Social Justice

Unified Pension Scheme

Context: The Finance Ministry has introduced a one-time, one-way switch facility from the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to the National Pension System (NPS).

From 1 April 2025, the government introduced the UPS as an option under the NPS for Central government employees. UPS will provide assured payouts to the employees.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

Key Features of the Unified Pension Scheme

Assured pension: 50% of the employee’s average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before superannuation for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years.
Assured minimum pension: In the case of superannuation after a minimum 10 years of service, the UPS provides for an assured minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month.
Assured family pension: Upon a retiree’s death, their immediate family would be eligible for 60% of the pension last drawn by the retiree.
Inflation Indexation: Pension amounts are adjusted for inflation using the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (Dearness Relief).
Lumpsum payment at superannuation: Subscribers receive a lump sum payment upon retirement, supplementing their regular pension.
Contributory Scheme: Similar to the National Pension System (NPS), the scheme is funded by contributions from:
- Employees: 10% of their basic pay plus Dearness Allowance (DA).
- Government: 18.5%.

Eligibility Criteria:

The UPS is applicable to the following categories of Central Government employees:

Existing employees: Those in service as of April 1, 2025, and currently covered under NPS.
New recruits: Individuals joining Central Government services on or after April 1, 2025.
Retired employees: Employees who were under NPS and have superannuated, voluntarily retired, or retired under Fundamental Rules 56(j) on or before March 31, 2025.
In cases where the subscriber has passed away prior to opting for UPS, the legally wedded spouse is eligible.

Implementation Timeline:

The regulations for the operationalisation of UPS come into effect from April 1, 2025.

National Pension Scheme:

NPS was a market-linked contribution scheme introduced by the Central Government. NPS replaced the Old Pension Scheme on 1st January, 2004.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) regulates and administers NPS under the PFRDA Act, 2013.

Need for NPS:

OPS had a fundamental problem, i.e. it was unfunded, there was no corpus specifically for pension.
Over time, this led to the government’s pension liability to balloon to fiscally unhealthy levels. The pension liabilities of the Centre jumped from Rs 3,272 in 1990-91 to Rs 1,90,886 crore in 2020-21.

Working of NPS:

The NPS was different from OPS in two fundamental ways.
- It did away with an assured pension.
- It would be funded by the employee himself/ herself, along with a matching contribution by the government.
The defined contribution comprised 10% of the basic pay and dearness allowance by the employee, and the government’s contribution of 14%.
Individuals under NPS can choose from a range of schemes and pension fund managers as well as private companies to invest their money contributed to NPS.

Opposition to NPS:

Under the NPS, government employees received lower guaranteed returns and had to contribute to their pension, unlike the OPS where there were no employee contributions and higher guaranteed returns.
Amid ongoing calls for a return to the OPS, the union government established a committee in 2023 led by T V Somanathan. The recommendations of the committee have led to the introduction of the new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

Comparing various Pension Schemes

Feature	Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)	New Pension Scheme (NPS)	Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Type of Scheme	Hybrid (Assured pension + contribution-based)	Contribution-based	Defined benefit (assured pension)
Applicability	Central govt. employees; State government has option to adopt	Central and state government employees (except armed forces)	Central and state government employees before April 1, 2004.
Pension Guarantee	Minimum pension guaranteed	No assured pension; depends on market returns	50% of last drawn salary as pension guaranteed
Employee Contribution	10% of salary; govt. contributes 18.5%.	10% of salary; 14% by the government for central employees.	No contribution from employees (fully funded by govt)
Inflation Adjustment	Yes (dearness relief linked to inflation index)	No guaranteed inflation adjustment	Yes (DA revisions based on inflation)
Withdrawal Options	Lumpsum + monthly pension	60% lumpsum, 40% annuity	No lumpsum withdrawal, only pension
Family Pension	60% of pension amount to dependents	Not guaranteed but depends on chosen annuity plan	50% of pension amount given as family pension

Is APAAR ID for Students Mandatory?

Context: APAAR is part of the National Education Policy 2020’s record-keeping reforms. While the registration is voluntary; activists and parents are worried about the rapid push by schools to generate an APAAR ID.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: About APAAR ID.

Mains: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors, Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability

What is an APAAR ID ?

APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) system introduces a 12-digit unique ID for every student in India, as part of India’s One Nation, One Student ID initiative.
Aim: To store and consolidate students academic records and accomplishments, facilitating seamless transitions between educational institutions.
APAAR ID is linked to Aadhaar and is stored in the DigiLocker. The registry provides students with standardised data on their marksheets and institutional affiliation.
APAAR is generated through the Unified District Information System For Education Plus (UDISE+) portal, which contains regional academic statistics and data on schools, teachers and students.

Benefits of APAAR ID ?

Unified academic identity: A single platform to consolidate and showcase academic records.
Streamlining student records: Simplifying record-keeping for students, parents, and educators.
Digital repository: Securely storing academic data and achievements.
Seamless academic mobility: Facilitating smooth transitions between educational levels. Educational institutes can rapidly process and verify any given student’s academic transcripts.

How is an APAAR ID generated?

Schools verify a student’s demographic details, i.e., their name and date of birth.
Parents are required to fill a consent form, and after authentication by the school, the APAAR ID is generated.

Is APAAR mandatory ?

APAAR is voluntary. Parents have the option of writing to schools and opting out of generating the APAAR ID for their children.
The Union government re-confirmed the optional nature of APAAR in response to a Parliament query in December 2022.

However, there are reports of state governments, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, exerting pressure on schools to achieve full enrollment.

Criticism and Concerns:

Privacy and data security: APAAR is linked to Aadhaar, raising concerns regarding potential risk of data leaks and misuse.
No strong legal framework and policy documents for the APAAR ID system governing data collection, use, storage, and disclosure, particularly of children's (minors) data.
No transparency over data handling practices, such as how data is collected, used, stored, and shared, and who accesses it. E.g., Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) filed an RTI but the request was transferred more than 30 times, without a reply.
Discrepancies between Aadhaar and school documents, including typos, may lead to processing delay and administrative burden.

India witnesses growing Education-Employment Mismatch

Context: India’s labour market is facing a critical imbalance between education levels and employment opportunities. While thousands of graduates and postgraduates enter the workforce each year, a significant portion remains stuck in semi-skilled or even elementary jobs.

Relevance of the Topic:Mains: Key Trends reflecting Education-Employment Gap in Indian Labour Market.

Present Employment Trends and Challenges

Low Education levels of Workforce: PLFS 2023-24 data reveal that 90% of the workforce has an education level equivalent to or below secondary education. This results in 88% of the workforce being engaged in low-competency occupations, primarily in elementary and semiskilled roles.
Income disparity based on Education: Only 4.2% of the workforce (those with advanced education and specialised skills) earn between ₹4 lakh and ₹8 lakh annually. Nearly 46% earn less than ₹1 lakh, predominantly comprising low- to semi-skilled workers such as agricultural labourers, clerical staff, factory workers, and small-scale service providers.
Lack of Jobs as per Expertise: Highly educated individuals are not finding employment matching their qualifications. This highlights misalignment between industry demands and the availability of required competencies in the workforce. E.g.,
- Graduate-degree holders are heavily employed in specialised roles (38%) but also occupy semiskilled (50%) and even elementary jobs (3%).
- Post-graduate degree holders are employed in specialised roles (63%) but also occupy semi-skilled jobs (28%).

Lack of Vocational Education: According to PLFS 2023-24, 65% of the workforce has received no vocational training (specialised, industry-specific skills), highlighting a significant gap in skill development and industry readiness. Prevalence of low-skilled workers is linked to poor educational outcomes.

Way Forward

Education reforms: Emphasise practical, job-oriented training over theoretical knowledge. Promote lifelong learning and skill upgradation programs.
Vocational Education: Integrate technical and vocational education into mainstream academics. Expand skill development programs aligned with industry needs.
Enhance Industry-Academia collaboration: Establish partnerships between educational institutions and industries to design relevant curriculum.

A well-aligned labour market will enhance workforce efficiency, boost economic growth, and improve job satisfaction for individuals.

Barriers faced by Construction Workers

Context: Recently, the Chairman & Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro highlighted growing labour shortages in the Construction sector. He quoted that some workers are reluctant to relocate for work due to the availability of welfare schemes, which offer them financial security. However, this narrative oversimplifies the structural issues faced by the construction labourers.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Construction Sector: Current Status, Challenges & Way Forward

Construction Sector in India

The Construction Sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in India contributing approximately 9% to the national GDP. The sector is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025.
By 2030, it is estimated that around 3 crore workers will be employed in this sector.
The sector faces significant labour shortages, exacerbated by structural barriers to worker welfare and employment continuity.

Challenges faced by Construction Workers:

Fragmented employment landscape: Construction workers, especially migrant labourers, endure a fragmented employment landscape characterised by frequent relocations, high job insecurity, inconsistent access to welfare benefits, and precarious working conditions.
Seasonal employment disruption: Construction workers affected by seasonal employment disruptions (such as heat waves, ban on construction due to air pollution) struggle to access direct benefit transfers despite legal provisions. The lack of digital public infrastructure to facilitate rapid disbursement exacerbates their vulnerability.
Lack of proper documentation required for welfare registration: Due to the transient nature of their work, many labourers lack permanent addresses, making it difficult for them to secure documents such as birth certificates, residence proofs, and rental agreements required to access welfare benefits.
Poor Implementation of welfare provisions:
- State governments collect a 1-2% construction cess under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996 to fund worker welfare. According to a 2023 Parliamentary Standing Committee report approximately 75% of it remains unutilised.
- Employment Certificates proving 90 days of work per year are difficult to obtain, as contractors are often unwilling or unable to provide it, leaving workers unable to prove their eligibility for welfare benefits.
Lack of Interoperable systems: Migrant workers often move across multiple States searching for employment, but the absence of interoperable systems means that benefits registered in one State cannot be accessed in another. This disrupts continuity in welfare delivery and discourages workers from registering altogether.

Way Forward

Implement Unified National Labour Identification System similar to One Nation One Ration Card to facilitate inter-State portability of welfare benefits
Link BOCW registrations with UAN (Universal Account Number) on e-Shram to facilitate seamless access to entitlements for construction regardless of their location.
Digital Public Infrastructure for welfare access: State governments should adopt open-source digital platforms to improve the accessibility and efficiency of welfare schemes. Implement a centralised portal with standardised workflows to reduce administrative delays and enhance transparency.
Simplified documentation by accepting alternative proofs, and relaxing the verification protocols to ease the process. State governments can facilitate bulk registration through on-site welfare camps to ensure that large construction projects maintain accurate worker records.
Investing in skill development programmes for construction to address long-term labour shortages. A robust skilling ecosystem tailored to meet the evolving demands of the industry can enhance worker productivity and retention.
Ensure a safe and dignified work environment to maintain workers’ health and efficiency.

Construction firms can play a key role by committing to both medium-term skilling initiatives and improved workplace standards, to create a more stable, skilled, and resilient workforce.

Also Read: The Problem Associated with the Indian Informal Sector

Healthcare in India

Context: The neglect of Primary Health care (PHC) systems under AB-PMJAY and focus on targeted interventions instead of a comprehensive agenda to tackle malnutrition call for an urgent overhaul of the healthcare sector in India.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Healthcare in India- Nutrition, Insurance- challenges, way forward

Health for All

India is committed to the principle of 'Health for All' under WHO’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework. This framework prioritises Primary Health Care (PHC) and aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE).
Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) aim to provide financial protection and reduce OOPE. However, there are growing concerns regarding neglect of primary healthcare (PHCs) and increasing reliance on market-driven private healthcare.

Present Healthcare Landscape in India

Malnutrition: India has one of the highest rates of malnourished children and anaemic women. According to National Family Health Survey-5:
- 36% of children under five are stunted.
- Only 11% of children aged 6-23 months are breastfed and receive an adequate diet.
- 57% of women in the 15-49 age group are anaemic.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and lifestyle-induced diseases are on the rise, highlighting another dimension of under-nutrition.
- 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight or obese.
- 14% of the population uses medication for diabetes.
Skewed Health Budget: Budget 2025 places much emphasis on medical digital infrastructure and expanding medical education over strengthening primary healthcare.
Privatisation in Insurance: The government has increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap in the insurance sector aims to boost insurance penetration. While it attracts more private players, it further intensifies privatisation of healthcare services.

Challenges in Healthcare

1. Problems with current nutrition schemes (Narrow Focus):

Poshan 2.0 fails to recognise the broader national nutrition challenge confining efforts to certain geographic regions and population segments.
Current policies predominantly focus on malnutrition among women and children, leaving out other vulnerable groups such as men, senior citizens, and individuals suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) related to diet.
The policies do not address the broader aspects of under-nutrition, such as insufficient access to nutritionally rich food or lifestyle-induced diseases like obesity and diabetes.

2. Inadequate Infrastructure:

Rural areas may have a higher concentration of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), but urban areas face a lack of sufficient coverage.
Current services at HWCs (including nutrition advice for pregnant women, lactating women, children, adolescents and the elderly) are not systematically implemented and not consistently available.

3. Cultural and Socio-economic barriers: Dietary habits are influenced by culture and caste dynamics which complicate the design and implementation of nutrition interventions leading to fragmented approaches. E.g., Resistance to eggs in mid day meal schemes.

4. Overpriced drugs: Private firms have invested heavily in R&D for new drugs, especially for secondary and tertiary care; hence, the price of patented drugs is passed on to consumers.

5. Healthcare policies-related challenges:

Concerns with Ayushman Bharat: PMJAY excludes outpatient care. As people requiring only outpatient care outnumber those requiring hospitalisation, the majority have to rely on costly private facilities for outpatient care.
Low Health Budget: Despite the significant increase in government expenditure on Health, it is still below the target of National Health Policy (2017)- 2.5% of GDP. The National Health Mission, essential for grassroots healthcare, receives a declining share in the Health budget.
Insurance illiteracy: Migrant workers and the non-literate sections of the population face challenges in accessing insurance services.
Health security for Informal workers: Informal workforce remains without adequate health security due to the lack of universal coverage.
Outdated data from the 2011 Census and the 2020-21 Periodic Labour Force Survey hinders effective resource allocation and limits the efficiency of social protection schemes.

As a result, a significant portion of healthcare expenditure in India is from out-of-pocket expenditure (47.1% in 2019-20).

Way Forward

Comprehensive National Nutrition Strategy beyond maternal and child malnutrition. Identifying the nutritional needs of men, senior citizens, and people suffering from lifestyle diseases and a wider range of deficiencies.
Locally available nutrient-dense, and low-cost food options can ensure access to nutritious food.
Strengthen Health and Wellness Centres. HWCs must be more widely distributed, particularly in urban areas, equipped with a comprehensive set of nutrition services for all age groups with dedicated nutrition staff.
Public health education campaigns focusing on dietary habits and lifestyle changes to combat the rising incidence of NCDs.
Strengthen Primary Health Care to expand access to affordable and preventive healthcare at the grassroots level. Allocate more funds to National Health Mission (NHM).
Address Informal workers’ health security to achieve universal health coverage. E.g., PMJAY is expanded to gig workers.
Regular surveys and Census updates to track the health needs of the population and for better allocation of resources.

To move India towards UHC, the government, civil society, health-care providers, and communities need to work together.

Health Ministry refuses to make Cancer a Notifiable Disease

Context: There have been calls to designate Cancer as a notifiable disease in India, in order to enhance Cancer surveillance and treatment. However, the Union Ministry of Health has resisted the move, citing that the practice is to notify only infectious diseases.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Notifiable diseases; India’s National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).

Major Highlights:

Cancer in India is not a notifiable disease. The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare refuses to declare it as a notified disease despite recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research.
Reasons given by the Ministry:
- Cancer is not a communicable disease and does not have community spread.
- Cancer requires long-term management rather than emergency interventions.

Which are Notifiable Diseases?

Notifiable disease is a disease that is legally required to be reported to the government by both private and public hospitals.
The primary purpose of disease notification is to ensure that contagious diseases are kept under check. Notifiability triggers rapid containment measures. 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.
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 practitioners must 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.

Notifiable Diseases in India

Cholera, diphtheria, encephalitis, leprosy, meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough), plague, tuberculosis, AIDS, hepatitis, measles, yellow fever, malaria, dengue.

India’s National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP):

NCRP functions as a data collection mechanism. It compiles crucial information on:
- demographics of cancer patients
- cancer identification including type, stage, and morphology
- timing of diagnosis and staging at the time of detection
- treatment details such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and follow-up and survival outcomes.
The NCRP includes hospital-based registries, which collect data from cancer-treating hospitals, and population-based registries, which capture cancer incidence in a defined geographic area.

Also Read: Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment

Rather than legally mandating notification, strengthening existing cancer registries is a more thorough and effective alternative for comprehensive nationwide cancer surveillance.

Implementation gaps in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin

Context: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development has accused the government of failing to identify “genuine beneficiaries” for its flagship rural housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G)

Launched on April 1, 2016, by restructuring the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY).
Aim: Provide "Housing for All" in rural areas by March 2029.
Implemented by: Ministry of Rural Development
Financial assistance is provided for constructing pucca houses with basic amenities for the rural poor.
Key Objectives:
- Provide permanent housing to eligible rural households.
- Address housing deprivation identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
- Ensure basic facilities such as electricity, sanitation, and clean drinking water.
- Promote women empowerment by mandating joint ownership in house allotment.
Funding:
- 60:40 ratio between the Centre and States: for Plains.
- 90:10 ratio for Northeast, Himalayan States, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- 100% centrally funded for Union Territories.
Financial Assistance to Beneficiaries:
- ₹1.2 lakh per unit in plains.
- ₹1.3 lakh per unit in hilly and difficult areas.
Beneficiary selection based on SECC 2011 data, verified through Gram Sabha. It Includes:
- SCs/STs and freed bonded labourers.
- Non-SC/ST BPL families.
- Widows and next-of-kin of defence personnel killed in action.
- Ex-servicemen, paramilitary forces, disabled persons, and minorities.
Progress and Targets:
- Target (2016-2029): 4.95 crore houses.
- As of February 2, 2025:
  - Target allotted: 3.79 crore houses.
  - Houses sanctioned: 3.34 crore.
  - Houses completed: 2.69 crore.
- Additional 2 crore houses approved for construction during 2024-29.

Monitoring and Transparency Measures:

AwaasSoft platform: Tracks progress through geo-tagged, time-stamped photographs.
Regular inspections: Conducted at block, district, and national levels.
Social audits: Annual audits at Gram Panchayat level.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Ensures funds go directly to beneficiary bank accounts.
Performance Index Dashboard: Monitors implementation and progress.
Grievance redressal mechanisms: Complaints can be lodged via CPGRAMS, IGRS, and CM helplines.

Challenges highlighted by Standing Committee on Rural Development:

Outdated beneficiary data: PMAY-G still relies on SECC 2011, leading to exclusion of genuine beneficiaries and inclusion of ineligible categories.
Financial assistance has not increased despite rising construction costs.
Issue of backlogs: Scheme extension mainly covers previous backlog rather than new allocations.

Way Forward

Recommendations by Standing Committee on Rural Development

Update beneficiary data: Conduct a comprehensive review to include newly emerging needy households.
Expand eligibility: Include semi-permanent structure owners.
Increase per-unit assistance to ₹4 lakh, considering rising construction costs and inflation.
Addressing backlog and fresh allocations: Increase total houses planned under extended PMAY-G to 3.46 crore (1.46 crore backlog + 2 crore fresh allocations).

Tamil Nadu’s Budget Logo Controversy

Context: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released the State Budget 2025-26 promotional logo, replacing the ₹ symbol with the Tamil letter ‘Roo’ (‘ரூ’) for ‘Roobai’ (Tamil word for rupee).

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Can be stated as an example in issues related to growing regionalist and linguistic identities.

Major Highlights:

Changes in the Budget Logo: The Tamil Nadu state government replaced the ₹ symbol with the Tamil letter ‘Roo’ (ரூ). The move was made to avoid using Devanagari.
Official Justification: The Tamil letter 'ரூ’ and the English word "Rupees" are used in the budget document. The state government claims this is not unconstitutional as Tamil is one of the 15 languages on Indian currency.
Criticism of the Move:
- The move has faced criticism from the state opposition, arguing that the ₹ symbol was designed by a Tamilian (D. Udaya Kumar) and is a national identity.
- The Union Finance Minister stated that the move reflects a dangerous mindset, weakening Indian unity and promoting secessionist sentiments.

Linguistic Regionalism vs National Identity

The ₹ symbol is a national identity, and replacing it with a regional script may fuel regional vs. national identity debates. Similar demands may arise in other states, challenging national integration.
This controversy reflects ongoing regional vs. national identity debates in India. While promoting regional languages and culture is valid, it must be balanced with national unity and constitutional principles.

Right to Dignified Work: ASHA Workers' Struggle

Context: ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers in Kerala are protesting for better wages and working conditions. Their work is critical for public health but remains undervalued due to its association with traditional gender roles.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about Government Schemes, Welfare Programs, Social Issues

Mains: Can be used as an example in issues related to Health sector & Governance; Gender Issues in Employment.

Key Highlights of the Issue

Gendered Assumptions: Women dominate state-run welfare schemes (E.g., Anganwadi, ASHA workers). Their work is considered an extension of domestic care, leading to undervaluation and low pay.
Payment and Working Conditions:
- Despite WHO recognition (2022), ASHAs remain underpaid. Kerala pays ₹7,000 per month, among the highest in India, but still below the minimum wage for unskilled workers.
- Payments are often irregular due to dependence on central and state funding. Economic Survey (2022-23): India spends only 2.1% of GDP on healthcare, below the WHO-recommended 5%.
No legal status as Workers: ASHAs are seen as "activists" rather than "workers", denying them labour rights. Despite their role in critical health interventions, they lack social security and job stability. ILO Recommendation (2018): Urged nations to formalise care workers, but India is yet to implement.

Demands of ASHA workers (in Kerala) include

Formal worker status
₹21,000 honorarium
₹5 lakh as retirement benefits.

Benefits of Recognising ASHA Workers as formal workers:

Financial Security : Regular wages instead of incentives. E.g., 63% care workers are Women (ILO Report 2021)
Better Working Conditions: Formalisation would bring job security, healthcare benefits, and social security.
Women Empowerment: Economic independence and dignity at work. E.g., Only 32% women earn their own income (NFHS-5 2021-22).
Strengthened Healthcare System: Motivated workforce ensures better community health services. E.g., ASHA workers played an important role in COVID-19 response.

Way Forward

Formalisation of ASHA Workers: Recognise them as public health workers under labour laws. Provide fixed salaries, job security, and social security benefits.
Legal Recognition & Labour Rights: Implement ILO Convention 189 (Decent Work for Domestic Workers). Ensure EPF, ESI, and pension benefits.
Timely and Increased Payment: Kerala Model: ₹21,000 minimum wage demand should be considered nationwide.
Political and Social Awareness: Recognise unpaid and underpaid care work. NITI Aayog (2021): Recommended monetising unpaid care work to boost GDP.

ASHA workers are vital to India’s healthcare system but remain undervalued. As Amartya Sen highlights, true development expands freedoms, which includes fair wages and dignity at work. Formalising their roles, ensuring social security, and increasing healthcare investment will align with PM Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and create a gender-inclusive, resilient public health system.

Tackling Obesity and Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods in India

Context: India's rising obesity and diabetes rates have raised concerns about the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in public health.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Government policies and interventions to regulate processed food.

Mains: Health policies and regulatory frameworks; Role of food processing industry in public health.

Major Highlights:

As per the latest edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 1 in 4 adults in India are either obese or diabetic (NFHS-5). Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contribute significantly to this health crisis.
The 2025 Economic Survey recommends a ‘health tax’ on UPFs, while the Indian Prime Minister has called for tackling obesity. However, weak and industry-friendly food regulations undermine these efforts, allowing misleading advertisements and lack of proper labeling.

Challenges in Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods

1. Ambiguous and Ineffective Laws:

Consumer Protection Act, 2019 lacks clear guidelines on nutritional information disclosure.
FSSAI rules have no definition of High Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods or UPFs.
Multiple laws exist but are not harmonised, leading to weak enforcement.

2. Industry Influence on Policy:

FSSAI’s regulatory framework has been criticised to favour large food corporations over public health. Industry representatives dominate stakeholder meetings, sidelining scientific experts.
FSSAI proposed Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) in 2022, modeled after Australia’s failed ‘health star’ system.
- The system allows even unhealthy foods to get misleading star ratings, rather than clear warning labels.
- FSSAI ignored its 2021 proposal for a ‘traffic light’ colour-coded warning system due to industry lobbying.

3. Delayed Implementation of Front-of-Pack Labels (FOPL):

Despite recommendations since 2017, India still lacks mandatory warning labels. E.g.,
- No mandatory requirement to disclose sugar, salt, or fat content in ads.
- Cola drinks and processed foods freely target children and youth, without clear health warnings.
The 2025 Economic Survey calls for urgent reforms, but no clear roadmap exists.

4. Global Best Practices Ignored:

Chile’s easily recognisable hexagonal ‘high in’ warning labels reduced UPF consumption by 24%.
Most countries with effective front-of-pack labels (FOPL) use clear warnings rather than stars.

5. Public Awareness Deficit:

Lack of mass campaigns educating people about the risks of UPFs. Children and youth are the most vulnerable to misleading advertisements.

Government Initiatives

1. National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017) for Prevention and Control of Common Non-Communicable Diseases:

Recommended amendments to laws regulating junk food advertisements. However, there has been limited enforcement in implementing these recommendations.

2. FSSAI’s Initiatives:

FSSAI launched a movement: India@75: Freedom from Trans-fats by 2022 with the aim of eliminating TFA from India.
Eat Right India campaign by FSSAI to protect the health of the people and transform the country's food system. It is based on three key themes- Eat Safe, Eat Healthy, and Eat Sustainable.
FSSAI’s Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) (2022): Introduced a star rating system, but criticised for being industry-friendly.
Mandatory fortification of salt (iodine and iron), edible oil (vitamins A and D), and wheat flour (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12) as per the FSSAI standards. FSSAI has set up the ‘Food Fortification Resource Centre’ as a nodal point to provide required support to stakeholders.

3. Economic Survey 2025 Recommendations:

‘Health tax’ on ultra-processed foods to curb consumption.
Stringent front-of-pack labels replacing misleading star ratings.
Advertising restrictions on HFSS foods targeting children.

Way Forward

Replace Star Ratings with Warning Labels: Adopt ‘high in’ labels based on WHO or NIN guidelines.
Define HFSS and UPFs Clearly: Set scientific thresholds for sugar, salt, and fat content in processed foods.
Strict Advertisement Regulations: Amend existing laws to prohibit misleading ads and mandate nutritional disclosures.
Public Awareness Campaign: Nationwide campaigns in regional languages on the health risks of UPFs.
Health Tax Implementation: Levy higher taxes on HFSS foods and subsidize healthier alternatives

Value Addition:

Quote: "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." (Mahatma Gandhi)

India’s R&D Investment: Challenges and Opportunities

Context: Despite having a strong scientific manpower base, robust IT and pharmaceutical sectors, and a thriving start-up ecosystem, India lags in research and development (R&D) investment.

India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) is only 0.64% of GDP (FY21), much lower than global leaders like the US, China, Japan, and South Korea. The private sector’s role in R&D is limited, with most funding coming from the government.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) – Definition and Trends; Government initiatives for R&D promotion

Mains: Role of government in fostering innovation; Low R&D investment and its impact on industrial growth; Private sector participation in research Global Comparisons: India vs China, US, Japan in R&D.

Challenges in R&D Growth:

India’s Low R&D Spending:
- GERD in India: ₹60,196 crore (FY2011) → ₹1,27,381 crore (FY2021).
- R&D as percentage of GDP: 0.64% (India) vs 2.1% (China), 3%+ (US, Japan, South Korea).
- Developed nations have 70% private-sector contribution, while India relies mostly on government funding.

Sector-wise R&D Expenditure:
- Pharmaceuticals (50%): Driven by drug innovation, vaccine research.
- IT (15%): Investments in AI, cybersecurity, software advancements.
- Transportation (10%): Focus on EVs, autonomous vehicles, infrastructure.
- Defence & Chemicals (7-10%): Investment in military technology, chemical innovations.
- Biotechnology: Growing R&D in medical research, genetic engineering.
- Electronics, Fuels, Telecommunications, Metallurgy: Relatively lower investments, suggesting mature industries or slow adoption of new technologies.
Private Sector’s Limited Role:
- Globally, private firms contribute 50-70% of R&D spending, but in India, it is mostly government-driven. Indian firms hesitate to invest in long-term R&D due to uncertain returns. High costs discourage startups and MSMEs from investing in R&D.
- Top R&D spenders globally:
  - US – Google, Amazon lead private R&D (70% contribution).
  - China – Hybrid model with both state and private sector investments.

Focus on Basic Research Over Applied Research:
- Applied research drives commercial innovation and attracts investment. But India’s academic institutions focus more on theoretical research, leading to fewer linkages between research institutions and industries. This causes limited technology transfer from labs to businesses.
- Presently, investments are concentrated in pharmaceuticals and IT, but disruptive technologies like quantum computing, semiconductors, and AI need more funding.

Bureaucratic and Regulatory Barriers: Complex approval processes delay patents and innovation commercialisation. Tax incentives for R&D are not competitive compared to other countries

Government Initiatives for R&D Growth

Increased GERD (2013-14 to 2021-22): The government has doubled R&D spending from ₹60,196 crore to ₹1,27,381 crore. Increased focus on AI, biotechnology, semiconductors and quantum technology sectors.
National Research Foundation (NRF): Aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Supports multidisciplinary research collaborations.
PLI Scheme for Technology Sectors: Encourages R&D in electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy.
Tax Incentives for R&D Investment: Offers weighted tax deductions for companies investing in research.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Promotes startups, incubators, and innovation hubs in schools & colleges.

India's R&D investment remains low despite its strong IT, pharma, and startup ecosystem. Increasing industry-academia collaboration, private investment, and applied research is essential to strengthen India’s global competitiveness and technological self-reliance.

India’s Achievements in advancing Women’s Rights

Context: As India continues its journey toward gender equality, the Beijing Platform for Action remains a guiding framework.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Essay: Women Empowerment in India- Achievements.

About Beijing Platform for Action

Beijing Declaration was a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women in September 1995.
The resolution was adopted to promulgate a set of principles concerning the equality of men and women.
It covers 12 key critical matters of concern and areas for action considered to represent the main obstacles in women empowerment.

India’s Achievements in Advancing Women’s Rights

Maternal and Reproductive Health:
- Institutional Deliveries: Increased to 95% due to initiatives like PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan and PM Matru Vandana Yojana.
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Declined from 130 (2014) to 97 (2020) per 1,00,000 births (Sample Registration System data).
- Modern contraceptive use: 56.5% of married women now opt for modern contraceptives, enhancing reproductive autonomy.
Women’s access to Healthcare:
- Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: World’s largest government-funded healthcare scheme has provided millions of women with free medical treatment.
Education and Skill Development:
- Improvement in child sex ratio: Achieved through the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative.
- Higher retention rates in education: National Education Policy 2020 has integrated education with skills training.
- STEM opportunities for women: Encouragement for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
- Menstrual hygiene support: Improved sanitation has reduced school absenteeism among adolescent girls.
Women’s Economic Empowerment:
- Financial Inclusion via Self-help groups (SHGs):
  - National Rural and Urban Livelihood Missions connected 100 million women to financial networks.
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission provided credit and livelihood opportunities.
- Digital Financial Inclusion:
  - Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has boosted women’s participation in digital savings and investments.
  - Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan has trained 35 million rural women in digital literacy.
Gender-Responsive Budgeting:
- Gender Budget’s share in the national budget increased from 6.8% (2024-25) to 8.8% (2025-26).
- $55.2 billion allocated to gender-specific programs.
Women in Leadership:
- Young women are emerging as leaders in climate action, digital entrepreneurship, and governance.
- Initiatives like Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) Project (which supports women in STEM) and G20 TechEquity Platform (which has trained thousands of young women in emerging technologies) reflect this transformation.
Political Representation:
- The Women's Reservation Act guarantees 33% representation for women in legislatures.
- Local governance initiatives have empowered 1.5 million women leaders, creating the world’s largest cohort of women in political leadership.
Actions against Gender-based Violence:
- Persistent Issue: Despite the legal framework women continue to face violence.
- Government measures:
  - 770 One Stop Centres established for medical, legal, and psychological aid to survivors.
  - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (enforced in July 2024) strengthens legal protection for women.
  - Odisha Blockchain Initiative: Ensures swift and confidential support for survivors of violence.
  - Gender-Responsive Policing: Rajasthan Police Academy & UN Population Fund partnership has built survivor trust and access to justice.

Way Forward

The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration highlights that gender equality is a global imperative.
India’s approach, backed by strong government leadership, global partnerships, and policy innovation, serves as a model for inclusive and sustainable development.
Key future priorities:
- Strengthen collaborations with local and global partners.
- Invest in young women’s leadership in governance and economy.
- Address systemic barriers such as digital gender divide, safety concerns, and economic dependency.

By reinforcing women-led development, India continues to set a global benchmark for gender equality and social transformation.