Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Circular Economy Coalition
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched with 39 multinational corporations committing to resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
What is RECEIC?
- Foundation: The RECEIC, conceived during India’s G20 Presidency, is an industry-led initiative with a global focus on promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices
- Objectives: It aims to address environmental issues arising from waste, such as plastics, microplastics, e-waste, and chemical waste.
- Participation: 39 multinational corporations from sectors such as steel, FMCG, and electronics joined RECEIC’s launch.
- Leadership: The coalition will be industry-led, with the government playing a supporting role.
- Focus: The coalition aims to address environmental challenges arising from different types of waste through resource efficiency and circular economy principles.
- Presence: Ministers from Mauritius, Denmark, Italy, Canada, UAE, France, and the European Union attended the event.
India’s measures in this regard
- In 2021-22, India generated around 41 lakh tonnes of plastic waste, with 30 lakh tonnes allocated to registered recyclers and plastic waste processing units.
- The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022, established Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR) guidelines to manage plastic waste effectively.
- Plastic waste processors generated 2.6 million tonnes of EPR certificates, and purchased approximately 1.51 million tonnes of those certificates for 2022-23 obligations.
Also read:
[RSTV Archive] Circular Economy: Concept & Challenges
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Maitree Super Thermal Power Project
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), a state-owned engineering firm, achieved a major milestone in Bangladesh.
- The 660-MW Unit-2 of the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) was successfully synchronized with the electricity grid in Bangladesh.
Maitree Super Thermal Power Project
- Location: The Maitree STPP is a 1,320-MW power plant situated at Rampal, Mongla, Bagerhat, Bangladesh.
- Joint Venture: BHEL is responsible for setting up the power plant, which is a 50:50 joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and NTPC Ltd.
- Infrastructure Priority: The project serves as a symbol of successful cooperation between India and Bangladesh and is a priority infrastructure development initiative for Bangladesh.
- Objective: The primary goal of the project is to establish a reliable and cost-effective base-load power production system in Bangladesh.
BHEL’s Technological Prowess and Global Leadership:
- The successful synchronisation of the 660-MW Unit-2 underscores BHEL’s expertise and technological prowess in the power sector.
- This accomplishment further solidifies BHEL’s position as a leading global player in providing dependable and sustainable energy solutions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hematene
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of nanoflakes of a material known as hematene, extracted from iron ore.
- These nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities.
What is Hematene?
- Hematene is a novel 2D material that has been derived from hematite (common iron ore).
- It is a thin, single-layer material with unique properties that make it promising for various applications, especially in the field of optics.
- Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in withstanding and shielding against high laser intensities, making them valuable for optical limiting applications.
- The material’s stability and potential for futuristic technologies have garnered significant interest from researchers and scientists.
How is it made?
- Hematene is derived from naturally occurring hematite, the mineral form of iron oxide, through a process involving sonication, centrifugation, and vacuum-assisted filtration.
- With a thickness of just 3 atoms, it exhibits improved photocatalysis efficiency.
- Being ferromagnetic, like common magnets, it possesses magnetic properties.
- Notably, it has the exceptional ability to withstand and provide shielding against high laser intensities.
Applications of Hematene Nanoflakes
- Optical Limiting: Hematene nanoflakes have demonstrated exceptional optical limiting capabilities, making them valuable in protecting sensitive optical equipment, such as sensors, detectors, and other optical devices, from high laser intensities.
- Photodetectors: Hematene’s properties make it suitable for developing high-performance photodetectors, which are used to detect and convert light signals into electrical signals. This application has potential in telecommunications, imaging, and optical communications.
- Energy Storage: Hematene can be explored for applications in energy storage devices, such as batteries and super-capacitors, due to its unique electronic and electrochemical properties.
- Optoelectronics: The material’s properties make it suitable for optoelectronic devices, which involve the interaction of light and electricity, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaic cells.
- Photothermal Therapy: Hematene’s ability to withstand and shield against high laser intensities may find applications in photothermal therapy, a medical technique that uses light to treat diseases like cancer.
- Environmental Applications: Hematene’s stability and potential for use in various environments may make it valuable in environmental applications, such as water purification and pollution control.
- Sensors: The material’s unique properties may be utilized in developing high-performance sensors for various applications, including gas sensing and environmental monitoring.
- Catalysts: Hematene’s surface characteristics and electronic properties could be explored for catalytic applications, promoting chemical reactions in various industrial processes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Silvopasture
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Amidst the global decline of natural resources and forests, silvopasture systems emerge as a relevant solution to counter deforestation trends.
What is Silvopasture?
- Silvopasture is a sustainable land management practice that integrates trees, forage crops, and livestock grazing on the same parcel of land.
- The term “silvopasture” is derived from the Latin words “silva” (forest) and “pastura” (pasture), emphasizing the combination of forestry and pasture practices.
- In this system, carefully selected trees or tree species are planted or retained on grazing lands or pastures.
- The trees can be scattered throughout the pasture, arranged in rows, or established as windbreaks and hedgerows.
- Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, or goats, graze freely within the area, utilizing the available forage while benefiting from the shade and other advantages provided by the trees.
Advantages offered
| Enhanced Climate Resilience |
- Silvopasture systems regulate local climate conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes.
- Trees provides shade and reduces heat stress for livestock and other animals, promoting a more favorable living environment.
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| Carbon Sequestration |
- Trees act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Such systems can store 5-10 times more carbon than pastures without trees, contributing to greenhouse gas mitigation and combating climate change.
|
| Soil Enrichment |
- Extensive root systems of trees within silvopasture plots contribute to nutrient cycling, improved soil stability, and enhanced soil quality.
- Effectively combats erosion, making the soil more resilient and fertile.
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| Improved Microclimatic Conditions |
- Foster milder microclimatic conditions compared to open pastures.
- Livestock experience reduced heat stress due to the shading provided by trees, leading to improved animal welfare.
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| Biodiversity Conservation |
- Promotes habitat diversity, creating a suitable environment for a variety of plant and animal species.
- Provides a sustainable habitat for native wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
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| Sustainable Land Use |
- By integrating trees with livestock grazing, silvopasture supports sustainable land management.
- Allows for livestock farming while preserving and restoring forested areas, offering a practical solution to deforestation trends.
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| Water Storage and Infiltration |
- Enhance water storage potential by improving soil infiltration rates.
- Presence of trees helps retain water, reducing runoff and contributing to water conservation.
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| Economic Benefits |
- Improved farm income through increased productivity and reduced input costs.
- Integration of multiple elements on the same land optimizes resource use and enhances overall farm profitability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India's economic growth
Central Idea
- India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy by FY28, two years earlier than projected, according to economists at SBI Research.
- Prime Minister highlighted India’s remarkable economic progress during his tenure.
India’s Economic Growth Trajectory
- Actual progress: India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by an impressive 83% between 2014 and 2023, a close second to China’s growth rate of 84% during the same period.
- Financial Crisis Impact: While India’s economy was affected by the 2008-09 Global Financial Crisis its resilience was significantly better than that of European countries, contributing to its growth advantage over them.
- Stagnation of Competing Countries: Many other top 10 economies have struggled to maintain significant growth rates, allowing India to overtake them. Ex. the UK’s total GDP grew by only 3%, France’s by 2%, Russia’s by 1%, while Italy’s GDP stagnated, and Brazil’s GDP even contracted by 15% during the same nine-year period.
India’s Projected Growth
- India’s Prospective Rank: According to forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is expected to become the third-largest economy globally by 2027, overtaking both Germany and Japan.
- India’s Growth Advantage: Even with a more moderate growth rate of 6% per annum, India’s GDP in 2027 will be approximately 38% higher than its 2023 level.
- Recessing countries: Japan and Germany are projected to achieve only a 15% increase over the same period, enabling India’s ascendancy to the third rank.
- Challenges of Catching up: The gap between China and the US (the top two economies) and India’s GDP remains substantial.
- Digitalization and Global Sentiment: Positive aspects include increased digitalization of the economy and the opportunity to attract investments due to negative global sentiment towards China.
Issues with such growth: Per Capita GDP Disparity
- Aggregate vs. Per Capita Numbers: While India’s aggregate GDP growth has been impressive, it is essential to consider per capita GDP figures to understand the actual prosperity of the country’s citizens.
- Low Per Capita GDP: India’s per capita GDP, at $2,600 per annum, remains the lowest among the top 10 economies and lags considerably behind the countries it has overtaken, such as the UK, Brazil, and Italy.
Reasons for such disparity
- Pandemic Devastation: MSMEs, contributing 30% to India’s GDP and employing 110 million people, have been hit hard by the pandemic. Government surveys suggest that around 9% of these enterprises have shut down due to COVID-19.
- Inflation: The decimation of MSMEs has resulted in core inflation, giving pricing power to a few large companies and burdening consumers with increased costs.
- Unemployment Woes: The struggles of MSMEs are a significant reason behind India’s failure to reduce unemployment rates, leading many towards the rural job guarantee scheme for paid work.
- Manufacturing-Led Economy: India’s inability to build a manufacturing-led economy remains a challenge, affecting job creation.
- Factor Market Reforms: Successive governments have struggled to implement meaningful factor market reforms in land and labor laws.
Conclusion
- Addressing the hidden crisis will require sustained efforts from the government, focused on supporting MSMEs and implementing crucial reforms.
- Taking timely and decisive action is essential to propel India towards a more stable and inclusive economic future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Semiconductors and application's and ISM
Mains level: India's progress in the semiconductor industry and a global hub of semiconductor manufacturing and its significance
What’s the news?
- The second edition of Semicon India, hosted by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), comes at a pivotal moment for the global semiconductor industry.
Central idea
- As technology advances rapidly and geopolitical landscapes shift, India is determined to foster a thriving domestic ecosystem to achieve self-sufficiency and emerge as a key player in the global semiconductor value chain.
What is Semicon India?
- Semicon India is the annual conference organized by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
- The primary objective of Semicon India is to promote the growth and development of the semiconductor industry in India.
- It provides an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its capabilities in semiconductor design and manufacturing while fostering networking and knowledge exchange among participants.
What are Semiconductors?
- Semiconductors are a class of materials that have unique electrical properties, making them intermediate in conductivity between conductors and insulators. They are a vital component in the manufacturing of various electronic devices and play a crucial role in modern technology.
India’s journey in the semiconductor industry
- Early Efforts: India’s initial forays into the semiconductor sector began with public sector undertakings like Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) and some other labs and institutions attempting to establish a presence in the industry. However, despite promising starts, India faced difficulties in achieving the volume and technology needed for competitiveness.
- Missed Opportunities: Over the years, India encountered several missed opportunities that hindered its progress in the semiconductor field. One notable example is missing out on the Fairchild Semiconductor fab in the 1960s. Additionally, regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles prevented global semiconductor companies from showing interest in investing in India’s semiconductor manufacturing.
- Setbacks and Challenges: India’s major VLSI fabrication plant at the Semiconductor Complex Limited (SCL) in Chandigarh began production before Taiwan’s entry into semiconductor manufacturing. Unfortunately, a massive fire in 1989 led to the closure of the plant for many years, hampering India’s progress in the industry.
- Government Recognition: The Indian government came to recognize the economic and geopolitical significance of the semiconductor industry. Realizing the importance of achieving semiconductor self-sufficiency, the government launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to bolster the domestic ecosystem and position India as a key player in the global semiconductor value chain.
The birth of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
- The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was launched as a significant initiative by the Indian government to bolster the semiconductor industry in the country.
- It came into existence with a clear vision of nurturing a thriving domestic semiconductor ecosystem to achieve self-sufficiency and elevate India’s position as a key player in the global semiconductor value chain.
- The mission’s proactive approach, combined with concrete policy interventions and political will, marks a new chapter in India’s journey in the semiconductor sector.
The significance of domestic semiconductor manufacturing for India
- Economic Growth: By manufacturing semiconductors domestically, India can reduce its dependence on imports, save foreign exchange, and contribute to economic growth by generating revenue and employment opportunities.
- Technological Advancement: Domestic semiconductor manufacturing enhances India’s capabilities in cutting-edge technologies, research, and development. It fosters innovation and facilitates the growth of other technology-driven sectors, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and advanced electronics. This, in turn, can boost India’s competitiveness on the global technology stage.
- Self-Reliance and Security: Developing a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem ensures continuity in critical industries and safeguards against global disruptions. It also enhances India’s national security, as semiconductors play a vital role in defense and communication infrastructure.
- Attracting Investment: A strong semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem attracts both domestic and foreign investments. This leads to the establishment of semiconductor fabrication plants, research centers, and collaborations with global technology companies.
- Fostering Innovation: A thriving semiconductor industry encourages local innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides opportunities for startups and research institutions to develop innovative semiconductor technologies and solutions, positioning India as a global innovation hub.
- Digital Sovereignty: In an increasingly interconnected and digitally driven world, possessing domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities is vital for digital sovereignty. It allows India to control its critical technology infrastructure and data security, reducing its reliance on foreign technology providers.
Overwhelming global interest in India as a destination for semiconductor manufacturing
- Growing Market Potential: India’s large and rapidly growing economy presents a significant market for semiconductor products, attracting global semiconductor companies to establish a presence in the country.
- Government Support and Vision: The Indian government’s clear vision and commitment to nurturing a thriving domestic semiconductor ecosystem through initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) have instilled confidence among global players.
- Strategic Importance: Policymakers in India recognize the strategic significance of a robust domestic semiconductor industry for economic growth, safeguarding domestic industries, and ensuring national security.
- Urgency of Semiconductor Self-Reliance: The global semiconductor shortage and disruptions in supply chains have highlighted the urgency of achieving semiconductor self-reliance, making India an attractive location for semiconductor manufacturing.
- Fiscal Incentives and Regulatory Support: The Indian government’s unprecedented commitment to fiscal incentives and regulatory support has drawn significant interest from semiconductor companies globally.
- Skilled Workforce: India’s large pool of skilled engineers and technical talent offers an advantageous workforce for semiconductor companies looking to establish operations in the country.
- Collaboration with Global Partners: Collaborative agreements with countries like the US and Japan in semiconductor development, research, design, and talent development have enhanced India’s appeal as a semiconductor manufacturing hub.
- Focus on Sustainability: India’s emphasis on sustainable semiconductor manufacturing through green technologies and resource-efficient practices aligns with the global push for environmentally responsible production.
- Long-term Support and Progress under ISM: The Indian government’s commitment to long-term support for the semiconductor industry, as demonstrated through initiatives like the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme and modernization of facilities, has garnered attention.
- Potential for Innovation: India’s thriving innovation ecosystem, including startups and research institutions, presents opportunities for collaborative innovation and technological advancements in the semiconductor industry.
Conclusion
- From missed opportunities to a thriving domestic ecosystem, India’s progress in the semiconductor industry is a global case study in building sectors from scratch through appropriate policy interventions and political will. India is now on track to lead the global race in the semiconductor value chain. The ISM reflects India’s determination to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency and emerge as a major player in the global semiconductor industry.
Also read:
Semiconductor Fabrication in India: Learning from Past Attempts and Embracing Alternate Approaches
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill
Mains level: Film piracy issues, Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and its significance
What’s the news
- The Rajya Sabha on July 27 passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, that introduces stringent anti-piracy provisions, expanding the scope of the law from censorship to also cover copyright.
Central idea
- The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which authorises the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to require cuts in films and clear them for exhibition in cinemas and on television. It also empowers the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to give separate certificates for a film’s exhibition on television or other media.
What is meant by film piracy?
- Film piracy refers to the unauthorized copying, distribution, exhibition, or downloading of films without the consent of the copyright owner or the film’s creators. It involves the illegal duplication and dissemination of copyrighted movies through various means.
- Film piracy is a significant concern for the film industry, as it undermines the economic viability of films and negatively impacts the revenue generated from legitimate sources.
What is the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)?
- The CBFC, commonly known as the Censor Board, is a statutory body in India responsible for certifying films for public exhibition.
- It operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
- The CBFC’s primary role is to review and rate films based on their content and to ensure that films adhere to the guidelines and principles laid down in the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the rules framed thereunder.
Key provisions of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Crackdown on Film Piracy: The bill aims to address the issue of film piracy by imposing strict penalties on those involved in making pirated copies of movies. It prescribes a three-year jail term and a fine of up to 5% of a movie’s production cost for offenders.
- Introduction of New Certifications: The bill proposes three new certifications under the ‘UA’ (Parental Guidance) category: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+. These certifications indicate that children younger than the specified age limits can watch such movies with parental guidance.
- Empowerment of the CBFC: The bill grants enhanced powers to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue separate certificates for films to be exhibited on television or other media platforms. It also clarifies that the CBFC certificates will be valid perpetually and that the Centre will not have any revisional powers over them.
- Harmonization with Existing Laws: The bill aims to harmonize the Cinematograph Act, 1952 with other laws that tangentially address piracy, such as the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The journey of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill
- Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2019: The first version of the bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019. It was primarily focused on addressing film piracy. The bill aimed to introduce measures to tackle the unauthorized recording and exhibition of films, which had been causing significant financial losses to the film industry.
- Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2021: In response to the recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Information Technology and the feedback received from stakeholders and the public, a revised version of the bill was released.
- Public Feedback and Consultations: The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was made available for public comments and feedback. This step allowed individuals and organizations to provide their views on the proposed amendments, ensuring a more inclusive and participatory legislative process.
- Industry Stakeholder Consultations: In 2022, consultations were held with industry stakeholders, including representatives from the film industry and related sectors. The input and concerns raised during these consultations were taken into account to further refine and finalize the provisions of the bill.
- Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Based on the inputs gathered from public feedback and industry stakeholders, the final version of the bill, now known as the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was prepared. This version included all the proposed changes and updates aimed at addressing film piracy, enhancing film certification, and aligning the Cinematograph Act with other relevant laws.
Significance of the Bill
- Curbing Film Piracy: The bill introduces stringent penalties to deter film piracy, addressing a significant concern for the film industry and protecting intellectual property rights.
- Age-Appropriate Film Viewing: The introduction of new age-based certifications ensures that films are categorized appropriately, allowing parents to make informed decisions about their children’s film choices.
- Modernizing Film Certification: The bill empowers the CBFC to issue separate certificates for films shown on various media platforms and provides perpetual validity to CBFC certificates, streamlining the film certification process.
- Aligning with Existing Laws: The amendment harmonizes the Cinematograph Act, 1952, with other relevant laws, ensuring consistency and coherence in the legal framework governing the film industry.
- Addressing Industry Demands: The bill responds to the film industry’s demand to combat unauthorized film exhibition and recording, protecting the industry’s interests and fostering a thriving creative environment.
- Strengthening the Film Industry: By curbing piracy and protecting intellectual property, the bill aims to strengthen the film industry, attract investments, and contribute to India’s cultural and economic landscape.
Conclusion
- The passage of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is a significant step towards protecting the film industry from piracy and streamlining the film certification process. By embracing the necessary amendments, India reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a vibrant and thriving film industry while safeguarding creative content from piracy-related challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PMJAY and schemes
Mains level: Government sponsored schemes, challenges, concerns and solutions
What’s the news?
- A recent report has revealed disturbing incidents of deception against poor patients at Safdarjung Hospital (‘Bypassing Ayushman Bharat, doctor at a top government hospital duped patients and made killings on implants).
Central Idea
- Designing a government-sponsored health insurance scheme for the poor presents significant challenges, including the issue of information asymmetry between doctors and patients, which may lead to the denial of benefits for the disadvantaged.
What is Ayushman Bharat?
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY), also known as Ayushman Bharat or the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS), is a flagship government-sponsored health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in September 2018. The primary aim of PMJAY is to provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare to economically vulnerable sections of society.
Key features
- Health Insurance Coverage: PMJAY provides health insurance coverage to eligible beneficiaries, especially those belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income families. It aims to cover around 10 crore (100 million) families across India.
- Cashless and Paperless Treatment: Under PMJAY, eligible beneficiaries can avail of cashless and paperless treatment in empaneled public and private hospitals across the country. The scheme ensures that beneficiaries are not required to pay for the treatment at the time of hospitalization.
- Pre-Defined Medical Packages: The scheme offers a comprehensive set of pre-defined medical packages covering various medical and surgical treatments. These packages are designed to provide essential healthcare services, including diagnostics, medicines, and other treatments.
- Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions: PMJAY provides coverage for pre-existing illnesses and health conditions from the date of enrollment. This ensures that beneficiaries with existing health conditions can also access healthcare services under the scheme.
- No Cap on Family Size: There is no restriction on the family size covered under PMJAY. All eligible family members can avail of the benefits of the scheme.
- Portability: PMJAY is portable across the country, meaning beneficiaries can avail of treatment in any empaneled hospital in any state or Union Territory, irrespective of their place of origin
- Identification of Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries under PMJAY are identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data and are issued the Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY Golden Card, which serves as proof of eligibility.
- Online Verification: The scheme employs an online verification process to ensure seamless and efficient identification and validation of beneficiaries.
- Collaborative Effort: PMJAY is a joint collaboration between the central and state governments, and each state has the flexibility to implement the scheme based on its specific requirements.
The Incident of deceptive practices at Safdarjung Hospital
- Misleading Patients: The report reveals that certain doctors deceive patients by providing false information about delays in Ayushman Bharat Clearance. This deceptive tactic aims to divert patients towards private alternatives rather than enrolling them in the PMJAY scheme.
- Influence of Treating Doctors: The incident highlights the significant role of treating doctors in determining the medical package for patients and whether they are enrolled under the PMJAY scheme.
Concerns raised over the implementation of government-sponsored health insurance schemes
- Deceptive Practices: Misinformation about Ayushman Bharat Clearance delays is used as a tactic to divert patients towards private alternatives instead of enrolling them in the PMJAY. Such practices can deprive eligible patients of government-sponsored health insurance benefits and lead to potential financial exploitation.
- Doctor’s Influence: The treating doctors wield significant influence in determining the medical package for patients and their enrollment in the PMJAY scheme. This discretionary power can create an environment where some doctors prioritize their personal interests, such as financial gains from private channels, over the best interests of their patients.
- Lack of Active Interest: Although the time taken to settle claims was reasonable, the proportion of settled claims in public facilities was lower compared to private facilities. This points to potential issues in operational dynamics that may hinder the effective implementation of the scheme and limit its benefits for the poor.
- Inadequate Incentives: The financial incentives provided to doctors in public facilities under PMJAY may not be sufficiently attractive to encourage them to actively participate in the scheme. Some doctors may find greater financial gains through rent-seeking practices with private players, leading to a preference for private alternatives over the government-sponsored scheme.
- Limited Supporting Staff: The presence of limited supporting staff, such as Arogyamitras, responsible for registering patients under PMJAY, may impact the smooth implementation of the scheme. The Arogyamitras’ remuneration being linked to pre-authorizations rather than claim settlement may result in less emphasis on claim follow-up and documentation.
Way forward: Steps to improve operational dynamics
- Enhancing Doctor Incentives: Reviewing and revising the financial incentives provided to treating doctors could make the PMJAY scheme more attractive and encourage greater participation.
- Strengthening Arogyamitras’ Role: Linking the remuneration of Arogyamitras to the successful claim settlement and providing necessary support staff can incentivize them to be more proactive in claim documentation and follow-up.
- Streamlining the Claim Settlement Process: Simplifying and expediting the claim settlement process can encourage public facilities to actively participate in PMJAY, ensuring timely reimbursements and improving their financial viability.
- Increased Oversight: Implementing regular audits and stringent penalties for fraudulent practices can help curb deceptive activities and enhance transparency and accountability within public facilities.
Conclusion
- While the potential of PMJAY has been extensively discussed in the context of private hospitals, the operational dynamics within public facilities have received less attention. A collaborative effort involving doctors, Arogyamitras, and state governments can unleash the true potential of these schemes, contributing to improved health outcomes and greater inclusivity in healthcare services.
ALso read:
Digital Birth Certificates to streamline Official Documentation
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