local Initiative

    • Under this program, indigenous local products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated for sale.
    • District collectors and block-level officials will collaborate with partners such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to facilitate sustainable growth of microenterprises in Aspirational Blocks.
    • To facilitate this, a dedicated window for Aspirational Blocks Programme under the brand name ‘Aakanksha’ on GeM portal has been established.

    What is Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

    • The ABP is set on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the country.
    • The Centre had announced its intention to launch this initiative in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The programme will cover 500 districts across 31 states and Union Territories initially.
    • Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).
    • However, states can add more blocks to the programme later.

    Back2Basics:  Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

    Details
    Launch Date January 2018
    Objective To transform identified aspirational districts quickly and effectively through a mass movement.
    Program Contours
    • Convergence of Central & State Schemes
    • Collaboration among Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors
    • Competition among districts driven by mass Movement.
    Selection of Districts
    • 117 Aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog based on composite indicators.
    • Real-time progress monitored based on 49 indicators from 5 thematic areas.
    Weightage of Indicators
    1. Health & Nutrition (30%)
    2. Education (30%)
    3. Agriculture & Water Resources (20%)
    4. Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)
    5. Basic Infrastructure (10%)
    Core Strategy
    • Development as a mass movement
    • Identify strengths and low-hanging fruits in each district
    • Measure progress and rank districts
    • Foster competition.
    Features
    • Transform into a Jan Andolan
    • Real-time data tracking for monitoring improvement
    • Convergence between central and state government programmes.
    • District performance made public
    • Experience building of district bureaucracy
    • Targeted towards the entire district population.

  • [pib] Cabinet approves UNNATI Scheme

    unnati

    In the news

    • The Union Cabinet approved the proposal for Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization (UNNATI) Scheme, 2024.

    What is the UNNATI Scheme?

    • The UNNATI is a significant initiative aimed at fostering industrial development and generating employment opportunities in the North East Region of India.
    • With a focus on promoting manufacturing and services sectors, the scheme aims to stimulate economic growth and uplift the socio-economic landscape of the region.

    Objectives

    • Employment Generation: UNNATI aims to create productive economic activities that generate gainful employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the North East Region.
    • Industrial Development: The scheme seeks to encourage the establishment of industries and the expansion of existing ones, fostering growth and development across various sectors.

    Expenditure Allocation

    • UNNATI will operate as a Central Sector Scheme, with funds allocated for both incentives to eligible units (Part A) and implementation and institutional arrangements (Part B).
    • Part A of the scheme will receive Rs. 9,737 crores, while Rs. 300 crores will be allocated for Part B.

    Salient Features

    • Scheme Period: Effective from the date of Notification until March 31, 2034, along with 8 years of committed liabilities.
    • Commencement of Production: Eligible industrial units must commence production or operation within 4 years from the grant of registration.
    • Categorization of Districts: Districts are categorized into Zone A (Industrially Advanced Districts) and Zone B (Industrially Backward Districts) to ensure targeted development.
    • Funds Allocation: 60% of Part A outlay is earmarked for the 8 North Eastern states, while the remaining 40% follows a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis.
    • Eligibility: New and expanding industrial units are eligible for incentives under the scheme.

    Implementation and Oversight

    • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will oversee the implementation of UNNATI.
    • National and state-level committees, including the Steering Committee and State Level Committee, will monitor implementation, ensure transparency, and facilitate the registration and claims process for incentives.

  • Centre extends Ujjwala Subsidy by another Year

    In the news

    • In pretext of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of the subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for LPG cylinders, offering a subsidy of ₹300 (earlier ₹200) per cylinder for up to 12 refills per year.

    About Ujjwala Scheme

    Details
    Launch 1 May 2016
    Introduced By Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
    Aim Provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and disadvantaged households, reducing reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
    Phases
    1. Phase I: Launched on May 1, 2016, aimed to release 8 Crore LPG connections by March 2020.
    2. Ujjwala 2.0: Aimed to release an additional 1 crore LPG connections, achieved in January 2022, subsequently expanded to release an additional 60 lakh LPG connections.
    Financial Support ₹1600 financial assistance provided for each LPG connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
    Deposit-Free Connections Beneficiaries receive deposit-free LPG connections, including the first refill and a free hotplate.
    Benefits
    • Eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection.
    • Subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
    • Option to use EMI facility for stove and first refill costs.
    • Opportunity to join the PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme for direct subsidy transfers to bank accounts.

    Try a similar PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:

    With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3