Unit IV, Complete Notes, Public Policy (Vocational Paper),( आगामी परीक्षा में आने वाले प्रश्नो पर आधारित)B.A. 3rd Semester,

Vocational Paper

B. A. 3rd Semester
By
Dr. Farzeen Khan

Unit  IV: Policy Intervention-  Case Studies: NEP, MGNREGA, Panchayati Raj, Environmental Policies, Wellfare plans for Women & Weaker Section, 

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Women-Related Policies in India

India has implemented several policies and schemes to promote the welfare, empowerment, and rights of women. These policies address issues related to health, education, employment, safety, and social justice, aiming to create a more equitable society for women.

1. National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001)

The National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001) is a comprehensive policy framework aimed at advancing women's development and ensuring their full participation in social, political, and economic spheres. The policy’s key objectives include:

- Ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and employment.

- Promoting gender equality by eliminating gender discrimination.

- Strengthening legal systems to address violence against women.

- Empowering women through capacity-building and financial inclusion.

  

Example: One of the outcomes of this policy has been the increase in women's participation in local governance through the reservation of seats for women in Panchayats and municipalities under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.

2. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (2015)

Launched in 2015, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) scheme aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education of girls. This campaign focuses on:

- Preventing gender-biased sex-selective elimination.

- Ensuring survival, protection, and education of the girl child.

- Generating awareness about the importance of girls' education and rights.

Example: In states like Haryana, where the sex ratio was alarmingly low, this policy has helped improve the child sex ratio and encouraged families to send girls to school through financial incentives and awareness programs.

3. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013

This law was enacted to provide protection to women from sexual harassment at the workplace and ensure a safe working environment. The key features of the act include:

- The formation of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in workplaces with more than ten employees.

- A clear definition of sexual harassment and the legal framework to address complaints.

- Provisions for conciliation, inquiry, and action against harassment.

Example: Many corporate organizations and public institutions now have a mandatory internal complaints committee to handle complaints, which has increased awareness of workplace harassment and provided women with a structured way to address their grievances.

4. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) (2017)

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a maternity benefit program launched by the Government of India to provide financial aid to pregnant and lactating women. Key features of the policy include:

- Providing cash assistance of ₹5,000 to pregnant women and lactating mothers for their first live birth.

- Aimed at improving the health and nutritional status of pregnant women.

- Encouraging women to seek proper antenatal and postnatal care.

Example: This scheme has been particularly beneficial for women in rural areas who may not have access to adequate healthcare facilities. It encourages them to take proper medical care during pregnancy and childbirth, reducing maternal mortality.

5. Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017

The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act increased the duration of paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for working women in the organized sector. This law ensures:

- Paid maternity leave for women with fewer than two children.

- Paid leave for adoptive and commissioning mothers.

- The establishment of crèches (day-care centers) in establishments with 50 or more employees.

Example: Many large companies, especially in the IT sector, have adopted this law by expanding their maternity leave policies and providing child care facilities, making it easier for women to balance work and family life.

6. Mahila E-Haat (2016) 

Mahila E-Haat is an online marketing platform launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with an online space to showcase their products. It is part of the Digital India initiative and promotes:

- Women's entrepreneurship by providing access to markets for women self-help groups, entrepreneurs, and artisans.

- Financial independence by enabling direct selling through a digital platform.

Example: Many women artisans and small entrepreneurs from rural areas have used this platform to sell their handcrafted products to a wider audience, increasing their income and financial independence.

7. Ujjawala Scheme (2007)

The Ujjawala Scheme is a government initiative to prevent human trafficking and rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate victims of trafficking, especially women and children. The key components of the scheme are:

- Prevention through community-based programs.

- Rescue and rehabilitation services, including shelter, food, and medical care for victims.

- Social and economic reintegration of the victims through vocational training and legal support.

Example: This scheme has helped rescue and rehabilitate thousands of women trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, providing them with the necessary skills to rebuild their lives.

8. One Stop Centre Scheme (2015)

The One Stop Centre Scheme, also known as Sakhi, was introduced to support women affected by violence. The centers provide a range of services, including:

- Medical assistance, counseling, legal aid, and psychological support.

- Emergency response and rescue services for women in distress.

- Shelter and protection services in cases of domestic violence or abuse.

Example: Over 700 One Stop Centers have been established across India, offering immediate support and a safe space for women facing violence. These centers work in coordination with law enforcement and medical institutions.

9. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) (2005)

The Janani Suraksha Yojana is a safe motherhood intervention aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women, particularly those belonging to disadvantaged sections of society. The scheme offers:

- Cash incentives to women for delivering in government health facilities.

- Free antenatal care and postnatal care services.

- Encouraging delivery by skilled birth attendants to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

Example: This scheme has significantly increased the rate of institutional deliveries in rural areas, contributing to a decline in maternal and infant mortality rates, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

10. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (2015)

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a savings scheme for the benefit of the girl child, encouraging parents to save for their daughters’ education and marriage. Key features of the scheme include:

- High interest rates on deposits.

- Tax exemptions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

- The ability to withdraw funds for higher education or marriage after the girl turns 18.

Example: Many middle-class and lower-income families have used this scheme to secure their daughters' futures, providing financial stability for education and marriage expenses.

Conclusion

India’s women-related policies are designed to address the various challenges women face, from health and education to safety, employment, and financial inclusion. These policies aim to create an enabling environment for women to thrive, ensuring gender equality, social justice, and women's empowerment. By focusing on legal protection, economic empowerment, and social welfare, these initiatives contribute significantly to the overall development of women in the country.

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Policies Related to Weaker Sections of India: A Class Note

India has implemented several policies and programs aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of weaker sections, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and economically weaker sections (EWS). These policies address areas such as education, employment, social welfare, and economic upliftment to ensure social justice and equality for marginalized communities.

1. Reservation Policy

The Reservation Policy in India is a significant initiative to ensure the representation and participation of weaker sections in education, employment, and politics. It provides reserved quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs, higher educational institutions, and legislative bodies.

Key Features:

- 15% reservation for SCs, 7.5% for STs, and 27% for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions.

- Reservation in state legislatures and Parliament for SCs and STs.

  

Example: The Mandal Commission (1980) report led to the introduction of 27% reservation for OBCs in government services and higher education institutions, increasing their representation in these areas.

2. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

This act was enacted to prevent atrocities and violence against members of SCs and STs. It provides legal protection and ensures the safety and dignity of these communities by prohibiting discriminatory practices and caste-based violence.

Key Features:

- Prohibits offenses such as social discrimination, physical assault, and forced displacement of SCs and STs.

- Special courts are established for the speedy trial of offenses under this act.

- Provides for compensation and rehabilitation of victims.

Example: The Nirbhaya Gang Rape Case (2012) saw the application of this act to protect the dignity of the victim, who belonged to a Scheduled Caste community. This act ensures that caste-based atrocities are punished severely.

3. National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSCFDC)

The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSCFDC) was established to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Castes for their economic development. It aims to support entrepreneurship, education, and skill development among SCs.

Key Features:

- Provides loans for self-employment ventures, education, and skill development.

- Facilitates training programs to enhance the skills of SCs in various trades.

  

Example: Many SC entrepreneurs have benefited from this scheme by accessing low-interest loans for starting businesses in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

4. National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

The NSKFDC is a government initiative to support the socio-economic upliftment of Safai Karamcharis, manual scavengers, and their dependents. It provides financial and skill development support to improve their living conditions and promote alternative employment opportunities.

Key Features:

- Offers financial assistance for self-employment ventures and education.

- Implements skill development programs to promote entrepreneurship.

  

Example: Many manual scavengers have been rehabilitated through this scheme, where they have transitioned to dignified professions with financial assistance and training.

5. Stand-Up India Scheme (2016)

The Stand-Up India Scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship among SCs, STs, and women by providing financial assistance for setting up new enterprises. It focuses on empowering weaker sections to participate in the economic development of the country.

Key Features:

- Provides bank loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore for SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs.

- Encourages entrepreneurship in sectors such as manufacturing, trading, and services.

Example: Several SC/ST entrepreneurs have successfully started businesses, such as small manufacturing units and service-oriented enterprises, with the help of loans under the Stand-Up India scheme.

6. Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes (EBCs)

The Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship provides financial assistance to students belonging to Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) for their higher education. It ensures that economic constraints do not hinder access to quality education for weaker sections.

Key Features:

- Financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

- Scholarships are provided to students from families with a low annual income.

Example: Many students from economically weaker backgrounds have accessed higher education opportunities through this scholarship, enabling them to pursue professional degrees in engineering, medicine, and the humanities.

7. Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) (2009)

The Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) is a rural development scheme that focuses on the integrated development of villages with significant SC populations. The scheme aims to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sanitation in SC-dominated villages.

Key Features:

- Provides financial assistance for infrastructure development in SC-majority villages.

- Focuses on holistic village development, including health, education, housing, and livelihood programs.

  

Example: SC-dominated villages in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have benefited from infrastructure improvements, including better roads, schools, and healthcare centers, under this scheme.

8. Economic Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) (2019)

The EWS Reservation provides 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for individuals belonging to economically weaker sections of the general category. This policy addresses the economic disparities faced by poor households that do not fall under the SC, ST, or OBC categories.

Key Features:

- Reservation for individuals with an annual family income below ₹8 lakh.

- Applicable to admissions in higher educational institutions and government employment.

Example: Several economically weaker students from the general category have benefited from this reservation, securing seats in prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and government jobs.

9. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) (2005)

The MGNREGA provides guaranteed wage employment to rural households, with a special focus on weaker sections such as SCs and STs. It aims to reduce rural poverty and enhance livelihood security by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year.

Key Features:

- Guaranteed wage employment for at least 100 days per year.

- Priority is given to marginalized communities, including SCs and STs.

- Focus on creating rural infrastructure like roads, water conservation, and agricultural productivity.

Example: MGNREGA has significantly contributed to improving the income and livelihood security of SCs and STs in rural areas, especially during agricultural off-seasons, by providing them with job opportunities close to home.

10. National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

The NBCFDC provides financial assistance and skill development to individuals belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The corporation aims to support the economic development of OBCs through entrepreneurship and vocational training.

Key Features:

- Provides loans for business ventures, education, and skill development.

- Supports the training of OBCs in modern trades and vocations to enhance employability.

Example: OBC entrepreneurs have benefited from this scheme, accessing loans to start ventures in areas such as agriculture, handicrafts, and services.

Conclusion

India’s policies for weaker sections focus on promoting socio-economic inclusion, reducing disparities, and ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized communities. These initiatives aim to improve access to education, employment, financial resources, and legal protections. By targeting SCs, STs, OBCs, and economically weaker sections, these policies create a framework for empowering these communities and ensuring their active participation in the nation’s development.

 Policy Interventions Related to Panchayati Raj, MGNREGA, and NEP in India: A Detailed Class Note

India has implemented several policies to strengthen local governance, promote rural development, and reform education. Key among these interventions are the Panchayati Raj System, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and the National Education Policy (NEP). These policies aim to decentralize governance, enhance rural employment opportunities, and modernize the education system, respectively.

1. Panchayati Raj System

The Panchayati Raj System is a decentralized form of governance that aims to bring democracy to the grassroots level by empowering local bodies to make decisions related to the development and governance of rural areas. It is a three-tier system consisting of the Gram Panchayat (village level), the Panchayat Samiti (block level), and the Zila Parishad (district level).

Historical Context:

- The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to promote decentralized governance.

- The system was formalized through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1992, which provided constitutional status to Panchayats.

Key Features of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment:

- Three-tier structure: Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishads.

- Mandatory elections every five years.

- Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women (33% seats reserved for women).

- Establishment of State Finance Commissions to ensure financial allocation to Panchayats.

- Empowerment of Panchayats to plan and implement development programs related to agriculture, education, health, rural infrastructure, etc.

Example:

- In states like Kerala, Panchayati Raj Institutions have played a pivotal role in rural development. The Kudumbashree Program, a women's self-help group initiative, is integrated with the Panchayati Raj system, providing women with opportunities for livelihood and social empowerment.

Significance:

- Panchayati Raj has increased local participation in decision-making, making governance more responsive to local needs.

- It has helped decentralize power and allowed marginalized communities, including women, to participate in governance.

2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, is a landmark rural employment scheme that aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

Key Features:

- Guaranteed employment: Every rural household is entitled to 100 days of wage employment annually.

- Focus on unskilled manual labor to create productive assets such as roads, irrigation canals, and water conservation structures.

- Wages are paid directly to beneficiaries through bank accounts or post office accounts to ensure transparency.

- Special emphasis on women's participation, with at least one-third of beneficiaries being women.

- Worksite facilities such as drinking water, first aid, and crèches for women with young children.

- Social audit mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency in the implementation of the program.

Example:

- MGNREGA in Rajasthan: The program has been widely successful in drought-prone states like Rajasthan, where rural households rely on this scheme for employment during lean agricultural seasons. In many villages, MGNREGA projects such as rainwater harvesting and road construction have improved both employment levels and local infrastructure.

Significance:

- MGNREGA has significantly contributed to poverty alleviation, income generation, and rural development.

- It has reduced rural-urban migration by providing local employment opportunities.

- The scheme has promoted women’s participation in the labor force, contributing to their financial independence.

3. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework for the development of the education system in India. It aims to transform both school and higher education by focusing on accessibility, quality, equity, and holistic development. The policy replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986, and emphasizes a learner-centric and multidisciplinary approach.

Key Features of NEP 2020:

a. School Education:

- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: NEP 2020 aims to ensure that all children achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3.

- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): The policy integrates pre-school education (3-6 years) into the formal schooling system.

- 5+3+3+4 Structure: The new structure replaces the traditional 10+2 system, focusing on the foundational stage (ages 3-8), the preparatory stage (ages 8-11), the middle stage (ages 11-14), and the secondary stage (ages 14-18).

- Multilingualism: Encourages teaching in the mother tongue or regional language until at least Grade 5.

- Flexibility in Curriculum: Emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development, allowing students to choose subjects across streams (arts, science, commerce).

b. Higher Education:

- Multidisciplinary Education: NEP 2020 encourages universities and colleges to offer multidisciplinary programs, allowing students to explore a range of subjects.

- Four-year undergraduate programs with multiple exit options.

- Establishment of a Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) for regulating higher education.

- Emphasis on vocational education from secondary school onward, ensuring students acquire practical skills along with academic knowledge.

- National Testing Agency (NTA): Conducts common entrance exams for university admissions.

  c. Teacher Education and Training:

- Emphasis on teacher training and professional development through regular training, better recruitment processes, and continuous assessment of teacher quality.

d. Digital Education:

- Increased use of technology in education, such as online learning platforms and digital content.

- National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) to integrate technology in teaching and learning processes.

Example:

- The NEP's multidisciplinary approach has been adopted by several universities, such as the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), which has introduced flexible course options for students, allowing them to study science and arts subjects together, thereby broadening their educational scope.

Significance:

- NEP 2020 aims to make the Indian education system more inclusive, accessible, and student-centric.

- The policy is designed to prepare students for 21st-century challenges by emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and holistic development.

- The introduction of multilingual education promotes equity by ensuring that children from diverse linguistic backgrounds receive quality education.

Conclusion

The policy interventions in the form of the Panchayati Raj System, MGNREGA, and the National Education Policy (NEP) are essential to India’s development strategy. Panchayati Raj empowers local governance and ensures grassroots democracy, MGNREGA enhances livelihood security in rural areas, and NEP modernizes the education system to meet global standards. Together, these policies address key aspects of governance, rural development, and education, contributing to the overall socio-economic progress of the nation.

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