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What is the news?
Empowering Women: A Critical Look at Himachal Pradesh’s New Scheme:
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- The recent announcement by the Himachal Pradesh government, unveiling the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna,” has sparked both hope and debate.
- The government had already started the first phase of the scheme from 1st February, 2024 as it was providing Rs. 1,500 to all the women of district Lahaul & Spiti and to all women of the state aged above 60 years. Around 5 lakh women were expected to benefit from the scheme and over Rs. 800 crore would be spent annually under the scheme.
- Under the ‘Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh-Sammaan Nidhi Yojana’, the government will soon begin the process of filling the forms of all eligible women so that they could avail the benefits at the earliest.
What is the aim?
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- This scheme, aimed at providing a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 to deserving women aged 18 years till 59 years, presents a potential step towards women’s empowerment in the state, but its effectiveness and long-term impact warrant careful consideration.
Examining the Scheme’s Objectives:
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- The initiative, positioned as a fulfillment of the Congress party’s pre-election promises, carries the weight of expectation. It aims to address two key concerns: financial security and empowerment for women.
- On the surface, providing a monthly stipend offers a degree of financial independence to women, potentially allowing them greater control over their lives and participation in household decision-making. Additionally, the scheme acknowledges the significant contribution of women to the state’s economy and society, even in sectors where their work is often undervalued.
- However, questions remain regarding the program’s long-term sustainability and its potential impact on women’s overall empowerment.
Sustainability and Beyond: Addressing the Concerns:
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- The financial viability of the scheme, with an estimated annual expenditure of ₹800 crore, raises concerns about long-term resource allocation. This raises the question of whether such a scheme can be sustained without impacting other crucial social development programs.
- Furthermore, simply providing financial assistance, while beneficial, might not be the sole solution to achieving women’s empowerment. Factors like access to quality education, skill development opportunities, and addressing societal biases and gender-based discrimination are equally crucial for creating a truly empowered society.
Looking Forward: A Call for Holistic Empowerment
- While the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna” deserves credit for acknowledging the need to support women, it should not be seen as an isolated solution. To achieve lasting and holistic empowerment, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes:
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- Investing in education and skill development: Equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge empowers them to seek better employment opportunities and achieve greater economic independence.
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- Addressing gender-based discrimination: Tackling societal biases and discriminatory practices through awareness campaigns and legislative reforms is crucial for creating a level playing field for women.
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- Ensuring access to healthcare and social security: Providing comprehensive healthcare services and social security benefits can further enhance the lives of women and their families.
Conclusion: A Step Forward, But a Long Road Ahead
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- The “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna” represents a step forward in recognizing the importance of women’s empowerment in Himachal Pradesh.
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- However, it is crucial to view this initiative as part of a larger, long-term strategy that addresses the multifaceted needs and aspirations of women in the state. Only through a comprehensive and committed approach can the state truly achieve its goal of empowering women and ensuring their equal participation in society.
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Mains Questions:
Question 1:
The “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna” in Himachal Pradesh aims to empower women. Critically analyze the scheme’s potential benefits and limitations, suggesting alternative or complementary measures for achieving women’s empowerment in the state. (250 words)
Model Answer:
Benefits of the scheme:
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- Financial assistance: Provides a degree of financial independence to women, potentially allowing them greater control over their lives and participation in household decision-making.
- Recognition: Acknowledges the significant contribution of women to the state’s economy and society.
Limitations of the scheme:
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- Sustainability: The long-term financial viability of the scheme is uncertain, potentially impacting other social development programs.
- Limited scope: Providing financial assistance alone might not address the root causes of gender inequality, such as lack of education, skills, and societal biases.
Alternative or complementary measures:
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- Investing in education: Increased access to quality education and skill development programs can empower women to find better employment and achieve economic independence.
- Addressing societal biases: Tackling gender-based discrimination through awareness campaigns and legislative reforms can create a more equitable environment for women.
- Ensuring access to healthcare and social security: Providing comprehensive healthcare services and social security benefits can enhance the well-being of women and their families.
- Promoting entrepreneurship: Encouraging women to start their own businesses through microfinance initiatives and skill development programs can foster economic independence and self-reliance.
Question 2:
Evaluate the “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna” in the context of pre-election promises and their impact on policymaking. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of such promises, considering ethical and long-term consequences. (250 words)
Model Answer:
Benefits of pre-election promises:
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- Focus on public needs: Can highlight issues of public concern and hold political parties accountable for addressing them.
- Mobilizing voters: Can serve as a tool for political parties to engage voters and garner support during elections.
Drawbacks of pre-election promises:
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- Feasibility concerns: May not be realistically achievable due to financial constraints or lack of clear implementation plans.
- Short-term focus: Can lead to policies focused on immediate gratification rather than long-term sustainable solutions.
- Ethical concerns: May raise questions about populism and vote bank politics, potentially sacrificing long-term development for short-term gains.
The “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojna” exemplifies both the potential and limitations of pre-election promises. While it addresses an important issue, its long-term sustainability and effectiveness in achieving women’s empowerment require careful consideration. It is crucial to ensure that such promises are based on sound policy analysis, are financially viable, and contribute to a comprehensive strategy for achieving long-term social and economic development.
Remember, these are just two examples of Himachal HPAS Mains questions inspired by the current news. Feel free to modify and adapt them further to fit your specific needs and writing style. Good luck with your preparation!
Relevance to the Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:
Himachal HPAS Prelims:
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- Current events of national and international importance: This section of the syllabus broadly covers any recent government initiatives and schemes with national-level significance, including those related to women’s empowerment or social sector development.
Himachal HPAS Mains:
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- General Studies Paper I: Indian Society and Social Justice: This paper might ask questions related to issues concerning women and gender equality, using this scheme as a case study to analyze its potential impact and limitations. The paper might also ask about government policies and programs aimed at empowering women.
- General Studies Paper II: Governance and Administration: This paper could potentially ask questions about challenges in program implementation and sustainable development strategies, using the scheme as an example. It could also explore the ethical considerations and long-term consequences of such pre-election promises in the context of responsible governance.
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