Day 41 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: Evaluate the effectiveness of the PM-KISAN scheme in addressing the agrarian distress in India. What are the challenges faced in its implementation, and how can they be mitigated? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) is a central sector scheme launched in 2019 that provides income support of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers, directly transferred into their bank accounts. It aims to alleviate agrarian distress by offering financial assistance for agricultural and domestic needs.

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Effectiveness in Addressing Agrarian Distress –

1. Direct Income Support: PM-KISAN offers immediate financial relief, helping farmers meet basic needs—e.g., input costs.
2. Inclusion of Marginal Farmers: The scheme covers over 11 crore farmers, ensuring wider coverage—e.g., small and marginal farmers.
3. Boosts Rural Economy: Regular cash flow strengthens the rural economy by increasing purchasing power—e.g., local markets.
4. Reduces Dependence on Informal Credit: Financial support reduces reliance on high-interest loans from informal sources—e.g., moneylenders.
5. Support During Crises: Acts as a buffer in times of agricultural distress—e.g., drought or floods.

Challenges in Implementation –

1. Exclusion Errors: Lack of updated land records excludes eligible farmers—e.g., tenant farmers.
2. Bureaucratic Delays: Delays in fund transfers due to administrative inefficiencies—e.g., verification process.
3. Limited Financial Relief: ₹6,000 annually may be inadequate to address significant agrarian distress—e.g., rising input costs.
4. Digital Divide: Lack of digital literacy and banking infrastructure hampers access—e.g., rural areas without banks.
5. Duplicate Beneficiaries: Inaccurate records lead to duplicate beneficiaries, reducing the scheme’s efficiency—e.g., multiple family members registered.

Conclusion

PM-KISAN has been instrumental in providing immediate relief to farmers, but challenges like exclusion errors and inadequate financial support need to be addressed. Strengthening land records, enhancing digital infrastructure, and increasing the amount can enhance the scheme’s impact. The scheme should be viewed as a component of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable agricultural development.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. Doubling Farmers’ Income Committee (2017): Advocated for direct income support—recommendations incorporated in PM-KISAN.
2. Economic Survey 2021-22: Highlighted the scheme’s contribution to rural demand—rural demand increase by 10%.
3. DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) Platform: Ensures transparency and efficiency—80% reduction in leakage.

Question 2: Critically analyze the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. How can they contribute to the policy’s success, and what challenges do they face in this sector? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to transform the Indian education system through inclusive and equitable quality education. NGOs contribute by bridging gaps in education access, quality, and innovation, especially in underserved areas.

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Role of NGOs in NEP 2020 Implementation –

1. Community Engagement: NGOs facilitate community involvement in education, ensuring local needs are addressed—e.g., Pratham’s work in rural education.
2. Teacher Training and Development: NGOs provide training to educators, enhancing teaching quality and pedagogical methods—e.g., Azim Premji Foundation.
3. Innovation in Learning: NGOs introduce innovative learning methods and tools, promoting experiential learning—e.g., Teach for India’s digital initiatives.
4. Infrastructure Support: NGOs assist in building and improving school infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas—e.g., Barefoot College’s solar-powered schools.
5. Advocacy and Awareness: NGOs raise awareness about NEP 2020, mobilizing communities to demand better educational outcomes—e.g., Oxfam India’s advocacy programs.

Challenges Faced by NGOs –

1. Funding Constraints: Limited financial resources restrict NGOs’ ability to scale their initiatives—e.g., dependence on donor funding.
2. Regulatory Hurdles: Complex regulations, including FCRA restrictions, pose challenges—e.g., delays in fund approvals.
3. Collaboration with Government: Lack of effective coordination with government agencies hampers policy implementation—e.g., bureaucratic red tape.
4. Capacity Building: NGOs often face challenges in building capacity to implement large-scale educational programs—e.g., shortage of trained personnel.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Difficulty in measuring the impact of interventions due to lack of standardized evaluation frameworks—e.g., varying metrics of success.

Conclusion

NGOs are pivotal in the successful implementation of NEP 2020, especially in enhancing access, quality, and innovation in education. However, challenges like funding, regulatory hurdles, and coordination need to be addressed to maximize their contribution. The involvement of NGOs is crucial in ensuring that NEP 2020 achieves its goal of transforming the education system, thereby contributing to the broader objective of nation-building.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. Draft NEP 2019: Emphasized the role of NGOs in education reform—NGOs as key stakeholders.
2. Right to Education Act, 2009: Provides a framework within which NGOs operate—collaboration for inclusive education.
3. UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report: Highlights the role of civil society in education—NGOs bridging the gap.

Question 3: Discuss the impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation in rural India. What are the key success factors and obstacles that SHGs encounter in their operations? (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are grassroots-level financial intermediaries composed of 10-20 members, predominantly women, aimed at promoting savings and credit as well as fostering socio-economic development. SHGs have significantly contributed to women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation in rural India, with over 100 million women engaged under various programs like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).

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Impact of SHGs on Women’s Empowerment –

1. Economic Independence: SHGs enable women to save, access credit, and start micro-enterprises, leading to economic self-reliance—e.g., Amul Dairy cooperatives.
2. Social Empowerment: Participation in SHGs builds confidence and leadership skills, allowing women to take active roles in community decision-making—e.g., Kudumbashree in Kerala.
3. Improved Livelihoods: SHGs diversify income sources for rural households, reducing vulnerability to poverty—e.g., SHGs in Andhra Pradesh engaged in tailoring and crafts.
4. Access to Government Schemes: SHGs act as a conduit for women to access various government schemes, enhancing their socio-economic status—e.g., PM Jan Dhan Yojana linkage.
5. Education and Health Awareness: SHGs promote awareness on health, education, and sanitation, leading to improved family welfare—e.g., Swachh Bharat Abhiyan participation.

Key Success Factors and Obstacles in SHG Operations –

1. Peer Support and Trust: Strong mutual trust among members is crucial for the success of SHGs, ensuring timely loan repayment and group cohesion—e.g., Tamil Nadu’s women SHGs.
2. Effective Training and Capacity Building: Regular training in financial literacy and business management enhances the productivity and sustainability of SHGs—e.g., NABARD’s SHG-Bank linkage program.
3. Access to Credit: Limited access to formal credit institutions remains a challenge, with many SHGs still dependent on informal sources—e.g., high-interest loans in rural Bihar.
4. Social and Cultural Barriers: Traditional norms and gender biases often restrict women’s participation and decision-making in SHGs—e.g., patriarchal resistance in Rajasthan.
5. Sustainability and Scale: Many SHGs struggle with issues of sustainability, often due to lack of scale and proper market linkages—e.g., challenges in marketing SHG products in remote areas.

Conclusion

SHGs have played a transformative role in empowering rural women and alleviating poverty in India, but their impact could be further enhanced by addressing key challenges such as access to credit, training, and overcoming social barriers. Strengthening SHGs aligns with broader national objectives of inclusive growth and socio-economic equity.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. NABARD SHG-Bank Linkage Program: Launched in 1992, it connects SHGs with formal banking institutions, enhancing financial inclusion—over 12 million SHGs linked.
2. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): Aims to reduce rural poverty through SHG-based interventions—targets 7 crore rural households.
3. Mahalir Thittam in Tamil Nadu: A successful SHG model promoting women’s entrepreneurship—empowered over 6 lakh women.