Subject: Social Justice

No time to rest: India did well in climbing up SDG Rankings, but falls short in governance

Why in the News?

India has entered the top 100 in the Sustainable Development Report (2025), ranking 99th out of 167 countries, according to the UN-backed Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). This shows a clear improvement from its 110th position in 2016, marking a notable step forward.

What does India’s SDG ranking improvement show?

India moved into the top 100 of the Sustainable Development Report for the first time since 2016, reaching rank 99 out of 167 countries.
The improvement reflects progress in poverty reduction (SDG 1), infrastructure (SDG 9), electricity access (SDG 7), and digital inclusion.

Why is Zero Hunger still a challenge for India?

Persistent Child Malnutrition: A significant portion of Indian children still suffer from undernutrition. Eg: As per NFHS-5 (2019–21), 35.5% of children under five were stunted, only slightly better than 38.4% in NFHS-4 (2015–16).
Widening Dietary Disparities: Access to a nutritious diet remains unequal across income and geographic lines. Eg: Rural and low-income households often rely on calorie-dense than nutrient-poor food, while wealthier urban populations have better diet diversity.
Rising Dual Burden of Malnutrition: India is witnessing a simultaneous increase in obesity and undernutrition. Eg: Between 2006 and 2021, obesity among adults aged 15–49 almost doubled, especially in urban areas, showing nutritional imbalance.

Which SDG areas show strong and weak performance?

Strong Performance:

SDG 1 – No Poverty: Significant progress in reducing poverty levels. Eg: Poverty rate declined from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to about 12% in 2023 (World Bank).
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Near-universal household electrification and renewable energy expansion. Eg: India is the 4th largest in renewable energy capacity (solar and wind).
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Rapid growth in digital connectivity and financial inclusion. Eg: UPI-driven digital payment infrastructure and mobile network penetration.

Weak Performance:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: High levels of malnutrition and dietary inequality persist. Eg: 35.5% of children under five are stunted (NFHS-5, 2019–21).
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Uneven access to education and digital learning across regions. Eg: COVID-19 widened learning gaps between rural and urban students.
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Challenges in governance, rule of law, and press freedom. Eg: India ranks low in global indices measuring institutional strength.

What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

POSHAN Abhiyaan: Launched to reduce malnutrition, stunting, and anemia among children and womenthrough better nutrition and health services. It supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Digital India and UPI Initiatives: Aimed at increasing digital access, financial inclusion, and service delivery, especially in rural and remote areas. It supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
PM-KUSUM and Solar Missions: Promote renewable energy and sustainable farming by enabling farmers to adopt solar-powered pumps and panels. It supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action.

How can India improve in governance-related SDGs? (Way forward)

Strengthen Institutional Transparency and Accountability: Ensure timely delivery of justice, reduce corruption, and make public institutions more responsive. Eg: Implementing police and judicial reforms, and enhancing public grievance redressal mechanisms.
Promote Press Freedom and Civic Participation: Safeguard freedom of expression, support independent media, and encourage public engagement in policymaking. Eg: Enforcing laws that protect journalists and fostering platforms for inclusive civic dialogue.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2021] What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?

Linkage: This focuses on the main goal of ending hunger and malnutrition, which is the heart of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). The article says that SDG 2 is still a major concern in India, even though there has been progress in other areas. So, it’s important to examine how well policies like the National Food Security Act are working.

June 28, 2025

[pib] ‘NAVYA’ Initiative for Skilling Adolescent Girls

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has launched the NAVYA initiative.

About the ‘NAVYA’ Initiative:

Overview: NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.
Nodal Agencies: It is a joint pilot initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Target Beneficiaries: It targets adolescent girls aged 16–18 years who have completed at least Class 10, particularly from under-served regions.
Implementation: The pilot phase will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and those from North-Eastern regions.
Objective: To build skills, confidence, and employability among young girls in sectors beyond traditional roles.

Key Features:

Focus on Non-Traditional Skills: Girls will receive training in emerging fields like electronics repair, drone technology, solar energy, and more.
Certification Support: Beneficiaries will receive skill certificates under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma.
Post-Training Pathways: Designed to ensure employment, entrepreneurship, or further education opportunities for girls.
Inclusive Development Goal: Empowers girls to be agents of socio-economic change, aligning with India’s growth trajectory toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.

[UPSC 2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.

2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.

3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.

4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only

June 24, 2025

Integrating Rare Donor Registry of India with e-Rakt Kosh

Why in the News?

The ICMR has launched the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is further planning to integrate the RDRI with the e-Rakt Kosh Digital platform.

What are Rare Blood Types?

Rare blood groups are defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens (HFAs) or negative combinations of multiple common antigens.
In India, examples include Bombay (hh), P-null, Rh-null, and rare profiles like S-s-U-.

About the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI):

Launch: It was launched by the ICMR–National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) in collaboration with four regional medical institutes.
Purpose: It aims to address the shortage of rare blood types such as Bombay (hh), Rh-null, and P-Null, critical for patients with thalassemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
Uniqueness: Over 4,000 donors have been screened using multiplex PCR, suited for Indian genetic diversity, and catalogued using 300+ rare blood markers.
Rare Phenotypes Tracked: The registry focuses on rare phenotypes defined by the absence of high-frequency antigens; already 170 Bombay group donors have been identified.
Key Features:
- DNA-Based Testing: Molecular assays are used for accurate donor typing, enabling a centralised national database accessible through a dedicated web portal.
- Integration with e-Rakt Kosh: RDRI is designed to be integrated with e-Rakt Kosh, enabling cross-platform donor search and matching by medical professionals nationwide.
- Real-Time Support: The platform allows secure data access, real-time requisitions, and timely transfusion support for patients requiring rare blood types.
- Global Linkages: The initiative aims to connect with International Rare Donor Panels and develop a frozen rare blood inventory to ensure long-term availability.
Challenges: Key challenges include low awareness, shortage of trained personnel, and lack of antibody screening at decentralised blood banks.

What is E-Rakt Kosh?

Overview: e-Rakt Kosh is a national digital platform developed by C-DAC under the National Health Mission, launched in 2016.
Real-Time Information: It offers live updates on blood availability, donor records, and donation camp details across India via a centralised interface.
National Coverage: The system covers over 3,800 blood centres across 29 states and 8 Union Territories, integrated with UMANG, e-Hospital, and the National Health Portal.
Notable features include:
- Donor Safety and Tagging: It maintains traceable donor databases, including health history and rare blood group tagging, ensuring safe and verified transfusions.
- Inventory Monitoring: e-Rakt Kosh manages stock levels, tracks expired units, and ensures safe disposal, thereby improving quality control.
- Camp Management: It facilitates registration and scheduling of blood donation camps, sends alerts for shortages, and streamlines resource planning.
- Critical Access Role: Once integrated with RDRI, it will allow direct access to rare blood group data, crucial during emergency transfusions.
- Transparency and Logistics: The system enhances transparency, strengthens blood logistics, and improves communication between blood banks, hospitals, and donor groups.

[UPSC 2001] A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?

Options: (a) O, Rh- * (b) O, Rh+ (c) AB, Rh- (d) AB, Rh+

June 23, 2025

SMILE Scheme

Why in the News?

Reasi is set to become J&K’s second district after Srinagar to implement the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme for marginalised individuals’ dignity and livelihood.

About the SMILE Scheme:

Launch: It was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Type: It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at the rehabilitation of beggars and empowerment of transgender persons.
Core Focus: It promotes rehabilitation, livelihood creation, skill development, and social inclusion for the most marginalised individuals.
Approach: It merges earlier schemes for transgender persons and those engaged in begging to provide a cohesive welfare framework.

Key Features and Components:

- Shelter Provision: Uses existing shelter homes run by states/UTs; new homes are set up where needed for secure accommodation.
- Livelihood and Skilling: Offers education, identity documentation, vocational training, and economic linkages to ensure self-reliance.
- Target Group Size: The scheme aims to benefit approximately 60,000 marginalised individuals, especially transgender persons and urban beggars.

Implementation and Funding:

- Pilot Launch: The first phase started in 30 cities and later expanded to 50 more cities under Phase 2.
- Survey Mechanism: Local authorities conduct field surveys, with each unit aiming to rehabilitate at least 25 individuals.
- Financial Allocation: A total of ₹100 crore was allocated for 2023–26, with ₹14.71 crore spent by December 2024 on rehabilitation efforts.

[UPSC 2016] ‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to:

(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood*

(b) abolish the Child Labour

(d) rehabilitate the manual scavengers and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood

June 19, 2025

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0

Why in the News?

The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) has approved construction of 2.35 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0).

About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

It is a Centrally sponsored housing scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015 with the aim of providing “Housing for All” by ensuring access to pucca (permanent), all-weather houses with basic amenities to all eligible beneficiaries.
The scheme has two major components:
- PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) for rural areas, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) for urban areas, implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
PMAY follows a targeted and inclusive approach, prioritizing Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), Middle Income Groups (MIG), and other vulnerable sections like SCs, STs, women, transgenders, and minorities.

About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0:

PMAY-U 2.0 is the revamped version of PMAY-Urban, launched in 2024, with a renewed target to provide 1 crore additional pucca houses in urban India by 2028.
It builds on the progress made under the original PMAY-U (2015), under which over 93 lakh houses have been constructed.
The scheme supports house construction, purchase, and rental housing for eligible urban families under EWS, LIG, and MIG categories.
The total investment for PMAY-U 2.0 is ₹10 lakh crore, with ₹2.3 lakh crore committed by the Centre as financial assistance or subsidies.
CSMC (Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee) oversees approvals, with recent approvals including 2.34 lakh houses for nine states.

Key Features of PMAY-U 2.0:

Four Implementation Verticals:

1. Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC): Support for building houses on owned land.
2. Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): Houses built with public/private sector collaboration.
3. Affordable Rental Housing (ARH): Rental units for migrants, workers, and urban homeless.
4. Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS): Interest subsidy on housing loans for EWS, LIG, MIG.

Target Beneficiaries:
- Families with annual income up to ₹3 lakh (EWS), ₹3–6 lakh (LIG), and ₹6–9 lakh (MIG).
- Must not own a pucca house anywhere in India in the name of any family member.
- Adult earning members are treated as separate households.
Central Assistance:
- Up to ₹2.5 lakh per housing unit under BLC and AHP.
- Up to ₹1.8 lakh interest subsidy under ISS for home loans up to ₹25 lakh.
Technology Innovation:
- Support for disaster-resistant, sustainable construction using Technology Innovation Grants (TIG).
- Real-time tracking with geo-tagging, BHUVAN platform, and PMAY-U portal.
Inclusive Allocation:
- Special allocations for women, SC/ST/OBC, and transgender individuals.
- Focus on gender and social equity in housing distribution.
Robust Governance and Monitoring:
- Implementation through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Management Information System (MIS) for transparency.
- Coordination with Smart Cities, AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat, and other schemes.

[UPSC 2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for:

Options: (a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates (b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas (c) promoting financial inclusion in the country (d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities

June 19, 2025

[12th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Recounting Velpur’s story in ending child labour

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2016] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

Linkage: Child labour is a significant issue affecting children, robbing them of their basic rights and hindering their full development potential. It is addressed through various welfare schemes, laws, and policies aimed at protecting and improving the lives of children.

Mentor’s Comment: June 12 is observed as the World Day Against Child Labour, led by the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about the ongoing problem of child labour. This year, attention is not only on the alarming number—160 million children still working, but also on an inspiring success story from India: Velpur Mandal in Telangana. Once known for widespread child labour, Velpur has remained child labour-free for over 20 years. Its achievement, driven by strong community participation, shows how local efforts can bring lasting change and serve as a model for tackling child labour through policy and grassroots action.

Today’s editorial focuses on the problem of child labour in India, a key issue relevant to GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC syllabus.

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

Every year on June 12, the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) is observed, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to raise awareness about the problem of child labour.

What are the major global challenges in eliminating child labour?

Poverty and Economic Vulnerability: Families in low-income regions rely on children’s income to meet basic needs, making child labour a survival strategy Eg: In sub-Saharan Africa, children are often sent to work in farms or in markets to support their households facing extreme poverty
Lack of Access to Quality Education: Poor schooling infrastructure, long travel distances, and hidden costs deter school attendance, pushing children into work Eg: In rural Afghanistan, many children work as street vendors or in workshops instead of attending school due to poor accessibility
Weak Law Enforcement and Informal Economy: Despite legal frameworks, enforcement is weak in informal sectors where most child labour occurs. Eg: In Latin American countries, children continue working in agriculture and street vending despite legal prohibitions.
Cultural and Social Acceptance: In some societies, child labour is normalized as part of tradition or family livelihood, especially in unregulated home-based industries Eg: In India, children are commonly employed in beedi-rolling or carpet weaving under the guise of family trade training
Conflict, Displacement, and Emergencies: Armed conflict, refugee crises, and natural disasters disrupt schooling and increase reliance on child labour for survival. Eg: In Syria, displaced children are often seen working in agriculture or shops due to the breakdown of education and protection systems.

What are the major national-level challenges in eliminating child labour?

Poverty and Household Debt: Economic hardship compels families to send children to work instead of school, especially in informal and unorganised sectors. Eg: In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, children are employed in brick kilns and agriculture to supplement family income or repay local debts.
Gaps in Implementation of Laws and Schemes: Despite strong legal provisions, poor monitoring, corruption, and lack of coordination among departments weaken enforcement. Eg: In Jharkhand, children continue to work in mica mines, despite bans and presence of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
Lack of Awareness and Social Acceptance: In many rural and tribal areas, parents are unaware of the long-term value of education and accept child labour as normal. Eg: In Andhra Pradesh’s beedi-making units, child labour is seen as a family tradition and not a violation of child rights.

Case study of Velpur mandal:

Who led the anti-child labour campaign in Velpur?

The campaign was led by the then District Collector of Nizamabad along with committed local officials.

How did it achieve child labour-free status?

Community-Led Campaign and Awareness Drive: A 100-day campaign was launched in 2001 involving local officials, sarpanchs, teachers, caste elders, and civil societyto identify and enroll every child into school. Eg: In Velpur Mandal (Telangana), all 8,057 children aged 5–15 were enrolled in schools, and the mandal was declared child labour-free by October 2, 2001.
Debt Waiver and Social Accountability by Employers: Former child employers publicly waived ₹35 lakh worth of family debts and provided school supplies, freeing children from bonded labour. Eg: Employers in Velpur villages forgave loans where children were used as repayment guarantees, helping families send their children to school.
Institutional Support and Bridge Schooling through NCLP: Children withdrawn from labour were sent to bridge schools under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) to ease their transition into formal education. Eg: Children from beedi units and farms were given remedial education and then enrolled into regular schools with full retention ensured by community monitoring.

What is the status of the National Child Policy?

Outdated Framework (Policy of 2013): The National Policy for Children, 2013 is the current guiding document, but it lacks clear mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and budgetary commitments. Eg: Though it recognizes rights to survival, development, protection, and participation, it does not specifically address child labour rehabilitation pathways
Lack of Integration with Recent Laws and SDG Goals: The policy has not been aligned with new laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 or with SDG Target 8.7. Eg: India aims to eliminate child labour by 2025 under SDG 8.7, but the national child policy does not provide an updated roadmap or action plan for this
Delayed Formulation of a Revised Policy: The government had initiated a process to draft a new National Child Policy in 2020, but no final version has been released or implemented so far. Eg: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) conducted consultations for an updated policy, but no final policy document has been notified as of mid-2025

What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

Strengthening Legal Framework: The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 prohibits employment of children below 14 years and restricts adolescents (14–18 years) from hazardous occupations. Eg: This amendment led to the identification and rescue of thousands of children from beedi-making and fireworks units in states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Launched in 1988, this centrally sponsored scheme focuses on identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating child labourersthrough special training centres. Eg: Under NCLP, bridge schools in Velpur (Telangana) helped transition former child workers into regular schools, contributing to its child labour-free status.
Integration with Education and Welfare Schemes: Programs like Right to Education Act (2009), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Samagra Shiksha aim to improve school access and retention among vulnerable children.Eg: In Bihar and Odisha, these schemes have improved school attendance, reducing dropout-driven child labour in agriculture and domestic work.

Way forward:

Community-Driven Monitoring and Social Mobilisation: Empower panchayats, school management committees, and civil society to track school dropouts and ensure local accountability through awareness campaigns and social pressure mechanisms.
Policy Update and Stronger Rehabilitation Framework: Finalize and implement a revised National Child Policy aligned with SDG 8.7, and strengthen rehabilitation measureslike skill development, financial support, and psychosocial care for rescued children.

June 12, 2025

[pib] NAMASTE Scheme

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Social Justice launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme to support and formalize India’s informal sanitation workforce.

About NAMASTE Scheme:

Launch: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2022.
Implementing Agencies: It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), with the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) as the executing body.
Initial Focus and Expansion: Initially aimed at sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs), the scheme was expanded in June 2024 to include waste pickers.
Core Objective: To promote safety, dignity, skill development, and social inclusion for sanitation workers.

Key Features of the Scheme:

Identification: The scheme aims to enumerate SSWs and waste pickers to formally integrate them into government support systems.
Skill Training: It provides occupational training to ensure sanitation work is safe and professional.
Protective Gear: PPE kits are distributed to reduce workers’ health risks.
Health Coverage: Workers and their families receive Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) health insurance.
Safety Equipment: Sanitation Response Units (SRUs) are supported with modern safety tools.
Livelihood Support:
- Encourages mechanized sanitation work.
- Offers capital and interest subsidies for buying equipment.
Collective Formation: Supports sanitation workers in forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and sanitation enterprises.
Awareness Campaigns: ULBs and NSKFDC conduct campaigns promoting dignified and safe sanitation practices.

Key Achievements (as of May 29, 2025):

Enumerated Workers: Over 80,000 sewer and septic tank workers have been identified and validated.
Health Coverage: 26,447 health cards issued under PM-JAY.
PPE Distribution: 45,781 PPE kits delivered to frontline workers.
Safety Kits: 354 Emergency Response Safety Kits provided to sanitation teams.
Waste Picker Integration: NAMASTE now aims to profile 2.5 lakh waste pickers, offering them ID cards, insurance, skilling, and livelihood assistance.

[UPSC 2016] Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to:

Options: (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers* (d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them

June 6, 2025

National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

Why in the News?

The Indian government has proposed a phased winding down of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a WHO-established network critical to tracking and eliminating polio in India.

About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):

Launch : The NPSN was established in 1997 as a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
Objective: Its main goal is to detect and monitor the poliovirus in India to enable quick response and containment.
Operational Structure: The network functions under the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) and includes over 200 field surveillance units across the country.
Methodology: The core method is Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, which tracks sudden paralysis in children under 15 — a key indicator of polio.
Environmental Surveillance: The NPSN also tests sewage and water samples to detect silent circulation of the virus.
Laboratory Support: A network of WHO-accredited laboratories confirms virus presence through testing of stool and water samples.
Rapid Response: Every suspected case is quickly investigated, and public health teams are deployed for control and containment.
Expanded Role: Over time, NPSN has also supported surveillance for measles, rubella, DPT, and helped train health workers on new vaccines.

Polio and Its Eradication in India:

About: Polio is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under 5, potentially causing paralysis or death.
Transmission: The disease spreads via the faecal-oral route, mostly through contaminated water or food.
Types of Polioviruses:
- WPV1 still exists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally.
Infection Mechanism: Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and may attack the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis.
Prevention through Vaccination:
- Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with a booster at 16–24 months.
- Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) is administered with the third DPT dose under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
Pulse Polio Campaign (1995): India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign, providing oral polio drops to all children under 5.
Eradication Milestones: The last wild polio case in India was reported in 2011, and in 2014, WHO officially declared India polio-free.
Role of NPSN: The success was enabled by strong surveillance, mass immunization, and dedicated work by NPSN and its partners.

[UPSC 2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

(a) Immunization of children and pregnant women*

(b) Construction of smart cities across the country

(d) New Educational Policy

June 4, 2025

India’s first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale

Why in the News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) to help understand and reduce stigma faced by patients and caregivers from sickle cell disease (SCD).

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

Nature of Disease: SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen delivery in the body.
Complications: These sickle cells can block blood vessels, break easily, and cause anemia, organ damage, and painful episodes.
Cause: The disease is inherited, requiring one defective gene from each parent; one gene leads to sickle cell trait.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, swollen limbs, frequent infections, and organ damage.
Treatment Options: There is no universal cure, but bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer potential solutions; supportive care helps manage symptoms.

Note:

Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.
All SCD patients have anaemia, but not all anaemia is due to Sickle Cell Disease.

About the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI):

Purpose: The ISSSI is India’s first tool designed to measure stigma faced by sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers.
Developing Authority: It was developed by ICMR to understand and address the social impact of SCD in India’s diverse communities.
Global Context: This is the fourth stigma scale worldwide and the first validated for Indian conditions.
Scientific Validation: The tool was validated in a study published in The Lancet (Regional Health – South-East Asia).
Availability: The ISSSI is now approved for use in both clinical and research settings across India.
Components: It includes two formats — ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
Stigma Dimensions: It captures issues related to family expectations, reproductive concerns, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal challenges, and negative healthcare experiences.
Data Sources: The scale was developed using inputs from 6 culturally diverse districts: Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anuppur, Chhoteudepur, Kandhamal, Mysuru, and Udalguri.

India’s Strategy: Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)

Launch Year: The AMB Mission was launched in 2018 to reduce anemia using a 6x6x6 strategy.
Target Groups: It covers six groups — young children, school children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Key Interventions: Actions include iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, nutrition education, digital health tools, IFA-fortified foods, and disease screening (including SCD).
Supporting Systems: It is backed by inter-ministerial coordination, state-level units, research centers, the AMB Dashboard, digital tracking, and supply chain support.
Reach: The mission aims to impact around 450 million people, focusing on real-time monitoring and last-mile delivery.

[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three* (d) All four

May 26, 2025

[17th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ingredient to turn around nutrition outcomes

PYQ Relevance:

[UPSC 2024] Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?

Linkage: Gender concerns are important in programme design, aligning with the article’s argument that nutrition programmes like POSHAN have limited impact.

Mentor’s Comment: India’s free foodgrain programme, which supports 800 million people, shows a harsh truth: hunger and malnutrition are still big problems. In this fight against malnutrition, women and girls are often ignored. Even though the economy is growing and many welfare schemes exist, nutrition is still very unequal, especially for women. The government started the POSHAN Abhiyaan in 2018 to make India free of malnutrition by 2022. This scheme focuses on improving nutrition for pregnant women, new mothers, teenage girls, and young children. But, big differences in nutrition levels still remain.

Today’s editorial discusses malnutrition among women and girls in India, despite government efforts like the POSHAN Abhiyaan. This topic is useful for GS Paper I (Women-related Issues) and GS Paper II (Welfare State).

Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

The government launched the POSHAN Abhiyaan to end malnutrition by 2022, but it has not achieved its goals.

How does malnutrition in India remain deeply gendered?

Stark Anaemia Disparity: NFHS-5 reports 57% of women aged 15–49 are anaemic compared to 26% of men, highlighting deep nutritional inequality.
Underweight Burden: Nearly 1 in 5 women is underweight, a sharp contrast to men and a sign of chronic deprivation.
Entrenched Norms: In poorer households, women eat last and least, reinforcing invisible cultural biases that deny them basic nutritional rights.
Economic Disempowerment: 49% of women lack control over their own earnings, which translates into less dietary agency and poor health outcomes.
Nutrition as Justice: Malnutrition is framed not just as a health issue, but a social justice issue driven by patriarchal household structures.

Why has POSHAN 2.0 failed to improve women’s nutrition significantly?

Underutilization of Allocated Funds: Despite a large budget, only about 69% of funds were used by December 2022, limiting the programme’s reach and effectiveness. Eg: ₹24,000 crore allocated in 2022-23, but nearly one-third remained unspent.
Rising Anaemia Rates Despite Investments: Anaemia prevalence among women increased from 53% to 57%between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5, showing no significant improvement. Eg: NFHS-5 data shows anaemia rates rose even after POSHAN 2.0’s interventions.
Focus on Awareness Over Actual Nutrition: The programme has raised awareness (Jan Andolan) but awareness alone cannot address the root causes of malnutrition such as poverty and food scarcity.
Ignoring Social and Economic Barriers: POSHAN 2.0 largely addresses food supply and supplementation but does not sufficiently tackle women’s economic dependence and decision-making power. Eg: 49% of women lack control over how their income is spent, limiting their ability to benefit from nutrition programmes.

How does women’s empowerment impact nutritional outcomes?

Improved Spending on Nutrition: When women control income, they prioritize food and health for themselves and their families, leading to better nutrition. Eg: Nobel laureate Esther Duflo found that women’s control over extra income increases spending on children’s nutrition.
Greater Decision-Making Power: Empowered women can make choices about their diet, healthcare, and food allocation, reducing malnutrition risks. Eg: NFHS-5 showed that women with decision-making power over finances had better nutritional status.
Increased Access to Employment and Income: Economic empowerment through stable jobs helps women afford nutritious food and healthcare. Eg: Women with even modest independent income were found less likely to be undernourished in low-income communities.
Enhanced Health Awareness and Education: Empowered women tend to have better knowledge of nutrition and health practices, improving family nutrition. Eg: Women participating in financial literacy and health workshops show better child feeding practices.
Reduced Gender-Based Nutritional Inequality: Empowerment challenges social norms that deprioritize women’s nutrition, leading to more equitable food distribution. Eg: Households where women contribute economically often have less gender disparity in food consumption.

How can inter-scheme convergence tackle gendered malnutrition?

Note: Inter-scheme convergence is the coordinated collaboration of multiple government programmes across sectors.

Integrated Service Delivery: Combining nutrition, health, and livelihood schemes ensures women receive comprehensive support addressing multiple malnutrition causes. Eg: Anganwadi centres providing food supplements along with skill training and job linkages.
Efficient Resource Utilization: Coordination between departments reduces duplication and optimizes use of funds for women’s nutrition and empowerment. Eg: Joint budgeting for POSHAN Abhiyaan and women’s employment schemes leads to better fund utilization.
Holistic Empowerment of Women: Linking nutrition programmes with economic and social empowerment schemes increases women’s ability to accessand afford nutritious food. Eg: Combining POSHAN 2.0 with financial literacy and credit schemes for women.
Targeted Interventions in High-Risk Areas: Collaborative planning allows focused efforts in districts with severe malnutrition, addressing structural and social barriers. Eg: Health, nutrition, and livelihood departments working together in tribal districts to improve women’s nutrition.
Multi-dimensional Monitoring and Evaluation: Integrated monitoring tracks progress on nutrition and women’s empowerment indicators simultaneously, improving accountability. Eg: Measuring both reduction in anaemia and increase in women’s decision-making power under joint schemes.

What steps can make women active agents in nutrition programmes? (Way forward)

Enhance Economic Empowerment: Provide women with access to skill training, income opportunities, and financial literacy so they can afford nutritious food and make independent decisions. Eg: Linking Anganwadi centres with local skill development and credit schemes for women.
Increase Decision-Making Power: Promote women’s participation in household and community decisions related to health, diet, and resource allocation. Eg: Community meetings where women lead discussions on nutrition and health interventions.
Strengthen Awareness and Capacity Building: Use nutrition programmes to conduct health education, nutritional counselling, and leadership training, empowering women as knowledge bearers and change-makers. Eg: Financial literacy workshops and health awareness sessions at POSHAN Abhiyaan centres.

May 17, 2025