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Subject: Social Justice

  • [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.

  • [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

     

  • 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

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational Policy

     

  • 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

     

  • [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.

  • Kerala, MH, TN attain SDGs in MMR, U5MR, NMR

    Why in the News?

    According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have successfully achieved the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR).

    About SDGs (related to MMR, U5MR, NMR):

    • Under SDG 3, the goals focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
    • Target 3.1 aims to reduce MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, with no country exceeding 140.
    • Target 3.2 sets the goal to reduce U5MR to 25 or fewer per 1,000 live births and NMR to 12 or fewer per 1,000 live births.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • States meeting MMR target (≤70):
      • Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Tamil Nadu (49), plus Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
    • States/UTs meeting U5MR target (≤25):
      • Includes Kerala (8), Tamil Nadu (14), Delhi, Maharashtra, J&K, West Bengal, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
    • States/UTs meeting NMR target (≤12):
      • Includes Kerala (4), Tamil Nadu (9), Delhi, Maharashtra, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh.
    • National improvements:
      • MMR dropped from 130 (2014–16) to 93 (2019–21).
      • U5MR declined from 45 (2014) to 31 (2021).
      • NMR dropped from 26 (2014) to 19 (2021).
      • IMR declined from 39 (2014) to 27 (2021).
      • Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 899 to 913 (2014–2021).
      • Total Fertility Rate reached replacement level of 2.0 in 2021.
    • Compared globally (1990–2023), India achieved an 86% reduction in MMR (vs 48% globally), 78% in U5MR (vs 61%), 70% in NMR (vs 54%), and 71% in IMR (vs 58%).
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna:

    1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.

    2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.

    3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.

    4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] 10 Years of 3 Jansuraksha Schemes

    Why in the News?

    The 3 Jansuraksha Schemes— Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) launched by PM Modi on May 9, 2015, have completed 10 years of providing social security coverage to citizens.

    About the Jansuraksha Schemes:

    Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
    Type Accidental Insurance Life Insurance Pension Scheme
    Eligibility Age 18 to 70 years 18 to 50 years 18 to 40 years (non-taxpayers)
    Premium ₹20 per annum ₹436 per annum Varies by age and pension amount
    Coverage/Benefit ₹2 lakh (death/total disability), ₹1 lakh (partial) ₹2 lakh (death due to any cause) ₹1,000–₹5,000 monthly pension after age 60
    Policy Term 1 year (June 1 – May 31), renewable 1 year (June 1 – May 31), renewable Contribution till age 60; pension begins post-60
    Premiums Payment
    		 Auto-Debit: Yes (from bank/post office account) Auto-Debit: Yes (from bank/post office account) Auto-Debit: Yes (monthly/quarterly/half-yearly options)
    Administered By Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) and other insurers in partnership with participating banks or post offices Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and other participating life insurers, through tie-ups with banks or post offices Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), implemented through banks and post offices
    Achievements (as of 2025) 51.06 crore enrolments; ₹3,121.02 crore paid for 1,57,155 claims; 23.87 crore female and 17.12 crore PMJDY enrolments 23.63 crore enrolments; ₹18,397.92 crore paid for 9,19,896 claims; 10.66 crore female and 7.08 crore PMJDY enrolments 7.66 crore enrolments; ~47% are women subscribers

     

    [UPSC 2016] Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers.

    2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme.

    3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • A step up: On India and the 2025 Human Development Report

    Why in the News?

    India ranks 130th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI), up from 133rd in 2022.

    What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?

    The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    • Composite Measure of Development: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures a country’s overall development based on three key factors: life expectancy (health), education (mean and expected years of schooling), and standard of living (GNI per capita).
    • Ranking and Insights: HDI ranks countries on a scale from 0 to 1, where a higher value indicates better human development.

    Why has India’s HDI improved?

    • Health (Life Expectancy at Birth): HDI measures the average number of years a person can expect to live, reflecting the overall health conditions in a country. Eg: In 2023, India’s life expectancy increased to 72 years, marking a significant improvement since 1990, when it was just 58.6 years.
    • Education (Mean Years of Schooling and Expected Years of Schooling): HDI considers the average number of years adults aged 25 and older have spent in school (mean years of schooling) and the number of years a child of school-entry age can expect to receive (expected years of schooling). Eg: In 2023, children in India are expected to stay in school for 13 years on average, up from 8.2 years in 1990.
    • Standard of Living (Gross National Income per Capita): HDI includes the per capita income adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which gives a sense of the country’s economic prosperity and standard of living. Eg: India’s GNI per capita increased from $2,167 in 1990 to $9,046 in 2023, reflecting a growth in economic well-being.
    • Inequality Adjustments: HDI adjusts for inequality in each of its three dimensions—health, education, and standard of living—through the Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI). The more inequality there is in a country, the lower the adjusted HDI score will be. Eg: India’s HDI value of 0.685 in 2023 was influenced by inequalities, including gender and income disparities, which the report highlighted as a key challenge.
    • Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): HDI is indirectly linked to the MPI, which measures poverty beyond income, including deprivations in health, education, and living standards. Eg: India has made significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, with 13.5 crore people escaping poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

    How has the pandemic affected India’s HDI recovery?

    • Health Impact: The pandemic strained India’s healthcare system, leading to higher mortality rates and disruptions in healthcare services, which affected life expectancy. Eg: The pandemic slowed India’s progress towards improving life expectancy, though it rebounded in the subsequent years, reaching 72 years in 2023.
    • Education Disruptions: School closures and lack of access to online education hindered educational outcomes, especially for underprivileged children. Eg: While the expected years of schooling improved, the pandemic delayed educational progress, particularly in rural areas.
    • Economic Setbacks: The lockdowns and economic disruptions due to the pandemic led to a sharp contraction in economic activities, affecting income levels and jobs, particularly in the informal sector. Eg: India’s GNI per capita growth faced a slowdown, though it eventually rebounded, reaching $9,046 in 2023.

    What challenges remain in improving India’s HDI?

    • Income Inequality: Despite progress, income disparity remains a major challenge, with the rich benefiting disproportionately from economic growth, while the poor remain marginalized. Eg: India’s HDI is impacted by a 30.7% loss due to income inequalities, which continues to drag down overall development outcomes.
    • Gender Disparities: The gender gap in labor force participation and political representation limits progress in improving India’s HDI. Women’s workforce participation remains low, and the gender wage gap is significant. Eg: The female labor participation rate stood at 41.7% in 2023-24, but a supportive ecosystem for women’s work retention and political representation is still lacking.

    How can India use AI to address development while avoiding inequality? (Way forward)

    • AI in Public Service Delivery: AI can streamline public services, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible, especially to marginalized communities. Eg: AI-driven systems can help in targeted welfare distribution, ensuring resources like food and healthcare reach those most in need, reducing administrative inefficiencies.
    • Inclusive Education and Skill Development: Leveraging AI for personalized learning can bridge gaps in educational access and quality, particularly for underserved areas. Eg: AI-based platforms like Byju’s and other ed-tech initiatives provide tailored education, improving learning outcomes for students in rural and remote areas.
    • AI for Job Creation and Economic Inclusion: AI can be used to create new job opportunities and enhance existing ones, especially in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Ensuring that AI adoption leads to inclusive economic growth can help reduce inequality. Eg: AI-driven agricultural technologies can optimize crop yields and provide real-time data to farmers, increasing productivity and income, especially for those in rural areas.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2019] Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.

    Linkage: The paradox of economic growth not translating into high human development indicators, which is a central theme when discussing India’s HDI rank and the challenges despite improvements. It also touches upon inclusive development, another concept related to the HDR’s focus on reducing inequalities

  • Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Under the SMILE scheme, the Union Social Justice Ministry has identified only 9,958 beggars across 81 cities, compared to 3.72 lakh recorded in the 2011 Census.

    About the SMILE Scheme:  

    • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the SMILE scheme in 2022.
    • It is a Central Sector Scheme to rehabilitate individuals engaged in begging and empower transgender persons.
    • It focuses on rehabilitation, livelihood opportunities, skill development, and social empowerment for marginalized individuals.
    • It combines previous programs targeting beggars and transgender persons, providing a more cohesive approach to their empowerment.
    • Key Components:
      • Shelter Homes: Utilizes existing shelter homes managed by state/UT governments; new homes will be established where necessary.
      • Livelihood Support: Provides education, documentation, skill development, and economic linkages to help individuals become self-sufficient.
      • Target Beneficiaries: Around 60,000 marginalized individuals.
    • Implementation:
      • Pilot project has been launched in 30 cities (Phase 1) and extended to 50 more cities (Phase 2).
      • A local survey identifies individuals engaged in begging, aiming to rehabilitate 25 individuals per survey.
      • ₹100 crore has been allocated for FY 2023-24 to 2025-26, with ₹14.71 crore spent by December 2024 on identification and rehabilitation.

    Issues in Implementation:

    • Inadequate Shelter Infrastructure: Some regions face a lack of facilities for rehabilitation.
    • Resistance to Rehabilitation: Some individuals resist rehabilitation due to socio-economic factors or distrust in government schemes.
    • Funding and Resource Constraints: Ongoing financial investment is required for sustainability.
    • Sustainability of Rehabilitation: Long-term support is essential for successful reintegration into society.
    [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

    (c) salvage the marshy lands and wetlands in the coastal areas and cultivate crops in them

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

     

  • [26th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Teaching children to eat well must begin in school

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2022] The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.

    Linkage: Teaching children about food and nutrition in schools can help them learn healthy eating habits early on. This supports the idea that education should go beyond just books and include lessons that improve their overall well-being.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  At the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit, the UNGA extended the Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030, aiming to align with the SDGs and sustain global efforts to end malnutrition. This marks a crucial shift from merely food access to understanding eating behaviours, especially in children, linking nutrition with health, education, equity, and environmental sustainability

    Today’s editorial examines the extension of the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030, offering valuable insights relevant to GS Paper 2 (Health and Education) in the UPSC Mains.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Food knowledge is now a necessity; we need to move beyond simply giving children food to also teaching them how to eat healthy.

    What is the significance of extending the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030?

    • Continued Global Focus on Ending Malnutrition: The extension ensures that efforts to end malnutrition—in all its forms—remain a priority on the global agenda. The original timeframe (2016-2025) was extended to maintain momentum in addressing undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Eg: It helps further the work initiated through the Global Nutrition Targets (World Health Organization), such as reducing childhood stunting and addressing maternal anemia, which are key components of the Decade of Action.
    • Aligning Nutrition Efforts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The extension ensures better alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Eg: This could strengthen efforts to integrate nutrition into food security policies, such as promoting sustainable farming practices that support both nutrition and the environment.
    • Promoting Dietary Diversity and Healthy Eating: The Decade’s extension emphasizes the need for better education on dietary diversity and healthy eating habits. This shift is especially important in light of rising levels of obesity and diet-related diseases worldwide. Eg: Encouraging bio-diverse diets that include locally grown, seasonal foods to promote better health and reduce environmental impacts from food production.
    • Addressing the Growing Challenge of Overweight and Obesity: The extension allows for a more comprehensive response to the growing global challenge of overweight and obesity, particularly in children and adolescents, which leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Eg: Policies supporting school nutrition programs and marketing restrictions on unhealthy food can be strengthened, as seen in countries like Mexico, which has implemented clear labeling for unhealthy foods.
    • Enabling Improved Food Systems and Environmental Sustainability: The extension of the Decade is a chance to transform food systems to be more inclusive, sustainable, and nutrition-sensitive. Eg: The Food Systems Summit and its alignment with the Decade’s goals will encourage the adoption of sustainable food production practices.

    Why is it important to focus on the next 4,000 days of a child’s life, beyond the first 1,000 days?

    • Critical Period for Adolescents’ Growth and Development: The period from 2 to 18 years is when children experience rapid physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. This phase is crucial for addressing any nutritional deficits from the first 1,000 days and ensuring proper growth. Eg: Adequate nutrition during adolescence helps children catch up on growth and reduces the risk of stunting, which can impact long-term health and development.
    • Preventing Long-Term Health Issues: Nutrition during the next 4,000 days plays a key role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease that can develop due to poor dietary habits. Eg: If adolescents are provided with proper nutrition and healthy eating habits, they are less likely to develop obesity-related issues in adulthood, as shown by long-term studies on childhood obesity prevention.
    • Building Healthy Habits for Life: The nutritional choices children make during their adolescent years influence their lifelong eating patterns. Teaching children to make healthy choices during this period sets the foundation for their future eating habits. Eg: Education on balanced diets and the importance of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in school programs can help prevent future generations from falling into unhealthy eating patterns.
    • Cognitive and Emotional Development: Proper nutrition during these years supports not only physical growth but also cognitive and emotional development. Nutritional deficiencies can impair brain function and emotional well-being, leading to issues in learning, concentration, and mental health. Eg: Nutrients like iron and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development. Schools providing meals rich in these nutrients see improved cognitive performance and better emotional resilience among students.
    • Addressing Gender Inequality and Social Impact: Adequate nutrition in adolescence, especially for girls, can help break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition by empowering them to reach their full potential, contributing to both personal well-being and community development. Eg: Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) program in India that targets young girls’ education and nutrition to improve their future roles in society.

    Where can children best be taught to build healthy eating habits? 

    • Schools: Schools are ideal places to teach children healthy eating habits, as they can reach a large number of children and provide structured education on nutrition. School-based programs can include lessons on food choices, meal planning, and the importance of a balanced diet. Eg: In countries like Finland, students are taught about food, nutrition, and the environmental impact of food choices from a young age, with healthy meals provided in school canteens.
    • Home and Family: Parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s eating habits, as they control the food environment at home. Teaching children to make healthy food choices can begin in the kitchen, with parents modeling healthy behaviors and involving children in meal preparation. Eg: Families that cook together tend to make healthier food choices, as seen in research by the American Dietetic Association, where children who participate in preparing meals are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
    • Community Programs and Initiatives: Local community centers and health programs can offer opportunities for children to learn about nutrition outside the school environment. These programs often provide workshops, cooking classes, and activities that teach children how to make healthy choices in a fun, engaging way. Eg: The “Veggie Van” initiative in the U.S. brings fresh produce and nutrition education to underserved communities, helping children learn healthy eating habits in a community-based setting.
    • Public Health Campaigns: Public health campaigns, through media and outreach programs, can educate children on the importance of nutrition. Campaigns targeting children through TV, social media, and even mobile apps can reinforce healthy eating habits at an early age. Eg: The “Change4Life” campaign in the UK targets families and children with educational content about healthy eating and physical activity, encouraging healthy habits through accessible and relatable messaging.

    What are the steps taken by Indian Government?

    • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP 2020 emphasizes integrating nutrition and health education into the school curriculum. It encourages schools to include aspects of nutrition, healthy eating, and sustainable food practices in their teaching.  
    • School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP): This program, launched by the Ministry of Education, aims to improve the overall well-being of children through health and nutrition awareness campaigns, including healthy eating practices, physical activity, and mental health support.  
    • Mid-Day Meal Scheme: This scheme is aimed at improving the nutritional status of children in government and government-aided schools by providing them with free nutritious meals during school hours. The government ensures that the meals meet dietary standards, focusing on providing balanced nutrition.  
    • Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Launched in 2018, Poshan Abhiyaan aims to reduce malnutrition, stunting, and anemia among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The initiative includes awareness campaigns, community-based nutrition interventions, and regular monitoring of children’s health. Eg: Under Poshan Abhiyaan, the government has introduced the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) platform for tracking the health and nutrition of children, which helps in better delivery of nutrition services.
    • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Initiatives: FSSAI has launched programs like “Eat Right India” to educate citizens, including children, about healthy eating habits. This initiative aims to promote balanced diets, food safety, and sustainable eating practices in schools and communities.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Community-Based Nutrition Programs: Strengthen local initiatives and integrate nutrition education into community centers, schools, and healthcare systems to ensure wider access to information and healthier food choices.
    • Increase Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government, private sector, and NGOs to innovate in food production, distribution, and education, ensuring sustainable and nutritious food options are accessible to all.