Dec-16SI Flashcards
Dec-16SI-Index
7.1. Self-Fulfilling Equilibrium
7.2. The Janani Suraksha Yojana
7.3. India Social Development Report 2016
7.4. 100 Million for 100 Million Campaign
7.5. Sterilisation Initiative
7.6. National Index for Performance of Health Outcomes
7.7. Swasthya Raksha Programme
7.8. Integrated Schools
7.9. Revamped Bonded Labour Scheme, 2016
7.10. Mother Language as Medium of Instruction in
School
7.11. Nayi Roshni Scheme
7.12. Universal Education Goals of India
7.13. Swacch Swasth SaRvatra
7.14. Indian Institute of Skills
7.15. Mahila Police Volunteer
7.1. SELF-FULFILLING EQUILIBRIUM
Why in news?
A paper was presented in a conference on “Issues in Economic Theory and Policy” which claimed that socio-religious communities (SRC) get trapped in a self-fulfilling equilibrium.
What is it?
It refers to a phenomenon in which identity of persons belonging to a SRC gets remoulded to their social image conforming to their perceived backwardness and thus perpetuates initial social disparities.
Explanation
For instance, take case of Educational Attainment: 64th Round of NSSO Survey on education revealed that nearly one-fourth of Muslim students study in unrecognised schools, 64% study in schools providing subsidised education, while only 15% are enrolled in English medium schools.
This is also true for SCs and STs.
These figures indicate that Muslims, SCs and STs lag behind Hindu Forward Caste not only in terms of educational attainment but also in terms of quality of education.
This leads to identity based disparity that persons from these SRCs have lower educational attainment and have lower skills.
Due to above, employers tend to not prefer persons from these groups and also give lower salary which leads to lower access to resources for next generation, thus over time automatically conforming to the notion that these communities have lower skills.
This social identity based discrimination is also reflected in concentration of SCs, STs and Muslims in low average earning occupations.
Conclusion
The Indian society has been deeply divisive, with social identity-based disparities being perpetuated over centuries.
To break this cycle, reliance on traditional “pro-poor” policies is not sufficient as they address only economy related poverty barriers and it doesn’t caters to social related barriers.
Policies should target barriers related to social perceptions about inefficiency of an entire community and pessimism about investments in human capital through an appropriate package of affirmative action policies.
In this context reservation, though criticized, has provided role models and information pathways that are important in addressing pessimism about prospects in the labour market and breaking inter-generational poverty traps.
Affirmative action directed towards ensuring at least a minimal access to better educational institutes and job networks would help in breaking the current self-fulfilling equilibrium.
7.2. THE JANANI SURAKSHA YOJANA
Why in News?
As per a study the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) achieved a successful feat of 22% increase in women delivering in government hospitals between 2004 and 2014.
Also, It has been announced Rajasthan that the beneficiaries of the JSY and the Rajshree Yojana of Rajasthan will be given their payments through the online mode.
About the study
The study, titled Health and Morbidity in India: 2004-2014, is based on analysis of the 60th and 71st round of National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) data.
The study found that fertility rates in Indian women have steadily declined (from 2004 when it was 2.88 per woman to 2.4 in 2014).
JSY led to a 15 per cent increase in institutional childbirth with a commensurate decline in deliveries at home. The data also shows that there is a tremendous increase of over 22 per cent in deliveries in government hospitals.
It was also found that as much as 75 per cent of outpatient (OPD) care and 55 percent inpatient (IPD) care in India was from private hospitals in 2014.
Compared to a rural household, an urban household spends five times more on diagnostics, 2.6 times more on medicines and 2.4 times more on doctors’ fees.
About Janani Suraksha Yojana
The scheme was launched in 2005.
It is the world’s biggest conditional cash-transfer scheme, aimed to promote institutional delivery instead of delivering babies at home.
It aims to improve India’s infant and maternal mortality rates.
Under the scheme pregnant women choosing to deliver at the hospital and Accredited Social Health Activist who motivated her to take the decision get cash incentives — Rs.1,400 for the woman and Rs.600 for the ASHA in rural areas and Rs.1,000 and Rs.200 respectively in urban areas.
The cash incentive was intended to reduce financial barriers to accessing institutional delivery.
7.3. INDIA SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2016
Why in News?
The Council of Social Development recently released India Social Development Report 2016.
About the report
The theme of the report is “ Disability Rights Perspective “ addressing the fundamental elements of non-derogable rights of the differently abled people.
The report drew on data from the Census, the NSS, India
Human Development Survey, and the National Family Health Survey.
Findings of the report
PWDs in India are 2.2% of population where men formed 56% of the PWDs. Also 70% of the disabled population was rural.
45% of all PWDs in India are illiterate. 38% of all male PWDs and 55% of all female PWDs are illiterate. For each category of disability, a greater proportion of women are illiterate than men
Out of total out of school children in primary education, one-third are children with disabilities.
Movement disability in children went down by 11 percent because of polio immunization program.
‘Mental illness’ constituted the lowest proportion, this may be a result of under-reporting due to the stigmatising nature of psycho-social disabilities, coupled with poor diagnoses
Sikkim, Odisha, J&K and Lakshadweep had the highest percent of disability, while Tamil Nadu, Assam and Delhi had the lowest proportions of the PWDs.
At the national level, only 2% of the PWDs were enrolled in any vocational course. Lack of social services and transport were the top obstacles to the PWDs accessing health care facilities.
Significance
It provides adequate data for government to prepare a databank for disabled population and prepare adequate niche schemes for men, women, children and elderly. It will also help fulfill obligations of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of which India is also a signatory.
Box–Council of Social Development
It is a society registered under societies act 1860.
It is a research and advocacy institution (like a think tank) that has the objective of social development with equality and justice.
It was established in 1962. It was founded by Durgabhai Deshmukh.
7.5. STERILISATION INITIATIVE
Why in News?
The government observed ‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ between November 21 and December 4, 2016.
Aim of the initiative
The aim of the ‘‘Vasectomy Fortnight’ was to
create awareness about male sterilisation and to facilitate district administrations reach sterilisation targets through campaigns.
The government also aims to achieve ‘replacement level fertility’ of 2.1 through such initiatives (presently it is 2.3). It will also be a step in the direction of fulfilling objectives of the National population policy.
Significance of the initiative
Of the 40 lakh sterilisation procedures done in 2014-15, vasectomies accounted for only 1.9%.
For men, concerns of losing sexual potency and physical vigour make them unwilling to discuss vasectomy
Lack of gender equality, vulnerability of women and early marriages makes females agreeable to mass sterilisation programmes promoting hysterectomies and tubectomies.
NFHS-4 has found out that female sterilisation is the first choice for family planning in India. Also female sterilization is more dangerous than compared to male sterilisations which also led to 2014 female deaths in Chattisgarh in medical camps.
National policy of women envisages shifting focus of the country’s family planning programme to male sterilisations from presently female dominated focus.
Therefore the ‘Vasectomy fortnight’ initiative is a step towards removing any superstitions in male community and promote a sustainable growth of population.
Way forward
Government needs to change focus from a target based population control that it follows presently to a more informative and counselling based approach and even taking the help from multiple stakeholders like NGOs etc.
Box–1-What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a form of birth control for men where health care provider closes or blocks the tubes that carry sperm. When the tubes are closed, sperm cannot leave a man’s body and prevents pregnancy. It is meant to be permanent.
Box–2-National Population policy 2000, Objectives
The immediate objective was to meet the unmet needs for contraception, health infrastructure and manpower, and integrated service delivery for basic reproductive and child health care.
The medium-term objective was to bring TFR to replacement levels by 2010
In the long term, it targeted a stable population by 2045, ‘at a level consistent with the requirements of sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
7.6. NATIONAL INDEX FOR PERFORMANCE OF HEALTH OUTCOMES
Why in news?
NITI Aayog launched the index on “Performance of Health Outcomes”.
About the index
Index is developed with technical assistance from World Bank.
It will help rank the states on the basis of their performance
on measurable health parameters.
Rationale behind this Index
India has committed to SDG 2030 which also include Goal 3
related to ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-
being for all at all ages.
Even National Development Agenda 2015 identified Health (others areas were Education, Nutrition, Women and Children) as priority sector. To achieve the agenda it was imperative to take rapid steps.
Though it is a shared responsibility of both Centre and State, Health being a state subject, its implementation largely lies with the state.
So, in order to motivate states to take corrective measures by providing true picture of ground reality and to improve health outcomes in India, NITI Aayog came up with this index.
Salient features of the index
It comprises of a set of indicators grouped into relevant domains and sub-domains such as Health outcomes, Governance & Information and Key inputs/processes.
The maximum weightage is awarded to measurable Health outcomes.
Indicators have been selected based on their continuous availability of the data.
Composite index would be calculated and any change in index from base year to reference year will show incremental improvement in that state.
It will rank various States on the basis of their performance on measurable health indicators like infant mortality rate, sex ratio at birth and functional 24x7 public health centres.
Indicators have been selected based on their periodic availability through existing data sources like SRS etc.
This index aims to bring improvements in the social sector outcomes, which have not kept pace with the economic growth in India.
Monitorable indicators that form a part of Sustainable Development Goal in Health have been included in order to align these initiatives.
Data will be entered and results published on a dynamic web portal hosted by NITI Aayog.
The index is meant to capture the annual incremental improvements by States, rather than focus on historical achievements.
Impact
It will be used to improve health outcomes and improve data collection systems.
It will assist in State level performance monitoring, serve as an input to performance based incentives and improve health outcomes, also meeting the citizens’ expectations.
Box–According to Global Burden Disease (GBD) 2013 India alone accounts for 27% of neo natal disease, 23% of infant deaths and 23% of TB cases worldwide.
Non communicable diseases are emerging as new threat to country’s population contributing to 52% of all disease burden and 60 % deaths in the country as per GBD 2013 report.
7.7. SWASTHYA RAKSHA PROGRAMME
Why in news?
AYUSH ministry has launched Swasthya Raksha Yojana recently to promote health and health education in rural villages.
About the programme
It has been launched on the lines of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan but with a focus on traditional healthcare services.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) are implementing agencies.
It will be implemented in selected villages in different districts.
Objectives of the programme
To organize Swasthya Rakshan OPDs, Swasthya Parikshan Camps and Health/Hygiene awareness programme.
Awareness about cleanliness of domestic surroundings and environment.
Provide medical aid/incidental support in the adopted Colonies/villages.
Documentation of demographic information, food habits, hygiene conditions, seasons, lifestyle etc., incidence/prevalence of disease and their relation to the incidence of disease.
Assessment of health status and propagation of Ayurvedic concept of pathya-apathya and extension of health care services.
Government Initiatives towards the programme
Developed IEC material, mass campaigning through rallies, Nukkad Nataks focussing on personal, environmental and social hygiene.
Swasthya Rakshan OPDs and Swasthya Parikshan Camps organized in each village on weekly basis.
Survey based on Individual Health screening to identify prevalent diseases.
Significance of the initiative
With promotion of health education and giving AYUSH facilities on scientific lines to the citizens of the nation, the government has taken a welcome step to lower the preventable deaths due to lack of hygiene.
BoxPathya-Apathya
The aahar-vihar which is beneficial and nutritional to the body and also give the happiness to the mind is known as Pathya and opposite to that is known as Apathya.
It is a curative factor in Ayurveda.–
7.8. INTEGRATED SCHOOLS
Why in News
Two years have passed since Rajasthan government had started integrated schools by merging primary and secondary schools in the same compound which are called “Adarsh” schools.
These schools provide students access to one institution that offers education from Classes I to XII.
Background
Rajasthan was facing a situation where there were nearly 1.83 primary schools per gram panchayat but only 0.37 secondary schools per gram panchayat, thus access to schools at secondary level was severely less.
Also many schools did not have infrastructure in the form of lack of classrooms, benches etc.
Primary schools were supervised by block level officers with around 250-300 schools under each officers making them inaccessible by parents if they had any problem with the school.
Benefits
Rationalization of number of schools in the area leading to better availability of infrastructure and better accessibility to schools.
Lessen the problem of teacher shortage.
Trust in the public schools has increased as reflected in the return of 15 lakh students to the public school system reversing earlier trend.
66 per cent of students in the government system are now transitioning to Class XI as opposed to 50 per cent previously.
Conclusion
This initiative has shown an innovative approach which can be emulated in other states facing similar problems.
7.9. REVAMPED BONDED LABOUR SCHEME, 2016
Why in news?
Government has revamped the Central Sponsored Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers known as “Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2016”.
Background
As per Article 23 of Indian Constitution specific provision declaring
traffic in human beings, begar and similar forms of forced labour is
made a punishable offence.
To pursue above objective law named Bonded Labour System
(Abolition) Act, 1976 was enacted.
The act contains provisions for economic and social rehabilitation
of freed bonded labourers and protection under forced eviction.
It is the State government responsibility to identify, release and
Rehabilitate bonded labour.
Need for Revision of earlier scheme?
There was lack of regular monitoring including court cases and
convictions.
Inadequate and unattractive Rahabilation packages.
Scheme did not address the needs of special category beneficiaries like differently abled, children and women rescued from trafficking and sexual exploitation including prostitution, trans-genders, etc.
Lack of institutionalized mechanism to keep an account of the other major benefits listed in the existing scheme such as agricultural land, dwelling unit, skill training, education etc.
Key Features of the Scheme
The revised scheme is a Central Sector Scheme (earlier it was central sponsored scheme). So the State Government is not required to pay any matching contribution for the purpose of cash rehabilitation assistance.
Survey: Rs 4.50 lakh will be provided per district for survey of bonded labourers.
Financial assistance:
One lakh per adult male beneficiary.
2 lakh for special category beneficiaries such as orphan children, women, etc.
3 lakh in cases of bonded or forced labour involving extreme cases of deprivation or marginalization such as trans-genders or women or children rescued from brothels etc.
Release of rehabilitation assistance is linked to conviction of accused.
Bonded Labour Rehabilitation Fund: it will be created at District level by each State with a permanent corpus of at least Rs. 10 lakh at the disposal of the District Magistrate for extending immediate help to the released bonded labourers.
Funding source: Labour and employment ministry will release the fund to District National Child Labour Project Society which in turn will release the fund to implementing agencies including the district administration.
The benefits prescribed above shall be, in addition to, other benefits for which the beneficiary is entitled to under other such schemes.
Way forward
It is so deeply embedded in India’s socio-economic culture marked by caste class relations that it requires a holistic approach for law enforcement as well as comprehensive rehabilitation mechanism for social, psychological, educational and economic rehabilitation.
Generating awareness, holding public debate primarily focusing on changing mindset of the people followed by effective implementation of scheme are some of steps for total annihilation of this barbaric practice.
Box–1-BONDED LABOUR definition as per ILO convention, 1954 (Article 2): All work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily.
Box–2-As per Global slavery Index 2016 by Walk free foundation of Australia, India has the highest number of modern slavery in the world in absolute numbers totaling 18.35 million.
Most of the Bonded Labour comprises of socially and economically weaker sections of society like SC’s, ST’s, Poor etc.
—Fig—
7.10. MOTHER LANGUAGE AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOL
Why in news
Recently, Karnataka government wants union government to make amendment in constitution empowering states to make mother language compulsory in primary school.
Advantages of teaching in mother tongue
Education in the mother tongue helps students absorb subjects quickly.
Children are more likely to enroll and succeed in school.
Children tend to develop better thinking skills in formative years.
Improved learning outcomes during primary school.
Parents are more likely to participate in their children’s learning.
Protecting and preserving local languages.
Expand the reach of education as it helps rural children who are not familiar with English language.
Disadvantages of teaching in mother tongue
Students with no English background will face difficulty transiting to higher education like engineering/ medical, etc where teachings are mostly in English.
English is largely recognized as a universal language so if students are taught in mother tongue they will face problems connecting with the world as English always acts like a bridging language.
In this fluid world one should be well versed with English language to grab opportunities in life.
Way ahead
There should be judicious blend of English and mother tongue for a child which not only will help him/her grab the subjects but also prepare him/her to face hostile world outside one’s comfort zone.
Box–Article 350A of Indian constitution which deals with interest of Linguistic Minorities says that every state and local authority must provide adequate facilities for instructions in local language at primary stage and President is empowered to issue direction for the same.
7.11. NAYI ROSHNI SCHEME
Why in News?
NITI Aayog conducted an evaluation study on Nai Roshni Scheme in 2015-16 and the report was presented in June 2016.
About the Scheme
The Nai Roshni scheme is a leadership development programme launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2012-13.
The scheme has been implemented through NGOs, civil societies and government institutions.
The scheme also includes Educational Programmes, Health and Hygiene, Swacch Bharat, Financial Literacy, Life Skills, Legal Rights of Women, Digital Literacy, Advocacy for social and behavioural change.
Minority women can apply for training online as well.
Data on training modules is available for public domain.
The scheme helps in fighting different social stigmas such as poverty.
It empowers the minority women to stand up for their rights.
About the Study
The main objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the scheme on minority and to identify the setbacks faced in the implementation of the scheme.
The study covered 15 districts, 30 blocks, 87 villages, 27 NGOs spread over 8 states namely Assam, West Bengal, Punjab, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
As per study the scheme has been successful in instilling confidence and leadership skills in minority women.
Trained women are utilizing their knowledge to help their families and neighbours in raising their essential demands and claims from various government authorities.
Recommendations of the Study
Taking up more awareness programmes about the scheme.
Inclusion of women from the general category. The scheme provides for the selection of 25% non-minority women.
Longer training periods.
Including training modules on laws protecting interest on women.
Including Persons with Disabilities in the training module.
7.12. UNIVERSAL EDUCATION GOALS OF INDIA
Why in News?
In its Global Monitoring Report, 2016, UNESCO claimed that India will achieve
Universal primary education by 2050.
Universal lower secondary education (grades 6-8 in case of India) by 2060
Universal upper secondary education (grades 9-12 in case of India) by 2085.
UNESCO also informed that these projections have been made on past trends in education in India and that it has not involved the HRD ministry in this exercise.
Critical Analysis of the Report
The statements and predictions made in the UNESCO Report are based on past linear trends and assumptions.
It is expected that in view of the increased emphasis on programmatic initiatives aimed at reducing out of school children, current new policy and targeted interventions India may be able to achieve the goals of universal primary, lower
secondary and secondary education much earlier.
Already near universal access and enrolment has been achieved at the primary and upper primary level.
This has been achieved through the implementation of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 and the centrally sponsored scheme of Sarva Shikshya Abhiyan.
The national average of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) has also increased over the years.
Box–1-Meaning of Universal Access to Education
Universal access to education refers to the opportunity for an individual to attend school despite his caste, gender, and ethnicity.
Box–2-Current Status: As per UDISE 2014-15
The Gross Enrolment Ratio at primary and upper primary level is 100.08% and 91.24% respectively.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio at secondary and higher secondary level is 78.51% and 54.21% respectively.
Also 97% and 96.6% habitations have been covered with primary and under primary schools.
7.13. SWACCH SWASTH SARVATRA
Why in News?
It is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The objective of this programme is to build on and manifest the achievements of two different schemes
Swacch Bharat Mission by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
Kayakalp of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Another joint initiative Swasth Bacche Swasth Bharat was also launched at the same event.
Features
The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has declared over 700 blocks as Open Defecation Free (ODF). Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF blocks of the country will get Rs 10 lakhs to focus on sanitation and hygiene
Under Kayakalp, one Primary Health Centre (PHCs) in each district is awarded for meeting quality standards including sanitation and hygiene.
The Gram Panchayat under which PHC is awarded will be noted and special focus will be given to make it ODF under SBM.
Significance
Channeling the achievement of Kayakalp and SBM can help achieve better sanitation and hygiene levels.
Focusing on clean and hygienic CHCs will help avoid communicable diseases.
7.14. INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SKILLS
Why in News?
PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Indian Institute of Skills in Kanpur in December 2016.
The institute was conceptualised after Narendra Modi’s visit top Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education.
The institute is first of a kind in the country and is opened by the Ministry of Skill in joint partnership with Institute of Technical Education, Singapore.
PM Narendra Modi also launched a number of skill development initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras and Drivers’ Training Institute.
Significance
The Indian Institute of Skills is expected to be an effective platform for the youth to make themselves employable and self-sustainable.
7.15. MAHILA POLICE VOLUNTEER
Why in News?
Haryana became the first state to adopt the Mahila Police Volunteer Initiative by launching the scheme in Karnal and Mahendragarh districts.
The state has inducted the first batch of 1000 Mahila Police volunteers.
More About the Scheme
Mahila Police Volunteer Initiative is a joint initiative between Ministry of Women & Child Development and Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
This initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Women & Child Development is to create a safe and enabling environment for women.
The primary job of these women volunteers is to keep an eye on situations where women in the village are harassed or their rights and entitlements are denied or their development is prevented.
One Mahila Police Volunteer per Gram Panchayat is to be assigned under this scheme.
MPV will be chosen through a laid out procedure from among the empowered, responsible, socially aware women who will facilitate police outreach in cases of gender concerns.
Significance
It will create a link between the police authorities and local communities at the village level through women volunteers.
It will give village women the opportunity to voice their grievances without the fear of gender bias.
