Context:As the most populous nation in the world, India is facing a demographic dilemma. The dual challenge lies in harnessing the potential of its youthful population while addressing the growing burden of an ageing society.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Population Issues & Demographic Transition- Trends, Concerns.
India’s Demographic Transition:
Young Nation: India is among the youngest nations with a median age of 29 years and 65% of its population below the age of 35 years.
Regional Variation: All States, except Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh have witnessed their total fertility rate (TFR) declining below 2.1. TFR in Tamil Nadu is the lowest (1.4), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala (1.5) and Karnataka (1.6), far below the national average of 2.0.
Increased Share of Working Age Population: India has been witnessing a growing proportion of its population in the working-age group, which presents an opportunity for economic growth.
Ageing Population: With low TFR levels and increased longevity, India is expected to witness a declining share of young population (<15 years). Also UNFPA’s “India ageing report 2023” postulates that the share of elderly (60+ years) in total population would nearly double from 10.5% in 2022 to 20.8% by 2050.
Steadily declining population growth rate: According to the UN, India’s population growth rate has been steadily declining since the 1990s. In 2021, the average annual rate of change of population was barely 1%. At this rate, India’s population will continue to grow, peak by 2060 and thereafter, start to decline.
Concerns for states with Ageing Population:
Due to massive strides in socio-economic development indicators like education, health, nutrition and employment, southern States have much more pronounced Population ageing vis-a-vis northern States.
Economic challenges:
Consequently, southern States face potential risks of declining future economic growth potential and rise in inbound migration.
Political challenges:
Chances of significant potential decline in resource transfers from the Centre and erosion of political representation in Parliament after next delimitation exercise.
This could accentuate the already widening trust deficit between the Centre and States, eventually leading to “confrontationist federalism”, instead of “cooperative federalism”.
Social challenges:
The rapidly evolving uneven demographic landscape could exacerbate inter-State migration — from the northern and eastern States to the more affluent southern States.
This demographic rebalancing can create social disharmony, economic slowdown, political disequilibrium, and constitutional complications.
Way Forward:
Tapping into the potential of the Silver Economy: Harnessing the “silver dividend" by expanding safety nets, fostering care economy, and support systems for the greying population.
Investing in Human Capital: To harness the demographic dividend, it is crucial to invest in health, education, and skill development. This will enhance the productivity of the workforce and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the Increasing Share of the Elderly Population:
As the old age population grows, it is essential to establish a robust social security net that includes pensions, provident funds, and insurance to provide financial stability.
Develop geriatrics care infrastructure, including care homes and assisted living devices, to support the elderly population effectively.
Consider increasing the retirement age to align with changing demographics and ensure a sustainable workforce.
Facilitating Inter-State Migration: With variations in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) levels among states, mass inter-state migration may occur. To accommodate this, the government should:
Invest in mass transport infrastructure to facilitate easy movement.
Implement the three-language formula to ease integration.
Remove local quotas on jobs to promote equitable access to employment opportunities.
Delimitation of Constituencies: Adjusting the delimitation of constituencies and changing representation in Parliament according to shifting demographics will ensure fair representation and address the needs of diverse populations.
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilising AI can help address labor shortages in certain states by automating processes and improving efficiency, thus complementing the existing workforce.
Consolidation of Primary Schools: In light of the declining share of the young population, consolidating or merging primary schools can enhance their viability.
Conclusion: The Union government needs to frame pragmatic policies to manage demographic transition and reap demographic dividend. By implementing these policies, the government can effectively navigate demographic changes, promote economic stability, and ensure that all citizens benefit from the evolving socio-economic landscape.
Context: The Supreme Court heard a PIL stating that the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act) should apply to political parties.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about PoSH Act.
Salient features of the PoSH Act
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, commonly known as the PoSH Act, was passed in 2013.
The act defines sexual harassment at the work place and creates a mechanism for redressal of complaints. It also provides safeguards against false or malicious charges.
What constitutes sexual harassment under the PoSH Act?
Sexual harassment includes “any one or more” of the following “unwelcome acts or behaviour” committed directly or by implication:
Physical contact and advances
A demand or request for sexual favours
Sexually coloured remarks
Showing pornography
Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
Key provisions of the Act:
Every employer is required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each office with 10 or more employees.
The District Officer is required to constitute a Local Complaints Committee at each district, and if required at the block level.
The Complaints Committees have the powers of Civil Courts for:
gathering evidence
summoning and requiring the attendance of any person and interrogating him under oath
Requirement to discover and produce documents.
The Complaints Committees are required to provide for conciliation before initiating an inquiry, if requested by the complainant.
Non-compliance with the provisions of the Act shall be punishable with a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Repeated violations may lead to higher penalties and cancellation of licence or registration to conduct business.
Applicability of PoSH Act:
Section 3 (1) - Prevention of sexual harassment – “No woman shall be subjected to sexual harassment at any workplace.”
Definition of Workplace is Expansive and it includes:
Organisations, institutions, and other public sector bodies that are established, owned, controlled or wholly or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate government.
Organisations in the private sector, hospitals, nursing homes, sports venues, houses.
It also covers locations visited by an employee during the course of employment.
The aggrieved victim under the Act can be a woman of any age whether employed [at the workplace] or not, who alleges to have been subjected to any act of sexual harassment.
Provisions of the constitution of the Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) by political parties have not been made clear in the text of the Act.
Kerala High Court has addressed this question previously in the case of Centre for Constitutional Rights Research and Advocacy v/s State of Kerala and others (2022)
In this case the court took up several petitions seeking the establishment of ICCs in television, film, news and political organisations.
On the subject of political parties, the court held that “there is no employer- employee relationship with its members and political parties do not carry out any private venture undertaking enterprises institution establishment etc. in contemplation of workplace under the PoSH Act”.
Thus the court held that political parties are not liable for establishment of internal complaint committee
In the present case, the Supreme Court directed the petitioner to first approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) to prevail upon the recognised political parties for creation of an in house mechanism to deal with complaints of sexual harassment.
Challenges w.r.t Political parties:
Defining Workplace: Party workers often have little interaction with high level officials and are hired temporarily to operate on the field without a defined “workplace”.
Defining Employer: As the employer is responsible for setting up the ICC. The court or the ECI will have to clarify who the employer is in the context of a political party.
What do experts have to say?
The term “workplace” under the PoSH Act includes locations visited by an employee, which could allow the Act's protection to extend to party workers in the field.
The Act also provides a wide definition for the term “employee”. It includes people who are employed temporarily, contract workers, volunteers with or without the knowledge of the principal employer.
Moreover, political party constitutions often provide organisational hierarchies which could help determine who the “employer” would be.
Current handling of sexual harassment complaints:
Currently parties handle internal discipline through their committees, for example BJP has Disciplinary Action Committee while Congress has higher level committees to take action against individual members and committees that are subordinate to it.
However, there is no requirement for these committees to have women or external members as would be required for an ICC under the POSH Act.
Moreover, sexual harassment could only fall under certain actions that would be considered “Breach of Discipline”, amounting to lower the prestige of the party or being guilty of offences involving moral turpitude.
Context: The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a notifiable disease.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims- Notifiable diseases; Some basic facts about Snakebites.
Major Highlights:
Snakebites are a major public health challenge in the country. Some three to four million cases of snakebites are reported every year, and an estimated 58,000 persons die because of them annually.
Earlier in 2024, the Central government launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) with the aim of halving snakebite deaths by 2030. NAPSE recommended that snakebites should be made a notifiable disease.
Which types of diseases are considered notifiable?
Notifiable disease is a disease that is legally required to be reported to the government by both private and public hospitals.
State governments are responsible to declare a disease as a notifiable disease, and the list of notifiable diseases differs from state to state.
Registered medical practitionersmust notify such diseases, typically in a standard form within three days, or notify verbally via phone within 24 hours if urgent.
Every government hospital, private hospital, laboratory, and clinic will have to report cases of the disease to the local government authorities.
Any failure to report a notifiable disease is a criminal offence and the state government can take necessary actions against defaulters.
Usually, diseases are declared notifiable if they:
Have the potential to cause an outbreak
Leads to significant mortality
Require rapid investigation and public health action.
Snakebites can lead to acute medical emergencies that require immediate care. They can cause severe paralysis that can prevent breathing, can lead to a fatal haemorrhage, and damage different tissues.
Snakebites need to be treated with antivenoms to prevent death and severe symptoms.
Which snakes can be fatal?
There are more than 310 species of snakes in India — 66 of them are venomous and 42 are mildly venomous.
Almost 90% of snakebites in the country are caused by the ‘Big Four’ — the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.
The commercially available polyvalent antivenom contains venom from all four species, and is effective against 80% of snakebites.
Most snakebites happen in densely populated, low-altitude, agricultural areas in states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Why does the Centre want snakebites to be made notifiable?
To strengthen snakebite surveillance:
Making snakebites notifiable is expected to lead to proper surveillance, and to help determine the precise numbers of snakebite cases and deaths across India.
The government can then use this information to effectively manage, prevent, and control cases of snakebites.
Adequate antivenoms can be provided to various regions, and proper training can be imparted in areas where snakebites are frequent.
What are the challenges of treating snakebites?
Inadequate Treatment:
Snakebite victims either do not reach a healthcare centre in time or many reach out to faith-based healers instead.
In many cases, staff at healthcare centres are not adequately trained in treating snakebites.
Tests for confirming snakebites are also not available.
Limitations of Anti-venoms:
The venom used to make the antivenom in India mostly comes from snakes caught by the Irula tribe, who live in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. However, venom from the same type of snake can vary depending on the region, making the antivenom less effective in other areas.
Commercially available antivenom does not work against some local snake species. E.g., green pit viper in the Northeast.
Antivenoms themselves can cause various reactions.
Challenges in Venom collection:
Experts have suggested setting up zonal venom collection banks across the country to develop antivenoms that can cover the regional differences. However, The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, limits access to snakes, making it difficult to set up such banks.
Note:
Researchers are now developing artificially produced antibodies that can help neutralise the toxins across various snake species. They are also looking at artificially designed peptides to fight the toxin.
Context: The Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ of Life Insurance Corporation, in line with his commitment to women empowerment and financial inclusion.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Bima Sakhi Yojana
Key facts about Bima Sakhi Yojana:
Initiative of: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
Aim: To empower women through financial literacy and insurance awareness.
Target: Enrol 100,000 Bima Sakhi in 12 months to financially empower women and 200,000 over a period of three years as part of women empowerment drive.
Beneficiaries: Women in the age group of 18-70 years, who are Class-10 pass.
Key features: Under the scheme, women will receive specialised training and a stipend for the first three years.
Women will get a monthly stipend during the training: ₹7,000 in the first year, ₹6,000 in the second year, and ₹5,000 in the third year.
Following the completion of the training, women can serve as LIC agents and the graduate Bima Sakhis would have the opportunity to qualify for development officer roles in LIC.
Each Bima Sakhi will have a target of insuring 2 individuals every month or 24 individuals in a year to earn the commission.
Significance of the scheme:
Helps to bridge the gap in insurance penetration in rural and semi-urban areas.
Foster financial independence among women while expanding LIC’s outreach in promoting insurance as a tool for economic security.
The Yojana underscores the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and aligns with its broader goals of enhancing financial literacy and employment opportunities for women in India.
Context: Population issues are under discussion again with reports suggesting the possibility of the Census being carried out in 2025 and the delimitation exercise for Parliamentary seats is likely to be conducted thereafter. Differential population growth rates amongst states in India have political, economic and social consequences; the solutions for which need to be navigated.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains- How to navigate Demographic Changes and harness Demographic Dividend?
Trends of demographic transition in India:
Increased Share of Working Age Population: India has been witnessing a growing proportion of its population in the working-age group, which presents an opportunity for economic growth.
Variation among the states: States like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Delhi achieved low TFR levels. whereas states like UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan are still experiencing TFR levels way above the replacement level (2.1).
Changing age composition: With low TFR levels and increased longevity, the country is expected to witness a declining share of young population (<15 years) and increasing share of elderly population (>60 years) over the next two decades.
Decennial census provides authentic data on demography, economic activity, literacy and education, housing and household amenities, urbanisation, fertility and mortality, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, language, religion, migration, disability and many other socio-cultural and demographic data for policy making purpose to Central and the State Governments.
However, in 2020, the census was postponed indefinitely due to the outbreak of COVID pandemic. Till then the government extended the timeline of census operations repeatedly.
Impact of delayed Census:
Delimitation: Unavailability of latest Census data halts the process of delimitation of constituencies and determining the quantum of reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Sample surveys: Census data are critical for other sample surveys conducted in the country as they use the Census data as a ‘frame’ or list from which a representative sample of the population is selected for surveys. For the latest edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) released last year, it was the 2011 data that served as the sampling frame.
Financial devolution: “Population” and “Demographic performance” are two criteria for financial devolution to states by the centre as suggested by the finance commission. But outdated census data impacts optimal financial devolution to states.
Policy Implications:
Investing in Human Capital: To harness the demographic dividend, it is crucial to invest in health, education, and skill development. This will enhance the productivity of the workforce and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the Increasing Share of the Elderly Population:
As the old age population grows, it is essential to establish a robust social security net that includes pensions, provident funds, and insurance to provide financial stability.
Develop geriatrics care infrastructure, including care homes and assisted living devices, to support the elderly population effectively.
Consider increasing the retirement age to align with changing demographics and ensure a sustainable workforce.
Facilitating Inter-State Migration: With variations in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) levels among states, mass inter-state migration may occur. To accommodate this, the government should:
Invest in mass transport infrastructure to facilitate easy movement.
Implement the three-language formula to ease integration.
Remove local quotas on jobs to promote equitable access to employment opportunities.
Delimitation of Constituencies: Adjusting the delimitation of constituencies and changing representation in Parliament according to shifting demographics will ensure fair representation and address the needs of diverse populations.
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilizing AI can help address labor shortages in certain states by automating processes and improving efficiency, thus complementing the existing workforce.
Consolidation of Primary Schools: In light of the declining share of the young population, consolidating or merging primary schools can enhance their viability.
By implementing these policies, the government can effectively navigate demographic changes, promote economic stability, and ensure that all citizens benefit from the evolving socio-economic landscape.
Context: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on December 3rd, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India and around the world.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains- Challenges faced by PwDs, National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities:
Inadequate data: The figure of total PwDs population (2.68 crore) is based on the 2011 census and is not reflective of the current status of disabled population.
Denial of Disability:
Fear of stigma often forces the family members to hide the disability or refer to it as a mere physical illness.
PwDs often face harassment in acquiring the disability certificate due to bureaucratic apathy.
Problem in accessing govt benefits/entitlements:
The government arbitrarily exempted certain establishments from giving job quota to the disabled. E.g., Blanket ban on all disabled persons, including acid attack victims, in all categories of police forces.
Posts which are reserved for disabled remain unfilled due to mismatch of skillset requirements.
Government initiatives like Digital India are increasingly delivering basic government functions through information technologies, but many of these are still inaccessible for users with visual or other disabilities.
Exclusion from the economic sphere: Many PWDs have been denied or kept away from wage labour due to the wrong notion that disabled could not work and even if they work, output would not be worth the payment made. PwDs are also denied property rights.
Harassment: Superstitions prevailing in the communities also play a big role in subjecting the people with disabilities to various harmful treatments. Women with disabilities face more discrimination but no special reservation for women within the disabled category.
National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006:
The Government of India has formulated the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in 2006 which deals with Physical, Educational & Economic Rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
The policy majorly focuses on following:
Prevention of Disabilities: The policy lays strong emphasis on prevention of disabilities through routine immunisation, awareness measures and appropriate mother and childcare.
Childhood vaccinations against diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B can prevent certain conditions that may lead to disabilities. Immunization programs, when widely implemented, contribute to reducing the incidence of preventable disabilities.
Adequate intake of folic acid before and during early pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) in newborns. Folic acid supplementation is a simple and effective preventive measure.
Rehabilitation measures: Physical rehabilitation, which includes early detection and intervention, counselling & medical interventions, and provision of aids & appliances. Educational rehabilitation including vocational education.
Economic rehabilitation by providing reservation in public employment and promoting wage employment in the private sector and self-employment.
Barrier-free environment: Make buildings, transportation systems and other public facilities barrier-free to enable PwDs to participate in everyday activities without assistance.
Identity: Ensure that the PwDs obtain the disability certificates in the shortest possible time by adoption of simple, transparent and client- friendly procedures.
Social Security: Governments will be encouraged to develop a comprehensive social security policy for disabled.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016:
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was enacted to fulfil the obligations to the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Types of disabilities covered under the Act increased from 7 to 21. It includes various physical and mental disabilities like acid attack victims, Dwarfism and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Rights & entitlements:
Reservation in higher education (>5%), government jobs (>4 %), poverty alleviation schemes (5%).
Right to free education from 6 to 18 years.
Ensure accessibility in public buildings (both Government and private) in a prescribed time-frame.
Central & State Advisory Boards on Disability are to be set up to serve as apex policy making bodies at the Central and State level.
Penalties for offences committed against PwDs and also violation of the provisions of the new law.
Special Courts will be designated in each district to handle cases concerning violation of rights of PwDs.
However, lack of sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens became limitations to the effective implementation of the Act. Laws are as good as their implementation. Thus, sensitisation of Bureaucracy and community at large is important in ensuring full participation and inclusion of PwDs in the society.
Initiatives taken for Persons with Disabilities:Accessible India Campaign: Creation of Accessible Environment for PwDs. A nation-wide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility that will enable persons with disabilities to gain access for equal opportunity and live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive society.
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme: Financial assistance is provided to NGOs for providing various services to Persons with Disabilities, like special schools, vocational training centres, community- based rehabilitation, pre-school and early intervention etc.
Context: The recently concluded Summer Paralympics has shown that assistive technologies in combination with the will power of specially abled persons can be a game changer in ensuring a dignified life for them.
Relevance of the topic: Mains- Role of assistive technology in empowering PWDs and the inherent challenges.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is an umbrella term for assistive products, software and related services that enhance learning, working, mobility and routine functions for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Examples include: Hearing Aid, Wheelchair, Prosthetics body parts, Smart Walking sticks, Smart and AI-enabled assistive devices like screen readers etc.
Role of Assistive Technology:
It is crucial for enabling health, well-being, inclusion and participation for people with disabilities.
Provide accessibility: Through assistive technologies, specially abled people get to lead life with greater independence and dignity. E.g., SmartCane (a mobility aid for the visually impaired).
Support Education and Livelihood: ATs empower individuals to continue education, engage in employment and earn a livelihood.E.g.,TacRead (an affordable digital text reader).
Enable full-participation in society: From advanced prosthetics to precision tools, ATs provide PWDs the necessary support for their fullest integration in society and push them past their boundaries. E.g., Prosthetics for athletes to participate in Paralympics.
Schemes launched by the Government:
Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase / Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) to assist the disabled persons in procuring suitable, durable, scientifically-manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances. Provides motorised tricycles and wheelchairs for people with severe disabilities, among other aids.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released the National List of Essential Assistive Products, thus standardising and improving access to AT across India.
BIRAC-Social Alpha Quest for Assistive Technologies and the Attvaran India Accelerator play a vital role by supporting startups focused on AT solutions. E.g., interactive learning app for students with learning disabilities.
Public launch of Assistive Devices at IIT Delhi’s National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies.
Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): To provide universal accessibility to persons with disabilities. It focuses on developing an accessible physical environment, transportation system and Information & communication ecosystem.
Challenges with dissemination of Assistive Technology:
Lack of Funding: Many many promising innovations struggling to secure funding.
Lack of Inclusivity: The access to ATs is largely confined to urban areas, thereby generating a regional inequality in its access. The World Health Organisation reports that globally, 90% of persons with disabilities lack access to AT.
Lack of Affordability: The ATs come with a lot of cost attached to the research and innovation that has gone into its development. Hence, income and wealth inequality manifest in terms of lack of access to ATs for poor people.
Poor R&D ecosystem in India: The overall investment in the R & D sector in India is just around 0.68% of GDP. Even this small chunk of investment is concentrated majorly in defence and space sectors, which leaves little amount for investing in ATs.
Way Forward:
Efficient implementation of accessibility schemes like Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase / Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) & Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.
Subsidised and DBT mechanisms to ensure the outreach and affordability to different sections of society.
Provide investment to start-ups to design affordable customised, user-centric designs that empower disabled individuals and communities.
Conclusion: While India has done tremendous work to close the gap, there is an increasing need for such technology given the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases and injuries. Universal access to such technology must become a cornerstone of an inclusive healthcare system.
Context: The Central Government is planning to bring out a National Policy document on female labour force participation (FLFP) with a focus on providing an enabling atmosphere like a viable care economy structure.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains- Present situation of FLFP in India and the need for a national policy to promote it.
Major Highlights:
What is the Care economy?
Care economy is the sector of economic activities related to the provision of care (both paid and unpaid) for the present and future populations.
It includes:
Direct care such as feeding a baby
Indirect care such as cooking and cleaning, health care, education, and other personal and domestic services.
One of the initiatives being explored is a core skilling package for caregivers for children. Govt. is also looking to provide child care facilities for women in the informal sector such as for workers under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development already runs the ‘Palna’ scheme, or the National Programme on Anganwadi-cum-Crèche, which provides day-care facilities for children of working parents. A total of 1,000 Anganwadi creches are operational till now as part of this scheme.
About Female Labour Force Participation (FLFPR) Rate:
Female labour force participation (FLFPR) rate refers to women (over 15 years) who are either working or looking for a job.
FLFP Rate in India: The Periodic Labour Force Survey for 2022-23 highlights that the FLFPR for prime working age group (15 years & above) has increased from 23% in 2017-18 to 37 % in 2022-23.
In Rural areas: 36.6% of females aged 15 years & above are participating in the labour force, as against 78.2% male in 2021-22.
In Urban areas : 23.8% of females aged 15 years & above are participating in the labour force, as against 74.7% male in 2021-22.
From 2017 to 2022, women’s LFPR increased relative to men, in rural areas because of the larger engagement of rural women in agriculture and allied activities.
Only four states, namely Assam, Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi, have a FLFPR below 25%, with Delhi recording the lowest rate at 14.8%.
As per the recent World Bank report:
Women face a sharp drop in their labour force participation post-marriage in India.
It is estimated that in India post-marriage female employment rates drop by 12 percentage points (about one-third of the female pre-marital employment rate), even in the absence of children.
Necessitating factors for National Policy on FLFP in India:
Unpaid care work: Women have to bear the burden of unpaid care work (taking care of children, elderly family members, and household chores). It is often undervalued and not recognised as work, which limits women’s ability to participate in paid employment.
Societal norms and cultural expectations: In India, traditional gender division of labour dictate that women should focus on household duties and raising children, while men are the primary breadwinners.
Lack of access to education: Girls are often denied access to education, or they drop out of school early due to poverty or familial responsibilities. This limits their skill development, employment opportunities and earning potential.
However, presently, more women are pursuing higher education which can delay their entry into the workforce. While education can empower women, societal expectations may still lead them to leave the workforce after education.
Health related issues: Health challenges, especially for older women, impact their productivity and contribute to low FLPR.
Limited job opportunities: Women often face discrimination in the job market, and there are fewer job opportunities available to them compared to men. For example, the technology and finance sector.
Safety concerns: Women often face safety concerns and harassment in the workplace and while commuting to and from work which discourages them from seeking employment outside of the home.
Lack of supportive policies: India lacks supportive policies, such as parental leave, and flexible work arrangements (especially in the informal sector), which can enable women to balance work and family responsibilities.
According to the IMF, if the women's participation in the workforce could match men's, the GDP of India could increase by 27%. Hence, the central government is working towards increasing the FLPR.
Government initiatives to improve Female Work Participation:
1. For Survival and Education of Females:
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme: For creating awareness among the people to educate all girl children in the country. The initiative intends to tackle the issue of the diminishing sex ratio in recent years, raise social awareness, and improve the effectiveness of welfare benefits for girls.
National Education Policy(NEP), 2020: The policy prioritises gender equity and envisions ensuring equitable access to quality education to all students, with a special emphasis on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs).
2. For Safe and Convenient Accommodation:
Working Women Hostel: One of the main difficulties faced by working women is lack of safe and conveniently located accommodation. The objective of the scheme is to promote availability of safe and conveniently located accommodation for working women, with day care facilities for their children, wherever possible, in urban, semi urban, or even rural areas where employment opportunities for women exist.
3. For Supporting Women affected by violence
One Stop Centre (OSC) and Universalisation of Women Helpline: To provide 24 hours immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence through referral (linking with appropriate authority such as police, One Stop Centre, hospital) and information about women related government schemes programs across the country through a single uniform number.
Women Helpline (WHL) will be integrated with One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC) under which one OSC shall be established in every State/UT to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces under one roof.
4. Codification of the Labour Laws for harmonizing the needs of job seekers, workers and employers:
Labour Codes: The four Labour Codes namely, the Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. Codification of the Labour Laws provides a policy framework for harmonizing the needs of job seekers, workers and employers.
The Labour Codes will, inter-alia, reduce multiplicity of definitions & authorities, facilitate implementation and use of technology in enforcement of labour laws and bring transparency and accountability in enforcement, promote setting up of more enterprises, catalysing the creation of employment opportunities in the country.
5. Equal Opportunity and Congenial Work Environment
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: The Act increased the paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, also made a provision for mandatory crèche facilities in establishments having 50 or more employees, permitting women workers in the night shifts with adequate safety measures, etc.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013: To provide protection against sexual harassment of women at workplace and for the prevention and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
4. Promoting Entrepreneurship:
Female Entrepreneurship: To promote female entrepreneurship, the Government has initiated schemes like MUDRA, Stand Up India and Mahila e-Haat.
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh: Provides micro-credit at concessional terms to poor women for various livelihood and income generating activities.
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Under the scheme, women entrepreneurs are provided 25 per cent and 35 per cent subsidies for the project set up in urban and rural areas respectively.
Measures to improve Female Work Participation:
Need of National Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA): Women should form at least 50% of the programme management staff, with a vision for decentralized management and local community involvement. Includes provisions for childcare at work sites, free public transportation for women, and work availability within a 5-km radius.
Case study of WUEGA: Women-led waste management in Karnataka, demonstrates the feasibility and success of women-centric programs: In this initiative women handle end-to-end waste management in gram panchayats of selected districts including collection and driving of the ‘Swacch’ vehicles.
Japan’s ‘womenomics’:
-Japan was grappling with falling fertility rates, a declining population, and stagnant growth. A series of reforms on “womenomics” were introduced as part of the “Abenomics” era.
-Women’s labour force participation rate (WLFPR) in Japan has grown by ten percentage points, from 64.9 percent in 2013 to 75.2 per cent in 2023.
-Majority of the “womenomics” reforms have been linked to investments in the care economy and rebalancing gender norms.
Ensure high participation of women in MGNREGS: Recommendations given by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj:
The government must take measures for better promotion of “women-centric works” through creation or linking of existing livelihood projects under the scheme.
The Ministry of Rural Development needs to bridge the wage disparity among states by notifying a uniform wage rate structure.
Identification of niche sectors: There is a need for identification of niche sectors like countries like the United States initiative like Girls Who Code in the USA aim to close the gender gap in technology, Japan and Italy are focusing on the healthcare and social work sectors as areas of potential job growth for women.
Flexible Work Options as like Netherlands: Promote work models like part-time work, remote work, and parental leave policies, empowers women to manage work-life balance effectively.
Accounting for care work: There is a need to capture the value of care in the GDP calculation.
Conclusion: These strategies can contribute to meeting goals of SDG 1 (end poverty); SDG 3 (ensure healthy lives); SDG 4 (ensure inclusive and equitable quality education); SDG 5 (achieve gender equality) etc.
Context: Bihar leader Rabri Devi has come forward with demand for creation of a separate Mithilanchal state to be carved out of existing Bihar.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Key provisions of Article 2, Article 3, Location of Mithilanchal, Process to create a new state in India
Mains: Benefits and challenges of State Reorganisation in India.
Provisions of Indian Constitution:
Article 2: Admission or Establishment of New States
Scope: Article 2 of the Indian constitution has conferred the power on the parliament of India for admitting and establishing a new state not originally part of India.
It deals with external states (E.g., integration of princely states post-independence).
It does not cover the reorganisation within existing Indian states or admission of a Union Territory.
Article 3: Formation and Alteration of States
Parliament may create new States by-
separating territory from any State
uniting two or more States
uniting parts of States
uniting any territory to a part of any State.
Parliament’s can also increase or diminish the area of any State and altering the boundaries or name of any State.(State here also includes a Union territory).
Note: Laws Made under Articles 2 and 3 are not considered as amendments to the Constitution under Article 368.
Procedure for Formation of New States:
A bill calling for formation of new States may be introduced in either House of Parliament only on the recommendation of the President.
Such a bill must be referred by the President to the concerned State Legislature for expressing its views to Parliament, if it contains provisions which affect the areas, boundaries or name of that State.
Parliament is not bound by these views of the concerned State Legislature in the process of enacting legislation for the formation of new States.
State Reorganisation in India:
Important Commissions and Committees on State Reorganisation:
1. S.K. Dhar Commission (1948)
Objective: To study the possibility of state reorganisation after independence.
Recommendation: Administrative convenience should be the primary justification for reorganisation rather than the linguistic or cultural factor.
2. JVP Committee (1948)
Members: Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya
Recommendations: Disapproved reorganisation on linguistic basis as it would potentially threaten national integration due to linguistic divisions.
3. Fazl Ali Commission (1953)
Objective: To establish a framework for reorganisation with a proper consideration for the diversities of India.
Recommendations: Identified four factors for state reorganisation;
Preservation and strengthening of unity and security of the country
Linguistic and cultural homogeneity
Financial, economic and administrative considerations
Planning and promotion of welfare of people and nation as a whole.
It proposed the formation of 14 States and 6 Union Territories. Parliament implemented its recommendations through the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956.
Factors driving Statehood Demands:
Linguistic Diversity has been central to identity politics. E.g., Formation of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960, as a result of the Mahagujarat and Samyukta Maharashtra movements.
Regional Inequities: Economic neglect and underdevelopment in hope for better governance through smaller states. E.g.,
Formation of Jharkhand (2000) addressed tribal marginalisation in the mineral-rich Chotanagpur Plateau.
Demand for Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Bundelkhand spanning Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Cultural and Ethnic Identity: Groups with unique traditions, languages, and customs often seek statehood to preserve their distinctiveness. E.g., Gorkhaland in West Bengal, Bodoland in Assam.
Administrative Efficiency: Proponents argue smaller states are easier to administer and more responsive to local needs. E.g., Demand for Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh) seeks to address governance issues in overpopulated, underdeveloped regions.
Arguments against Formation of New States:
Economic Burden: Establishing new capitals and administrative structures involves significant costs. E.g., Andhra Pradesh’s plan for Amaravati capital infrastructure is estimated to exceed ₹40,000 crore.
Inter-State Disputes: Resource sharing often becomes contentious. E.g., The Cauvery water dispute escalated after the reorganisation of states in southern India.
Boundary Conflicts: The boundary-drawing process for new states may take a long time to resolve. E.g., The Belagavi dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra is still pending.
Political Fragmentation: Fragmentation along narrow identity or parochial lines may weaken the Indian federal structure. E.g., The creation of new states may encourage further demands, such as Vidarbha, Gorkhaland, and Rayalaseema.
Way Forward:
Address Root Causes: Focus on equitable development of underdeveloped regions within existing states to reduce grievances.
Comprehensive Framework for Statehood: Outline explicit parameters for state formation that clearly take into account the state's economic viability, administrative effectiveness, and national interest. E.g., All proposed states should be capable of generating more than 50% of their required funds at the initial level to minimise reliance on Centre’s aid.
Stakeholder Involvement: Set up specialised committees comprising members from relevant districts to assess the new state's implications.
Improved Local Government: Devolution of power is effectively done through Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Reforms to cater to local needs without dividing the states
Mithilanchal region:
Geographical and historical details:
Mithila (also known as Tirhut or Mithilanchal) is a historical and cultural region located in the eastern part of India and the southern plains of Nepal.
Mithila spans across the northern parts of Bihar in India and extends into the Terai region of Nepal.
The region is primarily characterised by its fertile plains formed by the rivers Gandak, Bagmati, Kamala etc.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita (the consort of Lord Rama). Ancient texts like the Vedas and epics like the Ramayana mention Mithila as a prominent kingdom.
Cultural Significance:
Art and Crafts: Mithila is renowned for its distinctive art form called Madhubani painting, which originated here.
Literature: The Maithili language (a regional Indo-Aryan language) is spoken and has a significant body of literature. Vidyapati Thakur, a medieval poet, is highly revered for his contributions to Maithili literature.
Traditions and Festivals: Various festivals like Chhath Puja (a sun-worshipping festival) hold immense significance.
Social and Economic Aspects:
Agriculture: Agriculture forms the backbone of the economy in Mithila. The fertile plains support the cultivation of rice, maize, pulses, and other crops.
Social Structure: The society primarily follows a patriarchal system, and traditional norms and values play a significant role in shaping social interactions and hierarchies.
Context: At a joint meeting recently, the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Minorities discussed “common issues” they faced, which included officials evading summonses and organisations refusing to follow recommendations by getting stay orders from courts.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Facts about various National Commissions.
Mains: Challenges faced by National Commissions.
Body
Nature
Functions
Powers
National Commission for STs
Constitutional body
-Investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the respective vulnerable sections under Constitution or under any other law and evaluate the working of such safeguards.
-Inquire into any complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards given to the respective vulnerable sections.
-Advise the governments on matters relating to the socio-economic development of the respective sections.
-Present the report on working of the safeguards provided to the respective vulnerable sections to the president, who in turn tables it in the parliament.
All these Commissions have all the powers of a Civil Court in respect of the summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and requiring the production of any document in the process of investigation.
National Commission for SCs
Constitutional body
National Commission for Backward Classes
Constitutional body
National Commission for Women
Statutory body
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis
Non-statutory body
Common Challenges faced by these Commissions:
Non-Binding Recommendations: Despite having extensive investigative powers, the recommendations made by these commissions are not legally binding, limiting their effectiveness in enforcing necessary changes.
Litigation Issues: These commissions often face legal challenges that can delay or nullify their operational effectiveness. For example, higher judicial bodies may issue stays on the commission's notices or directives, hampering their ability to address complaints effectively.
E.g., Recently, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes highlighted issues with officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) who avoided responding to notices issued by the commission by obtaining a stay from a higher court.
Inadequate Parliamentary Discussion: Even when reports are tabled in Parliament, they are frequently not discussed or acted upon, which diminishes the accountability and impact of the commissions’ findings.
Political Appointments: The appointment processes for chairpersons and members can be influenced by political considerations, which may affect the impartiality and effectiveness of the commissions.
Insufficient Resources: Many commissions face budgetary constraints and a lack of adequate staff to handle the increasing volume of complaints and reviews of welfare programs, limiting their capacity to function effectively.
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a budgetary allocation of Rs 6,000 crore for the newly launched initiative ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS).
Relevance of the topic: Prelims- Key facts about One Nation One Subscription initiative.
About One Nation One Subscription
ONOS is an initiative to facilitate better access to academic resources to India’s higher education institutions (HEIs).
Implementation: INFLIBNET Centre (Information and Library Network Centre) in Gandhinagar. It is an Inter-University Centre of the University Grants Commission under the Ministry of Education.
Scheme operation from: January 1, 2025.
Conceptualization: The initiative stems from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasised research as a critical pillar for achieving excellence in education and national development. ONOS aims to democratise access to knowledge and promote research in India.
Current Mechanism for Journal Access:
HEIs currently access journals through 10 different library consortia, under the administrative control of various ministries.
A library consortium is a group of two or more libraries that have agreed to share resources among its members.
E.g., INFLIBNET Centre oversees the UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium providing access to scholarly journals and databases.
HEIs also subscribe to several journals individually.
Key Features ofOne Nation One Subscription:
Centralised/ Single-Point Access: ONOS aims to centralise journal subscriptions for nearly 6,300 government-run institutions, offering access to 13,000 scholarly journals (published by 30 international publishers)under a single platform hosted by INFLIBNET.
Publishers include: Elsevier Science Direct (including Lancet), Springer Nature, Wiley Blackwell, IEEE, Sage Publishing, American Chemical Society, and American Mathematical Society etc.
Whether ONOS will also cover private HEIs is still undecided.
Equity in Access: HEIs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will have the same access as premier institutions. Institutions need to register on the ONOS platform to use it.
Flexibility: HEIs can still individually subscribe to journals not covered under ONOS.
Benefits of One Nation One Subscription:
Enhanced Accessibility: Expand access to the best scholarly journals for 55 lakh to nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers across roughly 6,300 government universities, colleges, research bodies, and Institutions of National Importance (INIs), including those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Cost Efficiency: Avoid duplication of journal subscriptions across different library consortia and individual HEIs to reduce excess expenditure.
Data-driven Insights: Allows the government to analyse journal download and usage by HEIs, and accordingly improve resource allocation, and encourage under-utilising institutions to maximise benefits.
Context: The RBI report has highlighted that Education loans have been growing at a notable pace in recent years and in this regard, a further boost is expected with the newly launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Vidyalaxmi Scheme’.
Relevance of the topic:Prelims- Key facts about the scheme and its provisions.
About PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:
It is a Central Sector scheme under the Ministry of Education that seeks to provide financial support to meritorious students so that financial constraints do not prevent them from pursuing higher studies.
The initiative stems from the National Education Policy 2020, which had recommended that financial assistance should be made available to meritorious students through various measures in both public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Key features:
Institutions Covered: Meritorious students of the top 860 Higher Education institutions, including-
Top 100 HEIs (both Government + Private) ranked in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
State Govt HEIs (ranked 101–200 in NIRF).
All Central Government Institutions: ~660 institutions.
Digitalisation: Students can apply through the Vidyalaxmi portal, which links major public and private banks. The portal provides a simplified digital application process and facilitates loan tracking.
Loan conditions:
Collateral free, guarantor free loan to cover the full amount of tuition fees and other expenses related to the course.
Loans up to ₹ 7.5 lakhs are backed by a 75% credit guarantee from the Government of India, encouraging banks to expand coverage.
For students with annual family income up to ₹ 8 lakhs, the scheme will provide 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹ 10 lakh.
Students with up to Rs. 4.5 lakhs annual family income are eligible for full interest subvention.
Sync with other schemes: This will supplement the already existing Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS) and Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Education Loans (CGFSEL), schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP), being implemented by the Department of Higher Education.
