25th September 2024

Article: 25^th September, 2024

Topic: SC Judgement on Child Pornography

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Polity

Source: Livelaw

Context

• The Supreme Court ruled that under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), 2012, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, individuals who view, download, store, possess, distribute, or display pornographic acts featuring children may be charged with a crime.
  
  

Background

• The Just Right for Children Alliance, an NGO, appealed a Madras High Court ruling, which led to the Supreme Court’s decision.
• The POCSO Act does not criminalize viewing or downloading of child-related pornography from private domains, according to the ruling of the High Court.
  
  

Judgement from the Supreme Court

• The POCSO Act should be amended by the Supreme Court, which recommended that “Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material,” or CSEAM, be used in place of the term “child pornography.”
• Given that pornography is frequently viewed as an adult act that is consented to, the term “child pornography” may serve to trivialize the offense.
• The Information Technology (IT) Act’s Section 67B, according to the court, makes it illegal to use, transmit, or publish pornographic materials, including those that feature children.
• Additionally, it has made it illegal to browse, create, collect, facilitate, or entice children into engaging in any kind of sexual activity online.

• The POCSO Act’s Section 15 makes it illegal to store child porn with the intention of sharing or transmitting it.

• The court established the concept of “constructive possession,” which states that a person was responsible if, at any given time, he possessed a constant level of ability and knowledge to direct, influence, change, modify, or destroy the material.

India’s efforts to resolve the matter

• The Information Technology (IT) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act are two laws that the Cyber Crime Unit (CCU) handles.
• The goal of the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme is to provide the nation with an efficient system for dealing with cybercrimes against women and children.
• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) carries out awareness campaigns, collaborates with law enforcement, and steps in when necessary to protect children.

• The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is responsible for coordinating national law enforcement responses to cybercrime, including the dissemination of child pornography.
• Cyber Tipline: Run by The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), it’s the place to report child sexual exploitation.

Conclusion 

• With its decision, the Supreme Court has fundamentally changed how child sexual exploitation crimes are perceived and prosecuted in India.
• The decision has made it clear that society can no longer downplay or misrepresent these horrible acts.
• The court’s recommendations call for a thorough, multidimensional strategy that includes support networks, awareness raising about sex education in India, and changes to the law to shield kids from abuse and exploitation.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding POSCO Act

1. The Act mandates that anyone with knowledge of or reason to suspect that a child sexual abuse crime has been committed report such cases.
2. Abuse by family members or friends is not covered by the POCSO Act; it only applies to children who have been sexually abused by strangers.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: a

Explanation

Anyone who knows or has reason to suspect that a child sexual abuse crime has been committed is required by the POSCO Act to report such cases.
The Act offers a broad legal framework that is intended to shield minors from sexual abuse, irrespective of the relationship between the offender and the victim—a family member, friend, or stranger.

Mains Model Questions

Q. Considering the difficulties it faces, describe how well the POCSO Act addresses child sexual abuse.

Protection measures: Child line, a round-the-clock hotline for kids in need, has been very helpful in supporting and guiding young victims.

• Improved reporting and awareness: Since the POCSO Act was passed, there has been an increase in the number of child sexual abuse cases that have been reported, which suggests that reporting and awareness have improved.
• Protection of children’s rights: The Act makes sure that minor victims’ identities are kept private throughout court cases, shielding them from possible stigma.

Challenges faced by the implementation

• Low conviction rates: According to the analysis “A Decade of Pocso,” only 14% of child sexual abuse cases under the POCSO Act result in a conviction. This suggests that there are shortcomings in the investigative and prosecution processes.
• Underreporting and social stigma: An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India found that a sizable portion of cases of child sexual abuse remain unreported.
• Protracted court cases and delayed justice: A Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy report states that resolving a POCSO case takes one year and five months.
• Inadequate enforcement and implementation: The prompt resolution of cases is impacted in certain areas by a deficiency of experienced prosecutors and specialized courts.
• Digital difficulties Specialized cybercrime units and partnerships with tech companies are required due to the proliferation of child sexual abuse materials, which has been made easier by the growing use of social media and encrypted messaging platforms.
  
  

Steps to improve its effectiveness

• Enhancing reporting channels: Set up private, easily accessible channels for reporting issues, like hotlines, websites, and complaint centers that are kid-friendly.
• Building capacity: Judges can receive specialized training from the National Judicial Academy in India to improve their knowledge of children’s rights and the legal ramifications of child sexual abuse cases.
• Interagency coordination: To effectively handle child abuse cases, the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) can be used to coordinate efforts amongst multiple stakeholders, such as law enforcement, medical professionals, and child welfare committees.
• Rehabilitation and support services: Setting up kid-friendly Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAAs) can help children who have been sexually abused by offering them a place to stay, guidance, and rehabilitation support.
• Enhancing precautions against digital dangers: Boost initiatives to prevent child sex abuse online by enhancing cybercrime investigation teams, raising cyberawareness, and enhancing digital safety protocols.
• Working together with civil society and NGOs: The government can assist in the implementation of child protection laws, such as the POCSO Act, by working with groups like Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) and Child Rights and You (CRY).

Conclusion: By putting these policies into place, the POCSO Act’s ability to combat child sexual abuse can be improved, protecting victims’ rights, encouraging preventative measures, and fostering a safer environment for kids.

Article: 25^th September, 2024

Topic: Atrocities against SCs

Relevance: GS Paper: 1 – Social Issues

Source: The Indian Express

Context

• According to a recent government report, 13 states accounted for 98.91% of the atrocities committed against Scheduled Tribes (STs) in 2022.
  
  

Important Details of the Report

• SC cases: Uttar Pradesh accounted for 23.78% of all cases filed under the law for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in 2022, with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh following closely behind.
• The following states had notable rates of atrocities against SCs: Odisha (6.93%), Maharashtra (5.24%), and Bihar (13.16%).
• Approximately 81% of all cases were in these six states.
• Cases involving STs: Thirteen States accounted for the bulk of the atrocity cases involving STs.
• The highest percentage (30.61%) was reported by Madhya Pradesh, followed by Rajasthan (25.66%) and Odisha (7.34%).
• Other States with notable percentages of cases were Andhra Pradesh (5.13%) and Maharashtra (7.10%).

• Reduction in Conviction Rates: As a result of the Act, the conviction rate fell from 39.2% in 2020 to 32.4% in 2022.
• Absence of Special Courts: The report made note of the insufficient number of special courts established to hear cases in accordance with the law.
• Just 194 of the 498 districts in the 14 States had special courts set up to handle these cases more quickly.
• Five states—Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh—have established special police stations for the purpose of filing complaints regarding offenses against SCs and STs.
  
  

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

• One important piece of Indian law that tries to stop discrimination and atrocities against SC and ST people is the SC and STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
• Atrocities: The Act lists particular behaviors that are deemed atrocities, including force, physical assault, and economic exploitation.

• All offenses specified in the Act are considered cognizable offenses.
  – Without a warrant, the police can apprehend the offender and begin their investigation without a judge’s approval.
• Punishments: The Act specifies the minimum and maximum penalties.
  – In most cases, the minimum sentence is six months in jail, and the maximum is five years in prison plus a fine.
  – In certain instances, the maximum penalty can be life in prison or even the death penalty, while the minimum is increased to one year.
• Fast Track Courts: It requires the creation of unique courts to expedite the trial of criminal cases.
• No Anticipatory Bail: To guarantee that the complaints are handled seriously, provisions are in place that prohibit anticipatory bail for those who are accused.
• Implementation: State governments are tasked with ensuring the implementation of the Act, including the appointment of special public prosecutors.
  
  

Articles of the Constitution

• Article 15: Outlaws discrimination on the basis of caste, sex, religion, race, or place of birth.
• Article 17: Outlaws “untouchability” and prohibits the use of it in any way.
• Article 46: Preserves social justice and advances the economic and educational rights of SCs and STs.
• Article 338: Creates the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, whose duties include looking into and keeping an eye on the application of SC protections.
• Article 339: Gives the President the authority to step in and manage Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes on behalf of their well-being.
  
  

India’s Need for SC and ST Safeguards

• Historical Injustice: Social and economic inequality have resulted from centuries of systematic discrimination and oppression against SCs and STs.
• Atrocities and Violence: Physical assault, sexual assault, and economic exploitation are among the violence and atrocities that disproportionately affect SCs and STs.
• Social Stigma: They frequently experience social exclusion, which leaves them open to additional abuse and prejudice.
• Political Marginalization: Affirmative action laws have been necessary historically because SCs and STs have had little representation in the political and administrative domains.
• Encouraging Inclusion: In order to create an inclusive society and lessen caste-based discrimination, safeguards are essential.
  
  

Challenges in the Act’s Implementation

• Lack of Knowledge: Because many SC and ST people are not aware of their rights under the Act, atrocities go unreported.
• Fear of Retaliation: Victims are discouraged from filing complaints because they fear retaliation from offenders or from their communities.
• Social Isolation: Victims may become socially isolated as a result of reporting crimes, which deters them from pursuing justice.
• Corruption: When law enforcement personnel are corrupted, investigations are biased and punishments for offenders are insufficient.
• Manipulation of Provisions: The Act has occasionally been applied unfairly to members of non-SC/ST communities, which has sparked anger and calls for its repeal.
• Cultural Norms: The Act faces opposition due to deeply ingrained caste prejudices and societal norms, which makes enforcement more difficult.
  
  

Conclusion 

• Government, civic society, and the communities themselves must work together to find a solution for the inclusion of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• India can create a more just society that respects and uplifts SC and ST communities by emphasizing social awareness, economic empowerment, legal protections, and education.
  
  

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

1. 1. According to the act, insulting someone who is a member of the SC or ST is illegal.
2. Generally speaking, the Act prohibits the granting of anticipatory bail to an accused person.
3. The act does not mandate a preliminary investigation prior to the filing of a First Information Report.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 2
4. 1 2, 3

Ans: b

Explanation

The Supreme Court ruled in a ruling that any insults or intimidations directed towards members of Dalit or tribal communities will not be considered crimes under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. A person will only be considered to have been insulted or intimidated under the Act if the victim is a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.

Generally speaking, the Act prohibits the granting of anticipatory bail to an accused person.
The act does not mandate a preliminary investigation prior to the filing of a First Information Report.

Mains Model Questions

Q. To what extent do extant legal frameworks, like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, effectively deter and prosecute acts of violence and discrimination against marginalized communities? Is there potential for development? If so, what? Describe.

Introduction:

The Act enumerates a number of offenses, such as denial of economic, democratic, and social rights, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse of the legal system, that are related to different patterns or behaviors that cause criminal offenses and violate the community’s self-respect and esteem of the scheduled castes and tribes.

Body:

PoA was passed in order to shield marginalized groups from injustices and discrimination:

• Awareness: The POA has raised public awareness of the various atrocities that SCs and STs must endure, which has guaranteed a decline in crime as a result of the ensuing legal penalties.
• Mindset Shift: As a result of the act, upper caste attitudes toward SCs and STs have improved.
• Empowerment: POA has increased Dalits’ involvement in politics. Better healthcare and educational opportunities are now available to SCs and STs without much discrimination. Dalits have benefited economically from the act as a result of having more equitable access to government grants and funding. Thus, the act has ensured the inclusive development of the Indian economy.
  
  

Several facts cast doubt on the efficacy of the SC/ST PoA Act. These include:

• One of India’s most frequently broken laws is the POA Act. Many use this act as a way to exact revenge or to discredit an innocent person.
• Crimes against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities increased by 7.3% and 26.5%, respectively, in 2019, according to the NCRB report.
• State-by-state, Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in the number of crimes against SCs, with 11,829 cases—or 25.8% of all cases—followed by Rajasthan with 6,794 cases—14.8% of all cases—Bihar (14.2%), Madhya Pradesh (11.5%), and Bihar.
• Law system: As a result, there is a significant backlog of atrocity crime cases and a protracted resolution process. The Special Courts lack sufficient funding.
  
  

Potential for improvement:

• Registration of Cases: To ensure that there is no misunderstanding or uncertainty among the investigators regarding the process to be followed, Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) should be developed for filing and investigating cases.
• In these kinds of cases, judges, attorneys, and police officers must receive training and capacity building. The prosecution Lawyers who successfully prosecute legitimate cases ought to be compensated.
• Research: Studies on the kinds of penalties that can deter people or communities from committing crimes in the future in lieu of incarceration are necessary.

Conclusion:
The goal of our constitution writers cannot be achieved by laws alone; instead, educational reforms throughout the nation and the economic and educational advancement of underprivileged communities, such as India’s SCs and STs, are necessary to address the underlying causes of discrimination.

Article: 25^th September, 2024

Topic: Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) for Prosperity Meeting

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 -International Relations

Source: PIB

Context

• The Crisis Response Network meeting was held after the first in-person meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) for Prosperity, which was attended by the Indian delegation in Washington, DC.
  
  

Important points

• The Council formed three Action Plan Teams for the following three sectors: chemicals, semiconductors, and critical minerals with an emphasis on batteries.
• Two subcommittees were also formed to address cross-cutting issues.
• Enhancing logistics services and infrastructure in the IPEF region would be made easier with the support of the Subcommittee on Logistics and Movement of Goods.
• By exchanging analytical approaches to supply chain exposures and risk, the Subcommittee on Data and Analytics would expand on the work already done by IPEF countries.
  
  

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

• Including 14 nations (Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and USA), IPEF was introduced in Tokyo, Japan, in 2022.

• In order to promote growth, economic stability, and prosperity in the region, the IPEF works to enhance economic engagement and cooperation among partner nations.
• The IPEF bloc as a whole is responsible for 28% of global trade and 40% of global economic output.
• The four pillars of trade (Pillar I), supply chain resilience (Pillar II), the clean economy (Pillar III), and the fair economy (Pillar IV) make up the framework.
  
  

Supply Chain Resilience Agreement

• In 2024, the IPEF’s Supply Chain Resilience Agreement (Pillar II Agreement) went into force with the goal of enhancing supply chains through partner countries’ economic cooperation.
• Three institutional bodies have been established under this agreement: the Labour Rights Advisory Board (LRAB), the Crisis Response Network (CRN), and the Supply Chain Council (SCC).
  
  

Way Forward

• The necessity of securing a consistent supply of essential minerals has become increasingly apparent as a result of the paradigm shift brought about by the growth in technological advancements and the demand for clean energy solutions.
• Due to its concentration and the nature of the global market, supply risk is one of the main obstacles. Price volatility and uncertainty can cause supply disruptions.
• India now has the chance to look at members as potential substitute suppliers for its raw material needs. This could lessen China’s disproportionate reliance on India for these inputs.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. What countries are part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)?

1. The USA
2. Thailand

3. Vietnam

4. China
5. India
From the codes provided below, choose the appropriate response;

a. 1, 2 and 3 only

b. 2 and 4 only

c. 1, 3 and 5 only

d. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

Ans: c

Explanation

Launched by the US President, IPEF stands for Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.
This group comprises all four Quad countries, seven of the ten members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and New Zealand, which accounts for approximately 40% of the world’s GDP.
However, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos—three ASEAN nations seen as being closer to China—do not belong to the IPEF.

Mains Model Questions

Q. India has made the decision to withdraw from the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework’s (IPEF) trade pillar. What is the reasoning behind this choice, and what are the ramifications?

Introduction:

The United States is attempting to strengthen its relationship with Asian countries by means of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which addresses a number of topics such as trade, supply chains, taxation, and climate change. It’s one of the tools the US uses to offset China’s growing sway. Tax, anti-corruption, and clean energy are the three of the four trade pillars related to supply chains that India has agreed to.

Body:

Justification for this decision:

• Data Localization: According to the United States, India’s planned requirements for data localization will impede entry into the market, particularly for smaller businesses. Nonetheless, India is a major proponent of data localization to safeguard personal information and maintain personal data and upholding national security.
• Workplace and environmental standards: The IPEF enforces more stringent requirements for both, far exceeding the current standards in India. Such strict measures may hamper investment flows into India thereby limiting the benefits. Moreover, it is against India’s official position to include such standards in free trade agreements.
• Although IPEF discusses digital governance, some of its formulations run counter to India’s declared stance.
• It’s unclear what benefits members will receive and whether certain requirements would be unfair to developing nations.

Implications

• It will be detrimental to the economy’s long-term prospects.
• India will benefit from these preferential agreements over other nations, especially in lowering trade diversion.
• India appears to be more affected than other countries in the future by the global slowdown as the trade pie gets smaller. Out of the top five exporters, excluding China, India’s growth is currently the slowest in the US textile and apparel market.

Conclusion: India is dedicated to seeing the Indo-Pacific area free, open, and welcoming to all. In the Indo-Pacific region, connectivity must be established on the basis of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as good governance, consultation, transparency, viability, and sustainability.

Article: 25^th September, 2024

Topic: 6 years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Health

Source: PIB

Context

• Over the course of six years, PM-JAY has revolutionized healthcare by providing millions of people with essential coverage and easing the financial burden of medical bills.
  
  

About AB PM-JAY

• On September 23, 2018, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was introduced.
• One of India’s main initiatives towards attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the program.
• Origin: The National Health Policy of 2017 established the Ayushman Bharat initiative, of which PM-JAY is a component.
• Target Audience: Over 12 crore families, or approximately 55 crore individuals, are expected to be covered by the programme.
• According to the Socio-Economic Caste Census of 2011, the program gives priority to the 40% of the population that is the poorest.
• Benefits and Coverage: It is acknowledged that PM-JAY is the biggest health assurance program in the world.
• It offers health coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
• The program’s main goal is to provide healthcare to the most marginalized populations in India.
  
  

Features

• Cashless Access to Healthcare: Recipients are able to access healthcare services at the point of care without having to pay for their own treatments out of pocket.
• Reducing Adverse Health Care Costs: Over six crore Indians are kept out of poverty each year by PM-JAY, which pays for a sizable portion of their medical bills.
• Coverage for Pre- and Post-Hospitalization: The plan pays for up to three days of pre-hospitalization costs and fifteen days of post-hospitalization costs, which include prescription drugs and diagnostic tests.
• No Age or Family Size Restrictions: PM-JAY guarantees inclusivity for all by placing no limitations on age, gender, or family size.
• Coverage from Day One: All pre-existing medical conditions are taken care of as soon as a patient enrolls, guaranteeing prompt medical attention.
• All-inclusive Service Package: AB PM-JAY provides all-inclusive coverage for 1,949 medical procedures in 27 different medical specialties, such as cardiology, general medicine, surgery, and oncology. Benefit recipients receive free diagnostic tests (up to three days prior to admission), free meals, free housing, and free medications (including 15 days of post-discharge medication).

Extension of PM-JAY:

• The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been approved for expansion by the Union Cabinet.
• Seniors 70 years of age and older can now receive full health insurance through the expansion.
• Regardless of income, the program offers free health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family.
  
  

Achievements

• The goal of PM-JAY has been to address India’s pervasive health disparities over the last six years.
• The transition from divided healthcare services to an integrated, need-based strategy is symbolized by PM-JAY.
• By guaranteeing that “no one is left behind,” the program promotes health equity for all.
• Over 35.4 crore Ayushman cards had been issued as of September 9, 2024, increasing millions of people’s access to healthcare.

• Except for NCT Delhi, West Bengal, and Odisha, the program is implemented in 33 States and Union Territories.
• Women have been issued 49% of Ayushman cards. With 30,529 empanelled hospitals—17,063 public and 13,466 private—beneficiaries have access to an extensive array of healthcare choices.
• The amount spent on healthcare out of pocket has decreased by 21% as a result of the Ayushman Bharat initiative.

• Financial Relief: Families can now concentrate more on their well-being without having to worry about money worries thanks to this financial relief.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

1. The goal of its launch is universal health coverage.
2. It is the biggest health assurance program in the world, fully funded by the federal government, with the federal and state governments splitting the implementation costs.

3. Only those sixty years of age and older are eligible to use it.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans: c

Explanation

In order to attain Universal Health Coverage, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (AB-PMJAY) was introduced in 2018.
The Central and State Governments split the implementation costs of the largest health assurance program in the world, which is fully funded by the government.
There are no age, gender, or family size restrictions under this Yojana.

Mains Model Questions

Q. Discuss about the features of Pradhan Mantri. Arogya Yojana Jan. How would it ensure the health of Indian citizens, particularly the underprivileged?

Introduction:

Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s (MoHFW) Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a centrally sponsored scheme with a central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission. A significant national health reform known as PMJAY aims to quickly increase 500 million poor and vulnerable people’s access to hospital care. It is billed as the biggest healthcare program in the world.

Body:

Important aspects of the AB-PMJAY National Health Protection Mission include:

• A defined benefit cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year is offered by AB-PMJAY. Nearly all secondary care and the majority of tertiary care procedures will be covered by this coverage.
• There will be no age or family size restrictions under the plan to guarantee that no one is left behind, especially women, kids, and the elderly.
• Additionally covered by the benefits will be pre- and post-hospitalization costs. The policy will begin to cover all pre-existing conditions on the first day of coverage. The beneficiary will also receive a set transportation allowance for each hospital stay.
• A beneficiary covered by the program may collect cashless benefits from any public or private hospital in the nation. The benefits are transferable throughout the nation.

How would the plan guarantee the poor in India’s health?

• Both cash and most paper will be eliminated from the system. This will lead to the intended benefits and stop leaks and corruption in the scheme.
• The program is expected to help the underprivileged and vulnerable.These benefits are available to over 10.74 crore impoverished and vulnerable families, or roughly 50 crore beneficiaries.
• It will support the health system’s accountability, affordability, and quality.It is anticipated that Ayushman Bharat will progress India’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC).
• This will guarantee that no one faces financial hardship and that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare services when and when they need them—a goal shared by the WHO South-East Asia Region.
• Since the launch of PMJAY, nearly half of all eligible families are now covered for hospitalcare.

Issues/Difficulties with the scheme:

• Significant disparities still exist. At least 4% of the population in India live in poverty as a result of having to pay for their own healthcare, amounting to millions of people.
• Setting fair prices is important because hospital costs for the same procedure will probably vary depending on factors like capacity, quality, and location.
• Severe shortages in the availability of services, including hospitals, diagnostic centers, and human resources in both the public and private sectors.
• Because Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojana lacked this mechanism, which resulted in its poor implementation, oversight and accountability were lacking.
• Limitations on the infrastructure to handle the extra patients from other States.

Conclusion: Real-time implementation monitoring is required. This will make it possible to identify issues early on, improving accountability and making necessary course corrections easier.The National Health Policy commits to increasing the GDP portion allotted to health from 1.2% to 2.5% by 2022. Hospital care that is both economical and efficient must support this.

Article: 25^th September, 2024

Topic: Wildlife Habitats Development Scheme

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Environment

Source: Hindustan Times

Context

• The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme, which has an overall budget of ₹2,602.98 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle, has been approved by the Union Cabinet.

Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH)

• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) was established by incorporating additional elements and activities into the former “Assistance for the Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries” scheme. IDWH is a continuous Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• The plan’s elements are as follows:
• assistance for protected areas (community reserves, conservation reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks)
• Wildlife Protection Outside of Protected Areas
• Programs for the recovery of severely endangered species and their habitats
• The program aims to increase technological interventions in various thematic areas of forests that support tigers and other wildlife.

Various Plans under IDWH

• Project Tiger: In an effort to support tiger conservation, the Central government-initiated Project Tiger in 1973.
• For daily management procedures, Project Tiger currently makes use of technology like the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for

Tigers, Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) application.

• Project Elephant: The Government of India initiated Project Elephant (PE) in 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with the following goals:
  – To safeguard elephants’ habitat and passageways
  – To address the conflict between humans and elephants
  – The well-being of tamed elephants

• Creation of Wildlife Habitat: Project Dolphin and Project Lion are among them.
  It is suggested that Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and passive acoustic monitoring equipment be provided to Project Dolphin in order to count dolphins as well as their habitat.

Importance of the plan

• Through direct participation, the program generates more than 50 lakh man-days of livelihood, in addition to indirect employment through eco-tourism and related activities.
• It will benefit 718 protected areas, 33 elephant reserves, 55 tiger reserves, and their zones.
• Furthermore, efforts will be made to further the cause of keystone species inhabiting these landscapes, particularly the tiger, elephant, cheetah, snow leopard, and lion, which serve as indicators of these ecosystems.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements

1. Population monitoring and assessment of threatened species, such as humpback whales and marine turtles, are given priority under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat (IDWH) scheme.
2. The Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve was created to protect dugongs and other marine species related to seagrass.
3. The government’s Project Dolphin initiative aims to conserve exclusively species of riverine dolphins.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans: c

Explanation

The Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat (IDWH) program gives priority to the assessment and population monitoring of threatened species, including humpback whales and marine turtles. Palk Bay’s Dugong Conservation Reserve was created to protect dugongs and other marine life related to seagrass.
The government’s effort to conserve riverine and oceanic dolphin species is known as Project Dolphin.

Mains Model Questions

Q. Human-wild animal conflicts are on the rise as human settlements grow and invade wildlife habitats. Suggest recommendations for actions that will help people and wildlife coexist.

Introduction:

There is pressure on the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and human settlements. According to government data for 2022–2023, there were over 8,800 attacks by wild animals in India.
In addition to endangering public safety, this growing tension also threatens the survival of many animal species.

Body:

Increasing Animal-Human Conflict:

• Loss of habitat and fragmentation of existing habitats due to human settlement expansion push wildlife into areas dominated by humans in search of food, water, and shelter. Conflicts and interactions between people and wildlife are more likely as a result.
• Concerns regarding habitat loss and disruption of wildlife corridors have arisen as a result of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway Project, which may increase human-animal conflicts in the area.
• Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: These two factors are causing habitats to change, interrupting wildlife migration patterns and natural behavior, which pushes wildlife into human-populated areas in search of resources.
• Zebras, elephants, and wildebeests are fleeing Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park in order to avoid the country’s drought.
• Crop-raiding by animals increases in frequency when agricultural activities spread into wildlife habitats, resulting in retaliation from farmers and conflicts with wildlife.
• People’s Attitudes and Ignorance: Conflicts and animal retaliation can occasionally be attributed to prejudices against wildlife, ignorance of their ecological significance, and false beliefs about their behavior.
  
  

Strategies for Coexisting Humans and Animals:

• The establishment of vital habitat corridors that link fragmented habitats and permit wildlife movement without causing conflict with human settlements is a key component of landscape-level planning.
• Urban planning: Including green areas and wildlife corridors in the design of cities to make them animal-friendly.
• Reduced Human-Animal Conflict: Non-lethal Deterrents: To prevent wildlife from entering human settlements, use scare tactics (lights and sounds), guard animals (livestock guardian dogs), and fencing.
• Participation in the Community and Education:
  – Education Initiatives: teaching the local population the value of coexistence and wildlife conservation through forest officials. This may encourage a feeling of responsibility and reduce fear.
• Opportunities for Livelihoods and Ecotourism: Encouraging ecotourism projects that bring in money for nearby communities so that people have a stake in protecting wildlife.
• Making the Most of Technological Advancements
  – Wildlife Monitoring: Track the movements of wildlife and identify possible conflict zones by using drones, camera traps, and other technologies.
  – Early Warning Systems: Creating early warning systems to notify nearby communities of the presence of wildlife so that precautions can be taken.

Conclusion: We can create the conditions for a peaceful coexistence of people and wildlife by putting into practice a variety of effective conflict management techniques, sustainable land-use practices, habitat conservation, and public awareness campaigns.