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Q1. Write a note on the principles and models of social policy.

Ans. Introduction: Social policy refers to a set of government actions, plans, and programs aimed at addressing social problems and enhancing the welfare of citizens within a society. It covers areas such as health, education, housing, social security, and employment. Its fundamental goal is to promote social justice, equity, and solidarity. Social policy is guided by various principles and several models have been developed to understand its framework. Principles of Social Policy: Social policy is guided by certain fundamental principles that determine its nature and direction.

• Principle of Need: This principle emphasizes that the allocation of social services should be based on the actual and identified needs of individuals or groups, rather than their ability to pay.
• Equity and Social Justice: It aims to ensure a fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights in society. It advocates for positive discrimination in favour of historically disadvantaged groups.
• Principle of Citizenship: This is based on the idea that citizens have certain social rights, such as the right to education, health, etc., and it is the duty of the state to fulfil these rights.
• Universality vs. Selectivity: Universal policies are available to all citizens (e.g., public education). In contrast, selective policies are meant for specific target groups (e.g., people below the poverty line). Both have their pros and cons.
• Principle of Solidarity: This promotes a sense of collective responsibility for the well-being of all members of society. It is based on the idea that members of a society are interdependent.

Models of Social Policy:

Various scholars have presented several models to understand the implementation of social policy. The models proposed by Richard Titmuss are most prominent:

• Residual Welfare Model: In this model, the role of the state is very limited. It is believed that the primary responsibility for meeting individuals’ needs lies with the family and the market. The state intervenes only when these two institutions fail, and this intervention acts as a ‘safety net’. This model is prominent in liberal countries like the USA.
• Industrial Achievement-Performance Model: In this model, social welfare is linked to economic growth and productivity. Social benefits and services are provided based on an individual’s work performance, contribution, and merit. This model is often seen in the form of occupational social security schemes.
• Institutional-Redistributive Model: In this model, social welfare is considered an integral and normal part of society. It holds that social services are a universal right for all. Its main objective is not just to alleviate poverty but to promote equality in society by redistributing resources. Scandinavian countries (like Sweden) are examples of this model.

Conclusion:

The principles and models of social policy play a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic framework of any country. In a developing country like India, the aim of social policy is to promote inclusive growth, incorporating elements from both the residual and institutional models.

Q2. Examine important approaches towards combating poverty.

Ans. Introduction: Poverty is a multidimensional problem that is not limited to a lack of income but also includes poor health, lack of education, lack of opportunities, and social exclusion. Combating poverty is a central objective of any social policy. Over time, various approaches to tackling poverty have evolved, ranging from economic growth to human rights. Major Approaches to Combating Poverty: 1. Economic Growth-Centric Approach (Trickle-Down Approach): This is one of the oldest approaches, which assumes that the benefits of overall economic growth (GDP growth) will eventually ‘trickle down’ to the poorest sections of society. According to this view, the government should promote investment and industrialization, which will create employment opportunities and increase incomes. However, critics argue that this approach often increases inequality as the benefits of growth are not distributed evenly. 2. Direct Poverty Alleviation Programs Approach: This approach recognizes that relying solely on economic growth is not sufficient. Therefore, it emphasizes programs that directly target the poor. In India, several schemes have been implemented under this approach:

• Employment Generation Schemes: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a prime example, guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• Food Security Programs: The Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme ensure that the poor receive food at subsidized rates or for free.
• Social Security Schemes: This includes pension schemes for the elderly, widows, and disabled.

3. Human Capital Development Approach:

This approach emphasizes investment in education, health, and skill development to reduce poverty. The argument is that a healthy and educated person is more productive and has better employment opportunities. Initiatives in India like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (now Samagra Shiksha), the National Health Mission, and the Skill India Mission are based on this approach. It is a long-term strategy to break the vicious cycle of poverty.

4. Social Empowerment and Rights-Based Approach:

This is a modern approach that views poverty not just as a lack of resources but as a denial of rights. It focuses on empowering the poor to change their situation and claim their rights. This approach includes:

• Participation and Decentralization: Promoting the participation of the poor in local governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Right to Information: Laws like the Right to Information Act (RTI) enable citizens to demand transparency and accountability in government functioning.
• Legal Entitlements: The National Food Security Act, 2013, which makes food a legal right, is an excellent example of this approach.

Conclusion:

Poverty is a complex problem with no single solution. An effective anti-poverty strategy requires a combination of all these approaches. Economic growth is necessary, but it must be inclusive. Direct interventions provide immediate relief, while investment in human capital ensures long-term solutions. Ultimately, a rights-based approach ensures that the development process is dignified, equitable, and sustainable.

Q3. Bring out the features of National Education Policy, 2020.

Ans. Introduction: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the first education policy of the 21st century, replacing the 34-year-old National Policy on Education, 1986. It aims to bring about comprehensive reforms in India’s education system to align it with global standards and establish India as a ‘knowledge superpower’. The policy is based on the foundational pillars of ‘Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability’. Key Features of NEP 2020: Reforms in School Education:

• New Curricular Structure (5+3+3+4): The traditional 10+2 structure has been replaced by a 5+3+3+4 structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years, respectively. This formalizes Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) into the system.
• Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: A ‘National Mission’ will be established to ensure that all children in Grade 3 achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by 2025.
• No Hard Separations: Students will not be siloed into streams like science, arts, and commerce. They will have the flexibility to choose subjects of their interest, promoting a multidisciplinary approach.
• Medium of Instruction in Mother Tongue: The policy recommends the medium of instruction until at least Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8 and beyond, to be the mother tongue/local language/regional language.
• Assessment Reforms: To discourage rote learning, the assessment system will be made ‘holistic, integrated, and competency-based’. A national assessment center, ‘PARAKH’, will be set up for this purpose.

Reforms in Higher Education:

• Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education: Undergraduate education will be made flexible, with provisions for multiple entry and exit points. Students can receive a certificate, diploma, or degree after a certain period.
• Target for Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): The policy aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035.
• Single Regulator: A single regulatory body, the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI), is proposed for all higher education, excluding medical and legal education. It will have four independent verticals for regulation, funding, standard-setting, and accreditation.
• Promotion of Research: A National Research Foundation (NRF) will be established to foster a culture of research and provide funding across the country.
• Internationalization: Top-ranked foreign universities will be permitted to open campuses in India to provide Indian students with global-standard education within the country.

Conclusion:

The National Education Policy 2020 is a visionary document with the potential to transform the Indian education system. It shifts the focus from rote learning to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. However, its success will depend on its effective and timely implementation, which will require strong coordination between the Centre, states, institutions, and educators.

Q4. Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each : (a) Public distribution systems (b) Sustainable Development Goals—Health targets

Ans. (a) Public Distribution System (PDS) The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a food security system operated by the Government of India. Its primary objective is to ensure the distribution of essential food items, particularly wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene, at fair prices to the weaker and poorer sections of society. This system is a crucial part of the country’s food security net and also helps in stabilizing food prices. The operation of PDS is a joint responsibility of the Central and State Governments. The Central Government, through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), handles the procurement of grains from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP), storage, and transportation to the states. In contrast, the State Governments are responsible for identifying beneficiaries, issuing ration cards, and distributing grains through a network of ‘Fair Price Shops’. Over time, the PDS has undergone several reforms. Initially a universal system, it was transformed into the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) in 1997, which divided beneficiaries into Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) categories. The National Food Security Act, 2013 provided it with a rights-based approach, giving a legal right to subsidized grains to about two-thirds of the population. Recent reforms include the ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ scheme, Aadhaar authentication, and end-to-end computerization of PDS, aimed at reducing leakages and corruption. (b) Sustainable Development Goals—Health targets The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, with a target to be achieved by 2030. Among these, Goal 3 (SDG 3) is to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” This goal places health at the center of development and recognizes that good health is fundamental to achieving all other goals. SDG 3 includes several specific targets that address various aspects of health:

• Maternal and Child Health: To reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births and end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
• Communicable Diseases: To end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): To reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (like heart disease, cancer, diabetes).
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse: To strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse and promote mental health and well-being.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): To achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

SDG 3 adopts a holistic approach, focusing not only on treating diseases but also on health promotion, prevention, and well-being. This goal is also closely linked to other SDGs such as poverty, hunger, education, and gender equality.

Q5. Examine the role of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

Ans. Introduction: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a constitutional body established to protect and promote the interests of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India. It was set up under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution through the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. Prior to this, there was a single joint commission for both Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This bifurcation was aimed at giving more focused attention to the specific issues of tribal communities. Composition and Powers of the Commission: The Commission consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other Members, appointed by the President. While discharging its functions, the Commission is vested with the powers of a civil court. It can issue summons to any person, demand any document, and receive evidence on affidavit. Role and Functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes: The role of the Commission is multifaceted, encompassing investigative, monitoring, advisory, and grievance redressal functions.

• Monitoring and Investigative Role: The most crucial function of the Commission is to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution or any other law. It ensures that laws and policies made for STs are effectively implemented.
• Advisory Role: The Commission participates in and advises on the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes. It makes recommendations to the Central and State governments on policies and measures to be adopted for tribal welfare. For instance, it advises on the implementation of laws like the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the PESA Act.
• Grievance Redressal Role: The Commission inquires into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Tribes. Any aggrieved person or group can approach the Commission directly. The Commission acts on these complaints and can issue directives to the concerned authorities.
• Reporting Role: The Commission is required to present a report on its activities to the President annually or whenever necessary. These reports are laid before both Houses of Parliament, which leads to national-level discussion on tribal issues and puts pressure on the government for accountability.
• Specific Functions: Article 338A also entrusts the Commission with specific responsibilities, such as measures to ensure ownership rights of tribes over minor forest produce, relief and rehabilitation for displaced tribal groups, preventing land alienation, and assessing the impact of development projects on tribals.

Conclusion:

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes plays a vital role as the guardian of the constitutional rights and interests of India’s tribal communities. It acts as a watchdog, advisor, and advocate, striving to ensure that tribals are not left behind in the development process. However, to make the Commission more effective, its recommendations must be implemented by governments in a timely manner, and it must be provided with adequate resources.

Q6. Discuss the features and components of National Creche Scheme.

Ans. Introduction: The National Creche Scheme, formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme, is a centrally sponsored scheme run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. The main objective of this scheme is to provide daycare facilities in a safe and stimulating environment for the children of working mothers, enabling women to participate in employment without anxiety. This scheme not only promotes women’s empowerment but also plays a crucial role in the early development and nutrition of children. Objectives of the Scheme:

• To provide daycare facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years of working mothers.
• To improve the nutritional and health status of children.
• To promote the holistic development of children – physical, cognitive, social, and emotional.
• To educate and empower parents and caregivers for better childcare.

Features of the National Creche Scheme:

• Target Group: The scheme is primarily for working women whose monthly income is below a certain threshold (currently Rs. 12,000 per month), including women from both organized and unorganized sectors.
• Implementation: The scheme is implemented through State Governments/UTs, which further entrust the work to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other voluntary institutions.
• Services: Each creche provides services such as sleeping facilities, early stimulation (for children under 3), pre-school education (3-6 years), supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, and immunization.
• Operating Hours: Creches are open for 7.5 hours a day, 6 days a week, to meet the needs of working mothers.
• Financial Assistance: Being a centrally sponsored scheme, the cost is shared between the Central Government, the State Government, and the implementing agency/parents. A nominal monthly fee is also charged to the parents.

Components of the Scheme:

The main components of the National Creche Scheme are designed to ensure the holistic development of children:

• Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): This includes play-based and activity-based learning that is age-appropriate for children. It aims to foster creativity and a curiosity for learning in children.
• Nutrition: Children in the creche are provided with hot-cooked meals and supplementary nutrition to meet their nutritional needs. The menu is nutritious and as per local habits.
• Health and Hygiene: This includes regular health check-ups, weight monitoring, and promoting hygiene habits. Creches are encouraged to coordinate with local health centers (like Anganwadis) to ensure children’s immunization.
• Awareness and Community Participation: The scheme organizes meetings to sensitize mothers and community members on issues of childcare, nutrition, and health. This also ensures community participation in the management of the creche.

Conclusion:

The National Creche Scheme plays a significant role in helping working women become economically independent and in providing their children with a safe and developmental environment. It is an effective tool for achieving the dual goals of women’s empowerment and child welfare.

Q7. Explain the concept of social entrepreneurship and discuss its dimensions.

Ans. Introduction: Social entrepreneurship is a process that involves identifying social problems and developing innovative, sustainable, and effective business models to solve them. While a traditional entrepreneur’s main objective is to make a profit, a social entrepreneur’s primary aim is to create social value and make a positive impact on society. These entrepreneurs are a unique blend of a non-profit’s mission and a businessperson’s approach. Concept of Social Entrepreneurship: The concept of social entrepreneurship is based on the belief that complex social challenges, such as poverty, illiteracy, lack of healthcare, and environmental degradation, cannot be solved by charity or government aid alone. They require innovative solutions that are self-sustaining and scalable. Social entrepreneurs identify the ‘stable but unjust equilibrium’ that perpetuates a social problem and then try to create a new, better equilibrium. For example, Muhammad Yunus saw that poor women in Bangladesh could not get loans from traditional banks (an unjust equilibrium). He created a new equilibrium by founding Grameen Bank, which provided micro-loans to these women, enabling them to become self-reliant. Thus, social entrepreneurship may use profit-making as a means, but its ultimate goal is social change. Dimensions of Social Entrepreneurship: Social entrepreneurship can be better understood through its various dimensions:

• Social Value Creation: This is the most central dimension of social entrepreneurship. Its main focus is to solve a social problem that improves the lives of people on a large scale. Success is measured by social impact, such as how many people got clean water or how many children went to school, rather than financial profit.
• Innovation: Social entrepreneurs find new and creative solutions to existing problems. This innovation can be in the form of a new product (e.g., a low-cost water purifier), a new service (e.g., mobile health clinics), or a new process (e.g., loan distribution through Self-Help Groups).
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: This involves identifying opportunities, taking initiative, taking risks, and using resources efficiently. Social entrepreneurs see problems as opportunities and are persistent in achieving their goals.
• Financial Sustainability: Although making a profit is not the primary goal, being financially self-sufficient is crucial to sustain the social mission in the long run. Social enterprises use various models—non-profit, for-profit, or hybrid—to generate revenue and reduce their dependence on external donations.
• Scalability and Systemic Change: The aim of many social entrepreneurs is not just to run a local project but to scale up their solution and bring about systemic change. They try to influence government policies or industry practices to strike at the root of the problem.

Conclusion:

Social entrepreneurship is a powerful means of bringing about positive change in society. It combines compassion with creativity and business principles to offer an innovative way to solve some of the world’s most serious challenges. From Verghese Kurien (Amul) to Kailash Satyarthi (Bachpan Bachao Andolan), social entrepreneurs in India have shown how one person’s passion can change the lives of millions.

Q8. Write short notes on the following is about 200 words each : (a) Role of de-addiction centre run by Non-Government Organizations (b) Social audit

Ans. (a) Role of de-addiction centre run by Non-Government Organizations Substance abuse of drugs and alcohol is a serious social and health problem that affects individuals, families, and society as a whole. De-addiction centres run by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in tackling this challenge. These centres act as a supplement to government efforts and often reach places where government services are not available. The role of these centres is multifaceted:

• Treatment and Rehabilitation: NGO-run centres provide a safe and supportive environment for addicts. Various therapeutic methods like detoxification, individual and group counselling, yoga, and meditation are used here.
• Awareness and Prevention: These organizations run awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities to educate youth and the general public about the dangers of addiction.
• Community-Based Services: Many NGOs run drop-in centres and outreach programs that reach out to street children and other high-risk groups.
• Re-integration and Aftercare: Re-integrating a person into society after treatment is a major challenge. These centres help by providing vocational training, employment support, and family counselling to help the person return to a normal life and prevent relapse.

In short, NGO-run de-addiction centres make a significant contribution to giving a new life to addiction victims through compassion, personal attention, and community engagement.

(b) Social Audit

A social audit is a process through which the implementation of a government scheme or program is evaluated directly by the people for whom it is intended. It is not just a financial audit but also examines the social and ethical performance of the scheme. Its main objective is to promote

transparency, accountability, and citizen participation

in governance.

In the process of a social audit, people from the community examine government records, such as muster rolls, bills, and vouchers, and then match them with the ground reality. They verify whether the work was actually done, whether the right people were paid, and whether materials were used as per prescribed standards.

The most important part of this process is the

‘Jan Sunwai’

(Public Hearing). In this, a public meeting is held where the findings of the audit are read out, and the concerned officials have to answer the questions of the public. This puts direct pressure of accountability on the officials.

In India, social audit was successfully used in Rajasthan by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), which gave birth to the Right to Information movement. Now, social audit has been made legally mandatory for several schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It is a powerful tool to prevent corruption and ensure that the benefits of social policies reach the intended beneficiaries.