Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
• Discuss the transformative capacity of welfare schemes to positively impact the lives of India's most vulnerable populations.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

India has implemented various welfare schemes aimed at uplifting its vulnerable populations, including the poor, women, children, and the elderly. These schemes have been instrumental in addressing socio-economic disparities and improving the overall quality of life.

Body

Impact on Poverty Alleviation:

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): DBT has streamlined welfare payments, reducing leakages and ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): MGNREGA has provided livelihood security to millions of rural households, reducing poverty and distress migration.
  • A total of 5.6 crore households availed employment and a total of 225.8 crore person-days employment has been generated under the Scheme.
• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): NSAP provides financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and disabled persons, improving their standard of living.
  • The widow’s pension is shown to reduce poverty among recipients by about 2.7 percentage points.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) focuses on alleviating urban poverty through skill training and employment opportunities.
  • The Economic Survey, 2023 notes the noticeable rise in Rural Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) from 19.7% in 2018-19 to 27.7% in 2020-21.

Empowerment of Women:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): BBBP aims to address gender imbalance and promote the education of girls, leading to their empowerment.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): PMMVY provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers, improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality.

Enhancing Healthcare:

• Ayushman Bharat:
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): PMJAY provides health insurance cover to vulnerable families, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving access to healthcare.
  • Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): HWCs aim to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, especially in rural areas, improving health outcomes.

Education and Skill Development:

• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): SSA aims to provide universal access to quality education, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): PMKVY aims to impart skill training to youth, enhancing their employability and income opportunities.
  • Under the DDU-GKY, until 30 November 2022, a total of 13,06,851 candidates have been trained of which 7,89,685 have got job placements.

Housing and Infrastructure Development:

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to urban and rural poor, improving their living conditions.
  • A total of 2.7 crore houses have been sanctioned and 2.1 crore houses have been completed by Jan, 2023 under the Scheme.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): SBM aims to achieve universal sanitation coverage, reducing health hazards and improving the quality of life.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: PMGSY has connected rural areas with all-weather roads. It has improved access to markets, healthcare, and education in remote areas.
  • Since inception, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana helped create 1,73,775 number of roads and 7,789 Long Span Bridges(LSBs).

Conclusion

Welfare schemes in India have demonstrated a transformative capacity by positively impacting the lives of vulnerable populations. These schemes have not only alleviated poverty and improved healthcare but also empowered women, enhanced education, and developed infrastructure.