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Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • [30th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A liberal arts degree is worth much more than realised

    PYQ Relevance:

    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.

    _

    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.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-liberal-arts-degree-is-worth-much-more-than-realised/article68928000.ece

  • Wikipedia and ANI’s defamation suit

    Why in the News?

    In the first half of 2024, the Asian News International (ANI) filed a defamation suit against Wikipedia Foundation and three Wikipedia administrators in the Delhi High Court, which ordered Wikipedia to disclose the administrators’ details.

    What are the charges levelled by ANI in the defamation against Wikipedia?

    • Defamatory Statements: ANI claims that its Wikipedia page contains false and misleading statements, including accusations of being a “propaganda tool” for the Indian government and distributing materials from fake news websites. They argue these claims tarnish their reputation and professional standing.
    • Interference with Edits: ANI alleges that Wikipedia administrators have actively removed edits made by ANI-associated editors that sought to correct these statements, thereby violating their rights and obligations as an intermediary under Indian law.

    Who is Allowed to Edit Wikipedia Pages?

    • Any Member of the Wikipedia Community: Wikipedia allows any user to edit pages, provided they follow the platform’s guidelines. However, there are certain restrictions based on page status and the user’s account level.
    • Extended Confirmed Users: Pages with a high risk of vandalism or controversial topics may be protected, meaning only editors with extended confirmed status (long-standing accounts and a minimum number of edits) can edit these pages.
    • Administrators: These are experienced editors elected by the community who can make additional changes, including protecting pages, blocking users, and performing technical functions.

    What are the Guidelines for Editing Wikipedia Pages?

    • Reliability and Verifiability: All statements on Wikipedia must be backed by reliable, verifiable sources. Original research is not allowed, and editors are prohibited from publishing ideas or analyses not previously published elsewhere.
    • Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Editors are required to maintain neutrality in writing articles. Content should not be biased or represent a particular viewpoint.
    • Consensus and Collaboration: Wikipedia is a community-driven platform, and decisions about the content are made through consensus. Editors are encouraged to work together to resolve disputes.
    • Page Protection: If a page is subject to frequent vandalism or disputes, it can be marked for protection, either for extended confirmed users or administrators only. This is done to maintain the integrity of the content.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Legal Framework for Online Defamation: The Indian government should create clear legal guidelines to address defamation issues related to online platforms, ensuring accountability for platforms like Wikimedia in cases of false or misleading content.
    • Promote Digital Literacy and Content Regulation: The government should invest in promoting digital literacy to help users better understand and navigate online content, and ensure platforms like Wikipedia adhere to stricter content verification and neutrality standards.

    Mains PYQ:

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

  • [pib] Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF)

    Why in the News?

    The Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) has been established to support the development of urban infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

    About Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF):

    Details
    What is it? • Established (budget speech for Financial Year 2023-24) to utilize priority sector lending shortfall for financing urban infrastructure projects.
    • Managed by the National Housing Bank (NHB).
    • Initial Corpus: ₹10,000 crore.
    • Modeled after the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which supports rural infrastructure projects.
    • Focus on developing Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India.

    • Tier-2 Cities: Cities with populations between 50,000 and 1 lakh.
    • Tier-3 Cities: Cities with populations below 50,000.
    Aims and Objectives • Support Urban Infrastructure: Provides funding for essential urban services such as water supply, sanitation, sewerage, and waste management.
    • Sewerage, water supply, sanitation, drains, and solid waste management.
    • Prioritizes projects with significant improvements in urban services.
    • Funds are allocated to Municipal Corporations and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for infrastructure development.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation • Coverage: Supports 459 Tier-2 cities and 580 Tier-3 cities in India.
    • Loan Terms: Loans offered at Bank Rate minus 1.5% interest rate.
    • Repayment Terms: Loan repayable in five equal annual instalments over seven years.
    • Moratorium Period: Two years before repayment starts.
    • Quarterly Interest Payments: Regular payments required during the loan period.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
    2. It has a corpus of Rs 4,00,000 crore at present.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • [pib] Salient Features of AMRUT 2.0

    Why in the News?

    The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 is a scheme launched on October 1, 2021 continues to make strides towards transforming Indian cities into self-reliant and water-secure urban areas.

    Back2Basics: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

    • It is a flagship urban development scheme launched in June 2015.
    • The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
    • Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
    • Objectives:  
      • Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
      • Increase the green areas in the cities.
      • Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport.
    • Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage.
    • It covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over 1 lakh with notified Municipalities.

    About AMRUT 2.0:

    Details • Launched on 1st October 2021 as the continuation of AMRUT 1.0.
    • Aims to enhance urban infrastructure in 500 cities by focusing on water supply, wastewater management, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
    • The mission runs for five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).
    Salient Features and Mission • Universal Coverage: Ensures coverage of water supply and sewerage in 500 cities and 4,900 statutory towns.
    • Circular Economy: Focuses on water recycling, reuse of treated sewage, and water conservation.
    • Technology Integration: Adopts global technologies for better water management.
    • Pey Jal Survekshan: Survey to assess water distribution, wastewater reuse, and promote healthy competition among cities.
    Its Implementation and Further Roadmap • Project Approval: 8,998 projects approved with an estimated cost of ₹1,89,458.55 crore.
    • Funds Distribution: Funds released by MoHUA to States/UTs and then to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
    • State Water Action Plan (SWAP): States/UTs must complete their SWAP and get approval within two years of the mission’s launch.
    • Future Plans: Focus on sustainable water management and extension of AMRUT 1.0 benefits to more towns.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee

    1. is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.

    2. prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area.

    3. has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • The Copyright Act, 1957

    Why in the News?

    The ongoing copyright dispute between actors Dhanush and Nayanthara highlights the complexities of copyright law and its potential misuse in the film industry.

    What is the dispute?

    • The case revolves around South Indian actor Dhanush suing actress Nayanthara for using excerpts from their 2015 film in a biopic without his consent.
    • Nayanthara claims she had sought permission earlier, but Dhanush’s company, which produced the film, did not respond, leading to the lawsuit over copyright infringement.

    About The Copyright Act, 1957:

    Details
    What is it? • Enacted in 1957 to protect creators’ rights over original works.
    • Objective: To encourage creativity while balancing public access.
    • Grants exclusive rights to authors and creators for reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works.
    • The Act has been amended to address digital content and technological advancements.
    Features and Provisions of the Act • Scope: Covers literary, musical, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings, and more.
    • Duration: Copyright lasts life of author + 60 years for literary, musical, and dramatic works, and 60 years for films/sound recordings.
    • Exclusive Rights: Right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt works.
    • Moral Rights: Includes right to attribution and integrity of the work.
    What does Section 52 say? • Section 52 lists exceptions allowing use of copyrighted works without permission in specific situations.
    • Fair Use: For criticism, review, news reporting, teaching, research, and private use.
    • Includes exceptions for libraries, archives, and government use.
    • Important for education and public access—enables non-commercial use of works.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.

    [2017] With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the following statements:

    1. It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
    2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • [pib] Cabinet approves One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the “One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme” aims to provide nationwide access to scholarly research articles and journals.

    One Nation One Subscription (ONOS): Everything you need to know

    About • Fully digital and user-friendly Central Sector Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet.
    Aims and Objectives • Provide unified access to scholarly journals and research articles for government HEIs and R&D labs.
    • Support research through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and other government initiatives, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
    • Centralize subscriptions to reduce the financial burden on individual institutions.
    • Align with Viksit Bharat@2047, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and National Research Foundation (NRF).
    Structural Mandate • Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under UGC, will coordinate ONOS and ensure seamless access to research materials.
    • 6,300 institutions under central and state government management, including universities, colleges, and R&D labs.
    • A dedicated digital portal for easy access, designed for wide accessibility.
    Provisions and Eligibility Criteria • All government-run HEIs and R&D institutions are eligible.
    • 13,000 journals from 30 international publishers are available free of cost.
    • ₹6,000 crore allocated for 2025-2027; payments to publishers made centrally by INFLIBNET.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do?

    (a) Promoting skill development

    (b) Introducing more social security schemes

    (c) Reducing infant mortality rate

    (d) Privatization of higher education

  • [pib] World Toilet Day, 2024

    Why in the News?

    • World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is an official United Nations observance aimed at raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and promoting action for safe toilets worldwide.
      • 2024 Theme: “Sanitation for Peace” – highlights the role of sanitation in promoting peace, security, and resilience.

    About World Toilet Day 

    • It is celebrated each year on November 19 to raise awareness about global sanitation issues.
    • It became an UN-recognized day in 2013 to emphasize the importance of safe sanitation under SDG 6.
    • It was first proposed by Jack Sim of the World Toilet Organization in 2001.
    • Purpose: To address the health, dignity, and environmental challenges linked to inadequate sanitation.

    Significance and Global Collaborations 

    • Public Health: Prevents waterborne diseases; 1,000 child deaths daily linked to unsafe sanitation (WHO).
    • UN Initiatives: UNICEF, WHO, and UN-Water work with countries to improve WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) facilities.
    • NGO Support: Organizations like World Toilet Organization and WaterAid implement sanitation projects and awareness.
    • International Partnerships: Programs like Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) unify governments and NGOs for sanitation solutions.

    India’s Policies and Successes

    • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):
      • SBM-Grameen: Over 11.73 crore household toilets built; 5.57 lakh villages ODF.
      • SBM-Urban: 63.63 lakh household toilets constructed; 4,576 cities ODF.
    • Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide piped drinking water to rural households, supporting sanitation.
    • Women’s Safety Campaigns: Programs like Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman link sanitation to dignity, especially for women.
    • Waste Management: SBM Phase II focuses on sustainable waste management and sanitation systems.

    PYQ:

    [2024] Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:

    1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
    2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
    3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 2

    (d) 2 and 3

  • India needs a globally recognized public policy school

    Why in the News?

    India, the world’s largest democracy, still doesn’t have a top-tier public educational policy institution like those in the United States and Europe.

    What are the gaps between public policy education and job market demands?

    • Mismatch of Skills and Employability: According to the India Skills Report 2024, only 51.8% of fresh graduates meet industry employability standards, with the employability rate for individuals aged 22-25 at 58.6%.
      • This indicates that many graduates, including those from public policy programs, lack the skills required by employers.
    • Limited Policy-Specific Job Opportunities: Despite approximately 130 institutions offering public policy courses in India, there are few dedicated policy-specific jobs available.
      • Graduates often compete for roles in think tanks and NGOs, where job openings are limited, leading to intense competition and underemployment in their field.
    • High Unemployment Among Educated Youth: The India Employment Report 2024 shows that educated youth (with secondary or higher education) account for 65.7% of the total unemployed youth, a significant increase from 35.2% in 2000.
      • The unemployment rate for graduates is reported at 29.1%, highlighting a disconnect between educational attainment and job availability.
    • Theoretical Focus Over Practical Experience: Many public policy programs primarily emphasize theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills.
      • A report from the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy notes that these programs often lack hands-on training opportunities, limiting students’ ability to apply academic concepts to real-world situations.
    • Barriers to Government Employment: Access to government jobs remains limited compared to countries like the U.S., where structured recruitment routes exist for public policy graduates.
      • In India, there are no dedicated pathways for these graduates to enter government service, restricting their career options and diminishing the effectiveness of public policy education.

    How can India bridge the gap between public policy education and job market demands?

    • Curriculum Alignment: Public policy institutions must develop curricula that align closely with the needs of the job market, emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This includes training in data analysis, policy evaluation, and understanding local governance dynamics.
    • Internship and Field Experience: Integrating mandatory internships and fieldwork into public policy programs can provide students with real-world experience and enhance their employability.
    • Focus on Local Contexts: Training should include a focus on India’s unique political dynamics, informal power structures, and socio-economic challenges to prepare graduates for effective policy-making in the Indian context.
    • Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Encouraging a culture of lifelong learning among students will equip them to adapt to evolving job market demands. This could involve offering short courses or certifications in emerging areas of public policy.

    What structural changes are necessary to improve Public Policy Education?

    • Decentralization of Power: Reforming the decision-making structure within public policy institutions to allow greater input from diverse stakeholders, including civil society and academia, can enhance the relevance and impact of policy education.
    • Interdisciplinary Approach: Incorporating interdisciplinary studies that combine economics, sociology, political science, and environmental studies can provide a holistic understanding of public policy issues.
    • Strengthening Research Capabilities: Investing in research facilities and encouraging academic contributions to policy debates can help bridge the gap between theory and practice, making institutions more influential in shaping policies.
    • Creating Non-Partisan Spaces: Establishing independent platforms for dialogue among various political factions can foster a more inclusive environment for policy discussions, reducing sycophancy and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
    • Partnerships with Global Institutions: Collaborating with established international public policy schools can enhance curriculum development and provide exposure to global best practices in governance and policy analysis.

    How can India establish itself as a global leader?  

    • Promoting Innovation in Policy Making: Encouraging innovative approaches to problem-solving within public policy education can position India as a leader in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and economic inequality.
      • The Indian government has to set a target to increase public investment in education to 6% of GDP, aligning with the recommendations of the Kothari Commission.
    • Investment in Human Capital: Prioritizing education and skill development across sectors will create a knowledgeable workforce capable of contributing to both national development and global governance.
      • For example, schools like the Harvard Kennedy School in the U.S. and the London School of Economics train leaders who influence both National and Global politics.
    • Fostering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):  India can bridge the gap in public policy education by aligning curricula with job market needs, promoting internships, and fostering global partnerships. This aligns with SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), ensuring skilled and employable graduates.

    Mains PYQ:

    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 IAS/2020)

  • The perfect cocktail of layered discrimination

    Why in the News?

    The delay in the 2021 Census and the upcoming Delimitation (2026), could widen representation gaps at all three layers of governance.

    • Most states in India (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) are formed based on language, and many have roots in ethnic or linguistic regions which is also becoming one of the major causes of layered discrimination.

    What is Layered Discrimination?

    Layered discrimination refers to the compounded and interconnected forms of discrimination that individuals or groups face due to multiple, overlapping identities, such as gender, race, class, or ethnicity.  

    What are the present causes behind the layered discrimination in India?

    • Central Governance: Since 1947, the population share of languages like Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu has dropped, while the proportion of Hindi speakers has risen significantly from 36% to nearly 43%. 
      • This means that the regions with  Linguistic and cultural dominance will gain more influence in the Parliament, while those that have controlled their population will have less say and will mainly contribute revenue.
      • This will also deepen the structural disparities between the different states affecting our federal structure.
    • State Governance: With longstanding differences wrt ‘Total Fertility Rates’ among different states (like Bihar vs. Kerala), lead to issues regarding resource allocation and policy formation remain unsettled. 
      • For example, the decision of the 16th Finance Commission to include the 2011 Census instead of the 1971 Census to devolve funds to States will be even more discriminatory to developed States. 
      • It reflects the continuation of the existing bias against the non-Hindi States. 

    What are the implications of layered discrimination on policy and legal frameworks?

    • Policy Impact: When policies, such as Delimitation, unintentionally favor certain regions or communities over others, it can reinforce inequalities. 
      • In this case, non-Hindi-speaking states that have successfully controlled their populations and contribute a significant share of national revenue may face decreased representation in the Lok Sabha, reducing their influence on Union policy.
    • Legal Framework Impact: Layered discrimination underscores the need for legal frameworks that recognize regional disparities and protect equitable representation. 
      • Legal principles such as “No taxation without representation” suggest the necessity for reforms that balance contribution with influence, ensuring that states contributing more to the GDP and population control policies do not lose their political voice.

    Significant Potential of Delimitation in this Scenario:

    • ​​Redistribution of Political Power: Delimitation could reshape the political landscape by adjusting Lok Sabha seat allocations based on population, potentially giving more representation to populous regions.
    • Incentivizing Population Control: By rewarding states with controlled population growth, delimitation could encourage better family planning policies and demographic balance.
    • Enhancing Representation: A fair delimitation process could lead to more accurate representation of the population, aligning political influence with current demographic realities.

    Way forward: 

    • Need to work on Intersectionality: The Intersectionality Framework in policy implementation reveals that individuals and groups experience discrimination based on multiple, overlapping identities such as gender, race, class, language, and region rather than a single factor. 
      • It shows how various systems of power (like patriarchy, racism, and economic inequality) intersect and create unique challenges. 
      • This approach helps us to understand how certain groups face compounded disadvantages due to intersecting social structures.
    • Balancing Delimitation and Decentralization: Implement delimitation reforms with careful consideration of regional contributions, ensuring equitable representation for both populous and less-populous states.  

    PYQ:

    Mains:

    Q Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle.  (2024)

    Q What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (2024)

  • CASE STUDY: The impact of PMUY in Jammu and Kashmir

    Why in the News?

    The International Energy Agency reports that 681 million people in India rely on solid fuels for cooking, causing health and environmental concerns. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides subsidized LPG connections to promote clean fuel adoption in Jammu and Kashmir.

    What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?

    • The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme aimed at providing subsidized LPG connections to poor households, promoting clean cooking fuel, improving health, and reducing dependence on solid fuels.

    What specific benefits has the PMUY provided to households in Jammu and Kashmir?

    • Increased LPG Adoption: The PMUY scheme has significantly increased the availability of LPG in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
      • Around 85.07% of households in rural areas now have official LPG connections, with 68% of them having obtained these connections through PMUY.
    • Health Benefits: PMUY adoption has led to a marked reduction in respiratory problems, such as coughing, chest infections, and headaches, particularly among BPL and AAY households.
      • Health improvements were more prominent in households with additional appliances like rice cookers and those with educated members.
    • Reduction in Solid Fuel Usage: Although not completely eliminating the use of traditional fuels, the scheme has led to moderate reductions in the reliance on solid fuels like firewood. The average consumption of firewood per household was 226 kilograms over six months.
    • Cultural and Health Improvements: For households that adopted LPG under PMUY, there was a noticeable reduction in indoor smoke exposure, leading to better health outcomes, especially for women who were primarily responsible for cooking.

    How has the implementation of PMUY addressed local challenges related to fuel availability and usage?

    • Enhanced Fuel Access: PMUY has addressed the issue of limited access to clean cooking fuel in rural areas by providing subsidized LPG connections. This has significantly reduced the reliance on harmful solid fuels, such as firewood, in many areas, particularly those with difficult topography like Rajouri.
    • Dual-Fuel Usage and Financial Barriers: Despite increased LPG adoption, 85% of households still practice fuel stacking, using both LPG and traditional fuels. This is largely due to the high cost of refilling LPG cylinders. The scheme has not entirely solved financial barriers, which continue to force households to rely on cheaper, polluting fuels.
    • Awareness and Education Gaps: One of the key challenges to exclusive LPG use is the lack of awareness about its health benefits. Nearly half of the surveyed households were unaware of the risks associated with solid fuel use. This barrier has been compounded by limited access to communication devices, such as televisions and mobile phones, particularly for women who are the primary cooks.
    • Cultural Attachment to Traditional Cooking Methods: Despite the availability of LPG, traditional cooking methods (e.g., chulhas) continue to persist in the region due to cultural attachment. This presents a challenge in transitioning entirely to clean cooking fuels.
      • However, the study found that households with educated members and modern appliances like rice cookers were more likely to use LPG exclusively.

    Way forward: 

    • Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Launch region-specific awareness programs, particularly for women, highlighting the health benefits of LPG and addressing misconceptions, while utilizing mobile and community outreach for wider reach.
    • Financial Support for LPG Refills: Introduce subsidies or microfinance schemes to ease the financial burden of LPG refills, encouraging exclusive use of clean fuels and reducing reliance on harmful solid fuels.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2018)