General Studies Paper 1

Context:

• Massive erosion along the banks of the Ganga river has left hundreds of people homeless in West Bengal.

Major Reasons

• Flood is the most crucial reason for river bank erosion.
• Deforestation also causes River Bank Erosion.
• Humans extract excessive amounts of soil from the bank for their uses or they extract huge amounts of sand and gravel which help to hold back the soil. By doing this they accelerate river bank erosion.
• Key factors causing the river to be extremely unstable at many reaches are ’aggradation’(raising of the river bed due to sediment deposition), intense ‘braiding’ and large water discharge.
• Other than the natural process, like storms and sea level rise, anthropogenic issues like aquaculture, port construction and other developmental activities also lead to erosion.

Implications and Concerns 

• The recurring incidents of river bank erosion have doubled the safety concerns of people.
• Apart from the loss of cropped areas, they fear that their residential areas might cave in.
• People have begun to move out of villages as erosion of the river has affected agricultural lands.
  • All these reasons are a major cause of migration
• The erosion of river banks is also having an impact on education and employment in the area.
  • Since locals have to keep shifting their homes, it has become difficult for them to continue their children’s education
• The locals are mostly farmers and agricultural labourers, and it has become difficult for them to sustain their livelihood as large stretches of farmland have been swallowed up by the river.
• Protection of river banks from erosion is a problem in flood-prone areas and involves a huge expenditure.
• Many local bodies are also reluctant to use their own funds, expecting contributions from other government sources.

Initiatives 

• The grass vetiver, whose scientific name is Chrysopogon Zizanioides, has been planted on the embankment of the Mundeswari River in the Hooghly district experimentally under the MGNREGA programme.
• The XVth Finance Commission had recommended the creation of a National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) and State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF) comprising a Mitigation Fund at the National and State-levels (NDMF/SDMF), and a Response Fund at the National and State level (NDRF/SDRF) for the award period from 2021-22 to 2022-26.
  • The Commission has also made specific recommendations for ‘Mitigation Measures to Prevent Erosion’ under NDMF and ‘Resettlement of Displaced People Affected by Erosion’under NDRF.
• The projects for flood management and control are formulated and implemented by respective state governments/Union Territories from their own resources and as per their priority.
• The Central Government provides financial assistance to states/UTs for implementing some projects in critical areas. Central Govt. has been providing financial assistance through a scheme called Flood Management Programme (FMP) since XI Plan. 
  • The scheme since its inception has undergone several changes as per demands of states/UTs and also on account of various directions and policies of Govt. of India.

Suggestions and Way Forward 

• There is a need to develop suitable norms for mitigation measures to prevent erosion and for both the Union and the State Governments to develop a policy to deal with the extensive displacement of people caused by coastal and river erosion.
• The phase-wise solution is required for the mitigation of erosion by including a combination of measures including strategic dredging, and protection of erodible bank materials with anchored bulkhead or tie-back sheet piles, spurs, toe and bank revetments.
• Improvement of data quality and quantity by extending rain, flow and sediment monitoring networks using state-of-the-art equipment and considering physical modelling to study severe and potential scour sites and their control have also been suggested by the experts.
• There is a need for adopting the holistic science of river management as well as comprehensive land use plans for vulnerable areas.
• There is a need to generate awareness among the people:
  • People should understand that this is the land of the river and the river needs space to play.

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

• India has taken over the G20 presidency. The motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, or “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, underscores how interconnected our world is.

G20:

• The G20 is an informal group:19 countries and the European Union, with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
• The G20 Presidency rotates annually: according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time.
• For the selection of the presidency: 19 countries are divided into 5 groups, each having no more than 4 countries.
  • The presidency rotates between each group.
• Every year the G20 selects a country from another group to be president.
  • India is in Group 2 which also has Russia, South Africa, and Turkey.
• The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or Headquarters.

Current Issues:

• The global food, energy, and financial crises
• Climatic crisis
• Developing countries: are facing an extended, multi-faceted shock of great magnitude.

Priorities identified by India:

• Green development, climate finance and LiFE (lifestyle for environment)
• Accelerated, inclusive and resilient growth
• Accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Technological transformation and digital public infrastructure
• Multilateral reforms
• Women-led development.

Problems that need group action:

• Problems that South Asian countries face are global in nature, transcend national borders, and necessitate group effort.
• In August 2022, inflation in Sri Lanka reached an all-time high
• Damage caused by floods and economic losses in Pakistan amount to more than $30 billion.
• Global fossil fuel prices have increased: The Government of Bangladesh hiked fuel prices by more than 50% that triggered inflation of 5(seven point five)%.

Steps India need to take:

• India needs to promote collective action at the G20 that results in economic stability and peace in the region.
• India is South Asia’s largest country with the largest economy and significant global clout
  • India is well poised to represent the subcontinent at these international fora.
• India can draw attention to issues that are significant for South Asia and the entire developing world, ensuring greater momentum for those nations not represented in the G20.

Some of the key challenges facing South Asia and the developing world:

• Post-pandemic recovery
• Surge in commodity prices following inflationary pressures
• Inclement weather induced by climate change.

Steps taken by South Asian countries:

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) used to generate 70% of the energy needs of Bangladesh, while coal used to generate roughly 70% of the electricity needed in India.
• Green energy transition is one of the top priorities for this region.
• Improving health infrastructure is quite important for South Asia and the G20 agenda.

Way Forward

• Rising debt burdens of South Asian economies represent a potential crisis that requires urgent attention.
  • India has an opportunity to effectively voice the socio-economic aspirations of South Asia’s.
• The discussion of global cooperation needs to go beyond technology transfers and financial aid to cover losses and damages brought on by climate change.
• For South Asia: It is important that multilateral organizations and development finance institutes supporting economic development and good governance are reformed as these countries are major stakeholders for these global institutes.
• India needs to prioritize all issues of South Asia not only to make the G20 an effective platform but also to be the voice of billions in the region and beyond.
• Being the only G20 member from South Asia, India has added responsibilities since many non-G20 nations (particularly those in the global South) look upon India to represent their interests at the G20.
• India should use its G20 chair to reform international governance procedures and ensure fair negotiations.
• The South Asian giant has an opportunity to initiate deliberations,discussions, and debates, resulting in policies that provide pragmatic solutions to pressing concerns affecting its immediate neighborhood and beyond.

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

An up-sarpanch in Telangana died by suicide due to indebtedness.

• He had taken out a loan to undertake development works in the village and was unable to bear the burden.

Challenges faced by Panchayats:

• Failure of the State government to release funds in time: It forces them to utilize either private resources or borrow large amounts to complete panchayat activities and meet various targets.
• State governments: through the local bureaucracy, continue to exercise considerable discretionary authority and influence over panchayats.
• Gram panchayats remain fiscally dependent on grants (both discretionary and non-discretionary grants) from the State and the Centre for everyday activities.
• Their own sources of revenue (both tax and non-tax): They constitute a tiny proportion of overall panchayat funds.
  • For example: In Telangana, less than a quarter of a panchayat’s revenue comes from its own sources of revenue.
• Access to discretionary grants for panchayats remains contingent on political and bureaucratic connections.
• An inordinate delay in transferring approved funds to panchayat accounts stalls local development.
  • Delays in the disbursement of funds by the local bureaucracy have led to pressure on sarpanches leading some to end their life.
• State governments also bind local governments’ through the local bureaucracy.
  • Approval for public works projects often requires technical approval (from the engineering department) and administrative approval
• Higher-level politicians and bureaucrats intervening in selecting beneficiaries for government programmes and limiting the power of sarpanches further.
• The ability of sarpanches to exercise administrative controlover local employees is also limited.
  • In many States, the recruitment of local functionaries reporting to the panchayat, such as village watchmen or sweepers, is conducted at the district or block level.
• Sarpanch does not have the power to dismiss these local-level employees.
• Unlike elected officials at other levels, sarpanchs can be dismissed while in office.
  • Gram Panchayat Acts in many States have empowered district-level bureaucrats, mostly district Collectors, to act against sarpanches for official misconduct.
  • For example: Section 37 of the Telangana Gram Panchayat Act allows District Collectors to suspend and dismiss incumbent sarpanches.

Grounds can Collectors act against sarpanchs:

• Abuse of power, embezzlement, or misconduct
• Refusal to “carry out the orders of the District Collector or Commissioner or Government for the proper working of the concerned Gram Panchayat”.

Case Study:(Political intervention)

• Survey of sarpanches in Haryana’s Palwal district:
  • They spend a substantial amount of time visiting government offices and meeting local bureaucrats, and waiting to be seen or heard.
  • Sarpanchs reported that they need to be in the “good books” of politicians and local bureaucrats if they wanted:
    • access to discretionary resources
    • timely disbursement of funds
    • able to successfully execute any project or programme in their village.

Constraints on how panchayats can use the funds allocated to them:

• State governments often impose spending limits on various expenditures through panchayat funds.
  • This could include activities such as purchasing posters of national icons, refreshments for visiting dignitaries etc
• In almost all States, there is a system of double authorisation for spending panchayat funds.
  • Apart from sarpanchs, disbursal of payments requires bureaucratic concurrence.

Sources of funds for Panchayats:

• Their own sources of revenue: local taxes, revenue from common property resources, etc.
• Grants in aid from the Centre and State governments
• Discretionary or scheme-based funds.

Way Forward

• Sarpanchs need to have administrative or financial autonomy for meaningful decentralization.
• The situation in Telangana is a reminder for State governments to re-examine the provisions of their respective Gram Panchayat laws and consider greater devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries to local governments.
• India has limited decentralization because if local governments get genuine autonomy to allocate the monies, power will shift from the MLAs and State government-controlled bureaucracy to the sarpanch.
• The role and responsibilities of local governments should be foregrounded by normative values which have found expression, at least in some regard, in the Constitution.
• As India is undergoing a centralizing shift in its politics, economy, and culture, there’s also been a renewed assertion of federalism.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• In 2021, the Government of India had proposed at the United Nations for declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets. India’s proposal was supported by 72 countries and United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) in March 2021. To take forward this declaration, the Government of India has decided to celebrate IYM 2023 by making it a peoples’ movement or ‘Jan Andolan‘to enhance awareness regarding millets and health benefits and promoting millets as a healthy option for the food basket. Activities are also being taken up to propel demand creation of millets at both global and local levels, for better remuneration to the farmers for its production, to provide protection of sources (soil and water), and creation of direct and indirect employment.
• India produces more than 170 lakh tonnes of millets per year and is the largest producer of millets in the world; accounting for 20% of global productionand 80% of Asia’s production. India’s average yield of millets (1239 kg/hectare) is also higher than global-average yield of 1229 kg/hectare. Major millet crops grown in India and their percentage share of production are Pearl Millet (Bajra,61%), Sorghum (Jowar, 27%), and Finger Millet (Mandua/Ragi, 10%). The Prime Minister has also tried to promote millets through his various speeches. He has highlighted that millets have been part of India’s tradition, culture and ancient civilization, their relevance being cited in sacred texts like Vedas and Tolkappiyam.

What are Millets?

• Millets, popularly called ‘Mota Anaj‘ in Hindi, are a collective group of small-seeded annual grassesthat are grown as grain crops, primarily on marginal land in dry areas of temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical regions. They are one of the ancient foods dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, around 3000 BC. They are grown in almost 131 countries today. Currently, millets constitute the traditional food for 59 crore people across Asia and Africa.
• In India, millets can be clubbed into major, minor, and pseudo categories.
• Major Millets: Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua).
• Minor Millets: Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet, Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki).
• Pseudo Millets: Buck-wheat (Kuttu) and Amaranth (Chaulai).
• The top five states producing Millets are Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Importance of Millets

• Climate-friendly Crop: Apart from health benefits, millets are: (a) Resilient to climate change as they are pest free; (b) Adapted to a wide range of temperatures and moisture regimes; (c) Demand less input of chemical fertilisers to grow; (d) Have low carbon and water footprints; (e) Require minimum rainfall for their growth, hence they can sustain in drought-prone areas. These benefits make them bio-diverse and climate-smart crops.
• Viable options for Small Farmers: Due to the low investment needed for the production of millets, they prove to be a sustainable and viable income source for small and marginal farmers.
• High in Nutrition and Health Benefits:

(a) Storehouse of nutrition : Millet are known to be a storehouse of nutrition as they are good sources of calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, vitamin, iron, folate, carbohydrates, micronutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals with nutraceutical properties. They can help provide ;

(b) Addressing Modern Lifestyle Diseases: They can help fight many modern-day, lifestyle diseases like Diabetes Mellitus & Heart Disorders, Cancer and Brain Disorders;

(c) Around 70% fatalities around the world are attributable to non-communicable diseases caused due to modern lifestyles and changed consumption patterns. Health Experts say that dietary habits are causing ‘oxidative stress‘ leading to cancer and DNA damage. Millets have antioxidants which can address the ‘oxidative stress’ and help cure these lifestyle diseases;

(d) Tackling Malnutrition: They are gluten-free and considered good for celiac patients (Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. For patients suffering from celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in small intestine. Over time, this response prevents the intestine from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia). The promotion of millets can be an effective strategy for tackling malnutrition in the country.

• Economic and Food Security: Under India’s National Food Security Mission the area and production of millets have increased. Over the years, the production of millets has increased from 14.52 million tonnes (2015-16) to 17.96 million tones in 2020- 21 (Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare). Its exports are increasing exponentially as the demand for millets is increasing at a fast rate With the growing demand for millets, it is creating more business opportunities for all stakeholders.

Millet as a part of the Food basket

• The Government of India has initiated the revival of millets in the past few years and declared 2018 as the ‘National Year of Millets’ to raise awareness about its health benefits and boost millet production. They are labelled as ‘Nutri-cereals’ due to their high nutrition quotient. Millets have been included under POSHAN Abhiyanin 2018.
• The Government has also launched Mission POSHAN 2.0 in 2021 to tackle malnutrition and leverage traditional knowledge systems and popularise the incorporation of millets in local recipes in order to enhance the quality of supplementary nutrition.
• Under the POSHAN Abhiyan every year, September is celebrated as Rashtriya Poshan Maah or National Nutrition Month across the country. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has encouraged all States and the UTs to incorporate millets in the recipes to enhance the nutritional quality of the meal provided under the Supplementary Nutrition programme of Anganwadi centres. Millets are being mandatorily supplied at least once a week.
• Balanced diets based on locally available low-cost nutritious foods and benefits of consuming millets are being shared with mothers’ groups through the Anganwadis. Millets are being incorporated in supplementary nutritionin several States and Union Territories such Odisha, Telangana, etc.

Initiatives towards making IYM 2023 a success

• The Government has embarked on a nationwide Jan Andolanto enhance awareness and highlight the nutritional benefits of millets, positioning it as a modern-day healthy food that is easy to cook and quick to prepare.
• Various creative campaigns on several forums such as radio, print, social media, offline events, and activities are being taken up to break the stigma of millet being the ‘food of the poor’ showcasing it as a superfood, combating misinformation, reviving lost recipes, thus making it as an essential part of the mainstream food basket.
• Millets have been showcased in various reputed events like India International Trade Fair, Dubai Expo and Surajkund Mela etc.
• Over 500 startups are working in millet value chain while the Indian Institute on Millet Researchhas incubated 250 startups under RKVY-RAFTAAR. More than INR 6.2 crores has been disbursed to over 66 startups while about 25 startups have been approved for further funding.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is actively spreading awareness of the health benefits of the miracle crop by celebrating ‘Recipe Ravivar‘ every Sunday on social media platforms where each month is dedicated to a specific variety of millets.
• Seven Sutras
• The Government of India has launched a set of seven sutrasin the run-up to IYM 2023 and has allocated different government departments for the same. The seven sutras outline areas in:

(a) The enhancement of production/productivity;

(b) Nutrition and health benefits;

(c) Value addition;

(d) Processing, and recipes development;

(e) Entrepreneurship/startup/collective development;

(f) Awareness creation-branding, labelling and promotion, international outreach;

(g) Policy interventions for mainstreaming.

Of the seven sutras, nutrition and health benefits will focus on:

(a) Generating awareness regarding health and nutrition benefits by developing mass campaigns such as Eat Right Campaigns;

(b) Enhancing steps to avail technology support for Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), SAUs and others like Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), AYUSH, Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and International Crops Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to research and collate evidence;

(c) Promoting bio-fortification of millets;

(d) Giving more focus on the digital publication of papers on millets;

(e) Encouraging commissioning of studies by National/International reputed organisations, spreading awareness among mothers through Anganwadis.

• The Government also plans to establish Centres of Excellence on millets across the length and breadth of the country and link industries with these centres.

Conclusion

• Due to various activities and efforts of different Departments and Ministries of Government of India and the States and UTs, momentum has kickstarted for popularising millets and turning it into a revolutionary movement. In line with Prime Minister’s vision for a healthier India, at a time when the country is entering ‘Azadi ka Amrit Kaal‘, there is a strong focus on Jan Bhagidarior people’s movement to bring the spotlight on this superfood and for bringing this ancient food to the centerstage.

General Studies Paper 2

Context: 

• The External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India visited Maldives when the presidential election in Maldives is around the corner.

Background:

• The incumbent president’s (Solih) announcement to run for a second term, has been opposed within his party by former president and leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed.
• Though Solih’s foreign policy expressly roots for “India First”, he is also careful about not alienating China.
• Yameen had a pro-China tilt and has run an anti-India campaign(‘India Out’ campaign recently) alleging that the MDP government has sold out to India and permitted Indian troops to be based on Maldivian soil.

What happened during the EAM’s visit?

• Inaugurated an international airport developed by India ($ 136.6-million) at Hanimadhoo in Haaa Dahaalu atoll.
  • This is India’s second largest infrastructure project after the ($500 million) Greater Male Connectivity project, which aims to connect the Maldives capital to three neighbouring highlands.
  • Both are prestige projects for Delhi that compete in scale with the Chinese-built Male-Hulumale-Hulhule bridge and the Hulumale airport.
• Inaugurated an India-funded community centre In the Foakaidhoo island in the nearby Shaviyani atoll.
• Handed over two sea ambulances to the Maldives Defence Ministry.
• In the Manadhoo island of Noonu atoll, the two sides signed three MoUs, including –
  • A proposed collaboration between Cochin University and the Maldives National University, and
  • A $100 million grant for “high impact community development” projects.
• The focus of the discussion was on development cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people ties.

Significance of Maldives for India:

• A country crucial to India’s interests in the Indian Ocean.
• In the past five years, Delhi’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR(Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies have found expression in the improvement of ties.
• Maldives is part of the India-driven Colombo Security Conclave.

 India’s message to Maldives:

• India is a committed partner in the Maldives’s journey of progress and transformation.
• The “new disruptions” in the current geopolitics has made the collaboration even more important.

General Studies Paper 3

Context

• Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs MCA proposed a broad range of changes to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
  

Key Proposed Changes

• Empowering National Company Law Tribunal:
  • The ministry has proposed to empower the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to slap hefty fines on those that contravene IBC rules.
  • NCLT’s discretion has been increased in the new measures, so focus will be on strengthening NCLT for effective implementation.
• Fast-tracking the Process:
  • It has also explicitly clarified that the adjudicating authority must admit an insolvency case if the default is established and need not get into other specifics like the reason for the default, etc, which was delaying the admission of applications.
• Electronic Platform Minimal Human Interface:
  • The ministry has suggested developing a state-of-the-art electronic platform that can handle several processes under the Code with minimum human interface.
  • This e-platform may provide for a case management system, automated processes to file applications with the Adjudicating Authority (AA), delivery of notices, enabling interaction of IPs (Insolvency Professionals) with stakeholders, storage of records of CDs (Corporate Debtors) undergoing the process, and incentivising participation of other market players in the IBC ecosystem.
• Recasting Liquidation Process:
  • The liquidation process is also sought to be made more open, flexible and equitable to provide comfort to the creditors
• Redesigning the Fast-Track Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (FIRP):
  • The ministry has also proposed redesigning the Fast-Track Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (FIRP) to allow financial creditors to drive the insolvency resolution process for a CD outside of the judicial process while retaining some involvement of the Adjudicating Authority (AA) to improve the legal certainty of the final outcome.
  • Further, the resolution plan approved through this procedure will have the same sanctity as a regular plan approved during the CIRP (Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process).
• Special framework for real estate: 
  • The ministry has pitched for a special framework for real estate to limit bankruptcy proceedings to only insolvent projects.
• Transfer of the Ownership:
  • Another proposal is to enable a resolution professional to transfer the ownership and possession of a plot, apartment or building to the allottees with the consent of the CoC (Committee of Creditors).
• Multiple Resolution Plans:
  • It will allow multiple resolution plans for a single stressed firm (in all sectors).
  • The ministry proposed a change in the mechanism to distribute resolution proceeds.
• New Waterfall Mechanism:
  • The MCA has proposed a new waterfall mechanism under which creditors will receive proceeds up to the stressed firm’s liquidation value in the order of priority already stipulated (secured financial creditors gets precedence over usually unsecured operational creditors).
  • But any surplus over such liquidation value will be proportionately distributed among all creditors in the ratio of their unsatisfied claims.
• Extension of Insolvency Framework:
  • It extended the so-called prepackaged insolvency framework–meant for only MSMEs–to larger entities.

Significance of Changes

• The changes will streamline various processes and procedures by the introduction of technology and bringing out clarity in relevant clauses to ensure smoother implementation.
• It will help cut delays in the resolution process.
• It will prevent erosion of stressed asset value, somewhat discipline errant stakeholders.
• The recommendations on prepack and out-of-court resolution(fast track resolution) with optional moratorium and NCLT sanction will take India closer to overseas prepack regimes. 
  

Conclusion

• Based on the past hurdles faced in various provisions and clauses, the ground level issues have been identified and proposed to be rectified step by step.
• Such recommendations, once implemented properly, would result in effective resolution of insolvency.
• However, insolvency regulator Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) should be conscious that these recommendations should not pave way for further litigations, which will stall the entire process of resolution.

General Studies Paper 2

Context

• Recently, the Rural Health Statistics 2021-2022was released by the Union health ministry.

Document highlights

• According to the document, India’s rural healthcare system continues to be plagued by a shortfall on two critical fronts: Doctors and infrastructure.
  • Doctors: There is a shortage of

• • 83.2 percent of surgeons,
  • 74.2 percent of obstetricians and gynaecologists,
  • 79.1 percent of physicians and
  • 81.6 percent of paediatricians.

• Infrastructure:

• • Less than half the Primary Health Centres (PHC), 45.1 percent, function on a 24×7 basis.
  • Of the 5,480 functioning Community Health Centres (CHC), only 541 have all four specialists.

Sub-centres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHC) & Community Health Centres (CHC):

• In the Indian healthcare system, sub-centres (SC) are the first point of contact for a patient, catering to a population of 3,000-5,000.
• This is succeeded by a PHC, which is required to look after the daily needs of 20,000-30,000 people.

CHCs provide referrals and access to specialists, catering to 80,000-120,000 people.

• Situation of SCs, PHC & CHC:
  • According to the document, these facilities are overburdened across the board.
    • SCs are currently looking after more than 5,000 people,
    • PHCs catering to 36,049 people and
    • CHCs to 164,027 people.
  • This, coupled with a human resource shortage, plagues access to adequate and quality healthcare.
• Understaffing of SCs, PHCs and CHCs:
  • SCs, PHCs and CHCs had more staff in 2021,at the height of the deadly second wave of COVID-19, as compared to now.
    • The number of auxiliary nurse midwives at SCs has decreased to 207,587 in 2021 from 214,820 in 2022.
    • Lab technicians, nursing staff and radiographers at PHCs and CHCs have all recorded a marginal increase between 2021 and 2022.
  • State-wise data:
    • The shortage was most pronounced in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Uttarakhand.
  • Doctors of SCs, PHCs and CHCs:
    • The number of doctors at PHCs has shrunk to 30,640 in 2022 from 31,716 in 2021.
    • State-wise data:
      • Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha face the highest shortage in surgeons, obstetricians / gynaecologists, paediatricians and radiographers at CHCs across the country.
    • Improvements:
      • A huge improvement has been recorded as compared to 2005, when the government launched the National Rural Health Mission.
        • The allopathic doctors at PHCs have increased from 20,308 in 2005 to 30,640 in 2022, which is about 50.9% increase.
        • The specialist doctors at Community Health Centers (CHCs) have increased from 3,550 in 2005 to 4,485 in 2022, according to the report.

Issues & Challenges

• Lack of awareness:
  • Lack of awareness appears to cut across the lifespan in our country.
    • Adequate knowledge regarding breastfeeding practice was found in only one-third of the antenatal mothers in two studies.
    • A study in urban Haryana found that only 11.3% of the adolescent girls studied knew correctly about key reproductive health issues.
    • A review article on geriatric morbidity found that 20.3% of participants were aware of common causes of prevalent illness and their prevention.
  • Poor public health spending:
    • India is one of the countries with the lowest public health spending. 
    • Indian government was estimated to spend over two percent of the country’s GDP on healthcare in financial year 2022
  • Affordability or the cost of healthcare: 
    • 60%+ of the Indian population has to spend Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) to access healthcare services.
    • In India, 65%+ of the population is uninsured, including government and private schemes.
  • Rural Urban disparities:
    • While the rural population in India is higher, as compared to its urban population, rural health status is generally poorer than in most of the urban areas.
      • The healthcare infrastructure in urban areas is comparatively sophisticated and better equipped.

Government initiatives 

• The National Health Mission (NHM): Itwas launched by the government of India in 2005 subsuming the National Rural Health Mission and National Urban Health Mission.
  • Main program components include: 
    • Health System Strengthening (RMNCH+A)in rural and urban areas
    • Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health, and
    • Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases.
  • Objectives:
    • Improve health status through concerted policy action in all sectors and expand preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services provided through the public health sector with focus on quality.
  • National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): 
    • Under this, every Indian will get aHealth ID card and this card will contain all the health records of the person.
    • It aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country.
  • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission:
    • The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission with the aim to provide the necessary support for the integration of digital health infrastructure in the country.
      • It aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country.
    • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY):
      • The scheme was launched and recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
      • PM-JAY was earlier known as the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) before being rechristened.
      • It subsumed the then-existingRashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) which had been launched in 2008.

Suggestions & Way ahead

• There is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, it is imperative that the government look towards improving primary health care as a public good.
• The government should create a framework for the right staffing, duration and think about the incentives and career paths of doctors and all levels of staff to work in a rural health centre.
• India needs to move beyond the doctor-led system and paramedicalise several functions.
• There is a need for an increase in expenditure on health so that India can improve existing facilities as well as add more of them.

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

• In June 2022, the Supreme Court had directed that every national park and wildlife sanctuary in the country will have a mandatory Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of at least one kilometer starting from its demarcated boundaries. The decision was made in response to a petition to protect forest lands in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district. However, the creation of these zones has provoked protests in Kerala and some other areas. Rights activists have criticized this rights-negating ‘fortress conservation model’, as such models of forest conservation tend to deny the rights of traditional forest-dwelling communities. Critics argue that powers given to conservation authorities under the Forest Conservation Act has led to labelling of traditional forest dwellers as ‘encroachers’in their own areas and denied them equitable access to forests’ resources. Forest Rights Act was enacted to recognize the rights of traditional communities. Yet there has been a conflict between the Forest Rights and Forest Conservation because of lacunae in the implementation of these laws. Hence, there is a need to balance the two aspects, in order to ensure sustainable conservation while preserving rights of the tribals.

SC Judgment regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

• In June 2022, a 3-Judge bench of the Supreme Court heard a PIL regarding protection of forest land in the Nilgiri Hills (Tamil Nadu). The Supreme Court passed a Judgment regarding the creation of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around protected areas. The salient aspects of the rulings were:
• First, The Supreme Court directed that no permanent structure will be allowed within the eco-sensitive zone.
• Second, Mining within a national wildlife sanctuary or national park cannot be permitted.
• Third, If the existing eco-sensitive zone goes beyond the 1 km buffer zone or any statutory instrument prescribes a higher limit, then such extended boundary shall prevail.
• Fourth, the SC said that the MoEFCC guidelines are also to be implemented in the area proposed in the draft notification awaiting finalisationand within a 10-km radius of yet-to-be-proposed protected areas. The Guidelines were released in July 2022.
• Fifth, The Court also allowed States to increase or decrease the minimum width of ESZsin the public interest.
• Sixth, The Court vested the powers to ensure compliancewith the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Home Secretary of the State/UT.  Within three months, the PCCF was supposed to make a list of all structures in the ESZs and send it to the Supreme Court (this is yet to be done) within 3 months.

Benefits of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

• Reduce Human-Animal Conflict and Forest Depletion: ESZs help in reducing human-animal conflict by creating buffer zones. Moreover, prohibition of certain activities in ESZs helps in better conservation. The local communities in the surrounding areas are also protected and benefited from the protected areas thanks to the core and buffer model of management that the protected areas are based on.
• Reduce Externalities of Development Activities: ESZs as buffer zone help in protection of areas adjacent to the protected areas and help mitigate the negative effects of urbanisation and other development activities.
• Minimize Damage to Fragile Ecosystems: Declaring certain areas around protected areas to be environmentally sensitive serves the purpose of developing a ‘Shock Absorber’for the protected area. They also serve the function of a transition zone between areas with higher levels of protection and areas with lower levels of protection.
• Conservation: ESZs are also helpful in conservation of endangered species. Restriction of activities in ESZs effectively expand the area available to the threatened species and reduce their vulnerability.

Conflict between Forest Conservation and Forest Rights

• Critics argue that the powers granted to Forest Authorities under Forest Conservation has led to their misuse resulting in undermining of the rights of traditional forest dwelling communities (recognized in the Forest Rights Act, (FRA) 2006).
• First, critics argue that the Union and State Governments have attempted a series of ‘backdoor’ policy changes in an attempt to roll back the achievements of the FRA e.g., the Governments of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh notified the rules for the administration of “village forests” in 2015. These rules sought to provide a parallel, forest department-dominated procedure by which villages could secure rights over common and collectively managed forests, and, in practice, the forest department would use pressure and monetary incentives to ensure that this process, rather than the statutory procedure under the FRA, would be followed. The guidelines issued in 2015 allowed private companies to take over patches of forestland for growing tree or bamboo crops, with rights arbitrarily limited to 15% of the leased areas.
• Second, The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act was passed in 2016. It provided for the spending of a fund of more than INR 50,000 crore on forestry-related activities that had a direct impact on forest dwellers. The Act didn’t contain the words ‘Forest Rights’. The Government had assured that the rules formulated under the Act will address Forest Rights, but that hasn’t happened.
• Third, The Forest Right Act, 2006 was challenged in the Supreme Court by forest conservation groups like Wildlife First and Wildlife Trust of India. They had argued that the FRA facilitates deforestation and illegal encroachment. Critics argue that the Union Government didn’t defend the FRA vigorously. In 2019, the SC ordered the States to summarily evict or take other appropriate legal action against individuals whose land claims have been rejected. The SC stayed the decision after nationwide protests, but hasn’t addressed the fundamental conflict between Forest Rights and Forest Conservation.
• Fourth, in 2019, amendments were proposed to the Indian Forest Act, 1927 which, among other things, would empower forest officials to use firearms and to take away forest rights merely through the payment of monetary compensation. These amendments would destroy the essence of Forest Rights.
• Fifth, the new Forest Conservation Rules were notified in 2022. The wording of new rules implies that it is not mandatory to take the consent of Gram Sabha before diversion of forest. Moreover, the new rules allow the Union Government to permit the clearing of a forest before consulting its inhabitants. This is akin to forced consent, the inhabitants will have no choice but to accept. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has asked to put  these rules on hold, however the Ministry of Environment hasn’t agreed to this proposal.

Hydel Project in Himachal Pradesh

• In 2016, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) invoked the Forest Rights Act.
• It asked for consent of people of Lippa (Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh) regarding the proposed Hydel Power Project.
• The project would have led to submergence of forestland and also caused heavy siltation in the river. The Gram Sabha did not approve the project.
• Sixth, the SC ruling regarding the ESZs has meant that all the activities permitted by the guidelines and which are already being carried out can continue only if the PCCF grants permission, and that too within six months of the SC’s order. This period has already expired. Additionally, the SC’s directions have put the lives of many people in the hands of the PCCF, whose authority now extends beyond the forest to revenue lands falling within an ESZ. This has led to protests in Kerala.

Measures that can be taken to resolve the conflict between Forest Conservation and Forest Rights?

• First, The Government and the Judiciary need to reconcile laws, reaffirm democratic governance, and protect the environment and as well as livelihoods.
• Second, A flexible and area-specific minimum limit boundary provision is required. Many environmentalists across the country expressed concern about the mandatory implementation of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for each national park and sanctuary, which appears to be fine, but a fixed minimum limit of one kilometre raises some concerns. The physiography of an area should also be considered for the eco-sensitive zone notification.
• Third, the mandated eco-sensitive boundary should be extended to national parks and sanctuaries and to forest patches with better forest cover, good species composition, and a significant presence of wild species.
• Fourth, Data must be collected at the ground level. Even though the establishment and upkeep of buffer zones around ecologically sensitive areas are considered to be of the utmost importance, the process is frequently hindered by a lack of trustworthy data collected at ground level. The vast majority of micro-level land use statistics are based on conjecture, with very little input from the ground.
• Fifth, A meeting of all States, the Union Government, and the Judiciary is required before the recent judgement is carried out, so that genuine concerns raised by the State Governments can be addressed appropriately, reducing future conflicts.
• Sixth, The mining companies must strictly adhere to environmental regulations and practise sustainable mining. At the same time, no mining permits should be issued if any mineral extraction jeopardised the carrying capacity of the protected areas. This should be the approach for all development activities around the protected areas.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court’s Judgment regarding the provision of ESZs around protected areas has led to protests in many parts of the country, especially in Kerala. This has reignited the debate regarding Forest Rights and Forest Conservation. Both the dimensions are important in the context of protection of forests and sustainable and inclusive development. The Government must take all possible steps for economic development, but such development shouldn’t be at the cost of rights of the poor tribals as well as destruction of forest ecosystems. Hence the effort should be to establish a balance between the two.

General Studies Paper 2

Context:

• Recently, India completed ten years since the enactment of its Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

About

• Enactment:
  • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012,enacted in consequence of India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
    • It came into effect on November 14, 2012.
  • Aim:
    • The aim of this special law is to address offences of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, which were either not specifically defined or inadequately penalised.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

• Definition of a child:
  • The Act defines a child as any person below 18 years of age.
• Defines forms of sexual abuse:

• It also defines different forms of sexual abuse including penetrative and non-penetrative assault as well as sexual harassment and pornography.

• Section 7 mandates that:
  • “Whoever with sexual intent touches the vagina, penis, anus or breast of the child or makes the child touch the vagina, penis, anus or breast of such person or any other person, or does any other act with sexual intent which involves physical contact without penetration is said to commit sexual assault”.
    • Most important ingredient in Section 7 is the sexual intent of the offender and not skin-to-skin contact.
  • Punishment: 
    • POCSO prescribes stringent punishment graded as per the gravity of the offence, with a maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life, and fine.
  • Monitoring implementation:
    • Section 44 (1) of POCSO Act provides that the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)and State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) shall monitor the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
  • The following amendments were brought under POCSO Act, 2012, through POCSO (Amendment) Act, 2019:
    • Section 2 (Definitions) was amended toincorporate definition of child pornography;
    • Section 4 (Punishment for penetrative sexual assault) amended to increase the quantum of punishment from a minimum of seven years to minimum of 10 years, and a minimum of 20 years in case of a child below 16 years.

Effective implications of the Act

• Gender-neutral nature of the Act:
  • Even though the National Crime Records Bureau has not published data on male and female victims separately, in Chhattisgarh,male child victims accounted for about eight in every 1,000 POCSO cases (0.8%).
  • Though the reported number is not big, it still endorses society’s apprehension that the sexual exploitation of male children is also a serious issue that has been largely unreported.
• Rise in awareness:
  • There is sufficient general awareness now to report cases of sexual exploitation of children not only by individuals but also by institutions as non-reporting has been made a specific offence under the POCSO Act.
  • This has made it comparatively difficult to hide offences against children.
• At odds with child pornography:
  • The storage of child pornography material has been made a new offence.
    • Further, the offence of ‘sexual assault’ has been defined in explicit terms unlike an abstract definition of ‘outraging modesty of a woman’ in the Indian Penal Code.

Issues & challenges

• Under staffing:
  • The POCSO Act provides for recording the statement of the affected child by a woman sub-inspector at the child’s residence or place of choice.
  • But it is practically impossible to comply with this provision when the number of women in the police force is just 10%, and many police stations hardly have women staff.
• Inadequate infrastructure:
  • There is a provision to record statements using audio-video means.
  • In the absence of proper infrastructure to ensure the integrity of electronic evidence, the admissibility of evidence recorded using any audio-video means will always remain a challenge.
• Two-finger testing: 
  • Medical examination of the prosecutrix is conducted according to provisions of the CrPC.
    • However, the medical examination of a girl child is conducted by a female doctor, as specified in the Act.
  • Even so, and as observed by the Supreme Court of India, there are instances where the banned two-finger test is still in use.
• Age determination of a juvenile delinquent:
  • The age determination of a juvenile delinquent is guided by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
    • No such provision exists under the POCSO Act for juvenile victims.
  • In absence of specific provision, the investigating officers (IOs) continue to rely on the date of birth recorded in school admission-withdrawal registers.
  • Age estimation based on medical opinion is generally so wide in scope that in most cases minors are proved to be major.
• Focus on completion of investigation:
  • The time mandated to complete investigation of rape(as in the CrPC, without a similar provision in the POCSO Act) is two months. 
  • Though the aim is to expedite the investigation, it has resulted in putting pressure on the IOs to somehow submit a charge sheet in two months irrespective of what stage the investigation is at.
    • Thus, unfortunately, the focus is largely on completion of investigation in two months irrespective of quality.
  • Silent on consensual sexual activities: 
    • In case of sexual intercourse with consent, one of which is minor, the partner who is not minor can be prosecuted under the POCSO Act as the consent of a minor is not considered relevant under this Act. 
  • Low conviction rates:
    • Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi constitute 51 percent of the POCSO cases in the country but the rate of conviction in these states is between 30 percent to 64 percent.

Way Ahead

• The POCSO Act is exhaustive legislation that aims at covering all the aspects of child sexual abuse.
• The investigating agencies should be well trained and professionals such as medical practitioners involved in the stages of investigation and trial should be efficient so as to avoid any scope of negligence on their part.

The POCSO Act already makes the procedure child friendly and this approach should be followed by the judicial officers, magistrates, and police officers so that the child victims could repose trust in them.

General Studies Paper 3

Context:

• In August 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister had exhorted that India can become a global hub in Toy Industry manufacturing and exports. In July 2021, the PM had said that India imports 80% of toys. He called on people of India to be ‘vocal for local toys‘. By July 2022, India’s exports of toys had surged from INR 300-400 crore to INR 2,600 crore. Imports had fallen from INR 3,000 crore, making India a net exporter of toys. The turnaround in the toy industry showcases the success story of focused approach by Government in supporting domestic manufacturing. The learning from the success of toy industry can be implemented in other sectors to enhance India’s exports and reduce dependence on imports.

The growth of India’s Toy Industry

• Indian Toys Industry is estimated to be US$ 1.5 billion making up 0.5% of global market share. The toy manufacturers in India are mostly located in the NCR, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and clusters across central Indian States. The sector is fragmented with 90% of the market being unorganized and 4,000 toy industry units from the MSME sector.
• According to a joint report by industry body FICCI and KPMG, the India’s toy industry is expected to double from US$ 1 billion in 2019-20 to US$ 2 billion by 2024-25. A share of 0.5% of the global toy industry shows indicates large potential growth opportunity. The domestic toy demand is forecasted to grow at 10-15% against the global average of 5%.
• According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the import of toys into India has declined sharply from US$ 304 million in 2018-19 to US$ 36 million in 2021-22. On the other hand, exports have increased from US$ 109 million in 2018-19 to US$ 177 million in 2021-22.

Factors driving growth of India’s Toy Industry:

• Huge Consumer Base: India’s population today stands at ~1.4 billion or 17.7% of the global population. In 2019, ~26.62% of the Indian population fell into the 0-14 age category. Such a large young population is likely to offer potential for the toy industry’s growth.
• Rising Disposable Income: India has exhibited strong GDP growth rates for the last several years and now, represents one of the world’s largest economies. Driven by this trend, the middle-class population has experienced strong growth. On an average, every Indian is earning 30% more than that six years ago. Consumers have more disposable incomes and their spending patterns have also changed. This has resulted in a major shift from traditional and medium- to low- end battery-operated toys to innovative electronic toys, intelligent toys, and upmarket plush toys.
• Rise in Online Purchases: Online sales channels have also witnessed boom in India with the evolution of smartphones and other digital media. As quality and features of products can be discussed among shoppers and prices can be compared on various platforms, online sales channels have appeared to be one of the fastest-growing distribution channels for toys in India.
• Shifting Preference: According to the Toy Association report in 2018, 67% parents believe in STEM-focussed toys as their primary way to encourage science and math development in young children. Shifting preference from conventional toys towards modern and hi-tech electronic toys is strengthening the market growth.
• Going Global: Toy sector is also going global, as manufacturers are scouting new markets and increasing exports to the Middle East and African countries.
• India’s Protectionist Strategy: In addition to increasing the basic customs duty on toys from 20% to 60%, stringent conditions have also imposed on the quality of toys that are imported. This has reduced availability of imported toys and enhanced demand for domestic toy industry.

Steps taken by the Government to aid growth of Toy Industry:

• Call to the Start-ups: The Government has called upon start-up entrepreneurs to explore the toy sector. The Government has also urged industry players to support local toys and reduce reliance on foreign goods. Educational institutions have been asked to organise hackathons for students to innovate in toy technology and design, including online games, to reflect Indian ethos and values.
• Increase in Custom Duty: The Government has increased basic customs duty from 20% to 60%. It is likely to result in toy importing brands to explore manufacturing in India, especially for the Indian market. It has also increased demand of toys manufactured by domestic toy industry.
• Mandatory Quality Certification: The Government has made toy quality certification mandatory to revive the indigenous industry. The Government began enforcing quality control for imported toys from September 1, 2020, to ensure that only products conforming to standards enter the country.
• Programmes Boosting the Toy Industry: The Government has chalked out a plan to promote traditional toys manufactured in the country by creating Toy Labs(a national toy fair for innovative Indian-themed toys). A plan to establish networks of toy labs such as Atal Tinkering Labs is also in the works to provide support for physical toys and for children to learn, play and innovate. Such labs will also be a way of specialised toy marking for quality certification and original design.
• Involvement of Various Sectors: (a)The Government has invited the Ministries of Education, Textiles, I&B, Commerce, Women and Child Development, Culture, Tourism, Railways, Urban Development,  Science and Technology and IT to give their inputs for betterment of the toy industry. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Industry Trade (DPIIT) has explained how various industries can contribute towards the toy sector; (b) The Ministry of Education has been asked to look at inclusion of indigenous toys as a major learning resource activity, as part of the recently announced National Education Policy. The plan also includes developing kits for Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Education; (c) IITs will be roped in to look at the technology aspect of toys. The National Institute for Design and the National Institute for Fashion Technology will study the concept of ‘Toys and National Values’. Using non-hazardous materials and creating toys that will help in mainstreaming children with learning disabilities will also be a top focus; (d) The Ministries of Science and Technology and IT will look at how ‘India’s indigenous games can be featured in the digital space and creating a digital repository archiving description of history’, while the Ministry of Culture could work on an ‘Indian Toy Museum’.
• Consolidating and Up-skilling the Unorganised Sector: The Government is also deliberating forming toy producer clusters and linking all such clusters with artisans. The Government is also looking at addressing skill upgrades and credit needs of the toy clusters and facilitating their engagement with foreign investors.
• Educating Consumers: The Government is gradually introducing a new norm in the minds of consumers to purchase safe and good-quality ‘Made in India’ toys as against cheap and poor-quality imported toys. Adverts are also being gradually designed in a manner to target children and parents as influencers in building the Made in India brand loyalty.

Challenges facing India’s Toy Industry

• Highly Fragmented: The toy industry is still highly fragmented, dominated by local producers. 90% of the market is unorganized and 4000 toy industry units being from the MSME sector. They lack innovation, and resources to invest in equipment and technology. They do not have the capital to scale-up production. Supply chains are still highly fragmented.
• Impact of Import Duties and Quality Certification: After the duty hike, customers started to cancel orders, some held their orders back in hope that the duties will be reduced. The 200% increase in duties led to price hikes, making toys more expensive. Quality Certification has increased challenges for traditional craftsmen. They cannot afford to get these certifications. It is better for the Government to step in and club units or allow distributors to get the certification.
• Labour Laws: Toy making is labour intensive. The life of a toy is limited. For instance, a ‘Transformers’ Toy sells well when the movie releases and the off-take dies down soon after. Therefore, the demand for a product changes rapidly and each toy requires a different skillset. These factors not only rule out mechanisation, but also call for flexible staffing. Indian laws do not permit recruitment or retrenchment based on demand if the organisation grows beyond a certain size in terms of employee strength. Hence, most units in the toy sector are very small and no major corporates have forayed into the industry despite the low capital investment needs.
• Foreign Dependence for Sourcing Raw Materials: Indian manufacturers specialise in board games, soft and plastic toys and puzzles etc. Companies have to import materials from South Korea and Japan to manufacture these toys.
• Fall in Free Trade amidst Geopolitical Uncertainties: Many economies are imposing restrictions on free trade to boost their local economies. The US government is taking a more protectionist stance and renegotiating many trade agreements, including NAFTA (North America Free Trade Agreement) and increasing tariffs on Chinese manufactured goods. These changes could set off a wider trade war, reversing the recent trend towards greater global free trade. For example, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund, rise in trade barriers could increase import prices by 10% and decrease exports by 15% during the forecast period, affecting growth of the toy manufacturing market, which relies on easy and cheap movement of goods between countries.

Way forward:

• First, In order to stimulate growth in the domestic toy industry, it is necessary to devise a specific manufacturing policy for toys.
• Second, To become a major player in the global toy manufacturing industry, reducing the amount of imported toys may not be the best way to move forward. Instead, the Government should focus on enhancing India’s reputation as a reliable location for the production of high-quality toys.
• Third, To foster an environment that is more conducive to healthy competition, the Government should: (a)Assist the industry in the formation of additional clusters; (b) Offer export subsidies and production-linked incentives for the manufacture of their products; (c) Ensure that toys are included in India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Support from the Central Government in the form of Incentives, as well as Inputs on the Upgrading of Technology, can go a long way towards assisting in the rapid growth of the domestic toy industry.
• Fourth, Re-skilling the 7 million artisans in the country to help them meet the evolving demands of the industry while framing labour laws and regulations that protect workers’ rights can also help reap rich dividends.
• Fifth, there is a shift towards intelligent toys and video games, away from traditional wooden/plastic toys. Domestic toy manufacturers should tap into India’s expertise in information technology to offer games that capture the imagination of the children. The Prime Minister has also asked the start-ups to help achieve this transformation.

Conclusion

The success of India’s toy industry in the last few years shows that focused interventions by the Government can help a great deal in creating conducive manufacturing ecosystem. Measures facilitating exports help in reducing dependence on imports and save valuable foreign exchange. This can help in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Government should adopt this approach to achieve self-sufficiency in critical sectors like EVs, batteries, Semiconductor Manufacturing etc.