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Approach Answer: General Studies Mains Mock Test 2 615 (2015)

All the questions are compulsory and carry 12.5 marks each. NOT MORE THAN 200 WORDS.
1.

There has been a great deal of soul-searching in India over the fact that none of its universities make it
to the top 200 of the World University Rankings. What can be the reason behind such performance by
Indian universities on the global level? Is it justified to evaluate Indian universities on the basis of
parameters involved in such rankings? What changes are required to improve their performance in the
context of global rankings?

Approach:

Firstly, enumerate briefly the parameters employed by World University rankings drawing a link
with performance of Indian Universities on these parameters. The aim is to show what is lacking
in Indian context as far as the ranking parameters are concerned.
Secondly, the mismatch of these rankings with the specificities of Indian context has to be
brought out. In sum a brief critique of these rankings emanating from domestic debates.
Finally, enumerate suggestions in the context of the first part of the answer.

Answer:
The performance of Indian universities in World University Rankings has evoked much debate in recent
times. Rankings by Times Higher Education or QS world generally employ the following parameters for
evaluation of universities.

Teaching: It includes the academic reputation and learning environment of an institute.

Research: Volume of citations, research volume, etc.
International outlook: Number of overseas students and international faculty ratio.
Infrastructure: Labs, Lectures halls, other building and hostels.

Though, some Indian universities score better on academic reputation, on the other parameters the poor
performance can be attributed to:

Lack of corpus of research grants comparable to global standards either form government or
corporate sources.
Unlike Europe or America, India lacks voluminous research output from university systems.
Instead the reliance has been on institutions specialising in technology, management, sciences or
medicine e.g. IITs in Engineering, IIMs in management etc.
Lacunae in recruitment and retention of students as well as faculties from abroad.
The Indian Universities are younger in provenance as compared to the top ranking universities
from the UK or USA.

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However, another strand of the debate, given the specificities of Indian scenario, is the relevance of
these rankings. These rankings fail to take into consideration various factors, notably the contribution to
nation-building e.g. IIT-Madrass participation in the recent GSLV launch and the development of the
crew module.
Nonetheless, these rankings have become a marker of standards and image globally. Hence, in this
context in order to improve domestically and compete globally following steps can be taken:

Generating a healthy competition by incentivising good performance i.e. treating universities on

the basis of their performance and output.
Identifying and empowering 50 top universities in every possible manner to seek global
excellence as has been done by Russia.
Granting extensive autonomy to the universities in terms of curriculum, recruitment, tenure and
agenda setting with greater say of the faculty and students.
Increasing funding, including corporate funding, for research in Indian universities.
Incentivising research and publications among faculty members.
Attracting international students and faculties.

While difference in opinions exist between the State agencies and the Voluntary Organizations, the
State recognizes the need to preserve, protect and nurture an enabling environment for the
development of the Voluntary sector. Explain in context of the National Policy on the Voluntary sector.

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Thus, changes are required at the level of policymaking, regulation and governance in higher education
for Indian universities to achieve global excellence and higher rankings.

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A brief introduction about the importance of the role played by the VOs.
Explain the statement in question about the difference in opinions/methods between the VOs and
State agencies on various issues.
Thereafter, mention the role of promotion of VOs by the government and how this can be seen in the
light of National Policy in this area
Highlight the pro-active role of the Govt. towards the Voluntary Sector. These include:

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Partnership in Development
Establishing an Enabling Environment for the Voluntary Sector
Encouraging Self-regulation to ensure transparent and accountable systems of governance and
management of VOs.

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Conclude the answer on a positive note.

You may give in certain examples such as the Anti-Kundakulam protest by PMANE etc.
Caution: Avoid bluntly putting down the objectives of the National Policy on Voluntary Sector.

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Approach:

The country faces a number of complex problems that require adaptive, multi-sectoral solutions
where sustained social mobilization is particularly important.
Though there exist difference of opinions and working amongst the two entities, such areas urgently
require strategic collaboration between the Government and VOs. The voluntary sector serves an
effective non-political link between the people and the Government. Both of them differ in their
opinions on a number of issues ranging from environment, resource utilization, displacement of
people etc.
National Policy on the Voluntary Sector-2007 recognizes three instruments of partnership, viz., (i)
consultation, through a formal process of interaction at the Centre, State and District level; (ii)

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strategic collaboration to tackle complex interventions where sustained social mobilization is critical
over the long term; and (iii) project funding through standard schemes.
Partnership in Development

VOs offer alternative perspectives; committed expertise; an understanding of the local opportunities
and constraints; and the capacity to conduct a meaningful dialogue with communities, particularly
those that are disadvantaged. The government therefore considers it essential that the Government
and the Voluntary Sector work together.
It must be based on the basic principles of mutual trust and respect, with shared responsibility and
authority.

Establishing an Enabling Environment for the Voluntary Sector

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The government through the National Policy for VOs aims to provide a set of laws, policies, rules and
regulations relating to VOs categorically safeguard their autonomy, while simultaneously ensuring
their accountability.
The independence of VOs will allow them to explore alternative paradigms of development to
challenge social, economic and political forces that may work against public interest and to find
new ways to combat poverty, deprivation and other social problems.
It shall also enable VOs to legitimately mobilize necessary financial resources from India and abroad
(tax exemptions, regulation through FCRA). At the same time, the Government will consider
tightening administrative and penal procedures to ensure that these incentives are not misused by
paper charities for private financial gain.
The Government will encourage all relevant Central and State Government agencies will introduce
time bound procedures for dealing with the VOs. These would cover registration, income tax
clearances, financial assistance, etc. There would be formal systems for registering complaints and
for redressing grievances of VOs.

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The Government encourages the evolution of, and subsequently accord recognition to, an
independent, national level, self-regulatory agency for the voluntary sector.
The Government will encourage support organizations, and VO networks & federations to facilitate
discussion and consensus building on these issues.

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Encouraging Self-regulation to ensure transparent and accountable systems of governance and

management of VOs.

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"Healthcare is a right, not a privilege". Should the right to healthcare be made a fundamental right in
India? How far can the private sector help in achieving this aim? Comment in the light of debate on the
Draft National Health Policy 2015.

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This Policy is a commitment to encourage, enable and empower an independent, creative and effective
voluntary sector, with diversity in form and function, so that it can contribute to the social, cultural and
economic advancement of the people of India.

Approach:

The Answer needs to dwell on the rights based approach in healthcare in the context of the
proposed National Health Policy 2015. Firstly, provide arguments that have been put forward to
make health a fundamental right in India.
Secondly, dwell on the complementary role of private sector in achieving universal health care, as
has been underlined by many committees; most importantly the current draft also has provisions on
the role of private sector.

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Answer:

Rights based approach to health is enshrined in international treaties and conventions as well as
national constitutions all over the world
o (Article 25 UDHR; International ICESCR, 1966; Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
Despite commitment towards making quality health care a priority, inequity in health outcomes and
access to health care services remains a big challenge in India. Public expenditure is only 1.2% of the
GDP compare to 7% in the USA.
Many industrialized nations have already done so. Developing countries like Brazil and Thailand have
made significance progress towards universal health coverage with such a law being a major
contributory factor.
Judicial rulings also construe health care as a fundamental right and a constitutional obligation
flowing out of the right to life (Article 21).
All the above arguments support the proposal of the draft to enact a National Health Rights Act.

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Further, bring out the constraints and debates enumerating in the context of health being made a
fundamental right and conclude on a positive note.
Note: Student should not interpret it as making health as a right under chapter III of the constitution
through constitutional amendment. Here, focus should be on making health a universal right through
law/policy. Courts have also rulings that in effect see health care as a FR and a constitutional
obligation flowing out of the article 21.

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The private sector today provides nearly 80% of outpatient care, 60% of inpatient care and accounts
for 30% of total health expenditure. In this context, private sector would be a big contributor to
realize the goal of universal health services.
As per draft, the public sector is to focus on preventive and secondary care services, contracting out
services like ambulatory care, imaging and diagnostics, tertiary care down to non-medical services
such as catering and laundry to the private sector.
Collaboration with private sector in developing new drugs can be a on
The importance of public sector lies in the fact that though it accounts for less than 30 % of total
expenditure, but it provides for about 20%of outpatient care and 40% of in-patient care.
Private Sector can provide cashless services on the reimbursement basis.
Purchase from private care could be both for secondary care hospitalization and for tertiary care
Private players can strengthen the role of AYUSH system by opening new AYUSH hospitals, planting
herbs and assisting government in documentation of AYUSH techniques.

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Role of Private Sector

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However, question is that whether India has reached the level of economic and health systems
development as to make this a justiciable right- implying that its denial is an offense. When health
care is a State subject, is it desirable or useful to make a central law.
Overall, Health Policy correctly suggests making health a fundamental right. However, learning from the
experience of such provisions in Education, the need is to create greater synergy between Government
and private sector, as well as involving the community in planning and implementing the health services.

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4.

Charities and CSR are methodologies through which the rich and the big corporates give back to the
society, rising above their sole profit motive. In this context, critically analyse the effectiveness of the
CSR measures in India.

Approach:

Explain briefly the social-economic context which necessitates charities and CSR.
Explain/define CSR and charities, its features.
Cite a few examples of charity organizations, major initiatives taken under CSR in India, provision in
companies act etc.
Explore reasons of why in many cases CSR measures, policies related to it (e.g. provisions in the
companies act, 2013) are deficient.
May then ponder a little on the way forward: measures needed better approach etc.

Answer:

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Income disparity is the defining feature of socio-economic structure in India. It manifests in minority of
rich people and corporate institutions accumulating excess wealth which is not in interest of whole
society. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the mechanism through which organizations consider the
interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers,
employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment.

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Till 1990s CSR was solely dominated by the idea of philanthropy, donation, charity etc, wherein
businesses often restricted themselves to one time financial grant. However, nowadays many corporates
are treating CSR as a separate entity and devote attention to it for various reasons, e.g. for building a
brand etc.

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Ninety three percent of the economy i.e. informal sector which contributes to almost the half of the
GNP and where approximately 93% of the Indian workforce is employed is outside scope of CSR.
The Companies act, 2013 allows companies can choose which area to invest in, or contribute the
amount to central or state government funds earmarked for socioeconomic development (e.g. Prime
Ministers National Relief Fund). This definition clearly emphasizes corporate philanthropy rather
than strategic CSR.
The Indian government has made it mandatory for companies to spend at least 2% of net profits on
CSR. Companies may resort to camouflaging activities to meet such regulations. According to a few
its outsourcing of governance.
Indian companies still equate CSR with corporate philanthropy rather than considering CSR as a
holistic view. By reinforcing this philanthropic view, the Company act, 2013 could in fact distract
business leaders who are ready to embrace strategic CSR.
Though the areas like environment garnered the maximum attention from corporates, women
empowerment and poverty alleviation were neglected areas.
Many corporate are using CSR mechanism for brand promotion. For example, tobacco companies in
India.

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Even much before the issue became a global concern, India was aware of corporate social responsibility
(CSR), due to the efforts of organisations such as the Tata Group, e.g. TATAs CSR activities in
Jamshedpur. IT companies like TCS and Wipro have developed software to help teachers and children in
schools across India to further the cause of education. In spite of having some life size successful
examples, CSR in India is facing following challenges which have limited its effectiveness:

CSR programs focus mostly on reputation and have only a limited connection to the business, making
them hard to justify and maintain over the long run. CSR will achieve its intended objectives only if
businesses truly believe that CSR is beneficial to them and that CSR is a way to manage business and not
an optional add on to business.

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5.

Policies should work not only towards reducing the number of people below the poverty line but also
ensuring that people do not suffer from multiple deprivations. Critically examine the above statement
in the light of methodology adopted to measure poverty in independent India.

Approach:

Introduce by accepting that Poverty is multidimensional Rangarajan report, Multi-poverty Index

(MPI) etc.
Talk about various methods given by different people Alagh, Tendulkar and Rangarajan. Make a
case that uni-dimensional approach is not fruitful to calculate poverty line.
Now come to the statement part. Policies such as food security, pension schemes, awas yojanas etc
were based on poverty line determined by the government in the past. But with time policies were
delinked from the poverty line and target is at individual deprivation. For instance, food security
promises to cover 67% of the population while poverty line is at 22% (2011-12 figures).

Answer:
Poverty is often defined by per capita income. But no one indicator alone can capture the multiple
aspects that constitute poverty. Poverty is a multi-dimensional concept. One may be deprived of a house
and another may be of access to food. Both shall be considered poor under governments policies. Since
independence, government has adopted different methods to measure poverty such as:
In 1962, a working Group of planning commission took only into account the minimum
consumption expenditure based on a balanced diet. This kept the poverty line extremely low.
Subsequently, Alagh committee recommended different calorie requirements for rural and urban
areas.
Expert group based on Lakdawala committee recommendations, 1993 also did not bring any
substantial changes in terms of calculating the poverty line. Till this period the definition of poverty
remained limited to those people who could not fulfill their minimum calorie requirements.
In 2005, Tendulkar committee recommended multiple deprivations based poverty line by
suggesting poverty line basket that includes health and education also.
Latest report by Rangarajan committee came with an alternative by including fat, protein in
calories and different consumption baskets for rural and urban areas.

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Policies such as food security, pension schemes, awas yojanas etc were based on poverty line determined
by the government in the past. But with time policies have been delinked from the poverty line, and
poverty ratio and target is at each deprivation form. For instance, food security promises to cover 67% of
the population while poverty line is at 22% (2011-12 figures).

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Focus is shifting on measuring relative poverty in India. The Rangarajan committee has also
recommended that the bottom 35 per cent and 25 per cent of rural and urban Indians respectively at any
given time (based on monthly consumption) be defined as poor. It also covers the concept of absolute
poverty as discussed above.

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However, the post independence measurement of poverty was limited to calculating the basic
consumption expenditure based on calorie intakes, yet in the context of a socialist state which took care
of more or less most of the other requirements like healthcare and education it cannot be called as
completely flawed.
Overall, the current policy of government is to delink poverty ratio and poverty line from
policies/schemes. The measurement of poverty is important in finding out how far the economy has
been successful in meeting the minimum requirements of the population.

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6.

"If district and regional councils are keys, then Governor is the master key". Critically analyse in the
context of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Approach:
State the need of the district and regional councils in context of these specific tribal regions. Explain that
they are very powerful in these regions with respect to their executive, legislative and judicial powers,
but how Governor holds the ultimate power over these councils as per the needs of national assimilation
of these regions, and to see that regions work under the basic framework of Indian constitution.
Conclude by agreeing to above-mentioned statement.
Answer:
Constitution under 6th schedule contains the special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in
the state of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. The tribes in these states have distinct ethnicanthropogenic and cultural identity not found in any other tribal areas of the country. Similarly they are
backward in the terms of socio-eco development.
Considering this background constitution has provided them a special treatment. Major objective of the
government is to provide them with considerable amount of autonomy for promoting self-rule under
democratic framework.

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Sixth Schedule is known as the mini-constitution. It envisages formation of the autonomous district
councils with elaborate Legislative, Administrative and Judicial powers.
No law of the Centre or the State applies in any autonomous region without District Councils
approval. The district councils are also empowered to constitute Village councils and Village courts.
Hence the district councils are very powerful but the governor exercises power over them as the
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(a) Create a new autonomous district,

(b) Increase or diminish the area of any autonomous district,
(c) Unite two or more autonomous districts or parts thereof so as to form one autonomous district,
(d) Alter the name and define the boundary of any autonomous district,
Governor also decides the fate of the Autonomous councils by using its following powers:
If there are different Scheduled Tribes in an autonomous district, the Governor may, by public
notification, divide the area or areas inhabited by them into autonomous regions.
The Governor may appoint a Commission to examine and report on any matter specified by him
relating to the administration of the autonomous districts and autonomous regions.

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Executive Committee: The Sixth Schedule provides for an Executive Committee (EC) of the
District Council to carry on its executive functions, it acts like a miniature parliament at district
level.
But the governor has an upper hand in this regard as the executive committee is appointed by
the Governor on CEMs recommendation.
Legislative Functions: The District Councils have powers to make laws on a wide ranging issues
covering land, agriculture, primary education, health, establishment of village councils and town
committees etc.
But the Governor has power to alter the laws passed by the District Councils, if they are in
violation of the sixth schedule
Executive and Judicial Functions: The District Council is authorized to constitute Village and
District Council Courts to try cases according to customary laws where both the parties are
tribals.

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(iv)

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Hence the district and the regional autonomous councils hold the key to expression of democratic rights
of tribal, maintenance of their autonomy and preserve their unique culture. Yet the governor ensures
that they are in tandem with the national plan of development, and follow basic principles of the
constitution. So, it can be rightly said that, if district and regional councils are keys, then Governor is the
master key with regard to schedule 6th of Indian constitution

7.

The developmental model in India should include rural development schemes that are demand
driven rather than programme driven. Examine with respect to the design of various social sector
schemes.

Approach:
Firstly, bring out the context in which the question has been framed. Then compare and contrast
between demand driven and programme driven approach. Further, try to incorporate examples and
illustrate how the current governmental schemes are focusing on a demand driven approach. You might
also use Case Study approach to bring forward your argument (Eg. NREGA and its success story or SAGY)
Answer:

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The understanding of development till late in India has been limited to implementation of the
government programs in a top down model rather than meeting the demands of the grassroots. The
program driven approaches led to the implementation of policies built by the experts in the ivory towers
to a completely different environment where life of many got impacted. The states had long been
complaining that funds for the social sector schemes were extremely restricted as per the programs
prescribed by the centre like JNNURM, RKVY, AIBP, RGGVY etc. and could not be used for the special
requirements of the local development. Diverse regions in India had diverse needs, for which a single
handed top-down approach was not found suitable.
In the changing paradigm of development, Demand-driven governance as an approach to development
places emphasis on the following characteristics which provide following benefits:
A decentralised component of resource allocation and distribution which gives priority to the
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Substantial participation and co-determination from local actors and civil society organisations
which mobilises beneficiary contribution and gives them a sense of ownership; e.g. Social sector
schemes like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna are being implemented not only by the
CPSUs, state government power department, state electricity board and DISCOMs alone but
cooperatives share an equal role in its implementation
Alignment and coordination with local authorities and governance structures also ensures social
investment.
a set of checks and balances to ensure local transparency and allow community constituencies
to hold state- and developmental systems accountable (bottom-up accountability) ensures
optimality in performance. E.g. Social audit by Gram Sabhas was the major reason behind the
successful implementation of MGNREGA.
The concept of demand-driven services is also linked to a paradigm shift in public sector reform
towards responsive governance

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Keeping this in mind the Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) was also formulated. Its approach focused
on engaging with and mobilizing the community for participatory local level, converging different
government programs, private and voluntary initiatives and to achieve comprehensive development in
tune with peoples aspirations.

Although demand-driven programmes represent progress over top-down approaches, but in light of
available experience, certain design traps should be avoided, i.e.

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Demand-driven approaches can fragment and scatter activities. It is clear that geographical
planning and convergence among the programmes should not be overlooked during the
preparatory phase.
There is an obvious need for both top-down and bottom-up infrastructure planning to allow for
combining heavy and light investments within the framework of local development plans at
various levels.
Need for Capacity building at local level before such programmes.

In a nutshell, the approach of bringing local level development has made a shift towards accommodating
genuine community needs, community contributions and self-help with regard to the various sociocultural needs of the people. Thereby, Rural development schemes should not only satisfy the demands
of local people and empower local self governance institutions but should have capacity building
initiatives ingrained and in tune with national objectives leading to a convergence, which would help in
achieving overall development of our nation.

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The Government recently approved the National AYUSH Mission. What are the key benefits that India
can derive from it? Discuss along with challenges that are anticipated in its implementation.

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Firstly, clearly spell the aims and benefits of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) followed by challenges
pertaining to its implementation.
Benefits and challenges have to be discussed through multiple perspectives of accessibility,
affordability, awareness and quality etc.

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Addressing gaps in health services by supporting AYUSH care and education.

Supporting the efforts of state governments.

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Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) incorporate traditional and
alternative systems of medicine with benefits in preventive and promotive healthcare. Government
recently approved National AYUSH Mission (NAM) which aims at:

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Extension and strengthening of low cost services in vulnerable and far-flung areas through
allocation of dedicated resources.
Better access to AYUSH services through increase in number of hospitals and dispensaries.
Enhanced availability of drugs and manpower.
Augmentation of the Primary Health Care centres and Community Service centres.
Improvement of AYUSH education through increase in upgraded educational institutions.
Sustained availability of quality raw material for AYUSH systems of medicine.

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Following are the potential benefits of NAM:

Health care in general faces a major challenges in India with issues of accessibility, awareness,
affordability, quality and equity being prime concerns. In this context for effective implementation NAM
also has to negotiate certain general and specific challenges which can be summarized as following:

Though considerable progress has been made in documenting identity and quality standards of
herbal medicines, scientific validation of AYUSH principles, remedies and therapies has been lagging.

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Only 20 out of 178 major medicinal plant species traded as raw drugs are sourced from cultivation.
Rest naturally found plants are depleting.
Lack of trained manpower is also a major challenge. Practitioners are moving away from these
traditional systems for better opportunities and thus traditional knowledge is getting lost.
The adequate utilisation of infrastructure and reach would be a major hurdle in making the AYUSH
care accessible through NAM.
Competition from popular and entrenched system of medicines such as Alopathy would have to be
factored in for the effective implementation of NAM.
Lack of awareness regarding the AYUSH is another key challenge to be overcome by NAM for
effective implementation.
Ensuring affordability is another concern that NAM has to address to ensure benefits of AYSH are
distributed equitably.

In this context synergistic linkage with Traditional Knowledge Digital libraries (TKDL) or National
Medicinal Plants Board would aid the effective implementation of NAM which can ensure much needed
quality and timely healthcare in India through AYUSH

Though the latest Global Hunger Index report of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
shows considerable improvement in Indias hunger index and this is a source of encouragement, yet a
large number of people in India remain hungry. In this context discuss if there is need for a National
Authority on Hunger Elimination with adequate financial and administrative powers in India.

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Introduce the answer by bringing out some key aspects of the Global Hunger Report with respect to India
and how government policies have started to show results. Thereafter, proceed to highlight the fact that
India is still suffering from major problem of under-nutrition and hunger. Major part of the answer
should focus on specifying the need of the NAHE owing to the failure of the other poverty elimination
programs. Elaborate in points how establishing NAHE with appropriate administrative and financial
powers can contribute towards hunger elimination. Conclude by saying that there is need of an authority
exclusively for purpose of hunger management.

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IFPRI's latest report has shown improvement in Indias Hunger Index, yet India is still confronted by the
problem of its 350 million hungry people, starvation deaths, malnourishment etc. India has not been able
to achieve the Millennium development goal set by UN of eliminating hunger or halving it by 2015. In the
Global Hunger Index (GHI) India has 63rd position among 78 countries. India could reduce hunger only
marginally (by less than 25 per cent) over 18 years (1990-91 to 2007-08).

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Poverty reduction Programmes have been a failure to bring down hunger. Because of lack of coordination and convergence among various schemes of the government such as the ICDS, MDMS, AAY
the desired objectives of hunger elimination have not been met adequately.
In this context there is need to bring focus on hunger and malnutrition management, the National
Authority on Hunger Management could play a pivotal role as follows:

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NAHE with exclusive administrative power can

Function as a high-power coordinating unit with the Ministries concerned food and agriculture,
health, education, rural development, environment and finance, to give a holistic solution and to
make a cooperative effort to deal with the problem of Hunger and malnutrition.

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(ii)
(iii)

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Research Organizations and universities could be used by NAHE to initiate mandated projects on all
hunger-related issues in a holistic way, with rural-based programmes.
It can also employ the manpower and the resources to ensure a time-bound and result oriented
hunger elimination ensuring its efficiency.
NAHE with exclusive financial powers will ensureThat finance ministry allocates funds exclusively for the cause of hunger elimination, in the annual
budget.
That the resourceful business houses can be roped in for the cause of hungry Indians.
It can estimate the amount of investment required to provide food to the hungry Indians per day
and can augment those resources as well as allocate those resources to the different states as per
their different requirements.

To sustain developmental activities during the coming decades, all children born, say from 2009-2010
onwards, need to be given utmost care in a holistic manner. This approach towards hunger can only be
pursued and efficiently implemented by a body exclusively formed for the purpose and endowed with
proper administrative and financial powers so that the body has teeth to achieve its goals.

Bureaucracy has a love-hate relationship with democracy. As a servant it is invaluable but as a master
it can ruin us. Discuss in light of relationship between democracy and bureaucracy in India since
independence. Also, examine the ways in which the democratic credentials of the bureaucracy can be
strengthened.

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Discuss the importance of bureaucracy in democracy and then trace historical changes in nature of
bureaucracy by bringing out the points of conflict between bureaucracy and democracy. Finally suggest
reforms to improve the democratic credentials of bureaucracy e.g. civil services reforms, RTI.

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Paradoxically, bureaucracy and democracy are often considered as complementary and antithetical
properties of political systems. Bureaucracy plays some important functions in democracy e.g.
Bureaucracy helps in strengthening rule of law, conducting free and fair elections, establishing economic
democracy and implementation/evaluation of policies and monitors.

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Bureaucracy in initial 40 years of democracy functioned as very powerful, secretive and elitist
organization in delivering public goods. However in post 1990s with emphasis on participatory
democracy and decentralization it has been changing its character to more open and active organization
sensitive to public needs.
However, there have been allegations against bureaucracy questioning its democratic credentials:
It transforms from an instrument to its institution having its own privileges and concerns.
The system rigidities, needless complexities and over centralisation in the policy and
management structures within the bureaucratic functions are too complex and often too
constraining.
Our society is witnessing rapid changes in terms of economic growth, urbanization, technological
changes etc. The perception is that bureaucracy is resistant to such changes.
It often stifles the role of civil society, political parties and local bodies.
Neutrality of bureaucrats stands compromised.

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Bureaucracy tends to become intrusive in private lives of people by developing systems of

collecting, storing, analysing and retrieving ever increasing values of information about the
citizens.
Success of American bureaucracy is often related to its representative character. It is considered
as microcosm of entire society. Indian bureaucracy doesnt measure up to this standard.

Suggestions to improve democratic credentials of bureaucracy:

Digital India programme has the potential to not only transform the citizen service delivery, but also
provide the much needed impetus for key social and industrial sectors. Examine.

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The development works need some flexibility from a strict observance of rigid rules and
regulations.
Reforms are required in the field of recruitment of civil servants.
Effective implementation of tools such as RTI, Citizen Charter, Social Audit, Lokapl etc.
There must be exemplary and quick action against the corrupt.
Bureaucracy should be oriented towards greater stakeholder participation.
Strengthening e-governance will ensure accountability.
Decentralization of authority and collegiate decision will enhance democratic credentials.

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The question should be structured to spell the aims and objectives of digital India Programme,
highlighting in the process its potential impact on Citizen Service delivery, Social Sector and Industrial
Sector.
Answer should comprise three parts:
o Aims and objectives of Digital India Programme
o Its potential or intended impact on Citizens service delivery, Key Social and Industrial Sectors
o Limitations and challenges should be highlighted, especially keeping in mind the experience of
previous government initiatives in this area.
Conclude by mentioning the provisions that address those challenges.

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The Digital India programme, aims to promote e-governance and transform India into a digitally
empowered society and knowledge economy. This programme has been envisaged by Department of
Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) and will impact ministry of communications & IT, ministry
of rural development, ministry of human resource development, ministry of health and others.

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It emphasises thrust to nine pillars of growth areas. If the vision behind the programme comes to fruition
it can bring transformative changes in a wide range of areas such as.
Transformation in Citizens Service Delivery: Digital India aims to ensure that Government services are
available to citizens electronically. It would also bring in public accountability through mandated delivery
of governments services electronically; a Unique ID and e-Pramaan based on authentic and standard
based inter-operable and integrated government applications and data basis. Digital empowerment of
citizens will pay emphasis on universal digital literacy and availability of digital resources/services in
Indian languages.

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Transformation of Key Social Sectors:

Through the application of technology the Digital India programme has the potential to bring
transformation in areas such as education- distance education, tele-education, e-literacy. Similarly, in the
health sector it would promote tele-medicine, use of ICT in health service delivery, awareness as well as
grievance redressal. With its thrust on rural and agriculture sectors the programme can have
transformative effects in these areas as well. Besides these the programme is expected to create 17
million direct and 85 million indirect jobs.
Transformation of Key Industrial Sectors:
With a planned expenditure in tune of Rs 1 lakh crore the digital India programme can also prove to be a
catalyst in promoting industrial growth through both backward and forward linkages. IT/ITeS, telecom,
electronics manufacturing sectors would be benefit from Digital India. Apart from these experts believe
the programme would also have positive impact on other industry sectors such as Power Sector and
Banking and Financial Services.

Citizens participation in governance embodies a shift in the development paradigm from citizens as
passive recipients to active participants in the development process. What are the different
mechanisms for citizens' participation in the development process? Illustrate.

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However, learning from the past initiatives, the obstacles of rural urban digital divide, last mile
connectivity, and capacity building both in terms of infrastructure and human resources, and huge
investment requirements has to be surmounted. The Digital India programme envisages creating synergy
and linkages between various existing programmes and initiatives. In this direction involvement of
private sector through PPPs as well as clear delineation of specifics would go a long way in achieving the
stated objectives.

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Student should think of various forms of participations such as seeking information, giving
suggestions and demanding better service delivery.
Examples should be linked with form of participation. For instance, seeking information and RTI
implementation. Demanding better service delivery and Citizen Charter.
Structure your answer by dealing each form in a different paragraph.

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Citizens have a legitimate role in influencing decision making processes that affect their lives and
businesses. Role of citizens have changed radically from non-participation to tokenism to full
participation.

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The three essential aspects of good governance and development i.e. transparency, accountability and
responsiveness of the administration can be achieved only through citizens participation which was
acknowledged by the Citizens Charters initiative which is a response to the quest for solving
organizational problems providing public services.
Following are the different mechanisms for citizens participation in the development process:

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Seeking information Right to information is a fundamental right under article 19(1). Availability of
information is the first step to empower citizens. RTI act is one of the success stories of Indias
democracy which has brought transparency and citizens like Subash Agarwal have exposed scams.

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Giving suggestions government must reflect the voice of citizens. Citizens are in the best position
to articulate their needs and suggest the appropriate solutions. It can be done through public
hearings and surveys etc. For example, the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) holds public
summits in the presence of the media to explore how to improve city services and administrative
capacity.

Demanding better services - government servants should be accountable to citizens. For example,
the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) created a campaign
called the Customers Meets campaign which compelled senior managers to leave the comfort and
security of their offices to interact directly with citizens in neighbourhoods throughout the city. The
campaign was covered extensively in the media, thereby magnifying its impact.

Holding service provider accountable - the criteria of customer satisfaction requires citizens to voice
their grievance. The mechanisms used could include citizens feedback and surveys, citizens report
card and social audit. Right to education act and mid-day meal scheme have option of social
auditing. Last government released its report card. Regular citizens feedback and survey and citizens
report cards should therefore be evolved by all departments.

Active citizens participation in administration/decision making - this is a more mature and

intensive form of citizens participation through which they can negotiate with for better policy,
better plans, better projects etc. Gram Sabha is the best example of such participation. Government
recently institutionalized keeping bills and rules for public suggestion for a period of one month.

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Lack of institutionalization of citizens participation

Willingness as well as ability of locals
Willingness of bureaucracy and politicians to share power with citizens at large

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However, certain challenges and issues that are involved in it are:

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Critically comment on some of the important provisions of the proposed Road Transport and Safety
Bill, 2014. Do you think imposing hefty penalties on traffic rule violations can ensure road safety?
Discuss.

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Overall, citizens participation involves a shift from a top-down to a bottom-up approach to

development involving increasing decentralization of power away from the Union Government and
closer to grassroots levels

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Pick important clauses/points from the bill and try to come out with pros and cons of them.
Importance clauses - amount of fine, national authority for road safety, reforming driving license
system etc.
Handle high amount of penalties as a separate section and bring out its benefits and weaknesses in
terms of deterrence and compliance with rules to ensure safe ride on roads.
End with your own conclusion with a measure or two.

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Answer:

India tops the chart on road accidents due to faulty roads designs, errant drivers and lackluster road
safety rules. Taking cognizance of this issue, government has proposed draft The Road Safety and
Transport Bill. It focuses on institutional framework, safer mobility, better road infrastructure, safer road
uses and post-crash care.
National Authority for road safety, national and states transport authorities would be the new
institutions. Policies to encourage walking, cycling, and private investment in road infrastructure are also

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envisaged. Vehicular standards will be strengthened such as new car assessment programme, unified
vehicular registration system and seat belts for all passengers. A unified licensing system would bring an
end to faulty license mechanism. ICT would be used extensively.
The vision of the Bill is to "provide a framework for safer, faster, cost effective and inclusive movement of
passengers and freight in the country, thus enabling the mission of Make in India" and that the
enactment of the Bill is expected to save 200,000 lives increase India's GDP by 4% and provide one
million extra jobs in the country. Nowhere do they explain how they arrived at these numbers.
All these look very promising and holistic in approach. However, it would be an implementation
challenge to overhaul the existing bodies and processes.
Government claims to incorporate the best evidence-based international road safety policies. However,
there is no evidence for this.
Bill is said to be breaching federal structure. States such as Tamil Nadu have asked to reframe the bill as it
questions the competence of the state to frame rules on road transport and public safety.
Hefty fines

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One of the radical steps is hefty penalties for the violation of rules. The current penalties are very low
and people easily get away with it. Heavy fines act as a deterrent and thus, would reduce cases of rash
driving etc. Fine for penalties such as drunken driving is upto Rs 50,000. Causing death of a child may
result into Rs 3,00,000 fine.

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However, hefty penalties clause is criticized due to lack of any analytical underpinnings. An average
Indian earns much less than what penalties prescribe. It dilutes the purpose of fines. There must be
principled means for adjusting the amount of a fine to take account of both the offender's culpability and
his or her resources.

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It may lead to under-reporting, which is already a major issue in India. A similar trend was seen in
countries like Libya and Indonesia when extreme penalties were imposed.

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Overall, road sector is in the dire need of holistic reforms. But the real solution lies in the enforcement of
traffic rules. There must be zero-tolerance approach. Role of community students, parents must be
increased to spread awareness about traffic rules.

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"There is an urgent need to institutionalize social audit for major welfare schemes as a large part of
the government's budget is spent on them". What are the benefits of social audit? Citing relevant
examples, bring out the loopholes in its implementation. Also, suggest some measures for its
improvement.

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Firstly, write a brief introduction comprising the rationale of institutionalizing social audits. Further
linking it with possible benefits, focus on the role of community participation and compare it with
traditional approach to audit. Secondly, provide drawbacks focusing on socio-institutional issues and
finally provide suggestions addressing these loopholes.
Answer:
Social Audit refers to the social control over withdrawal and usage of funds drawn from the state
exchequer for programs and policies aimed at the benefit of people. It allows people to enforce
transparency and accountability, thereby providing the ultimate users an opportunity to scrutinize the
development initiatives.

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Benefits of Social Audit

Social Audit facilitates transformation of citizens from a passive recipient to a demanding client, thus
making the Government answerable.
They help raise awareness about entitlements.
These Audits allow beneficiaries of different schemes to lodge complaints regarding malpractices.
Involvement of people in developmental activities ensures that money is spent where it is actually
needed.
Unlike the traditional forms of audit, social audit is a continuous process and not.
Helps in Reduction of wastages & corruption.
Promotes integrity and a sense of community among people & improves the standard of governance.

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The loopholes in the implementation of Social Audits can be best understood through the example of
MGNREGA
Very few states have actually instituted social auditing mechanism despite mandatory provisions in
acts like MGNREGA.
The involvement of local representatives in malpractices has sometimes resulted in resistance to
social audits.
The audits are yet to result in effective redressal. While a modest decline in administrative
complaints related to the non-provision of work was observed, there was an increase in complaints
of missing records on material expenditures.
The impact of audits on other programme outcomes employment generation, targeting of the
SC/ST population is often absent.
The follow-up and enforcement of punishments are weak. Also, there is absence of establishment of
vigilance cells in most of the cases.
Relative lack of expertise among local bodies and social dynamics sometimes make it naming and
shaming exercise.

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Ensure institutionalisation of social audits across all states making it enforceable and credible
contract allocating responsibilities, defining timelines and ensuring prompt penalty to the guilty.
Capacity building to facilitate beneficiary-led-audits keeping in mind local circumstances and
empowering local participation.
Adequate institutional support and adequate budgetary provisions to ensure the viability of Social
Audits.

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Learning lessons and adopting measures to address all programme outcomes i.e. ensure impact of social
audits in future course correction.

"Though e-governance has facilitated the collection of taxes it has not provided any control over how
the tax money is utilized". In this context, discuss if the problem in India is not of e-governance deficit
but of governance deficit.

Approach:
Discuss the successes/prospects and limitations of e-governance to tackle administrative problems with
relevant facts and examples. With respect to failures the focus should be on how e-governance alone is
not sufficient to improve the public service delivery rather improving other administrative processes is.
Explain the lacunae in administration to solve problems of masses and finally importance of good
governance should be discussed to solve these problems.

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Answer:
India has successfully rolled out several national e-governance initiatives, including the establishment of
State Wide Area Networks, Common Services Centres and the Unique Identification Authentication
suited to the meet the needs of its citizens.
There are laudable efforts made on e-governance:

The national optical fibre network provides broadband connectivity up to the block level in all the
states, and will extend to the village level to connect all the Gram Panchayats.
The common service centres are now established in all parts of the country, and there are almost
130,000 of them providing range of services including payment of bills and taxes, getting government
certificates, filing applications, and agricultural and health services.
No other government process has brought together private sector, civil society, youths,
entrepreneurs, citizens, and researchers to such an extent.
It has induced fresh thinking, debate, innovations and momentum in how government services are
organised and accessed by the citizens.

Merely provisioning paying of bills,taxesetc is not a solution to improving access to public services.
For example citizens have been able to pay water bills online but 40% of the Indian population still
lacks access to clean drinking water.
Government offices are not well equipped to handle e-governance because of lack of proper training
of staff, inherent attitude to resist e-governance etc.
There is a need to bring about a change in the attitude of public servants in order to make egovernance effective.
Problem of Digital Divide in the country- most of the people cannot access the government services
or are not capable of using them properly.

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However the system is far from perfect, and requires more efforts and planning and without good
governance it will not achieve its potential. Making government services available online saves time and
costs incurred by people but it may not necessarily improve lives of the majority of the population

The dream of making India a global manufacturing hub in a highly competitive world economy cannot
be realized in the absence of a sustainable skill pool. Examine the structural and functional constraints
w.r.t. skill development programme in India.

(a)
(b)
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Thus, it is good governance that will propel and sustain economic growth in India, and reduce poverty.
The biggest contribution of e-governance would be if it makes e disappear and channelizes all energies
and resources in improving governance in India not just for service delivery but also in policy
formulation, resources allocation, implementation and monitoring.

Significance of skill development must be emphasized first of all.

Mention the limitations of current approach towards skill development.
Suggest measures in brief, including those which have already been taken recently, e.g. Skills
ministry, revision in national skill development policy etc.

Answer:
Globally, manufacturing is increasingly growing and becoming technology oriented, highlighting the need
for large pool of skilled labor in order to compete in world economy. This understanding is reflecting in
the current governments economic vision as envisaged in recent make in India program which sees

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manufacturing sector as cornerstone of economy. However, realizing the demographic dividend by

addressing the growing skills deficit of Indias youthful population poses a major policy challenge in form
of structural and functional constraint:
Structural constraints

Underdeveloped manufacturing sector in India have failed to provide impetus for skill development
in India. Firms too have no incentive to improve their performance.
Indian Economy is overwhelmingly dominated by the informal sector where majority of labour works
in low skilled jobs.
Widespread prevalence of poverty discourages pursuit of education for large section of population.
The existing institutional structure consists of a plethora of agencies with overlapping and conflicting
priorities. Skill development efforts are spread across approximately 20 separate ministries, and state
governments and union territories. National Skill Development Agency was created to consolidate
efforts in this sphere. But it mainly has a coordination role, lacks any effective power and remains
significantly under-resourced.

Functional constraints
India currently has an annual training capacity of 4.3 million, which is less than 20% of the industry
requirement of 22 million skilled workers a year. This is breathtakingly paltry in the context of the
central governments target of creating a skilled workforce of 500 million by 2022.
In addition, the infrastructure in the skill development sector today is largely government-owned
while private sector investment hasnt been incentivized, e.g. under South Koreas job skill
development programme employers received a rebate for training existing employees.
Skill mismatch with the needs of the industry.
Casual workers (who constitute 90% of the labour force), such as construction workers, often
comprise workers from rural areas with little or no education and need support and training.
Construction sector is likely to create over six times more jobs than the information technology and
related services sectors by 2022. Yet the policy focus has generally prioritized information
technology. Chinese government has launched specific initiatives at the local government-level to
train unskilled and uneducated migrant labour for sectors like construction.
The rural development ministry had been running skill development courses for a decade (national
rural livelihood mission), which were mainly aimed at wage employment, with no quality assurance,
no question of career progression or retention.

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Indian government is soon going to revise its national skill development policy of 2009 which will be
overseen trough the newly formed skills ministry. The institutional structure needs simplification with
greater investment in training infrastructure and an emphasis on supporting a casual labour force. That
needs to be accompanied with incentives for private sector participation too. We will need a lot of such
initiatives and reforms to realize a vision as ambitious as Make in India.

17.

Hithertho, healthcare policy in India has turned a blind eye towards neo-natals. In light of the above
statement, examine the constraints faced and the steps taken to tackle the problem of neo-natal
mortality in India.

Approach:
The above statement suggests, though India is devising new policies and programmes as a response to
many unfavourable health outcomes, there is a blind spot for new born health that is posing as a bigger
health challenge here, than to any other country.

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In this background, give an introduction about the present status and steps already taken as a part of
health care policies related to new born; further give an analysis of the NMR (Neo-natal Mortality Rate)
status in the country and the various factors responsible for the burden of neonatal mortality followed by
solutions and suggestions.
Answers:

The dismal condition of new born care in India can be stated form the fact that out of the 2.8 million
newborns who die at birth worldwide, India contributes 700,000, amounting to nearly 25% of the
deaths. These are preventable deaths and the government has only recently launched the India New
born Action Plan, which shows a policy lacunae and fragmented approach towards tackling health
issues. Further, a slow decline of NMR is a major hurdle to reach the MDG-4 and is reflected in a high
and stagnant pre-natal mortality rate, because new-borns has been always missed out inspite of
considerable progress in the Reproductive health care in India.

The factors responsible for the high Neo natal Mortality Rate in India are
The major causes of neonatal health, survival and death are
Preterm birth complications accentuated by a dismal condition of health facilities for Institutional
care

Infections born out of lack of nutrition and sanitation (cases of Anaemia),

Labor and delivery related complications which includes lack of Professional staff and inadequate
infrastructure availability at health care centres

Young maternal age at child birth which brings forward the lack of initiatives on IEC (Information,
Education and Communication) front

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Short birth interval

It is further compounded by socio-cultural and economic factors which includes rural-urban, poorrich, and gender differentials, bringing forward the need of a holistic policy to tackle the above
problem.

Demographic, educational, socio economic, biological and care seeking are other factors that are
responsible for the neonatal mortality in India.

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Solution to overcome the issue and way forward

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The policy commitment to child health should begin by endorsing the national consensus on accelerated
achievement of single digit neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates through a careful synergy of community
based intervention centred around the ASHA and anganwadi worker and improved home based and
facility based management of sick newborns.

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The latter has its own HR and skill requirements as well as increased access to technologies. Developing
such high quality facility based care for the sick newborn and child will strengthen and be strengthened
by better primary and secondary care facility development.

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Community based interventions:- Community based interventions strategies must go beyond

immunization to include ready availability and access to ORS and Zinc for diarrhea and appropriate
antibiotics for pneumonia, better identification and management of anaemia, and screening for
developmental defects.

The governments policy should aim of reducing the newborn (birth to 28 days) mortality rate to
single digit long before the 2030 target date. The present death rate is 29 per 1,000 live births. For
this are required simple, cost-effective interventions before and immediately after delivery.
Government Policy To address the above complications the government inaugurated the Indian
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Its vision include of a world in which there are no preventable deaths of newborns or still births,
where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is celebrated and every woman, baby and child
thrive to reach to reach their full potential.

The INAP will be impleented under the existing Reproductive, Maternal, Child Health and
Adolescents Plus (RMNCHA+) framework.

Six evidence-based, effective strategies impacting still births and newborn health will be used.

o These include preconception and antenatal care, care during labour and child birth, immediate
newborn care, care of healthy newborns, care of small and sick newborns and care beyond
newborn survival.
Further, the Tamil Nadu model, which has well equipped public health centres manned by doctors
and well-trained staff could be imitated in other states, which will help India to beat down the underfive mortality rate. It should be further complemented by efforts including awareness generation,
social mobilization, promoting JSSK, and special incentives to improve neo-natal care. The Every
Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) endorsed by the World Health Assembly calls for an NMR of less than
10 per 1000 live births by 2035 in all countries.

The four main priorities for education policy have been Access, Equity, Quality and Governance. New
education policies should continue to prioritise these four areas, however, there must be greater
emphasis on improving learning outcomes at all levels. Discuss.

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Introduction present scenario of education system.

Talk about access, equity, quality and governance at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
Take help of ASER or any other report to show that learning outcomes are poor.
Link above mentioned priorities and learning outcomes.
Provide suggestions to improve the learning outcomes of students

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Poor quality of education resulting in weak learning outcomes at each stage of education is the central
challenge facing the Indian education. Many surveys have shown that after RTE, there have been higher
levels of enrolment at all a level of education and a massive increase in physical infrastructure but the
value added by formal education is still weak. Improving learning outcomes is crucial for inclusive growth
and a major focus of educational policies should be on it.

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India has achieved almost universal primary education in terms of access and equity. Secondary and
tertiary education is devoid of it. Main focus need to be on increasing attendance, reducing dropouts and
increasing enrolments at the secondary and higher levels. Still there are enrolment gaps between
different communities. Policy need to remove this barrier.
Quality and governance are issues at all levels. Quality education is linked to the quality of physical
space, textual materials, classroom processes, and academic support to the teachers, assessment
procedures and community involvement. Absence of teachers in schools, delayed fund flows to schools
and administrative capabilities are the main challenges of education governance.
An assessment of the learning outcomes has found that there is hardly any improvement in reading and
mathematical ability among students. This requires a holistic policy focus where learning goals should be

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formulated. Measures should include meeting pupil to teacher ratio, focus on the teachers training and
their accountability through better governance system.
Better learning outcomes ensure higher enrolment at upper levels. Focus should be on provision for
child-friendly schools and systems in teaching and learning processes as well as in improved water,
Sanitation and hygiene. There should be adoption of pedagogic processes, classroom assessment
frameworks and school leadership and management development. Research should be promoted to
innovate new techniques to enhance learning outcomes.
Overall, focus on learning outcome should be the unifying theme of education policies. Access, equity,
quality and governance and other aspects collectively ensure better learning outcomes. The approach of
the policy should be to define and measure outcomes, and allocate resources in ways that maximise
progress towards achieving these outcomes.

Global Hunger Report (2014) pointed out that the challenge to problem of malnutrition not only
includes 'hunger' (lack of food) but also 'hidden hunger'. Define hidden hunger. Give suggestions to
address these challenges along with policy interventions undertaken by the government in this regard.

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Approach:
Introduce by defining hidden hunger. The answer is in the context of GHI Report 2014 which has
underlined the issue of Hidden Hunger therefore, the answer should include facts & figures on Hidden
Hunger. Also explain severity of this problem in India by substantiating the challenges along with Policy
Interventions taken by the Govt. & some suggestions.

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Hidden Hunger (also known as Micronutrient Deficiency) is a form of under nutrition that occurs when
intake or absorption of Vitamins, Proteins &Minerals is too low to sustain good health &development in
children & normal physical & mental function in adults.

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According to the recent GHI REPORT 2014the challenge of malnutrition is not just one of lack of food
(hunger) but of micro-nutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger) & these two are not completely unrelated.
The report questions the overall benefits of Green Revolution in India, due to which the staple cereals
became more affordable & part of dietary cycle, making micronutrient- rich foods costly & unaffordable
to consume.

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However, in the last 10 years, there has been a lot of improvement in the government schemes. There
has been a massive expansion in ICDS and PDS is being expanded under the National Food Security Act
(NFSA). In many states, pulses and cooking oil have been included in the PDS food basket. But much
more is needed still.

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Challenges in reducing Hidden Hunger

There are huge gaps in implementation of these programmes like ICDS, PDS, Food Securityfor
example, there is a massive shortage of paediatric iron syrups for children in most stateswhich
need to be corrected.

Although universal maternity entitlements have been promised under NFSA, there is no sign of these
being actually implemented.

One serious gap in the efforts towards tackling malnutrition in India is the lack of recent data. The
latest available nationally representative data is from 2005-06 (National Family Health Survey-3, or
NFHS-3).

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Policy interventions by the Govt.to address the problem of Hidden Hunger

National programmes such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Midday Meal Programme, the National
Rural Health mission or the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram provide an institutional support to
address the problem of hidden hunger

National Nutrition Mission- To reduce malnutrition among women and children under age of 3 which
targets 200 high burden district

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram(RBSK)- New-borns to 18-year-olds are screened for 4Ds birth
defects, diseases, deficiencies, development delays and disabilities-Testing done via schools and
Anganwadi centres

Weeky Iron Folic acid Supplementation(WIFS)- To reduce anemia among girls by giving Iron folic acid
(IFA) tablets on weekly basis.

India has a universal supplementation programmes for iron (for anaemia) and vitamin A.

In order to combat widespread deficiencies in iron, India is promoting iron-rich crops such as pearl
millet, which is high in vitamin B, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc

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Suggestions

Prioritise & Coordinate Food Security & Nutrition- Ending hunger & malnutrition requires a
comprehensive approach, integrating macroeconomic, social, health, sanitation, environmental,
agricultural, public information & education policies. Such multi-sector efforts need to be effectively
coordinated in order to achieve progress.

Promoting diversification in terms of crop selection &agricultural methods & practices by making it
more nutrition sensitive-this can be done for instance by promoting innovative agricultural processes
like Fortification & Biofortification aiming at improving the specific micronutrient deficiencies.

Increasing Social Protection Floor- this can be done by encouraging Cash & in-kind transfers &
other forms of social protection that raise incomes & improve diets , thereby stimulating production
& productivity increases , both on-farm & off-farm.

Ensure Social Participation & engaging Civil Society Organisations representing peasants & other
stakeholders- such popular inclusion will enhance accountability, enables experimentation &
learning & broadens responsibility of sharing the burden & tackling the issue effectively.

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Both nutrition and hunger fall within a broader mandate that necessitates the inclusion of agriculture,
health, education, water and sanitation, and other departments. Eliminating hidden hunger will not be
easy with various challenges lying ahead. But if enough resources are allocated, the right policies
developed, and the right investments made, these challenges can be overcome.

What are the key concerns raised by the recent casualties at sterilization camps in Chhattisgarh?
Identify the changes that can be instituted to make the family planning initiatives in India both safe
and effective.

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One should start with briefly mentioning that the incident in Chhattisgarh is not an isolated incident but
symptomatic of lacunae in the implementation of family planning initiatives.
Then one needs to mention key concerns regarding family planning initiatives and their implementation
in India. Address the root cause and present a broader perspective. Here, one needs to mention the
structural flaws in Family planning programmes, gender bias in these initiatives, and operational
concerns.
Finally, changes required to remove the flaws ranging from structural to operational.

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The unfortunate deaths at family planning camps in Chhattisgarh recently echo similar incidents from
other parts of the country in the past. It points towards lacunaes in the formulation and implementation
of family planning initiatives in India which is marred by gender bias, lack of choice and information as
well as medical negligence due to target based approach and mass-camps. The key concerns in this
regard can be summed up as:

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Sterilisation, particularly tubectomy, has been vigorously promoted and pushed by the government
through centrally- decided targets and on a mass scale through a camp approach, largely
disregarding other currently available methods such as condoms, oral pills, IUDs
Weak public health infrastructure and severe lack of trained medical staff results into untrained
persons/doctors performing complicated surgeries in hospitals.
Lack of awareness and education makes the situation acute in states like Chhattisgarh.
Indias family planning programme has traditionally focused on women thus indicating gender bias in
the implementation of such initiatives.

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Women are not informed about the choices. Some experts blame the incentive payments for leading
health authorities to pressure patients into surgery rather than advising them on other forms of
contraception.
The incident also raised concern over supply of adulterated or fake drugs and unhygienic conditions.

Keeping the above in view the following corrective steps would be required to make family planning
initiatives safe and effective:

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Family planning must shift from target-based approaches to demand driven and voluntary
contraception. This would also be in consonance with the National Population Policy of 2000 and the
government commitment to international conventions.
Family planning services should be carried out at government facilities by trained doctors and
support staff with strict adherence to standard protocols and quality assurance guidelines.
Meanwhile, public health centres shouldbe strengthened and equipped to provide regular services
based on demand.
In order to minimize gender bias, government should prioritise training for male government workers
to provide men with information and counselling about contraceptive choices.
Spacing methods like oral pills, condoms, IUCDs need to be promoted for informed choice.
Government should strengthen the drug procurement policy and ensure that the quality of drugs is
regularly monitored for efficacy, toxicity, lethality and composition.

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