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Subject: Social Justice

  • “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.

    As per World Bank, Poverty is a “pronounced deprivation in well-being” which includes low incomes and the inability to acquire basic goods and services necessary for survival with dignity.

    Incidence (H): The proportion of the population who are multidimensionally poor (i.e., deprived in a set share of weighted indicators).

    Intensity (A): The average share of deprivations experienced by the multidimensionally poor.

    MPI value (H × A): Combines incidence and intensity, capturing both how many are poor and how deprived they are beyond the income dimension.

    Why Incidence and Intensity Matter More than Income Alone

    Comprehensive Understanding: Income tells how much money people have, while incidence and intensity show what capabilities they lack.

    Reveals Depth of Deprivation: Two people may have the same income, but one may suffer more due to lack of education or sanitation – intensity captures this depth.

    Targets Policy Better: Helps governments identify which dimensions (health, education, housing) need priority investment.

    Explains Poverty Despite Income Growth: India’s poverty rate has declined (2.35% extreme poverty, World Bank 2024), yet hunger, malnutrition, and illiteracy persist – showing income growth doesn’t equal welfare growth.

    Measures Human Development, Not Just Economics: Aligns with Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach – poverty is deprivation of basic freedoms and opportunities, not just low income.

    Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report 2025

    Global Poverty Statistics – 1.1 billion (18.3%) people in acute multidimensional poverty. Majority are young, rural, and living in low human development countries

    MPI Reduction Trends – Of 88 countries with comparable data, 76 saw a decline in MPI at least once

    Multidimensional Poverty in India

    Poverty fell from 55.1% (2005-2006) to 16.4% (2019-2021)

    About 415 million people exited multidimensional poverty

    Poverty and Climate Interlinkages

    32 million people displaced by climate-related shocks in 2022

    309 million poor people live in regions with three or four overlapping climate hazards

    Without strong climate action, extreme poverty could nearly double by 2050

    MPI Across Income Levels

    64.5% of global poor live in middle-income countries

    55.5% in lower-middle-income nations

    9% in upper-middle-income nations

    Common Global Deprivations

    Clean cooking fuel: 970 million deprived

    Adequate housing: 878 million deprived

    Sanitation: 830 million deprived

    Undernutrition: 635 million deprived

    Children out of school: 487 million deprived

    Limitations of the Global MPI

    Data Gaps: Many countries rely on outdated or incomplete household surveys; MPI data lags actual conditions.

    Uniform Weights and Indicators: Equal weighting (health, education, living standards) may not reflect local priorities or contexts.

    Intra-country Variations: National averages mask disparities between rural-urban areas, genders, and regions.

    No Vulnerability Capture: MPI measures current deprivation but not people at risk of falling back into poverty.

    Way Forward

    Social Determinants Approach: Integration of hunger and poverty with nutrition, sanitation (Swachh Bharat), and clean energy (Ujjwala Yojana).

    Adopt data-driven local interventions under Aspirational Districts Programme to target high-burden regions.

    Adopt Brazil’s Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer scheme

    Poverty is the worst form of violence – Mahatma Gandhi.

    A whole of government and whole of society approach is needed to achieve SDG-1

  • National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.

    The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced after 34 years, aims to transform the Indian education system to make it equitable, inclusive, and globally competitive.

    NEP 2020 in alignment with SDG-4

    Free and Universal Education

    NEP promotes free primary and secondary education and universal literacy.

    Targets universalisation of education with 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) by 2030.

    Proposes extension of Right to Education up to 18 years.

    Elimination of Discrimination in Education (SDG 4.5) – Focuses on inclusion of 2 crore out-of-school children into mainstream education.

    Equal Access to Quality Pre-primary Education (SDG 4.2)

    Affordable and Quality Vocational Training for Women (SDG 4.3)

    Qualified and Trained Teachers (SDG 4.c) – NEP proposes National Professional Standards for Teachers and regular training.

    Reorientation and Restructuring of the Indian Education System

    School Education Reforms

    5+3+3+4 model aligns learning outcomes with cognitive development stages.

    National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) ensures universal literacy by Grade 3.

    Integration of vocational training from Class 6 bridges the gap between education and employability.

    Higher Education Transformation

    Vision to create a multidisciplinary and research-driven system with HECIs (Higher Education Commission of India) as a single regulator.

    Establishment of National Research Foundation (NRF) to boost innovation.

    Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) target of 50% by 2035-aligns with SDG-4’s focus on higher education accessibility.

    Technology Integration – Creation of National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and expansion of DIKSHA platform for digital content.

    Focus on Teachers – Teacher education to become integrated and professionalized (B.Ed. as a 4-year degree).

    Challenges

    Federal Issues as Education is a concurrent subject. Eg- TN opposition to 3 language

    Funding Constraints – NEP targets 6% of GDP expenditure on education, but current allocation is around 2.9% (Union Budget 2024-25).

    Digital Divide – over 40% rural households lack internet access (NFHS-5).

    Limited industry-academia linkage hampers employability outcomes of vocational programs. (only 55% employability)

    Learning poverty – Over 70% of Class 3 students cannot read age-appropriate texts (ASER 2025)

    Teacher Shortage – Over 9 lakh vacancies (MoE, 2025); only 15% of teachers trained under NISHTHA

    Poor Infrastructure in Schools – 35% of schools lack reliable electricity and digital tools (UDISE+, 2021-22).

    Way Forward

    Establish State Curriculum Frameworks (SCFs) aligned with NEP timelines.

    Increase Public Investment: Achieve 6% of GDP target with transparent utilization and outcome monitoring.

    Digital Equity: Expand PM eVIDYA, public Wi-Fi, and digital resource centers in rural schools.

    Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage CSR, EdTech collaborations, and local institutions for inclusive access.

    Teacher Empowerment: Strengthen continuous teacher training and monitoring under PARAKH assessment framework.

    If effectively realized, NEP 2020 can transform India from a literacy-focused to a learning and innovation-oriented society, essential for achieving Viksit Bharat @2047.

  • In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

    ​​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.

  • “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchial.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?

    “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” – Simone de Beauvoir

    Despite progress in education, employment, and leadership – from Kalpana Chawla to Nirmala Sitharaman – Indian society continues to be guided by deep-rooted patriarchal norms.

    Women Excelling in Various Fields

    Political Sphere:

    Droupadi Murmu became India’s first tribal woman President (2022).

    Over 46% of PRI representatives are women (MoPR, 2024).

    Economic Sphere: Women-led startups form 47.6% of DPIIT-recognized startups (2023).

    Science and Technology: Nigar Shaji, ISRO project director for Aditya-L1

    Sports: Avani Lekhara (Paralympics), Nikhat Zareen (boxing), and Smriti Mandhana (cricket).

    Academics: Women constitute 43% of STEM graduates

    Patriarchal Attitudes Persisting in Society

    The enduring Devī-Dāsī dichotomy-idolizing women as sacred yet accepting their subjugation-reveals deep-rooted cultural norms that legitimize gender inequality.

    Tokenism in representation: Eg-“Sarpanch Pati” culture undermines effective female leadership

    Unpaid care burden: Women spend 299 mins/day on unpaid work (NSSO), vs. 97 mins by men.

    Triple Burden – Household, Childcare, Work

    Media stereotypes: Gender-biased portrayals reinforce traditional roles.

    ‘Glass ceiling’ – women are less likely to be hired or promoted in sectors such as technology, finance, or engineering. (McKinsey)

    Interventions Needed to Change the Milieu

    Legal and Institutional Reforms

    Gender Sensitisation in Governance: Mandatory training for bureaucrats and police.

    Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): Ensure 33% reservation in legislatures.

    Strengthen POSH Act, 2013: Extend coverage to informal, gig, and agricultural sectors.

    Gender Audit Mechanisms: Periodic audits across ministries, corporates, and universities.

    Establish fast-track courts for crimes against women as per Nirbhaya Committee recommendations.

    Economic and Structural Interventions

    Property and Inheritance Rights: Enforce Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 effectively at the ground level.

    Labour Market Reforms: Provide maternity benefits, crèche facilities, and flexible work arrangements.

    Recognize and Monetize Unpaid Labour: Integrate unpaid domestic work into GDP measurement and social protection systems.

    Social and Cultural Interventions

    Curriculum Reform: Integrate gender-sensitivity and equality lessons from school level.

    Media Accountability: Enforce SC’s 2024 guidelines against gender stereotyping in films and advertisements.

    Community Mobilisation: Engage SHGs, PRIs, and youth clubs to challenge gender norms at local level.

    Faith-Based Dialogue: Partner with religious leaders to reinterpret traditions supporting equality.

    Behavioural and Psychological Change

    Male Inclusion Campaigns: Expand “Men for Women” and “HeForShe” initiatives to rural areas.

    Positive Role Modelling: Showcase success stories of women achievers in governance and innovation.

    Public Awareness Drives: Use Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2.0 to challenge gender bias in families and media.

    Adopting ILO’s 5Rs (recognition, reduction, redistribution, reward, representation) can help in realising Nari Shakti and SDG 5.

  • “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.(150 words)

    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.

  • “Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (150 words)

    India’s demographic dividend can be fully realized only through quality skill development. The scheme provides students opportunities for on-the-job training and financial independence.

    Significance of the Scheme

    Bridging Education-Employment Gap: (55% employability)

    Promoting Financial Inclusion: Encourages economically weaker students to continue education.

    Industry-Ready Workforce: Provides hands-on skills needed for job readiness and entrepreneurship.

    Encouraging Dignity of Labour: Changes social perception towards blue-collar jobs.

    Education – College drop-out rates can come down.

    Exposure and experience- To their subject and field.

    Inculcate soft skills, business acumen in students.

    Challenges in Implementation

    Limited Industry – academia Linkages

    Vocational education is often treated as inferior to mainstream courses.

    Lack of Standardization: Weak alignment with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

    Funding Constraints: Poor financial incentives for students and industries to participate.

    Monitoring and Quality Issues: Weak oversight of apprenticeships and training outcomes.

    Gender Disparities due to mobility constraints, safety concerns, and societal norms

    Way Forward

    Strengthen Industry-Academia Linkages: Implement the Dual System of Training (DST) as in Germany.

    Integrate with PMKVY and National Skill Development Mission for convergence.

    Incentivize Employers: Tax benefits and recognition for industries providing apprenticeship.

    Embed Life Skills & Entrepreneurship Training to enhance employability.

    The ‘Earn While You Learn’ model embodies the vision of NEP 2020 and SDG-4 by promoting skill-based, inclusive education. “Skilling is building a better India. ” – PM Narendra Modi

  • 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.

    Enacted under Article 21A, the RTE Act (2009) aims to provide free and compulsory elementary education to all children aged 6-14 years.

    Key Features of RTE Act

    Fundamental Right: Makes eight years of quality elementary education a justiciable right.

    25% Reservation: Mandates private unaided schools to reserve seats for disadvantaged groups.

    Infrastructure Norms: Sets binding standards for Pupil-Teacher Ratio, buildings, and toilets.

    No-Detention Policy: Prohibits failing or expelling students until Class 8 (subject to later state-level amendments).

    Zero Screening: Bans capitation fees and interview-based admissions for children or parents.

    Teacher Standards: Mandates minimum professional qualifications and clearing of the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).

    Major Incentives Provided

    Mid-Day Meals: Ensures nutritional support to improve attendance and concentration.

    Free Uniforms and Textbooks: Eliminates the direct out-of-pocket costs of schooling.

    Transport Allowances: Provided to children in remote areas lacking a neighborhood school.

    Special Training: Bridge courses for out-of-school children to join age-appropriate classes.

    Infrastructure Grants: Funding for functional girls’ toilets and drinking water facilities.

    Scholarships: Target-based financial aid for SC, ST, and minority students.

    Major Issues in Promoting Incentive-Based System

    Prevalence of Child Labour and lack of awareness about Education importance – Eg- High seasonal dropouts in agriculture-heavy districts of Bihar/UP in 2025. (ASER 2025)

    Marginalized families remain unaware of the 25% EWS quota and online application portals.

    Perverse Incentives: Focus on attendance for meals/books rather than actual learning engagement or outcomes.

    The “Class 9” Cliff: Incentives stop at Class 8, leading to massive dropouts once fees are introduced.

    Learning Poverty Paradox: ASER 2024 reports that only ~43% of Class V students can read a Class II-level text.

    Geographical Exclusion: Over 8.1 million children from urban slums remained out of school in early 2026. (NAC Implementation Report)

    Stigmatization: EWS children in elite schools face social alienation

    Way Forward

    Awareness Campaigns: Use “Nukkad Nataks” and local influencers to explain the “value” of education beyond meals. Eg- “Vidyanjali 2.0” community volunteer programs.

    Extension of Mandate: Extend free education up to Class 12 to prevent the “Class 9 dropout” crisis. (NEP 2020)

    Outcome-Based Incentives: Transition from “enrollment incentives” to “outcome-linked” benefits for schools and students. Eg- NIPUN Bharat performance-linked grants

    Documentation Camps: Organize “on-the-spot” certificate camps in schools for EWS/Caste certificate verification.

    Social Integration Training: Sensitize private school teachers to prevent the stigmatization of EWS students in classrooms.

    Strengthening SMCs: Empower School Management Committees to conduct local social audits of learning quality.

    Public School Revamp: Elevate government school quality (PM SHRI) to make them the “first choice” for parents.

    RTE must shift from a “Right to Enrollment” to a “Right to Learning” by prioritizing awareness over mere fiscal incentives.

  • Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.

    The Indian Constitution envisions a Welfare State under the DPSP (Articles 36-51), mandating the State to ensure social, economic, and political justice through equitable development. However, impact is undermined by macroeconomic instability, particularly high inflation (8%) and unemployment (6-8%).

    Welfare Schemes

    Financial Inclusion

    PM Jan Dhan Yojana -55 Cr accounts opened

    Aadhaar -1.35 Billion generated

    Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) -minimizes leakages.

    Social Security Nets

    Atal Pension Yojana for unorganised sector workers.

    PM Maan Dhan Yojana -old-age income security

    Food Security

    Atal Kalyan Yojana / PMGKAY – 67% population covered

    Mid-Day Meal (PM Poshan)

    Support for Vulnerable Sections

    PM Matru Vandana Yojana

    Ayushman Bharat

    Skills and Training

    PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

    ‘Earn While You Learn’ Scheme

    Social Infrastructure

    Swachh Bharat Mission

    Ujjwala Yojana -10 Cr LPG connections

    Gram Sadak Yojana

    Women and SC-ST empowerment

    PM Mudra Yojana

    Stand-Up India

    The Impact of Inflation on the Poor

    Erosion of Real Income: Inflation disproportionately affects low-income households as food and fuel form over 50% of their consumption basket.

    Reduced Effectiveness of Welfare Schemes: High prices diminish the real value of cash transfers under DBT or PM-Kisan.

    Rural Distress: Inflation widens the rural-urban gap, as agricultural incomes lag behind input costs (fertilizer, diesel).

    Fiscal Stress: Rising subsidy bills due to inflation crowd out developmental spending.

    Unemployment and Its Consequences for the Poor

    Jobless Growth: Despite 7%+ GDP growth, unemployment among youth remains 17.3% (PLFS 2022-23).

    Informalisation: Around 90% of India’s workforce remains in the informal sector, lacking job security or social protection.

    Poverty Persists – 12.9% Indians still multidimensionally poor (NITI Aayog, 2023).

    Gender Disparity: Female LFPR, though improved to 41% (2022-23), still trails male LFPR (78%) and Global Average (48%)

    Welfare Dependency: Lack of stable income pushes people to rely on welfare transfers, which creates fiscal burden and undermines self-reliance.

    Policy Measures for Deft Management

    Inflation Management:

    Strengthen Monetary-Fiscal Coordination between RBI and Ministry of Finance.

    Build food supply buffers via eNAM and cold chain networks.

    Promote energy transition to reduce import-driven inflation.

    Employment Generation:

    Expand PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, and Start-Up India for entrepreneurship.

    Promote labour-intensive sectors – textiles, food processing, tourism. (Economic Survey)

    Urban MGNREGA to reduce urban poverty

    Invest in green and digital jobs through the IndiaAI Mission and National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    Integrate Skill India with industry demand mapping.

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

    Only by aligning macro-economic management with social justice objectives can India realise the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”

  • The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.

    The RPwD Act, 2016 was enacted to align India’s legal framework with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to promote equality, ensure dignity, and protect rights of PwDs.

    Key Features of the RPwD Act, 2016

    Expanded definition: Disability categories increased from 7 to 21, including autism, thalassemia, acid attack survivors, etc.

    Reservation: 4% in government jobs and 5% in higher education for PwDs.

    Accessibility: Mandates barrier-free public infrastructure, ICT accessibility, and universal design.

    Institutional Framework: Establishment of Central and State Advisory Boards, Chief Commissioner and State Commissioners for PwDs.

    Legal Protection: Punishment for discrimination, and provision of special courts to handle disability-related matters.

    Major Issues Hindering Effective Implementation

    Bureaucratic Issues

    Poor Institutional Implementation- As per Department of Empowerment of PwDs, only 23 of 35 States/UTs had constituted State Advisory Boards.

    Inaccessible Infrastructure- Under Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat), only 3% of government buildings were made fully accessible by 2024.

    Tokenistic Compliance- Disability cells in ministries lack funds and trained staff.

    Delay in appointing state commissioners and lack of special courts restrict legal recourse for PwDs.

    Fragmented Coordination- Overlap between ministries (Social Justice, Urban Affairs, HRD) causes slow execution of inclusive programs.

    Citizen Awareness and Social Sensitisation Issues

    Social Stigma and Prejudice- PwDs continue to face exclusion, pity narratives, and stereotypes in media and public life.

    Lack of Awareness Among Citizens and Local Institutions- Rural households and PRIs remain unaware of provisions such as disability certificates or reservation rights.

    Educational Exclusion- Despite RTE inclusion, schools lack special educators and assistive devices; enrolment gaps persist.

    Digital Divide and Communication Barriers- Most government websites and platforms fail web accessibility compliance standards (WCAG).

    Media Misrepresentation- Stereotyping of PwDs continues despite Supreme Court directives (2024) against derogatory portrayals in films and media.

    Way Forward

    Sensitisation – Conduct mandatory disability awareness training for civil servants, teachers, and health workers.

    Grassroots Awareness Campaigns: Use community radio, local NGOs, and ASHA/Aanganwadi networks.

    Institutional Strengthening: Fully operationalize State Advisory Boards, ensure adequate funding and monitoring.

    Accessibility Revolution: Enforce Sugamya Bharat milestones with real-time audits.

    True inclusion demands a “whole-of-society” approach-one that blends policy, participation, and perception change to realise the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”

  • The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy.

    Human Resource Development refers to the strategic investment in education, health, and skills to empower individuals, foster productivity, and ensure sustainable national growth.

    Inadequate Attention to HRD in India

    Stagnant Public Spending: Education spending is ~2.9% of GDP (2024-25), far below the 6% target set by NEP 2020. (Economic Survey 2025-26)

    Learning Poverty Paradox: ASER 2024 reports that only ~43% of Class V students can read a Class II-level text.

    Acute Skill Mismatch: Only 56.35% of Indian graduates were found employable by industry standards in 2026. (India Skills Report 2026)

    Chronic Nutrition Crisis: 35.5% of children under five are stunted, affecting long-term human capital. (NFHS-5)

    Gender Participation Gap: Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) stands at 32.7% compared to over 75% for males. (PLFS 2024-25)

    The Persistence of Digital Divide: Unequal access to tech-enabled learning alienates rural and economically vulnerable students.

    Vocational Stigma: Less than 5% of the workforce has formal vocational training. (NSDC 2024)

    Healthcare Infrastructure Gaps: Public health spending remains around 2.1% of GDP. (NHP recommended 2.5%)

    Mental Health Neglect: Rising student anxiety and workplace burnout are modern HRD barriers.

    Brain Drain: Failure to provide high-end research infrastructure leads to the flight of top-tier talent.

    Measures to Address HRD Inadequacy

    Capability Approach – increase spending on Health (2.5%of GDP) and Education (6% of GDP)

    Foundational Literacy Focus: Prioritize the NIPUN Bharat Mission to ensure every child achieves grade-level competency

    Vocational-Academic Integration: Mandate vocational training in secondary schools to bridge the gap between schooling and work. (NEP, 2020)

    Strengthening Primary Health: Expand the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres to ensure preventative care is a “right.”

    Bridging the Digital Gap: Use BharatNet Phase-III to provide high-speed fiber connectivity to every rural school.

    Empowering Women Workers: Provide safe transport, childcare, and flexible work to boost female participation. Eg: Karnataka’s Shakti Yojan and free higher education for girls.

    Institutionalizing Mental Wellness: Make Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) a core part of the school and office curriculum.

    R&D and Innovation Hubs: Establish the National Research Foundation (NRF) to fund deep-tech innovation and retain high-end talent.

    By integrating health, education, and skills into a holistic HRD framework, India can achieve inclusive growth and the vision of a developed nation by 2047.