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GS Paper: GS3-02.Inclusive growth and issues therein

  • Gender Disparities in Clinical Trials: Recognizing the Need for Sex-Specific Research

    Clinical Trials

    Central Idea

    • The persistent male-centric approach in medicine disregards the physiological differences between men and women. Despite the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act of 1993 mandating the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials, gender disparities prevail. India, known as the pharmacy of the world, faces significant implications in clinical trials due to its generic drug production and consumption.

    Generic Drugs, Trials, and Women’s Response

    • Gender Disparities in Clinical Trials: Historically, clinical trials have predominantly included male participants, leading to a lack of understanding of how medications specifically affect women. This gender disparity in clinical trials contributes to gaps in knowledge regarding women’s response to generic drugs.
    • Physiological Differences: Women’s bodies have unique physiological characteristics, such as hormone levels, body composition, and enzymatic activity, that can impact their response to medications. However, these differences have often been overlooked in clinical trials, resulting in a lack of data on how women specifically respond to generic drugs.
    • Underrepresentation of Women: Women have been underrepresented in clinical trials for generic drugs, which has significant implications for their healthcare. Without adequate representation, it is challenging to determine the optimal dosages and potential side effects of medications for women.
    • Inaccurate Dosages: Studies have revealed that nearly one-fifth of medications show differences in the active dose between men and women. This means that women may be receiving either inadequate doses or unintended overdoses of certain generic drugs due to the lack of gender-specific research.
    • Suboptimal Treatment Outcomes: The underrepresentation of women in clinical trials for generic drugs can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes. Women may not receive the appropriate dosage of medication, resulting in ineffective treatment or potential harm due to overdosing.
    • Personalized Medicine: Including more women in clinical trials for generic drugs is crucial for the development of personalized medicine. By understanding how women specifically respond to medications, healthcare providers can tailor treatment approaches to better meet the needs of female patients.
    • Importance of Representation: The inclusion of diverse populations, including women, in clinical trials is essential for accurate and comprehensive data collection. It enables researchers to identify potential gender-specific variations in drug response and ensure that medications are safe and effective for both men and women.

    Cardiac issues and the perpetuation of stereotypes: Significant challenges for women’s healthcare

    • Prevalence of Cardiac Issues: While traditionally seen as a male-dominated health concern, cardiac issues are now recognized as having a slightly higher prevalence in women. However, stereotypes and biases often lead to delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment for women experiencing cardiac problems.
    • Diagnostic Disparities: Women with cardiac symptoms may face challenges in receiving timely and accurate diagnoses. Symptoms of heart disease can manifest differently in women compared to men, with women more likely to experience atypical symptoms. Unfortunately, these differences are not always fully understood or considered by healthcare professionals, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
    • Treatment Disparities: Studies consistently demonstrate that women are less likely to receive appropriate medications, diagnostic tests, and clinical procedures for cardiac issues, even in developed countries. This discrepancy can be attributed to stereotypes that portray women as “lesser men” or dismiss their symptoms as anxiety or stress-related, undermining the urgency of necessary interventions.
    • Stereotypes and Bias: Stereotypes, such as the notion of the hysterical woman, continue to persist and influence healthcare decisions. These stereotypes can lead to a lack of trust and credibility when women seek medical attention for cardiac symptoms. It is essential to challenge and overcome such biases to ensure that women receive the appropriate care they need.

    Clinical Trials

    Reproductive Health and Maternal Mortality

    • Maternal Mortality: Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of delivery. Despite significant progress in reducing maternal mortality globally, it remains a pressing issue, particularly in low-resource settings. Factors contributing to maternal mortality include inadequate access to healthcare, lack of skilled birth attendants, limited emergency obstetric care, and delays in receiving appropriate medical interventions.
    • Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can pose various health risks to women. Complications such as hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, and unsafe abortions can lead to severe health consequences or even death
    • Pre-existing Medical Conditions and Pregnancy: Women with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, face increased risks during pregnancy. These conditions can interact with pregnancy, leading to higher rates of complications and maternal mortality.
    • Reproductive Rights and Autonomy: Reproductive health includes the right to make informed decisions about one’s reproductive choices, including family planning, pregnancy, and childbirth. Women’s reproductive rights are often restricted, denying them the autonomy to control their reproductive health.
    • Inequities in Maternal Healthcare: Socioeconomic disparities, geographic location, and marginalized populations face additional challenges in accessing quality maternal healthcare. Women in rural or remote areas, indigenous communities, or minority groups may experience disproportionately higher maternal mortality rates due to limited access to healthcare facilities, cultural barriers, and discrimination.
    • Postpartum Mental Health: Postpartum mental health disorders, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, pose significant challenges to women’s well-being. However, these disorders are often overlooked and underdiagnosed, leaving women without proper support and treatment.

    Gaps in Sex-Specific Research

    • Underrepresentation in Clinical Trials: Women have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials across various medical conditions and treatments. This gender disparity limits our understanding of how different therapies, medications, and interventions specifically affect women.
    • Limited Focus on Sex-Specific Illnesses: Many diseases and conditions affect women differently than men, such as breast or endometrial cancers, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and pregnancy-related issues. However, there are significant gaps in research focusing specifically on these sex-specific illnesses, leading to limited knowledge about their causes, prevention, and treatment.
    • Lack of Understanding of Sex-Specific Symptoms: Women often experience different symptoms or manifestations of certain diseases compared to men. For example, heart attack symptoms can be atypical in women, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Insufficient research on sex-specific symptoms hinders accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical interventions for women.
    • Insufficient Data on Medication Safety and Efficacy: Medications may affect women differently due to hormonal fluctuations, body composition, or metabolism. However, clinical trials often fail to collect enough data on potential sex-specific differences in drug safety and efficacy. This can lead to inadequate dosing guidelines and potential adverse effects for women.

    Clinical Trials

    Way forward

    • Increased Representation in Clinical Trials: Efforts should be made to ensure adequate representation of women in clinical trials for generic drugs and across various medical conditions. This will enable researchers to gather comprehensive data on how medications specifically affect women and tailor treatments accordingly.
    • Sex-Specific Research: There is a need for increased focus on sex-specific research, particularly in areas such as reproductive health, sex-specific illnesses, and conditions with gender-specific variations. This research should explore differences in symptoms, treatment responses, and healthcare outcomes between men and women.
    • Policy Interventions: Governments and healthcare authorities should implement policies that promote sex-specific research in medicine. This can include providing funding and resources for research projects focused on women’s health and establishing guidelines that emphasize the inclusion of women in clinical trials.
    • Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness among healthcare providers, researchers, and the general public about gender disparities in medicine is crucial. Educational initiatives should emphasize the importance of considering sex-specific differences in treatment approaches and highlight the need for equitable healthcare for women.
    • Empowering Women in Healthcare: Empowering women to actively participate in their healthcare decisions and advocate for their needs is essential. This can be achieved through providing comprehensive health education, promoting self-advocacy, and encouraging women’s involvement in healthcare research and policy-making.
    • Collaborative Efforts: Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocacy groups, should collaborate to address gender disparities in medicine. By working together, they can identify gaps, share knowledge and best practices, and implement strategies to promote gender equality in healthcare.
    • International Cooperation: The issue of gender disparities in medicine is not limited to one country or region. International cooperation, such as sharing research findings and collaborating on initiatives, can contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing gender inequalities in healthcare globally.

    Clinical Trials

    Conclusion

    • To ensure equal access to healthcare, women’s ailments must be properly understood and addressed. As India assumes the G-20 presidency, it presents an ideal opportunity to highlight this issue and align with the Sustainable Development Goals on women’s health. It is time to bridge the gender disparities in medicine and create a more equitable healthcare system for all.

    Also read:

    Menstrual health hygiene and sexual and reproductive health: The link

     

  • India’s Middle Class: Estimation, Expansion and Economic Impact

    middle class

    Central Idea

    • Estimating India’s middle class: This article delves into the estimation of India’s middle class, a crucial indicator of household consumption and the economy’s health.

    Key points of discussions

    • Lack of clarity in defining the middle class: The absence of a clear definition results in diverse estimations, based on subjective judgments or income ranges and consumption benchmarks.
    • Importance of expanding the middle class: Despite the impact of the existing middle class, the focus is shifting towards significant expansion to unleash India’s economic potential.

    Understanding a Genuine Middle Class

    • Characteristics of a genuine middle class: It entails stable and resilient consumption patterns, enabling them to weather economic downturns without significantly reducing consumption.
    • Implications for investors and the economy: A stable and resilient middle-class demand instills investor confidence, leading to job creation and reinforcing the middle class. Surplus income contributes to overall savings.
    • Continuous income improvement: A strong foundation for continuous income growth within the middle class drives higher-quality consumption and stimulates diverse and high-quality supply responses.

    Features of the Indian Middle Class

    • Stable income
    • Higher levels of education and skills
    • Limited disposable income for discretionary spending
    • Homeownership aspirations
    • Access to credit and financing
    • Affordability of consumer durables and comforts
    • Prioritization of healthcare and insurance
    • Emphasis on savings and investments
    • Associated with upward social mobility
    • Value placed on education and success
    • Active civic engagement

    Estimating India’s Genuine Middle Class

    middle class

    • Discrepancy in popular estimates: Popular estimates tend to overstate the middle class’s size, obscuring the actual extent.
    • Concentration within the richest deciles: India’s genuine middle class is primarily concentrated within the richest 10 to 20 percent of households rather than uniformly distributed.
    • Concerns about occupation profiles: Instability characterizes the occupation profiles of the richest deciles, with a reliance on small agricultural land and informal non-agricultural occupations.
    • Limited upward mobility: Chief wage earners in the richest deciles demonstrate limited potential for upward mobility into higher-skilled occupations.

    Issues faced by the Indian Middle Class

    • Income Stagnation: Many middle-class individuals in India struggle with stagnant income levels, with limited opportunities for significant wage growth or promotions.
    • Rising Cost of Living: The increasing cost of essential goods and services, including housing, education, healthcare, and transportation, often outpaces income growth, putting financial strain on the middle class.
    • Inflationary Pressures: Inflation rates impact the purchasing power of the middle class, making it challenging to maintain their standard of living and meet their financial obligations.
    • Job Insecurity: Middle-class individuals face concerns about job security, as economic uncertainties and technological advancements lead to changes in job markets and potential layoffs.
    • Healthcare Expenses: Rising healthcare costs and limited access to quality healthcare put a significant burden on the middle class, impacting their financial well-being and ability to seek necessary medical care.

    Consequences of Limited Middle-Class Expansion

    middle class

    • Economic implications: The limited expansion of the middle class hinders the economy from reaching its fullest potential in terms of consumption, investments, and job creation.
    • Inequality concerns: A small middle class contributes to income inequality, as a significant portion of the population remains deprived of upward mobility and economic opportunities.
    • Overreliance on the affluent: The concentration of economic power and consumption within the richest deciles may result in skewed market dynamics and limited inclusivity.

    Strategies for Expanding the Middle Class

    • Enhancing education and skill development: Investing in education and skill-building initiatives to equip individuals with the qualifications needed for higher-skilled occupations.
    • Promoting entrepreneurship and small businesses: Creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurial growth, which can generate jobs and foster economic resilience within the middle class.
    • Strengthening social safety nets: Developing robust social safety nets to provide support during economic downturns and help individuals bounce back without significant setbacks.
    • Addressing informal employment: Implementing policies that promote formalization of employment, providing stability and better benefits for workers.

    Way forward

    • Strengthen financial literacy: Implement comprehensive programs, accessible resources, and collaborations to improve understanding of personal finance.
    • Promote entrepreneurship and innovation: Foster an ecosystem with resources, mentorship, and support for middle-class individuals starting businesses.
    • Build social safety nets: Establish comprehensive programs for unemployment benefits, healthcare coverage, and retraining support during economic shocks.
    • Foster social dialogue: Create platforms for inclusive discussions, partnerships, and collaborations between policymakers, businesses, and the middle class.
    • Prioritize work-life balance: Advocate for family-friendly policies, flexible work arrangements, and support for well-being and productivity.
    • Support family-friendly policies: Implement policies for affordable childcare, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.

     

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  • Promoting Inclusive Cities through Innovative Technology and ICT

    Inclusive

    Central Idea

    • Persons with disabilities often face numerous challenges when it comes to participating fully in urban life. In order to provide them with equal opportunities to enjoy cultural, economic, and social activities, it is crucial to create an enabling environment with inclusive infrastructure.

    Role of Technology and ICT in  addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities

    • Accessibility: Technology and ICT can help create accessible environments by providing innovative solutions that remove barriers and enable equal access for persons with disabilities. For example, assistive technologies such as mobility aids, screen readers, and voice recognition systems can empower individuals with visual or mobility impairments to navigate urban spaces and access information.
    • Communication and Information: Technology and ICT facilitate communication and access to information for persons with disabilities. This includes providing alternative formats for content, such as braille, audio, or captioning, and ensuring websites, applications, and digital platforms are designed to be accessible and inclusive.
    • Assistive Devices and Tools: Technology plays a significant role in the development and advancement of assistive devices and tools that enhance the independence and capabilities of persons with disabilities. These may include prosthetics, smart mobility aids, wearable devices, and specialized software applications that cater to specific needs.
    • Smart Cities and Infrastructure: Technology and ICT enable the development of smart cities and infrastructure, which can be designed with inclusivity in mind. For instance, smart mobility systems, sensor-based navigation aids, and inclusive public transportation systems can greatly enhance the mobility and independence of individuals.
    • Data Collection and Analysis: Technology and ICT enable the collection, analysis, and utilization of data related to disability and accessibility. This data can help policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and develop inclusive policies and interventions.
    • Awareness and Education: Technology and ICT platforms provide avenues for raising awareness about disability rights, accessibility, and inclusive practices. They can also be used for educational purposes, such as online courses, virtual training, and accessible learning materials, to promote inclusive education and capacity building.

    Smart Solutions Challenge and Inclusive Cities Awards

    • Purpose: The Smart Solutions Challenge and Inclusive Cities Awards were established to crowdsource tech-based solutions and innovations that specifically target city-level accessibility and inclusion challenges.
    • Organizers: The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in partnership with the United Nations (UN) in India is responsible for hosting and organizing the Smart Solutions Challenge and Inclusive Cities Awards.
    • Participation: The initiative invites individuals, organizations, start-ups, and innovators to participate in the challenge by submitting their technology-based solutions that address the specific needs of persons with disabilities in urban contexts.
    • Solution Areas: The Smart Solutions Challenge focuses on solutions that enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and independent living for persons with disabilities. These solutions may cover a wide range of domains, including but not limited to transportation, mobility, assistive devices, communication, digital platforms, smart infrastructure, and data-driven solutions.
    • Recognition and Support: The Smart Solutions Challenge and Inclusive Cities Awards provide a platform to showcase and recognize the most innovative and impactful solutions. Winning participants receive recognition for their work and may also receive support in the form of funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, or collaborations with relevant stakeholders to further develop and implement their solutions.
    • Localizing Innovations: The initiative emphasizes the importance of localizing innovations to suit the specific needs and challenges of different cities in India. By promoting context-specific solutions, the program aims to ensure that urban areas across the country become more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities.

    Government Initiatives and Global Engagement

    • Start-up 20 Engagement Group: As part of its G20 presidency, India initiated the Start-up 20 Engagement Group. This platform provides a global space for collaboration and exchange of ideas among start-ups across G20 member nations.
    • G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA): The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance to showcase innovative solutions and create an alliance of players in the innovation ecosystem.
    • Urban-20 (U20) Engagement Group: The U20 Engagement Group, under the G20 framework, focuses on urban issues and policies. One of the priority themes for the U20 is Catalyzing Digital Urban Futures. This theme emphasizes the effective and inclusive use of data and technology for improving city management and fostering urban development.
    • Development Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Government of India has prioritized its development agenda in alignment with the globally agreed SDGs. This includes leveraging technological innovations to achieve sustainable urbanization and address the needs of vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities.
    • National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA): The NIUA, in collaboration with the UN in India, has been actively involved in promoting inclusive cities through initiatives like the Smart Solutions Challenge and Inclusive Cities Awards. These platforms encourage innovation and provide a space for sharing best practices and solutions for enhancing urban accessibility and inclusivity.
    • Global Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing: The government of India actively engages in global partnerships, forums, and collaborations to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and learn from international best practices in inclusive urban development.

    Way ahead: Building an Inclusive and Accessible India

    • Policy and Legislative Framework: Strengthen and enforce existing laws and policies that promote accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities. This includes the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which provides a legal framework for ensuring equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and accessibility in various areas of life.
    • Awareness and Sensitization: Conduct awareness campaigns and sensitization programs to educate the public, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders about the rights, abilities, and needs of persons with disabilities.
    • Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building programs for government officials, urban planners, architects, engineers, and other professionals involved in urban development to enhance their understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.
    • Accessible Infrastructure: Invest in the development of accessible infrastructure, including accessible transportation systems, buildings, public spaces, and digital platforms. This involves implementing universal design principles, ensuring barrier-free access, and incorporating assistive technologies.
    • Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster collaborations between government agencies, private sector organizations, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and persons with disabilities themselves.
    • Data and Monitoring: Establish comprehensive data collection mechanisms to gather accurate and up-to-date information on the status of accessibility and inclusion in cities. This data can inform evidence-based decision-making, monitor progress, and identify areas that require further attention and improvement.
    • Empowerment and Employment: Promote inclusive employment opportunities and entrepreneurship for persons with disabilities. This can be achieved through affirmative action policies, skill development programs, mentorship initiatives, and creating an enabling environment that supports their full and meaningful participation in the workforce.
    • Collaboration on a Global Scale: Engage in international collaborations, exchange best practices, and learn from global experiences to accelerate progress towards inclusive urban development.

    Conclusion

    • Inclusive cities are essential for ensuring equal opportunities and participation for persons with disabilities. By embracing the power of technology and fostering global partnerships, India is paving the way for an inclusive and accessible future, empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contributing to a society that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

    Also read:

    Divyang friendly digital infrastructure in India

     

  • Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON)

    kerala kfon

    Central Idea

    • Free Internet: The Kerala government officially launched KFON, a flagship project aimed at reducing the digital divide and promoting e-governance.
    • Bridging the Digital Divide: KFON intends to provide high-speed broadband internet access to all households and government offices in Kerala.

    What is KFON?                          

    • KFON acts as an optical fibre cable network infrastructure provider, covering 30,000 km and 375 Points-of-Presence across Kerala.
    • KFON’s infrastructure is shared with all service providers, including cable operators, benefiting both government offices and individual beneficiaries.
    • Local ISP/TSP/cable TV providers are responsible for providing internet connectivity to households.

    Spread and Speed of KFON

    • Connectivity Goals: The initial stage of KFON aims to connect 30,000 government offices and 14,000 BPL (Below Poverty Line) families in Kerala.
    • Internet Speed and Mobile Connectivity: KFON promises internet speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps and is expected to improve mobile phone call quality.
    • Progress: As of June 5th, 17,412 government offices and 2,105 houses have been connected, with cable networks laid down for 9,000 houses.

    Purpose: Empowering the Poor

    • Internet Connection for BPL Families: KFON aims to provide internet connections, free of cost, to 20 lakh families below the poverty line.
    • Phase 1 implementation: The first phase targets 14,000 BPL families, with a long-term plan to select 100 BPL families in each assembly constituency for high-speed internet access.

    Need for KFON

    • Left’s Alternative Model of Development: KFON is showcased by the CPI(M) government as part of their commitment to the public sector and an alternative development model.
    • Rural Connectivity Challenges: KFON addresses the limited infrastructure and bandwidth provided by private telecom operators in rural areas.
    • Enhanced Service Delivery: KFON was established to ensure efficient service delivery, quality, reliability, interoperability, and security.

    Stakeholders of KFON

    • Joint Venture and Ownership: KFON is a joint venture of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Kerala State IIT Infrastructure Limited, with KSEB owning the infrastructure assets.
    • Project Implementation: A consortium led by Central PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is responsible for implementing the KFON project.
    • Project Funding: The project is fully funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

    Services Provided

    • Core Network Infrastructure: KFON aims to create an information highway with non-discriminatory access, connecting government offices and educational institutions.
    • Range of Services: KFON offers connectivity to government offices, leasing of dark fibre, internet leased line, fibre to the home, wifi hotspots, colocation of assets, IPTV, OTT, and cloud hosting.
    • Licenses and Facilities: KFON holds Infrastructure Provider (category one) and Internet Service Provider (category B) licenses, allowing access to optic fibre network infrastructure.

  • Light weight and Portable Payment System (LPSS) for emergencies

    payment

    Central Idea

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed the development of a Light weight and Portable Payment System (LPSS).

    Light weight and Portable Payment System (LPSS)

    • LPSS is referred to as a “bunker” equivalent, to ensure uninterrupted digital payments during exigencies such as natural calamities or war.
    • This system will operate independently of existing payment technologies like UPI, NEFT, and RTGS.
    • It can be operated from anywhere by a minimal staff during exigencies.
    • It will process critical transactions, such as bulk payments and interbank payments, during extreme and volatile situations.
    • The system operates on minimalistic hardware and software and is activated only when needed.

    Why such move?

    • As part of the Utkarsh 2.0 initiative, the RBI is working on strengthening the oversight framework for Centralised Payment Systems, including NEFT and RTGS.
    • The initiative aims to enhance the existing payment systems and introduce new functionalities to improve efficiency and reliability.

    Importance of an LPSS

    • Near-zero downtime: The RBI aims to create a payment system that can operate on minimalistic hardware and software, ensuring near-zero downtime of the payment and settlement system in the country.
    • Continuous liquidity pipeline: The lightweight system will facilitate uninterrupted functioning of essential payment services like bulk payments, interbank payments, and provision of cash to participant institutions, thereby keeping the liquidity pipeline of the economy alive and intact.
    • Stability of the economy: It is expected to process critical transactions, including government and market-related transactions that are crucial for maintaining the stability of the economy.
    • Enhancing public confidence: The resilient nature of the system will act as a bunker equivalent in payment systems, enhancing public confidence in digital payments and financial market infrastructure, even during extreme conditions.

    Differences between LPSS and UPI

    • Existing payment systems: The RBI acknowledges the availability of various payment systems in India for individuals and institutions, each with its distinct character and application.
    • Handling large transaction volumes: Conventional systems like RTGS, NEFT, and UPI are designed to handle large volumes of transactions while ensuring sustained availability, relying on complex wired networks and advanced IT infrastructure.
    • Vulnerability to catastrophic events: However, catastrophic events such as natural calamities and war can temporarily render these payment systems unavailable by disrupting the underlying information and communication infrastructure.
    • Preparedness for extreme situations: To address this vulnerability, the RBI believes it is prudent to be prepared with a lightweight payment system capable of functioning in extreme and volatile situations.

    Conclusion

    • The RBI has not provided a specific timeline for the launch of the lightweight payment and settlements system.
    • However, the concept serves as a crucial step towards ensuring the resilience of the payment ecosystem during emergencies.
    • Further research and development efforts are necessary to bring this system to fruition and enhance the overall stability and confidence in digital payments in India.

     

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  • IRDAI’s ambitious plan ‘Bima Trinity’

    bima

    Central Idea

    • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) in India aims to implement ambitious plans to improve the insurance sector.
    • The key objectives include offering affordable bundled policies that cover multiple risks and providing expedited claim settlements with value-added services.

    “Bima Trinity” – A Comprehensive Plan

    • The IRDA is collaborating with general and life insurance firms to develop a comprehensive plan called “Bima Trinity.”
    1. Bima Sugam
    2. Bima Vistar
    3. Bima Vaahaks

     (1) Bima Sugam – One-Stop Shop Platform

    • The IRDA is developing the Bima Sugam platform, which will integrate insurers and distributors onto a single platform.
    • This platform will serve as a one-stop shop for customers, simplifying the process of purchasing policies and accessing services.
    • Customers will be able to pursue service requests and settle claims through the same portal, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

    (2) Bima Vistar

    • The IRDA is working on the development of Bima Vistar, a bundled risk cover that encompasses life, health, property, and casualties or accidents.
    • This bundled policy aims to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of risks.
    • Policyholders will have defined benefits for each risk, allowing for faster claim payouts without the need for surveyors.
    • Bima Vistar will offer defined benefits for each risk category, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding for policyholders.
    • If a loss occurs, the defined benefit will be promptly transferred to the policyholder’s bank account, eliminating unnecessary waiting periods.

    (3) Bima Vaahaks: Women-Centric Workforce

    • As part of the Bima Trinity plan, the IRDA envisions a women-centric workforce known as Bima Vaahaks.
    • Bima Vaahaks will operate at the Gram Sabha level and engage with women heads of households.
    • Their role will be to educate and convince women about the benefits of a comprehensive insurance product like Bima Vistar.
    • They will emphasize the usefulness of a composite insurance product like Bima Vistar during times of distress.
    • By highlighting the advantages and addressing concerns, these Bima Vaahaks will play a crucial role in empowering women and ensuring their financial security.

    Other developments

    • Leveraging Digitized Registries for Faster Claims: With the increasing digitization of birth and death registries in many states, the IRDA plans to integrate its platform with these registries. This integration would allow for seamless sharing of data and facilitate faster claim settlements.
    • Streamlined Claim Settlement Process: Policyholders can access the platform, retrieve their policy from the insurers’ repository, and provide the necessary documents, such as the death certificate. This swift claim settlement process revolutionizes the insurance industry by significantly reducing the time taken for policyholders to receive their claims.

    Expansion of Insurance Penetration

    (1) Legislative Amendments for Increased Investments

    • The IRDA plans to introduce legislative amendments to attract more investments into the insurance sector. These amendments would allow for differentiated licenses for niche players, similar to the banking sector.
    • The objective is to encourage more participation, ultimately making insurance more accessible and affordable for citizens.

    (2) Making Insurance Available, Affordable, and Accessible

    • The IRDA is focused on adopting a multi-level approach to make insurance available, affordable, and accessible to a larger population.
    • The aim is to address the low insurance penetration in the country and double the number of jobs in the sector.
    • The regulator believes that by implementing these changes, insurance can become more inclusive and reach citizens at the Gram Sabha (village council), district, and state levels.

    (3) Identifying Significant Protection Gaps

    • The IRDA acknowledges the existence of significant protection gaps in various lines of insurance, including life, health, motor, property, and crops.
    • These gaps highlight the need for comprehensive coverage and prompt claim settlements.

    Proposed Amendments for Regulatory Reforms

    The IRDA has proposed amendments to insurance laws to enable regulatory reforms that encourage increased investment and innovation.

    • Differentiated capital requirements: These amendments aim to introduce differentiated capital requirements for niche insurers, attracting more investment into the sector.
    • Other value-added services: Additionally, the proposed amendments will allow insurers to offer value-added services alongside policies, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of customers.
    • Encouraging new players and services: The proposed amendments will pave the way for the entry of new players in the insurance sector. Micro, regional, small, specialized, and composite insurers will have the opportunity to operate and cater to different geographical areas and population segments.

    Comparison with Banking Sector

    • The IRDA draws parallels between the proposed changes in the insurance sector and the existing diversity in the banking sector.
    • Similar to the banking sector, which includes various types of banks addressing different needs and geographies, the insurance sector can benefit from a diverse range of insurers.
    • Payment banks, small finance banks, cooperative banks, and other specialized institutions serve specific purposes and cater to distinct segments of the population.

    Way Forward

    The IRDA’s initiatives, including bundled policies and expedited claim settlements, have the potential to significantly enhance insurance accessibility and affordability in India. To move forward effectively, the following steps can be considered:

    • Collaborating with Insurers: The IRDA should work closely with insurance companies to refine and implement the Bima Trinity plan, ensuring the success of bundled policies and integrated platforms.
    • Technological Integration: Prioritizing the integration of birth and death registries with the IRDA platform to expedite claim settlements. Emphasizing technological advancements and partnerships for seamless data sharing and processing.
    • Awareness and Education: Launch a comprehensive awareness campaign in collaboration with insurers and stakeholders to educate the public, especially women, about the benefits of bundled policies and comprehensive insurance coverage.
    • Regulatory Reforms: Expediting proposed amendments to insurance laws to enable differentiated capital requirements and value-added services. Active engagement with relevant government bodies to ensure smooth implementation.
    • Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing a robust framework for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of bundled policies, claim settlement processes, and insurance penetration in different regions.
    • Continuous Innovation: Encouraging insurers to continuously innovate and develop new products and services that address emerging risks and meet evolving consumer preferences in the rapidly evolving insurance landscape.

     

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  • A Troubling Statistic in India’s Nutritional Landscape

    nutrition

    Central Idea

    • A troubling statistic in the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data, conducted in 2019-21, is not well-known. Going without food for an entire day at this critical period of a child’s development raises serious concerns related to severe food insecurity.

    Statistics from the NFHS-5 data

    • Zero-food: Among mothers with a child between ages 6-23 months, 18% reported that their child did not eat any food whatsoever (“zero-food”) in the 24 hours preceding the survey. The zero-food prevalence was 30% for infants aged 6-11 months, 13% among 12-17 months old, and 8% among 18-23 months old.
    • Zero-protein: More than 80% of children in the age group of 6-23 months had not consumed any protein-rich foods for an entire day (“zero-protein”). Close to 40% of children in the age group of 6-23 months did not eat any grains (roti, rice, etc.) for an entire day.
    • Zero-milk: Six out of 10 children in the age group of 6-23 months do not consume milk or dairy of any form every day (“zero-milk”).

    The current measures for undernutrition

    • Stunting: It is a measure of chronic malnutrition, where children are too short for their age. It is determined by comparing a child’s height with the World Health Organization (WHO) child growth standards.
    • Wasting: It is a measure of acute malnutrition, where children have a low weight for their height. It is determined by comparing a child’s weight with the WHO child growth standards.
    • Underweight: It is a measure of both chronic and acute malnutrition, where children have a low weight for their age. It is determined by comparing a child’s weight with the WHO child growth standards.

    Limitations of current measures of undernutrition

    • Anthropometric measures: The assessment of the extent of nutritional deprivation among young children in India has relied on measures of anthropometric failure such as the percentage of children short for their age (stunting) or weighing less given their height (wasting), compared to a reference population. These measures are, at best, proxies suggesting plausible overall deficiencies in the child’s environment, without any guidance on the specific nature of the deficiencies. They do not provide insight into the specific food groups that are lacking in the child’s diet.
    • Multifactorial nature: Given the multifactorial nature of what causes stunting or wasting among children, it is challenging for any single ministry or department of the Government of India to take responsibility for designing, implementing and monitoring policies to reduce undernutrition among children.
    • Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the stunting prevalence to what population reference is being used makes it problematic as a policy metric for creating and evaluating the effectiveness of current programs and interventions.
    • Lack of data: The fact that we do not know what India eats highlights a core deficiency in data related to food and dietary consumption. This limits the ability to design effective policies and programs to improve nutritional security among Indians.

    Facts for prelims

    Initiative

    Description
    NFHS-5 Conducted in 2019-21, it revealed that 18% of mothers with a child between ages 6-23 months reported zero-food intake.
    Mission Poshan 2.0 A flagship programme aimed at achieving SDG 2 “zero hunger” and focuses on food-based initiatives.
    Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Increased access to improved toilets among Indian households from 48% to 70% between 2016 and 2021.
    Zero Food Metric A food-based metric that provides a good start to monitor and assess the performance of Poshan 2.0.
    White House initiative on hunger, nutrition and health Launched by the US to end hunger by 2030.

    Calorie intake recommendations by WHO

    • According to the World Health Organisation, at six months of age, 33 per cent of the daily calorie intake is expected to come from food. This proportion increases to 61 per cent at 12 months of age.
    • The recommended calorie percentages mentioned here are the minimum amount that should come from food.
    • It is presumed that the child obtains the remaining calories through on-demand breastfeeding, meaning the child is breastfed whenever they need it throughout the day and night, and not solely when the mother is able to provide it.
    • Consequently, the percentage of food-sourced calories only increases further when a child cannot receive breast milk when needed.

    What is the need for Poshan 2.0?

    • Achieving SDG 2: Poshan 2.0 is a flagship program that aims to achieve SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and ensure year-round access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food by 2030.
    • Targeting maternal and child nutrition: Poshan 2.0 focuses on food-based initiatives, including its flagship supplementary nutrition program service as mandated by the 2013 National Food Security Act, to target maternal and child nutrition.
    • Developing food-based metrics: To effectively monitor and assess the performance of Poshan 2.0, there is an immediate need to develop appropriate food-based metrics to measure the extent of food insecurity among Indian households.
    • Improving nutritional security: The goal of Poshan 2.0 is to ensure affordable access to sufficient quantity and quality of nutritionally diverse food, with a special and immediate focus on India’s youngest children to improve nutritional security among Indians.
    • Establishing routine dietary and nutritional assessments: A national effort to establish routine dietary and nutritional assessments for the entire population is the need of the hour to measure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutritious food, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations such as young children, and constitute the foundation for any evidence-based policy to end hunger and improve nutritional security among Indians.

    Way ahead

    • Elevating food intake among young children to be of primary importance, as opposed to being referred to as “complementary” in policies and guidelines related to maternal, infant and young child nutrition.
    • Extending the 24-hour recall questions on consumption of various food items to the population of children under five years to better understand food security for all populations in India.
    • Developing appropriate food-based metrics to effectively monitor and assess the performance of Mission Poshan 2.0.
    • Establishing routine dietary and nutritional assessments for the entire population to measure the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutritious food, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations such as young children.
    • Consider a strategic initiative led by the Prime Minister’s Office aimed at eliminating food insecurity in India and ensuring affordable access to sufficient quantity and quality of nutritionally diverse food, with a special and immediate focus on India’s youngest children.

    Conclusion

    • Given the urgency of the situation and the critical need for prompt action to address the issue of hunger and malnutrition among Indians, it is recommended that India takes inspiration from the United States. Recently, the US launched a high-level initiative aimed at ending hunger by 2030, which could offer valuable insights and guidance to India’s efforts in this direction.

    Mains Question

    Q. Statistic in the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data on hunger and malnutrition is troubling. In this backdrop discuss the need for Poshan 2.0 for India.

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    A reality check on Nutrition programs

     

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): India’s Progress Analysis

    SDGs

    Central Idea

    • India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the first meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors under India’s G20 Presidency, expressed concern about the slowing down of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given India’s large population, the success of achieving these goals is crucial for global progress. While India has made progress towards achieving some SDG targets, there are concerns regarding others.

    SDGs

    India’s progress on SDG’s

    • Neonatal and under-five mortality: India is on target to meet the SDG indicators for neonatal and under-five mortality. Both indicators have substantially improved in the last five years.
    • Full vaccination: India is on target to meet the SDG indicator for full vaccination.
    • Improved sanitation: India is on target to meet the SDG indicator for improved sanitation. The country has made significant progress in this area in the last five years.
    • Electricity access: India is on target to meet the SDG indicator for electricity access.
    • Access to banking: The number of women having bank accounts has improved across a vast majority of the districts between the years 2016 and 2021.
    • Adolescent pregnancy: The SDG indicator for eliminating adolescent pregnancy has improved across a vast majority of the districts between the years 2016 and 2021.
    • Multidimensional poverty: The SDG indicator for reducing multidimensional poverty has improved across a vast majority of the districts between the years 2016 and 2021.
    • Women’s well-being and gender equality: India has made progress in increasing mobile phone access, with 93% of households having access to mobile phones. However, only 56% of women report owning a mobile phone.

    Facts for prelims

    Recent findings by National Family Health Survey

    • Multidimensional poverty declined: At a compounded annual average rate of 4.8 per cent per year in 2005-2011 and more than double that pace at 10.3 per cent a year during 2011-2021.
    • Declining child mortality: There are some issues with the 2011 child-mortality data, but for each of the 10 components of the MPI index, the rate of decline in 2011-2021 is considerably faster than in 2005-2011.
    • Average decline in overall indicators: The average equally weighted decline for nine indicators was 1.9 per cent per annum in 2005-2011 and a rate of 16.6 per cent per annum, more than eight times higher in 2011-2021.
    • Consumption inequality decline: Every single household survey or analysis has shown that consumption inequality declined during 2011-2021. This is consistent with the above finding of highly inclusive growth during 2011-2021.

    Lessons from COVID-19 Approach

    • Leadership: Strong political leadership and responsive administrative structure are critical to success, and India’s COVID-19 response demonstrated that a mission-oriented ethos that provides adequate support for accomplishing district-level SDGs is urgently needed.
    • Infrastructure and Coordination: India’s success with COVID-19 was largely possible both because of the existing digital infrastructure, as well as new, indigenous initiatives such as the Co-WIN data platform and the Aarogya Setu application. Following these examples, India must put in place a coordinated, public data platform for population health management.
    • Targeted delivery: A targeted SDG strategy delivered at scale must be executed with the same timeliness of India’s COVID-19 relief package. Key to this relief programme was a mix of spending to provide direct in-kind and economic support, as well as measures aimed at revitalising the economy, small businesses, and agriculture.

    Concerns regarding India’s progress towards achieving SDGs

    • Unequal progress across districts: While India is on target to meet 14 out of 33 SDG indicators, the progress is not uniform across all districts.
    • For example: neonatal and under-five mortality rates are on target for the country as a whole, but many districts are not on track to meet these indicators.
    • Pace of improvement: The current pace of improvement is not sufficient to meet the SDG targets for 19 out of 33 indicators.
    • For instance: despite a national policy push for clean fuel for cooking, more than two-thirds of districts remain off-target for this indicator.
    • Gender inequality: India is facing significant challenges in achieving gender-related SDG targets.
    • For example: no district in India has yet succeeded in eliminating the practice of girl child marriage before the legal age of 18 years. Also, despite the overall expansion of mobile phone access in India, only 56% of women report owning a mobile phone, with many districts remaining off-target for this indicator.
    • Multidimensional poverty: Although India has made progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, many districts are still off-track to meet this SDG indicator.
    • Environmental sustainability: India has made progress in some areas related to environmental sustainability, such as improved sanitation and access to electricity. However, the country is still off-target for indicators related to clean cooking fuel, water and handwashing facilities, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Way ahead

    • Implement targeted policies and programs that are aligned with the SDG goals, particularly for areas where progress has been slow or lacking.
    • Improve the digital infrastructure, and create a coordinated public data platform for population health management.
    • Ensure strong and sustained political leadership that is supported by a responsive administrative structure at all levels.
    • Prioritize and accelerate efforts to address gender inequality and women’s well-being.
    • Strengthen implementation and monitoring mechanisms to ensure timely and effective delivery of SDG policies and programs.
    • Foster partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector to mobilize resources and expertise to achieve SDG targets.
    • Develop a decadal plan that outlines concrete steps and targets for achieving SDG goals in the next ten years.

    SDGs

    Conclusion

    • India needs to innovate a new policy path to achieve its SDG targets, especially those related to population health and well-being, basic quality infrastructure, and gender equality. India’s successful COVID-19 response has shown that it is possible to deliver at scale in such an ambitious and comprehensive manner. To achieve SDG targets, India needs a similar concerted, pioneering, and nationwide effort.

    Mains Question

    Q. India’s progress towards SDGs id often described as mixed progress. While there have been positive improvements, there are still concerns that needs to be addressed. Discuss along with a way ahead.

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    Also read:

    A recent analysis published in The Lancet has concluded that India is not on-target to achieve 19 of the 33 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators.

     

  • Only half PMJDY insurance claims settled in 2 years

    pmjdy

    Central idea: In an RTI reply, it is revealed that only 329 claims out of 647 filed were settled in the last two financial years under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).

    What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?

    • The PMJDY is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government in 2014.
    • It is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, a basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.
    • Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account can be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other account.

    Benefits under PMJDY

    • One basic savings bank account is opened for unbanked person.
    • There is no requirement to maintain any minimum balance in PMJDY accounts.
    • Interest is earned on the deposit in PMJDY accounts.
    • Rupay Debit card is provided to the account holder.
    • Accident Insurance Cover of Rs.1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh to new PMJDY accounts opened after 28.8.2018) is available with RuPay card issued to the PMJDY account holders.
    • An overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is available.

    Why in news?

    • In the financial year 2021-22, 341 claims were received for accident insurance cover under the PMJDY scheme.
    • Out of these, 182 claims were settled and 48 were rejected.
    • No information was provided on the status of the remaining 111 claims.

    Is PMJDY a success?

    • Dormancy of accounts: The PMJDY scheme has led to an increase in the number of bank accounts in rural areas, but this has not necessarily led to a corresponding increase in transactions due to limited transaction history of many account holders.
    • Low or no transactions: Insurance coverage for the account holder is linked to their transaction history, and many accounts remain frozen due to lack of transactions, taking several weeks or months to reactivate.
    • False promise of overdraft: The promised overdraft facility of Rs 5000 for new account holders has not been provided as promised, leading to scepticism about the scheme’s success.
    • Payments bottleneck: The lack of proper connectivity, electricity, internet, and ATM facilities in rural areas has hindered the activation of RuPay cards and PIN numbers, which should have been considered before implementing such a large-scale program.

     

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  • Women and India’s Labour force: Bridging the Gap

    Labour force

    Central Idea

    • Recent data reveals that despite more Muslim women than men enrolling in higher education courses, the number of Muslims in higher education has decreased. Additionally, Muslim women’s employment rates are still lagging behind, in line with the secular trends of low female labour force participation rates and increasing unpaid labour.

    The Current Scenario: Women’ Labour force participation

    • The PLFS reports show three disturbing secular trends:
    1. The female labour force participation (FLFP) rate has stagnated at very low levels in our country.
    2. Women’s employment is seen as a supplemental source of income, and that is only activated in dire times for the family.
    3. The share of women employed in unpaid labour has increased even for highly educated women. In 2017-18, 6.2 per cent of women (age 15-59) with graduate (or higher) level of education worked as unpaid helpers. By 2021-22, this share had increased to 11.2 per cent.

    Female labour force participation rate of Muslim women

    • The female labour force participation rate of Muslim women in the country is 15 per cent, as compared to 26.1 per cent for Hindu women.
    • Over the past three years, Muslim women have had the lowest LFP rate amongst all religious groups in the country, while the gender gap in participation has also been the widest for the community except for the Sikh community.
    • While salaried work is perhaps the more stable source of income, only 12.4 per cent of working Muslim women the lowest of all communities are salaried as compared to 16.2 per cent of Hindu women.
    • Research shows that Muslim women face significant discrimination in hiring at entry level roles.

    Labour force

    Why women labour force participation is low in India?

    • Cultural and social norms: Traditional gender roles and stereotypes often view women as responsible for domestic work and caregiving. Women are expected to prioritize their role as wives and mothers over their careers.
    • Lack of educational opportunities: Women from rural areas or lower socio-economic backgrounds may not have access to quality education or vocational training, limiting their employment opportunities.
    • Lack of safe and flexible work environments: Many women face challenges in finding safe and secure work environments, especially in fields that require mobility or working late hours. Women with children also face challenges in finding work that accommodates their caregiving responsibilities.
    • Discrimination and bias: Women face discrimination and bias in the workplace, including lower wages and fewer opportunities for advancement. Muslim women may also face additional discrimination based on their religion.
    • Legal barriers: Some laws and policies, such as restrictions on working night shifts, may limit women’s employment opportunities.
    • Patriarchal norms in family and society: Patriarchal norms often limit women’s decision-making power within the family and restrict their mobility outside of the home, further limiting their employment opportunities.

    Labour force

    Why the female labour force participation rate of Muslim women Is low?

    • Educational attainment: Muslim women, particularly those living in rural areas, have lower levels of educational attainment compared to women from other communities. This limits their access to better-paying and more skilled jobs, making it more difficult for them to enter the workforce.
    • Traditional gender roles: Muslim families, particularly those in conservative areas, have traditional gender roles where women are expected to prioritize household work and child-rearing over paid employment. This social norm is a significant barrier to women’s labor force participation.
    • Religious and cultural factors: Some Muslim women may face discrimination in the workplace due to religious and cultural stereotypes, which can limit their opportunities for employment.
    • Lack of safe and accessible transportation: Many women, particularly those from conservative communities, may face safety concerns when traveling alone. This limits their ability to commute to work and makes it difficult for them to access job opportunities outside of their immediate neighbourhoods.
    • Lack of support from family and community: Women may face resistance from their families and communities when they seek employment, particularly if it is seen as a threat to traditional gender roles or cultural norms.

    Women’s low participation in the labour force and impact on society and the economy

    • Economic loss: The low participation of women in the labour force leads to an economic loss for the country. Women’s potential contributions to the economy are not utilized, leading to a loss of output and income.
    • Gender inequality: The low participation of women in the labour force perpetuates gender inequality. It limits women’s access to economic opportunities and reduces their bargaining power, leading to their exclusion from decision-making processes.
    • Social welfare: The low participation of women in the labor force also affects social welfare. It limits the resources available to women and their families, leading to a lack of access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.
    • Demographic imbalance: The low participation of women in the labor force also leads to a demographic imbalance. It limits the number of women in positions of power and decision-making, which affects the representation of women in different sectors of the economy.
    • Poverty: The low participation of women in the labor force also affects poverty reduction efforts. It limits the number of women who are able to earn a living and provide for their families, which affects poverty reduction efforts in the long run.

    Way ahead: To increase inclusive women’s LFP

    • Society and Families must create supportive and sharing ecosystem: Society and families need to prioritize women’s employment as a means of contributing to the economic growth of the country. The stereotype of men being the sole breadwinner of the family puts a lot of pressure on them. Women can and should be brought in to share this burden while men share the burden of housework. It is essential to create a supportive ecosystem for women from all communities.
    • Providing skills training: Women should be provided with skills training and education to improve their employability. This could be achieved through vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs.
    • Employers must take intersectional approach: Employers need to ensure that they incorporate mechanisms to address unconscious biases in hiring. This can be done by designing inclusive networking opportunities and company events, promoting cultural awareness, creating an inclusive schedule for employees with faith-related needs, and offering compassion and support. Employers must work on women’s inclusion in the workplace and take an intersectional approach.
    • Policymakers must enable ecosystem for employment of women: The government and policymakers need to make those jobs available that women want and create ecosystems that are supportive of employed women. This involves creating space for women from all communities in policy conversations. There needs to be an emphasis on women’s employment as a means for them to have agency, express themselves, and expand their sources of happiness.
    • Encouraging entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurs could be encouraged through access to credit, mentorship programs, and business incubators.

    Labour force

    Conclusion

    • India needs more women in the workforce to increase the size of the economic pie. Addressing the issue of Muslim women’s employment could significantly contribute to India’s economic growth. To bridge the gap, employers, policymakers, families, and society must work together and create a supportive ecosystem for women from all communities.

    Mains Question

    Q. The recent data suggests that Muslim women have had the lowest Labour force participation (LFP) rate amongst all religious groups in the country. Enumerate the reasons and Discuss overall impact of women’s low LFP on society and economy along with suggestions to improve women’s LFP .

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