Day 34 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: Critically evaluate the role of women’s organizations in addressing gender-based violence in India. How effective have these organizations been in bringing about legislative and social changes? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Women’s organizations in India play a critical role in combating gender-based violence, advocating for legal reforms and social awareness. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, underpinning these efforts.

Body

Role of women’s organizations in addressing gender-based violence –

1. Legislative Influence: Women’s organizations have been pivotal in legislative advocacy, resulting in significant laws like the Domestic Violence Act. However, enforcement remains weak. Eg: Despite the Act, domestic violence persists due to implementation gaps.
2. Social Awareness: Campaigns have raised awareness but changing deep-seated social norms is slow. Eg: Awareness campaigns like “Bell Bajao” are impactful but face resistance in patriarchal societies.
3. Service Provision: Support services are essential but limited in reach, especially in rural areas. Eg: Shelters in urban areas like Mumbai are effective but scarce in rural regions.
4. Community Engagement: Community mobilization has led to grassroots changes but needs sustained efforts for long-term impact. Eg: Jagori’s outreach shows success but requires continuous engagement.
5. Institutional Training: Training law enforcement has improved sensitivity but varies across regions. Eg: Training workshops have led to better handling of cases in some areas but inconsistency persists.

Effectiveness of these organization in brining legislative impact –

1. Advocacy for Legal Reforms: Pushed for stringent laws against gender violence. Eg: Campaign for the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Nirbhaya Act).
2. Support for Domestic Violence Act: Influenced the enactment of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Eg: Role of NGOs like SEWA in drafting and advocating for the law.
3. Sexual Harassment at Workplace: Pioneered the Vishaka Guidelines and subsequent Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. Eg: Vishaka case led by women’s groups.
4. Child Marriage Prohibition: Advocacy led to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Eg: Efforts by organizations like Child Rights and You (CRY).
5. Trafficking Legislation: Pushed for comprehensive anti-trafficking laws. Eg: Contributions to the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018.

Effectiveness of these organization in brining social impact –

1. Awareness Campaigns: Educated the public about gender violence and legal rights. Eg: “Bell Bajao” campaign by Breakthrough.
2. Support Services: Established shelters, counseling, and legal aid for survivors. Eg: Services by organizations like Majlis in Mumbai.
3. Community Mobilization: Engaged communities to change attitudes towards gender violence. Eg: Community outreach by Jagori.
4. Media Engagement: Utilized media to highlight cases and mobilize public opinion. Eg: Social media campaigns during high-profile cases like Nirbhaya.
5. Training and Capacity Building: Trained law enforcement and judiciary on gender sensitivity. Eg: Workshops conducted by the All India Women’s Conference.

Conclusion

Women’s organizations have significantly impacted legislative and social change regarding gender-based violence in India. While they have made substantial strides, challenges in enforcement, social norm changes, and resource limitations remain. Ensuring sustained support and collaboration with government and civil society is vital for further progress.

Question 2: Discuss the challenges posed by the rising population in India. How do these challenges affect economic development, and what measures can be taken to manage population growth sustainably? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, faces significant challenges due to rapid population growth. Article 47 of the Indian Constitution mandates the state to improve public health and nutrition, which is crucial in managing population growth.

Body

Challenges Posed by Rising Population –

1. Resource Strain: Overpopulation leads to depletion of natural resources, impacting sustainability. Eg: Water scarcity in states like Maharashtra.
2. Unemployment: A large population creates job scarcity, increasing unemployment rates. Eg: High unemployment among youth in urban areas.
3. Infrastructure Pressure: Rising population strains existing infrastructure, leading to inadequate services. Eg: Overcrowded public transport systems in cities like Mumbai.
4. Environmental Degradation: Increased population leads to deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Eg: Air pollution crisis in Delhi.
5. Health and Education Services: Higher population burdens health and education systems, reducing quality. Eg: Overburdened hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact on Economic Development –

1. Reduced Per Capita Income: Rapid population growth dilutes the per capita availability of resources, reducing income. Eg: Lower GDP per capita compared to other countries.
2. Increased Poverty: High population growth rates contribute to poverty by limiting economic opportunities. Eg: Persistent poverty in densely populated rural areas.
3. Strain on Public Services: Overpopulation leads to stretched public services, affecting overall quality of life. Eg: Insufficient public housing and sanitation facilities.
4. Reduced Savings and Investments: High dependency ratios lead to lower household savings and reduced investments. Eg: Families with more children save less, impacting economic growth.
5. Inequality: Population growth exacerbates socio-economic inequalities. Eg: Disparities in access to healthcare and education between urban and rural areas.

Measures to Manage Population Growth Sustainably –

1. Promoting Education: Enhancing education, particularly for women, to reduce fertility rates. Eg: Initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.
2. Family Planning Programs: Expanding access to contraception and reproductive health services. Eg: National Family Planning Program.
3. Economic Incentives: Providing financial incentives for smaller families. Eg: Incentives for sterilization in rural areas.
4. Raising Awareness: Public campaigns to educate about the benefits of smaller families. Eg: Campaigns by Population Foundation of India.
5. Improving Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. Eg: Mission Indradhanush for immunization.

Conclusion

Managing population growth is crucial for sustainable economic development in India. Effective measures combining education, healthcare, and awareness can help achieve this goal, ensuring a balanced and prosperous society. Addressing these challenges is essential for India’s long-term socio-economic stability.

Question 3: Examine the major problems associated with urbanization in India. Suggest comprehensive strategies to address issues like urban poverty, slum development, and infrastructure deficits. (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

Urbanization refers to the increasing population residing in urban areas, and it presents both opportunities and challenges. According to the 2011 Census, 31.16% of India’s population lives in urban areas, leading to significant socio-economic and infrastructural challenges.

Body

Major Problems associated with urbanization in India –

1. Urban Poverty: Rapid urbanization leads to economic disparities and increased urban poverty. Eg: Migrant workers in cities like Delhi and Mumbai face low wages and poor living conditions.
2. Slum Development: Lack of affordable housing leads to the proliferation of slums. Eg: Dharavi in Mumbai, one of Asia’s largest slums, highlights inadequate housing and sanitation.
3. Infrastructure Deficits: Overcrowding strains urban infrastructure, causing deficits in transportation, water supply, and sanitation. Eg: Traffic congestion and inadequate public transport in Bengaluru.
4. Environmental Degradation: Urbanization contributes to pollution, waste management issues, and loss of green spaces. Eg: Air pollution in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities globally.
5. Healthcare Challenges: Overburdened healthcare facilities cannot cater to the rising urban population. Eg: Insufficient hospital beds and medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in metropolitan cities.

Strategies to Address Issues –

1. Urban Poverty:
2. Skill Development and Employment: Implement skill development programs to improve employability. Eg: Skill India Mission providing vocational training.
3. Inclusive Economic Policies: Promote policies that encourage inclusive economic growth and job creation. Eg: Startup India initiative encouraging entrepreneurship.
4. Social Security Measures: Expand social security schemes to cover urban poor. Eg: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for subsidies.

2. Slum Development:
3. Affordable Housing: Implement policies for affordable and inclusive housing. Eg: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) aims to provide housing for all.
4. Slum Rehabilitation: Develop and implement slum redevelopment and rehabilitation programs. Eg: The Rajiv Awas Yojana focused on making cities slum-free.
5. Community Participation: Involve slum dwellers in planning and implementation of development projects. Eg: Participatory slum upgrading projects in Pune.

3. Infrastructure Deficits:
4. Infrastructure Development: Invest in urban infrastructure projects to improve transportation, water supply, and sanitation. Eg: Smart Cities Mission focuses on urban renewal and retrofitting.
5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encourage PPP models for infrastructure development. Eg: Delhi Metro project as a successful PPP model.
6. Sustainable Urban Planning: Promote sustainable and green urban development practices. Eg: Development of green belts and waste-to-energy projects.

Conclusion

Addressing urbanization challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, integrating housing, infrastructure, and social services to create sustainable and inclusive urban environments. By focusing on comprehensive strategies, India can achieve balanced urban growth and improved quality of life for urban residents.