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Social Justice

Mains questions by Social Justice microtheme

Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes

Social Justice › Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes

2023

As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar said, “Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.” Development and welfare schemes are pivotal for uplifting vulnerable sections of society.

Welfare Schemes – “Discriminatory”

Targeted Beneficiaries – Eg- Stand-Up India provides loans only to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.

Resource Allocation Bias – Eg- Special Component Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) earmark fixed budgetary percentages.

Political and Regional Disparities – Eg- 90% central funding to North East and Special Category states under CSS

Dependency and Moral Hazard – Overemphasis on welfare transfers can foster dependency rather than empowerment.

Bias and Perceived Discrimination – Non-reserved categories view these schemes as diluting meritocracy and unfair. Eg- Reservation Policies

Welfare Schemes – Corrective, Not Discriminatory

Constitutional Mandate for Positive Discrimination – Articles 15(4) and 46 empower the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes.

Bridge Structural Inequalities and corrects historical injustices. Eg- 106th Amendment Act

Inclusive Human Development – Programs like Ayushman Bharat, PM Poshan, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana address basic capabilities of health, nutrition, and education.

Aligns with the UN SDGs (Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 10: Reduced Inequality) which encourage special focus on vulnerable populations.

Resource Optimization- Limited resources necessitate prioritizing those most in need, ensuring efficient use of funds.

Impact Maximization- Eg- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for affordable housing.

Social Cohesion- Inclusive growth fosters social stability and reduces tensions arising from socio-economic disparities.

Impact

India lifted 248 million people out of multidimensional poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23 (NITI Aayog, MPI Report 2024).

MGNREGA: Women’s participation stands at over 57%, reflecting strong gender inclusion.

PM Ujjwala Yojana – Over 10.5 crore LPG connections provided since 2016

PM Jan Dhan Yojana: 55 crore accounts opened, with 56% held by women

Way Forward

Capability Approach: increase expenditure on Health (2.5% of GDP) and Education (6% of GDP)

Bottom-up Planning – Porto Alegre Brazil Model

Welfare schemes for the vulnerable may appear discriminatory in form, but they are affirmative in purpose to realise the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”

Women Empowerment

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes

2019

The Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 41), envisions a welfare state that ensures social justice and empowerment of vulnerable sections. However, their impact is limited due to design and implementation gaps.

Absence of awareness and active involvement

Policy Making

Poor Representation in Design – Lack of beneficiary consultation leads to top-down, one-size-fits-all schemes. Eg- uniform guidelines under PMAY

Absence of local participation results in policies ignoring grassroots realities.

Misallocation of Priorities- Without local input, funds get diverted to non-core activities. Eg- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao spent 80% of funds on publicity

Political populism and short termism rather than long term capability building approach. Eg- Farm Loan Waiver

Policy Implementation

Limited Awareness of Rights and Entitlements – Eg- MGNREGA workers rarely claim unemployment allowance due to ignorance of provisions.

Poor Coordination – Absence of SHGs, PRIs, and NGOs in execution leads to leakages and inefficiency. Eg- leakages in PDS

Digital and Social Exclusion – Digital illiteracy limits registration and access.

Policy Monitoring

Weak Social Accountability Mechanisms – Eg- Social audits under MGNREGA are irregular in several states.

Absence of Community Oversight- Eg- NFSA grievance redressal committees underperform due to lack of public participation.

Crisis Management

In disasters, schemes fail to respond effectively due to missing local coordination. Eg- Migrant crisis during COVID-19 lockdown

Weak Role of Civil Society in Emergency Delivery- Limited engagement with NGOs reduces last-mile efficiency.

However, there are few success stories

Mid-Day Meal (POSHAN) -Reduced hunger and educational deprivation.

Direct Benefit Transfer saved 3.48 lakh crore of government.

Social Audit of MGNREGA – Andhra Pradesh Model

Participatory Democracy – Peoples Plan Campaign of Kerala

Way Forward

Institutionalising Social Audit and Citizen Charters with legal backing

Strengthening Grassroot democracy through effective devolution and principle of subsidiarity

Bottom-up Planning – Porto Alegre Brazil Model

Inclusive Development- Involve SHGs, and CSOs in design, execution, and feedback.

Ensuring “people-centric governance” through information, inclusion, and participation aligns with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes

2014

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes

2013

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Health

Social Justice › Health

2024

The Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 38, 39, 42, and 47) mandate the State to ensure the health and well-being of all citizens. However, increasing marketisation of healthcare has led to inequality and exclusion, necessitating proactive state intervention.

Adverse Impacts of Marketisation

High OOPE: Nearly 47% of health expenditure in India is borne out-of-pocket (NHA 2023).

Around 75% of private hospitals are located in urban areas, creating rural-urban disparities

Profit Orientation: Commercial motives undermine equity and quality.

Violation of Right to Health under Article 21 (Olga Tellis Case)

Neglect of Preventive and Primary Care – Private sector prioritises curative and high-profit specialities

Erosion of Equity and Ethics: Healthcare becomes a commodity

Weak Regulation and Accountability leads to price inflation, quackery, and malpractice.

Brain Drain from Public Sector due to better pay and infrastructure in private sector

Role of the State

As per Article 38 and 47, the State must promote public health and ensure equitable access.

Ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC): State intervention is key to fulfilling SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being) and ensuring healthcare equity.

Correcting Market Failures: Government must act as a regulator and service provider, ensuring affordability, quality, and inclusivity.

Measures to Enhance Reach of Public Healthcare at the Grassroots Level

Upgrade Sub-Centres, PHCs, and CHCs under the Ayushman Bharat. Ensure diagnostic labs, maternity wards, and telemedicine facilities at PHC level.

Raise public health spending to 2.5% of GDP (National Health Policy 2017). Prioritise spending on rural and preventive healthcare.

Recruit and train ASHA, ANM, and community health officers with proper incentives and infrastructure.

Implement transparent PPPs for tertiary healthcare in district hospitals (NITI Aayog)

Expand Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable drugs. Mandate prescription of generic medicines.

Decentralised Health Governance – Empower Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies for health planning, awareness, and monitoring. (Kerala Model)

Preventive Health – Strengthen immunisation, sanitation, and nutrition programmes (e.g., POSHAN Abhiyaan, Swachh Bharat).

Promote health literacy through ASHA-led campaigns.

Expand telemedicine (eSanjeevani) to connect rural PHCs with urban specialists.

Integrate AYUSH systems with allopathic care at PHC level for holistic wellness.

By strengthening primary care, the State can transform healthcare into a rights-based, inclusive, and sustainable system, achieving the goal of “Swastha Bharat, Samriddh Bharat.”

Issues Related to Poverty and Hunger

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Health

2021

The Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 38, 39, 42, and 47) mandate the State to ensure the health and well-being of all citizens.

Moral Imperative of the Welfare State

Right to Health forms part of Article 21 (Right to Life)

Ensuring accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare upholds social justice and human dignity.

Primary healthcare represents state accountability towards vulnerable groups, fulfilling the ethos of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Reduces out of pocket expenditure and vicious cycle of poverty

Primary Health as a Precondition for Sustainable Development

SDG-3 emphasizes ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all.

Social Development – Reduces disease burden, enhances productivity, and improves quality of life. Eg- Reduction in IMR (24) and MMR (97)

Economic Development – World Bank (2023):

Strong primary healthcare ensures better productivity, improved livelihoods, and universal healthcare access.

Institutional Sustainability – Strengthens local governance and community participation in health planning. Eg- ASHA workers

Supported by the Astana Declaration and National Health Policy 2017, which envisions comprehensive and affordable healthcare.

Key Challenges

India spends only 1.9% of GDP on healthcare (Economic Survey 2024), far below the WHO’s recommendation of 2.5%.

Overemphasis on tertiary care- only 15% of public funds go to primary care

Human resource shortage: Shortfall of 76% doctors at PHCs (RHS 2023).

Urban-Rural Disparities (Spatial Inequity) – only 33% of doctors and 25% of hospital beds in rural areas.

Way Forward

Increase Public Health Expenditure to 2.5% of GDP as per National Health Policy 2017.

Decentralize Planning and Monitoring via Panchayati Raj Institutions. (Kerala Model)

Strengthen ASHAs, ANMs, and geriatric caregivers at village level.

Use of telemedicine (eSanjeevani) and digital records for continuum of care.

Strong primary and preventive healthcare is essential to achieve equitable and sustainable development and achieve Viksit Bharat @2047.

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Health

2020

Social development rests on improving human well-being, equity, and inclusivity. Health care is a key determinant of human capital formation and social progress.

Importance of Geriatric Care

India’s elderly (60+ years) population is projected to reach 19.5% by 2050 (UNFPA).

A larger elderly population implies growing dependency ratios and burden on families and social welfare

Healthy and active elderly contribute to knowledge transfer, social cohesion, and community engagement.

Reduces healthcare expenditure through preventive and primary care, enhancing productivity of caregivers.

Healthy ageing aligns with the SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Key Interventions

National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) – dedicated geriatric units in district hospitals.

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) – integrated senior citizen welfare.

Ayushman Bharat – provides insurance for elderly with chronic diseases.

Importance of Maternal Healthcare

Foundation of Human Development – Maternal health directly influences infant mortality, child nutrition, and family welfare.

Promotes inter-generational well-being, preventing malnutrition and anaemia cycles.

Economic Impact – Reduces healthcare costs, improves labour participation of women,

Healthier mothers mean healthier children and better learning outcomes, strengthening the human capital base.

Key Interventions

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) – incentives for institutional deliveries and nutrition.

POSHAN 2.0 – integration of health and nutrition for pregnant and lactating women.

LaQshya and SUMAN – focus on quality maternal and newborn care.

Challenges in Maternal and Geriatric Healthcare

Shortage of geriatric specialists, gynaecologists, and ASHA workers in rural areas.

Regional Disparities – Maternal mortality in Assam (195) vs. Kerala (19).

Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) remains 40%, pushing poor households into poverty.

Focus remains on curative rather than preventive health.

Social and Cultural Barriers

Patriarchal norms restrict women’s access to healthcare and nutrition.

Elderly often face neglect, isolation, and financial insecurity.

Way Forward

Increase Public Health Expenditure to 2.5% of GDP as per National Health Policy 2017.

Strengthen Home-Based Care Models and palliative services for the elderly.

Decentralize Planning and Monitoring via Panchayati Raj Institutions. (Kerala Model)

Strengthen ASHAs, ANMs, and geriatric caregivers at village level.

Use of telemedicine (eSanjeevani) and digital records for continuum of care.

A life-cycle approach to health is essential to achieve equitable and sustainable development and achieve Viksit Bharat @2047.

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Health

2018

The goal of ‘Health for All’, as envisioned in the Alma-Ata Declaration (1978) and reinforced through National Health Policy 2017, emphasizes universal, equitable, and accessible healthcare.

Importance of Local Community-Level Healthcare Interventions

Accessibility and Inclusivity – Brings primary healthcare closer to grassroot and reduces dependency on overburdened tertiary hospitals. Eg- Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

Preventive and Promotive Health – Community health workers (e.g., ASHA, Anganwadi, ANM) enable early detection, immunization, maternal and child care.

Local interventions are more trust-based, improving adoption of health services. Eg- ASHA workers act as a bridge between local communities and formal healthcare systems

Cost-Effectiveness – Community-based preventive healthcare reduces out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). (Presently at 40%)

Empowering Local Governance – Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) ensure decentralized planning and monitoring.

Integration of Traditional and Modern Systems – Incorporates AYUSH practices alongside allopathy to widen reach and enhance preventive health.

Empowering Women and Local Workforce – ASHAs and Anganwadi workers-over 10 lakh women-act as frontline caregivers.

Community health networks enable rapid disease surveillance and emergency response. Eg- ASHAs and PRIs played a critical role in contact tracing during COVID-19

Continuous community engagement increases awareness of disease prevention, hygiene, family planning, and nutrition.

Key Challenges

Shortage of trained manpower and high attrition among ASHA and ANM workers.

Inadequate infrastructure at Sub-Centres and PHCs.

Weak inter-sectoral convergence (between health, sanitation, and nutrition departments).

Limited community participation due to lack of awareness and ownership.

Way Forward

Strengthen Primary Health Infrastructure: Upgrade all 1.5 lakh HWCs with telemedicine and diagnostics.

Capacity Building: Continuous training and performance-based incentives for ASHA and ANM workers.

Community Ownership: Empower Panchayats and SHGs in planning and monitoring local health outcomes.

Technology Integration: Use eSanjeevani, digital health IDs, and mobile-based health tracking.

Social Determinants Approach: Integrate health with nutrition, sanitation (Swachh Bharat), and clean energy (Ujjwala Yojana).

Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by strengthening local healthcare will help realize the vision of “Swasth Bharat – Samriddh Bharat.”

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Health

2017

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.
Social Justice › Health

2015

Answer

Introduction: Briefly define the key concept in the question and set the context with a relevant fact, report or constitutional provision.

Body: Examine the issue across 3–4 dimensions — constitutional, political, administrative and social. Support each point with an example, a committee recommendation or a Supreme Court judgment.

Challenges: Highlight the main gaps or criticisms, with data where possible.

Way forward: Suggest practical, specific reforms drawn from expert committees and best practices.

Conclusion: Close with a balanced, forward-looking statement that links back to the question.

Social Justice

Efficacy of Welfare and Development Schemes

Welfare Schemes – “Discriminatory”

Welfare Schemes – Corrective, Not Discriminatory

Women Empowerment

Answer

Policy Making

Policy Implementation

Policy Monitoring

Crisis Management

Answer

Answer

Answer

Health

Adverse Impacts of Marketisation

Role of the State

Measures to Enhance Reach of Public Healthcare at the Grassroots Level

Issues Related to Poverty and Hunger

Answer

Moral Imperative of the Welfare State

Primary Health as a Precondition for Sustainable Development

Key Challenges

Way Forward

Answer

Importance of Geriatric Care

Key Interventions

Importance of Maternal Healthcare

Key Interventions

Challenges in Maternal and Geriatric Healthcare

Way Forward

Answer

Importance of Local Community-Level Healthcare Interventions

Key Challenges

Way Forward

Answer

Answer

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