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10 min read

Notes

Social Sector Initiatives

Definition/Introduction

Social sector initiatives refer to various government schemes and programs aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, particularly in areas such as education, health, employment, and social security.

Constitutional Provisions

  • **Article 41** - Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.
  • **Article 45** - Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.
  • **Article 47** - Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.

    • Historical Evolution

    Social sector initiatives in India have evolved significantly since independence. The early years focused on basic needs, while the 1990s saw a shift towards targeted interventions. The 21st century has seen comprehensive policies aimed at inclusive growth.

    Classification/Types

    1. **Health Initiatives**: Programs aimed at improving public health, such as the National Health Mission (NHM) and Ayushman Bharat.

    2. **Education Initiatives**: Schemes like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

    3. **Employment Initiatives**: Employment guarantee schemes like MGNREGA and skill development programs like the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    4. **Social Security Initiatives**: Programs such as the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI).

    Important Provisions/Features

  • **MGNREGA**: Guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
  • **ICDS**: Aims to provide food, preschool education, and primary healthcare to children under 6 years and their mothers.
  • **NHM**: Focuses on strengthening rural healthcare and ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
  • **Ayushman Bharat**: Provides health coverage to economically vulnerable families.

    • Landmark Judgments

  • **Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan** (1997) - Established guidelines for preventing sexual harassment at the workplace.
  • **Mohini Jain v. State of Karnataka** (1992) - Recognized the right to education as a fundamental right under Article 21.

    • Amendments

  • **86th Amendment** (2002) - Made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years.

    • Comparison Tables

    | Feature | MGNREGA | Atal Pension Yojana |

    |---------|---------|---------------------|

    | Type | Employment | Social Security |

    | Target | Rural Households | Unorganized Sector Workers |

    | Coverage| 100 days of work | Pension for elderly |

    UPSC Exam Focus

  • Frequently asked aspects include the constitutional basis for social sector initiatives and significant government schemes.
  • Tricky areas often involve distinguishing between different schemes and their specific targets and benefits.

    • Recent Developments

  • **Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Extension**: Recently extended to 2030–31, highlighting the government's commitment to social security for unorganised sector workers. This aligns with the ongoing discourse on social security in India.
  • **Roadmap for Green Transition of MSMEs**: This report emphasizes the integration of sustainable practices in the MSME sector, which is crucial for employment generation and economic growth, thereby impacting the social sector positively.

    • ### Exam Relevance

    These current developments illustrate the dynamic nature of social sector policies and their alignment with national goals. They reflect the government's ongoing efforts to enhance social security, economic stability, and sustainable development.

    ### Possible Question Angles

    1. Discuss the significance of the Atal Pension Yojana in providing social security to unorganised sector workers.

    2. Analyze the impact of the Roadmap for Green Transition of MSMEs on employment and environment.

    Key Concepts

    Article 41 - Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.

    Article 45 - Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.

    Article 47 - Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.

    Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) - 2005

    Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) - Launched in 1975

    National Health Mission (NHM) - Launched in 2005

    Atal Pension Yojana (APY) - Launched in 2015

    Ayushman Bharat - Launched in 2018

    Important Facts

    • •[2005] MGNREGA assures 100 days of wage employmentThis employment guarantee scheme is pivotal for rural development and is frequently mentioned in exams.
    • •[2002 (86th Amendment)] Right to Education was made a fundamental rightThis amendment is crucial for understanding educational initiatives in India.
    • •[2018] Ayushman Bharat launched in 2018This initiative is significant for its aim to provide health coverage to economically vulnerable families.
    • •[1975] Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) launched in 1975ICDS is a cornerstone of India's efforts in early childhood education and nutrition.
    • •[2015] Atal Pension Yojana (APY) launched in 2015APY has become a significant part of social security discussions in recent years.
    • •[2005] National Health Mission (NHM) initiated in 2005NHM is critical for understanding public health initiatives in India.

    Mnemonics & Memory Tricks

    Social Sector Initiatives

    HEEAS - Health, Education, Employment, Aged security, Social welfare

    Constitutional Articles for Social Sector

    4E - 41, 45, 47 for Education, Employment, and Health

    Major Schemes Chronology

    IMAP - ICDS, MGNREGA, APY, NHM