The Odisha government has clarified that it will not allow bauxite mining in the Gandhamardan hills after concerns arose when the Adani Group’s subsidiary acquired 112 acres of land near the hills.
AboutGandhamardan Hills:
Geographical Features
Situated in the western part of Odisha, spread across the Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
Covers an area of 190 square kilometers.
Dense forests and hill slopes.
Plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.
Mines and Minerals Found
Bauxite: Primary ore of aluminum.
Graphite: Used in industrial applications.
Manganese: Important for steel manufacturing.
Significance
Cultural Sites:
1. Nrusinghanath Temple: A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Nrusingha, a half-lion, half-human incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
2. Harishankar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, set amidst picturesque surroundings.
Hiuen Tsang described the hill shrine as a Buddhist heritage site named Parimalagiri in his chronicles.
– Flora: Rich in medicinal plants.
– Fauna: Rich biodiversity, including diverse wildlife species.
Dasycarpa and spiderpeucetia harishankarensis are endemic to this hill.
The SHAKTI Yojana plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of coal supply for India’s power sector.
AboutSHAKTI Yojana:
Details
• SHAKTI stands for Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India.
• Introduced by: Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
• Launched in 2018, with amendments in March 2019 and November 2023.
• Purpose: Ensure transparent coal allocation to the power sector, especially stressed power units facing coal shortages.
Objective
Allocate coal supplies to power plants that are unable to secure adequate fuel, ensuring consistent and transparent coal supply to power plants.
Features:
Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA): Coal supplied through FSA with Letter of Assurance (LoA) holders, ensuring continuation of supply at 75% of the Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ).
Coal Linkages: Linkages granted to State/Central Generating Companies and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) with Long-Term PPAs.
Significance
• Ensures coal supply to stressed units, supporting new power plants and promoting transparency in coal allocation.
• Supports uninterrupted power generation by ensuring consistent fuel supply.
About India’s Coal Gasification Vision:
To achieve 100 MT of coal gasification by FY 2030, with a focus on sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.
Incentive: Reimburse GST compensation cess on coal used for gasification projects for 10 years, contingent on cess extension beyond FY27.
Target: Attract both Government PSUs and the Private Sector to drive innovation and investment in coal gasification.
Process: Entities selected through a transparent bidding process; government support for eligible PSUs and private firms to implement projects.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Animesh Pradhan, Age 24, Attempt: 1st, UPSC-CSEAIR 2. A graduate of NIT Rourkela, working as a full-time employee in Indian Oil Corp., he cleared UPSC CSE on his first attempt at the age of 24. He lost his father at an early age and was left with his Mother and elder sister. Unfortunately, his Mother passed away 40 days ago and couldn’t see her Son’s success and cherish it. His sister got married in January last year. He is a very committed, humble, and diligent student with high professional skills in managing work and studies.
AIR 2, Animesh Pradhan at Civilsdaily Delhi Centre Today
Schedule a 1-1 call with Civilsdaily’s Mentorfor focused UPSC Prep
With all the lows in life, he came with the hope that one day, his mother would see him becoming an IAS officer. Even though one wish in these two remained unachieved, wherever his mother is, her wishes will be with him, and if there is heaven at all, she might be celebrating this in that heaven.
AIR 2, Animesh Pradhan On Call With Civilsdaily Mentor Showing His Gratitude
We hope he achieves much more success and wish him enough grit to achieve whatever he wants in life. We expect him not to stop here and make this a mere small achievement in his list of aspirations.
Why Civilsdaily Mentorship and Programs Are Unique?
Element No. 1: The System
The first element of the powerful mentorship program at CD is – The System.
The system is the method that is used during the program. One of the first surprising elements of a Civilsdaily program is that we do an early assessment of the current stage of aspirants. This is done in 10+ dimensions. Along with that, you get a lot of study material in advance. Unlike other courses that give you average content when the course begins, you get high-quality content for UPSC Prep well in advance. The reason for this is simple: The Mentor is not around to create “shock and awe”. Instead, the element that really helps learning is the “safe zone”. When aspirants get the material in advance, it gives them time to learn and absorb it. And then, when the initial assessments happen in the form of mock tests, the aspirant is able to apply the learning.
One big reason we fail to learn and progress in UPSC Prep is that we do not have time to practice and attempt mocks.
No one is around to correct our mistakes. All we get is an endless stream of information, and mastery over exam is further away than ever. The notes themselves need design: lots of examples, relevance to PYQs, and easy-to-read language. The syllabus content needs to be broken up into consumable chunks. It’s design, design and more design. Check our atomic and flash notes, and you will understand what we mean. A well-constructed system is the first element of the program at CD but by no means the most important.
Trying to cope with breathless content all at once is extremely intimidating for the aspirants. When you’re in a Civilsdaily Mentorship program, you get the content well in advance. There’s no need to create “shock and awe” while mentoring. You learn better when you know and own the content, using the course to practice and get better at it instead.
Element No. 2: The Group
A journey of a thousand miles can be really intimidating without a group because UPSC -CSE requires MCQ and answer writing aptitude, which requires constant practice. When you work alone, it’s easy to give up or get distracted. A group is what gets you ahead. But how do you get a group that’s focused, smart, and helpful? Do such groups even exist?
There’s a saying in Africa: If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a group. And yet, not any group will do, will it? You’ve been in Telegram groups before, and the terms “kind, helpful and smart” don’t come to mind, do they?
The one thing that will amaze you at Civilsdaily is how much you come to rely on your group. At first, many aspirants assume that their progress is a lonely journey. They learn what’s required, do their mocks, and when the course is done, they get to the finish line.
And yet habit-creation reveals something entirely different.
Snagging a bad habit is relatively easy. The moment you have to build a “good habit,” it’s a lot harder to stay motivated—unless, of course, you have a group.
The aspirant groups at the Civilsdaily course are brilliant, focused and helpful.
It almost seems hard to find such an active, helpful bunch of people. And the reason why you’ll find this level of camaraderie here, is because of several reasons. But the biggest reason of all is because we’re selective.
We only let people in if they pass our filters.
We also will not have overloading of any kind. Our program accepts limited aspirants. You simply will not see the ocean full of aspirants you see on other courses. Finally, we break up the groups into even smaller groups of six or seven aspirants. We keep it small and focused. This gets you closer to the finish line. In short, you go far.
Without practice, mastery of this exam is difficult. Without daily and weekly practice, you have a “decay problem.” Other courses will give you content and mocks once a month and won’t provide any kind of mentor feedback. This is a recipe for disaster. You won’t know if you are making any progress at all.
That’s not how we run our programs.
When you’re a part of the Civilsdaily Mentorship program, whether you’re a beginner or veteran, you have a schedule that is unique to you and your requirements for the duration of the program. As you’d expect, all this is designed with “tiny increments” in mind, but it is the daily and weekly practice that keeps away the decay.
And everything is enriched with a 1:1 mentor call.
Your Mentor checks your preparation and works with you to ensure progress—there is no exception. This enables you to learn bit by bit instead of being dumped with endless content that you might never use in an exam. When you consider all three elements: the system, the group, and the daily and weekly practice, you are able to create a habit. This habit leads to success in exam.
Any new subject or mock can be a little unnerving when you don’t get regular practice. Our program is designed to help you learn layer by layer, and it involves small steps done daily. That way, if you press the “wrong button,” we can learn from the mistake, fix it, and move ahead at an even pace.
This attention to detail is what makes the Civilsdaily Mentorship Program among the best. But you’ll find that out for yourself.
To explore our Mentorship and schedule a pre-enrollment call, Fill this Mentorship Form (Free for the next 24 hours) to connect with our mentors.
The heart of the Civilsdaily platform is the Foundation Program and Ultimate Assessment Program (UAP). For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search inevitably ends at Civilsdaily. Enrollment in these programs and Mentorship also makes us accountable to aspirants for the value they get.
In the past few years, we’ve worked quietly in the background with hundreds of aspirants; many now serve as IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved. Here are some of the recent rankers who show us gratitude.
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Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘Cyber Security’ (in 2022), and ‘Maritime Secuirty’ (2021).
India ranks fourth globally in defense spending,behind only the United States, China, and Russia in terms of military budget allocation. To maintain its ranking and achieve its development objectives by 2047, India must invest more in research frameworks.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the critical importance of enhancing research security, by taking an example of the United States as a means to protect national interests while fostering innovation and international collaboration. This content can be used as a successful case study to represent in your mains examination.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the US Government has come up with defense and security developments, particularly in the form of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) new TRUST framework.
Research security has emerged as a pressing concern in the context of India’s national security too, particularly as global collaborations in science and technology increase.
What measures are being implemented to enhance research security in India?
The MeitY is developing infrastructure for advanced R&D in cybersecurity to promote indigenous skills and capabilities.
Technology Security Initiative with the UK: India has partnered with the United Kingdom to launch the Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This focuses on emerging technologies across sectors like telecommunications, semiconductors, AI, and biotech.
National Cyber Security Policy 2013: It serves as a comprehensive framework for enhancing the protection of India’s cyberspace by encouraging R&D in cyber security to develop technologies tailored to national needs. This framework has set up mechanisms like the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to address cyber threats
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDPB) 2023: It includes the passage of the legislative measures, which aim to establish regulations for data processing entities to safeguard personal data and enhance privacy.
CASE STUDY:
The TRUST Framework (U.S.)The NSF has introduced the Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency (TRUST) framework to assess grant proposals for potential national security risks. This initiative is designed to protect taxpayer investments in research while promoting beneficial international collaborations. The framework comprises three branches: 1.Personnel Assessment: Evaluating active personnel appointments and positions. 2.Compliance Monitoring: Identifying instances of noncompliance with disclosure requirements. 3. National Security Considerations: Incorporating foreseeable national security risks into research assessments.
Rebecca Keiser, head of the NSF’s Office of Research Security Strategy and Policy, emphasized that while it is essential to mitigate risks, the U.S. must continue to lead in science and innovation without succumbing to an overly cautious compliance culture.
Why is research security essential for national defense?
Protection Against Foreign Influence: Foreign governments and entities often seek to exploit academic research for military and strategic advantages.
This exploitation can manifest in various forms, including intellectual property theft, sensitive data, and technological innovations.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has highlighted concerns regarding foreign interference that jeopardizes the integrity of National research, necessitating robust security measures to safeguard against these threats.
Safeguarding National Interests: Research contributes significantly to national defense capabilities and technological advancements.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) emphasizes that maintaining a secure research environment is crucial for fostering innovation while mitigating risks associated with foreign influence and espionage.
Enhancing Readiness and Capability: Defense research provides insights into emerging technologies and potential threats, allowing for informed decision-making regarding national defense strategies.
As noted in various reports, a decline in defense-related research funding can adversely affect a nation’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
Compliance with Legislative Mandates: Recent legislative initiatives, such as the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), mandate that federal funding agencies implement research security programs to protect federally funded research from foreign interference.
These policies require institutions receiving significant federal funding to certify that they have established effective research security measures.
What are the challenges faced by Security Research Frameworks in India?
Fragmentation of Efforts: Despite numerous initiatives, India’s approach to cybersecurity remains fragmented, due to insufficient collaboration among various stakeholders that hinder effective implementation of security measures.
Shortage of Skilled Personnel: There is a significant gap in the availability of trained cybersecurity professionals. Further, the government’s inability to address emerging threats promptly due to a lack of expertise in critical areas like cyber forensics and incident response.
Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure: India’s critical infrastructure, such as power grids and communication networks, is susceptible to cyber-attacks, posing risks to national security. High-profile incidents, like the attempted attack on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, highlight these vulnerabilities.
Evolving Threat Landscape: The rapid evolution of cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs) and state-sponsored cyber espionage, complicates the security landscape. APTs have sophisticated attacks that are hard to identify and counteract effectively.
How can collaboration between researchers and government agencies improve research integrity?
Establishing Clear Guidelines and Standards: Collaborative efforts allow researchers and government agencies to develop clear guidelines for ethical research practices. Different governments can provide frameworks that outline expectations for research conduct, helping to prevent misconduct.
Enhancing Risk Management: Working together enables a systematic approach to identifying and managing risks associated with research activities.Government agencies can help incorporate security measures into research protocols to mitigate risks related to foreign interference and data breaches.
Facilitating Training and Capacity Building: Government partnerships can enhance the training of researchers in best practices for maintaining integrity. Different agencies/stakeholders can offer educational materials and training programs focused on ethical research conduct and compliance with regulations.
Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: Collaborative frameworks can include mechanisms for reporting misconduct or conflicts of interest, ensuring issues are addressed promptly.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning report, Prisons in India: Mapping Prison Manuals and Measures for Reformation and Decongestion, highlighting electronic prisoner tracking to tackle overcrowding.
What are the key finding of the report?
Addressing Overcrowding: The report highlights the critical issue of overcrowding in Indian prisons, which had an occupancy rate of 131.4% as of December 2022, with a significant number of inmates being undertrials (75.8%). It proposes that electronic tracking could serve as a cost-effective alternative to incarceration, allowing for the release of low and moderate-risk prisoners while ensuring compliance with legal conditions.
Implementation Recommendations: The report suggests initiating pilot programs for electronic monitoring, specifically targeting undertrial prisoners who exhibit good behavior. This phased approach aims to assess community readiness and the feasibility of broader implementation while ensuring that such measures respect individual rights and privacy concerns.
What are the benefits of electronic tracking of people out of prison on bail?
Reduction in Overcrowding: Electronic tracking can significantly alleviate prison overcrowding. With Indian prisons operating at an occupancy rate of 131.4% as of December 2022, implementing electronic monitoring for low and moderate-risk undertrials could free up space and resources.
Cost-Effectiveness: The financial implications are substantial; for instance, the annual cost of maintaining a single undertrial prisoner in Odisha is around Rs 1 lakh, while the cost of an electronic tracker is estimated to be between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. This shift could lead to considerable savings in prison management costs.
Improved Rehabilitation: Allowing undertrials to remain in the community while monitored electronically supports their rehabilitation. It enables them to continue education and work, thereby maintaining family connections crucial for reintegration into society.
Enhanced Monitoring: Electronic tracking provides a reliable method to ensure compliance with release conditions, reducing the risk of absconding or re-offending.
What are the present challenges in India?
Privacy Concerns: The use of electronic monitoring raises significant privacy issues. Continuous surveillance can be perceived as intrusive and may infringe on individuals’ fundamental rights, as highlighted by recent Supreme Court rulings against invasive bail conditions.
Technical Reliability: The effectiveness of electronic tracking systems depends on the technology’s reliability. Issues such as device malfunctions or signal loss can undermine the monitoring process.
Human Rights Risks: There is a potential for misuse or overuse of electronic tracking, leading to human rights violations. Clear guidelines and safeguards are essential to prevent abuse of this technology.
Stigmatisation: Individuals may face social stigma associated with wearing electronic tracking devices, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and mental health issues.
Implementation Costs: While the initial costs may be lower than incarceration, establishing a comprehensive electronic tracking system requires significant investment in technology and training for law enforcement personnel.
What are the lessons from other countries?
E-Carceration Concerns: In the United States, electronic monitoring has been criticized as a form of ‘e-carceration’, extending punitive measures beyond physical jails and potentially creating oppressive environments, particularly for marginalized communities.
Cost-Bearing Issues: In some jurisdictions, costs associated with electronic monitoring are borne by the monitored individuals rather than the government, leading to additional financial burdens that could deter participation in such programs.
Community Impact: Studies show that over-reliance on electronic monitoring can disproportionately affect specific demographics, similar to how marginalized groups are overrepresented in prison populations in India.
Way forward:
Balancing Privacy and Efficiency: Implement clear guidelines and legal safeguards to ensure electronic tracking respects privacy and prevents misuse. Regular audits and judicial oversight can mitigate potential human rights violations.
Equitable and Scalable Implementation: Subsidize costs for underprivileged individuals and invest in reliable technology and training for law enforcement. Pilot programs can identify best practices before nationwide adoption.
The recent cardiac arrest and subsequent death of a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus driver while on duty has sparked conversations about worsening health outcomes in urban areas.
What are the primary risk factors contributing to the rising NCD burden in urban areas?
High-Stress Work Environments: Many urban workers, including bus drivers, face high levels of stress due to long hours, erratic schedules, and demanding job conditions.
The BMTC study indicated that over 40% of its employees aged 45-60 are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated by factors like continuous driving and poor eating habits.
Poor Nutrition and Lifestyle: Workers often lack access to healthy food options and exercise opportunities, leading to increased rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
The BMTC workforce has shown alarming rates of these conditions, which are often linked to lifestyle choices made under stressful work conditions.
Lack of Health Insurance and Support: Many informal workers do not have health insurance or access to regular health screenings. This lack of support can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of NCDs, increasing the risk of severe health events like heart attacks.
Socioeconomic Marginalization: A significant portion of the urban population lives in slums or informal settlements, where access to healthcare is limited. This socioeconomic status contributes to poor health outcomes and a higher prevalence of NCDs.
How can urban health systems be strengthened to effectively manage NCDs?
Improving Access to Primary Healthcare: Urban health systems must focus on making primary healthcare services more accessible to marginalized communities. This includes expanding facilities in underserved areas and ensuring that services are affordable and culturally appropriate.
Implementing Regular Health Screenings: Regular health evaluations for high-risk populations, such as bus drivers and other transport workers, should be mandated. These screenings can help identify risk factors early on and facilitate timely interventions.
Integrating Health Services with Employment Policies: Employers should collaborate with health departments to create programs that promote employee wellness, including stress management workshops and nutrition education tailored for their workforce.
Community-Based Health Promotion: Local organizations can play a crucial role in educating communities about NCD risks and promoting healthy lifestyles through workshops and outreach programs that engage residents directly.
What role do public awareness and community engagement play in combating NCDs?
Raising Awareness About NCD Risks: Public campaigns can educate individuals about the importance of regular health screenings and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of NCDs. Awareness initiatives can empower communities to take charge of their health.
Encouraging Community Participation: Engaging community members in health promotion activities fosters a sense of ownership over their health outcomes. Community-led initiatives can effectively address local health issues by tailoring solutions to specific needs.
Utilizing Technology for Monitoring Health: Digital tools can facilitate real-time monitoring of health metrics for at-risk populations, enabling proactive management of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Creating Support Networks: Building networks among workers can provide emotional support and share resources for managing health issues collectively, which is particularly beneficial for those facing similar challenges in high-stress jobs.
Way forward:
Strengthen Urban Primary Healthcare: Expand access to affordable and culturally relevant primary health services, implement regular screenings for high-risk groups, and integrate wellness programs with employment policies for vulnerable workers.
Promote Community-Led Health Initiatives: Engage local organizations and residents to raise awareness about NCD risks, encourage healthy lifestyles, and utilize digital tools for real-time health monitoring and proactive care.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2021)
In October, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) held discussions with industry leaders and experts about establishing an AI Safety Institute as part of the IndiaAI Mission.
What are the core objectives and focus areas for the AI Safety Institute?
Setting Standards for AI Safety: The AISI aims to develop frameworks, guidelines, and standards for safe AI deployment without acting as a regulatory body. This approach is designed to foster innovation while ensuring safety.
Enhancing Domestic Capacity: The institute will focus on building domestic capabilities in AI safety, leveraging India’s unique strengths and addressing local challenges related to AI deployment.
Promoting Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging various stakeholders—including government bodies, industry players, academia, and civil society—is crucial for creating a comprehensive approach to AI safety that reflects diverse perspectives.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: The AISI will develop tools for risk assessment and mitigation related to AI technologies, focusing on issues such as bias, discrimination, and social exclusion.
Global Engagement: By integrating into international networks like the Bletchley Process, the AISI will participate in global dialogues on AI safety, bringing forward the concerns of developing countries and contributing to a more inclusive governance framework.
How should the organizational structure of the AISI be designed to ensure scalability and independence?
Independence from Regulatory Bodies: The AISI should operate independently from rulemaking and enforcement authorities to maintain its focus on research, testing, and standardization rather than regulatory compliance.
Collaboration with Academic Institutions: Establishing the AISI within academic institutions (e.g., IITs) can provide it with a degree of independence while tapping into existing research capabilities and expertise.
Scalable Framework: The organizational structure should be designed for scalability, allowing the institute to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and increasing demands for AI safety oversight.
Technical Research Focus: The AISI should prioritize technical research and development of indigenous AI safety tools that address India’s specific challenges while aligning with global standards.
What strategies can be implemented to engage stakeholders and build partnerships for effective AI safety governance? (Way forward)
Building Strong Partnerships: The AISI should actively seek partnerships with key stakeholders in government, industry, academia, and civil society both nationally and internationally to foster collaboration on AI safety initiatives.
Engaging in Global Dialogues: Participation in international forums and dialogues on AI governance will help position India as a leader in global discussions on AI safety, allowing for knowledge exchange and shared best practices.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities through outreach programs can raise awareness about AI risks and promote inclusive participation in shaping AI governance policies.
Establishing Voluntary Compliance Tools: Developing voluntary compliance toolkits can help industries adopt best practices in AI safety without imposing stringent regulatory requirements that could stifle innovation.
Continuous Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing mechanisms for continuous feedback from stakeholders will ensure that the AISI remains responsive to emerging challenges in AI technology and governance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (UPSC IAS/2021)
Skill development is a critical topic in UPSC CSE Mains due to its role in enhancing economic productivity, fostering inclusive growth, and addressing social inequalities. Effective policies in these areas are essential for equipping the workforce with relevant skills, promoting entrepreneurship, and empowering marginalised communities, thereby contributing to India’s overall development agenda.
Questions in UPSC CSE (Mains) from this theme
“Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled, and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)
“Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (2021)
Sub-themes
In line with the trends of the exam, we have prepared this study material with the following subthemes:
AI and skill development
Vocational Training
Industry-Specific Training
Entrepreneurship
Technology and Skill Development
Skill Development & Marginalised Sections
What is Skill Development and its Importance?
Skill Development refers to the process of acquiring new or enhancing existing skills, knowledge, and attitudes to improve the performance and productivity of an individual or a workforce. It involves various training programs, courses, and on-the-job learning that aim to develop technical, vocational, and soft skills in individuals.
Importance of Skill Development for India:
Demographic Dividend: India is one of the youngest nations in the world, with over 62% of its population in the working-age group (15-59 years) and more than 54% of its total population below 25 years of age.
Economic Growth: Equipping the workforce with employable skills and knowledge is crucial for contributing substantially to the economic growth of the country.
Global Knowledge Economy: As India progresses towards becoming a global knowledge economy, it must meet the rising aspirations of its youth through relevant skill development.
Overall Employability: The overall young employability in India has improved to 51.25%. States like Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana demonstrate a high concentration of highly employable youth.
Top State: Haryana has the highest employable youth concentration with 76.47% of test takers in this region scoring 60% and above on the WNET.
AI Leadership and Talent Concentration
AI Skill Penetration: India holds a prominent global position in AI skill penetration and talent concentration, showcasing a strong base of AI professionals.
AI Professionals: As of August 2023, there were 4.16 lakh AI professionals, poised to meet the increasing demand expected to reach 1 million by 2026.
Demand-Supply Gap: India has a 60%-73% demand-supply gap in key roles such as ML engineer, data scientist, DevOps engineer, and data architect.
Industry-Skill Development Linkage
Vocational Training
Key Initiatives:
Initiative
Description
Impact/Example
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), implemented by NSDC. Aims to enable Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them secure a better livelihood.
Trained over 10 million youth since inception.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
Provides funding and support for skill development initiatives across various sectors, collaborating with the private sector to set up training centers.
Supported the establishment of more than 200 training centers.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKK)
Establishes Model Training Centres (MTCs) in every district, focusing on quality, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
Over 700 PMKKs are operating nationwide.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Mismatch between skills taught and industry requirements: According to a report by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), 48% of employers find that vocational training graduates lack the necessary skills for their jobs.
Align training curricula with industry needs through regular consultations with industry experts. For example, the Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) collaborates with automotive companies to ensure training programs meet industry standards.
High dropout rates due to financial constraints: A survey by the Institute of Applied Manpower Research found that financial difficulties contribute to high dropout rates among vocational training students.
Provide financial assistance through scholarships, subsidized courses, and stipends. The National Skill Development Fund offers scholarships and financial support to deserving students.
Lack of awareness about vocational training programs: According to a FICCI-EY report, 40% of students are unaware of the available vocational training opportunities.
Launch awareness campaigns and informational programs in schools and communities. The Skill India campaign conducts regular outreach programs to promote vocational training across the country.
Inadequate infrastructure and outdated equipment: A report by the Indian Labour Organization (ILO) highlighted that many training centers lack modern facilities and equipment.
Upgrade infrastructure and invest in modern equipment to ensure high-quality training. Initiatives like the Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) program aim to improve the quality and market relevance of vocational training provided by industrial training institutes (ITIs).
Shortage of qualified trainers: The NSDC reports a shortage of 1.2 million trainers in India.
Develop certification programs and train-the-trainer initiatives to increase the number of qualified trainers. NSDC’s Training of Trainers (ToT) program has certified over 10,000 trainers across various sectors.
Difficulty in tracking the progress and impact of training programs: Lack of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms hinders the assessment of training outcomes.
Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the progress and impact of training programs. The Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) program focuses on improving the monitoring and evaluation of skill development initiatives.
Gender disparity in vocational training enrollment: Women constitute only 28% of those enrolled in vocational training programs, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Promote gender-inclusive policies and provide incentives for women’s participation. Initiatives like the Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme aim to increase women’s enrollment in vocational training by providing safe transport and childcare facilities.
Soft skills refer to personal attributes, personality traits, inherent social cues, and communication abilities needed for success on the job. They characterize how a person interacts in their relationships with others.
Key Initiatives:
Initiative
Description
Impact/Example
Skill India
Emphasizes the importance of soft skills alongside technical skills through workshops on communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Conducted over 5,000 workshops nationwide.
National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD)
Provides training in soft skills essential for entrepreneurship, including courses on business communication and negotiation skills.
Trained over 1.5 million entrepreneurs in soft skills.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Underemphasis on soft skills in traditional education
Integrate soft skills training into academic curricula from an early stage. CBSE schools in India have started including soft skills like communication and teamwork in their curriculum, influenced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which emphasizes holistic education.
Lack of qualified trainers for soft skills
Develop certification programs for soft skills trainers and provide training-of-trainer programs. NSDC has partnered with educational institutions to certify over 10,000 soft skills trainers, ensuring quality training delivery across various sectors.
Difficulty in measuring and assessing soft skills
Use a combination of self-assessment tools, peer reviews, and practical exercises to evaluate soft skills. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have introduced comprehensive assessment methods, including peer reviews and practical exercises, to evaluate students’ critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the process of designing, launching, and running a new business, which is often initially a small business. The people who create these businesses are called entrepreneurs.
Key Initiatives:
Initiative
Description
Startup India
Launched to promote startups by providing tax benefits, funding support, and simplifying regulations.
Standup India
Focuses on financing SC/ST and women entrepreneurs through bank loans for setting up businesses.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
Promotes innovation and entrepreneurship among students by setting up Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs).
MUDRA Yojana
Provides loans to micro and small enterprises without collateral, categorized as Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun.
Make in India
Aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by promoting local manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Digital India
Focused on digital infrastructure and services to support digital entrepreneurship and startups.
National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA)
Recognizes and rewards outstanding entrepreneurs and organizations that foster entrepreneurship.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Offers skill development training to encourage entrepreneurship by enhancing employability.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Limited access to funding and resources: Entrepreneurs often struggle to secure the necessary capital to start and grow their businesses.
Create more venture capital funds, offer subsidised loans and grants, and provide co-working spaces. For instance, government-backed venture capital funds and schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provide financial assistance to startups and small businesses.
Lack of entrepreneurial education and mentorship: Many potential entrepreneurs lack the necessary education and mentorship to successfully launch and run businesses.
Establish entrepreneurship cells in educational institutions and connect entrepreneurs with mentors and industry experts. University-led incubation centers with mentorship programs, such as those at IITs and IIMs, offer guidance and support to budding entrepreneurs.
Regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic processes: Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can hinder the ease of doing business.
Simplify business registration processes, reduce compliance burdens, and offer single-window clearance systems. The Startup India initiative provides single-window clearance and simplifies regulatory requirements for startups.
Limited market access and networking opportunities: Entrepreneurs may struggle to access markets and build networks necessary for business growth.
Develop platforms for networking and market access, and organize trade fairs and expos. The e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) platform connects farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs with buyers across the country.
Societal norms and resistance to entrepreneurship: Cultural and societal norms can sometimes discourage entrepreneurship, especially among women and marginalized communities.
Conduct awareness and sensitization campaigns to promote entrepreneurship and challenge societal norms. The Stand-Up India initiative supports entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities by offering financial assistance and training programs.
Inadequate infrastructure: Lack of adequate infrastructure can be a significant barrier for entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas.
Invest in developing infrastructure such as incubators, industrial parks, and co-working spaces. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has set up Atal Tinkering Labs and incubation centers to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
High risk of business failure: Many new businesses fail due to various risks and challenges associated with entrepreneurship.
Provide business training, risk management education, and access to support services. Programs like the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) offer training in business management and risk assessment.
Gender disparity in entrepreneurial opportunities: Women often face additional barriers in accessing entrepreneurial opportunities and resources.
Promote gender-inclusive policies and provide incentives for women entrepreneurs. Initiatives like Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) by NITI Aayog support women entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding, and market access.
Lack of continuous support and scaling opportunities: Entrepreneurs may find it challenging to scale their businesses without ongoing support and resources
Offer continuous support through accelerator programs and scale-up initiatives. The Scale-Up India program provides ongoing support and resources to help startups grow and scale their operations.
Difficulty in balancing work and personal life: Entrepreneurs often struggle to balance their business responsibilities with personal life, leading to burnout.
Provide training in time management and work-life balance, and offer support services like childcare. Flexible working options and support services offered by various incubators help entrepreneurs maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.
Key Initiatives:
Initiative
Description
Impact/Example
Digital India
Aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy through training programs for rural youth.
Reached over 250 million people.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA)
Aims to make six crore rural households digitally literate by providing basic digital literacy training for rural adults.
Trained over 30 million individuals.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Limited access to digital devices and internet connectivity: Many areas, especially rural regions, lack the necessary infrastructure for digital literacy.
Expand digital infrastructure in rural and remote areas and provide subsidized devices and internet services. Government initiatives like BharatNet aim to provide high-speed internet to rural areas, and schemes such as PMGDISHA offer low-cost tablets and laptops to students.
Resistance to adopting digital tools and technologies: Individuals may resist using new technologies due to lack of familiarity or perceived complexity.
Conduct awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of digital literacy and offer user-friendly training modules. Community outreach programs and demonstration sessions can showcase the advantages of digital tools.
Digital divide and inequality: Significant gaps in digital literacy and access exist between urban and rural areas, and among different socio-economic groups.
Implement targeted programs to bridge the digital divide. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aims to make six crore rural households digitally literate by providing basic digital literacy training.
Inadequate training resources and outdated content: Training materials may not be up-to-date with current digital trends and technologies.
Regularly update training materials and curricula to reflect technological advancements. Collaborations with tech companies can help ensure that training content is current and relevant, as seen in initiatives by the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM).
Language barriers: Digital literacy programs may not be accessible to non-English speakers, limiting their effectiveness.
Offer training programs in multiple regional languages to ensure broader accessibility. The National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) provides materials and conducts training sessions in various regional languages.
Data security and privacy concerns: Increased use of digital tools raises concerns about data security and privacy.
Implement robust data protection measures and provide training on data privacy. Organizations can adopt best practices in cybersecurity and ensure compliance with data protection regulations to safeguard user information.
Motivation and engagement issues: Maintaining motivation and engagement can be challenging in digital literacy programs.
Use interactive and gamified learning methods to enhance engagement. Platforms like E-Skill India incorporate gamification and interactive modules to make digital literacy training more engaging and enjoyable.
Limited support for continuous learning: Digital literacy is an ongoing process, and there may be a lack of support for continuous learning and upskilling
Provide lifelong learning opportunities and continuous support through online platforms and community centers. The SWAYAM platform offers a wide range of courses for continuous digital literacy and skill development.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. It enhances social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development.
Key Initiatives:
Initiative
Description
Impact/Example
National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
Provides opportunities for continuing education at various levels, offering courses for adults to complete their education and acquire new skills.
Enrolled over 4 million students.
SWAYAM
An online platform offering courses from school to post-graduate level, providing access to free online courses on various subjects, including professional development.
Offers over 2,000 courses and has over 10 million users.
Earn While You Learn Scheme
Integrates vocational education and skill training with practical work experience, allowing students to earn while they learn.
Implemented in over 500 institutions.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
High cost of continuing education: The cost of courses and training programs can be prohibitive for many individuals.
Offer scholarships, subsidized courses, and flexible payment options. Government scholarships for adult learners and initiatives like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) provide affordable learning opportunities.
Difficulty in balancing work, family, and education: Adults often find it challenging to manage their time between work, family responsibilities, and education.
Provide flexible learning schedules, online courses, and support services such as childcare. Flexible online courses through SWAYAM and programs like Earn While You Learn integrate vocational training with practical work experience.
Limited access to technology and internet: Access to digital learning resources can be limited, especially in rural areas.
Expand digital infrastructure and provide affordable internet access. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aims to make rural households digitally literate, and Digital India initiatives provide affordable internet services.
Inadequate support for adult learners: Adult learners often require different support mechanisms compared to traditional students.
Develop adult education programs that include mentorship and peer support. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) offers tailored programs for adult learners with support services.
Outdated curricula that do not align with current job market needs: Many lifelong learning programs may not keep pace with the rapidly changing job market.
Regularly update curricula to reflect current industry trends and technological advancements. Collaborations with industry experts help keep the content relevant, as seen in programs offered by platforms like SWAYAM.
Lack of recognition and certification of prior learning: Skills acquired through work experience or informal learning are often not formally recognized.
Implement Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs to certify skills gained through experience. The RPL program under the Skill India initiative provides certifications that recognize and validate prior learning.
Motivation and engagement issues among adult learners: Maintaining motivation can be a challenge for adult learners juggling multiple responsibilities.
Use interactive and gamified learning methods to enhance engagement. E-learning platforms like E-Skill India incorporate gamification to make learning more engaging and enjoyable.
Technological integration involves incorporating digital technologies into various aspects of skill development programs to enhance learning experiences and ensure that the workforce is equipped with modern skills. Emphasis should be on integrating AI and digital tools to enhance skill development.
Key Initiatives:
Initiative
Description
Impact/Example
National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)
Aims to provide digital literacy training using modern technologies, including e-learning platforms and digital tools for training.
Reached over 50 million individuals.
E-Skill India
Offers online skill development courses accessible from anywhere, covering various fields, including IT, healthcare, and finance.
Over 1 million enrollments in various courses.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Limited access to modern technologies: Many training centers, especially in rural areas, lack access to the latest technological tools and infrastructure.
Invest in digital infrastructure and provide affordable access to technology. Government initiatives like BharatNet aim to provide high-speed internet to rural areas, and schemes like PMGDISHA offer low-cost tablets and laptops to students.
Resistance to adopting new technologies: Trainers and learners may be resistant to using new technologies due to lack of familiarity or perceived complexity.
Conduct awareness campaigns and training programs to demonstrate the benefits of technological integration. Workshops and demonstration sessions can help showcase the advantages of e-learning tools and digital platforms.
Digital divide and inequality: There is a significant gap in digital literacy and access between urban and rural areas, and among different socio-economic groups.
Implement targeted programs to bridge the digital divide. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) aims to make six crore rural households digitally literate by providing basic digital literacy training.
Lack of skilled trainers in digital technologies: There is a shortage of trainers who are proficient in the latest digital tools and technologies.
Develop certification programs and train-the-trainer initiatives to increase the number of qualified trainers. The Training of Trainers (ToT) program by NSDC has certified over 10,000 trainers in various digital skills.
Data security and privacy concerns: The increased use of digital tools raises concerns about data security and privacy.
Implement robust data protection measures and provide training on data privacy. Organizations can adopt best practices in cybersecurity and ensure compliance with data protection regulations to safeguard learner information.
Integration of AI and emerging technologies: Incorporating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain into training programs can be challenging.
Collaborate with tech companies and industry experts to develop specialized training programs. For example, NSDC’s collaboration with IBM and Microsoft has led to the introduction of AI and cloud computing courses.
High costs of implementing technological solutions: The initial investment required for setting up digital infrastructure and procuring modern equipment can be high.
Seek government funding and public-private partnerships to share costs. Initiatives like the Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) program provide financial assistance for upgrading training infrastructure.
Keeping trainers and curricula up-to-date: Rapid technological advancements require continuous updates to training content and methodologies. Engagement and motivation of learners in digital environments: Online and digital training environments can sometimes lead to lower engagement and motivation among learners.
Establish continuous professional development programs for trainers. Regular workshops and refresher courses can help trainers stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Use interactive and gamified learning tools to enhance engagement. Platforms like E-Skill India offer gamified courses and interactive modules to keep learners motivated and engaged.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
Focuses on promoting skill development across the country, with a specific focus on marginalized groups.
Enrolled over 8.8 lakh candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in 2020-21.
Skill Development Initiatives for SCs & STs
Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), providing training in traditional skills and promoting entrepreneurship.
Trained over 4.5 lakh SC and ST candidates in 2021-22.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Acknowledges existing skills gained through work experience, allowing individuals to bypass formal training and obtain certifications.
Benefited over 2 million individuals.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Limited access to education and skill development: Marginalized communities often have fewer educational institutions and training centers.
Establish more training centers in underserved areas and provide mobile training units. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has set up Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) to increase accessibility for marginalized groups.
Financial constraints: Members of marginalized communities may lack the financial resources to afford training programs.
Provide scholarships, subsidized courses, and financial aid. For instance, the National Skill Development Fund offers scholarships and financial support to individuals from marginalized communities.
Social stigma and discrimination: Prejudices and discrimination can limit the opportunities for marginalized communities to participate in skill development programs.
Conduct awareness and sensitization campaigns to promote social inclusion and reduce biases. Community workshops and media campaigns under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) help address social biases and promote inclusivity.
Lack of awareness about available programs: Many individuals from marginalized communities are unaware of the skill development opportunities available to them.
Increase outreach through local NGOs and community leaders to spread awareness about skill development initiatives. Collaboration with local NGOs can help inform marginalized groups about available programs.
Geographical barriers: Remote and rural areas where marginalized communities often reside may lack easy access to training centers.
Establish training centers in remote and rural areas and deploy mobile training units. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has focused on setting up centers in such areas to ensure better accessibility.
Inadequate infrastructure: Training centers in areas with marginalized communities may lack proper facilities and equipment.
Upgrade infrastructure and invest in modern equipment to ensure quality training. Initiatives like the Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) program aim to improve the quality and market relevance of vocational training provided in such areas.
Cultural barriers: Certain cultural practices and norms may hinder participation in skill development programs.
Develop culturally sensitive training programs and engage with community leaders to encourage participation. Programs tailored to respect and incorporate local cultural practices can enhance participation rates.
Difficulty in securing employment post-training: Discrimination and lack of networks can hinder job placements for trained individuals from marginalized communities.
Foster partnerships with industries and promote inclusive hiring practices. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program acknowledges existing skills and provides certifications, improving employability for marginalized individuals.
Language barriers: Training programs may not always be available in the native languages of marginalized communities.
Offer training programs in multiple local languages to ensure better understanding and participation. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) provides materials and conducts training sessions in various regional languages.
Limited access to digital tools and technologies: Marginalized communities may have less access to digital devices and the internet, which are increasingly important for modern skill development.
Provide affordable digital devices and internet access, along with digital literacy training. Government initiatives like Digital India aim to enhance digital infrastructure and accessibility for marginalized groups.
Gender and Inclusivity
Gender and inclusivity focus on ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender or background, have equal opportunities to participate in skill development programs and access resources.
Key Initiatives:
Focus Area
Description
Impact/Example
Women’s Livelihood Skills
Skill development programs tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of women, including training in areas like tailoring, handicrafts, beauty care, and entrepreneurship.
Empowered over 1 million women through tailored training programs.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Providing access to computers, internet connectivity, and digital skills training in local languages to enhance women’s participation in the modern workforce.
Digital literacy training for over 500,000 women.
Safe Transportation and Supportive Infrastructure
Ensuring safe transportation to and from training centers and providing childcare facilities to encourage greater female participation.
Safe transport services and childcare facilities at training centers.
Gender Sensitization
Training providers and workplaces need to be sensitized to gender issues and create a more inclusive environment.
Conducted over 1,000 gender sensitization workshops.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Gender disparity in enrollment: Women often have less access to skill development programs due to social and cultural barriers.
Promote gender-inclusive policies and provide incentives for women’s participation. For example, the Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme aims to increase women’s enrollment in vocational training by providing safe transport and childcare facilities.
Safety and mobility concerns: Women may face safety issues and lack of safe transportation options to attend training centers.
Ensure safe transportation and supportive infrastructure. Some initiatives provide dedicated transport services and set up childcare facilities at training centers to encourage female participation.
Lack of gender-sensitive training environments: Training centers may not be equipped to handle the specific needs of women, leading to a less inclusive environment.
Conduct gender sensitization workshops and create inclusive training environments. For instance, the Skill India program includes gender sensitization as part of the curriculum for trainers and staff.
Limited access to digital skills and technology: Women, especially in rural areas, may have less access to digital devices and the internet.
Provide access to digital devices and internet connectivity, and offer digital skills training in local languages. The Bridging the Digital Divide initiative has provided digital literacy training for over 500,000 women.
Societal norms and stereotypes: Traditional gender roles and societal expectations can restrict women’s participation in skill development programs.
Conduct awareness and sensitization campaigns to challenge societal norms and promote gender equality. Community outreach programs and media campaigns can help shift perceptions and encourage more women to join skill development programs.
Financial constraints: Women may lack the financial resources to pay for training programs or may not have control over household finances
Offer scholarships, subsidized courses, and stipends specifically for women. The National Skill Development Fund and other initiatives provide financial support to women learners.
Limited opportunities for employment post-training: Even after acquiring skills, women may face barriers in finding employment due to gender biases in the job market.
Create partnerships with industries to ensure job placements and promote women-friendly workplaces. Programs like the Women’s Livelihood Skills initiative have empowered over 1 million women through tailored training programs and job placement support.
Balancing training with household responsibilities: Women often have to manage household duties along with their training, which can be challenging.
Provide flexible training schedules and support services such as childcare. Flexible online courses through platforms like SWAYAM allow women to balance their training with other responsibilities.
Community and rural development refer to initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions, economic opportunities, and overall well-being of rural populations and communities.
Key Initiatives:
Focus Area
Description
Impact/Example
Community Needs Assessment
Designing skill development programs based on the specific needs and resources of the local community.
Needs assessments conducted in over 200 rural communities.
Livelihood Clusters
Developing skill development clusters in rural areas to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship and economic development.
Established 50 livelihood clusters in rural areas.
Challenges and Solutions:
Challenges
Solutions
Limited access to skill development centers: Many rural areas lack training facilities, making it difficult for residents to acquire new skills.
Establish more skill development centers in rural areas and deploy mobile training units. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has set up Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) to increase accessibility.
Lack of awareness about available skill development programs: Many rural residents are unaware of the opportunities for skill development.
Launch awareness campaigns and informational programs in schools and communities. The Skill India campaign regularly conducts outreach programs to promote vocational training.
Financial constraints: High costs of training programs can be a barrier for many in rural areas.
Provide financial assistance through scholarships, subsidized courses, and stipends. The National Skill Development Fund offers scholarships and financial support to deserving students.
Inadequate infrastructure and outdated equipment: Many training centers in rural areas lack modern facilities and equipment.
Upgrade infrastructure and invest in modern equipment to ensure high-quality training. Initiatives like the Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) program aim to improve the quality and market relevance of vocational training.
Shortage of qualified trainers: There is a significant shortage of skilled trainers in rural areas.
Develop certification programs and train-the-trainer initiatives to increase the number of qualified trainers. NSDC’s Training of Trainers (ToT) program has certified over 10,000 trainers across various sectors.
Gender disparity in skill development programs: Women in rural areas often have less access to training opportunities.
Promote gender-inclusive policies and provide incentives for women’s participation. Initiatives like the Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme aim to increase women’s enrollment in vocational training by providing safe transport and childcare facilities.
Difficulty in tracking the progress and impact of training programs: Lack of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in rural areas.
Implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the progress and impact of training programs. The Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) program focuses on improving the monitoring and evaluation of skill development initiatives.
Limited industry linkages: Rural training centers often have fewer connections with industry, reducing employment opportunities for trainees.
Foster partnerships between training centers and local industries to ensure relevant and up-to-date training programs. An example is the partnership between ITIs and local industries to provide apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
Conclusion
Skill development is vital for India’s economic growth and social empowerment. By focusing on vocational training, digital literacy, soft skills, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, industry-specific training, education and academia, technological integration, community and rural development, and gender inclusivity, India can create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the global market and fostering inclusive growth. These initiatives not only enhance employability but also contribute to the overall development of individuals and communities, ensuring a brighter future for the nation.
The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi.
AboutAOMSUC:
Details
What is it?
• It is a conference focused on the use of meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management.
• First AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China in 2010.• Held annually across various locations in the Asia-Oceania region, becoming a significant event for meteorological satellite applications.
• Participants: WMO, NASA, ESA, JAXA, and other leading space organizations.
Aims and Provisions
• Collaboration: Facilitate regional cooperation in the use of satellite data.
• Weather & Climate Monitoring: Improve forecasting and monitoring of climate patterns.
• Disaster Management: Enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events.
• Capacity Building: Provide training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for local meteorologists and satellite data users.
• Data Sharing: Promote satellite data sharing across countries.
Significance
• Regional Cooperation: Promotes stronger collaboration between Asia-Oceania countries, helping to address shared meteorological challenges.
• Improved Forecasting: Facilitates the improvement of satellite data usage for more accurate weather forecasts and better disaster risk reduction strategies.
Due to high October temperatures and shortages of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, the planting of key Rabi (winter-spring) crops such as wheat, mustard, and chana (chickpea) has been slower than usual.
LowRabi Sowing this Year
The Rabi (winter-spring) season is key for crops like wheat, mustard, and chana.
Sowing began in October and continues through November-December.
As of November 8, 2024, sowing progress includes:
Wheat: 41.30 lakh hectares (down from 48.87 lakh hectares last year)
Mustard: 49.90 lakh hectares (down from 50.73 lakh hectares last year)
Chana: 24.57 lakh hectares (down from 27.42 lakh hectares last year)
Reasons Behind:
High October Temperatures: 0.68°C above normal temperatures delayed sowing and caused poor germination, especially in jeera and other spices.
Fertiliser Shortage: A shortage of DAP fertiliser hindered the timely planting of crops.
Delayed Start of Sowing: Farmers, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, began sowing later than usual (from October 20-22 instead of mid-October).
About Rabi Cropping Season in India:
Rabi crops are generally sown in mid-November, once the monsoon rainshave receded.
These crops grow using the rainwater that has percolated into the soil or with the help of irrigation systems.
The harvesting of Rabi crops generally occurs from April to May.
Major Rabi Crops:
Wheat: The largest and most important Rabi crop in India.
Barley: Grown mainly in North and Central India.
Mustard: An essential oilseed crop grown across various regions.
Sesame: Grown in many states but harvested early.
Peas: Harvested early, with a market peak from January to March (especially in February).
Agronomic Features:
Rabi crops rely heavily onirrigation and residual moisture from the previous monsoon season.
Excessivewinter rainfall can harm Rabi crops but benefits the kharif crops grown later.
The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) has appealed to Ministry of Commerce and Industry seeking permission for tea producers to sell their products through both private sales and public auction systems.
A gazette notification issued on February 26, 2024 has mandated that 100% of dust teas must be sold through public auctions.
AboutNorth Eastern Tea Association (NETA)
Details
• NETA is an association of tea producers headquartered in Golaghat, Upper Assam.
• Established in 1981.
• A key constituent of the Joint Forum and the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), Assam Valley branch.
• Focuses on promoting the interests of its members and enhancing the tea industry in Assam.
Structural Mandate
• Presence: Strong presence in Golaghat, Assam.
• Role: Represents tea producers and plays a pivotal role in the development of Assam’s tea industry.
• Mandate: Advocates for improvements in the tea industry, assists with policy suggestions, and provides guidance on the development of the tea sector.
Powers and Functions
• Advisory Role: Provides expert opinions and advice to the government of Assam and its members on issues related to the tea industry.
• Policy Advocacy: Urges for changes in government policies to improve the tea industry, e.g., suggesting the relocation of the Tea Board of India’s headquarters to Guwahati.
• Industry Growth: Encourages high-quality tea production and advises growers to enhance the quality of tea to attract international buyers.
• Small Tea Grower Representation: Advocates for amendments to the definition of Small Tea Growers, proposing that those holding up to 50.6 hectares of land be recognized as small growers.
• Government Relations: Provides suggestions to the government for improving and scaling up the tea industry in Assam.
PYQ:
[2022] Consider the following States:
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Himachal Pradesh
Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
Daily answer writing is a common concern for UPSC aspirants. Its importance in preparation is undeniable, but the real challenge lies in knowing when to start and how to use it effectively. Some believe it’s useful only after completing a topic, while others delay it until after Prelims. Some overdo it, while others skip it entirely. Striking the right balance is another challenge many face.
While answer writing is helpful, many aspirants compare their answers to rankers’ and feel inadequate. However, rankers also started as aspirants, and their answers weren’t perfect at first. Everyone begins at level 0 and improves gradually. UPSC 2026 aspirants are currently at level 0. The focus should be on consistency and steadily upgrading skills to improve over time.
Meghana Ma’am, IRMS, wrote 5 answers daily with consistency and credits this practice for securing a UPSC rank. Like every aspirant, she started at level 0 but didn’t let ranker copies intimidate her. Instead, she used them effectively, identified microthemes through PYQs, and wrote answers based on them. She improved her skills by adding diagrams and value-added elements, which helped her achieve success in the exam.
Join Meghana Ma’am on 2nd December 2024 at 7:00 PM for a free Zoom masterclass. She will guide you step by step on improving and maintaining consistency in answer writing, mastering microtheme-based answers, and developing a strategy for UPSC 2026.
It will be a 45 minute webinar, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Meghana Mam is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.
Join us for a Zoom session on 2nd Dec 2024 at 7:00 p.m. This session is a must-attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for next year, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until Jan 25)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Enrolment Ratios: Elementary level enrolment ratios are close to 100%. Gross enrolment ratios (GER) for secondary education have increased, although net enrolment ratio (NER) remains low.
GER for Grades 6-8: 90.9%
GER for Grades 9-10: 79.3%
GER for Grades 11-12: 56.5%
Enrolment Trends: From 2007-08 to 2015-16, enrolment in government primary schools declined by 2.31 crores, while enrolment in private primary schools increased by 1.45 crores.
Out-of-School Children: As per the 75th round NSSO survey (2017-18), 3.22 crore children in the age group of 6 to 17 years are out of school.
Human Development Report (2019): Between 1990 and 2018, mean years of schooling increased by 3.5 years and expected years of schooling increased by 4.7 years in India.
Attendance Rates: ASER surveys estimate national attendance in primary and upper primary schools at 71.4% and 73.2%, respectively, with considerable state-wise differences.
Enrolment Drop-offs: Enrolment drop-offs are severe for Scheduled Castes (19.6% to 17.3%), Scheduled Tribes (10.6% to 6.8%), differently-abled children (1.1% to 0.25%), and female students within these categories.
Learning Outcomes: Over 5 crore elementary school students have not attained foundational literacy and numeracy.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio: The national pupil-teacher ratio is 24:1 for elementary schools and 27:1 for secondary schools.
Mental Health: Student suicides due to examination and career stress increased from about 6,600 in 2012 to about 9,000 in 2015.
PRAGYATA Guidelines: Guidelines for digital education addressing limited or no access to technologies.
Manodarpan: Psychosocial support initiative for mental health and emotional well-being.
PM eVIDYA: Multi-mode access to digital education, including DIKSHA portal, TV channels, radio, and special content for the visually and hearing impaired.
Operation Digital Board (ODB): Converts classrooms into digital classrooms.
Shala Siddhi: Online portal for school self-evaluation.
National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR): Supports teaching, learning, and administrative activities.
National Education Technology Forum (NETF): Platform for exchanging ideas on technology use in education.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Universalisation of primary education.
Mid-Day Meal: Enhances enrolment, retention, and nutritional levels among school children.
RTE Act, 2009: Enforces free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years.
NIPUN Bharat Mission: Aims for universal proficiency in foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3 by 2026-27.
Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) Project: Improves monitoring and measurement activities in school education.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Integrates Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) to provide quality education and enhance learning outcomes.
Way Forward
Increase Funding: Raise government spending on education to at least 6% of GDP by 2022.
Improve Governance: Develop robust mechanisms to enforce regulations on teacher qualifications, absenteeism, and learning outcomes, with regular assessments by independent bodies.
Focus on Learning Outcomes: Integrate small schools to optimize resources, run remediation processes concurrently with regular classes, and implement consequences for failing to meet minimum learning outcomes.
Enhance Vocational Education: Award credits for subjects passed, provide options for vocational courses from secondary level, and pilot innovative vocational education models.
Revamp Curriculum: Design pre-primary and primary syllabus on a skill-based continuum, align vocational education syllabus with NSQF, and include practical learning activities.
Teacher Training: Improve teacher training and reduce vacancies to enhance teaching quality.
Reduce Mental Stress: Include life skills and stress management in the curriculum, provide mental health support, and ensure easy access to counseling, especially for at-risk children.
Broaden RTE Coverage: Extend RTE to cover ages 6-18, ensuring foundational knowledge and workforce inclusion.
Address Drop-Outs: Implement creative policies to tackle drop-outs due to financial constraints and loss of interest, such as free bicycles to improve mobility.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) has increased from 25.8% in 2017-18 to 26.3% in 2018-19. Gender parity is almost achieved with GER for men at 26.3% and women at 26.4%.
India lags behind the world average GER of 33%, with comparable economies like Brazil at 46%, Russia at 78%, and China at 30%. South Korea exceeds 93%.
The number of universities increased from 903 in 2017-18 to 993 in 2018-19, with a significant share managed by the private sector.
Narrowing gender gap with 51.36% male and 48.64% female enrolment.
SC and ST student enrolment stands at 14.89% and 5.53%, respectively.
Significant regional disparities with college density ranging from 7 in Bihar to 59 in Telangana, and GER varying from 5.5% in Daman & Diu to 56.1% in Chandigarh.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) in universities and colleges is 29.
Quality Concerns:
Few Indian institutions feature in the top 200 of global rankings.
Limited employability of graduates.
Foreign student enrolment increased from 34,774 in 2012-13 to 47,575 in 2016-17, with higher male enrolment.
Issues
Iniquitous Access:
Low GER, especially among SC (23%) and ST (18%) populations.
Significant regional disparities and limited access in rural areas.
Poor Quality:
Only three Indian institutions in the top 200 global rankings.
Proliferation of substandard private institutions with inadequate infrastructure and outdated curricula.
Outdated assessment systems and poor learning outcomes.
Governance and Management:
Overregulation and under-governance.
Non-transparent entry norms and high entry barriers.
Excessive government control and intervention in university autonomy.
Overburdened universities with massification of substandard education.
Lack of Funding:
Insufficient investment and government funding, with only 1% of GDP spent on higher education.
Limited financial avenues leading to high capitation fees.
Skills and Employability:
Curriculum misaligned with industry needs, lacking employability and innovation skills.
Lack of hands-on training results in unprepared graduates.
Commercialisation of Education: Private institutions focusing on profits over quality, leading to degree mills.
Poor Research and Development:
Limited R&D, lack of international exposure, and collaborations.
Separation of research from teaching activities.
Curriculum Issues: Lack of interdisciplinary approach and restricted use of ICT in education delivery.
Teaching Vacancies: High vacancies in teaching positions and inadequate training.
Quality Concerns: Rapid expansion without regard for quality, with many institutions rated as middle or poor by NAAC.
Misalignment with Industry Needs: High unemployment among graduates due to curriculum not aligned with industry requirements.
Steps Taken
Research and Development:
RISE Scheme: Funded by Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) for infrastructure and research investments.
Prime Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF): Enhances quality of technical research.
IMPRINT India: Boosts scientific and technological research through IITs and IISc.
SPARC: Facilitates academic and research collaborations with international institutions.
Enrollment and Access:
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Aims to increase GER to 50% by 2035 with a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum.
SWAYAM Portal: Provides quality education through online courses.
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: Engages higher educational institutions with rural development.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA): Strategic funding to state institutions based on performance.
Regulatory Body: The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) regulates teacher education in India.
Teacher-Training Institutes: 23,219 recognized institutes, with around 90% privately run. The intake was 17.58 lakh in 2016.
Teacher Eligibility: Teachers in schools must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), and higher education teachers must pass the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Level Eligibility Test (SLET).
Qualification Rates: Only 13.53% of candidates qualified for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) in 2015. The pass percentage for UGC-NET is also low, with only 6% qualifying.
In-Service Training: The current framework includes 592 District Institutes of Educational Training (DIETs), 112 Colleges of Teacher Education (CTEs), 35 Institutes of Advanced Studies (IASEs), and 17 Block Institutes of Teacher Education (BITEs).
Training Statistics: Only 14.9% of teachers received in-service training for elementary education in 2015-16, despite the provision of 20 days of training under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
Teacher Vacancies: There are 9 lakh teacher vacancies out of 51.03 lakh sanctioned posts, with 4.2 lakh vacancies in SSA schools.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio: 33% of schools do not meet the required pupil-teacher ratio. There are also 2.91 lakh surplus teachers due to regional demand-supply imbalances.
Teacher Attendance: A national survey showed 25% of teachers absent from school, and only half teaching during unannounced visits.
Issues
Regulatory Monitoring: Insufficient regulatory monitoring of teacher education institutions.
Teacher Eligibility Tests: Some state-level TETs are not adequately robust.
In-Service Training: Inadequate training programs and lack of public funding support.
Demand-Supply Imbalance: No robust system to balance regional or state-level demand and supply of teachers.
Accountability: Limited systems for teacher accountability.
Steps Taken
Regulatory Framework:
NCTE: Regulatory body for teacher education.
Accreditation: Efforts to improve accreditation and grading processes.
In-Service Training:
Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission for Teachers & Teaching: Aims to build a strong professional cadre of teachers.
NISHTHA: National mission to improve learning outcomes through integrated teacher training.
SSA Provision: 20 days of in-service training for all teachers.
Technological Interventions:
Madhya Pradesh’s M-Shiksha Mitra: Mobile application to monitor teacher attendance.
National Electronic Teacher Registry: Proposed platform to host teachers’ profiles and monitor performance.
Way Forward
Strengthening the Regulatory Framework:
Transparent Criteria: Develop and enforce rigorous criteria for recognizing institutions.
Close Dysfunctional Institutes: Ensure the closure of fraudulent or dysfunctional teacher education institutions.
Institutions of Eminence: Establish 5-6 teacher training institutions with an annual intake of 2000 students each.
Robust In-Service Teacher Development:
Professional Development: Redesign in-service training with continuous professional development through various modes like coaching, peer-learning, and sabbaticals.
Mission Mode Implementation: Implement the Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya National Mission for Teachers & Teaching in mission mode.
Accountability of Teachers:
Electronic Registry: Set up a national electronic teacher registry to host educational profiles and monitor performance.
Performance-Based Salary: Link salary increments to performance assessments.
Tri-Annual Testing: Test teachers tri-annually on the same subjects they teach.
Strengthen TET: Standardize TET across states to match central TET standards.
NET/SLET for Higher Education: Continue and strengthen the use of NET/SLET as minimum eligibility criteria for higher education faculty.
Balancing Teacher Demand-Supply:
Forecast Model: Develop state-level teacher-demand forecast models to address regional surpluses and deficiencies.
Transparent Appointments: Ensure transparent and timely appointments to address vacancies.
These structured steps and measures are essential to revamp the ecosystem of teacher education, ensuring quality education through well-trained, accountable, and adequately supported teachers.
The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century and replaces the thirtyfour-year-old National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986.
Built on the foundational pillars of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability, this policy is aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and aims to transform India into a vibrant knowledge society and global knowledge superpower by making both school and college education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, suited to 21st century needs and aimed at bringing out the unique capabilities of each student.
The launch of the National Education Policy 2020 marked remarkable progress in the area of education and learning. India has completed one year into the National Education Policy. The pandemic has slowed the progress of NEP.
The NEP is essentially about learning through observation, listening, exploring, experimenting, and asking questions.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
1.Universal Access to ECCE for children of 3-6 years 2. ECCE will be delivered through Anganwadis and pre-schools that will have teachers and Anganwadi workers trained in the ECCE pedagogy and curriculum. 3. Pre-school sections covering at least one year of early childhood care and education will be added to Kendriya Vidyalayas and other primary schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas. 4. NCERT will develop a National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for ECCE for children up to the age of 8 5. Implementation to be jointly carried out by Ministries of HRD, Women and Child Development (WCD), Health and Family Welfare (HFW), and Tribal Affairs.
Attainment of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
1. National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy by MHRD: Under it, States/UTs will prepare an implementation plan for attaining universal foundational literacy and numeracy in all primary schools for all learners by grade 3 by 2025. 2. National Book Promotion Policy is to be formulated to ensure the availability, accessibility, quality, and readership of books across geographies, languages, levels, and genres. 3. National Repository of high-quality resources on foundational literacy and numeracy will be made available on the Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA).
Curtailing Dropout Rates and Ensuring Universal Access to Education at All Level
1. Providing effective and sufficient infrastructure so that all students have access to safe and engaging school education. 2. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes offered by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and State Open Schools will be expanded and strengthened with special emphasis on Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs). 3. Tracking students as well as their learning levels through counselors or well trained social workers.
Student Assessment
1. School examinations in Grades 3, 5, and 8 which will be conducted by the appropriate authority. 2. Board exams for Grades 10 and 12 will be continued but redesigned. 3. National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development), will be set up as a standard setting body under MHRD. 4. Holistic Progress Card with 360-degree, multidimensional report that reflects the progress as well as the uniqueness of each learner in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. 5. National Testing Agency (NTA) to serve as an autonomous testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for undergraduate and graduate admissions and fellowships in higher education institutions.
Multilingualism and the power of language
1. Medium of instruction up till grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, will be home language/ mother-tongue/ local language. 2. ‘The Languages of India’ is a fun project/ activity to be taken by every student under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. 3. Three languages formula with greater flexibility. 4. All classical languages (Sanskrit,Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia) will be widely available in schools as options. In addition, Pali, Persian, and Prakrit will also be widely available as options. 5. Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be standardized across the country.
School governance
1. Schools can be organized into complexes or clusters which will be the basic unit of governance and ensure availability of all resources including a strong professional teacher community. Schools will develop School Development Plans (SDPs). These plans will then become the basis for the creation of School Complex/Cluster Development Plans (SCDPs). 2. The twinning/pairing of one public school with one private school will be adopted across the country, so that such paired schools may learn from each other, and also share resources, if possible.
Robust Teacher Education and Recruitment
1. New and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (by 2021) 2. By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree. 3. Setting-up of National Mission for Mentoring with a large pool of outstanding senior/retired faculty 4. Teacher Eligibility Tests (TETs) for all teachers across Foundational, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary stage in both public and private schools. 5. More autonomy to teachers in choosing aspects of pedagogy in classroom teaching 6. National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) will be developed by the National Council for Teacher Education by 2022. 7. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to be restructured as a Professional Standard Setting Body (PSSB) under General Education Council (GEC).
Comprehensive Framework: It provides an overarching vision and comprehensive framework for both school and higher education across the country.
It encourages critical thinking. In the Prime Minister’s words, the policy focuses on ‘how to think’ rather than ‘what to think’.
Stress on Formative Years: In adopting a 5+3+3+4 model for school education starting at age 3, it recognises the primacy of the formative years from ages 3 to 8 in shaping the child’s future.
Mother Tongue: It also recognises the importance of learning in the child’s mother tongue till at least Class 5.
Vocational Courses: The new policy is the breaking of the straitjackets of arts, commerce and science streams in high school, and the laudable goal of introducing vocational courses with internships.
Not Mandatory: Though the NEP only provides a broad direction but it is not mandatory to follow.
Transferable Job: The NEP doesn’t say anything specifically on children of parents with jobs which are frequently transferable.
Education is a concurrent subject, the reforms proposed can only be implemented collaboratively by the Centre and the States.
Challenge of 6% GDP: The government has set a target of 6% spending on education and this is difficult due to the current tax-to-GDP ratio, economic slowdown and pandemic impact.
No Definition for Top Ranking Universities: The document states universities from among the top 100 in the world will be able to set up campuses in India. While it doesn’t elaborate the parameters to define the top 100.
Way forward
The NEP seeks to address the entire gamut of education from preschool to doctoral studies, and from professional degrees in vocational training. It acknowledges the 21st century need for mobility, flexibility, alternate pathways to learning, and self-actualisation. Thus, political consensus shall be built up and centre and states must work in a collaborative manner to implement NEP in letter and spirit.
Education as public good and privatization of education
Why Education Should Be a Public Good
It is a service that every welfare democracy is obligated to provide in the most accessible form.
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted at the UN General Assembly in 1948, declared that “everyone has the right to education.”
By 2030-2032, India is projected to become the third-largest economy, exceeding ten trillion dollars. This growth will be driven by knowledge resources, not natural resources, making quality education crucial for this transition.
Nearly one-fifth of India’s population lives below the poverty line. Making education a public good offers them a dignified way to learn and earn a living.
Education should be viewed as a tool for development against deprivation, not as a commodity influenced by market forces, such as the demand for certain types of education (e.g., Artificial Intelligence).
Why Education Should Not Be a Public Good
Many top institutes in the US, such as Stanford and Harvard Universities, are privately owned and provide scholarships to students.
Public education may not always lead to quality education due to bureaucratization, limited competition, limited resources, and a reduced need to attract the best talent.
Financial institutions offer education loans that students can repay after they start earning (e.g., the “study now, pay later” model in Australia). This ensures quality is not compromised as institutions have more funds to disburse.
Higher education is not a pure public good. While there are positive externalities, meaning society benefits when more people go to college, students also enjoy significant benefits. Therefore, it is reasonable for students to bear a substantial portion of the cost of higher education.
Benefits of Privatization
Supplement Public schools: The demand for education has grown far more rapidly than what public institutions can accommodate. They lack capacity and resources to scale up.
Greater Coverage: Private institutions can play a positive role in increasing geographical spread and expanding access.
Induce Competitive spirit: Increased participants will enhance competition and quality of education.
More credibility: Private institutions are considered more efficient than their public counterparts, which is evident from trends of higher enrolment in the private sector.
Innovation in learning methods: Private institutions perceived as offering value for money and employing increased use of technology.
Demerits of privatization
dimension is unclear, and debatable. No evidence to show that private school children outperform public school.
Non-Inclusive Access: Mandatory 25% reservation for SEBC children under RTE is openly flouted with only 20% of available seats being filled so far.
Excessive commercialization of school education in form of high fees, capitation charges, business-like approach to education, which creates accessibility & affordability issues.
Lagging standards: In absence of a strong monitoring and certification system, many private schools lack infrastructure, teachers, basic amenities, etc.
Conclusion
Private schools may not guarantee equitable and universal access to education; thus, they should supplement, rather than replace, government schools.
With 65% of students enrolled in public schools, it is essential to comprehensively reform and revitalize this sector.
The progressive recommendations of the National Education Policy, 2020, should be implemented in both letter and spirit.
Female Literacy Rate: As of 2021, the female literacy rate in India stands at 75.1%, up from 64.6% in 2011.
Overall Literacy Rate: The overall literacy rate is 94.02%.
School Enrollment and Retention:
Enrollment: According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022, enrollment rates for girls in rural India have shown improvements. Nearly 95% of girls aged 6 to 14 are enrolled in schools.
Dropout Rates: Despite high enrollment rates, dropout rates remain a concern, especially at the secondary level, due to socio-economic factors, early marriage, and household responsibilities.
Higher Education:
Participation in STEM: Women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has been increasing, with initiatives like supernumerary seats in IITs and NITs contributing to this rise.
Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): The GER for women in higher education was reported at 27.3% in 2021, showing a positive trend but still lagging behind men.
Issues Related to Women’s Education in India
In traditional Indian society, sons are considered assets, while daughters are seen as liabilities, making expenditure on their education a low priority.
Women are traditionally viewed as caretakers of the home and children, roles perceived as not requiring formal education.
There is a concern that educated women may become independent earners, potentially challenging the male ego. The patriarchal structure of Indian society often limits women’s roles and opportunities.
In impoverished families, girls are often required to care for their siblings and handle household chores, leaving them with neither the time nor the financial resources for education.
Poor sanitation facilities in schools, especially for girls, deter many from enrolling.
Infrastructure issues, such as lack of roads and the distance of schools from villages, further constrain women’s education.
Gap in upper primary and secondary schooling:While female enrolment has increased rapidly since the 1990s, there is still a substantial gap in upper primary and secondary schooling.
High drop-out rates:Increased female enrolment is, compromised by persistently high rates of drop-out and poor attendance of girls relative to boys. Girls also constitute a large proportion of out-of-school children.
Inter-state variations:There are also considerable inter-state variations in gender parity. While the greatest surges in female enrolment have been achieved in the most educationally disadvantaged states such as Bihar and Rajasthan, these states still have a long way to go to catch up with the better performing states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh.
Importance of Educating Women
Health Benefits: Female literacy significantly improves a society’s health and economic well-being. Educating girls leads to delayed marriages, healthier children, and a reduction in poverty.
Poverty Alleviation: Education enables women to gain employment, lifting families out of poverty. In 2018, women’s labour force participation in India was only 26%. Educating women can increase this participation. Women also tend to have fewer vices like drinking and often have a propensity for saving.
Social Development: Women’s education addresses various societal issues. The Kothari Commission of 1968 recommended education as a tool for social development. Advancing women’s education can help India achieve its social development goals.
Gender Equality: Education helps close the gender gap in society. Co-education institutions can foster respect for women among children.
Economic Productivity: Educated women contribute to economic gains and can help raise the nation’s GDP.
Reduction in Infant Mortality: Educated women are more likely to make better health decisions for their families, reducing infant mortality rates.
Inclusive Growth: As a developing nation, India strives for growth in all sectors and for all sections of society. Education is key to achieving this goal.
Women’s Empowerment: Education is a powerful tool for women’s emancipation and empowerment, enabling them to secure their rights and gain a respected place in society.
Strengthening Democracy: Educated women are more likely to participate in politics, strengthening democracy through increased awareness and mobilisation for their rights.
Government steps taken
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme: This scheme aims to raise awareness and enhance the efficiency of welfare services for the girl child. Initially focused on addressing the declining child sex ratio, it also promotes the education, survival, and protection of the girl child.
Digital Gender Atlas: The Ministry of Human Resource Development has developed a digital gender atlas to advance girls’ education in India.
National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE): The scheme aims to create an environment that reduces dropouts and encourages the enrolment of girls in secondary schools.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: To ensure greater participation of girls in elementary education, this initiative includes targeted interventions such as opening new schools, appointing additional female teachers, providing separate toilets for girls, and conducting teachers’ sensitisation programmes. Additionally, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas have been established in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs).
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): This programme aims to enhance the quality of education by ensuring a secondary school is within reasonable distance of every habitation, improving the quality of secondary education, and removing gender, socio-economic, and disability barriers.
Udaan: Launched by CBSE, ‘Udaan’ provides free online resources to girl students in Classes XI and XII, specifically targeting the low enrolment ratio of girls in prestigious institutions.
STEM Education: To increase women’s participation in STEM education, supernumerary seats have been created in IITs and NITs.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – is a Government of India backed savings scheme designed for parents of girl children – to set up a trust for their child’s eventual schooling and marriage expenses.
Way forward
Mandatory Education for Girls and Retention in Higher Education: Ensure compulsory education for girls and support their retention in higher education by providing adequate infrastructure, such as separate toilets for females.
Skill Development: Equip girls with job-relevant skills demanded by employers or necessary for starting their own businesses.
Security and Safety: Enforce laws strictly and increase policing to enhance the safety and security of women.
Health: Strengthen Anganwadi centres, Balwadis, and ensure frequent visits by health personnel to encourage and motivate girls.
Empowerment through Mahila Mandals: Utilize Mahila Mandals to empower women across the country.
Raising Aspirations: Inspire girls and their parents by providing role models and images that broaden their horizons and dreams.
Women’s Representation: Increase women’s participation in local, regional, and national legislation to enhance their influence in policy making.
Q) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Primary Education System’ (in 2016), ‘Quality of technical and higher education’ (in 2015), and ‘Education system in India’ (2021).
Reports indicate that while the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for higher education is projected to reach 50% by 2035, significant gaps still exist in terms of quality and inclusivity. While India is making strides in liberal education, challenges still exist with the issues of inequality and elitism.
Today’s editorial highlights the often-overlooked value of liberal arts education in today’s job market and society. This content can be used to present the key arguments emphasizing liberal arts education for its long-term benefits, career adaptability, and essential skills development.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There is an ongoing debate regarding the value of liberal arts education in the context of rising tuition costs, changing job market demands, and shifting perceptions about higher education.
What are the long-term benefits of a liberal arts education in today’s job market?
Versatile Skill Set: Liberal arts programs equip students with a broad range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities.
According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), 93% of employers prioritize these skills over specific majors when hiring.
Career Flexibility and Adaptability: The nature of the job market is changing rapidly, where liberal arts education fosters adaptability, allowing graduates to pivot into different fields as needed.
This flexibility is crucial as new job roles emerge and traditional ones evolve, ensuring that liberal arts graduates remain relevant and employable.
Long-Term Economic Benefits: While liberal arts graduates may start with lower salaries but many studies show that by mid-career, liberal arts majors can earn comparable or even higher salaries than those in professional STEM fields.
Cultural Awareness and Ethical Reasoning: Graduates develop nuanced diverse cultures and ethical perspectives that enable them to engage thoughtfully with international issues and contribute meaningfully to discussions on complex societal challenges.
Lifelong Learning and Research Skills: The curriculum of liberal arts education encourages graduates to learn to gather, analyze, and interpret information effectively, which is invaluable in any professional setting. This commitment to lifelong learning helps them stay competitive and relevant throughout their careers.
How does this education prepare students for an unpredictable future?
Embracing Uncertainty: A liberal arts education instills a mindset that views uncertainties like the 2008 recession period as an opportunity for growth and exploration.
Graduates are equipped to thrive in environments characterized by change and ambiguity, making them well-suited for careers that require continuous learning and adaptation.
Social Responsibility and Ethical Awareness: Finally, a liberal arts education fosters a sense of social responsibility. Students are encouraged to engage with their communities and consider the ethical implications of their decisions.
This awareness is critical as society faces complex global challenges that require thoughtful leaders who can navigate moral dilemmas while advocating for social justice and sustainability.
What misconceptions exist about employability in India?
Liberal Arts Graduates are Unemployable: Many believe a liberal arts degree leads to guaranteed unemployment. Despite a reported 47.1% employability rate among arts graduates in 2024, this statistic often overlooks the diverse career paths available to them, such as roles in marketing, journalism, and education.
For example, Graduates from institutions like Ashoka University have secured placements in prestigious companies such as McKinsey and American Express, demonstrating that liberal arts degrees can lead to successful careers.
Liberal Arts Education is only for Wealthy Students: There is a misconception that liberal arts education is an exclusive privilege for affluent students. However, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to make higher education more inclusive, promoting interdisciplinary studies across various socio-economic backgrounds.
Liberal Arts Degrees Lack Marketable Skills: Another common belief is that liberal arts graduates lack marketable skills. However, a report by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) indicates that these graduates are often better prepared for roles requiring critical thinking and adaptability, which are essential in today’s job market.
For instance, business analysts with a liberal arts background leverage their critical thinking abilities to improve organizational processes, earning competitive salaries
Way Forward: India’s education system is increasingly fruitful in delivering liberal and globalized knowledge through initiatives like the NEP 2020 and the growth of private liberal arts institutions. However, it faces challenges related to access and equity compared to more established systems in countries like the United States. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that all students can benefit from this evolving educational landscape.
According to NFHS-5, 97% of women and 97.5% of men are aware of modern contraceptives, yet the burden primarily falls on women, with female sterilisation being the most prevalent.
What are the current trends in contraceptive decision-making among Indian couples?
Dominance of Female Sterilization: As of the latest reports, female sterilisation accounts for 37.9% of total sterilizations, while male sterilisation through vasectomies remains critically low at just 0.3%.
Decline in Male Sterilization: The use of male sterilization has been steadily decreasing over the past three decades.
Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) show that the percentage of vasectomies has remained stagnant at around 0.3% in both NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-20), reflecting a broader trend of declining male participation in family planning.
Government Targets Not Met: The National Health Policy 2017 aimed to increase male sterilization to at least 30%, a target that remains unmet, indicating systemic issues within the family planning framework.
How does societal perception impact men’s involvement in family planning?
Perception of Burden: Many men view vasectomy as an undue burden, fearing loss of wages and questioning their masculinity. Women often echo this sentiment, believing that men should not be “burdened” by sterilization responsibilities due to their economic roles.
Lack of Awareness: There is a widespread lack of awareness regarding the benefits and safety of vasectomies, compounded by misconceptions about their effects on libido and masculinity. This misinformation contributes to low acceptance rates among men.
Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles reinforce the notion that women should handle family planning, leading to a lack of male engagement in reproductive health discussions.
What strategies can be implemented to promote shared responsibility in contraceptive use? (Way forward)
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives should focus on educating both genders about reproductive health and shared responsibilities through school programs and community workshops. Early sensitization can help normalize discussions around male sterilization.
Conditional Cash Incentives: Increasing financial incentives for men who opt for vasectomies can encourage participation. Evidence from Maharashtra suggests that cash incentives have led to higher rates of vasectomy acceptance among rural men.
Training Healthcare Providers: Enhancing training for healthcare workers on no-scalpel vasectomies can improve service delivery, particularly in rural areas with limited access to skilled practitioners.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Drawing lessons from countries like South Korea and Brazil, India can implement mass media campaigns to reshape societal attitudes towards male contraceptive responsibility, emphasising the safety and simplicity of vasectomies compared to female sterilization procedures.
Policy Implementation with Concrete Steps: The government should ensure that policies are actionable, with clear steps outlined to achieve targets related to male participation in family planning efforts.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)
A study published in The Lancet revealed that pollution from landscape fires, including agricultural burning in northern India during winters, may have caused over 1.2 lakh deaths annually in India between 2000 and 2019.
What is Wildfire and Its Types?
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in natural landscapes, including forests, grasslands, and savannas. They can occur due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes, or human activities, including agricultural burning and land clearing.
Types of Wildfires
Forest Fires: These occur in wooded areas and can spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds.
Grassland Fires: Also known as prairie fires, these occur in grasslands and can be beneficial for ecosystem regeneration but are destructive if uncontrolled.
Vegetation Fires: These include fires that burn through shrublands and other types of vegetation, often exacerbated by drought conditions.
Agricultural Burning: A common practice in many regions, particularly in northern India during winters, where farmers burn crop stubble to clear fields for new planting. This practice significantly contributes to air pollution.
What are the Global and Local Impacts of Landscape Fire Pollution?
Global Impact:
Death Toll: A recent study published in The Lancet estimates that globally, landscape fires are responsible for over 1.53 million deaths annually due to air pollution, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Health Risks: The study highlights that approximately 450,000 deaths each year are linked to cardiovascular diseases and 220,000 to respiratory diseases caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) released from these fires.
Geographical Disparities: The highest mortality rates from fire-related air pollution are found in countries like China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
Local Impact (India):
Annual Deaths: In India alone, it is estimated that landscape fires contributed to about 2.55 million deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases between 2000 and 2019, averaging over 120,000 deaths per year.
Seasonal Pollution: During winter months (October to December), northern India experiences severe air quality issues due to agricultural burning combined with cooler temperatures that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Socio-Economic Factors: The study indicates that deaths caused by wildfires are four times higher in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. Lower socio-economic regions face greater health risks from fire-related air pollution.
What are the steps taken by the Government to the wildfire?
Forest Protection Division: Headed by the DIG of Forests, this division oversees forest fire management at the central level.
Community Involvement: The government encourages active participation in forest fire management through mechanisms like Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs).
National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF): Introduced in 2018, the plan focuses on reducing forest fires by fostering collaboration between forest communities and state forest departments.
Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM): A government-sponsored initiative aimed at assisting states in effectively managing and preventing forest fires.
Way forward:
Strengthen Community-Based Management: Enhance capacity building, training, and incentivization for local communities through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) to actively prevent and manage wildfires.
Leverage Technology and Research: Implement advanced monitoring systems like satellite-based fire detection and promote research on fire-resistant vegetation to mitigate the impact of wildfires and associated air pollution.
The Tamil Nadu CM has requested the Prime Minister to cancel the tungsten mining rights in Madurai, citing concerns for the Arittapatti biodiversity heritage site.
AboutArittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site:
Details
• First BHS in Tamil Nadu.
• Notified for its ecological and historical significance.
Geological Features
• Surrounded by a chain of seven hillocks (inselbergs) which act as a watershed.
• Watershed feeds 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, and 3 check dams.
• Historic Anaikondan tank built during the Pandiyan kings in the 16th century.
Flora and Fauna
• Home to 250 species of birds, including Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle.
• Hosts species like Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris, and pythons.
Cultural Significance
• Presence of megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, and Jain beds.
• These features highlight the site’s historical and cultural heritage.
Back2Basics:Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)
A BHS is a well-defined, ecologically sensitive area that is recognized for its high biological diversity.
Key Features:
High Biodiversity: These sites host a variety of wild and domesticated species, including rare, threatened, and keystone species.
Ecological Fragility: BHS areas are considered ecologically fragile and are crucial for maintaining local ecosystems.
Community Involvement: BHS areas are managed by local communities and society to conserve biodiversity.
BHS are declared under Section 37(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the State Government can notify such areas in consultation with local bodies.
The Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was the first Biodiversity Heritage Site in India, declared in 2007.
Protection Measures:
The creation of a BHS does not necessarily restrict activities but aims to conserve and manage the biodiversity within these areas for long-term sustainability.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:
The government has a Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme to regulate the subsidy rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, based on international prices of raw materials and fluctuations in the global market.
Note: Unlike P&K fertilizers, urea is provided to farmers at a statutorily notified Maximum Retail Price (MRP), irrespective of its cost of production.
About the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme:
Details
About
• Introduced to provide subsidies on Phosphatic (P) and Potassic (K) fertilizers, based on nutrient content, excluding Urea.
• Aims to promote balanced fertilization by encouraging use of multiple fertilizers for optimal plant nutrition.
Structure and Functioning
• Launched: 2010, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Implemented by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Scope: Applies to Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers (excluding Urea).
• Governance: Subsidy rates are decided annually or bi-annually, based on market prices of fertilizers and raw materials.
Aims and Objectives
• Promote Balanced Fertilization: Encourages the use of Phosphorus and Potassium to complement Nitrogen and improve soil health.
• Enhance Nutrient Efficiency: Aims to reduce over-reliance on Urea and improve use of other essential nutrients.
• Support Farmers’ Affordability: Makes P&K fertilizers more affordable and accessible to farmers.
About New Investment Policy (NIP) on Urea
The NIP for Urea was announced by the Government of India in 2012 to increase domestic urea production capacity and reduce dependence on urea imports.
The policy aims to revive old urea plants and promote investment in new plants to meet the growing demand for urea.
The NIP focuses on improving fertilizer availability, and ensuring self-sufficiency in urea production.
Urea Pricing after NIP
The pricing of urea is controlled by the government, and the subsidy mechanism ensures affordable pricing for farmers.
The government provides subsidies to urea manufacturers to bridge the gap between the cost of production and the retail price, which is kept constant at ₹5,360 per ton (as of 2023) for farmers.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:
1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $98 million loan to support the Building India’s Clean Plant Programme.
Aims and Objectives
The $98 million loan focuses on improving horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials.
The primary aim is to boost the yield, quality, and resilience of crops, particularly in response to the impacts of climate change.
About the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP):
Details
• Announced in Union Budget 2023-24 to enhance plant health management in India.
• Aimed at providing farmers access to clean, disease-free planting materials.
• Anchored by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), which will set up Clean Plant Centers across the country.
• Ensures global competitiveness of the Indian horticulture sector.
• Key Objectives:
– Strengthen the regulatory framework for plant health management.
– Establish Clean Plant Centres for disease-free horticultural crops.
– Collaborate with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations for success.
• Funding: ADB loan to establish advanced laboratories and diagnostic testing facilities at Clean Plant Centres.
• Will include a certification scheme for private nurseries to produce disease-free planting materials.
Where does India stand in its Horticulture Sector?
• In 2022-23, India’s horticulture production reached 351.92 million tonnes, surpassing foodgrain production.
• Second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world; Contributes about 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA). • Ranks first in the production of crops like Bananas, Lime, Papaya, and Okra.
• Steady increase in horticulture production driven by proactive government policies.
PYQ:
[2021] What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?
[2018] Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?
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