The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, with earlier settlements dating back to 3200 BCE.
The origins of this civilisation are traced back to Mehrgarh in Balochistan, which dates to 7000 BCE.
It is considered one of the three earliest civilizations, alongside Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The civilization covered over 1.5 million sq. km, stretching across modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Remains of the civilization include:
Well-planned cities with a grid layout, intersecting streets, and fortified structures.
Advanced drainage systems with underground sewers and covered drains, showing a strong emphasis on hygiene.
Granaries, warehouses, and dockyards, indicating the presence of structured trade and food storage mechanisms.
The discovery of seals made of steatite, often engraved with animals and an un-deciphered script, suggesting a sophisticated administrative system.
Craftsmanship in pottery, bead-making, terracotta figurines, metal artefacts, and weaving.
Water management systems such as reservoirs, wells, and baths, indicating an advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering.
Two ASI archaeologists were credited with the discovery:
Daya Ram Sahni excavated Harappa in 1921-22, discovering seals, pottery, and beads.
Rakhal Das Banerji began excavating Mohenjo-daro in 1922, finding similar items such as seals and copper objects.
John Marshall noticed the similarity between the objects found at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, despite the sites being 640 km apart.
What were the Artifacts and Sculptures found at the site?
The IVC is renowned for its remarkable artifacts and sculptures, reflecting its advanced culture and daily life.
Key finds include seals with animal motifs and inscriptions, terracotta figurines of animals and mother goddesses, and intricately crafted beads and ornaments made of gold, silver, and semi-precious stones.
Iconic sculptures like the bronze “Dancing Girl” and steatite “Priest-King” highlight artistic sophistication.
Practical items like pottery, toys, and tools demonstrate technological advancement and societal organization.
These discoveries shed light on the civilizationâs trade, religious beliefs, and aesthetic achievements.
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Valley Civilization?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.
Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.
The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector.
AboutPangong Lake (Pangong Tso)
Its name is derived from the Tibetan term âPangong Tso,â meaning âhigh grassland lake.â It is an endorheic (landlocked) lake with no outflow.
Location & Size:
Spans 134 km, divided between India (1/3) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (2/3).
Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, covers 604 sq. km, and is 5 km wide at its broadest point.
Water & Climate:
Brackish water that completely freezes in winter.
The lakeâs color shifts with sunlight and weather, displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
Wildlife: Acts as a breeding ground for Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks, and Radix freshwater snails.
Strategic Importance: Located in the Chushul approach, a key route for potential Chinese offensives, and was a major site of conflict during the 1962 war.
Political Features:
Border & Control: Lies on the Ladakh-China border, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) passing through it.
Contested Terrain: The northern bank is a hotspot due to differing boundary perceptions; China has built roads highlighting the lakeâs strategic value.
1999 Incident: During Operation Vijay, China constructed a 5-km road inside Indian territory.
2020 Standoff:
Began on May 5, 2020, following a clash in the Pangong Lake area.
Disengagement on the north and south banks concluded in 2021.
On October 21, 2024, India and China resolved the final friction points (Demchok, Depsang), ending a four-and-half-year border standoff.
PYQ Relevance: Q) Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentorâs Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Inequality (2020),âCaste Systemâ (2018 & 2020), and âInclusive Growthâ (2022).
The Human Rights Watch Report of 2007 reports that nearly 60% of children who drop out of school are Dalit children, indicating significant barriers that lead to high dropout rates within this community.
Todayâs editorial addresses the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, in accessing quality education in India. This content can be used in your Mains answer to highlight how caste-based discrimination continues to impact educational opportunities, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
One Dalit student’s plight gained significant attention on social media, leading the Supreme Court to intervene and grant him admission by exercising its extraordinary powersunder Article 142, highlighting the systemic inequalities that often leave deserving students without opportunities.
He had nearly lost his admission to IIT Dhanbad after missing the fee payment deadline due to financial constraints and technical issues
Key Highlights of “Hidden Apartheid” in India (Human Rights Watch Report 2007):
⢠Literacy Rates: As of the Census of India 2011, the literacy rate among Dalits is 66.1%, significantly lower than the national average of 73%. ⢠Enrollment Rates: Between 1983 and 2000, enrollment rates for Dalit boys increased from 47.7% to 63.25%. In comparison, upper-caste boys’ enrollment rose from 73.22% to 82.92% during the same period. ⢠Female Enrollment Disparities: The enrollment rate for Dalit girls improved from 15.72% to 32.61%, while upper-caste girls’ enrollment climbed from 43.56% to 59.15%, indicating a stark contrast in educational access between genders and castes. ⢠Dropout Rates: Informal data suggests that nearly 60% of children who drop out of school are Dalit children, indicating significant barriers that lead to high dropout rates within this community.By 1931, only 4% of Dalit children had access to primary education despite educational policies being established decades earlier, reflecting a long history of exclusion from educational opportunities. ⢠Systemic Barriers: The report emphasizes ongoing practices of “untouchability” and discrimination that create hostile environments for Dalit students in educational institutions, further complicating their access to quality education.
What are the major challenges presently faced by Dalit students in the Indian Education system?
While past restrictions were overt, contemporary obstacles are more insidious, manifesting through rising tuition fees and financial barriers.
Rise in Tuition Fees: Under the âAtmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,â the Government of India has promoted self-reliance in educational institutions, resulting in significant tuition hikes at prestigious colleges such as the IITs and IIMs.
For example, in 2016, IITs raised undergraduate tuition fees by 200%, escalating costs from âš90,000 to âš3 lakh annually. Similarly, recent increases at IIMs have seen fees rise by nearly 30% at some institutions.
Insufficient Support Measures: In response to criticism over these fee increases, the government introduced the Vidyalakshmi scheme, which offers interest-free scholarships for marginalized communities.
However, this initiative falls short of addressing the broader financial challenges faced by Dalit students as tuition continues to soar, despite their academic achievements.
The NCRB Data (2021) revealed that over the past seven years, 122 students from IITs and IIMs took their own lives, with many citing financial stress and employment anxiety.
Prevailing Disparities: An RTI filed by IIT-Bombay students further exposed the disparities, showing that 24 departments had no SC faculty, 15 lacked ST representation, and nine had no OBC faculty. A 2019 report revealed that 95% of faculty positions in IITs were held by individuals from upper-caste backgrounds.
These statistics highlight the deep-rooted caste-based inequalities that persist in both employment and education.
The issue of dropouts: Many students who manage to enroll themselves in prestigious institutions eventually drop out due to their inability to afford rising education fees.
The HRD Ministry reported that 2,461 students dropped out of IITs in just two years (2017 and 2018). In 2023, this issue was raised in the Lok Sabha, revealing that over the past five years, more than 13,500 students from the SC/ST/OBC had dropped out of courses in the central universities.
Previous Government Initiatives:
⢠Scholarship Schemes: Various scholarship programs are available for Dalit students, including the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, which provides financial assistance for education beyond matriculation, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent Dalit students from pursuing higher education. ⢠Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS): This research institute focuses on studying issues related to Dalits and has contributed to formulating guidelines against caste-based discrimination in schools. ⢠Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry: DICCI promotes entrepreneurship among Dalits by providing support and resources for business development. Its initiatives aim to empower Dalit youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. ⢠Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955) and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989): These acts are designed to prevent atrocities against Dalits and ensure their rights are protected. They provide legal recourse for victims of caste-based discrimination and violence, although implementation has faced challenges.
Did you know? A recent survey in 29 States on urban sewer and septic tank workers revealed that 92% belong to SC/ST/OBC.
Way Forward:
Strengthen Reservation Policies: Establish robust mechanisms to monitor compliance with reservation policies and hold institutions accountable for non-compliance.
Address Discrimination and Hostility: Enforce strict anti-discrimination policies and training programs within educational institutions, ensuring that any caste-based harassment is addressed promptly.
Promote Mental Health Support: Create peer mentoring programs that connect Dalit students with mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Reform Employment Opportunities: Enhance job placement services for Dalit graduates, ensuring they have access to employment opportunities post-education.
December 26, 2024, marks the 100th foundation day of the Communist Party of India (CPI). The CPI has played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, social reforms, and political evolution.
About the Communist Party of India (CPI)
Reasons for Formation:
Founded on December 26, 1925, at the Kanpur Conference, inspired by the 1917 Russian Revolution.
Earlier efforts included the Tashkent group (1920) led by M.N. Roy and Abani Mukherji, supported by the Comintern (Communist International).
Faced early repression through cases like:
Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case (1924).
Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929â1933).
Dissatisfaction with Gandhian methods and moderate nationalism.
Inspiration from the Soviet Revolution (1917) and global socialist movements.
Split (1964):
Ideological rift during the Cold War over alignment with the Soviet Union or China.
Led to the creation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M).
Prominent Leaders and Key Contributions
Prominent Leaders:
M.N. Roy (1920s): Founder of the Tashkent group; advocated socialism and anti-colonialism.
Abani Mukherji (1920s): Drafted the Indian Communist Manifesto.
S.A. Dange (1924): Founding CPI member; labour leader implicated in the Kanpur Conspiracy Case.
Muzaffar Ahmed (1920s): Mobilized workers and peasants; key figure in AITUC (1920).
Shaukat Usmani (1920sâ1930s) and M. Singaravelu (1925): Early CPI activists.
Key Contributions:
Demand for Poorna Swaraj (1927):
Advocated for complete independence, influencing the Indian National Congress (INC).
Workers and Peasants Movements (1920sâ1950s):
Mobilized workers through AITUC (1920) and peasants through All India Kisan Sabha (1936).
Led uprisings like the Telangana Rebellion (1946â1951).
Opposition to British Rule (1920sâ1947):
Organized strikes and protests during the Quit India Movement (1942).
Achievements of CPI
In the First Lok Sabha (1952â57), CPI was the single largest opposition party.
In 1957, CPI won the state elections in Kerala, becoming the first democratically elected communist government in independent India.
Note: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Indiaâs oldest trade union federation, was founded in 1920 by Lala Lajpat Rai and others in Bombay to represent India at the ILO (International Labour Organisation).
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following events:
The first democratically elected communist party government was formed in a State in India.
Indiaâs then largest bank, âImperial Bank of Indiaâ, was renamed âState Bank of Indiaâ.
Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
Goa became a part of independent India.
Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project, the first project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, conceptualized in 1980. The project would submerge over 10 per cent of the core area of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
About the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP):
About
Objective: Transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
Ken-Betwa Canal: Envisages a 221 km canal (including a 2-km tunnel) for water diversion.
Submergence area: Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.
Itâs the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (1980).
Targeted completion within 8 years, as per the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Key Components
It will irrigate 10.62 lakh ha (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP) and provide drinking water to ~62 lakh people.
Power Generation: Aims for 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
Phases:
Phase-I: Construction of Daudhan Dam, related tunnels, canal, and powerhouses.
Phase-II: Building of Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
Daudhan Dam:
Foundation stone laid in December 2024 by PM Narendra Modi.
2,031 m in length and 77 m in height, submerging ~9,000 ha across 10 villages.
Construction contract awarded to NCC Ltd.
Geographical Features of Ken and Betwa River
Ken River: Rises near Ahirgawan in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Bundelkhand, joins the Yamuna near Chilla village in UP.
Betwa River: Originates in the Vindhya Range (near Hoshangabad, MP), also flows through Bundelkhand, and meets the Yamuna at Hamirpur (UP).
Both rivers traverse hilly and plateau regions of Bundelkhand, often facing drought-like conditions.
Both are highly seasonal; flows depend largely on monsoon rainfall.
Significance
Water Scarcity Mitigation: Aims to alleviate drought-like conditions in Bundelkhand by ensuring year-round irrigation.
Enhanced Agriculture: 10.62 lakh ha of farmland to benefit, improving crop yields and farm income.
Drinking Water Supply: Targets ~62 lakh people in MP and UP, improving public health.
Energy Generation: A total of 130 MW (103 MW hydropower + 27 MW solar), boosting renewable energy capacity in rural areas.
Bundelkhand Development: Expected to spur socio-economic growth, reduce rural distress and migration, and aid industrial expansion.
Template for Future Projects: As the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan, its success could pave the way for additional river-linking schemes nationwide.
PYQ:
[2020] The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
Q) The caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.â Comment. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Mentorâs Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the âRight to Equalityâ (2021) and âMulti-cultural Indian Societyâ (2020).
Oxfam India Report (2022) indicates that 97% of surveyed Dalits reported experiencing discrimination in their workplaces, with 32.5% facing denied promotions and 19.4% being purposefully transferred due to caste-related biases.
Todayâs editorial critically examines the pervasive belief in meritocracy within the Indian IT industry and its implications for caste-based inequalities. This content can be used to present âCaste-based discrimination at workplacesâ and âKey highlights of NSSO Reportsâ in your mains answers.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent NSSO Report conducts extensive household surveys across India, highlighting the significant caste-based disparities in the IT sector.
What is Meritocracy?
⢠Meritocracy is the belief that individuals should succeed based on their abilities and efforts rather than their social background. In theory, it promotes equality by providing everyone with an equal chance to succeed. ⢠However, this ideal is increasingly being challenged as a myth that fails to account for systemic inequalities, particularly in the context of caste in India.
What does the NSSO data say about Caste Disparities in the IT Sector? The study draws from two NSSO survey rounds: the 78th (2020-21) and the 68th (2011-12): ⢠Caste-Based Employment Disparities: Analysis of NSSO data reveals significant caste-based disparities in employment probabilities and wage earnings within the IT sector, challenging the notion of inclusivity in this industry. ⢠Employment Probabilities: Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) have only a 10% probability of being employed in the IT sector, compared to 27% for upper castes. This disparity persists even after controlling for educational attainment and other factors.From 2011-12 to 2020-21, the probability gap widened, with lower caste groups experiencing an increase in their disadvantage from an 11% deficit to a 17% deficit despite overall growth in IT employment. ⢠Wage Disparities: SC and Other Backward Classes (OBC) workers face wage differentials of 24.9% and 22.5%, respectively, compared to their upper caste counterparts, even when accounting for education and employment type. ⢠Labour Market Segmentation: The findings align with labour market segmentation theory, indicating that lower castes are relegated to lower segments of the job market with limited opportunities for upward mobility. This reflects ongoing social barriers that hinder marginalized groups from fully participating in the growing IT sector. ⢠Need for Addressing Inequalities: The study highlights that as the IT sector expands, it fails to recognize or mitigate social barriers that exclude marginalized communities, necessitating targeted reforms to promote inclusivity and equity.
How do caste-based disparities affect opportunities for individuals in the IT sector?
Structural Inequalities: Despite the IT sector’s rapid growth and opportunities, caste-based disparities remain deeply entrenched. Individuals from marginalized communities often face barriers that prevent them from accessing the same opportunities as their upper-caste counterparts.
Hiring Practices: Many tech companies claim to hire based on merit; however, hiring practices often reflect existing societal biases. The recruitment process can inadvertently favor candidates from privileged backgrounds who have better access to resources such as quality education and networking opportunities.
Representation Issues: While there are initiatives aimed at increasing diversity, the representation of lower-caste individuals in senior positions remains disproportionately low. This lack of representation perpetuates a cycle where decision-making power is concentrated among a homogenous group.
Is meritocracy a genuine principle for individuals in the Indian IT sector?
False Narratives: The belief in meritocracy creates a false narrative that ignores the socio-economic contexts from which individuals emerge. It allows those in privileged positions to believe their success is solely due to their abilities, dismissing the advantages they may have had over others.
Impact on Policy and Reform: This myth hinders meaningful policy reform aimed at addressing these disparities. When meritocracy is upheld as a guiding principle, it becomes challenging to advocate for affirmative action or other measures designed to level the playing field.
What reforms are necessary to address these disparities?
Policy Reforms: Implementing policies that actively promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the impact of caste on career advancement and the need for structural changes within organizations.
Support Systems: Establishing mentorship and support systems for individuals from marginalized communities to help them navigate barriers in their professional journeys.
A report by the PM’s Economic Advisory Panel (EAC-PM) indicates that the number of domestic migrants has decreased by approximately 12%, reaching 40.20 crore since 2011 census.
Internal/Domestic migration refers to the movement of people within a country from one region to another.
Reasons for Push factors: Lack of job opportunities, natural disaster, lack of quality education and healthcare facilities, etc.
Reasons for Pull factors: Economic opportunities, higher standard of living, peace and stability, etc.
What is Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Panel (EAC-PM)?
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) is an independent advisory body established to provide economic insights and recommendations to the Government of India, specifically to the Prime Minister.
The term “independent advisory body” refers to a group that provides expert advice and recommendations without being subject to direct control or influence from the government or any political entity. The Prime Minister of India has the authority to appoint the members of the EAC-PM.
What are the key findings of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Panel (EAC-PM) report?
Decline in Domestic Migrants: The number of domestic migrants in India is estimated to have decreased by approximately 12% from 45.57 crore in 2011 to 40.20 crore in 2023, indicating a shift in migration trends and possibly improved local opportunities.
Migration Rate and Dynamics: The migration rate has dropped from 37.64% of the total population in 2011 to an estimated 28.88% in 2023, reflecting a significant change in the dynamics of internal migration.
Short-distance migration is predominant, with distance negatively affecting labor mobility.
Migration originates primarily from areas around major urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
Major Migration areas: UP-Delhi, Gujarat-Maharashtra, Telangana-AP, Bihar-Delhi (state level).
Data Sources: The report utilized high-frequency data from various sources, including the Indian Railway Unreserved Ticketing System, mobile phone roaming data, and district-level banking data, to analyze migration patterns.
Changing Migration Patterns: The report highlights that states like West Bengal and Rajasthan have emerged as significant destinations for migrants, while states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have seen a decline in their rankings as migrant sources.
What are the reasons for the decline in migrant numbers?
Improved Local Opportunities: The decline in domestic migration is hypothesized to be due to enhanced economic opportunities and services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and connectivity available in or near major sources of migration. This suggests that individuals may be finding sufficient opportunities locally rather than migrating.
Short-Distance Migration Dominance: The report indicates that short-distance migrations account for a significant share of overall migration, suggesting that individuals prefer to migrate within closer proximities rather than long distances.
What are the present steps taken for the welfare of Domestic Migrants in India?
Social Security Programs: The Indian government has established various welfare schemes aimed at providing social security to migrant workers. Notable among these are:
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PMSYM): This scheme offers a minimum assured pension of âš3,000 per month to unorganized sector workers, including migrants, upon reaching the age of 60.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This initiative provides health coverage of up to âš5 lakh for secondary and tertiary healthcare, benefiting millions, including migrant workers.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): Extended for five years from January 2024, this scheme ensures food security through free food grains and cash transfers to families below the poverty line, including migrants.
Housing Initiatives:
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): This scheme aims to provide affordable housing to low-income groups, including migrants, through various subsidies and housing projects.
Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC): Launched under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, this initiative seeks to provide rental housing for migrant workers and urban poor.
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): This scheme allows migrant workers to access subsidized food across the country using their existing ration cards, ensuring food security regardless of their location.
What are the existing challenges related to migrant workers in India?Â
Economic Insecurity: Migrant workers are often employed in low-wage, unstable jobs, and their dependence on remittances makes them vulnerable to financial hardship during economic downturns.
Poor Living and Working Conditions: Migrants often live in overcrowded, inadequate housing with limited access to basic services, and face unsafe, exploitative working conditions, especially in foreign countries.
Legal and Social Challenges: Many migrants lack proper legal recognition and identification, hindering access to social security and leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and social discrimination.
Urban Overload: Rapid migration strains urban infrastructure, leading to overcrowding, inadequate housing, and pressure on public services in cities, affecting migrantsâ living conditions.
Way forward:Â
Enhance Local Economic Development: To further reduce the need for long-distance migration, focus on creating more job opportunities, improving infrastructure, and expanding social services in migration-origin regions.
Strengthen Migrant Welfare Programs: Ensure better implementation and outreach of existing welfare schemes, such as healthcare, housing, and food security, to protect migrant workers’ rights and well-being across all regions.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.. (UPSC IAS/2015)
India’s digital revolution, with 1.18 billion mobile connections and 700 million Internet users, faces challenges from rising tech-facilitated gender-based violence. In response, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the ‘Ab Koi Bahana Nahi‘ campaign.
The “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” campaign, launched on November 25, 2024, aims to combat gender-based violence in India. It promotes public accountability and action, coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism.
How does the digital divide exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequalities?
Urban-Rural Disparities: There is a stark contrast in digital access between urban and rural areas. Urban regions enjoy better connectivity and higher internet speeds, while rural areas lag, limiting their ability to participate in the digital economy and access essential services.
Gender Inequality: The digital gender divide remains pronounced, with fewer women than men having access to digital technologies. This disparity restricts women’s economic and educational opportunities, reinforcing existing societal inequalities.
Economic Inequality: The lack of access to technology disproportionately affects lower-income groups, preventing them from improving their quality of life. Those without digital access are unable to compete in an increasingly online job market, leading to widening economic disparities.
What are the implications of digital inequality for education and unemployment opportunities?
Educational Access: Students in areas with limited digital infrastructure struggle to access educational resources and online learning platforms. This gap has been particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning became essential.
Skill Development: The inability to access technology hampers the development of essential digital skills among students and job seekers. As many jobs now require digital literacy, those lacking these skills face higher unemployment rates.
Impact on Employment: Many job opportunities today require proficiency in technology. The lack of digital skills among a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas, limits their employability and economic advancement.
Why is ensuring womenâs safety online not just a moral obligation, but also a crucial pillar for Indiaâs progress?
Protection of Rights and Dignity: Women’s safety online upholds their fundamental rights, enabling them to participate fully in society without fear of harassment, fostering freedom of expression and access to information.
Economic Growth: Ensuring online safety for women can boost global GDP by $18 billion, encouraging their participation in the digital economy, and leading to greater innovation and economic growth.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Increased cyber-crimes against women, including harassment and image abuse, necessitate stronger legal protections and effective enforcement to combat online gender-based violence (OGBV).
Social Stability and Cohesion: A culture of safety online for women promotes social stability and cohesion by breaking cycles of violence, with men and boys playing a critical role as allies in fostering respectful societies.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government to bridge the digital divide?Â
BharatNet Project: Launched in 2011, this initiative aims to connect 250,000 panchayats (village councils) through high-speed optical fibre networks, enhancing internet access in rural areas.
National Digital Literacy Mission: Established in 2014, this program aims to make at least one person in every household digitally literate, focusing on basic computer skills and internet usage.
PM Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan: Launched in 2017, this initiative seeks to promote digital literacy among rural households, targeting around 60 million households.
Digital India Programme: Initiated in 2015, this comprehensive program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It includes objectives such as universal digital literacy and providing broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats.
Internet Saathi Program: A collaboration between Google India and Tata Trusts launched in 2015, this program focuses on empowering rural women with digital skills and knowledge.
DIKSHA Platform: Launched in 2017, this national platform for school education provides digital resources for teachers and students from grades 1 to 12, promoting equitable access to educational content
What strategies can be implemented to bridge the digital divide? (Way forward)
Infrastructure Investment: Expanding broadband infrastructure in rural areas is crucial for ensuring equitable internet access. Government initiatives should focus on enhancing connectivity and making devices affordable.
Digital Literacy Programs: Implementing widespread digital literacy initiatives can empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate online spaces safely and effectively. Targeted programs for women and marginalized groups are essential for inclusivity.
Integrating Technology into Education: Schools should incorporate technology training into their curriculums to equip students with the necessary skills for future employment. Community workshops can also help educate adults about using digital tools effectively.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with tech companies can enhance resource allocation and implementation efficiencies in bridging the digital divide. This partnership can also lead to the development of user-friendly platforms that promote safe online practices.
Nationwide Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns aimed at changing societal attitudes towards technology use can encourage broader acceptance and participation among all demographics, particularly among women and marginalized communities.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)
The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at addressing the growing mental health challenges in the country.
About National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
Details
Initiated in 1982 and restructured in 2003, the NMHP aims to modernize mental health facilities and upgrade psychiatric wings in medical institutions.
Features and Signficance
The program has 3 components:
1. Treatment of mentally ill
2. Rehabilitation
3. Prevention and promotion of positive mental health.
Aims and ObjectivesÂ
Prevention and treatment of mental and neurological disorders and their associated disabilities.
Use of mental health technology to improve general health services.
Application of mental health principles in total national development to improve quality of life.
Structural Mandate
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), based on the Bellary Model, focuses on community mental health services at the primary healthcare level, spanning 716 districts.
DMHP provides outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, and support for severe mental disorders.
Priority given to mental morbidity and treatment.
Primary healthcare services at village and sub-center levels.
Services at the Primary Health Center (PHC) and District Hospital levels.
Facilities at Mental Hospitals and Teaching Psychiatric Units.
Back2Basics: The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
It replaced the Mental Healthcare Act, 1987, which was criticized for failing to recognize the rights of mentally ill individuals.
It ensures the Right to Access to Healthcare and aims to ensure the rights and dignity of those with mental illness.
It decriminalized suicide, stating that attempts are presumed to be under severe stress and shall not be punished.
