Introduction

• In a significant move towards women’s safety and empowerment, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development recently announced the establishment of One Stop Centres (OSCs) in over 700 districts across the nation.

About One Stop Centre Scheme

• Central Sponsorship: The One Stop Centre scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme developed under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
• Inception: The scheme has been in operation since April 1, 2015, with a primary focus on addressing Gender-Based Violence.
• Universal Reach: The One Stop Centre Scheme is committed to aiding all women, including girls below 18 years, who have suffered violence. Regardless of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation, or marital status, all women are eligible for support.
• Protection for Minors: For girls below 18 years of age, the scheme collaborates with institutions and authorities established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012.

Objectives of the One Stop Centre Scheme

• Holistic Support: The core objective is to provide comprehensive and integrated support to women who have endured violence, whether in private or public spaces. All assistance is conveniently accessible under one roof.
• Immediate Access: These centres ensure immediate access to a wide array of services encompassing medical, legal, psychological, and counseling support. This collective approach stands resolute against all forms of violence targeting women.

Funding and Administration

• Financial Backing: The Scheme receives its funding through the Nirbhaya Fund, with the Central Government providing 100% financial assistance.
• Local Administration: Day-to-day implementation and administrative responsibilities rest with the District Collector/District Magistrate.

Services Offered by OSCs

The One Stop Centres serve as a lifeline for women in need, offering an array of essential services:

• Emergency Response and Rescue Services
• Medical Assistance
• Assistance with lodging FIR/ NCR/DIR
• Psycho-social Support and Counseling
• Legal Aid and Counseling
• Shelter
• Video Conferencing Facility

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Introduction

• Revival of NYAY: A mainstream political party has revived its 2019 manifesto center-piece, the NYAY scheme (Nyuntam Aay Yojana or Minimum Income Scheme), ahead of the 2024 general election.
• Promised Benefits: The party announced that if elected, the party would implement NYAY, providing women with an annual income of Rs 60,000-70,000.

Background of NYAY and PM-KISAN

• NYAY’s 2019 Proposal: Its 2019 manifesto promised NYAY to the poorest 20% of Indian families, guaranteeing Rs 72,000 annually to each eligible family.
• Comparison with PM-KISAN: Around the same time, the incumbent government launched PM-KISAN, providing Rs 6,000 per year to farmer families, showcasing the appeal of direct benefit transfers (DBTs).

Understanding Universal Basic Income (UBI) vs. Targeted Schemes

• UBI Definition: UBI involves providing a basic income to every citizen, from the wealthiest to the poorest, with the simultaneous removal of all subsidies.
• Differences with NYAY/PM-KISAN: These schemes are not UBI as they don’t remove existing subsidies, offer a smaller amount than a basic income, and are targeted rather than universal.

Challenges and Questions Surrounding UBI and DBTs

• Affordability: No country has been able to afford UBI due to its high costs and the population size, especially in countries like India.
• Political Backlash: Removing existing subsidies to fund UBI could lead to significant political backlash.
• Effectiveness of DBTs: Despite criticisms of being mere doles or freebies, DBTs have been seen as effective in alleviating economic distress in various situations.

Rationale behind Direct Benefit Transfers

• Economic Arguments: Direct cash transfers can stimulate local economies and create a virtuous cycle of development.
• Empowerment: Providing cash can empower individuals to make their own decisions and invest in their futures.

A Radical Policy Solution: Direct Cash Transfers

• Provocative Proposition: In their 2010 book, “Just give money to the poor: The Development Revolution from the Global South,” authors Joseph Hanlon, Armando Barrientos, and David Hulme advocate for unconditional cash transfers to the poor.
• Historical Shifts in Welfare Thinking: The book outlines four paradigm shifts in welfare policies:
  1. 16th-century England’s collective responsibility for subsistence.
  2. Increased social spending and introduction of pensions in late-19th-century Europe.
  3. Mid-20th-century recognition of an adequate standard of living as a human right.
  4. Early 21st-century trend in the Global South of using cash transfers to combat poverty and promote development.

Case for Unconditional Cash Transfers

• Argument for Simplicity and Effectiveness: The authors argue that providing money directly to the poor, without conditions, is a promising approach for reducing poverty and fostering long-term development.
• Global Examples: They cite successful examples from Mexico, South Africa, Namibia, Brazil, Indonesia, and India (NREGA), where governments have implemented such policies.

Implementation Challenges and Principles

• Effective Implementation: Successful DBT programs require fairness, assurance, practicality, sufficient payment size, and political acceptability.
• International Examples: Developed countries have implemented various forms of cash transfers, indicating the potential benefits of such policies.

Public Perception and Political Strategy

• Rejection of Higher Cash Transfers: The public’s rejection of 2019 NYAY offer suggests that implementation and trust are as crucial as the policy itself.
• Political Discourse: The debate over DBTs often gets mired in political rhetoric, overshadowing the policy’s potential benefits and challenges.

Conclusion

• Balancing Act: India must balance the immediate relief provided by DBTs with long-term strategies for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
• Learning from the Past: The revival of NYAY and the ongoing debate on DBTs provide an opportunity to learn from past experiences and design more effective and inclusive policies.
• Future of Welfare Policies: As India approaches the 2024 general election, the discourse on NYAY, PM-KISAN, and similar schemes will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s welfare policies.

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Central Idea

• The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment recently informed about the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Scheme during 2023 year-end review.

About PM-AJAY Scheme

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Central Idea

• The Union Women and Child Development Ministry aims to establish 17,000 creches in Anganwadi centres across the country out of which 5,222 have been approved to date under the ‘Palna’ scheme.

What is Palna Scheme?

About National Crèche Scheme (NCS)

Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017?

1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave.
2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum six creche visits daily.
3. Women with more than two children get reduced entitlements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Post your answers here.

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Central Idea

• The Department of Food and Public Distribution has proposed a plan to source rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) for consumer sales.
• The FCI is providing quality rice under OMSS at a reserve price of ₹29 per kg.

About Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)

Impact on Rice Inflation

• Current Inflation Rate: The annual inflation rate of rice has been around 12% for the past two years, accumulating over time and raising concerns.
• Objective: The department aims to reduce this inflation rate and make rice more affordable for consumers.

Significances of OMSS

• Enhance the supply of food grains: The OMSS helps to enhance the supply of food grains, especially wheat, during the lean season and moderates the open market prices, especially in deficit regions.
• Prevent wastage and deterioration of food grains: The OMSS also helps to prevent wastage and deterioration of food grains in FCI godowns due to a lack of storage space and proper maintenance.
• Provides an alternative source of food grains: The OMSS provides an alternative source of food grains for bulk consumers, state governments, UTs and private parties who participate in various schemes and programmes such as ethanol production under biofuel policy.
• Generates revenue for the FCI: The OMSS generates revenue for the FCI and reduces its subsidy burden on the central government. The FCI sells food grains under OMSS at pre-determined prices which are higher than the minimum support prices (MSPs) paid to farmers for procurement.

Challenges faced by OMSS

• Low demand from the buyers: The OMSS faces low demand from buyers due to high reserve prices fixed by the FCI, which are often above the market prices.
• Logistical challenges: The OMSS also faces logistical challenges such as transportation, handling and quality issues of food grains, which affect the timely delivery and customer satisfaction. 
• Limited impact on stabilizing the market prices: The OMSS has a limited impact on stabilizing the market prices as it accounts for a small share of the total food grain supply and demand in the country. 
• Does not address the structural problems: The OMSS does not address the structural problems of food grain management such as procurement, distribution and buffer stocking policies, which need to be reformed to ensure food security and fiscal prudence. 

Way forward

• Revise the reserve prices of food grains: The FCI should revise the reserve prices of food grains under OMSS based on the prevailing market conditions and demand-supply situation to attract more buyers and clear the excess stocks.
• Improve logistics and quality management: The FCI should improve its logistics and quality management system to ensure timely delivery and good quality of food grains under OMSS. 
• Diversify product portfolio: The FCI should diversify its product portfolio under OMSS to include coarse grains, pulses and oilseeds, which are also essential for nutrition security and have a higher demand in the market.
• Coordinate with state governments: The FCI should coordinate with state governments, UTs and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of OMSS and address any grievances or complaints arising from it. 

Back2basics

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Central Idea

• The Union Tribal Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that the population of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is not declining, contrary to earlier data.
• The Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) aims to provide basic facilities to PVTGs, with a significant budget allocation.

Who are the PVTGs?

• Definition and Characteristics: PVTGs, formerly known as Primitive Tribal Groups, are identified by criteria like declining population, pre-agrarian technology, economic backwardness, and low literacy.
• Distribution: Spread across 18 States and Union Territories, India has 75 PVTGs, with the highest numbers in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Historical Context: These groups inhabit remote areas and have historically been among the most vulnerable sections of Scheduled Tribes.

PM-JANMAN: Objectives and Funding

• Mission Goals: The mission, announced earlier in the year, focuses on improving infrastructure and basic amenities in PVTG areas.
• Budget Allocation: The Cabinet approved a ₹24,000 crore package, with contributions from both the central and state governments.
• Implementation Strategy: The program involves nine ministries and aims to enhance housing, connectivity, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in PVTG villages.

Challenges in Implementation

• Data Gaps: A key challenge is the lack of current and accurate data on PVTG populations and socio-economic conditions.
• Baseline Surveys: While surveys are being conducted, their results are not yet public, and there has been no separate Census for PVTGs since 1951.
• Recommendations: The National Advisory Council suggested conducting a specific Census for PVTGs to better understand their needs in education, health, and housing.

Conclusion

• Critical Need for Accurate Data: Effective implementation of development projects for PVTGs hinges on having reliable data.
• Holistic Approach: The government’s initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to improving the living standards of PVTGs, addressing various aspects of their well-being.
• Continued Monitoring and Evaluation: Ongoing assessment and adaptation of strategies will be crucial to ensure the success of these development efforts for PVTGs.

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Central Idea

• The ECI ordered the Telangana government to stop all the disbursements under the state government’s Rythu Bandhu Scheme after a violation of the model codes of conduct.

Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Key Facts

• The Rythu Bandhu scheme is also known as Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).
• It is a welfare programme for farmers started in 2018 by the Telangana government.
• Under the scheme, the state government provided the 58 lakh farmers in Telangana with ₹5,000 per acre of their land as a farm investment for two crops.
• There is no ceiling on the number of acres held by a farmer.
• So, a farmer who owns two acres of land would receive Rs 20,000 a year, whereas a farmer who owns 10 acres would receive Rs 1 lakh a year from the government.
• This investment is made twice a year, once for kharif harvest and once for Rabi harvest.
• It is the country’s first direct farmer investment support scheme where cash is paid directly to the beneficiary.

Reasons for suspension

• The election commission had allowed the disbursement of funds for the rabi harvest this season, provided they are not publicised, in accordance with the model code of conduct.
• However, the model code was violated after the state finance minister made a public announcement of the same.

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Central Idea

• Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission worth Rs 24,000 crore for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) during.

PM PVTGS Development Mission

• Objective: This Rs 24,000-crore initiative is dedicated to the holistic development of PVTGs.
• Focus Areas: It aims to provide essential amenities like road and telecom connectivity, electricity, housing, clean water, sanitation, improved education, healthcare, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Multi-Ministerial Approach: Multiple ministries will collaborate to implement development projects, including Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission.

Who are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

• Unique Characteristics: PVTGs are a subset of tribal groups in India characterized by primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth rate, and economic backwardness.
• Dependency on Hunting: These tribes often rely on hunting for sustenance and employ pre-agricultural technology.
• Historical Background: The distinction for Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) was introduced in 1973 by the Dhebar Commission.
• Expansion: In 1975, the Centre identified 52 tribal groups as PTGs, and this list expanded by 23 groups in 1993.
• Renaming as PVTGs: In 2006, these groups were renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Current status of PVTGs

• Population and Distribution: India is home to 2.8 million PVTG members, belonging to 75 tribes, residing in 22,544 villages across 220 districts in 18 states and Union Territories.
• Statewise Population: States with significant PVTG populations include Odisha (866,000), Madhya Pradesh (609,000), and Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana) (539,000).
• Largest PVTG: The largest PVTG is the Saura community in Odisha, numbering 535,000.

Try this PYQ:

Q.Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (CSP 2019)

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 4

(d) 1, 3 and 4

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