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Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • Ending discrimination in prisons

    Why in the News?

    On October 3, the Supreme Court in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024) struck down caste-based segregation in prisons, deeming it discriminatory and a violation of prisoners’ fundamental rights to equality.

    What are the key findings regarding caste-based discrimination in Indian prisons?

    • Prevalence of Caste-based Roles: The recent Supreme Court decision in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024) highlighted discriminatory practices based on caste within Indian prisons.
      • Specifically, prisoners from marginalized castes were relegated to menial labour like cleaning, while other prisoners were assigned tasks such as cooking. This segregation was rooted in prison manuals that cited traditional caste roles.
    • Violation of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court ruled that such caste-based segregation violates Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination) of the Indian Constitution. The Court noted that assigning prison labour based solely on caste perpetuates harmful caste hierarchies and obstructs prisoners’ equal rights to reform and rehabilitation.
    • Historical Precedents: Previous cases like Prem Shankar Shukla v. Delhi Administration (1980) and Inacio Manuel Miranda v. State (1988) also struck down irrational classifications within prison rules that discriminated based on economic or social status, reiterating that discrimination in any form within prisons is unconstitutional.

    What actions has the Supreme Court mandated to combat this discrimination?

    • Abolition of Caste-based Job Assignments: The Supreme Court directed that prison rules segregating labour assignments based on caste be abolished. It ordered that job assignments within prisons must reflect prisoners’ individual abilities and should not perpetuate caste stereotypes.
    • Amendment of State Prison Rules: The Court instructed state governments to review and amend existing prison rules that institutionalize caste-based roles, ensuring that prisons become more inclusive and non-discriminatory spaces.

    What challenges remain in implementing these reforms effectively?

    • Resistance to Cultural Change: Prison administrations may resist or be slow in adapting to changes in labour assignments and other reforms, given the deeply ingrained social norms and bureaucratic rigidity.
    • Lack of Resources and Training: Ensuring non-discriminatory job assignments will require retraining prison staff to implement reforms sensitively. Resource limitations and an undertrained workforce can impede effective reform.
    • Need for Comprehensive Prison Reforms: While the Court’s decision targets caste-based discrimination, broader systemic reforms are needed, such as improving prison conditions, expanding prisoner rights to amenities, and aligning all states with the Model Prison Manual 2016 for consistent standards across India.

    Way forward: 

    • Comprehensive Training and Monitoring: Implement mandatory training for prison staff on anti-discrimination practices, coupled with regular monitoring to ensure caste-neutral job assignments and adherence to reformed rules.
    • Standardized Prison Reform Across States: Uniformly adopt the Model Prison Manual 2016 nationwide, with added emphasis on equality and dignity for all prisoners, ensuring consistent and humane treatment across all states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • [pib] India shines in QS Asia University Rankings

    Why in the News?

    India made impressive gains, with 2 institutions in the top 50 and 7 in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025.

    About QS University Rankings:

    Details
    Overview Annual ranking of global universities, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
    Criteria – Academic Reputation: 40%
    – Employer Reputation: 10%
    – Faculty/Student Ratio: 20%
    – International Ratios: 5%
    – Citations per Faculty: 20%
    Coverage Ranks over 1,300 institutions across 100+ countries.
    Key Indicators – Academic Reputation (survey of academic experts)
    – Employer Reputation (survey of employers)
    – Citations per Faculty (research influence)
    Regional Rankings Includes regional rankings for Asia, Latin America, Europe, etc.
    Annual Release Published annually, typically in June.

    Key Insights from QS Asia Rankings 2025

    The 2025 rankings cover 984 institutions across 25 countries in Eastern, Southern, South-Eastern, and Central Asia, offering a detailed comparison of institutional performance in the region.

    • India made impressive gains, with 2 institutions in the top 50 and seven in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025.
    • India has the highest number of ranked institutions, dominating the top 10 universities in Southern Asia with seven Indian institutions.
    • Top Rankings for India:
      • Top 50: IIT Delhi (44th) and IIT Bombay (48th).
      • Top 100: Includes IIT Madras (56), IIT Kharagpur (60), Indian Institute of Science (62), IIT Kanpur (67), and University of Delhi (81).
      • Top 150: Features IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, JNU, Chandigarh University (120), UPES (148), and Vellore Institute of Technology (150).
    • IIT Delhi achieved India’s highest rank at 44th with a 99% employer reputation score, while IIT Bombay follows with 99.5% employer reputation and 96.6% academic reputation.
    • University of Delhi improved its ranking from 94th to 81st, with a high score of 96.4% in the International Research Network indicator.
    • Anna University scored a perfect 100 in Papers per Faculty, highlighting its strong research output.
    • 15 universities scored over 99% in the Staff with PhD indicator, reflecting India’s focus on qualified faculty and teaching quality.
    • North Eastern Hill University and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, both scored 100 in faculty-student ratio, indicating top-tier academic credibility.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.

  • PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved a new Central Sector Scheme named PM Vidyalaxmi to provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education.

    About the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:

    Details
    Objective To provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education in quality institutions.
    Eligible Students Students gaining admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), including government and private institutions.
    Annual Family Income Criteria Up to ₹8 lakh for students who do not qualify for other government scholarships or interest subsidies.
    Eligibility Based on NIRF Rankings • Top 100 institutions in overall, category-specific, and domain-specific NIRF lists.
    • State government-run institutions ranked 101-200.
    • All Central government-governed institutions.
    Loan Amounts • Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a 75% credit guarantee.
    • For loans up to ₹10 lakh, 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period.
    Target Beneficiaries Approximately 1 lakh students each year, with preference for students in technical or professional courses from government institutions.
    Financial Outlay ₹3,600 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
    Expected Impact Benefit for 7 lakh new students through interest subvention during the scheme’s duration.
    Application Process Applications can be submitted via the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal for loans and interest benefits.
    Payment Processing Interest support payments through e-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets.
    Significance Aims to enhance access to higher education for meritorious students, reducing financial barriers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:

    (a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
    (b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
    (c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
    (d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

  • A law that enables vigilante violence

    Why in the News?

    On July 30, Uttar Pradesh toughened its 2021 anti-conversion law, increasing the maximum sentence to life imprisonment, tightening bail conditions, and expanding “illegal conversion” to include promises of marriage and trafficking.

    How do current laws facilitate vigilante actions under the guise of protecting societal values?

    • Expansion of Complainant Scope: The amended law allows any individual, regardless of personal involvement or direct impact, to lodge complaints about alleged unlawful conversions.
    • Broad Interpretation of “Public Interest”: By permitting police officers and unrelated third parties to file FIRs, the law can be exploited to initiate cases that target religious minorities or interfaith couples, framing these as societal threats.
    • Legal Ambiguity and Arbitrary Application: The inconsistent interpretations of “aggrieved person” under Section 4 by different courts have led to uncertainty.
      • This ambiguity has allowed authorities and vigilantes to target groups and individuals selectively, often with little or no evidence of wrongdoing, undermining personal freedoms and due process.
    • Reduced Threshold for Evidence: By widening the scope of what constitutes “illegal conversion” to include vague terms like “promise of marriage,” the law can easily be manipulated.
      • This opens the door for complaints based on assumptions or suspicions, rather than clear, proven instances of forced conversion.

    What measures can be implemented to ensure effective enforcement of laws against mob violence and vigilantism?

    • Strict Definitions and Limits on Complainants: Restricting who can file complaints to genuinely aggrieved parties—directly affected individuals or close relatives—could help prevent misuse by third-party vigilante actors.
    • Accountability Mechanisms for Law Enforcement: Police officers who file unfounded FIRs based on ideologically motivated complaints should face accountability measures.
      • Disciplinary action or judicial oversight in cases of misuse would help discourage officers from acting on non-substantial complaints.
    • Enhanced Legal Protections for Victims of Vigilantism: Establishing a separate body to investigate and prosecute cases of mob violence and vigilante actions can protect targeted groups.
    • Promotion of Public Awareness and Legal Literacy: Initiatives to raise awareness about individual rights and legal processes can empower citizens to resist unlawful actions by vigilantes.

    What role do societal perception and political influence play in the rise of vigilantism?

    • Ideological Justifications for Vigilantism: Laws like the anti-conversion amendment are often framed as measures to protect cultural or religious values, creating a narrative that justifies vigilante actions as morally and socially acceptable.
    • Political Endorsement and Implicit Encouragement: When political entities endorse such laws or publicly support vigilante actions, they create a permissive environment for vigilantism.
    • Media Influence and Public Perception: Coverage of interfaith relationships or religious conversions as “threats” to societal harmony often fuels public support for vigilante actions.
      • Sensationalist media narratives contribute to a heightened perception of certain groups as “others,” justifying vigilantism as a form of social correction.
    • Inadequate Legal Deterrence: Weak penalties for mob violence or leniency in prosecuting vigilantes reinforce the perception that vigilantism will be tolerated, especially if aligned with popular or politically endorsed views.

    Way forward: 

    • Enact Clearer Legal Boundaries and Protections: Define strict limits on who can file complaints under anti-conversion laws, ensuring only directly affected individuals or close family members can do so.
    • Strengthen Public Awareness and Judicial Oversight: Promote legal literacy campaigns to educate citizens on their rights and the dangers of vigilante actions, and establish judicial oversight for cases involving mob violence and vigilantism to ensure accountability and protection for targeted groups.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Aadhaar biometric data access will aid forensics

    Why in the News?

    The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) enforces strict regulations on data disclosure to safeguard individuals’ privacy and prevent misuse of personal information. Under normal circumstances, the police cannot access the demographic or biometric details stored in the Aadhaar database.

    What are the legal limitations of using Aadhaar biometric data for forensic purposes?

    • Stringent Privacy Protections: The Aadhaar Act mandates strict protection of personal data, especially biometrics.
      • Sections 29(1) and 33(1) prevent sharing of core biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans) with third parties, even law enforcement, barring limited situations.
    • Court Order Requirement: Section 33(1) allows disclosure of certain demographic data upon the order of a High Court or above, but core biometrics are strictly protected and cannot be shared, creating limitations for police investigations involving unidentified bodies.
    • Forensic Investigative Gaps: Police databases are often limited to individuals with criminal records, restricting the ability to identify deceased persons through fingerprints.
      • Without access to a comprehensive Aadhaar database, identification processes for unknown deceased individuals become more challenging and time-consuming.

    How can the balance between privacy rights and forensic needs be achieved?

    • Right to Privacy vs. Right to Dignity: Balancing the fundamental right to privacy with the right to a dignified life and death is essential, especially in cases where access to biometric data can help identify unknown bodies.
    • Controlled Access Mechanisms: Limited, case-specific access, such as requiring a judicial magistrate’s order (rather than a High Court order), can allow law enforcement to use Aadhaar biometrics in cases involving unidentified bodies, reducing the burden on higher courts while preserving privacy safeguards.
    • Transparent Oversight: Any mechanism permitting Aadhaar data usage for forensics should include robust oversight, including logging access and stringent penalties for misuse, ensuring that access is restricted to genuinely necessary cases.

    What technological and procedural changes are necessary to facilitate the use of Aadhaar data in forensics?

    • Advanced Identification Algorithms: Introducing algorithms similar to the U.S. Deceased Persons Identification (DPI) system would enable more accurate and efficient matching of deceased persons’ fingerprints with larger databases.
    • Digitization of Police Records: Digitizing state-level fingerprint databases would allow faster cross-referencing and aid forensic investigations, creating a more accessible identification system even without Aadhaar.
    • Secure Data Access Channels: Secure and encrypted channels specifically for forensic use, with limited access, could protect the data while allowing controlled use.
    • Specific Legislative Frameworks: There should be new amendments that could clarify circumstances under which biometric data can be accessed for deceased individuals, distinguishing these cases from broader data privacy concerns.

    Way forward: 

    • Amend Legal Framework for Controlled Access: Need to introduce specific legislative amendments allowing limited, case-specific access to Aadhaar biometrics for forensic purposes in cases involving unidentified deceased individuals, with strict judicial oversight to maintain privacy protections.
    • Establish Secure Access Protocols and Oversight: Need to implement secure, encrypted access channels and enforce strict oversight mechanisms, including access logging and penalties for misuse, ensuring biometric data is accessed only when absolutely necessary for forensic identification.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPM, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Explained: The paradox of stagnant rural wages

    Why in the News?

    From 2019-20 to 2023-24, India’s economy grew at 4.6% annually, with the farm sector at 4.2%, yet rural wages remain stagnant.

    Disparity between Rural Wages and Economic Growth:

    • Divergent Growth Trends: While the Indian economy has experienced significant GDP growth (averaging 4.6% annually from 2019-20 to 2023-24), rural wages have stagnated, with real agricultural wages showing minimal growth and often negative real wage growth due to rising inflation.
    • Labor Supply Dynamics: The surge in female Labor Force Participation Rates (LFPR) in rural areas has increased the overall labor supply, exerting downward pressure on wages as more workers compete for the same or fewer jobs, primarily in low-productivity agricultural sectors.
    • Capital-Intensive Growth: Economic growth has become increasingly capital-intensive and labor-saving, leading to a disproportionate share of income going to capital rather than labour.
      • This trend results in fewer job opportunities in high-paying sectors, further exacerbating the stagnation of rural wages.

    What are the major factors behind the Stagnant Rural Wages?

    • Increased Female Labour Force Participation (Surplus of Labour): The rural female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has seen a sharp rise, particularly due to government initiatives that have freed up women’s time for outside employment.
      • However, this has led to a significant increase in the overall rural workforce, causing a surplus of labor that exerts downward pressure on wages.
    • Majority of choosing Agricultural Employment: Although more women are entering the labour force, the majority are finding employment in agriculture rather than in higher-paying non-farm sectors.
      • This results in a surplus of workers in an already low-productivity sector, which suppresses wages further.
    • Capital-Intensive Economic Growth: The Indian economy’s growth has increasingly come from capital-intensive sectors that require fewer workers.
      • Consequently, the share of income generated is shifting from labour (wages) to capital (profits). This trend limits demand for rural labour, leading to wage stagnation.
    • Low Demand for Non-Agricultural Labor: Wage growth in rural non-agricultural sectors has been even weaker, with real wages declining. This reflects limited job opportunities outside of agriculture, partly due to low demand for labour in industries that are more capital-intensive.

    What are the steps taken by Govt to address the issue of Low Rural Wages?

    • Income Transfer Schemes: Both central and state governments have introduced various income transfer schemes, like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) which provides an annual income support of Rs 6,000 to farmer households in rural areas.
      • Many states have launched income-support schemes specifically for women, such as Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to women from low-income households.
    • Employment Generation Programs: Schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provide a safety net by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment for rural households.
      • The government has also promoted rural entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Mudra Yojana, which offers micro-loans to rural businesses and enhance employment opportunities.
    • Skill Development Initiatives: The government has been investing in rural skill development programs to promote employability in non-farm sectors.
      • Programs under schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) focus on upskilling rural youth and women to enable them to find better-paying, non-agricultural employment.
    • Rural Infrastructure Development: Initiatives to build rural infrastructure, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), create temporary employment in construction and improve access to jobs, markets, and services.

    Way forward: 

    • Diversification of Employment Opportunities: Enhancing support for non-agricultural sectors through targeted investments in skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs can create diverse job opportunities.
    • Strengthening Agricultural Productivity: Implementing policies that focus on modernizing agricultural practices and improving productivity can increase the income of rural labourers.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. (2015)

    Q Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? (2024)

  • Namo Drone Didi Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Govt. has released the Operational Guidelines for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.

    About Namo Drone Didi Scheme:

    Details
    About
    • Central Sector Scheme for the period of 2024 to 2026.
    • To provide drones to 14,500 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rental agricultural services (applying liquid fertilizers and pesticides)
    Total Funding Rs. 1,261 crore allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    Financial Assistance
    • 80% of the cost (up to ₹8 lakh per drone), with remaining 20% to be financed through loans.
    • Loans available under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with 3% interest subvention; SHGs can also access loans from other Rural Development programs
    Training  
    • 15 days mandatory training for drone pilots.
    • Additional training for drone assistants in repairs and maintenance.
    Training Providers Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
    Implementing Agency
    • Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) responsible for coordinating with State Departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs.
    • They will procure drones through a transparent process, with ownership placed with the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs or the SHGs themselves.
    Operational Limits Drones must operate within visual line of sight (vLOS) and below 400 feet (120 meters) AGL.
    Expected Outcomes
    • Each SHG is expected to cover approximately 2,000-2,500 acres annually;
    • IT-based Management Information System (MIS) – Drone Portal for tracking drone usage, fund disbursement, and monitoring service delivery

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following activities:

    1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field.
    2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes.
    3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis.

    At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • What are the major challenges faced by Indian cities?

    Why in the News?

    World Cities Day is celebrated annually on October 31, highlighting the growing urban population, now at 4.7 billion (57.5% of the total). This year’s theme focuses on empowering youth to drive local sustainability initiatives in urban areas.

    What is the theme for this year’s World Cities Day? 

    • The theme for this year’s World Cities Day is “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability.”
    • It emphasizes the vital role of young people in driving grassroots initiatives to address climate change and promote sustainable urban development.

    What led to India’s rapid urbanization? 

    • Economic Distress: Urbanization in India is largely driven by economic hardships in rural areas, leading to both rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban migration.
    • COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic exposed the strain on urban infrastructure and highlighted the reverse migration trends, showcasing gaps in urban planning.
    • Lack of Census Data: The absence of precise data from the 2021 Census limits understanding and planning for urban population growth, though estimates suggest around 40% of the population resides in urban areas.
    • Job Losses from Deindustrialisation: Many cities have experienced deindustrialization since the 1980s, resulting in job losses that push displaced workers to peri-urban areas.
    • Overcrowding in Slums: Approximately 40% of India’s urban population lives in slums, exacerbating the challenges associated with rapid urban growth.

    How big of a threat do climate change and rising inequality pose to urban growth?

    • Climate Change: Indian cities face severe pollution, urban flooding, and heat island effects, which jeopardize urban sustainability and living conditions.
    • Rising Inequality: Urban development often caters to wealthier populations, resulting in stark contrasts between exclusive developments and the significant number of urban residents lacking basic housing.
    • Social Segregation: Increasing segregation along social and religious lines within urban settings worsens inequality and marginalizes vulnerable groups.
    • Governance Limitations: Many urban areas are controlled by undemocratic bodies, limiting the effectiveness of governance and local engagement in urban planning.
    • Inadequate Urban Planning: Outdated spatial and temporal planning does not address the needs of a growing urban population, further complicating the impact of climate change and social disparities.

    Steps taken by the government: 

    • Smart Cities Mission: Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development by investing in infrastructure, smart technologies, and urban planning to improve the quality of life in cities and enhance urban resilience.
    • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): This mission focuses on providing basic services like water supply, sewage management, and urban transport in cities, promoting sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for residents.
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): This scheme aims to provide affordable housing for all by 2022, addressing the housing shortage and improving living conditions for low-income urban residents, thereby tackling issues related to slums and inadequate housing.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Data-Driven Urban Planning: Need to conduct comprehensive and regular urban censuses to gather accurate demographic data, enabling evidence-based decision-making for urban policies and effective resource allocation.
    • Strengthen Community Engagement: The government should foster participatory governance by involving local communities in urban planning and development processes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (2016)

  • Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

    Why in the news?

    Employees of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) institutions have expressed concerns over the delay in revising their pay scales.

    About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR):

    Details
    Establishment It was established as an Autonomous organization, in 1969 on the recommendation of Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao Committee (National Income Committee).
    Nodal Ministry Operates under the Ministry of Education.
    Function Promote, fund, and support social science research in India.
    Objectives • Encourage social science research
    • Fund and coordinate research in various branches
    • Collaborate with international research organizations
    • Provide policy recommendations based on research
    Organizational Structure It is governed by a Council of eminent scholars and policymakers, supported by 24 research institutes and 6 regional centers.
    Research Institutes Funds institutes such as:
    • Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram
    • Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru
    • Centre for Studies in Social Sciences (CSSS), Kolkata
    • Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune
    Key Programs and Initiatives • ICSSR Data Service: National repository for social science data
    • NASSDOC: Documentation and library services
    • Workshops and conferences to enhance research capabilities
    International Collaboration Collaborates with organizations like UNESCO and the Indian Council of World Affairs for joint projects and scholar exchanges.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

    1. National Development Council

    2. Planning Commission

    3. Zonal Councils

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • [pib] Karmayogi Saptah

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister recently launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week to strengthen individual and organizational capacity among civil servants.

    About Mission Karmayogi

    Details
    What is it? National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
    Objective • To prepare civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, and innovative through transparency and technology.
    Launch Date • Launched on 2nd September 2020.
    Key Features • On-Site Learning: Complementing off-site learning with more focus on practical experience.
    • Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform.
    Pillars of NPCSCB • Policy Framework
    • Institutional Framework
    • Competency Framework
    • Digital Learning Framework (iGOT-Karmayogi)
    • e-HRMS
    • Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
    Target Audience • All civil servants (including contractual employees) across various ministries, departments, organizations, and agencies of the Union Government.
    iGOT-Karmayogi Features • My iGOT: Personalized training courses based on individual capacity-building needs.
    • Blended Programs: Combines offline classroom learning with online components for equitable access to training.
    • Curated Programs: Tailored learning paths designed for different ministries and training institutions.
    Vision for 2047 • Aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub and a supplier of skilled human resources by improving governance and civil service efficiency.
    Steering Bodies • Prime Minister’s Public Human Resources Council
    • Capacity Building Commission
    • Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for digital assets
    • Coordination Unit led by the Cabinet Secretary.
    Courses Offered • The iGOT platform offers over 1400 courses for personalized learning and skill development.
    Significance • Promotes a whole-of-government approach to foster collaboration, break bureaucratic silos, and prepare civil servants for modern governance challenges through continuous capacity building.

     

    How Karmayogi Saptah Aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s Goals?

    • Karmayogi Saptah promotes a culture of lifelong learning and continuous improvement, key pillars of Mission Karmayogi.
    • It emphasizes innovation and a citizen-first mindset, encouraging civil servants to engage with new ideas and feedback mechanisms.
    • By focusing on adapting to new technologies like AI, it aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s goal of a digitally proficient workforce.
    • It fosters collaboration across departments, supporting the mission’s aim to break silos and promote a “One Government” ethos.
    • Through individual and organizational development activities, the week contributes to creating a skilled, motivated workforce for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Executive Power of the union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.

    2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2