SM AUG WEEK 03 : MODEL ANSWERS
Q.1) Discuss the significance of the decadal Census in India for understanding demographic
transitions, socio-economic transformations, and infrastructural developments. (10 Marks, 150
words)
Approach
Introduction: Briefing about the Decadal Census
Body
Demand1: Significance of the Decadal Census in India
Conclusion: sum up the answer
Introduction: The decadal Census in India is the most comprehensive source of data on the
population, providing critical insights that inform policy-making and development planning
conducted every ten years since 1881.
Significance of the Decadal Census in India:
● Demographic Transitions: The Census is essential for tracking demographic changes, such as
shifts in population size, age distribution, and sex ratios. It enables researchers and
policymakers to analyze trends like declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy,
which are crucial for anticipating future societal needs.
○ For instance, the Census data highlighted adverse sex ratios in the 1990s, prompting
legislative action against sex-selective practices.
● Socio-economic Transformations: Census data serves as a vital resource for understanding
socio-economic conditions across India. It collects detailed information on literacy rates,
employment, income levels, and housing conditions, which are crucial for assessing the
socio-economic landscape.
○ For example, the Census informs the distribution of federal funds, aids in the
planning of welfare schemes.
● Infrastructural Developments: The Census provides critical insights into the state of
infrastructure in India, including access to basic amenities such as water, sanitation, and
electricity. By mapping these indicators, the Census helps identify areas that require urgent
infrastructural improvements.
○ For example, the information gathered on slum populations and inadequate
housing in urban areas has been instrumental in shaping housing policies and
schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Conclusion: The decadal Census in India is a cornerstone for understanding the multifaceted aspects
of demographic, socio-economic, and infrastructural developments. The data it provides forms the
backbone of informed policy-making, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that
development strategies are tailored to the evolving needs of the population.
Q.2) Discuss the economic implications of India being a preferred medical destination and critically
analyze the challenges faced by the healthcare sector. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
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Approach
Introduction: briefing about the theme of the question
Body:
Demand 1: economic implications of India being a preferred medical destination
Demand 2: challenges faced by the healthcare sector
Conclusion: end with government steps taken
Introduction:
India's rise as a preferred medical destination has significant economic implications, contributing to
job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and enhanced healthcare infrastructure. However, this
growth is accompanied by challenges, including unequal access to care and quality control concerns.
Economic Implications
1. Revenue Generation: The medical tourism sector has become a significant source of revenue
for India, with estimates suggesting it generates around $6 billion annually and is projected
to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% from 2020 to 2027.
a. Medical value travel significantly boosts foreign exchange earnings.
2. Job Creation: The growth of medical tourism leads to substantial job creation across various
sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, and transportation.
a. The medical tourism sector is expected to create approximately 9 million jobs by
2025, as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
3. Infrastructure Development: The demand from medical tourists has spurred the
development of advanced healthcare infrastructure in India.
a. For instance, Apollo Hospitals has established several JCI (Joint Commission
International) accredited facilities that offer cutting-edge treatments and amenities
on par with the best hospitals globally
4. Enhanced Quality of Care: Hospitals strive to meet international standards, which elevates
the quality of services available to both foreign and domestic patients.
a. For example, Narayana Health, a renowned healthcare group, has achieved several
quality benchmarks, including NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals &
Healthcare Providers) and AAHRPP (Association for the Accreditation of Human
Research Protection Programs) accreditations.
Challenges Faced by the Healthcare Sector
1. Shortage of Healthcare Professionals: India faces a significant shortage of healthcare
professionals, with an estimated deficit of around 600,000 doctors, leading to a
doctor-patient ratio of approximately 0.7 per 1,000 people.
2. Inadequate Public Healthcare Spending: Public healthcare expenditure in India remains low,
at about 2.1% of GDP, compared to over 10% in many developed countries like the United
States spends 16.9%.
3. Unequal Access to Healthcare: There is a stark disparity in healthcare access between
urban and rural regions.
a. A report by the United Nations highlights that nearly 75 percent of health-related
infrastructure, medical workforce, and other health resources are concentrated in
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urban areas, where only 27 percent of the population resides.
4. Quality Control Concerns: There are concerns regarding the accreditation of hospitals and
the standardization of care, which can affect patient trust and safety.
a. Despite the existence of accreditation bodies like NABH (National Accreditation
Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers), less than 1% of India's public hospitals
are accredited or certified
5. High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: A significant portion of healthcare costs in India is borne
out-of-pocket by individuals. According to a WHO report (2022), approximately 55 million
Indians are pushed into poverty annually due to high OOP healthcare costs.
Way forward:
● Strengthening Public Healthcare Infrastructure: India should significantly increase public
healthcare spending to at least 5% of GDP, with a focus on improving healthcare facilities in
rural areas.
● Implementation of the "Heal in India" Initiative: The "Heal in India" initiative should be
strategically developed to promote India as a global healthcare hub.
Q.3) Discuss the significance of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) in enhancing horticultural
productivity in India. What are the challenges associated with its implementation? (15 Marks, 250
words)
Approach:
Introduction: Talk about the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
Body:
Demand1: Significance of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
Demand2: Challenges Associated with Implementation
Way forward: End with the suggestion
Introduction: The Clean Plant Programme (CPP) is a significant initiative by the Government of India
aimed at enhancing horticultural productivity, particularly in fruit crops. It seeks to provide farmers
with high-quality, virus-free planting materials, thereby improving crop yields and overall agricultural
sustainability.
Significance of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
1. Enhancement of Horticultural Productivity: The primary objective of the CPP is to increase
the productivity and quality of horticultural crops by ensuring that farmers have access to
certified, disease-free planting materials.
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2. Sustainability and Self-Reliance: By promoting the use of virus-free planting materials, the
CPP aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. It reduces the dependence on imported
planting materials, thus fostering self-reliance in the horticulture sector.
3. Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness: The CPP is expected to strengthen India’s
position in the global fruit trade. By producing higher-quality, disease-free fruits, India can
enhance its export potential.
4. Inclusivity and Empowerment: The programme emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring that all
farmers, regardless of their landholding size or socioeconomic status, have access to clean
planting materials. Special attention is given to engaging women farmers, thereby promoting
gender equality in agricultural practices.
Challenges Associated with it’s Implementation:
1. Funding and Resource Allocation: Although the CPP has a substantial budget of ₹1,765
crore, ensuring effective utilization of these funds for establishing CPCs and nurseries may
pose challenges.
2. Awareness and Training: There may be a lack of awareness among farmers regarding the
benefits of clean planting materials.
3. Quality Control and Monitoring: Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to certification
standards across all CPCs and nurseries will be crucial. Any lapses in quality control could
undermine the programme's objectives and affect farmers' trust in the system.
4. Infrastructure Development in Remote Areas: Establishing the necessary infrastructure for
CPCs and nurseries in remote areas may face logistical challenges, particularly in regions
with limited connectivity.
Way forward:
● Strengthening Awareness and Training Programs: These initiatives should focus on
educating farmers about the benefits of using virus-free planting materials, best practices in
horticulture, and the long-term economic gains associated with the programme.
● Robust Monitoring and Quality Assurance Mechanisms: Establishing a strong quality control
framework is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Clean Plant Programme. This can be
achieved by developing standardized protocols for certification, and regular audits of Clean
Plant Centers (CPCs).
Additional Info:
Key Features of the CPP
● Establishment of Clean Plant Centers (CPCs):
○ Nine CPCs will be set up across India, equipped with advanced diagnostic and
therapeutic facilities, as well as tissue culture labs.
○ These centers will focus on different types of fruits, including grapes, temperate
fruits (like apples and almonds), citrus fruits, mangoes, guavas, and
pomegranates.
● Robust Certification and Legal Framework:
○ A strong certification system will be implemented to ensure accountability and
traceability in the production and sale of planting materials. This will be
supported by regulations under the Seeds Act of 1966.
● Infrastructure Development for Nurseries:
○ The CPP will support large-scale nurseries for the efficient multiplication of clean
planting materials. This infrastructure will facilitate the distribution of high-quality
planting materials to farmers.
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● Inclusivity and Accessibility:
○ The programme aims to ensure that all farmers, regardless of their landholding
size or economic status, have access to clean planting materials. Special emphasis
will be placed on engaging women farmers in the programme.
Q.4) Examine the challenges in implementing the vehicular scrapping policy in India and suggest
measures for effective enforcement. (15 Marks; 250 Words)
Approach
Introduction: Briefing about the India's vehicular scrapping policy
Body:
Demand 1: Challenges in Implementing the Vehicular Scrapping Policy
Demand 2: Measures for Effective Enforcement
Conclusion: End with sum up
Introduction: India's vehicular scrapping policy aims to phase out old, polluting vehicles by providing
incentives for scrapping and promoting the purchase of new, fuel-efficient vehicles. It targets vehicles
older than 15-20 years to reduce emissions and improve road safety.
Challenges in Implementing the Vehicular Scrapping Policy
● Inadequate Infrastructure: Currently, India has only seven automated fitness test centres
and two authorized scrappage centres, which is insufficient to handle the volume of vehicles
that need to be scrapped.
○ With an estimated 51 lakh light motor vehicles (LMVs) older than 20 years and 34
lakh LMVs older than 15 years on the road, the existing infrastructure is
overwhelmed and cannot meet the demand for scrapping and testing.
● Voluntary Nature of the Policy: The scrappage policy is largely voluntary, which means many
vehicle owners may choose to retain their older vehicles despite the incentives.
○ Approximately 17 lakh medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCVs) are older
than 15 years without valid fitness certificates, indicating a substantial population
of vehicles that could be scrapped but remain in use.
● Limited Awareness and Engagement: There is a general lack of awareness among the public
regarding the benefits of the scrappage policy. Many vehicle owners are unaware of the
financial incentives available for scrapping old vehicles.
● Financial Constraints for Small Operators: Many small operators and individual vehicle
owners may not have the financial resources to purchase new vehicles after scrapping their
old ones.
● Lack of Stringent Enforcement: Existing regulations regarding vehicle emissions and fitness
testing are often poorly enforced. This lack of enforcement undermines the scrappage
policy's objectives, as many old and polluting vehicles continue to operate without being
scrapped.
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Measures for Effective Enforcement
● Strengthening Infrastructure: The government should invest in establishing more scrapping
and fitness testing facilities across the country, especially in states with high vehicle
populations.
○ Public-private partnerships could be explored to expedite the development of this
infrastructure.
● Enhancing Awareness Campaigns: Need to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to
educate vehicle owners about the benefits of the scrappage policy and the available
incentives that can drive participation.
● Financial Support for Small Operators: The government should introduce financial aid or
low-interest loans for small operators and individual vehicle owners can help them
transition to new vehicles after scrapping their old ones.
● Streamlining the Deregistration Process: The Government should simplify the process of
deregistering vehicles will make it easier for owners to comply with the scrappage policy.
● Incentivizing State Support: The Central Government should encourage state governments
to provide additional incentives, such as tax rebates or subsidies for scrapping old vehicles,
can enhance the effectiveness of the national policy.
Conclusion: To ensure the success of the vehicular scrapping policy, strengthening infrastructure,
enhancing public awareness, providing financial support, and streamlining processes are crucial.
Collaborative efforts between central and state governments are essential to effectively enforce and
achieve policy objectives.
Q.5) Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities
and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming
this new organisation? (15M, 250 words)
Approach:
Introduction: Give answer about BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC or not.
Body:
Demand 1: Similarities and dissimilarities between the BIMSTEC and SAARC.
Demand 2: Indian Foreign Policy Objectives through BIMSTEC
Way forward: Give suggestions
Introduction: BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation) is often seen as a complementary rather than a parallel organization to SAARC (South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). While both focus on regional cooperation, they differ
significantly in their membership, objectives, and operational focus.
Similarities and dissimilarities between the BIMSTEC and SAARC:
● Similarities:
○ Regional Cooperation: Both organizations aim to promote regional cooperation
among member countries in areas like trade, security, and socio-economic
development.
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○ Membership Overlap: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal are
members of both organizations, reflecting a common interest in regional
collaboration.
○ Focus on Development: Both organizations prioritize economic development,
poverty alleviation, and regional integration.
● Differences:
○ Geographical Scope: SAARC is a regional organization limited to South Asia, while
BIMSTEC is an inter-regional forum that connects South Asia with Southeast Asia.
○ Membership: SAARC has 8 members (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), while BIMSTEC has 7 members
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand).
○ Frequency of Meetings: SAARC has held 18 summits in the last 32 years, while
BIMSTEC has had only 4 summits in its 22-year history, indicating a slower pace of
progress.
○ Objectives: SAARC has more ambitious objectives, such as improving self-reliance
and advancing social progress, economic growth, and cultural development, while
BIMSTEC's focus is primarily on regional and economic integration.
○ Resources: The SAARC Secretariat has larger resources compared to the BIMSTEC
Secretariat, which faces staffing and financial constraints.
○ Trade Performance: In the last decade, trade among BIMSTEC members increased by
6%, while in SAARC, it has remained around 5% since its inception.
Indian Foreign Policy Objectives through BIMSTEC:
● Regional Connectivity: BIMSTEC aligns with India's Act East Policy, aiming to enhance
connectivity with Southeast Asia through infrastructure projects, trade routes, and energy
cooperation.
● Strategic Balance: By engaging in BIMSTEC, India can counterbalance Chinese influence in
the region and promote a cooperative security framework, particularly in the Bay of Bengal.
● Economic Integration: BIMSTEC provides India with an alternative platform to push for
regional economic integration, especially when SAARC's progress is stalled by geopolitical
tensions.
● Counter-Terrorism and Security: BIMSTEC facilitates closer cooperation on
counter-terrorism, maritime security, and disaster management, aligning with India’s
broader security objectives.
Way forward:
● Strengthening Institutional Framework and Resources: To enhance the effectiveness of
BIMSTEC, member states should invest in expanding the resources and capacities of the
BIMSTEC Secretariat.
● Enhancing Regional Projects and Connectivity: BIMSTEC should prioritize the
implementation of key regional infrastructure and connectivity projects, such as the BIMSTEC
Master Plan for Transport Connectivity.
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