Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 05 December 2024
Content: 1 .Cash transfer schemes for women as new poll plank 2. A cut in time Cash transfer schemes for women as new poll plank Context : Direct cash transfer schemes are gaining traction in India, especially targeting women. Relevance: GS 2 ( Governance) Practice Question: Evaluate reasons behind the growing popularity of direct cash transfer schemes specially targeting women in India. Highlight concerns associated ?(250 Words) Ex 1 : Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (monthly transfer of ₹1,500 ) Ex 2:Jharkhand’s Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana transfer of ₹1,000 per month. Reasons for the rising Popularity : Growing prominence of women voters Women’s electoral participation increased from 47% in 1962 to 66% in 2024. Women increasingly voting independently, creating a distinct “women constituency.” The passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill and emphasis on “Nari Shakti” highlight the rising political clout of women voters. Parties aim to secure this crucial swing vote in tightly contested elections. Efficiency of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Reduced leakage:DBT Bypasses middlemen. Direct relationships between political leaders and citizens, established by technology. This “techno-patrimonial” approach strengthens perceptions of government benevolence. Immediate Political Gains Cash transfers are quicker to implement and yield immediate results compared to long-term welfare projects like healthcare or education reforms. Regular payments remind beneficiaries of the ruling party’s generosity, reinforcing its electoral appeal. Populist schemes resonate with the poor, who constitute a significant voter base. Homogenization of Welfare Policies Across party lines, states are adopting similar schemes, reflecting a lack of innovation in welfare policy. Easy Winning Formula : Opposition parties also replicate cash transfer policies as winning strategies, highlighting limited vision for alternative welfare models. Concern: These schemes do not address structural issues like poverty and unemployment. Encouraging Privatization By relying on DBT, the state nudges citizens toward private alternatives for healthcare, education, and other basic needs. This shift reduces pressure on the state to improve public infrastructure and services. State Capacity Deficit The focus on “efficiency” through technology sidesteps the challenge of enhancing state capacity to deliver quality public goods. The poor, unlike the rich, cannot afford to disengage from public services. A Cut In Time Context: A 2022 initiated UN resolution called The Global Plastic Treaty aims to end plastic pollution. Five rounds of discussions including the Busan meeting have failed to agree on a framework. Relevance: GS 3( Environment) Practice Question: Explain how to resolve the deadlock of Global Plastic Treaty between the countries. Suggest a possible framework for other pollutions as well.(250 Words ) Deadlock :Nations are split between advocating for plastic production cuts and emphasizing recycling. 1. Producers of Virgin Polymer (Developing Countries & Oil Economies): View production cuts as trade barriers. Promote recycling as a solution instead. 2. Environmental Advocates (EU, Pacific Island Nations, etc.): Cite plastic’s health and ecological hazards. Support gradual production cuts to reduce pollution. 3. India’s Position: Opposes production cuts due to economic dependency on plastic. Recycling capacity is limited to one-third of annual plastic waste. Analysis of Impacts: Health Costs: Microplastics harm ecosystems, enter food chains, and affect human health. Environmental Costs: Cause marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and strain on waste systems. Economic Costs: Reliance on plastic in manufacturing and packaging industries. High costs of transitioning to alternatives. Way Forward: Global Consensus: Blend production cuts with improved recycling and financial support for developing nations. India’s Role: Boost recycling infrastructure and plan a phased reduction in plastic usage. Focus on health and ecological research to guide policies. Collaborative Solutions: Invest in biodegradable alternatives. Establish international funding to support economic transitions.