The Supreme Court remarked that a long-term solution to food security issues is generating employment, while advocate Prashant Bhushan pointed out that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) still relies on 2011 census data.
About National Food Security Act, 2013:
Details
Launch
NFSA was signed into law on 12th September 2013, with retroactive effect from 5th July 2013.
It aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately 2/3rd of India’s population.
Aims and Objectives
Provide subsidized food grains to 2/3rd of India’s population, covering about 75% of rural and 50% of urban areas.
Converts food security programs into legal entitlements.
Recognizes maternity entitlements for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
Structural Mandate
Central Government directs states to implement the provisions of the Act (Section 38).
Mandates that the subsidized prices remain fixed for 3 years (with no revision yet).
Ensures that eligible households have a legal right to food grains at subsidized rates under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
Eldest woman (18 years or above) in the household is considered the head of the family for issuing ration cards.
Provides free meals to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 6 months to 14 years under ICDS and mid-day meal schemes.
Ensures pregnant and lactating women receive a ₹6,000 cash benefit, payable in installments.
Midday Meal and ICDS are universal, and PDS reaches 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations.
Priority Households get 5 kg of food grains per person per month, and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households get 35 kg per month.
Why figures from 2011 Census still drive it?
Data Discrepancy: The 2021 census is getting extensions indiscriminately. It would have identified additional beneficiaries, possibly up to 10 crore more people.
Ration Card Issue: Many migrant workers had still not received ration cards, despite several court orders.
Logistical and Administrative Constraints: Updating census-based allocations requires substantial administrative coordination and a shift in policy across the Centre and States.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:
The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
“Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” a nationwide campaign is launched by the Government of India, from December 19–24, 2024, as part of the 4th Good Governance Week.
About the Nationwide Campaign ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’
It is a nationwide campaign to address public grievances and improve service delivery across rural and urban areas.
It aims to strengthen governance at the grassroots level and bring effective solutions to the common people.
It will be conducted in all districts, states, and union territories of India, with a focus on delivering timely solutions and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.
Key objectives of the campaign include:
Redressing Public Grievances: Ensuring that citizens’ complaints related to government services are resolved swiftly.
Improving Service Delivery: Enhancing the efficiency of government services at the local level.
Creating Awareness: Spreading knowledge about good governance practices and encouraging citizens to be proactive in using available services.
Key Observations from the Good Governance Index (GGI) 2022
The GGI, 2022 evaluates 58 indicators across 10 governance sectors, such as agriculture and allied sectors, human resource development, public health, and law and order, among others. The key observations are as follows:
Top Performers: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra ranked highest for good governance, excelling in public health, human resources, and economic governance.
Service Delivery: States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala were praised for transparency, accountability, and citizen-focused policies, leading in service delivery.
Agriculture & Rural Development: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar showed improvements in agriculture and rural development, aligning with the goals of Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore.
Health & Education: Kerala and Tamil Nadu excelled in healthcare and education, with significant investments in infrastructure and public schemes.
Sustainable Development: States like Sikkim emphasized environmental governance and sustainable development practices.
PYQ:
[2016] What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’? (150 words)
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 CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have asked questions around the Public Health Policies (2017) and Newer Health Challenges (2020 and 2022).
India is aiming for real-time public health monitoring platforms National Health Mission Health Management Information System (NHM-HMIS), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)to enhance surveillance, monitoring, and resource allocation at primary healthcare levels.
Today’s editorial reflects on the historical context of the Bombay Plague of 1896 and its implications for contemporary public health practices. This content can be used as a case study while exchanging ideas on ‘Public Health Policies and challenges in India’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are ongoing discussions in Parliament around public health strategies in the wake of recent health crises, including the past COVID-19 pandemic.
By reflecting on historical lessons from the Bombay 1896 plague outbreak, we can analyze the significance of community engagement, comprehensive disease management strategies, and ethical considerations in health interventions.
What were the Public Health Measures implemented by Britishers and how effective were they?
• Quarantine and Isolation: Infected individuals were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to plague hospitals or camps, where they were often separated from their families. This included door-to-door searches conducted by soldiers to identify the sick. • Destruction of Property: Personal belongings and houses of the infected were often burned and demolished which led to substantial loss of property for many residents. • Sanitation Campaigns: A large-scale sanitation initiative was launched, which included flushing sewers with seawater, washing streets with lime, and disinfecting homes. o Special camps were established for the treatment of the infected but often faced criticism for poor conditions and high mortality rates. • Legislative Measures: The Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 was enacted, granting authorities extensive powers to enforce health measures, including movement restrictions and compulsory examinations.
Were they effective? • Limited Success: The death toll exceeded 33,000 within a short period, indicating that these strategies did not sufficiently curb the outbreak. • Social Backlash: Reports of disrespect during inspections and inadequate hospital conditions fueled anger, resulting in protests and even violent incidents against medical personnel. • Migration and Spread: Many residents fled Bombay in response to the plague and government actions, which inadvertently contributed to the spread of the disease beyond urban areas. • Long-term Impact: While some improvements in urban infrastructure and public health policies emerged post-plague, many immediate measures were criticized for their insensitivity to local customs and needs.
What was positive in this policy implementation despite the criticism?
Emphasis on control over cases: The Indian Plague Commission’s approach during the 1896 Bombay Plague focused significantly on controlling the movement of people and the spread of the disease rather than directly addressing the health needs of affected individuals. Focus Areas were:
Railway Plague Inspection Stations Map (to monitor the movement of people) focused on railway networks and inspection points.
Chausa Observation Camp Plan detailed layouts of observation camps that reflected a militarized approach to quarantine with prominent police presence.
Khanpur Station Map illustrated disinfection zones and highlighted the role of police in maintaining control over these areas.
Cartographic Approach and Its Consequences: The maps were unusually colorful for administrative reports, possibly to convey a sense of effective control while downplaying the epidemic’s severity.The emphasis moved from identifying who was affected by the plague to understanding where the disease could potentially spread.
Prioritization of State Control: The Commission’s focus on control points indicated a prioritization of state mechanisms for surveillance rather than an understanding of epidemiological factors or community health requirements.
This approach raised concerns about the adequacy of public health responses that prioritized state security over effective disease management and community welfare.
What lessons can contemporary public health systems learn from the Bombay Plague?
Community Engagement: Effective public health responses must include community cooperation. The mistrust generated by colonial policies highlights the need for transparent communication and involvement of local leaders in health initiatives.
Comprehensive Disease Management: The outbreak underscored the importance of not only immediate medical responses but also long-term strategies addressing underlying social determinants of health such as poverty and sanitation.
Ethical Considerations: The harsh measures taken during the plague raise ethical questions regarding public health interventions. Balancing individual rights with community safety remains a critical challenge for public health officials today.
Historical Reflection: Understanding past epidemics can inform current practices. The Bombay Plague illustrates how historical narratives shape contemporary health policies and societal attitudes toward disease management.
Recently, Tamil Nadu hosted the Sixteenth State Finance Commission, highlighting the need for fair resource allocation to performing states and addressing fiscal imbalances between the Union and states.
What are the primary challenges faced by State Finance Commissions?
Vertical Fiscal Imbalance: There is a significant disparity in revenue-raising capabilities between the Union and state governments. The Union holds greater powers to generate revenue, while states bear most of the expenditure responsibilities. This imbalance has led to insufficient funds for states to meet developmental needs.
Inequitable Resource Distribution: Despite efforts to achieve equitable redistribution through vertical and horizontal devolution, actual outcomes often fall short of expectations.
For instance, the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s effective devolution was only 33.16% of the Union’s gross tax revenue, despite a declared share of 41%.
Inadequate Devolution: The increasing reliance on cess and surcharges by the Union government has further constrained the financial resources available to states. This trend undermines the intended fiscal autonomy that states require to implement local schemes effectively.
Demographic and Urbanization Challenges: Progressive states like Tamil Nadu face unique challenges related to ageing populations and rapid urbanisation, which strain their fiscal capacities while necessitating increased investment in infrastructure and services.
How can compliance with constitutional mandates be improved?
Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Ensuring that SFCs operate within a robust legal framework that mandates transparency and accountability can enhance compliance with constitutional directives. This includes clearer guidelines on resource allocation and devolution processes.
Public Disclosure: Mandating public disclosure of financial data and project details in accessible formats can foster greater transparency and allow for citizen engagement in governance, thereby ensuring that SFCs adhere more closely to their constitutional roles.
Participatory Budgeting: Encouraging participatory budgeting practices can help align state financial decisions with local needs, ensuring that resources are allocated in a manner that reflects constitutional mandates for equitable development across regions.
What reforms are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of SFCs?
Revising Devolution Principles: A reassessment of the principles governing vertical and horizontal devolution is essential to create a fairer distribution system that recognizes both the needs of less-developed states and the contributions of high-performing states like Tamil Nadu.
Augmenting State Resources: Increasing the share of gross central taxes allocated to states from 41% to at least 50% could provide states with greater fiscal autonomy, allowing them to fund locally relevant initiatives effectively.
Focus on Growth Incentives: Developing a progressive resource allocation methodology that rewards high-performing states can stimulate economic growth while ensuring that less-developed states also receive adequate support for their development needs.
Addressing Urbanization Needs: Specific reforms aimed at addressing urbanization challenges—such as earmarking funds for infrastructure development—will be crucial for progressive states experiencing rapid urban growth.
Conclusion: State Finance Commissions must address fiscal imbalances, enhance devolution principles, and prioritise growth incentives to empower states. This is vital for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through equitable and inclusive development.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances. (UPSC IAS/2013)
PYQ Relevance: Q) Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘cash transfer system for the welfare schemes to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms (in 2013), and ‘Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step’ (in 2022).
In the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections, cash transfer schemes for women became a key focus of political campaigns. In August, the Maharashtra government launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ giving ₹1,500 a month to eligible women in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. Similarly, the Jharkhand government introduced the ‘Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana,’ offering ₹1,000 a month to eligible women.
Today’s editorial highlights why are cash transfer schemes for women gaining popularity across states? Is this a case of policy learning, or are state governments simply following the trend out of fear of missing out? Are we reaching a stage where there is no alternative approach to welfare?
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Direct cash transfer schemes are not a new idea in politics. According to Axis Bank, 14 states in India already have such programs, reaching nearly one-fifth of the country’s adult women.
What are the reasons for the growing popularity of Cash Transfer Schemes?
Increased Voter Turnout: The turnout of women voters has significantly risen from 47% in 1962 to 66% in 2024, indicating a growing political engagement among women.
This trend is mirrored in state assembly elections, highlighting women’s increasing influence in the electoral process.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Efficiency: Cash transfer schemes, particularly through DBT, allow governments to bypass traditional bureaucratic structures that often involve middlemen. This method reduces corruption and ensures that funds reach beneficiaries directly, making these schemes more appealing for political leaders who want to demonstrate effective governance.
Immediate Political Gains: Cash transfers provide a quick and visible form of assistance that can be implemented rapidly compared to longer-term infrastructure projects or social services. This immediacy allows governments to showcase their commitment to welfare, thereby enhancing their political capital in the short term.
Standardization of Welfare Approaches: The proliferation of similar cash transfer schemes across states indicates a trend towards standardization in welfare policies, often referred to as “policy learning.”
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): As some states successfully implement these schemes and gain political traction, others may feel compelled to adopt similar measures to avoid losing electoral support.
Addressing Structural Inequalities: Cash transfer schemes are often designed to address gender-specific issues such as female foeticide, child marriage, and educational disparities.
What are the significance of bypassing the Middleman?
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Advantage: DBT allows governments to transfer cash directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, thus minimizing corruption and inefficiencies associated with traditional welfare distribution methods that often involve middlemen.
Reduction of Corruption: By eliminating intermediaries, DBT aims to reduce systemic corruption that has historically plagued welfare schemes in India, ensuring that funds reach intended recipients more effectively.
Personalized Political Relationships: Cash transfers help establish a direct relationship between political leaders and citizens, fostering personal loyalty through financial assistance. This dynamic is referred to as “techno-patrimonial,” where technology enhances individual connections with leaders.
Immediate Impact: Cash transfers provide immediate financial relief to beneficiaries, allowing governments to demonstrate their commitment to welfare without the long-term planning required for infrastructure projects or social services.
What are the key challenges?
Lack of Welfare Innovation: The proliferation of similar cash transfer schemes across various states indicates a stagnation in innovative welfare policies. This trend suggests a reliance on established models rather than exploring diverse approaches to address poverty and welfare needs.
Political Conformity: Even opposition-ruled states are adopting cash transfer schemes similar to those initiated by ruling parties, reflecting a broader acceptance of this welfare strategy without offering substantial alternatives.
Efficiency vs. State Capacity: While cash transfers may enhance efficiency in delivering aid, critics argue that they allow the state to avoid addressing deeper structural issues within its capacity to provide comprehensive welfare services.
Temporary Solutions: Cash transfers are seen as short-term solutions (or “bandages”) for poverty alleviation, potentially nudging citizens toward private alternatives for basic needs while failing to address systemic issues that require more robust state intervention.
Way forward:
Innovate and Diversify Welfare Strategies: Encourage states to develop innovative welfare policies beyond cash transfers, focusing on long-term solutions like skill development, education, and healthcare to address systemic poverty.
Strengthen State Capacity: Invest in enhancing the state’s institutional framework to deliver comprehensive welfare services efficiently, ensuring sustainable development and reducing reliance on temporary solutions.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning report, Prisons in India: Mapping Prison Manuals and Measures for Reformation and Decongestion, highlighting electronic prisoner tracking to tackle overcrowding.
What are the key finding of the report?
Addressing Overcrowding: The report highlights the critical issue of overcrowding in Indian prisons, which had an occupancy rate of 131.4% as of December 2022, with a significant number of inmates being undertrials (75.8%). It proposes that electronic tracking could serve as a cost-effective alternative to incarceration, allowing for the release of low and moderate-risk prisoners while ensuring compliance with legal conditions.
Implementation Recommendations: The report suggests initiating pilot programs for electronic monitoring, specifically targeting undertrial prisoners who exhibit good behavior. This phased approach aims to assess community readiness and the feasibility of broader implementation while ensuring that such measures respect individual rights and privacy concerns.
What are the benefits of electronic tracking of people out of prison on bail?
Reduction in Overcrowding: Electronic tracking can significantly alleviate prison overcrowding. With Indian prisons operating at an occupancy rate of 131.4% as of December 2022, implementing electronic monitoring for low and moderate-risk undertrials could free up space and resources.
Cost-Effectiveness: The financial implications are substantial; for instance, the annual cost of maintaining a single undertrial prisoner in Odisha is around Rs 1 lakh, while the cost of an electronic tracker is estimated to be between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. This shift could lead to considerable savings in prison management costs.
Improved Rehabilitation: Allowing undertrials to remain in the community while monitored electronically supports their rehabilitation. It enables them to continue education and work, thereby maintaining family connections crucial for reintegration into society.
Enhanced Monitoring: Electronic tracking provides a reliable method to ensure compliance with release conditions, reducing the risk of absconding or re-offending.
What are the present challenges in India?
Privacy Concerns: The use of electronic monitoring raises significant privacy issues. Continuous surveillance can be perceived as intrusive and may infringe on individuals’ fundamental rights, as highlighted by recent Supreme Court rulings against invasive bail conditions.
Technical Reliability: The effectiveness of electronic tracking systems depends on the technology’s reliability. Issues such as device malfunctions or signal loss can undermine the monitoring process.
Human Rights Risks: There is a potential for misuse or overuse of electronic tracking, leading to human rights violations. Clear guidelines and safeguards are essential to prevent abuse of this technology.
Stigmatisation: Individuals may face social stigma associated with wearing electronic tracking devices, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and mental health issues.
Implementation Costs: While the initial costs may be lower than incarceration, establishing a comprehensive electronic tracking system requires significant investment in technology and training for law enforcement personnel.
What are the lessons from other countries?
E-Carceration Concerns: In the United States, electronic monitoring has been criticized as a form of ‘e-carceration’, extending punitive measures beyond physical jails and potentially creating oppressive environments, particularly for marginalized communities.
Cost-Bearing Issues: In some jurisdictions, costs associated with electronic monitoring are borne by the monitored individuals rather than the government, leading to additional financial burdens that could deter participation in such programs.
Community Impact: Studies show that over-reliance on electronic monitoring can disproportionately affect specific demographics, similar to how marginalized groups are overrepresented in prison populations in India.
Way forward:
Balancing Privacy and Efficiency: Implement clear guidelines and legal safeguards to ensure electronic tracking respects privacy and prevents misuse. Regular audits and judicial oversight can mitigate potential human rights violations.
Equitable and Scalable Implementation: Subsidize costs for underprivileged individuals and invest in reliable technology and training for law enforcement. Pilot programs can identify best practices before nationwide adoption.
Q) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Primary Education System’ (in 2016), ‘Quality of technical and higher education’ (in 2015), and ‘Education system in India’ (2021).
Reports indicate that while the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for higher education is projected to reach 50% by 2035, significant gaps still exist in terms of quality and inclusivity. While India is making strides in liberal education, challenges still exist with the issues of inequality and elitism.
Today’s editorial highlights the often-overlooked value of liberal arts education in today’s job market and society. This content can be used to present the key arguments emphasizing liberal arts education for its long-term benefits, career adaptability, and essential skills development.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There is an ongoing debate regarding the value of liberal arts education in the context of rising tuition costs, changing job market demands, and shifting perceptions about higher education.
What are the long-term benefits of a liberal arts education in today’s job market?
Versatile Skill Set: Liberal arts programs equip students with a broad range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities.
According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), 93% of employers prioritize these skills over specific majors when hiring.
Career Flexibility and Adaptability: The nature of the job market is changing rapidly, where liberal arts education fosters adaptability, allowing graduates to pivot into different fields as needed.
This flexibility is crucial as new job roles emerge and traditional ones evolve, ensuring that liberal arts graduates remain relevant and employable.
Long-Term Economic Benefits: While liberal arts graduates may start with lower salaries but many studies show that by mid-career, liberal arts majors can earn comparable or even higher salaries than those in professional STEM fields.
Cultural Awareness and Ethical Reasoning: Graduates develop nuanced diverse cultures and ethical perspectives that enable them to engage thoughtfully with international issues and contribute meaningfully to discussions on complex societal challenges.
Lifelong Learning and Research Skills: The curriculum of liberal arts education encourages graduates to learn to gather, analyze, and interpret information effectively, which is invaluable in any professional setting. This commitment to lifelong learning helps them stay competitive and relevant throughout their careers.
How does this education prepare students for an unpredictable future?
Embracing Uncertainty: A liberal arts education instills a mindset that views uncertainties like the 2008 recession period as an opportunity for growth and exploration.
Graduates are equipped to thrive in environments characterized by change and ambiguity, making them well-suited for careers that require continuous learning and adaptation.
Social Responsibility and Ethical Awareness: Finally, a liberal arts education fosters a sense of social responsibility. Students are encouraged to engage with their communities and consider the ethical implications of their decisions.
This awareness is critical as society faces complex global challenges that require thoughtful leaders who can navigate moral dilemmas while advocating for social justice and sustainability.
What misconceptions exist about employability in India?
Liberal Arts Graduates are Unemployable: Many believe a liberal arts degree leads to guaranteed unemployment. Despite a reported 47.1% employability rate among arts graduates in 2024, this statistic often overlooks the diverse career paths available to them, such as roles in marketing, journalism, and education.
For example, Graduates from institutions like Ashoka University have secured placements in prestigious companies such as McKinsey and American Express, demonstrating that liberal arts degrees can lead to successful careers.
Liberal Arts Education is only for Wealthy Students: There is a misconception that liberal arts education is an exclusive privilege for affluent students. However, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to make higher education more inclusive, promoting interdisciplinary studies across various socio-economic backgrounds.
Liberal Arts Degrees Lack Marketable Skills: Another common belief is that liberal arts graduates lack marketable skills. However, a report by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) indicates that these graduates are often better prepared for roles requiring critical thinking and adaptability, which are essential in today’s job market.
For instance, business analysts with a liberal arts background leverage their critical thinking abilities to improve organizational processes, earning competitive salaries
Way Forward: India’s education system is increasingly fruitful in delivering liberal and globalized knowledge through initiatives like the NEP 2020 and the growth of private liberal arts institutions. However, it faces challenges related to access and equity compared to more established systems in countries like the United States. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that all students can benefit from this evolving educational landscape.
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)
The Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) has been established to support the development of urban infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
AboutUrban 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.
• Prioritizesprojects 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?
It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
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
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?