Kurukshetra Summary: November, 2024– Social Security And Welfare | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Social Security Vital for Development and Prosperity

Introduction

• Social security is a vital part of India’s socio-economic structure, offering necessary support to vulnerable groups.
• It serves as a safety net against issues like poverty, unemployment, and health emergencies.
• With India undergoing rapid socio-economic changes, a strong social security system is crucial for ensuring fair growth and stability.

Universal Social Protection

• Universal social protection means providing all individuals with basic social security measures.
• The World Bank states that well-designed social protection programs yield significant returns on investment by improving human capital and economic productivity.
• Global commitments aim to establish a minimum level of social protection for everyone, ensuring they live with dignity and participate actively in society.

Social Security in India

India’s diverse social security system addresses various aspects of human development through a mix of:

• Social Insurance: Programs offering health and financial security.
• Social Assistance: Welfare schemes aimed at the most vulnerable.
• Rights-based Schemes: Focused on education and food security.
• The system highlights the need for holistic development, ensuring overall well-being across all sectors.

Education and Food Security

• Right to Education Act (RTE): Mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years, promoting inclusivity and literacy among economically disadvantaged groups.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides nutritious meals to school-going children, improving enrollment, attendance, and nutrition.
• National Food Security Act (NFSA): Covers about 67% of India’s population, ensuring access to subsidized food grains, addressing malnutrition and hunger among marginalized groups, and contributing to food security.

Healthcare and Employment

• Healthcare Initiatives:Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually to vulnerable groups, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improving access to quality medical care.
• Employment Schemes:Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually for rural households, enhancing livelihood security while creating rural infrastructure and assets.

Senior Citizens and the Unorganized Sector

• Pension and Support for Senior Citizens: Pension schemes provide financial stability to elderly individuals, ensuring their basic needs are met. Healthcare initiatives for senior citizens focus on addressing age-related challenges and ensuring access to medical services.
• Social Security for the Unorganized Sector: Over 90% of India’s workforce is employed in the unorganized sector, facing challenges such as low wages and lack of job security. Government initiatives aim to extend benefits like insurance and pensions to these workers, ensuring their inclusion in the social security framework.

Conclusion

• Effective social protection mechanisms are crucial for adapting to changing demographics and societal needs.
• Strengthening India’s social security framework is essential for inclusive development, ensuring prosperity and resilience for all sections of society.

Social Security and Welfare of Farmers for Building Viksit Bharat

Introduction

• Social security and welfare programs for farmers are crucial for creating a developed and inclusive India ( Viksit Bharat ). 
• Ensuring the well-being of farmers is not just an economic necessity but also a moral obligation, vital for the country’s future.

The Importance of Social Security for Farmers

• Social security provides protection during unforeseen events, helping to maintain economic stability and dignity. 
• Farmers, being a vulnerable group, require strong safety nets to cope with the uncertainties in agriculture. 
• The government plays a significant role in implementing effective welfare measures for farmers' prosperity.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

Indian farmers face various challenges that impact their livelihoods, including:

• Small and fragmented landholdings.
• Limited access to modern agricultural technologies.
• Dependence on unpredictable monsoons, leading to potential crop failures.
• Fluctuations in market prices that reduce profits.
• Rising input costs that increase financial pressure on farmers.

These challenges highlight the need for robust social security frameworks tailored to the unique issues faced by farmers.

Government Initiatives for Farmer Welfare

Several schemes and programs have been launched to ensure farmers’ economic security and welfare:

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Provides direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to farmers in three instalments.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Offers affordable crop insurance to safeguard farmers against losses from natural disasters.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY). Ensures an old-age pension for small and marginal farmers, enhancing financial security post-retirement.
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY). Provides social security for farmers by encouraging savings for retirement.

Sustainable Farming and Environmental Security

Sustainable farming is crucial for long-term agricultural productivity and environmental security. Key initiatives promoting sustainable practices include:

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). Promotes organic farming to reduce environmental impact and enhance soil health.
• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC). Emphasises micro-irrigation techniques to improve water-use efficiency in agriculture.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Encourages effective irrigation and better resource management for sustainable farming.

Digital Platform for Farm Mechanization and Technology

Adopting technology is essential for modernising agriculture and boosting productivity. The government has introduced various initiatives for farm mechanisation and technology, such as:

• Direct benefit transfer of subsidies for farm machinery.
• A centralised farm machinery performance testing portal to ensure equipment quality.
• The FARMS mobile app, enabling farmers to easily access mechanisation-related services.

Farmers’ Collectives and Marketing of Farm Produce

Strengthening farmers’ collectives and improving marketing systems are vital for enhancing farmers’ incomes. Key initiatives include:

• Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Facilitates collective farming and increases bargaining power for better market access.
• National Agriculture Market (e-NAM). A nationwide platform for transparent price discovery and efficient online trading of agricultural products.

These initiatives empower farmers by reducing exploitation from intermediaries and enhancing profitability.

Conclusion

Social security and welfare measures for farmers are crucial for achieving an inclusive and prosperous India. The government’s focus on uplifting marginalised farmers through targeted policies reflects its commitment to ensuring agricultural sustainability and economic equity. By addressing challenges and promoting comprehensive welfare schemes, India can build a resilient agricultural sector that drives national development.

Government Schemes Making the Path Easier for Divyangjan

Introduction 

• The government is committed to empowering Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and ensuring their inclusion in society through various schemes and initiatives. 
• These efforts aim to improve the personal, social, and economic conditions of Divyangjan, enabling them to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.

Improving Prospects for Divyangjan

• Divyangjan face many difficulties in finding opportunities for social and economic growth, especially in rural areas.
• The government is working to solve these problems by offering job and self-employment opportunities.
• Programs for vocational skill training are essential to help Divyangjan learn the skills they need to join the workforce.

Divyangjan Empowerment Schemes

• Several government initiatives focus on the empowerment of Divyangjanin key areas like:
  • Education
  • Health
  • Social Security
  • Self-Esteem
• Reservations in government jobs and other actions aimed at support are crucial for ensuring their inclusion.
• These efforts aim to close the gap in access to opportunities and promote social and economic integration.

Empowerment with Dignity

• Respect and dignity are essential when addressing Divyangjan to empower them properly.
• The initiative by the Prime Minister to use the term ‘Divyangjan’ shows an effort to emphasize their unique abilities.
• Many programs from both government and non-governmental organizations are designed to recognize these abilities and support their inclusion in society.

Self-Reliant Divyangjans

• Many examples show how Divyangjan have become self-reliant and successful in various areas.
• These successes highlight the role of government support and social inclusion.
• Achievements like these stress the need for supportive environments and specific programs.
• Such initiatives help Divyangjan unlock their full potential.

Government Schemes for Individual Empowerment

• Disability Certificates: These documents help individuals access benefits like discounts on school and college fees, scholarships, and various government programs.
• Education Initiatives: These programs aim to provide scholarships and financial help for students to support their education.
• Health and Rehabilitation: These services are designed to offer medical support and rehabilitation, enhancing the quality of life for individuals.
• Overall Impact: Collectively, these initiatives work towards improving the social and economic inclusion of Divyangjan.

Assistance in Assistive Devices and Social Respect

• The Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) Scheme offers devices and equipment to Divyangjan.
• This scheme helps with physical, social, and psychological rehabilitation, allowing for increased mobility and independence.
• It is also important to promote social respect for Divyangjan, with various programs that acknowledge their achievements and contributions.

Schemes for Economic Empowerment

• Economic empowerment is an important goal of the government's initiatives for Divyangjan.
• Job reservations in government positions help ensure that Divyangjan have representation and access to job opportunities.
• Financial support for self-employment encourages individuals to pursue their business goals and become entrepreneurs.
• The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) plays a vital role in providing financial assistance and encouraging self-sufficiency among Divyangjan.
• These initiatives work together to improve the economic stability and independence of Divyangjan.

Conclusion

• Significant progress has been made in supporting Divyangjan through various government programs and initiatives.
• There is a need for continuous improvement in how these programs are carried out to make sure they work effectively.
• Easy access to information and resources is essential for achieving full participation and support for Divyangjan in society.

Ensuring Dignity in Old Age: A Pathway to Social Security for Senior Citizens

Introduction

• Social security is essential for ensuring that elderly people in India can live with dignity.
• The rapid growth of cities, changes in family dynamics, and shifts in social values make it necessary for the government to step in to support the well-being of the elderly.

The Growing Elderly Population in India

• India is going through a change in its population, with a significant rise in the number of older people.
• This shift requires strong social security, healthcare, and economic policies to tackle the issues that senior citizens face.
• It is important to ensure a comfortable and dignified life for the elderly to effectively manage this change in demographics.

Social Security Programs for Senior Citizens

• Government programs focus on helping older adults.
• These initiatives offer support in areas like finance, healthcare, housing, and legal rights.
• They aim to provide economic stability for senior citizens.
• Access to healthcare services is a key part of these programs.
• Safe and affordable housing options are available.
• These programs also protect the legal rights of older individuals.

Pension and Insurance Schemes

• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Provides financial help to elderly people living below the poverty line.
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Guarantees a regular monthly pension for workers in the unorganized sector after they retire.
• Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): Delivers assured returns to senior citizens through pension plans run by LIC.
• Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS): Offers retirement and family pensions to qualified employees in the organized sector.
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Provides accidental insurance coverage for senior citizens.

Healthcare Initiatives for Senior Citizens

• Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY): This program offers health insurance for elderly individuals from low-income families.
• National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): This initiative aims to provide both preventive and treatment services that address the specific health needs of older adults.
• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): This scheme supplies physical aids and devices that help senior citizens in their daily lives.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, this plan allows elderly patients to receive treatment without any cost at designated hospitals.
• Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund (SCWF): This fund supports various healthcare and welfare programs for older adults.

Livelihood and Skilling Initiatives

• Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity (SACRED): This program offers a way for older adults to find new job opportunities.
• Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups): These groups help elderly individuals get involved in meaningful activities that improve their income and boost their self-esteem.

Housing and Welfare Schemes

• Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Provides assistance for services related to the care of senior citizens, which includes housing options.
• Reverse Mortgage Scheme: Allows senior citizens to take out loans using their homes as collateral, helping them maintain financial independence in their later years.

Legal Protection and Rights for Senior Citizens

• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: This law requires that children or legal heirs provide financial support and care for elderly family members.
• National Policy for Senior Citizens, 2011: This policy aims to protect the welfare and rights of older people, making sure they are included and respected in society.
• Helplines and Awareness Programs: These resources are available to help safeguard seniors from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Key challenges include: 

• Inadequate infrastructure
• Low awareness about available schemes
• Insufficient pension amounts
• Limited access to healthcare

A thorough approach is necessary to enhance social security for the elderly by focusing on: 

• Expanding pension coverage and increasing pension amounts
• Improving healthcare facilities and making services more accessible
• Simplifying application processes for various schemes
• Raising awareness about rights and available support systems

Conclusion

• A comprehensive strategy is crucial for improving the lives of elderly people in India.
• By tackling various issues and setting up strong social security programs, we can ensure that older adults are honored, supported, and enabled to live with dignity and security as they age.

Social Security of Scheduled Tribes & Scheduled Castes in North-Eastern Region

Introduction

• The context of social security for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) in the North-Eastern Region of India is influenced by its unique population makeup.
• This discussion looks at the challenges and opportunities for providing social security and promoting sustainable development for these communities.

Unique Demographic Composition

• The North-Eastern Region has a large number of Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, with four states having a majority of these tribes. 
• This region is home to a variety of ST communities, each with its own distinct cultural and traditional practices. 

Connection Between Ecology and Communities

• The economic systems of indigenous people in tribal areas are closely connected to their environment, including land, forests, and water. 
• Some of the main challenges faced include: 
  • Land Alienation: The loss of traditional land ownership due to outside influence.
  • Displacement: Development projects that force ST communities to move.
  • Ecological Balance: The need to ensure that development efforts do not harm traditional ways of life and the environment.

Constitutional Provisions and Political Representation

• The Sixth Scheduleof the Constitution: 
  • It outlines the governance of tribal areas in the North-Eastern Region.
  • It protects tribal rights and allows for local governance through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
• Reservation of Seats:
  • Special seats in elected bodies are set aside to ensure that ST and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities have a voice in decision-making.

Literacy and Education

• The literacy rate among Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the North-Eastern Region is higher than the national average. 
• There are still challenges when it comes to providing quality education, especially at the secondary and higher secondary levels. 
• It is important to tackle these challenges to ensure fair educational opportunities for both Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. 
• Crimes Against ST and SC Communities
• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), crimes against ST and SC communities in the North-Eastern Region tend to be lower than in other areas of India. 
• This suggests a more peaceful social environment in this region. 
• Health Indicators and Social Security

Key Health Indicators:

• Positive trends have been noticed in the sex ratio and the Infant Mortality Ratio (IMR). 
• There are still challenges in making sure everyone has access to good healthcare services, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas. 
• It is important to close the healthcare gaps to improve the social security of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the area. 

Housing and Welfare Schemes

• Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G): This program aims to provide affordable and safe housing for people living in rural areas, especially for those from Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC). 
• Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan: This initiative is focused on enhancing living conditions and promoting the overall development of tribal villages. 
• These programs are crucial for improving the socio-economic status of communities belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. 

Challenges and Opportunities

• Geographic isolation and tough landscapes make it hard for communities to reach essential services.
• Maintaining cultural identity is a challenge as communities face the impacts of modernization.
• Finding a way to balance development with both ecological health and the sustainability of traditional ways of living is important.
• There are opportunities in focused and inclusive policies, building better infrastructure, and protecting cultural heritage.

Conclusion

• Addressing the unique challenges faced by Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) in the North-Eastern Region requires thorough social security and welfare programs. 
• Key areas to focus on include: 
  • Improving access to education, healthcare, and housing.
  • Supporting sustainable job opportunities.
  • Preserving cultural identity and ensuring environmental health.
• A complete and holistic approach is necessary for the overall growth and well-being of these communities. 

Importance of Enhancing Social Security for Unorganized Sector Workers

Introduction

• Ensuring social security for workers in the unorganized sector in India is very important because they are often at risk. 
• This discussion looks at the challenges that these workers face. 
• It highlights the need for coordinated efforts to enhance their well-being through social security measures. 
• Workers in the unorganized sector typically do not have access to basic protections and benefits. 
• Many of these workers struggle with job security and financial stability. 
• There is a strong need for systems that provide support, such as healthcare, retirement benefits, and insurance. 
• Improving the situation for these workers requires collaboration between government, employers, and communities. 
• Effective social security systems can help protect these workers from unexpected challenges. 

The Unorganized Sector in India

• The unorganized sector includes a large part of India's workforce, making up about 90% of all workers. 
• Workers in this sector often deal with several issues, such as: 
  • Job insecurity - Many workers do not have stable jobs.
  • Lack of social security - There are no benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
  • Limited access to basic services - Workers often do not have proper facilities or amenities.
• These problems highlight the need for specific actions to help these workers. 
• The Social Security Code 2020 was created to bring together and expand social security benefits for workers in the unorganized sector. 
• Important features of this code include: 
  • Registration of unorganized sector workers to keep track of them.
  • Issuance of identity cards to help workers access social security programs.
• This program aims to close the gaps in social security for workers who are often left out. 

Government Initiatives for Unorganized Sector Workers

• Financial Inclusion and Insurance
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): A scheme that helps people access banking services to promote financial inclusion.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Provides life insurance coverage for individuals.
  • Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Offers accidental insurance for workers in the unorganized sector.
• Pension and Retirement Benefits
  • Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Provides old-age pension benefits for workers.
  • Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM): Delivers pension benefits to those working in the unorganized sector.
  • Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maandhan Yojana: Aims to support small shopkeepers with pension benefits.
  • National Pension System (NPS): Designed for employees who joined government jobs after 2004 to ensure retirement benefits.
• Healthcare Coverage
  • Ayushman Bharat: A health insurance scheme that aims to provide universal healthcare access.
  • Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI): Offers health insurance and other benefits to organized sector workers, also helping unorganized workers through broad coverage goals.

Employment and Rural Welfare

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):
• Guarantees wage employment in rural areas, providing economic stability to unorganized workers.

Challenges in Implementing Social Security Schemes

• Despitehaving various programs, several challenges still exist, including: 
  • Lack of Awareness: Many workers do not know about the benefits available to them. 
  • Low Enrollment Rates: Few people signing up leads to less effectiveness of the programs. 
  • Limited Coverage: A large number of workers are not included in social security programs. 
  • Inadequate Funding: Not enough money makes it hard to carry out these programs effectively. 
• These issues show the need for universal social security schemesthat are: 
  • Inclusive of all workers in the unorganized sector. 
  • Practical and easy to put into action. 

Conclusion

• Ensuring social security for workers in the unorganized sector is crucial for sustainable development in India.
• Providing universal social security coverage is essential not just for the well-being of workers but also for the overall economic progress of the country.
• This coverage serves as a foundation for social stability and can help improve the quality of life for many.
• It is important that all workers, regardless of their employment status, have access to basic social protection measures.
• Implementing such systems can lead to a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

A Safety Net for All: India Scales Healthcare for Social Security

Introduction

• India is working hard to improve its healthcare system and enhance social security. 
• The focus is on achieving health equity and providing universal health coverage for everyone. 
• Several government programs, such as Ayushman Bharat, are designed to make healthcare both affordable and accessible to all citizens. 
• These initiatives pay special attention to vulnerable groups in society, ensuring they receive necessary medical support. 
• Additionally, digital health platforms are being developed to enhance the delivery and management of healthcare services. 

Health Equity and Social Justice

• Addressing health equity and social justice is crucial for India's sustainable and inclusive growth. 
• Although India has made economic progress, focusing on the healthcare needs of marginalized communities is vital to ensure that the benefits are shared fairly. 

Ayushman Bharat – A Holistic Healthcare Approach

• Ayushman Bharat provides a complete healthcare system through two main parts: 
• Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs): These have been renamed to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and offer basic healthcare services within the community. 
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This scheme helps pay for hospital costs related to serious illnesses for low-income and vulnerable families. 
• The main goal of this initiative is to provide coverage for the population, the services they need, and the financial support required, aiming to lower the amount people have to pay out of their own pockets for healthcare services. 

Six Years of Healthcare Transformation

• Ayushman Bharat has enhanced healthcare access for at-risk groups over the past six years.
• There has been a significant decrease in out-of-pocket expenses (OOPEs), which has improved financial security for many citizens.
• The program has reached important goals in areas such as population coverage, healthcare services, and affordability.

Other Health Initiatives

• Janaushadhi Kendras: Provide essential medicines at low prices.
• National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme: Works to fight and eliminate tuberculosis.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Gives cash support to pregnant women and new mothers.
• Free Dialysis Scheme: Offers free dialysis for patients suffering from kidney failure.
• Ayushman Bhav Campaign: Increases healthcare services in underserved and remote regions.
• Focus on Vulnerable Populations:The government aims to meet the healthcare needs of marginalized groups such as women, the elderly, and transgender individuals:
  • Free Antenatal Care and Safe Delivery Services: Available for women.
  • PM-JAY Health Coverage for Citizens Aged 70: Guarantees healthcare access for elderly individuals.
  • SMILE Scheme: Aids transgender individuals with healthcare, skill training, and housing support.
  • Ayushman Bharat TG Plus Card: Ensures healthcare access for transgender people, including sex reassignment surgeries (SRS) and cosmetic procedures.

Strengthening Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

• ESIC plays a crucial role in offering social security to workers in the organized sector.
• Recent developments include:
  • More workers are now included under the ESI Scheme.
  • There is an improvement in the ESIC infrastructure to make healthcare more accessible.
  • There is a partnership between ESIC and PM-JAY to provide wider healthcare services to ESIC beneficiaries.

Technology as the Great Equalizer

• Technology is changing India's healthcare system by making it easier for everyone to get access.
• Key digital projects include:
  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): This program helps to store health records digitally, allowing for easy access to healthcare services.
  • COWIN App: This app helps with managing and tracking vaccinations.
  • Aarogya Setu: This application supports contact tracing and assesses health risks.
  • e-Sanjeevani: This service offers teleconsultations, making healthcare available to people in remote areas.
  • e-Hospital: This system improves hospital services and management.
• Holistic Healthcarethrough social security:
  • Food Security: This ensures that people have enough nutritious food.
  • Housing and Clean Water: These are crucial for preventing illnesses.
  • Sanitation and Financial Security: These factors play a significant role in overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

• India is dedicated to achieving universal health coverage so that all citizens can access affordable and high-quality healthcare.
• A comprehensive approach that combines modern medicine, traditional health practices, and technology helps close the gaps in healthcare availability.
• This strategy aims to provide fair access to healthcare for everyone, regardless of where they live.