Content:

1. India’s educational transformation — the true picture
2. China-India ties across the past and into the future
3. Pension woes

India’s educational transformation — the true picture

India’s education system is undergoing a transformative shift with NEP 2020, focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and reclaiming its cultural and intellectual heritage.

Relevance : GS 2(Education ,Governance )

Practice Question:Critically analyze the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on India’s education system. Discuss its key achievements and challenges in implementation. (250 words)

Historical Challenges in India’s Education System

• Policy Stagnation: Last major policy update in 1986, with only minor amendments in 1992.
• Colonial Legacy: Educational framework remained rigid and failed to adapt to global technological advancements.

• Governance Deficit:
  • Public universities suffered from chronic underfunding.
  • Private institutions proliferated as “degree mills” with poor regulation.
  • Deemed University Scandal (2009) exposed financial irregularities in granting university status.

• Political Interference:
  • University leadership appointments often based on political loyalty.
  • The UGC and AICTE acted as control mechanisms rather than enablers of academic excellence.

• Distorted Curriculum:
  • Contributions of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Azad downplayed.
  • Historical narratives curated to serve ideological biases.
  • India’s civilisational and cultural heritage marginalised.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – A Paradigm Shift

• Policy Framework: Based on five pillars – access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability.
• Democratic Approach: Result of one of the most extensive public consultations in India’s policy history.

Key Achievements Under NEP 2020

Inclusive Education & Social Empowerment

• Enrolment Growth (2014-15 to 2022-23):
  • SC: +50%
  • ST: +75%
  • OBC: +54%
  • Muslim Minority (Female): +57.5%

• Women’s Empowerment:
  • Overall female enrolment: +38.8%, crossing 2.18 crore.
  • Women in PhD programmes: +135%.
  • Women in STEMM: 43%, challenging traditional male dominance.
  • Female teaching workforce: Increased from 38.6% to 44.23%.

Infrastructure & Learning Outcomes

• Government expenditure per child: +130% (₹10,780 in 2013-14 to ₹25,043 in 2021-22).
• Improved Schooling Environment:
  • Modernised infrastructure.
  • Early childhood education focus.
  • Holistic pedagogy & reduced dropout rates.
  • Enhanced pupil-teacher ratio and learning outcomes.

Futuristic and Skill-Based Learning

• Integration of Technology & Innovation:
  • Coding introduced from middle school.
  • Multidisciplinary education and problem-solving focus.
  • 10,000+ Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) for grassroots innovation, with plans for 50,000 more.

Higher Education & Research Excellence

• University Rankings & Research:
  • 11 Indian universities in the QS World Rankings top 500.
  • 88% rise in research publications (since 2015).
  • India’s rank in Global Innovation Index improved from 76 (2014) to 39.
  • Anusandhan-National Research Foundation fostering research-industry collaboration.

Linguistic & Cultural Renaissance

• Ending ‘English-First’ Bias:
  • Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) initiative integrated into 8,000+ higher education institutions.
  • Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Yojana: 15,000 textbooks in 22 Indian languages to promote education in mother tongues.

Social Justice & Equal Representation

• CEI (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019:
  • Institution as one unit for reservations (instead of department-wise).
  • Ended practice of rejecting SC/ST/OBC candidates under “None Found Suitable” loophole.

Conclusion: Towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’

• Breaking Free from Colonial Legacy: Education system no longer ideologically captive.
• Fulfilling National Aspirations: Empowering millions through knowledge-driven growth.
• Aiming for Developed Nation Status: NEP 2020 is not just an education reform but an intellectual decolonisation.

China-India ties across the past and into the future

Historical Overview

• 75 years of diplomatic relations (established on April 1, 1950).
• India was the first non-socialist country to establish diplomatic ties with China.
• Relations have experienced ups and downs but continue evolving.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Practice Question: China-India relations have witnessed significant transformations over the past 75 years, shaped by historical, economic, and geopolitical factors. In this context, discuss the key drivers of bilateral ties and the challenges that hinder their full potential. Suggest measures to build a stable and cooperative relationship.(250 words)

Key Factors Shaping Relations

1. Leadership as an Anchor
   1. 1950: Mao Zedong and Nehru established diplomatic ties.
   1. 1988: Rajiv Gandhi’s visit marked a shift towards normalisation.
   1. 2013-Present: Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi engaged in “hometown diplomacy” and informal summits.
   1. October 2023: Leaders met in Kazan, opening a new chapter in relations.

• Friendly Exchanges & Economic Cooperation
  • Cultural and historical ties: Rabindranath Tagore & Dr. Kotnis symbolize China-India friendship.
  • Strategic and cooperative partnership formed in the 21st century.
  • Trade growth: $3 billion (2000) → $138.5 billion (2024).
  • Nearly 50 dialogue mechanisms established.
  • Expansion in education, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

• Dialogue as the Key to Resolving Differences
  • Border disputes are a major challenge but have communication channels.
  • Special Representative Mechanism on Boundary Issues established.
  • 2023: Tranquillity restored through dialogue.

• Global Cooperation for a Shared Future
  • China and India as global economic powers historically contributed to half of world GDP.
  • Advocated Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence post-independence.
  • Active in multilateral organizations: BRICS, SCO, G-20.
  • Joint responsibility for safeguarding interests of the Global South.

Current Developments

• Recent Diplomatic Engagements
  • Foreign Ministers met several times on multilateral platforms.
  • 23rd Special Representatives’ Meeting and Vice Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue held.
  • Over 70,000 visas issued to Indians in Q1 2024, indicating high people-to-people engagement.

• Economic and Trade Cooperation
  • Despite challenges, economic ties remain strong.
  • Momentum in bilateral trade continues with mutual benefits.

Future Roadmap for China-India Relations

1. Building a Stable & Healthy Relationship
   1. Recognizing that China and India are partners, not rivals.
   1. Upholding mutual respect, understanding, and trust.
   1. Separating boundary issues from overall ties to maintain stable relations.

• Fostering Economic & Developmental Cooperation
  • Aligning China’s high-quality development with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
  • Expanding trade, technology, and modernization cooperation.

• Strengthening Global Collaboration
  • Jointly safeguarding developing countries’ interests in global forums.
  • Promoting multipolarity and inclusive globalization.
  • Enhancing cooperation within SCO, BRICS, and other multilateral platforms.

Conclusion

• China and India must work together as partners rather than adversaries.
• Strategic guidance from leaders and sustained cooperation are key.
• The “Dragon-Elephant Tango” is the only viable path for mutual growth and global stability.

Pension woes

The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, under the EPFO, provides pensions to retired workers, but the minimum pension of ₹1,000 has remained unchanged since 2014. The Standing Committee on Labour has urged the government to revise pensions, improve transparency in claims processing, and ensure fair treatment of pensioners.

Relevance :GS 2 (Governance & Social Justice)

Practice Question :The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, has failed to provide adequate social security to pensioners. Critically analyze the need for pension reforms in India, with a focus on financial sustainability and transparency in implementation. (250 words)

Need for Minimum Pension Revision

• The Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles, and Skill Development has recommended revising the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995.
• The current minimum pension of ₹1,000, set in August 2014, remains unchanged for over a decade.
• The 2014 pension hike to ₹1,000 under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, was implemented as per a previously announced decision. However, despite concerns raised about its inadequacy at the time, there has been no revision in the minimum pension for over a decade.

Financial Requirements for Pension Enhancement

• The government currently spends an average of ₹980 crore annually on minimum pension payments.
• To make the pension meaningful, this figure needs to be tripled.
• The Centre’s contribution to the EPS corpus (1.16% of wages, capped at ₹15,000 monthly wage) has been revised to ₹9,250 crore for 2024-25, expected to cross ₹10,000 crore in 2025-26.
• The government argues that increasing pensions further would be financially burdensome, but alternative funding solutions have already been suggested.

EPFO’s Non-Transparent Handling of Pension Claims

• Applicants opting for higher pensions under EPS have received demand notices requiring large payments without proper communication on their entitlements.
• Many pensioners have to track updates through online accounts, as EPFO fails to issue official communication.
• The portal-based pension calculator is unreliable, carrying a disclaimer with no assurance of accuracy.

Discriminatory Treatment of Pensioners from Exempted Establishments

• Pensioners from exempted establishments face summary rejection of their higher pension claims.
• In some cases, previously approved higher pensions have been stopped without proper explanation.

Need for Government Action

• Comprehensive stakeholder consultations are necessary to address the pension crisis.
• The Centre must increase the monthly pension to a realistic level.
• The EPFO must improve transparency and communication to ensure fair treatment of all pensioners.