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Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • Declining Allocations for Welfare Schemes: Neglecting India’s Social Fabric

    Central Idea

    • The Union Budget of the current year has faced widespread criticism for its dwindling allocations towards welfare schemes, undermining the importance of social spending in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. Over the years, central allocations for welfare schemes and sectors ensuring basic rights have steadily decreased as a proportion of GDP. This alarming trend raises concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing crucial issues such as child malnutrition, hunger, and education.

    Key Welfare Programs

    • Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: These programs aim to address child malnutrition and hunger. Starting from 2021-22, the Anganwadi program (Integrated Child Development Services – ICDS) was merged with POSHAN Abhiyaan and a nutrition scheme for adolescent girls.
    • Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme: The MDM scheme provides nutritious meals to approximately 12 crore children in schools. The program has shown positive outcomes, including improved attendance, learning outcomes, and reduced stunting among children.
    • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of employment per rural household and plays a vital role in providing income support to rural households.
    • National Food Security Act (NFSA): NFSA aims to provide subsidized grains to over 80 crore people, ensuring food security.
    • National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): NSAP provides pensions and monetary assistance to vulnerable sections such as the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals below the poverty line.
    • PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): The scheme provides conditional cash transfers to women in the unorganized sector, aiming to cover all eligible women and births as per the NFSA mandate

    Concerns regarding their resource allocations

    • Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: The allocation for these programs has decreased from 0.13% of GDP in 2014-15 to 0.07% in 2023-24. This decline in budgetary support raises concerns about the programs’ ability to effectively address child malnutrition and hunger.
    • MDM Scheme: The budget allocation for the MDM scheme has decreased by 50% as a share of GDP, from 0.08% in 2014-15 to 0.04% in 2023-24. This reduced allocation poses challenges in providing nutritious meals to children and improving their overall health outcomes.
    • MGNREGA: The MGNREGA expenditure as a share of GDP has declined from 0.26% in 2014-15 to 0.20% in 2023-24. This decrease in allocation raises concerns about the program’s ability to provide sufficient employment opportunities to rural households.
    • National Food Security Act : The expenditure on NFSA as a share of GDP has decreased from 0.94% in 2014-15 to 0.65% in 2023-24. This reduction in allocation poses challenges in ensuring food security for a significant population.
    • National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): The allocation for NSAP as a share of GDP has declined from 0.06% in 2014-15 to 0.03% in 2023-24. This decrease raises concerns about the adequacy of pensions and monetary assistance provided to vulnerable sections.
    • PM Matru Vandana Yojana: The PMMVY budget falls significantly short of the required amount, hindering its effectiveness in providing adequate maternity benefits.

    Why these is distress among the working class?

    • Low Wages and Income Inequality: Many workers, particularly those in the informal sector, earn low wages that are insufficient to meet their basic needs. Income inequality further exacerbates the disparity between the wages of the working class and the higher-income groups, leading to financial distress.
    • Lack of Job Security: Many working-class individuals, especially those in the informal economy, face precarious employment conditions without job security or benefits. Uncertainty regarding employment continuity, lack of social protection, and limited access to formal labor rights contribute to their distress.
    • Limited Access to Social Protection: A significant portion of the working-class lacks access to adequate social protection mechanisms, such as health insurance, pension schemes, and unemployment benefits. This leaves them vulnerable to economic shocks and reduces their resilience in times of crises.
    • Declining Real Wages: Despite economic growth, the growth in real wages has not kept pace, resulting in stagnation or minimal growth in purchasing power for many workers. This phenomenon limits their ability to improve their living standards and contributes to distress.
    • Exploitative Working Conditions: The working class often faces exploitative working conditions, including long working hours, unsafe work environments, lack of breaks, and limited rights to collective bargaining. These conditions can negatively impact physical and mental well-being, contributing to distress.
    • Lack of Skill Development and Upward Mobility: Limited opportunities for skill development and upward mobility can trap workers in low-wage jobs with limited prospects for advancement. This lack of upward mobility can lead to frustration and distress among the working class.
    • Inadequate Social Services: Insufficient access to quality healthcare, education, and affordable housing places an additional burden on the working class. The lack of affordable and accessible services exacerbates their financial stress and limits their ability to meet essential needs.

    Way Ahead

    • Prioritize Social Spending: The government should prioritize social spending, especially in the post-COVID-19 recovery period, to ensure adequate resources for welfare schemes. Allocating sufficient funds to programs addressing child nutrition, working class welfare, social assistance, and education is essential to uplift vulnerable sections of society.
    • Increase Budget Allocations: The budget allocations for child nutrition and hunger programs, such as Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, and the mid-day meal scheme need to be increased to effectively tackle malnutrition and improve children’s health outcomes. Adequate funding will ensure the successful implementation and expansion of these programs.
    • Strengthen MGNREGA and NFSA: Recognizing the importance of MGNREGA and NFSA in providing rural employment and food subsidies, the government should prioritize and enhance the budget allocations for these schemes. This will support the livelihoods of the rural population and alleviate poverty and distress.
    • Focus on Wage Growth: To address the distress among the working class, there should be a focus on policies that promote wage growth. This can be achieved through skill development programs, labor reforms, and measures to improve the employment ecosystem, ensuring better wages and improved livelihoods.
    • Enhance Social Security Programs: The government should consider increasing allocations for social security programs, such as the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), to provide adequate support to the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals. Raising the pension amounts and expanding the coverage will help alleviate financial hardships among vulnerable sections of society.
    • Allocate Sufficient Funds for Education and Healthcare: Given the importance of education and healthcare, the government should allocate adequate funds for school education and healthcare infrastructure. This will help improve access to quality education, reduce dropout rates, and ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all.
    • Improve HDI and Social Indicators: To uplift India’s Human Development Index (HDI) rank and address rising malnutrition levels, it is crucial to increase social expenditure in proportion to the country’s GDP growth. This can be achieved by redirecting revenue foregone due to tax concessions and adopting efficient fiscal management practices.
    • Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that allocated funds are utilized efficiently and reach the intended beneficiaries. Regular assessment of the impact and outcomes of welfare schemes will help identify areas of improvement and enable evidence-based policy decisions.

    Facts for prelims

    Prevalence of Iron deficiency anemia in India

    • Iron deficiency anemia is a significant public health concern in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-2020, the prevalence of anemia among women aged 15-49 years is 53%, while among children aged 6-59 months, it is 41%.
    • Iron deficiency anemia affects both rural and urban populations, with higher rates observed in certain regions and vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children.

    What is Iron deficiency anemia?

    • It is a common type of anemia that occurs when there is a lack of iron in the body. Iron is an essential mineral needed for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
    • When iron levels are insufficient, the body is unable to produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to a decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity and resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating.
    • Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron, poor iron absorption, chronic blood loss, or certain medical conditions.

    Conclusion

    • The decline in allocations for welfare schemes in the Union Budget raises concerns about the government’s commitment to social development, impacting crucial areas such as child nutrition, working-class welfare, and access to education and healthcare. To foster inclusive growth, there is an urgent need to prioritize social expenditure, increase budget allocations, and address the pressing issues facing vulnerable sections of society.

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    Also read:

    A reality check on Nutrition programs

     

  • Early Childhood Care and Education through Anganwadis

    Central Idea: The Centre is planning to promote ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ through anganwadi centres as part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ slogan announced by the Women and Child Development Minister.

    What is Anganwadi scheme?

    • The scheme was started in 1975 and aims at the holistic development of children and empowerment of mother.
    • It is a Centrally-Sponsored scheme. The scheme primarily runs through the Anganwadi centre.
    • The scheme is under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

    Moto: Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi

    • The focus will be on both nutrition and early learning for children under 6 years, with a particular emphasis on those under 3 years.
    • Early learning has been neglected in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and seen as secondary to nutrition.
    • Anganwadi centres will be repositioned as pre-schools to provide early learning access to socially and educationally backward communities.

    Why such move?

    • Two emerging trends are noted: young children shifting to private pre-schools and under-age children being admitted to Class 1 in some states.
    • The quality of services provided at Anganwadi centres is perceived as inferior, leading to the shift to private nursery schools.

    Task Force and Recommendations

    • Rebranding anganwadis: The task force recommends a “mission-mode approach” to rebranding anganwadis, including infrastructure upgrades, materials, play equipment, etc.
    • Focus on volunteer support: It suggests involving panchayat raj institutions, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and college volunteers to enhance the learning environment.
    • Boost to Anganwadi sisters: The task force proposes re-designating anganwadi workers as anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare workers.
    • Nutrition boost: Infrastructure improvements, additional nutrition supplements (such as eggs and milk), extended timings, creches, and day care services are recommended.
    • MGNREGS liasion: The task force suggests leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

    Major target: Improve Child Nutrition

    • The task force highlights that over 35% of young children in India are stunted, according to the latest NFHS data.
    • Although there has been a reduction, India still has the largest population of stunted children globally.
    • Child stunting affects developmental outcomes and the ability to learn at school.
    • NFHS-5 reveals that only 11.3% of children below 2 years receive an adequate diet.
    • The task force recommends introducing eggs as an effective intervention for nutrition.

     

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  • Indian Sludge Shows High Fertilizer Potential: First Study Reveals

    Central Idea: The article discusses the results of an analysis of the sludge found in Indian sewage treatment plants (STP) that were set up to treat polluted water from the Ganga under National Mission for Clean Ganga.

    About National Mission for Clean Ganga

    Description
    Launch 2014
    Aim Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river
    Interventions Development of sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and public awareness campaigns
    Approach River basin approach, identifying pollution hotspots and implementing targeted interventions
    Implementing Agency NMCG
    Responsibilities Coordinating efforts across stakeholders, including state governments, municipalities, and civil society organizations
    Objective Improve water quality and ensure ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the Ganga river

     

    Sludge classification

    • India doesn’t yet have standards classifying sludge as class A or B.
    • Treated sludge can be classified as class A or class B, as per the standards of the United States Environment Protection Agency.
    1. Class A sludge: It is safe to be disposed of in the open and useful as organic fertilizer.
    2. Class B sludge: It can be used in restricted agricultural applications, with the edible parts of the crop not exposed to the sludge-mixed soil, and animals and people not come into extensive contact.

    Current sludge disposal practices

    • Currently, those awarded contracts for developing and maintaining STPs under the Namami Ganga Mission are also apportioned land for disposing off sludge.
    • However, the sludge is rarely treated, and during rains, it often makes its way back into rivers and local water sources.

    Study’s findings

    • The sludge analysed after drying fell into the class B category.
    • Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were higher than those recommended by India’s fertilizer standards, but potassium levels of some sludges were less than recommended.
    • The degree of pathogens, as well as heavy metal contamination, was above the recommended fertilizer standards.
    • The calorific value of sludge ranged from 1,000-3,500 kcal/kg, which is lower than the average calorific value of Indian coal.

    Recommendations to improve sludge quality

    • The report recommends storing the sludge for at least three months to kill pathogens and blending it with cattle manure and husk or local soil to reduce heavy metal.
    • However, this would still put it in class B, and converting it into grade A sludge would require far more extensive treatment.

     

     

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  • Rebuilding the Idea and Reality of Manipur

    Manipur

    Central Idea

    • The recent communal riots in Manipur have led to unprecedented human displacement, loss of lives and property, and destruction of the geopolitical foundations of Manipur beyond any immediate repair. To secure future stability and peace, there is a need to confront the truth about the nature of these riots and their principal cause and take adequate measures to ensure institutional accountability, recognition, and accommodation of distinctive rights and identities.

    What is the principal cause?

    • The principal cause of the riots in Manipur is the failure of the state government to recognize and accommodate the territorial rights and identities of the different communities in the state.
    • The state’s aggressive integrationist project, which seeks to dissolve tribal land rights in the valley areas, has been a major source of tension between the Meitei and tribal communities.
    • Additionally, the lack of functional sub-state asymmetrical institutions and the weakness of the state-society model have contributed to the instability and ethnic security dilemma in the state.

    Who are the Meiteis?

    • Largest community: The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur.
    • Community’s Language: They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of India and the sole official language of Manipur State.
    • Geographical Distribution: Manipur is geographically divided into the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills. The Imphal Valley is dominated by the Meitei community, which accounts for more than 64% of the population. The hills, which comprise 90% of Manipur’s geographical area, are inhabited by more than 35% recognized tribes, which are largely Christians.
    • Major Festivals: festivals of meiteis are Lai Haraoba, Cheiraoba, Yaosang among others. Also, The Manipuri martial art Thang-ta had its origin in the Meitei knights during the king’s rule.

    Need for recognition and accommodation: Illustration

    • Recognition of territorial rights: The stability and integrity of a pillarized society like Manipur can only be secured through recognition of territorial rights and identities of all communities. This means recognizing the land rights and heritage of the Meiteis and the tribals in the hills.
    • Substantive accommodation: In addition to recognition, it is necessary to provide substantive accommodation to different communities. This can involve granting tribal communities more autonomy in decision-making and representation in government.
    • Genuine dialogue: Accommodation requires genuine dialogue between communities that is based on mutual respect and a willingness to compromise. This is crucial for building trust and reducing tensions.
    • End of aggressive integrationist projects: The idea that one community should dominate others must be replaced with a more inclusive approach that values diversity and recognizes the rights of all communities.
    • Working institutions: Accommodation requires that institutions function effectively and equitably. The weak state-society model in Manipur needs to be strengthened and institutional trust and legitimacy must be restored.
    • Respect for differences: Recognition and accommodation require a respect for differences and a commitment to finding common ground. This can be facilitated by an appreciation of the historical pedigree of extant sub-State constitutional asymmetry and a willingness to address the concerns of all communities.

    Way ahead: Steps to promote State-building

    • Strengthening state institutions: The state government should focus on building strong and effective institutions that can deliver basic services to citizens, maintain law and order, and protect the rights of all communities. This could involve reforming the police force, improving the efficiency of the bureaucracy, and strengthening the judiciary.
    • Promoting inclusivity: The state government should ensure that all communities, including tribal and non-tribal groups, have equal access to government services and are included in the political process. This could involve implementing affirmative action policies and promoting dialogue between different communities.
    • Improving infrastructure: The state government should invest in improving infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and electricity, to promote economic growth and development. This could help reduce poverty and inequality and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
    • Addressing grievances: The state government should address the grievances of different communities, including land rights issues, to build trust and promote peace. This could involve setting up a judicial commission to investigate past violence and ensure accountability for those responsible.
    • Building regional partnerships: The state government should work with other states in the region and the central government to promote regional cooperation and address common challenges. This could involve promoting trade and investment, sharing resources, and collaborating on regional security issues.

    Facts for prelims: Major tribes of Manipur

    • Naga Tribes: The Nagas are one of the largest and most prominent tribes in Manipur. They are primarily concentrated in the hill areas of the state, and are known for their distinct culture and traditions.
    • Kuki Tribes: The Kukis are another major tribe in Manipur, and are also primarily concentrated in the hill areas. They are known for their love of music and dance, and have a rich cultural heritage.
    • Meitei Tribe: The Meitei are the dominant community in the valley areas of Manipur, and have their own distinct language and culture. They are known for their love of traditional sports such as Thang Ta (a form of martial arts) and Sagol Kangjei (a game similar to polo).
    • Hmar Tribe: The Hmars are a smaller tribe in Manipur, but are still an important part of the state’s cultural fabric. They are known for their traditional dance forms, such as the Cheraw and Chheihlam
    • Zomi Tribe: The Zomis are another smaller tribe in Manipur, but are spread across several states in Northeast India. They are known for their love of music and dance, and have a rich cultural heritage.
    • Pangal Tribe: The Pangal tribe, also known as the Manipuri Muslims, is a minority community in Manipur. They have a distinct culture and language and are primarily concentrated in the valley region.
    • Anal Tribe: The Anal tribe is a smaller ethnic group in Manipur and is primarily concentrated in the hill areas. They have a unique culture and are known for their traditional dress, dance, and music.

    Conclusion

    • Serious and concerted inter-community reconciliation efforts must be initiated immediately if Manipur as an inclusive idea and a geopolitical space of accommodation were to be revived. Any prolonged conflagrations will be mutually destructive and self-defeating. The government must adopt even-handedness in its dealing with diverse communities and must not cave into the pressure of the majority in the future.

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    Also Read:

    Private: Manipur Ethnic Violence

  • All India Survey on Higher Education: A Wake-up Call for the Muslim Community

    Higher

    Central Idea

    • The recently released All India Survey on Higher Education 2020–21 has shown some alarming trends. While there have been improvements in the enrollment of certain communities in higher education, there has been a drastic drop in the enrollment of Muslim students. The survey provides a grim picture of the marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address.

    Findings of the survey

    1. Enrollment overview:
    • Enrollment of Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs in higher education increased by 4.2%, 11.9%, and 4% respectively compared to 2019-20.
    • The upper castes showed the highest growth rate of 13.6%, after declining with the implementation of Mandal II in the late 2000s.
    1. Enrollment of Muslim students:
    • The enrollment of Muslim students dropped by 8% from 2019-20, by 1,79,147 students. This level of absolute decline has never happened in the recent past for any group.
    • UP accounts for 36% of the total decline in Muslim enrollment, followed by Jammu and Kashmir (26%), Maharashtra (8.5%), Tamil Nadu (8.1%), Gujarat (6.1%), Bihar (5.7%) and Karnataka (3.7%).
    • Muslims constitute about 4.6% of total enrollment in higher education while they represent about 15% of society.
    • Among major states, in 2020-21, Muslims did not do better than Dalits except in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Delhi. Kerala tops in the percentage of Muslim youth (43%) who are currently attending higher education.

    Factors behind declining enrollment of Muslim students

    • Lack of job opportunities: Muslim students face a high unemployment rate, which means that they may not see higher education as a path to a good job.
    • Discrimination: There is discrimination in the job market against Muslim candidates. Studies have shown that Muslim candidates are less likely to be invited to job interviews compared to candidates with Brahmin or Dalit names.
    • Economic factors: Muslim students may not have the financial means to pursue higher education, and may have to work to support themselves and their families. This can lead to a high dropout rate.
    • Violence and ghettoization: Violence against Muslims has increased, which has led to a sense of fear and insecurity, and has restricted their mobility. This has resulted in a trend towards ghettoization.
    • Discriminatory policies: Some state governments have stopped providing financial support to Muslim students pursuing higher education. This has made it more difficult for them to access higher education opportunities.

    All you need to know about Sachar Committee report, 2006

    • The Sachar Committee was commissioned by the Indian government in response to concerns about the social and economic status of Muslims in India.
    • The committee surveyed the status of Muslims across various parameters, including education, employment, and access to social services.
    • The report found that Muslims in India were disproportionately affected by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and sanitation.
    • The report highlighted the need for affirmative action policies to address the marginalization of Muslims, such as reservations in education and employment.
    • The report also recommended the establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission to address discrimination against Muslims and other minority communities in India.
    • The Sachar Committee Report sparked a national debate about the social and economic status of Muslims in India and led to increased attention on the issue of affirmative action for marginalized communities.

    Policy recommendations to address low Muslim students enrollment

    • Initiate positive discrimination policies: The government could implement policies such as sub-quotas for Muslims within the OBC quota to improve their access to higher education opportunities.
    • Provide scholarships and fellowships: The government could provide greater financial support to minority students pursuing higher education, such as scholarships and fellowships, to help them overcome economic barriers.
    • Address discrimination in the job market: The government could work to create more job opportunities for Muslims and address discrimination in the job market to help improve their economic prospects.
    • Promote social and economic equality: The overall goal should be to promote greater social and economic equality for Muslims in India, which could involve a range of policies and initiatives focused on education, employment, and other areas.

    Conclusion

    • The All-India Survey on Higher Education highlights the deepening marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address the situation. Positive discrimination in favour of Muslims, as recommended by the Sachar Committee Report, is the need of the hour to ensure equitable access to higher education for all communities. Without such efforts, India will not be able to realise its potential and contribute to the harmonious development of society.

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    Also read:

    SC quota for Dalit Muslims and Christians

  • Misleading food ads and regulations to curtail them

    Central idea: Misleading claims

    • FSSAI flagged 32 cases of food business operators (FBOs) making misleading claims and advertisements in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018.
    • The cumulative count of such offences has shot up to 170 in the last six months.
    • FBOs urged to avoid making unscientific and exaggerated claims for larger consumer interest.

    Regulations for tackling misleading ads and claims

    • Regulations include-
    1. FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018
    2. CCPA’s regulations, and Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
    • FSSAI seeks truthful, unambiguous, meaningful, and scientifically substantiated claims.
    • Claims suggesting suitability for prevention, alleviation, treatment, or cure of a disease, disorder, or particular psychological condition prohibited unless permitted under the regulations of the FSS Act, 2006.

    Response of FSSAI

    • Scrutinized products in categories such as health supplements, organic products, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products, and staples endorsing certain health and product claims.
    • Alleged violators include manufacturers and/or marketers of nutraceutical products, refined oils, pulses, flours, millet products, and ghee.
    • Cases referred to concerned licensing authorities to issue notices and withdraw the misleading claims or scientifically substantiate them.
    • Failure to comply would invite penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh, suspension, or cancellation of licenses for repeated offenses.

    Recent observations in the food advertising ecosystem

    • Non-disclosure: Close to 788 ads processed against food advertising, about 299 related to non-disclosure by food influencers, and 490+ ads found to be misleading.
    • Fairly violative sector: Violations across different food categories and food.

    Definitions of various terms

    • Natural food product: A single food derived from a recognized natural source with no additives or chemicals.
    • Fresh: This reference is allowed only for products not processed except washing, peeling, chilling, trimming, cutting, or low-dose irradiation.
    • Pure: It is used for single-ingredient foods with nothing added and devoid of all avoidable contamination.

    Expectations from a consumer’s point of view

    • Clinical data: Companies need to provide clinical data about the outcomes pertaining to the control group, the administered group, and the observed period of the claimed outcomes.
    • Interpretable ads: Advertisements need to be modified in a way a consumer can interpret.

     

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  • Moving Beyond COVID-19: Need for Contextual Understanding

    COVID-19

    Central Idea

    • COVID-19 has transitioned from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, and it is time for India to shift gears and apply the lessons learned from the pandemic.

    WHO Announcements on COVID-19

    • On January 30, 2020, COVID-19 was announced as a public health emergency of international concern.
    • On May 5, 2023, WHO declared that COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern.

    Issues of misinformation during the second wave of COVID-19 in India

    • False claims about a third wave affecting children: In April-May 2021, there was a COVID-19 misinformation blitzkrieg that a third wave in India would affect children, leading to children being repeatedly asked to wear masks and deprived of schooling and learning.
    • Lack of scientific evidence: School closure and making masks mandatory for schoolchildren had their origin in nearly identical challenges of actions not being supported by scientific evidence.
    • Influencers’ impact on public discourse: Social media influencers, not necessarily subject experts, were shaping the public discourse, which was not effectively addressed by governments.
    • Disparate viewpoints: Disparate viewpoints existed among experts and influencers living in India and abroad, with the latter making more definitive and stronger arguments for school closure and mask wearing for children in India.
    • Failure to consider local context: The sub-groups of super-specialists and those staying abroad failed to factor in the local context while coming up with their opinions.
    • Dogmatic stands of self-proclaimed experts: Self-proclaimed experts and influencers have adopted a dogmatic stand and have been selectively and conveniently using emerging evidence and published literature to support their stand, often misguiding gullible followers.
    • COVID-foreverers: A group of disparate individuals and social media groups keep insisting on the enforcement of restrictions such as universal masking at ‘the drop of the hat’, often on frivolous grounds.

    What lessons were learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?

    • The importance of preparedness: The pandemic highlighted the importance of being prepared for future outbreaks and the need for robust public health infrastructure.
    • The role of misinformation: The pandemic showed how misinformation can spread rapidly and have serious consequences, highlighting the need for better education and awareness to combat misinformation.
    • The importance of local context: The pandemic demonstrated the importance of factoring in local context when making policy decisions, as different regions and countries may face different challenges and require different interventions.
    • The danger of dogmatic thinking: The pandemic showed how dogmatic thinking can be dangerous, and the need for an open-minded and evidence-based approach to decision-making.
    • The importance of nuance and context in epidemiology: The pandemic highlighted the need for nuanced understanding of epidemiology, and the importance of taking into account the broader context when interpreting scientific studies.
    • The need for a shift in focus: With COVID-19 transitioning from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, there is a need to shift the focus from COVID-19 fixation to tackling other pressing health challenges.
    • The importance of integrating COVID-19 response with general health services: The pandemic showed the need for integration of COVID-19 response with general health services, and the importance of a balanced approach to public health.

    Way forward

    • Formal training courses on the principles and practice of epidemiology should be offered by the government to prepare India for more nuanced responses to outbreaks and epidemics and to curb misinformation.
    • The government needs to integrate the COVID-19 response to general health services.
    • India’s response to surges, outbreaks, and epidemics (of any infectious disease and not just COVID-19) should be guided by a nuanced understanding of epidemiology and not unduly derailed by social media influencers.
    • Schools should not be closed for a COVID-19 uptick, and wearing masks in order to attend school should never again be made mandatory, as children were never at risk from moderate to severe COVID-19.
    • It is time to drop the COVID-19 fixation and move on to tackle other more pressing health challenges in the country.

    Conclusion

    • The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges and lessons for India and the world. The issues of misinformation and lack of context-based policy interventions have been major obstacles in effectively tackling the pandemic. It is time to apply the lessons learned and shift focus to other pressing health challenges while being prepared to respond to future outbreaks and epidemics with a nuanced understanding of epidemiology.

    Mains Question

    Q. During the COVID-19 pandemic, how did misinformation pose a significant challenge? Discuss what lessons have we learned from it?

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    Also Read:

    Covid is no longer an Emergency: what changes?

  • Legalizing Cannabis Cultivation and Decriminalizing Drug Use

    Cannabis

    Central Idea

    • Himachal Pradesh is reportedly considering legalizing cannabis cultivation, joining Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The criminalisation of cannabis cultivation and drug use in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985 has resulted in long pre-trial incarceration, stigmatisation of users, and poor rehabilitation prospects. A public health approach could help address drug dependence and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.

    What is Cannabis?

    • Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used primarily for medical or recreational purposes.
    • The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD).
    • It is used by smoking, vaporizing, within the food, or as an extract.

    Prospects of legalizing Marijuana

    1. Health benefits:
    • The cannabinoids found in Cannabis is a great healer and has found mentioned in Ayurveda.
    • It can be used to treat a number of medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, epilepsy, insomnia, HIV/AIDS treatment, and cancer.
    1. Ecological benefits:
    • The cannabis plant and seeds apart from being labelled a super-food as per studies is also a super-industrial carbon-negative raw material.
    • Each part of the plant can be used for some industry. Hemp currently is also being used to make bio-fuel, bio-plastics and even construction material in certain countries. The cosmetic industry has also embraced Hemp seeds.
    1. Marijuana is addiction-free:
    • An epidemiological study showed that only 9% of those who use marijuana end up being clinically dependent on it.
    • The ‘comparable rates’ for tobacco, alcohol and cocaine stood at 32%, 15% and 16% respectively.
    1. Good source of Revenue:
    • By legalizing and taxing marijuana, the government will stand to earn huge amounts of revenue that will otherwise go to the Italian and Israeli drug cartels.
    • In an open letter to US President George Bush, around 500 economists, led by Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman, called for marijuana to be “legal but taxed and regulated like other goods.
    1. A potential cash crop:
    • The cannabis plant is something natural to India, especially the northern hilly regions. It has the potential of becoming a cash crop for poor marginal farmers.
    • If proper research is done and the cultivation of marijuana encouraged at an official level, it can gradually become a source of income for poor people with small landholdings.
    1. Prohibition was ineffective:
    • In India, the consumption of synthetic drugs like cocaine has increased since marijuana was banned, while it has decreased in the US since it was legalized in certain states.
    • Moreover, these days, it is pretty easy to buy marijuana in India and its consumption is widespread among the youth. So it is fair to say that prohibition has failed to curb the problem
    1. Marijuana is less harmful:
    • Marijuana consumption was never regarded as a socially deviant behaviour any more than drinking alcohol was. In fact, keeping it legal was considered as an enlightened view.
    • It is now medically proven that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol.

    All you need to know about Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985

    • The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act is an Indian law that prohibits the production, manufacture, possession, transportation, sale, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
    • The Act was enacted in response to the US-led global war on drugs in the 1970s.
    • The NDPS Act has been amended several times since its enactment, with the most recent amendment being in 2014.
    • The Act defines different categories of drugs and prescribes different punishment for different offenses.
    • The Act has been criticized for its strict provisions, especially for small-scale drug users, who are often imprisoned and face difficulty accessing rehabilitation and de-addiction centers. In recent years, there have been calls for decriminalizing small-scale drug use and treating drug consumers as victims rather than offenders.

    Why criminalizing drug users is not a good option?

    • Pre-trial incarceration and stigmatization: Criminalization means long pre-trial incarceration and stigmatization of drug users, who are often from socially and economically vulnerable backgrounds.
    • Lack of access to de-addiction centres: Many drug users lack access to de-addiction centres, which makes their rehabilitation difficult.
    • Difficulty in rehabilitation: Putting drug users behind bars makes their rehabilitation difficult and exposes them to the risk of becoming peddlers.
    • Overburdened criminal justice system: Over-criminalisation of drug users clogs already burdened courts and adds to the workload of overworked investigating agencies.
    • Squandering public resources: Public resources that could have been deployed to set up a robust rehabilitation network are squandered away in the process.
    • Ineffective in deterring drug use: Criminalisation was intended to deter the use of drugs. However, drug dependence has increased over the years across the world.
    • Undermining social well-being: The over-criminalisation of drug users undermines their social well-being, which perpetuates the cycle of addiction and crime.

    Steps to address the negative impact of criminalizing drug users

    • Decriminalization: The government should consider decriminalizing the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal consumption, as recommended by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This will treat drug users as victims rather than culprits and facilitate their rehabilitation.
    • Public health approach: The government should adopt a public health approach to address drug use as a public health issue. This involves providing healthcare services to drug users, focusing on their well-being and rehabilitation, rather than just punishing them.
    • Differentiating between peddlers and consumers: The government should differentiate between drug peddlers and drug consumers and take different approaches to dealing with them. While drug peddlers should be punished, drug users should be treated as victims and provided with rehabilitation services.
    • Setting up a robust rehabilitation network: The government should allocate resources to set up a robust rehabilitation network for drug users. This will help address the root cause of drug use and reduce its negative impact on society.
    • Public awareness campaigns: The government should conduct public awareness campaigns to educate people about the negative impact of drug use on health and well-being. This will help reduce the demand for drugs and prevent drug use among the population.

    Facts for prelims

    What is CBD oil?

    • CBD oil is a type of oil that contains cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.
    • CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the plant and diluting it with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil.
    • It is used for a variety of purposes, including reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving sleep.

    Conclusion

    • The criminalization of drug use in India has not deterred drug dependence and has resulted in a burden on the criminal justice system. A public health approach could help address drug dependence and reduce the stigma associated with drug use. India could learn from the examples of countries like Portugal and Canada and the state of Sikkim.

    Mains Question

    Q. Recently more and more states are considering legalizing cannabis cultivation. In light of this discuss the benefits of its cultivation and impact of criminalizing drug users in India.

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    Also read:

    Himachal Pradesh considering legalizing Cannabis Cultivation

  • Govt. program for Non-Communicable Diseases renamed

    disease

    Central Idea: The article discusses the decision by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to rename and expand its program for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    What are Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?

    • NCDs are also known as chronic diseases, which are not caused by infectious agents and are not transmissible from person to person.
    • NCDs are long-lasting and progress slowly, typically taking years to manifest symptoms.
    • Examples of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
    • These diseases are often caused by modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, and environmental factors.
    • NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for around 70% of all deaths globally.

    Why in news?

    • The addition of many new diseases and health initiatives have prompted the Indian government to expand and rename its NCD program.

    Renaming of the NCD Program and Portal

    • The Ministry has renamed the NPCDCS as the “National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases [NP-NCD].”
    • The application or software named Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Non-Communicable Disease (CPHC NCD IT) will now be renamed “National NCD Portal.”
    • The Ministry communicated this decision to the States on May 3, 2023, through a one-page letter and asked them to adhere to the changes.

    Implementation and future action

    • The NPCDCS is implemented under the National Health Mission across India.
    • The letter addressed to Principal Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all States and Union Territories advised the government to use the new names for the scheme and portal in all their future references and correspondences with the Indian government.
    • Under NPCDCS, 677 NCD district-level clinics, 187 District Cardiac Care Units, 266 District Day Care Centres and 5,392 NCD Community Health Centre-level clinics have been set up.

    Burden of NCDs in India

    • The study ‘India: Health of the Nation’s States – The India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative in 2017’ by the ICMR estimated that the proportion of deaths due to NCDs in India has increased from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.
    • The four major NCDs are:
    1. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
    2. Cancers
    3. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and
    4. Diabetes
    • The study shared four behavioural risk factors – unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol.

    Solutions to mitigate NCD burden

    • Promote healthy lifestyle: Encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity, balanced and nutritious diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and getting enough sleep.
    • Increase awareness and education: Increase awareness among the public about the risk factors of NCDs and educate them about ways to prevent these diseases.
    • Improve healthcare infrastructure: Increase access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural and remote areas, to ensure early detection, treatment, and management of NCDs.
    • Implement policies and regulations: Implement policies and regulations that promote healthy living, such as increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol products, and regulating the marketing of unhealthy food products.
    • Foster public-private partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to work collaboratively towards preventing and managing NCDs.
    • Increase research and innovation: Increase research and innovation in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of NCDs to develop new and effective interventions.

     

     

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  • Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP): A Step in the Right Direction

    ACP

    Central Idea

    • Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) aims to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance. The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. The success of the ACP could have a significant impact on Maharashtra’s economy and lead to ease of living in urban areas.

    Urban population of India

    • According to the Census of India 2011, the urban population of India was 377 million, which accounted for 31.16% of the total population. Around 590 million people would live in the cities by 2030.
    • While cities constitute about 3 per cent of the land in the country, they generate 70 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contribute substantially to economic growth and opportunities.
    • There is a robust relationship between the index of cities’ liveability and the country’s GDP per capita suggesting that long-term growth is only feasible if the city attributes in terms of providing equitable access to basic services, residences, and improved economic management are woven seamlessly through digital service delivery platforms.

    Challenges of urbanization in Maharashtra

    • Deficient Infrastructure: Maharashtra’s cities are grappling with issues of deficient infrastructure, such as inadequate roads, public transport, water supply, and waste management systems.
    • Air Pollution: Urbanization has led to an increase in air pollution in Maharashtra’s cities, primarily due to vehicular emissions and industrial activities.
    • Social Inequities: The growth of informal settlements and slums in Maharashtra’s cities has led to social inequities, with the urban poor lacking access to basic services, such as healthcare, education, and housing.
    • Mobility and Migration: Maharashtra’s cities continue to face the challenge of frequent mobility and migration, with an inward net movement of people for better livelihood opportunities.
    • Vulnerabilities to Disasters and Climate Change: Rapid urbanization has increased the vulnerability of Maharashtra’s cities to disasters and climate change, such as floods and heatwaves.
    • Poor Urban Planning: Many of the challenges faced by Maharashtra’s cities are a result of poor urban planning, with a lack of coordination between various government departments and inadequate implementation of policies and programmes.

    What is Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP)?

    • The Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) is an initiative of the Government of Maharashtra aimed at addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization in the state by adopting a holistic approach to urban governance.
    • The ACP has identified 57 cities that have been proposed for the programme. Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra.
    • The performance of the 57 selected cities would be monitored and ranked quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform with indicators on the themes of urban infrastructure, education, urban services, skill development, and climate change.
    • The ACP is based on three priority areas: inclusive urban development, scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring outcomes, and citizen participation in civic affairs.

    ACP

    The Maharashtra government’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) focuses on three priority areas

    1. Inclusive Urban Development: The ACP aims to bring an integrated approach to urban programming that involves all development sectors. This is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of urban development reach all sections of society, including the most vulnerable.
    2. Scientific Data Methods: The ACP seeks to adopt scientific data methods for assessing and monitoring the outcomes of both state and central schemes. This will provide a better understanding of the impact of various policies and programmes on the ground.
    3. Citizen Participation: The ACP aims to enhance the voice and participation of citizens in civic affairs through physical and digital means. This is aimed at ensuring that governance is citizen-centric and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

    Other key features of Maharashtra’s ACP

    • Improved Governance: The ACP is set to focus on improved governance, address persistent civic issues, and increase funding avenues for the urban local bodies. This is aimed at ensuring that the governance of cities is efficient, transparent, and accountable.
    • Service Level Benchmarking: Service level benchmarking will be done for the cities based on the data collected on the Performance Assessment System of the Government of Maharashtra. This will enable the state government to monitor and rank the performance of the 57 selected cities quarterly through a standard digital monitoring platform.
    • Provision of Adequate Potable Tap Water: The ACP agenda includes provisioning adequate potable tap water to all households by taking advantage of the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.
    • Reformed Property Tax: The ACP aims to reform property tax by delinking it from the reasonable rental value method and adopting the market value of the property as a base for assessment.

    Facts for prelims

    What is Urban 20 (U20)?

    • Within the G20 ecosystem, a city diplomacy initiative called the Urban 20 (U20) was launched in December 2017.
    • As one of the formal Engagement Groups under G20, the U20 forum was meant to collectively raise critical urban issues of G20 cities during the G20 negotiations.
    • Despite U20’s concerted efforts to run parallel to G20, the absence of any written constitution, procedures, or formal agreement has made U20 unable to effectively address the aspirations and concerns of cities.

    Conclusion

    • It is time to accept the reality that New India is moving from its villages to the cities, and therefore, the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. The ACP is an example of a policy that puts people first as part of urban development. This effort by the Government of Maharashtra is strategically contextualised with the Viksit Bharat vision for India in 2047.

    Mains Question

    Q. New India is moving from its villages to the cities which highlights the need for renewed thinking and policies that are citizen-centric. In light of this discuss how Maharashtra’s Aspirational Cities Programme (ACP) could help to address the challenges of urbanization

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    Also Read:

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Urban Planning