Essays - 3 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Changes That Will Change India

As the clock struck midnight on August 15, 1947, India did not truly awaken to a new life of freedom. While our leaders celebrated their achievement of 'independence', the ground reality remained largely unchanged, with the only difference being that the white colonizers had been replaced by brown-skinned compatriots. The plight of the landless laborers working in mines, the struggling peasants burdened by failed land reforms, and the untouchables still facing the stigma of pollution from deeply ingrained Puranic literature continued to persist in this supposedly 'independent' India.

However, what did change after independence was the emergence of a dream: a vision of an egalitarian society that would provide social justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to all its citizens. This dream, clearly defined, was then passed on to future generations to create plans and strategies to bring about the necessary social, economic, and political transformations. Today, it is our generation's privilege and responsibility to take up this challenge and develop solutions for a 21st-century India that is both powerful and progressive, but still grappling with its backwardness.

Political Changes
India is currently facing numerous challenges across various fronts, including its political realm. Despite embracing democracy as the best form of governance, the country still struggles with issues such as elite oligarchy, idol worship, and dynastic rule.

To counter these issues, a cooling-off period of at least 20 years should be introduced before a retired party leader's close kin can inherit party leadership. The constitution should also be amended to limit a candidate's election to the position of Prime Minister to a maximum of two times, similar to the practice in mature democracies like the U.S.A. Additionally, new entrants in politics should be required to contest local-level elections before running for Assembly or Parliament, allowing them to gain the necessary skills and expertise.

Another problem faced by the Indian political system is the widespread criminalization of politics. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 34% of the 16th Lok Sabha members have criminal cases against them. The Representation of People Act (1951) should be amended to disallow political parties from nominating candidates with serious criminal charges filed against them at least six months before the elections, where the court has accepted the chargesheet.

Moreover, political parties should adopt a merit-based system, similar to professionally run organizations, by implementing tools such as the Right to Information Act (2005), internal elections, and more. This would not only attract young talent but also establish quality standards and benchmarks for good governance, which are currently lacking.

Lastly, a thriving democracy requires an active citizenry. The decline in political standards reflects the degradation of social and moral values in society. Trading votes for bill payments, loan waivers, money, or liquor highlights the dangerous path towards 'mobocracy.' The spirit of stakeholder mentality must be revived among citizens. Although the NOTA (None Of The Above) option was introduced to bring about change, it was perceived as a waste of a vote by the people. Therefore, NOTA should be given more power, such as triggering a re-polling in constituencies where NOTA has more votes than any of the candidates.

Administrative Changes
No political framework can succeed without an effective and efficient administrative system that can turn visions into reality. A socialistic ambition, no matter how pure and well-intentioned, is ineffective if it is not paired with managerial efficiency, which essentially means understanding the 'how' of governance.

Various commissions have offered solutions to reform administrative systems, but they have not been fully implemented by different governments. These reforms include structural, procedural, attitudinal, and psychological changes.

Procedural Reforms:

• Sensitivity training, such as the Jan Maitri project by Kerala Police Department, which exposes police officers to visuals of common people's desperation during their training period.
• Lateral entries, for example, appointing out-of-the-box thinkers from the private sector, like Sam Pitroda and Nandan Nilekani.
• Quantified performance measurement benchmarks and objective appraisals, such as 360-degree appraisals that value consumer feedback and subordinate opinions. This involves replacing ACR with APAR, a non-confidential system that aims to support subordinates rather than control them.

Structural Reforms:

• One-stop grievance redressal mechanisms, like Aayakar Sewa Kendras introduced by the Income Tax department.
• Digitization of procedures, implementing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems like SAP, which enable quick, holistic, and informed decision-making in real time.
• Encouraging citizen participation in governance through regular Jan Sabhas and social audits, leading to transparency, innovative and targeted solutions, and active contribution from the public.

Legal Reforms:

• Amend Article 311 of the constitution, which grants significant discretion and immunity to civil servants.
• Introduce mid-career examinations and performance reviews, allowing poor performers to leave their positions rather than holding onto them indefinitely.
• Strengthen the 'Prevention of Corruption Act' (1988) to include collusive corruption.
• Streamline and rationalize conduct rules, removing provisions of over-regulation, such as the requirement for attestation from a gazetted officer.
• Implement a code of ethics to build a motivated workforce that can adapt to unpredictable, complex, and changing environments.
• Encourage all states to enact a Lokayukta act in line with the UN declaration against corruption, of which India is a signatory.
• Form a Civil Service Board, as in Maharashtra, to reduce political interference in official appointments and promotions, thereby reducing nepotism, sycophancy, and corruption in government.

Reforms in Bureaucratic Mindset:

• Officials should view themselves as servants, not masters, as demonstrated by exemplary figures like Julius Robero, Kiran Bedi, and Prakash Singh.
• Develop qualities of empathy, kindness, and courage to stand up against powerful lobbies, following Kautilya's vision of an ideal officer.

The ultimate goal should be to achieve less government and more governance. As Mr. Narayana Murthy suggests, it may be time to replace the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with the Indian Management Service (IMS) to better address the current challenges.

Changes In Economy And Business
Reforms in India's public service delivery systems will not only improve services but also the country's Ease of Doing Business ranking, which currently stands at a low 130/189 according to the World Bank's Doing Business Report (2016). An average Indian businessman will likely experience difficulties in doing business in India due to the numerous regulations in place, ranging from labor inspections to taxation and legal hurdles, such as delays in land acquisition and poor infrastructure. In each of these sectors, change is needed, with examples of successful policies across different states that could be integrated and adapted to local requirements by the central government. This would help boost the Make in India campaign, allowing the country to compete with economies such as China.

Industrial reforms should also include exploring new sectors, moving beyond textiles, jewelry, IT and finance. Food processing, for instance, holds great potential due to its forward and backward linkage impacts, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the economy as a whole. Tourism, being labor-intensive and requiring minimal capital investment, is another untapped sector for India. Additionally, the education sector holds promise, with the potential for creating an 'Indian Education Service' that could export teachers worldwide, helping India regain its status as a 'Jagat Guru' or world teacher.

Social And Lifestyle Changes
The World Happiness Report (2016) by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network reveals that the average Indian is dissatisfied today, ranking India 118 out of 158 countries. This is below many war-torn nations such as Palestine and Pakistan. In everyday life, we observe unhappy students, tenants, and citizens complaining about various issues. The rise of consumerism in India, driven by the expansion of television and other technologies, has led to increased desires, jealousy, and self-centeredness. Happiness has become secondary to materialistic pursuits.

The solution to this issue lies within ourselves. Reconnecting with our inner selves and appreciating the smaller joys in life can help bring happiness back into focus. India has a rich history of research and practices that can aid in this reconnection, such as yoga and cultural festivals. However, the younger generation seems to be turning away from these traditions.

To prepare for a happier future, it is crucial to consult our past and integrate these values into various aspects of life, such as school curriculums and family values. By doing so, India can also address issues such as terrorism, communalism, and national unity through peaceful and sustainable means.

In Conclusion, To create a more progressive and powerful India, changes must be made across the political, administrative, economic, and social sectors. These reforms should tackle issues such as dynastic rule, criminalization of politics, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the ease of doing business within the country. By embracing meritocracy, good governance, and accountability, India can work towards achieving social justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all its citizens. In addition, promoting traditional practices and values can help improve overall happiness and create a more united and harmonious society.

The Focus of Healthcare is Increasingly Getting Skewed Towards the ‘Haves’ of our Society

Good health is a fundamental human need and essential for a nation to progress. For India to become a developed and prosperous nation, it must focus on its human capital. India is on the cusp of demographic dividend with over 60% of its population being economically productive (15-59 years of age). To fully utilize this potential, India must provide proper education, skills, nutrition, and healthcare for its population. Healthcare is of paramount importance, as only a healthy person can be productive enough to utilize their skills fully. However, the healthcare system in India is not in a healthy state.

India has a disproportionately high share of health problems and diseases like child stunting, diabetes, tuberculosis, and cancer. A recent National Sample Survey (NSS) found that over 80% of Indians do not have health insurance cover and that a majority of people in rural areas utilize private sector health services. This raises a question over whether the healthcare system in India is increasingly becoming skewed towards the population that can afford it.

The Indian healthcare system can be analyzed on three major aspects: accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare facilities. On all three fronts, the Indian healthcare system has had a mixed record. Accessibility to healthcare facilities is high in urban areas compared to rural areas. The private sector does not find it viable to increase its penetration in rural areas due to low purchasing power, whereas the public sector lacks resources, efficiency, and enterprise associated with the private sector. This is the reason why over 70% of both rural and urban people had to resort to private healthcare facilities despite their higher costs.

Private sector healthcare is more expensive than public sector healthcare due to the absence of state subsidies and the guiding motive of profit, making it less affordable. India spends less than 1.5% of its GDP on health, which is lower than many Sub-Saharan countries with much lower GDPs. In this situation, public sector healthcare facilities suffer from a lack of resources and poor infrastructure, while the doctor-to-patient ratio is below the World Health Organization's minimum benchmark of 1:1000.

To ensure better healthcare facilities for the poorer sections of society, the government has taken several steps to increase the accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare. Massive vaccination programs have been successful in eliminating smallpox and achieving a polio-free status. However, immunization coverage has only been 65%, and initiatives like Mission Indradhanush aim to increase this coverage to 90% in the coming years.

Furthermore, tax deductions for research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and a protective regime of favorable Intellectual Property (IP) laws have been instrumental in developing India as a major global player in the generic drugs industry. This has mainly helped increase access to low-cost life-saving drugs for poor patients in India and many other developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Another way to ensure better healthcare facilities for the poorer population is by increasing penetration of health insurance in the country. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) provides cashless health insurance at authorized private hospitals for below-poverty-line families and the unorganized sector.

In conclusion, good health is not only a fundamental right but also a necessity for India to augment its human resources capability and emerge as a developed nation. India cannot merely rely on the private sector to provide healthcare to the poorer population, nor can it rely solely on expanding the penetration of health insurance. India needs to learn from its successes in public health intervention and focus on preventive and curative treatments against non-communicable diseases in the public health sector. India needs to increase its investment in public health facilities and the overall health sector as a percentage of its GDP. By doing so, India can fulfill its constitutional obligation of ensuring the Right to Life and take a leap towards truly earning its place among developed nations.

The New Emerging Women-Power: Ground Realities

Gender issues and women's empowerment have become global buzzwords in recent decades. This increased awareness has slowly transformed many ideologies that previously justified social inequalities. Debates around the concept of empowerment have had significant effects on institutions supporting existing power structures, such as family and state. Women are becoming more aware of the limitations placed on them throughout history and are demanding control over their own bodies, equal representation in social institutions, and recognition of their identity. There has been a sharp increase in women's development strategies that aim to eliminate gender gaps in work opportunities, political participation, healthcare, and resource distribution.

India has taken significant steps to address gender gaps in society. The Indian constitution provides equal employment opportunities, voting rights, and equal pay for equal work. It places great emphasis on women's dignity and includes provisions such as maternity relief to maintain a gender-sensitive work environment. Government schemes like 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' and 'Janani Suraksha' aim to ensure better healthcare and education facilities. Policies like the 'New National Policy for Women' aim to adopt a socially inclusive rights-based approach for women's empowerment. Additionally, the introduction of the Gender Budget Statement promises a fair distribution of resources across gender divisions.

The past decade has seen an expansion of legal definitions of terms like 'rape' and 'violence.' Laws have broadened their scope to address women's exploitation in both private and public spheres through legislation like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act (2013). Institutions like the National Commission for Women have been formed to identify and register cases of oppression faced by women. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is specifically dedicated to addressing issues, policies, and implementation related to women and children in the country.

India has seen significant changes in its socio-political and economic conditions due to these measures, as well as the impact of globalization and technological advancements. The 2001-2011 census recorded a significant rise in women's literacy rates. The expansion of the service sector has generated new work opportunities for women. To a large extent, greater equality in wages and roles can be seen in urban areas, where the phenomenon of emerging women's power is most acutely observed.

Women are now occupying key positions in many fields that were previously denied to them. The rise of women in strategic positions has led to a better understanding and identification of oppressive practices. However, these transformations are still small compared to the number of issues that continue to degrade women's conditions in society. Additionally, new challenges have emerged that hinder the holistic development of women.

Crime against women has increased alongside the growth of career-oriented women in professional spaces. Cybercrimes such as online sexual harassment and molestation have risen with technological advancements. While the country celebrates scientific and economic achievements, half of its population still lives in fear of rape, trafficking, domestic violence, honor killing, acid attacks, and sexual harassment. Child marriage, dowry demands, and female infanticide remain harsh realities despite strict legal prohibitions. These practices contribute to the skewed sex ratio in society.

The concept of emerging women's power seems to be an illusion when considering these realities. Most state measures follow a top-down approach and view women as mere beneficiaries of welfare schemes. Women are not empowered to understand and confront patriarchal structures. Decision-making, which is emphasized in the empowerment process, must emerge from knowledge and informed mediation to bring about changes in familial structures and social arrangements that help evolve gender roles.

Education plays an essential role in shaping young minds on gender issues. Schools are one of the initial stages where the internalization of gender roles takes place. Gender-sensitive pedagogy is needed to subvert these roles. Instilling sensitivity towards women's dignity and emphasizing the development of ethical stands on equality in boys can create responsible and sensitive individuals. Encouraging analytical understanding of exploitation and discrimination among girls will result in more confident and aware women who can help create a gender-just society.

In conclusion, examining the ground realities of headlines like "the new emerging women power" adds more substance and nuance to the discourse on gender justice. These nuances do not deny the accomplishments achieved so far but point out the remaining distance that still needs to be covered. Identifying problem areas and weaknesses is the first step towards their eradication. India has shown a dedicated commitment to change by pledging to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, which include gender justice and women's empowerment ideals. Only through constructive planning and comprehensive changes at various societal levels will the new emerging "women power" be able to realize its full potential in India.

Lending Hands to Someone is Better than Giving a Dole

Helping others is an essential aspect of being human, and many people do so in various ways. Some donate to charities, provide aid directly to those in need, volunteer their time, or create job opportunities. It is crucial to understand what type of help is most beneficial to humanity. The Chinese proverb, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime," encapsulates this idea. This essay presents examples of alternative ways of helping people that are more effective than merely donating money.

During the Chennai floods, one of the worst in over 100 years, the city's infrastructure was severely affected, and people's lives were disrupted. While financial help was crucial for rebuilding efforts, the immediate assistance provided by locals and businesses during the crisis was invaluable. People offered their homes as shelters, and companies like Facebook, BSNL, Paytm, Ola, and Zomato provided various services to help those affected. In this scenario, direct help proved more effective than monetary donations.

In everyday life, giving money or food to beggars may not effectively address the issue of poverty. Instead, providing a source of livelihood would be a more compassionate approach. Similarly, donating money to welfare organizations may not always be helpful, as some may be scams, or the funds may not be used effectively. Providing tangible items like clothes, blankets, food, or time would be more useful. Professionals can also offer their expertise, such as teachers giving free tuition, doctors volunteering at free clinics, and lawyers providing legal services to the underprivileged.

Governments of democratic states often provide freebies and subsidies, but these do not address the core issues of governance, public services, infrastructure, and corruption. In these cases, allocating money to improve these domains would be more beneficial to society.

In international relations, providing aid in kind can be more effective than financial aid, as there is a greater scope for misuse of funds. For example, American aid to Pakistan has been diverted to counter India rather than fighting against the Taliban. In contrast, India's aid to Africa focuses on human resource development, infrastructure, and peacekeeping efforts, which have a more significant impact on the ground.

To conclude, while money and financial resources are essential for many humanitarian efforts, there is more to helping others than just providing funds. Recognizing the need for different types of assistance and offering services or expertise can often be more valuable than simply donating money. Ultimately, helping others should be the primary motivation of any human being, and the most effective way to do so is to help people help themselves.