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Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • The government’s new PhD guidelines will make Universities more Elite

    Why in the news?

    The UGC chairperson announced that students with four-year undergraduate degrees can now appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET), an exam that certifies eligibility for lectureship in colleges and universities in India, and PhD programs.

    Key Implication of this Announcement:

    • Lowering of Standards: Allowing students with four-year undergraduate degrees to appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET) and pursue PhD programs without a Master’s degree may lead to concerns about the lowering of academic standards.
    • Quality of Teaching: Concerns arise regarding the quality of teaching in universities and colleges if fresh undergraduate students are recruited to teach other undergraduate students.
    • Impact on University Rankings: The decision may have implications for the rankings and reputation of Indian universities, particularly those with prestigious tags like the Institution of Eminence and high NAAC ratings.
    • Dilutes the perception: Allowing candidates to pursue a PhD in a subject unrelated raises concerns about the diversity and interdisciplinary nature of research.
      • The decision to broaden access to PhD programs may be aimed at dismantling the perception of PhD as an elite qualification.
      • However, critics may argue that diluting the entry requirements for PhD programs could undermine the rigor and prestige associated with earning a doctorate.
    • Impact on Research Culture: Lowering the barriers to entry for PhD programs may have implications for the research culture and scholarly integrity within academic institutions.

    Measures to maintain standards for the National Eligibility Test (NET):

    • Retain Postgraduate Degree Requirement: Maintain the requirement of a postgraduate degree for appearing in the NET to ensure that candidates have a solid foundation in their respective fields of study.
    • Reintroduce MPhil Programs: Reinstate MPhil programs to provide an intermediary step between postgraduate and doctoral studies. MPhil programs offer an opportunity for students to further develop their research skills and prepare for doctoral-level research.
    • Enhanced Mentoring and Preparation Period: Implement a structured mentoring program for NET aspirants to help them transition from undergraduate to postgraduate and eventually doctoral-level research.
    • Specialized Entrance Exams for PhD Programs: Instead of eliminating separate entrance exams for PhD programs, consider introducing specialized entrance exams that assess candidates’ research aptitude, subject knowledge, and suitability for doctoral-level research

    Way Forward: 

    • Promote Interdisciplinary Research: Encourage interdisciplinary research by providing opportunities for collaboration and exchange across different academic disciplines.
    • Maintain Research Standards: Uphold rigorous standards for doctoral research and teaching positions to ensure the quality and integrity of academic programs. Implement quality assurance mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the standards of the NET and PhD programs.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.(UPSC IAS/2015).

  • [pib] National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)

    Why in the news?

    • The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), India, recently concluded its #PlayTrue Campaign, commemorating WADA’s Play True Day.
    • The campaign aimed to raise awareness about clean sport and anti-doping practices across India.

    National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA):

    • Established in November 2005 by the Government of India with the objective of ensuring dope-free sports.
    • Formed as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
    • Functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
    • It follows the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) and the Prohibited List published annually by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
    • Primary functions include:
    1. Conducting In-Competition and Out-of-Competition dope testing of athletes across various sports disciplines.
    2. Educating athletes, coaches, and support personnel about the dangers of doping and the importance of clean sports through awareness programs and workshops.
    3. Implementing a robust anti-doping policy framework in line with international standards.
    4. Investigating and prosecuting anti-doping rule violations in accordance with the WADA Code.
    5. Collaborating with international anti-doping organizations and agencies to ensure harmonization of anti-doping efforts globally.
    6. Providing support and guidance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), State Sports Associations (SSAs), and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective anti-doping measures.

    Key Function: Dope Testing

    • NADA conducts both in-competition and out-of-competition dope testing of athletes participating in various national and international sports events.
    • NADA employs trained Doping Control Officers (DCOs) who are responsible for conducting dope testing at sports events and collecting samples from athletes.
    • These officers are trained to adhere to international standards and protocols during sample collection.
    • NADA works towards ensuring compliance with the WADA Code and the National Anti-Doping Rules by all stakeholders involved in Indian sports, including athletes, coaches, NSFs, and SSAs.

    Allowed Substances and Methods:

    • Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs): Athletes can apply for TUEs to use otherwise prohibited substances for legitimate medical reasons. TUEs are granted based on the assessment of medical documentation by anti-doping authorities.
    • Specified Substances: Some substances, such as certain beta-2 agonists and glucocorticoids, are permitted in specific dosages or routes of administration and may require a TUE depending on the circumstances.
    • PROHIBITED:  Prohibited substances and methods include anabolic agents, peptide hormones, beta-2 agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, diuretics, stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, glucocorticoids, beta blockers, blood doping, and gene doping.

    Back2Basics: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

    • WADA was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
    • It was set up as a foundation under the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
    • It was formed pursuant to the terms of the Lausanne Declaration (1999), which provided for the creation of an independent international anti-doping
    • WADA is responsible for the World Anti-Doping Code, adopted by more than 650 sports organizations, including international sports federations, national anti-doping organizations, the IOC, and the International Paralympic Committee

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000:​

    1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.​

    2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.​

    3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.​

    Which of the above statements are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Analyzing labor on a warming planet

    Why in the News?

    The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) latest report, ‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’, is an urgent call to ensure the future of labour is climate proofed and to address the constantly evolving work environment as the planet warms.

    What are the Emerging Hazards? (The ILO has identified six key impacts of climate change)

    • Solar Ultraviolet Radiation: Increased exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation due to climate change can have adverse effects on outdoor workers, potentially leading to skin damage and cancer.
    • Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is contributing to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which pose significant risks to workers in various sectors.
    • Workplace Air Pollution: Climate change can exacerbate air pollution in workplaces, particularly in industrial settings, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health problems among workers.
    • Vector-Borne Diseases: Changing climate patterns can influence the distribution and prevalence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, posing risks to workers in affected regions.
    • Agrochemicals: Agricultural workers may face increased exposure to agrochemicals due to changes in pest and disease patterns resulting from climate change, potentially leading to health issues such as pesticide poisoning.
    • Gig Economy Workers: The rise of gig employment, particularly in heat-susceptible sectors such as transportation and delivery services, exposes workers to additional risks related to heat stress and other climate-related hazards.

    Most affected Sectors of the Economy:

    • Agriculture: Despite a decline in the proportion of the workforce engaged in agriculture over the past few decades, it remains the most heat-susceptible sector, particularly in the developing world like India.
      • The NSSO data of July 2018-June 2019 reveal that almost 90% of Indian farmers own less than two hectares of land, and earn an average monthly income of a little over ₹10,000
    • Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): India’s vast MSME sector, employing over 123 million workers, contributes significantly to the country’s economy. However, the sector’s informalization poses challenges in ensuring worker safety and health.
      • Lack of oversight by state Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) departments makes workers highly vulnerable to heat hazards, despite the sector’s substantial contribution to exports and manufacturing output.
    • Building and Construction: With approximately 70 million workers, the construction sector in India faces the urban heat island effect, especially in rapidly growing cities. Workers in this sector are exposed to physical injuries and health hazards such as asthma due to air pollution, as many Indian cities rank among the most polluted globally as per World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir.

    About Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code, 2020): 

    • This is a comprehensive law, enacted in September 2020.
    • It consolidates and amends more than 13 central laws related to workplace safety, including the Factories Act, 1948, the Workmen Compensation Act, 1923, the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996, the Plantations Labour Act, 1951, the Mines Act, 1952, and the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979.
    • However, the enforcement of this law is yet to be officially notified by the Union government.

     

    Way forward:

    • Enhanced Regulations and Enforcement: Implement and enforce the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 to ensure comprehensive protection for workers across all sectors. This includes setting clear standards for workplace safety, regular inspections, and penalties for non-compliance.
    • Heat Stress Management: Implement measures to manage heat stress in workplaces, especially in heat-susceptible sectors like agriculture and construction. This can include providing access to shaded rest areas, increasing hydration facilities, adjusting work schedules to avoid peak heat hours.
    • Healthcare Access: Ensure access to healthcare services for workers, including regular health check-ups and treatment for heat-related illnesses and other occupational health issues. This may involve setting up medical facilities near worksites or providing transportation to nearby healthcare facilities.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • 10 Years of Street Vendors Act, 2014

    Why in the news?

    • It has been a decade since the enactment of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act on May 1, 2014.
    • It marks a significant milestone in the recognition of the rights and contributions of street vendors across India.

    About Street Vendors Act, 2014

      • The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, was enacted
        • Objective: To regulate street vendors in public areas and protect their rights.
      • It was introduced in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Parliament of India) on 6 September 2012 by then Union Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Kumari Selja.
      • The Act came into force from 1 May 2014.
    • History:
      • 2004: The bill aimed at providing social security and livelihood rights to street vendors, has its origins in the ‘National Policy for Urban Street Vendors’ introduced in 2004.
      • 2009: It was later revised as ‘National Policy on Urban Street Vendors’ in 2009.
    • 3 Recognized categories of street vending:

    Key Provisions of the Bill:

    Details
    Town Vending Committee
    • Responsible for conducting surveys of all vendors, issuance of certificates of vending, and designation of vending zones.
    • Surveys to be conducted every 5 years.
    • No eviction until certificates are issued.
    • TVCs to have 40% representation of street vendor representatives and 33% of women street vendors.
    Designated Vending Zones
    • All street vendors to be accommodated in designated vending zones.
    • Allocation of space by drawing lots if necessary.
    • Those unable to secure space in the same zone to be accommodated in adjoining zones.
    Certificate of Vending
    • Granted to street vendors above 14 years of age.
    • Can be transferred to family members in certain circumstances.
    • Can be cancelled if conditions are breached.
    No-Vending Zones
    • Prohibits vending activities in designated no-vending zones.
    • Relocation provisions for affected vendors.
    • Notice period of at least 30 days for relocation.
    • Failure to vacate may result in penalties.
    Dispute Resolution Body Consists of a Chairperson (civil judge or judicial magistrate) and two other professionals.
    Responsibility of Local Authorities for Implementation Responsibility for creating schemes and implementation delegated to local municipalities.
    Role of Town Vending Committee Each zone or ward of the local authority to have a Town Vending Committee.
    Relocation and Penalties Vendors failing to relocate from no-vending zones after notice may face penalties, including fines.
    Representation and Legal Ambiguities Criticisms include lack of adequate representation of street vendors in decision-making bodies and legal ambiguities.

     

    Also read about: PM SVANidhi Scheme

    PYQ:

    [2016] How has globalization led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

  • [1 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunization’

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 

    Q) Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (UPSC  IAS/2013)

    Q) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC  IAS/2021)

    Prelims:
    ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to   (UPSC  IAS/2016)

    a) Immunization of children and pregnant women
    b) Construction of smart cities across the country
    c) India’s search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
    d) New Educational Policy

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Government Schemes and Policies;

    Mains: Health Care System in India; Immunization Programme;

    Mentor comments: The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) initiative by WHO was crucial as it coincided with the near eradication of smallpox, prompting the need to expand immunization efforts globally. Following this, most countries, including India, established their national immunization programs. India’s EPI was later renamed the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985.  Universal health coverage means that all people can benefit from quality health services, where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship.

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    Year 2024 marks the completion of 50 years of the Global and Indian Immunization Programs since the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) by the World Health Organization in 1974. 

    • This year also marks the completion of 20 years since India’s last nationwide independent field evaluation of the  Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), highlighting the need to assess progress and plan for the future.
    Present Status of Immunization in India:

    In 1974, there were vaccines to prevent only six diseases. But after five decades, there are now vaccines for 13 diseases that are universally recommended.There are also vaccines against 17 additional diseases for a context-specific situation. 

    Ongoing research aims to develop vaccines for around 125 pathogens, with a focus on diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. 

    This progress underscores the importance of continuous evaluation, innovation, and collaboration in advancing immunization efforts for better public health outcomes.

    Initiatives and Success stories by governments:

    • Low and Middle-Income countries: In the early 1970s, around 5% of children in low- and middle-income countries had received three doses of DPT, which increased to 84% in 2022 at the global level. 
    • Disease Eradication: Smallpox has been eradicated, polio eliminated from all but two countries and many vaccine-preventable diseases have nearly disappeared.
      • India launched a pilot initiative of adult BCG vaccination as part of efforts to ‘end TB’ in India.
    • Vaccination Coverage: In India, the coverage has increased every passing year, and in 2019-21, 76% of children received the recommended vaccines.
      • Vaccines have been instrumental in saving lives and reducing hospitalizations, with a high cost-effectiveness ratio. 
    • Built Health Infrastructure: In Public-private health systems, immunization often remains the only health intervention with greater utilization from the government sector.
      • For instance, in India, the share of the private sector in overall health services is nearly two-thirds; however, almost 85% to 90% of all vaccines are delivered from government facilities. 

    Challenges faced by Immunization Programs:

    • Issue with Coverage: In early 2023, UNICEF’s ‘The State of the World’s Children’ report revealed a concerning trend: for the first time in more than a decade, childhood immunization coverage had declined in 2021. 
    • Issue with Recommendations: In 2022, globally, an estimated 14.3 million children were zero doses (did not receive any recommended vaccine) while another 6.2 million children were partially immunized.
    • Issue of Inequities: Over the years, vaccination coverage in India has increased, both nationally and State-wise. However, there are persisting inequities in coverage by geography, socio-economic strata, and other parameters, which demand urgent interventions.

    Need to shift focus from Child vaccination to Adult Vaccination:

    • Vaccines have historically been available for all age groups, not just children. While children were prioritized due to limited resources, adult vaccination is now crucial as vaccine-preventable diseases are becoming more common in the adult population. 
    • Governments should focus on expanding adult vaccination coverage, learning from the success of childhood immunization programs

    What can be done?

    • Need for Better Policies: Considering that vaccines are highly cost-effective, once recommended by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), vaccines for all age groups should be made available as free at government facilities.
    • Technical expansion of the Program: The recent announcement on HPV vaccines for teenage girls is a good start. However, we need to remember that once a vaccine is recommended by the government body, the coverage is likely to be far greater than if the vaccines are not recommended by the government.
    • Generating Awareness: The government must consider the help of professional communication agencies to dispel myths (and in a layperson’s language and with the use of social media).
      • Medical colleges and research institutions should generate evidence on the burden of diseases in the adult population in India.

    Conclusion: In the 50 years of the EPI, it is time for another expansion of the program with a focus on zero-dose children, addressing inequities in vaccine coverage, and offering vaccines to adults and the elderly. It is time to make EPI an ‘Essential Program on Immunization’. 

  • Implementing the Street Vendors Act

    Why in the News? 

    The Street Vendors Act was celebrated as a progressive legislation, but the law now faces numerous challenges in its implementation.

    The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014:

    Details
    Introduction and Objective
    • Introduced in Lok Sabha on 6 September 2012 by Kumari Selja, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
    • Objective: Regulate street vendors and protect their livelihoods.
    Enactment and Implementation
    • Came into force on 1 May 2014.
    • Aims to legalize vending rights and establish mechanisms for protection and regulation.
    • State-level rules and schemes are developed for execution.
    Roles and Responsibilities
    • Delineates roles of street vendors and government.
    • Commits to accommodating existing vendors in vending zones and issuing vending certificates.
    Participatory Governance
    • Establishes Town Vending Committees (TVCs).
    • Representation: 40% of TVC members, with 33% for women SVs.
    • TVCs tasked with including all existing vendors in zones.
    Grievance Redressal
    • Mechanisms for addressing grievances and
    • Establishes Grievance Redressal Committee chaired by civil judge or judicial magistrate.
    Survey and Identification States/ULBs conduct surveys to identify vendors at least once every five years.
    Certificate of Vending
    • Granted to vendors above 14 years.
    • Can be transferred to family members.
    • Can be cancelled

    Significance of street vendors 

    • Role of Street Vendors: Street vendors constitute about 2.5% of any city’s population and play multifaceted roles in city life, providing essential services, modest income for migrants and the urban poor, and affordable goods for others.
    • Integral to Urban Life: Street vendors are essential for maintaining affordability and accessibility to food, nutrition, and goods distribution, and they are integral to the cultural fabric of cities like Mumbai and Chennai.

    Challenges faced during the implementation:

    • Administrative Challenges: Increase in harassment and evictions of street vendors despite the Act’s emphasis on protection and regulation.Outdated bureaucratic mindset viewing vendors as illegal entities.
      • Lack of awareness and sensitization about the Act among state authorities, the public, and vendors.
      • Limited influence of street vendor representatives in Town Vending Committees (TVCs), often remaining under the control of local city authorities.Tokenistic representation of women vendors in TVCs.
    • Governance Challenges: Weak existing urban governance mechanisms.
      • Lack of integration of the Act with the framework established by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act for urban governance.
      • Insufficient powers and capacities of ULBs.
      • Focus on top-down policies like the Smart Cities Mission on infrastructure development, ignoring provisions for the inclusion of street vendors in city planning.
    • Societal Challenges: The prevailing image of the ‘world-class city’ tends to be exclusionary.Marginalization and stigmatization of street vendors as obstacles to urban development rather than legitimate contributors to the urban economy.
      • Reflection of these challenges in city designs, urban policies, and public perceptions of neighborhoods.

    Way forward 

    • Decentralization of Interventions: There’s a need to decentralize interventions and enhance the capacities of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to plan for street vending in cities.
    • Shift from Department-led Actions to Deliberative Processes: Moving away from high-handed department-led actions towards actual deliberative processes at the Town Vending Committee (TVC) level is crucial.
    • Amendments to Urban Schemes and Policies: Urban schemes, city planning guidelines, and policies need to be amended to include provisions for street vending.
    • Need-based Welfare Provisions: Broad welfare provisions of the Act should be used creatively to meet the emerging needs of street vendors, such as addressing the impact of climate change, competition from e-commerce, and reduced incomes.
    • Adaptation in National Urban Livelihood Mission: The sub-component of street vendors in the National Urban Livelihood Mission should acknowledge changed realities and facilitate innovative measures to address needs.

    Mains PYQ

    Q To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?

  • Constitution and the Redistribution of wealth

    Why in the news? 

    The debate surrounding the redistribution of wealth has piqued interest during the ongoing election campaigns.

    What does the Constitution provide?

    • Preamble to the Constitution: It outlines the objectives of the Constitution, including securing social, and economic justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens.
    • Part III and IV:  These are principles that the central and State governments should follow to achieve social and economic justice in our country. Unlike the fundamental rights in Part III, the DPSP is not enforceable in court.
    •  Article 39(b) and 39 (c): Article 39(b) emphasizes the distribution of ownership and control of material resources to serve the common good. Article 39(c) aims to prevent the concentration of wealth in a manner detrimental to the common good.

    The history of the ‘Right to Property’ in the Indian Constitution:

    • Original Guarantee: The Constitution initially guaranteed the right to property as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f). It provided that individuals have the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property.
    • Compensation Requirement: Article 31 of the Constitution mandated that the state must provide compensation in case of the acquisition of private property for public purposes.
    • Land Reforms and Public Welfare: The government, facing challenges such as land reforms and the need for public infrastructure development, found the original provisions restrictive due to inadequate resources. This led to amendments aimed at providing more flexibility in acquiring land for public welfare.
    • Constitutional Amendments: Notable amendments such as Articles 31A, 31B, and 31C were introduced to curtail the right to property and facilitate land acquisition for public welfare projects.
    • Judicial Interpretation of Constitution ammendment: The Supreme Court interpreted the relationship between fundamental rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in various cases. In the Golak Nath case (1967), the Court held that fundamental rights cannot be diluted to implement DPSP. However, in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Court upheld the validity of Article 31C, subject to judicial review.
    • Harmonious Balance: In the Minerva Mills case (1980), the Supreme Court emphasized the need for a harmonious balance between fundamental rights and DPSP in the Constitution.
    • 44th Amendment Act: In 1978, the property right was removed as a fundamental right through the 44th Amendment Act, making it a constitutional right under Article 300A. This aimed to reduce excessive litigation and protect public welfare projects.

    Impacts due to the shift from a Socialistic to a Market-Driven Economy:

    • Impact of Economic Policies: The socialistic policies of the early decades after independence focused on land reforms, nationalization of industries, high taxation rates, and regulations on private enterprise. These policies aimed to reduce inequality and redistribute wealth but were criticized for stifling growth and leading to inefficiencies.
    • Changes in Taxation: Over the years, there have been significant changes in taxation policies, including the abolition of estate duty in 1985 and wealth tax in 2016. Income tax rates were also reduced considerably, reflecting a shift towards a more business-friendly environment.
    • Growing Inequality: Despite economic growth, there has been a growing concern about inequality. Reports, such as the one by the World Inequality Lab, highlight the widening wealth and income gap, with a significant portion of the wealth concentrated among the top 10% of the population.
    • Opposition Criticism: The ruling party and its supporters have criticized the Opposition, alleging that their proposed measures, such as the reintroduction of inheritance tax, would burden even the poorer sections of society.
    • Legal Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s involvement in the debate is highlighted by its decision to constitute a nine-judge Bench to interpret whether Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which pertains to the distribution of material resources for the common good, includes private resources.
    • Central Question of the debate: The central question in the current debate revolves around the balance between economic policies that promote growth and efficiency versus those aimed at reducing inequality and ensuring social justice.

    Way forward: 

    • Inclusive Growth: While promoting innovation and growth, it’s essential to ensure that the benefits are distributed equitably across all sections of society, especially the marginalized. Policies should aim for inclusive growth where the benefits reach those who need them the most.
    • Debate and Adaptation: Economic policies should be framed after adequate debate and consideration, taking into account current economic models and global best practices. There should be a continuous process of adaptation and refinement to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
    • Empowerment of Marginalized: Special attention should be given to empowering marginalized communities through targeted interventions such as education, skill development, access to resources, and opportunities for economic participation.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (UPSC IAS/2013)

  • The need for the use of labour statistics

    Why in the news? 

    Trade unions can play a pivotal role in producing labour statistics

    Issues related to labour statistics

    • Lack of Rigorous Labour Statistics: Labour statistics are not as robust as economic and industrial data. While institutions like the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) provide valuable information.
    • Voluntary Reporting of Work Stoppages: Data collection on work stoppages relies on voluntary reporting, which may lead to underreporting or incomplete information. This lack of comprehensive data on strikes and other work stoppages affects the accuracy and reliability of labour statistics.
    • Limited Use of Evidence in Social Dialogue:Lack of evidence-based arguments in these dialogues undermines their effectiveness, leading to a perception of the ILC as a mere “talking shop.”
    • Class-Based Opinions without Data Support: Stakeholders often advocate for labour reforms based on “class-based opinions” rather than credible data or empirical evidence.

    The role of trade unions in producing labour statistics:

    • Data Collection on Labour Inspection: Trade unions can gather information and statistics on labour inspection practices, including the number of sanctioned and employed inspectors, inspection frequency, and coverage. This data can highlight deficiencies in inspection systems and advocate for their strengthening.
    • Monitoring Retrenchment and Closure Applications: Trade unions can track retrenchment and closure applications submitted to labour departments, along with permissions granted or refused. This data can provide insights into the prevalence of denials and the impact of labour regulations on job security.
    • Analysis of Strikes and Lockouts: Trade unions can utilize data on strikes and lockouts published by agencies like the Labour Bureau to analyze trends and patterns. This analysis can inform discussions on labour laws and industrial relations, challenging the need for harsher clauses on strikes.
    • Evidence-based arguments: Trade unions can use objective data and empirical studies to contest labour reforms in policy debates. By presenting evidence-based arguments, trade unions can influence decision-making processes and advocate for policies that promote workers’ rights and well-being.

    Conclusion:  

    Implement more robust and standardized data collection methods for labour statistics to ensure accuracy and consistency across different sources. This may involve leveraging technology, such as digital reporting systems, to streamline data collection processes.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.

  • Court’s nudge on Hospital charges, a reform opportunity

    Why in the news? 

    The SC while hearing a PIL in February’24, directed the Central Government to find ways to regulate the rates of Hospital Procedures in the Private sector.

    • The SC also warned against applying Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates for treatment services at private healthcare facilities until standardized rates are set.

    About Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Rates:

    CGHS is a health care scheme provided by the Indian Government for its central government employees and pensioners.

    • Commencement Year: 1954
    • Objective: To provide comprehensive health coverage to Central Government Employees (Allopathy/Homoeopathy)
    • Present change: The rates of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for general surgery have been revised since February 2024.

    Benchmark for Pricing:

    • Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs): These can establish relevant clinical needs, the nature and extent of care, and the costs of total inputs required.
      • They address confounders and ensure clinical autonomy while enabling the valuation of healthcare resources consumed for precise cost determination.
    • Pooled payments by government: Formulating and adopting STGs require providers’ revenues to be tied to fewer payers.
      • This necessitates reimbursements from pooled payments with low Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) payment levels, supported by the government.
    • Coordination between payers and providers: Governments can support the agreement on pricing that provides a reasonable and sustainable surplus over input costs.
      • However, the ability of providers to access markets with OOP payments could hinder this effort.

    Challenges faced during benchmarking of the price:

    • Private sector issues 
        • Private sector dominance: In India, over half of the total health expenditure is OOP, with the private sector predominantly composed of small-scale providers. Standardizing rates faces implementation uncertainties, and enforcement mechanisms for adherence remain unclear.
        • Resistance from providers: Concerns arise about the feasibility of regulatory measures if providers do not adhere to prescribed procedure rates, as seen in various health schemes.
    • Weak implementation
      • Limitations of regulations: While price caps can influence behavior in the short term, weak enforcement mechanisms lead to temporary effects as the overall environment remains unchanged.
      • Enforcement challenges: Despite suggested measures, enforcement remains weak, with only a fraction of states and union territories implementing the Clinical Establishment Act.
    • Data-related issues: Although the insurance industry initiated STGs for hospitals in 2010, progress was hindered by a lack of representative and accurate costing data due to limited participation from private hospitals.

    Government Initiatives:

    • Developing STGs: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Department of Health Research have made significant strides in developing STGs for common conditions and adopting a comprehensive costing framework.
    • Efforts are also ongoing to create an Indian version of Diagnostics-Related Groups (DRGs)

    Way Forward:

    • Addressing anticipated challenges: Anticipated challenges in implementing rate standardization policies need to be identified and addressed proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
    • Evidence-based policy: Conduct rigorous research and evaluation to generate evidence on the impact of regulatory measures on affordability, care quality, and provider behavior, informing future policy decisions.
    • Ensuring broader stakeholder participation: It is essential to involve a wide range of stakeholders in the development and implementation of rate standardization policies to increase their effectiveness and acceptance.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • State-level DPI Adoption Index

    Why in the news?

    The World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY), is spearheading the development of a state-level Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) adoption index.

    About State-Level DPI Adoption Index

    • World Bank confirmed that the project was in its preparatory stages.
    • The envisioned state-level DPI index aims to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening the DPI for the digital economy, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering public-private innovation.
    • The index will assess different states based on their adoption levels of DPIs, intending to incentivize increased utilization of these digital systems.

    What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

    • DPI refers to the foundational digital infrastructure that enables the delivery of digital services and facilitates digital interactions between citizens, businesses, and governments.
    • It encompasses various technological components, policies, and frameworks aimed at enhancing digital connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency in public service delivery.
    DPI, as defined by the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (September 2023) “is a set of shared digital systems that are secure and interoperable, built on open technologies, to deliver equitable access to public and/or private services at a societal scale”.

    Three Pillars of DPI:

    • DPI primarily focuses on three key pillars: identity, payments, and data management.
    • India has pioneered the development of all three DPI pillars through its India Stack Platform, setting a global benchmark.
      1. Identity: Aadhar serves as India’s digital ID system.
      2. Payment: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitates real-time fast payments.
      3. Data Management: The Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) ensures consent-based data sharing.

    India’s Initiatives Leveraging DPI

    • Digital India: Initiatives like Digital Locker, e-sign framework, and the National Scholarship Portal are integral parts of the Digital India campaign.
    • BharatNet: This project aims to provide affordable internet connectivity to rural India, leveraging high-speed broadband networks.
    • National Health Stack: Designed to revolutionize healthcare, this infrastructure facilitates health data exchange and interoperability.
    • National Knowledge Network (NKN): Facilitating collaborative research and innovation, NKN promotes knowledge sharing.
    • UMANG: The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance offers access to various government services and schemes.
    • Government e-Marketplace (GeM): An online platform streamlining procurement processes for government agencies.