General Studies Paper -2

Context: India’s digital infrastructure has undergone a transformative evolution in recent years, positioning the country as a global leader in digital adoption.

About

• With a rapidly expanding digital economy, driven by innovations in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital governance, India’s infrastructure is continuously evolving to meet the growing demands of the public and private sectors.
• Key initiatives and projects have been rolled out to strengthen the country’s digital backbone, ensuring accessibility, scalability, and security in delivering government services, fostering economic growth, and enhancing citizens’ lives.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational digital systems that are accessible, secure, and interoperable, supporting essential public services.

India’s Digital Infrastructure Landscape

• In India, DPI has been instrumental in transforming the digital economy, much like traditional infrastructure for industrial growth.
• Key Platforms and Achievements
  • Aadhaar: World’s largest digital identity program.
    • Over 138.34 crore Aadhaar numbers issued, ensuring identity authentication.
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Facilitated 24,100 crore financial transactions as of June 2024.
    • Enhances financial inclusion and cashless transactions.
  • DigiLocker: Over 37 crore users, providing digital document verification and storage.
  • DIKSHA: World’s largest education platform, delivering 556 crore learning sessions.
  • National Knowledge Network (NKN): Links National and State Data Centres, enabling resource sharing and collaborative research.
• Additional Platforms
  • GeM: Streamlines government procurement.
  • UMANG: Offers 2,077 government services across 32 states/UTs with over 7.12 crore users.
  • Co-WIN and Aarogya Setu: Revolutionized health services through vaccination tracking and contact tracing.
  • e-Sanjeevani and e-Hospital: Transform healthcare delivery through telemedicine and hospital management.
  • Poshan Tracker and e-Office: Enhance nutritional monitoring and digitize government workflows.
  • MeriPehchaan: A single sign-on platform for seamless access to government services.
  • API Setu: Facilitates data exchange through 6,000+ APIs, enabling 312 crore transactions.
  • MeghRaj (GI Cloud): Promotes cloud ecosystems across central and state governments, enabling:
    • Digital payments.
    • Identity verification.
    • Consent-based data sharing.

Impact on Economy and Society

• Economic Growth: Boosts financial inclusion (via UPI, Aadhaar), reduces IT costs, and fosters innovation with data centres and cloud services. Infrastructure spending yields a GDP multiplier of 2.5-3.5 times.
• Global Leadership: India’s digital solutions, like India Stack, are aiding the Global South.
• Efficient Governance: Faster, transparent, and paperless delivery of services through platforms like DigiLocker, UMANG, and MeghRaj.
• Social Impact: Improves education (DIKSHA), healthcare (Co-WIN, e-Sanjeevani), and skill development (SIDH).
• Inclusivity: Common Service Centres (CSCs) enhance rural access to e-services.

Challenges

• Digital Divide: Limited connectivity and affordability in rural areas.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Data breaches and privacy concerns due to large-scale data collection.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Insufficient bandwidth and data centre capacity to meet rising demand.
• Skill Deficit: Lack of digital literacy and expertise in advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing.
• Policy and Coordination Issues: Slow inter-departmental coordination and outdated regulatory frameworks.

Way Ahead

• Expand Infrastructure: Invest in rural connectivity and scale up data centre capacities.
• Ensure Cybersecurity: Strengthen data protection laws and implement robust cybersecurity measures.
• Promote Digital Literacy: Launch targeted programs to bridge skill gaps, especially in rural areas.
• Streamline Policy: Simplify regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: Recently, the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23 was released showcasing a positive correlation between Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme incentives and sectoral performance that have been pivotal in revitalizing the manufacturing sector, positioning India as a potential global manufacturing hub.

Current Status of India’s Manufacturing Sector

• The manufacturing sector is emerging as an integral pillar in the country’s economic growth with 17% of the nation’s GDP and over 27.3 million workers.
• Growth and Performance: According to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23, the manufacturing sector registered a robust growth rate of 21.5% in output, with a Gross Value Added (GVA) growth of 7.3%.
• Key sectors such as basic metal manufacturing, coke and refined petroleum products, food products, chemicals, and motor vehicles collectively contributed 58% to the total manufacturing output.
• Employment Generation: The manufacturing sector has also been a significant source of employment, adding approximately 22 lakh jobs in 2022-23.
• It has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, indicating a steady recovery and expansion.
• Major states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have been leading contributors to the sector’s GVA and employment.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI in India’s manufacturing sector has reached US$ 165.1 billion, a 69% increase over the past decade, driven by production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes.
• In the last five years, total FDI inflows amounted to US$ 383.5 billion.

Future Prospects

• According to the National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), India aims to have 25% of the economy’s output come from manufacturing by 2025.
• India has the capacity to export goods worth US$ 1 trillion by 2030 and is on the road to becoming a major global manufacturing hub.
• As in the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s estimations, manufacturing sectors share in the GVA has a potential to rise from the current 17% to over 25% by 2030-31, and to 27% by 2047-48 if sustained efforts to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and domestic value addition continue.
• It helps to transform the Indian economy into a developed economy by 2047.

Challenges and Concerns Related to India’s Manufacturing Sector

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: It includes not only physical infrastructure like roads, ports, and power supply but also digital infrastructure.
• Poor connectivity and unreliable power supply increase operational costs and reduce efficiency.
• Skilled Labor Shortage: While India has a large workforce, there is a significant gap in the skills required for modern manufacturing processes.
  • It is partly due to inadequate vocational training and education systems.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Land acquisition laws, labor laws, and environmental regulations can be cumbersome and time-consuming, deterring investment and slowing down project implementation.
• Access to Finance: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the manufacturing sector, often face difficulties in accessing finance.
  • High-interest rates, stringent collateral requirements, and lengthy approval processes make it challenging for these businesses to secure the necessary funds for expansion and modernization.
• Global Competition: India’s manufacturing sector faces stiff competition from countries like China, which have more developed manufacturing ecosystems.
  • Lower production costs and better infrastructure in these countries make it difficult for Indian manufacturers to compete on a global scale.
• Policy Implementation: While the government has introduced several initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the implementation of these policies has been inconsistent.
  • Bureaucratic delays and lack of coordination between various government departments often result in suboptimal outcomes.
• Technological Adoption: The adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is still in its nascent stages in India.
  • Limited investment in research and development (R&D) and a lack of awareness about the benefits of these technologies hinder their widespread adoption.
• Environmental Concerns: Issues such as pollution, waste management, and sustainable resource use are critical concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the sector’s long-term viability.

Key Recommendations for Sustained Growth in India’s Manufacturing Sector

• Expanding the Scope of PLI: The PLI Scheme has been instrumental in boosting manufacturing in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
  • Extending PLI incentives to labor-intensive sectors such as apparel, leather, footwear, and furniture, as well as sunrise industries like aerospace, space technology, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), could unlock new growth frontiers.
  • Additionally, sectors with high import dependency but untapped domestic capabilities, such as capital goods, should also be considered for PLI incentives.
• Female Workforce Participation: Enhancing female workforce participation is an untapped opportunity for boosting manufacturing growth.
  • The World Bank’s latest South Asia Development Update estimates that India’s manufacturing output could rise by 9% if more women join the workforce.
• Focusing on MSMEs: MSMEs contribute around 45% of India’s manufacturing GDP and employ about 60 million people.
  • Tailoring PLI incentives to accommodate MSMEs, by lowering capital investment thresholds and reducing production targets, would empower these enterprises to scale up, innovate and integrate more effectively into value chains.
• Addressing Structural Challenges: These include improving infrastructure, enhancing skill development, and ensuring ease of doing business.
  • Strong reforms are essential to create a conducive environment for manufacturing to flourish.
  • Investments in transportation networks, warehousing, and port facilities can enhance efficiency and reduce the time and cost of moving goods.
• Skill Development and Labor Reforms: Initiatives like the Skill India Mission aim to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Ensuring environmental sustainability through green manufacturing practices is vital.
  • Policies that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources can help achieve long-term sustainability goals.
• Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Attracting FDI through favorable policies and a stable business environment can bring in capital, technology, and expertise.
  • It can enhance the competitiveness of India’s manufacturing sector on a global scale.
• Leveraging Digital Technologies: Adopting digital technologies can improve efficiency and productivity.
  • The Digital India initiative aims to integrate these technologies into the manufacturing process.

Way Forward

• The revival of the manufacturing sector is a testament to the effectiveness of strategic policy initiatives like the PLI scheme.
• The need for strong reforms to fully capitalize on its potential is evident. Extending PLI incentives to labor-intensive sectors as well as sunrise industries like aerospace and space technology, could unlock new growth frontiers.
• Additionally, addressing high import dependency in sectors with untapped domestic capabilities, such as capital goods, is crucial.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The recent visit of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan to India marked a significant step in reinforcing the close bilateral ties between the two nations.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Hydropower Collaboration: Both sides emphasized the completion of the timely Punatsangchhu Hydropower Project (Phase I &II).
• Discussions were held on new reservoir hydropower projects showcasing the shared commitment to advancing energy cooperation.
• Gelephu Mindfulness City project: India reiterated its support to transform Gelephu (a town in southern Bhutan near the Indian border) into a hub of sustainable development and urban planning.
• Gelephu’s strategic location near Assam makes it a critical point for regional connectivity and trade.
• Cross-Border Connectivity: Both sides discussed advancing connectivity initiatives, including:
• Rail Projects: Enhancing cross-border movement of goods and people.
• Digital Networks: Strengthening digital infrastructure for greater integration.
• The inauguration of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Darranga, Assam, marks a significant advancement in enhancing connectivity.
• Private Sector Involvement: Bhutan emphasized its partnership with Indian conglomerates, including the Adani Group.
• Discussions were focused on renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, and infrastructure projects in Gelephu.

Significance of Hydropower in India-Bhutan Relations

• Economic Impact on Bhutan: Hydropower projects account for a major share of Bhutan’s revenue through electricity exports to India.
• Mutual Benefits: These projects not only enhance Bhutan’s economy but also bolster India’s energy security and renewable energy goals.
• Future Expansion: Both nations committed to exploring new hydropower opportunities, ensuring the sustainability of this mutually beneficial partnership.

Challenges and Opportunities for India

• Challenges:
  • Delays in Projects: Prolonged delays in projects like Punatsangchhu-I remain a concern.
  • Geopolitical Pressure: Increased Chinese investments in the region pose challenges to India’s influence.
• Opportunities:
  • Diversification: Exploring non-traditional sectors like urban planning and digital infrastructure can broaden bilateral ties.
  • Private Sector Engagement: Involvement of companies like the Adani Group can bring new investments and technologies to Bhutan while helping India counter the growing influence of external powers in the region.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The PSLV-C59 carried the Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as a dedicated commercial mission by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

• The PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission is a testament to India’s growing prowess in space technology and its increasing prominence in the global space arena.

About Proba-3 Mission (Project for Onboard Autonomy)

• Objective: Observe the Sun’s corona using precision formation flying—a world first.
• Spacecraft: The mission uses two spacecraft:
• Coronagraph: Studies the Sun’s corona.
• Occulter: Blocks the Sun to create artificial eclipses for better observation.

Benefits for India

• Global Market Presence: India holds 2-3% of the global space economy, with scope for exponential growth.
• Economic Growth: Increased commercial launches and the development of space-related technologies can contribute to economic growth and job creation. Over $279 million earned from foreign satellite launches (2022).
• Technological Advancement: Participating in international collaborations like Proba-3 fosters technological advancement and strengthens India’s position in the global space industry.
• Strategic Importance: India’s growing space capabilities enhance its strategic autonomy and its role in international space exploration.

Key Initiatives

• IN-SPACe: This regulatory body plays a vital role in promoting private sector participation in the Indian space sector.
• Indian Space Policy 2023: The updated policy aims to further liberalize the space sector and encourage private investment and innovation.
• Startups and SSLV: The rise of private space startups and the development of the SSLV demonstrate India’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and competitive space ecosystem.

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The Ministry of Tourism has approved 40 projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore to develop lesser-known tourism sites across 23 states in India for preventing overtourism and sustainable tourism practices.

What is Overtourism?

• Overtourism occurs when the number of tourists in a destination exceeds its capacity to manage them sustainably, leading to environmental degradation, cultural dilution, and poor visitor experiences.

Reasons Overtourism

• Budget Travel: Affordable airlines and low-cost accommodations make travel more accessible.
• Social Media: Influencers popularize destinations, creating a surge in visitors seeking “Instagrammable” spots.
• Middle-Class Tourism: Rising incomes in countries like India and China have increased international travel.
• Seasonal Crowding: Poor management during peak seasons exacerbates overcrowding.

Impact of Overtourism

• Environmental Damage:
  • Bali: Iconic attractions like Ubud’s rice terraces face overcrowding, soil erosion, and ecological strain.
  • Joshimath: Known as the “sinking town” due to land subsidence, highlighting the fragile Himalayan environment.
  • Maasai Mara: Overcrowded safaris disrupt wildlife behavior and damage habitats.
• Cultural Erosion:
  • Traditional rituals in places like Bali are often interrupted by unaware tourists.
  • Overcrowding in Goa has reduced the appeal of its authentic culture, affecting foreign tourist numbers.
• Economic Strain:
  • Although tourism brings revenue, the long-term costs to local infrastructure, environment, and communities often outweigh benefits.
• Man Made Disasters:
• Overcrowding and improper crowd management could lead to a Stampede like situation.

Way Ahead

• Promote Alternative Destinations: Divert travelers to lesser-known places to reduce pressure on popular spots.
• Implement Visitor Caps: Introduce limits on daily or seasonal tourist numbers.
• Spread Tourism Year-Round: Encourage off-season travel to balance crowds.
• Raise Awareness

General Studies Paper -3

Context: The fifth meeting of the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) has ended without delivering a legally binding treaty to address global plastic pollution.

About

• More than 170 countries in the Republic of Korea were negotiating the global treaty to end plastic pollution, including marine pollution.
• Aim: The treaty aims to have countries cut the production of plastic and plastic polymers.

Background

• In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a resolution to tackle plastic pollution on a global scale.
• 175 nations voted to adopt a global treaty for plastic pollution—agreeing on an accelerated timeline so that the treaty could be implemented as soon as 2025.
• This led to the creation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with developing a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution by 2024.
• Since 2022, the INC has held four sessions in Uruguay, France, Canada, and Kenya.

Why have the Talks Failed?

• The discussions saw a sharp divide between two camps – a large coalition of about 100 countries that wanted caps on plastic production, and a smaller set of oil-producing nations that wanted to focus only on plastic waste management.
• With the two camps unable to reach a compromise, the conference concluded with an agreement to meet again at a later date.

India’s Stand

• Support to Developing Nations: Any legally binding treaty must recognise the need for support to developing countries through finance and technology transfer.
• Focus on Reducing Plastic Pollution: Production of primary polymers was not directly linked to plastic pollution and there should be no targets concerning polymer or plastic production. Instead, it asked to focus on reducing plastic pollution.
• No Plastic Pollution Fee: It did not support a levy of a plastic pollution fee on the production of primary polymers.
• Balanced Treaty: India added that a balance has to be struck between preventing plastic pollution and protecting the sustainable development of developing countries.
• Assessment of Finances: There must also be an assessment of the financial resources needed for waste management as well as the availability of adequate, timely, and predictable financial resources.
• Avoid Overlapping: The scope of the treaty should be well-defined to not overlap with existing multilateral environmental agreements.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development recently launched the SHe-Box portal.

• It is an online system designed to help in better implementation of various provisions of ‘The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013’ (SH Act).
• It will provide a publicly available centralised repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) constituted at various workplaces, across the country.

Key Features of the of the SHe-Box portal:

• Nodal Officer: It provides for designating a nodal officer for every workplace who is required to ensure updation of data/ information on a regular basis for real time monitoring of complaints.
• Filing of Complaint: A complaint on the portal can be filed by an aggrieved woman or any other person on behalf of the complainant.
• Monitoring: It has a monitoring dashboard for Nodal Officers at the Centre / State/ UT level and District level, to see the number of cases filed, disposed and pending.
• Confidentiality: The portal is so designed that it masks the details of the complainant to maintain confidentiality.
• Except the Chairperson of the IC/ LC, no other person is able to see the details or nature of the complaint registered.

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

Key provisions include:

• Definition of Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome physical contact, sexual advances, demands for sexual favors, Sexual remarks, and any other inappropriate behavior.
• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Every organization with more than 10 employees to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
• The committee must be led by a woman and should include at least one external member, such as an expert on women’s issues or an NGO representative.
• Complaint Mechanism: Women can file complaints within three months, and the ICC must resolve them within 90 days.
• Confidentiality: Complaints and investigations must be kept confidential.
• Employer Responsibility: Employers must take preventive measures, conduct training, and act on complaints.
• Redressal: If harassment is proven, disciplinary action is taken against the offender, and compensation can be awarded to the victim.
• No Retaliation: Retaliation against the complainant or witnesses is prohibited. Any retaliation or victimization can be treated as a separate violation under the law.
• Penalties: Failure to comply with the provisions of the SH Act can result in penalties for employers.

Significance

• Empowerment of Women: The Act plays an important role in empowering women by giving them a legal recourse against sexual harassment at work.
• Safe Workplaces: It fosters the creation of safe and respectful work environments, encouraging women to participate more actively in the workforce.

Challenges

• Lack of awareness: Many employees are unaware of their rights and the mechanisms available for redressal.
• Underreporting: There is still a degree of underreporting, primarily due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in the system.
• Ineffective Implementation: In some organizations, the creation of the Internal Complaints Committees and their functioning is not up to the required standards.

Conclusion

• The SH Act, 2013 is a critical step toward creating a safer and more respectful work environment for women in India.
• While the Act lays down comprehensive provisions to address sexual harassment, its successful implementation requires awareness, training, and commitment from employers and employees to ensure that workplaces are free from harassment.
• The SHe-Box portal represents a significant step forward in ensuring safer workplaces and providing aggrieved women with a reliable mechanism for addressing their grievances.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed 95% reservation in government jobs for locals in Ladakh.

About the Proposed Decisions for Ladakh

• 95% Job Reservation for Ladakhis: 95% reservation in government jobs for local people with ST status in Ladakh.
• Gazetted posts will be filled through Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), not through the DANICS.
• One-Third Reservation for Women in Hill Councils: 33% reservation for women in both Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC).
• The councils have 30 seats each, with elections held for 26 seats. 8-9 seats will be reserved for women.
• Constitutional Safeguards: A draft will be proposed to ensure constitutional safeguards for preserving Ladakh’s land and culture.
• The government will declare Urdu and Bhoti as official languages of Ladakh.

Challenges Post-Article 370 Abrogation

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh has faced protests, with people pushing for:

• Statehood for Ladakh.
• Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for tribal status.
• Job reservations for locals.
• A parliamentary seat for each of Leh and Kargil.

Arguments in favour of Reservation of Jobs in States

• Addresses Regional Disparities: Ensures job opportunities for people from underdeveloped or remote regions, promoting regional balance and development.
• Reduces Migration: By offering local employment opportunities, reservation can reduce migration to larger cities, which alleviates urban overcrowding and ensures balanced regional development.
• Encourages Local Talent Development: Reservation helps develop and utilize local talent, leading to a more skilled workforce within the state, which can contribute to long-term growth.
• Boosts Economic Development: Unlocks the potential of marginalized communities, contributing to overall economic growth and reducing inequality.
• Constitutional Mandate: Affirmative action is constitutionally supported to ensure the upliftment of socially and economically backward groups.
• Improves Government Services: Local representation in government jobs ensures more responsive and regionally aware public service delivery.

Arguments against Reservation of Jobs in States

• Undermines Meritocracy: Reservation can lead to the selection of less qualified candidates, prioritizing quotas over merit and potentially lowering job standards.
• Encourages Regionalism: Reservation based on state or regional criteria can fuel regional disparities, division, and resentment between different areas of the country.
• Hinders National Unity: It can deepen the divide between states, as individuals from other regions may feel excluded or discriminated against, undermining the idea of national integration.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi marked 9 years of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.

Need of Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

• India, as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), had committed to creating an accessible environment for persons with disabilities.
• However, prior to 2015, efforts lacked a cohesive strategy and enforceable timelines.
• The Persons with Disabilities Act of 1995, while welfare-oriented, did not fully address accessibility challenges or empower persons with disabilities
• In response, the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan was launched in 2015, focusing on making public buildings, transport networks, and digital platforms accessible.

About Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

• It is a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, to ensure universal accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• It aims to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life and live independently.
• It focuses on creating an accessible physical environment, transportation system, and information & communication ecosystem.
• The campaign’s objectives have been integrated into the Creation of Barrier-Free Environment Scheme under the Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA), ensuring continued efforts towards accessibility.

Key Achievements

• Accessible Infrastructure
  • Audits: 1,671 government buildings audited.
  • Funding: ₹562 crore released for retrofitting 1,314 buildings.
  • Retrofitting: Accessibility features incorporated into 1,748 government buildings.
  • Transportation: Airports: 35 international and 55 domestic airports made accessible.
  • Railway Stations: 709 fully accessible, 4,068 partially accessible.
  • Buses: 8,695 (5.96%) fully accessible, 42,348 (29.05%) partially accessible.
  • Bus Stations: 3,120 out of 3,533 bus stations equipped with accessibility features.
  • Digital Accessibility: Websites: 95 Central Government and 676 State Government websites made accessible.
  • Education and Language Accessibility: Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre established.
• Training: 1,013 individuals trained in Indian Sign Language.
• 183 students completed the Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI).
• Media Accessibility: Published Accessibility Standards for TV Viewing for persons with hearing impairments.

Other Ongoing Efforts

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD): Established in 2012, renamed in 2014.
• Acts as a nodal agency for disability-related matters.
• Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): DDRS is a central sector scheme to provide grant-in-aid to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for projects relating to the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal, physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, or socio-functional levels.
• District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC): Addresses needs through early identification, assistive devices, loans, and awareness.
• Acts as an outreach center for National Institutes.
• Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) Scheme: Provides grants to agencies to assist persons with disabilities in procuring aids and appliances.
• Schemes for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (SIPDA): It is a comprehensive “Central Sector Scheme” that encompasses 10 sub-schemes following its revision during the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting on 11th August 2021.
• Divya Kala Mela: National-level fair dedicated to Divyangjan.
• Celebrates contributions of Divyang artisans.
• PM-DAKSH: One-stop destination for skill training and employment for persons with disabilities.
• Part of the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities.
• Financial Commitment: Budget Increase: Financial allocations increased from ₹560 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,225.15 crore in 2023-24.
• ₹1,143.89 crore spent in 2023-24, highest in a decade.

Future Outlook

• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan has made significant strides in creating an inclusive society, addressing long-standing challenges, and setting a strong foundation for universal accessibility across infrastructure, transportation, digital platforms, and education.
• With sustained efforts and innovative solutions, the mission to empower every individual remains steadfast, ensuring equitable development for all.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The rights of persons with disabilities have been a focal point of global human rights discussions, especially following the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) by India in 2007.

• Despite legislative advancements, the practical realisation of these rights remains a challenge.

Prevalence of Disability in India

• As per UNCRPD, PWDs include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) defines 21 types of disabilities, including speech and language disability, specific learning disabilities, and even includes acid attack victims.
• As per National Family Health Survey (NFHS), India’s population of PWDs has reduced to 1% between 2019 and 2021, from the 2.2% (26.8 million) estimated by the Census in 2011.
• As per 2011 Population Census, 20% of PWDs in India have a disability in movement, 19% have a disability in seeing, 19% have a disability in hearing and 8% have multiple disabilities.
• According to the National Sample Survey (NSS):
• Higher prevalence in rural areas (2.3%) compared to urban areas (2.0%);
• More common among males (2.4%) than females (1.9%);
• 2% of PWDs aged 7 years and above are literate; and
• 3% of those aged 15 years and above have attained secondary education or higher.
• The Brief Disability Model Survey (2019) by the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the prevalence of severe disability among Indian adults at 16%, highlighting the urgent need for robust mechanisms to protect and promote the rights of PwDs.

Related Constitutional Provisions

• Article 41 of the DPSP: It mandates that the State shall make effective provision for securing the right to work, education, and public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disablement, within its economic capacity.
• Article 46: It directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of the people, including persons with disabilities, and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

Legal Framework

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act): It replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, aligning national laws with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• It aims to promote a human rights-based approach to disability inclusion, ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as others.
• Key provisions include equality and non-discrimination; community living; and protection from abuse and exploitation etc.
• National Trust Act, 1999: It aims to provide legal guardianship and create an enabling environment for persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities.

Challenges Facing by PWDs

• Employment and Economic Participation: A report by UnearthInsight revealed that while around 1.3 crore persons with disabilities are employable, only 34 lakh have been employed.
• The IT and retail sectors are leading in creating employment opportunities, but there is a need for broader inclusion across all sectors.
• Discrimination and Stigma: Continuous discrimination and social stigma make it difficult for persons with disabilities to attain their valued functioning. Women and girls with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence.
• Health Issues: Many disabilities are preventable, arising from medical issues during birth, maternal conditions, malnutrition, and accidents.
• Accessibility and Inclusion: Limited access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and employment, remains a significant barrier. The lack of accessible infrastructure and transportation further exacerbates these challenges.
• Education: Inclusive education is still a challenge, with many children with disabilities not attending school due to lack of facilities and trained staff.

Key Issues with the RPWD Act (2016)

• Poor implementation of RPWD Act 2016: Persons with disabilities often face higher rates of unemployment and poverty.
• RPWD Act 2016 provides for reservation in government jobs and incentives in non-government jobs, implementation remains a challenge.
• Role of State Commissioners: RPWD Act mandates the establishment of State Commissioners for Disabilities that are tasked with ensuring the effective implementation of the law through review, monitoring, and quasi-judicial functions.
• According to Section 82 of the RPWD Act, State Commissioners have powers equivalent to civil courts, enabling them to address violations of disability rights effectively.
• However, the effectiveness of these offices varies significantly across states. Many State Commissioners struggle due to inadequate support from state governments, delayed appointments, and a lack of independent oversight.

Case Study: Karnataka

• Karnataka stands out as a positive example, where innovative approaches have been adopted to ensure disability-inclusive governance.
• The State Commissioner’s office has implemented mobile courts to resolve grievances in remote areas and designated District Magistrates as Deputy Commissioners for disabilities, ensuring local governance inclusivity.

Recent Initiatives & Policies

• Unique Disability Identification (UDID) Portal: It aims to create a national database for persons with disabilities and issue a unique disability identity card to enable transparency, efficiency, and ease of accessing government benefits.
• National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006: It aims to create an environment that provides equal opportunities, protection of rights, and full participation for persons with disabilities. It includes provisions for physical, educational, and economic rehabilitation.
• Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS): It provides financial assistance to NGOs for projects related to the education and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
• Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): It aims to make public buildings, transportation systems, and information and communication technology accessible to persons with disabilities.
• National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities: It focuses on enhancing the employability and skills of persons with disabilities through vocational training and employment opportunities.
• Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021: These are an enabling step towards strengthening the national mandate of an Accessible India and a self-reliant India with a vision for a universally accessible and inclusive India.
• ‘Divyang’: With a view to change the societal attitude towards PwDs and to encourage them to participate in the society without any feeling of inferiority, the Prime Minister coined the term ‘divyang’ to denote PwDs.
• The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that accessibility is a fundamental right, essential for enabling persons with disabilities to exercise their rights fully and equally.
• The government is working on stricter norms for accessibility, including larger fines and penalties for non-compliance.
• Initiatives like the Sugamya Bharat Yatra aim to assess and improve accessibility in public spaces.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• India has made notable progress in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities through legislation and various initiatives. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of accessibility and employment.
• While the RPWD Act provides a strong legal framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, its success depends on effective implementation and support from state governments.
• Strengthening the role of State Commissioners, ensuring timely appointments, and promoting the inclusion of qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are crucial steps towards making the rights of citizens with disabilities a reality.
• Continued efforts are essential to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in society and lead dignified lives.