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Subject: Indian Society

  • India sees significant reduction in Multidimensional Poverty

    Central Idea

    What is MPI?

    • The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of acute multidimensional poverty covering over 100 developing countries.
    • It complements traditional monetary poverty measures by capturing the acute deprivations in health, education, and living standards that a person faces simultaneously.
    • The global MPI was developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for inclusion in UNDP’s flagship Human Development Report in 2010.
    • It has been published annually by OPHI and in the HDRs ever since.

    Components of MPI

    poverty, mpi

    Rapid Progress and Halving MPI Values

    • Achieving rapid progress: The report showcases that 25 countries, including India, successfully halved their global MPI values within 15 years, indicating that substantial progress is attainable.
    • Countries with notable progress: Besides India, other countries that achieved this feat include Cambodia, China, Congo, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Serbia, and Vietnam.
    • Significance of halving MPI values: Halving the MPI values demonstrates a substantial reduction in multidimensional poverty, reflecting improvements across multiple indicators of well-being.

    Poverty Reduction: Key Stats

    • Decline in multidimensional poverty: In India, the number of people in multidimensional poverty decreased from approximately 645 million in 2005-06 to about 370 million in 2015-16 and further to 230 million in 2019-21.
    • Improvements across indicators: Deprivation in various indicators, such as nutrition, child mortality, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, and housing, witnessed significant declines in India.
    • Fastest progress among the poorest: The report highlights that the poorest states and disadvantaged groups, including children and individuals from marginalized castes, experienced the fastest progress in reducing poverty.

    Factors Contributing to Multidimensional Poverty

    • Multiple disadvantages: Poverty encompasses various factors such as poor health, lack of basic amenities, limited livelihood options, limited education, disempowerment, and vulnerability to climate change.
    • Holistic approach: Focusing solely on income as an indicator of poverty is insufficient. Multidimensional poverty measures offer a more comprehensive understanding of poverty by considering a range of disadvantages individuals face.
    • Targeting and priority setting: Multidimensional poverty measures provide valuable insights into different areas and sub-groups affected by poverty, aiding in the identification of national priorities and targeted interventions.

    Government Interventions for Poverty Alleviation

    • Food Security: The National Food Security Act of 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to two-thirds of India’s population.
    • Employment and Skilling: Initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provide employment opportunities and regular income for the rural poor.
    • Income Support: Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi aim to provide direct benefit transfers and minimum income support to the poor and farmers.

    Challenges Ahead

    • Pauperization and migrant workers: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty, leading to increased pauperization of migrant workers.
    • Regional disparities: Rural areas continue to face a higher incidence of extreme poverty compared to urban areas.
    • Jobless growth: Despite economic development, a significant proportion of the population still suffers from multidimensional deprivation.
    • Resource limitations: Adequate allocation of resources for anti-poverty programs remains a challenge, and the availability of funds often dictates target curtailment.
    • Implementation bottlenecks: Proper implementation and targeting of poverty alleviation schemes have been persistent issues in India, with overlapping programs leading to inefficiencies.

    Conclusion

    • India’s progress in reducing multidimensional poverty is commendable, with substantial improvements across indicators.
    • However, the challenges of pauperization, regional disparities, job creation, resource allocation, and implementation bottlenecks must be addressed to achieve sustained poverty reduction and inclusive development.

  • SC seeks Data on action taken against Lynchings

    lynching

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court has decided to assess the actions taken by the Union and States to address incidents of lynchings since its July 2018 judgment condemning these acts as mobocracy.
    • The court has directed State governments to provide year-wise data on complaints filed, FIRs registered, and court proceedings related to incidents of mob violence and lynchings.

    Mob Lynching: A Backgrounder

    • Concerns over Vigilantism: The 2018 Supreme Court bench, addressed the growing issues of vigilantism, mob lynching, communal violence, and hate crimes.
    • State Responsibility: The court emphasized that states have the duty to prevent individuals or core groups from taking the law into their own hands, stressing that every citizen has the right to report law infractions to the police rather than resorting to vigilantism.
    • Affront to the Rule of Law: The court declared that lynching undermines the rule of law and the constitutional values, leading to anarchy and violence in society.

    Supreme Court’s Observations

    • Prevention and Vigilance: The court stressed that authorities responsible for maintaining law and order must prevent vigilantism, including cow vigilantism, from occurring. Vigilante actions erode the legal institutions of the state and disrupt the constitutional order.
    • Rising Intolerance: The court expressed concern over rising intolerance and growing polarization, fueled by incidents of mob violence, emphasizing that such acts should not become the normal state of law and order in the country.
    • Creeping Threats: The court highlighted the dangers posed by lynching and mob violence, which could escalate into widespread incidents influenced by intolerance, misinformation, and the circulation of fake news.

    Directive for Preventive and Remedial Measures

    • Designation of Nodal Officers: State governments must appoint senior police officers as Nodal Officers in each district to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching.
    • Identification of High-Incidence Areas: State governments should identify areas where mob violence and lynching have been reported.
    • Police Actions and FIR Registration: Police officers must disperse mobs using their authority under Section 129 of the CrPC, and FIRs must be promptly registered under Section 153A of the IPC.
    • Monitoring of Investigations: Nodal Officers have the responsibility to personally monitor the investigation of such offenses and ensure effective implementation.
    • Compensation Scheme: State governments should establish a victim compensation scheme for lynching and mob violence victims in line with Section 357A of the CrPC.
    • Designated Courts: Special designated courts or fast-track courts should handle cases related to lynching and mob violence in each district.

    Directive to State Governments

    • Information Gathering: A Bench comprising Justices Sanjeev Khanna and Bela M. Trivedi has instructed State governments to compile comprehensive data on incidents of mob violence and lynchings.
    • Year-wise Data: The data should include information on complaints filed, FIRs registered, and challans submitted to the courts, highlighting the progress made each year.
    • Coordination with State Departments: The court suggested that the Ministry of Home Affairs hold meetings with relevant department heads of the State governments to obtain updates on the measures taken in response to the court’s 2018 judgment in the Tehseen Poonawala case.
    • Compliance with Court’s Directions: The court had previously directed the formation of Special Task Forces by the States to gather intelligence on hate speeches, mob violence, and lynchings.

    Conclusion

    • The Supreme Court’s monitoring of preventive and remedial measures for mob lynching demonstrates the commitment to address this issue.
    • By directing the consolidation of data and urging compliance with the 2018 judgment, the court aims to hold the Union and State governments accountable for their actions.
    • These measures seek to curb vigilantism, protect the rule of law, and ensure justice for victims of mob violence and lynchings.

  • Performance Grading Index (PGI) released for 2021-22

    grading

    Central Idea

    • The annual Performance Grading Index (PGI) released by the Union government ranks the performance of States and Union Territories in school education for the year 2021-22.
    • While Chandigarh and Punjab emerged as the top performers, none of the states or UTs achieved the highest grade, Daksh, indicating room for improvement across the board.

    Performance Grading Index (PGI)

    • The Performance Grading Index (PGI) is a tool to provide insights on the status of school education in States and UTs including key levers that drive their performance and critical areas for improvement.
    • The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has designed the PGI to catalyse transformational change in the field of school education.

    Key Parameters of the PGI

    • Learning Outcomes: Assessing students’ performance in subjects such as language, math, science, and social science.
    • Access to Education: Evaluating net enrolment ratio, retention rates, transitions between educational levels, and mainstreaming of out-of-school children.
    • Infrastructure: Examining availability of science labs, computer labs, book banks, vocational education subjects, mid-day meal supply, functional drinking water facilities, and provision of uniforms and free textbooks.
    • Equity: Considering the performance gap between marginalized communities and the general category, as well as the presence of inclusive infrastructure like ramps and disabled-friendly toilets.
    • Educational Governance and Management: Assessing digital attendance records, the presence of single-teacher primary schools, vacancies in educational posts, inspections, and teacher evaluations.

    PGI Grades and Rankings

    • Daksh: The highest grade in the PGI, scoring above 940 out of 1,000 points.
    • Akanshi-3: The lowest grade, with scores up to 460 points.
    • Top Performers: Chandigarh and Punjab secured the sixth-highest grade, Prachesta-2, followed closely by Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu at Prachesta-3.
    • Improvement Needed: Thirteen states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, were categorized as Akanshi-1 states, indicating substantial room for improvement.

    Action for Improvement

    • Domain-Wise Action: The report highlights that states can take specific actions in each domain to improve their overall score in the PGI.

     

  • Nari Adalat: Women-only Courts

    naari adalat

    Central Idea

    • The government is launching a unique initiative ‘Nari Adalat’ to establish women-only courts at the village level.

    Nari Adalat

    • Nari Adalat aims to provide an alternative dispute resolution forum for issues such as domestic violence, property rights, and countering patriarchal norms.
    • The pilot project will commence in 50 villages each in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, with plans for nationwide implementation over the next six months.

    Structure and Functioning  

    • Composition: Each Nari Adalat will consist of 7-9 members, with half elected members of the gram panchayat and the other half being women with social standing, such as teachers, doctors, and social workers.
    • Objectives: It will address individual cases, promote awareness about social schemes, collect feedback, raise awareness about legal rights, and resolve cases falling within its jurisdiction.
    • Services Provided: The platform will offer alternate dispute resolution, grievance redressal, counseling, evidence-based decision making, pressure group tactics, negotiation, mediation, and reconciliation for accessible and affordable justice.

    Implementation and Collaboration

    • Ministry-In-Charge: The Ministry of Women and Child Development will oversee the implementation of the scheme under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, dedicated to women’s safety, security, and empowerment.
    • Collaborative Efforts: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Common Service Centers will collaborate in the implementation process.
    • Standard Operating Procedures: Detailed procedures for all states have been prepared and will be released to ensure uniformity and effective functioning of Nari Adalats.

    Inception of the idea

    • Previous Initiatives: The scheme draws inspiration from the Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats (People’s Court of Women) previously operated by the National Commission for Women (NCW).
    • Focus Areas: These courts addressed matters related to family affairs, matrimonial disputes, bigamy, succession, and motor vehicle accident disputes related to labor.
    • Discontinued Scheme: The NCW-assisted Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats conducted a total of 298 sessions before the scheme was discontinued in 2014-15.

     Need for such scheme

    • Persisting Gender Bias: Women’s only courts counter gender bias in traditional court systems, providing a fair and non-discriminatory environment for women’s cases.
    • Cultural and Social Barriers: These courts break down cultural and social barriers that prevent women from seeking justice, offering a culturally sensitive space where they can freely participate.
    • Empowerment and Agency: Women’s only courts empower women to assert their rights, challenge patriarchal norms, and access justice independently.
    • Addressing Specific Issues: These courts focus on women’s unique issues, including domestic violence, property rights, and gender-based discrimination.
    • Enhanced Access to Justice: By being located at the village level, women’s only courts improve access to justice for women who face geographical and logistical challenges in reaching mainstream courts.
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution: These courts offer mediation and negotiation options, which are more effective and less adversarial for resolving disputes, particularly in family and community conflicts.
    • Precedents and Awareness: Women’s only courts set legal precedents and raise awareness about women’s rights, influencing social norms and promoting positive change.

    Conclusion

    • The establishment of women-only courts at the village level through the Nari Adalat initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering women and promoting gender justice.

  • Tracing history of Pride and LGBTQ Rights in India

    lgbt

    Central Idea

    • The context of the article revolves around the celebration of Pride Month and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights globally.
    • It begins by highlighting the duality of Pride Month, which is celebrated as a recognition of progress made in LGBTQ rights while also serving as a protest against the persisting discrimination and challenges faced by the community.

    History of the LGBTQ Movement: Stonewall Riots

    • Historical Significance: The Stonewall Riots, which took place in 1969, are widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ rights movement, igniting a wave of activism and mobilization.
    • Illegal Homosexuality: In the 1960s, engaging in homosexual activity was illegal in major American cities, leading to the creation of underground gay bars and secret gathering places.
    • Stonewall Inn: The Stonewall Inn, located in Greenwich Village, New York City, became a popular gathering spot for the LGBTQ community due to its acceptance and tolerance.
    • Police Raids and Resistance: The frequent police raids on gay bars, including the Stonewall Inn, prompted the LGBTQ patrons to resist, resulting in the spontaneous uprising known as the Stonewall Riots.
    • Turning Point: The Stonewall Riots marked a turning point in LGBTQ activism, as they galvanized the community to demand equal rights, visibility, and an end to discrimination.

    Early LGBTQ Rights Initiatives

    • Pioneering Organizations: Organizations like the Society of Human Rights (1924), the Mattachine Society (1950), and the Daughters of Bilitis (1955) were among the earliest advocates for LGBTQ rights in the United States.
    • Anti-Homosexual Policies: During World War II and the McCarthy era, anti-homosexual policies in the military and society prompted the emergence of LGBTQ advocacy groups.
    • Activism: Frank Kameny, an astronomer fired for being gay, became a prominent activist and founded the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C., advocating for LGBTQ rights and challenging discriminatory policies.
    • Protests in US: In 1969, a year after the Stonewall Riots, the first pride march was organized in New York City, marking a significant milestone in the LGBTQ rights movement.

    Pride Celebrations Worldwide

    • Pride Month Origins: Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and honor the LGBTQ community’s resilience, history, and the ongoing struggle for equal rights.
    • LGBTQ History Month: LGBTQ History Month takes place in October and aims to educate and raise awareness about LGBTQ history, achievements, and challenges.
    • Pride Parades: Pride parades, often held during Pride Month, are colourful and joyous celebrations that allow LGBTQ individuals and allies to openly express their identities and demand equality.
    • Global Pride Days: Various countries celebrate their own Pride-equivalent days, such as Christopher Street Day in Germany, to promote LGBTQ rights and visibility.

    LGBTQ History in India

    • India’s First Protests: The AIDS Bhedbhav Virodhi Andolan (ABVA) organized India’s first-ever protests for gay rights on August 11, 1992, in Delhi, following the arrest of men suspected of homosexuality.
    • Fight Against Section 377: LGBTQ activists and organizations in India have long fought against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a law that criminalized consensual same-sex relations until it was struck down in 2018.
    • Decriminalization and Progress: The decriminalization of homosexuality in India in 2018 marked a significant milestone in LGBTQ rights, paving the way for increased visibility, acceptance, and advocacy.

    Post-Section 377 Judgement

    • Struggles for Marriage Recognition: Post the decriminalization of homosexuality, efforts have been made to seek legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India, with couples filing writ petitions and pushing for equal rights.
    • Supreme Court’s Stance: The Supreme Court of India has been involved in various cases related to LGBTQ rights and is instrumental in shaping the legal landscape for the community.
    • Legislative Attempts: Several legislative attempts have been made to further protect and promote LGBTQ rights, including bills advocating for same-sex marriage and policies to safeguard the rights of the LGBTQIA community.
    • Progress on Conversion Therapy: India has taken steps to address the harmful practice of conversion therapy, with the National Medical Commission banning it and classifying it as “professional misconduct.”

    Global LGBTQ Rights

    • Varying Legal Status: LGBTQ rights vary across the globe, with some countries fully embracing equality and protecting LGBTQ rights, while others maintain discriminatory laws and practices.
    • Same-Sex Marriage: A growing number of countries have legalized same-sex marriage or recognized civil unions, granting LGBTQ couples the right to marry and access legal protections.
    • Anti-LGBTQ Laws: Unfortunately, many nations still have laws that criminalize homosexuality, and in some cases, impose severe penalties, including imprisonment or even the death penalty.

    Continuing the Fight for LGBTQ Rights

    • Global Advocacy: The fight for LGBTQ rights remains a global issue, necessitating ongoing advocacy, awareness, and support to achieve full equality.
    • Achievements and Setbacks: Acknowledging the progress made in LGBTQ rights while recognizing the setbacks and challenges that still persist.
    • Importance of Advocacy: Emphasizing the crucial role of continued advocacy in ensuring the protection and advancement of LGBTQ rights worldwide.

     

  • Cabinet approves Bill for National Research Foundation (NRF)

    research

    Central Idea

    • The Union Cabinet’s approval of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 marks a significant milestone in the field of scientific research in India.
    • With an estimated budget of ₹50,000 crore from 2023-28, the NRF will reshape the research landscape in the country.

    What is NRF?

    • Apex Body: The NRF will be established as the highest governing body for scientific research, in accordance with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).
    • Department of Science and Technology’s Role: The DST will serve as the administrative department of the NRF, with a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines.
    • Leadership Structure: PM will be the ex-officio President of the Board, while the Union Minister of Science & Technology and the Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
    • Functioning: The Principal Scientific Adviser will chair the Executive Council responsible for NRF’s functioning.

    Consolidation and Funding

    • Integration of Science and Engineering Research Board: The proposed Bill repeals the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established in 2008 and subsumes it into the NRF.
    • Equitable Funding: The NRF aims to ensure equitable distribution of research funding, addressing the current disparity between eminent institutions like IITs and IISc and state universities. It seeks to allocate research funds more fairly, with an expected private sector investment of ₹36,000 crore.
    • Government Contribution: The government will contribute ₹10,000 crore over five years, while the DST will continue to receive its annual budget for funding autonomous research bodies, scholarships, and capacity-building programs.

    Collaboration and Policy Framework

    • Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration: The NRF will foster collaborations among industries, academia, government departments, and research institutions. It will establish an interface mechanism to facilitate participation and contributions from industries, state governments, scientific ministries, and line ministries.
    • Policy Framework and Regulatory Processes: NRF’s focus will include creating a policy framework and regulatory processes that encourage collaboration and increased industry spending on research and development (R&D).
    • Research in Social Sciences and Humanities: The NRF aims to promote research not only in natural sciences but also in humanities, social sciences, and arts. It recognizes the importance of integrating these disciplines in decision-making processes.

    Addressing National Priorities

    • Priority Areas: The NRF intends to identify priority areas aligned with national objectives, such as clean energy, climate change, sustainable infrastructure, improved transportation, and accessible healthcare.
    • Multidisciplinary Projects and Centers of Excellence: To address national priorities, the NRF will support large-scale, long-term, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional projects. It also plans to establish Centers of Excellence focusing on crucial research areas for the country.
    • International Collaborations: The NRF will coordinate and support research in mega international projects, including LIGO and ITER, in which India is actively involved.

    Funding and Impact

    • Increased Funding: The NRF aims to significantly increase the funding available for scientific research in India from both government and private sources. Currently, India’s spending on research and development remains below 0.7% of its GDP.
    • Potential Impact: The NRF’s establishment has the potential to address the pressing issues in Indian science and enhance the country’s research output. Experts view it as a major landmark for science in India, with the allocated ₹50,000 crore as a starting point for future growth and impact.

  • Meira Paibis: Manipur’s ‘torch-bearing’ Women Activists

    meira paibis

    Central Idea

    • During Home Minister’s visit to Manipur amidst ongoing violence in the state, he met with various civil society groups, including the Meira Paibis.
    • This article explores the significance of the Meira Paibis in Manipur’s civil society, their social role, and major actions they have undertaken.

    Who are the Meira Paibis of Manipur?

    • The Meira Paibis, also known as Imas or Mothers of Manipur, are Meitei women who represent a powerful moral force in Manipur’s civil society.
    • They come from various sections of society in the Imphal valley and are widely respected for their activism.
    • They Paibis are loosely organized, led by groups of senior women, and lack rigid hierarchy or overt political leanings.

    Social Role of Meira Paibis

    • Originating in 1977, the Meira Paibis began as a grassroots movement primarily focused on combating alcoholism and drug abuse.
    • Over time, their scope expanded to address human rights violations and work towards the development of society at large.
    • They serve as the conscience keepers of Manipuri society and have a permanent and palpable presence in civil society.

    Major Actions Undertaken

    • Support for Irom Sharmila: The Meira Paibi women actively supported Irom Sharmila during her 16-year hunger strike against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which grants immunity to armed forces in “disturbed” areas.
    • Advocacy for Inner Line Permit (ILP) System: In 2015, the Meira Paibis played a significant role in demanding the introduction of the ILP system, aiming to protect local interests, culture, and commercial opportunities.
    • Bandh Protests: The Meira Paibis organized bandhs and shutdown calls in markets to protest against perceived injustices, such as the broken promise of a marriage by an elected representative.
    • Recent Actions: During the current crisis, the Meira Paibis reportedly influenced the release of 12 KYKL cadres (an extremist group) who were apprehended by the armed forces, highlighting the influence of women activists in confronting security personnel.

    Conclusion

    • The Meira Paibis of Manipur play a crucial role in the state’s civil society.
    • Their activism spans a range of social and political issues, and they have consistently fought for justice, human rights, and the betterment of society.
    • Despite the recent controversy surrounding their alleged interference in security operations, their contribution as a powerful force for social change should be acknowledged and appreciated.

  • Key Findings from the Gender Gap Report, 2023

    gender gap

    Central Idea

    • India climbed eight places to rank 127 among 146 countries in the Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum.
    • Improvement in India’s ranking from 2022 and partial recovery towards 2020 parity levels.

    What is Global Gender Gap Report?

    • The Global Gender Gap (GGG) Report is an index designed to measure gender equality.
    • It was first published in 2006 by the World Economic Forum.

    Key Areas of Analysis:

    1. Economic participation and opportunity: Examines salary levels, workforce participation, and access to high-skilled employment.
    2. Educational attainment: Assesses access to basic and higher education for both genders.
    3. Political empowerment: Measures representation of women in decision-making structures.
    4. Health and survival: Considers life expectancy and sex ratio, accounting for differences in mortality rates.
    • On each of the four sub-indices as well as on the overall index the GGG index provides scores between 0 and 1, where 1 shows full gender parity and 0 is complete imparity.
    • It is the longest-standing index, which tracks progress towards closing these gaps over time since its inception in 2006

    India’s Ranking and Progress

    • In 2022, India was ranked 135, indicating an improvement of 1.4 percentage points towards its 2020 parity level.
    • India has closed 64.3% of the overall gender gap, showcasing progress in various areas.
    • However, economic participation and opportunity in India achieved only 36.7% parity.
    • India has achieved parity in enrolment across all levels of education.

    Comparison and Regional Context

    • Pakistan ranked 142, Bangladesh at 59, China at 107, Nepal at 116, Sri Lanka at 115, and Bhutan at 103.
    • Iceland remains the most gender-equal country, with over 90% of its gender gap closed.
    • Southern Asia achieved 63.4% gender parity, the second-lowest among the eight regions.

    Challenges and Areas of Concern in India:

    • Despite some improvement in wage parity, the representation of women in senior positions and technical roles declined.
    • Political empowerment in India showed 25.3% parity, with women comprising 15.1% of MPs.
    • Notably, 18 countries, including India, have achieved women’s representation of over 40% in local governance.

    Efforts and Impact

    • Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani highlighted the importance of women’s participation in local government bodies, which was acknowledged by the WEF.
    • India saw a 1.9 percentage point improvement in the sex ratio at birth, contributing to increased parity after more than a decade.

  • VAIBHAV Fellowship Program

    vaibhav

    Central Idea: The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships programme.

    VAIBHAV Program

    • The program aims to connect the Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions.
    • It promotes collaborative research work, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices in frontier areas of science and technology.

    Implementation and Eligibility

    • Implementing Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
    • Beneficiaries: outstanding scientists/technologists of Indian origin (NRI/OCI/PIO) engaged in research activities in their respective countries.
    • Benefits: Grant of INR 4,00,000 per month, international and domestic travel expenses, accommodation, and contingencies
    • Verticals identified: 75 fellows will be selected to work in 18 identified knowledge verticals, including quantum technology, health, pharma, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and material sciences.
    • Collaborations: The VAIBHAV Fellow will collaborate with Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), universities, and/or public-funded scientific institutions.
    • R&D Activity: The fellow can spend up to 2 months per year, for a maximum of 3years, in an Indian institution.

    VAIBHAV Summit and Participation

    • The Government of India organized the VAIBHAV Summit to connect the Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian institutions.
    • The summit was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and saw the participation of over 25,000 attendees.
    • Indian STEMM diaspora from more than 70 countries took part in the deliberations.

  • Is the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) flawed?

    nirf

    Central Idea

    • In a country as diverse as India, ranking universities and institutions is a complex task.
    • The Ministry of Education established the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2016 to assess the performance of institutions based on critical indicators.
    • Institutions eagerly await their standings in this nationally recognized system every year.

    NIRF Ranking: An Overview

    • The NIRF releases rankings across various categories, including ‘Overall’, ‘Research Institutions’, ‘Universities’, ‘Colleges’, and specific disciplines.
    • The rankings serve as an important resource for prospective students navigating the higher education landscape in India.
    • NIRF ranks institutes based on their total score, which is determined using five indicators:
    1. Teaching, Learning & Resources (30% weightage)
    2. Research and Professional Practice (30%)
    3. Graduation Outcomes (20%)
    4. Outreach and Inclusivity (10%)
    5. Perception (10%)

    Concerns about the methodology

    • Role of Bibliometrics: Bibliometrics refers to the quantitative analysis of scholarly publications, including metrics such as the number of publications, citations received, and journal impact factors.
    • Limitations: Bibliometrics may not adequately consider factors such as the quality and relevance of research, innovation, societal impact, and contributions beyond traditional publications.
    • Caution against Over-Reliance: A comprehensive evaluation methodology should consider a broader range of factors to provide a more holistic assessment of institutional performance.

    Issues with NIRF’s Bibliometric Approach

    • Reliance on Commercial Databases: The NIRF relies on commercial databases like Scopus and Web of Science to collect bibliometric data for evaluating research output and impact. However, these databases may have limitations in terms of coverage, accuracy, and the inclusion of non-traditional research outputs.
    • Accuracy and Misuse Concerns: There are concerns regarding the accuracy of bibliometric data, potential manipulation of citation counts, and the misuse of metrics for promotional purposes. It is important to ensure the integrity and validity of the data used in ranking assessments.
    • Neglecting Non-traditional Contributions: The focus on research articles in bibliometric indicators may overlook other valuable intellectual contributions, such as books, book chapters, patents, policy reports, and other forms of non-traditional scholarly outputs.
    • Disincentive for Local Issues: The emphasis on internationally recognized journals and global research trends may discourage researchers from addressing local issues and conducting research that is contextually relevant to national or regional priorities.

    Transparency and Flaws in the Rankings

    • Lack of Transparency: Institutions and stakeholders should have access to detailed information about the methodology, data sources, weightage assigned to different indicators, and the process of data collection and analysis.
    • Need for Detailed NIRF Methodology: While the NIRF publicly shares its ranking methodology, there is a need for more comprehensive and transparent documentation that provides a detailed view of the evaluation process. This would enhance stakeholders’ understanding and enable a more informed assessment of the rankings.
    • Addressing the Discrepancy: Clear and precise definitions for indicators like research quantity and quality are crucial to avoid potential ambiguity and misinterpretation. Transparent guidelines and criteria should be established to ensure a consistent and fair evaluation.

    Conclusion

    • Promoting Comprehensive Evaluation: There is a need to develop evaluation methodologies that go beyond bibliometrics and consider a broader range of qualitative and quantitative factors to provide a more comprehensive assessment of institutional performance.
    • Transparency, Diverse Factors, and Balance: Ensuring transparency in ranking methodologies, considering diverse factors, and striking a balance between quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments will contribute to a more accurate and meaningful evaluation of universities in India.