Vikas Ranjan Essay Test 1

https://telegram.me/UPSCMaterials https://telegram.me/FreeUPSCMaterials https://telegram.
me/MaterialforExam
https://telegram.me/UPSCMaterials https://telegram.me/FreeUPSCMaterials https://telegram.me/MaterialforExam
Challenges in Political sphere

Governance Issues
During the launch of New India , Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to embrace a New India,
where people are not driven by the system, rather the system is driven by the people. To realize this,
major irritants in the county’s governance issues such as corruption, criminalisation of politics and red tapism
should be addressed with more vigor. Despite reduced corruption levels, the Transparency International’s Corruption
Perceptions Index 2016 declared India as only the 79th cleanest country among the 176 countries surveyed.
Since the administrative corruption impact the common man severely and a major road block to the transformation
of India, the policy makers should address this issue.
Problems in local self-government
Regional and cast politics
Communalization of politics
Use of money and muscle power in politics
Conflict between centre and States
Redtapism in Beaucracy
Challenges in Education Sphere
High rate of illiteracy
Educational disparity
Lack of skill based educational structure
High drop right rate of weaker section of society from higher education
Recurrent problems in educational system for example: cheating
Though independent India has witnessed considerable growth in the fields of education over the 70 years, the
progress is not adequate. So far, the focus has been on ‘quantity’ or expansion of services through more schools,
colleges. But less emphasis was on quality aspect. The neglect on the quality aspect of vital sectors like –
education– has been showing adverse impact on the quality of life, which is evident in the latest Human Development
Index of the United Nations. In the 2016 rankings, India slipped to the 131st rank among the 188 countries
surveyed. India’s human development index (HDI) value of 0.624 puts it in the “medium human development”
category alongside Pakistan and other countries such as Congo and Namibia. Hence, to build New India, renewed
efforts must be undertaken to improve the quality of life through better education to all sections of society.
Challenges in Sphere of Religion
Tensions between religious communities
Radicalization in name of religion
Political polarization in name of religion
Protection of minority rights
Challenges in Environmental Sphere
Global warming and climate change
Increasing Urban pollution
Increasing intensity of flood, drought and other natural disaster
Disaster Management: Apart from man-made disasters, India is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to
a large number of natural disasters. More than 58.6% of the land mass is prone to earthquakes of
moderate to very high intensity, 12% of its land is prone to floods and river erosion, close to 5,700 kms, out
of the 7,516 kms long coastline is prone to cyclones and tsunamis and 68% of its cultivable area is vulnerable
to droughts. The frequency and severity of disasters like floods and droughts has been accentuated by the
adverse impacts of global warming and associated climate change. The recent flash floods in Mount Abu
(2017), Chennai (2015), Kashmir (2014) and Uttarakhand (2013) indicates this trend.
Demographic Challenges
India’s current population is 1.34 billion and at the rate of growth of more than 1% per annum, it is
estimated to reach 1.40 billion by 2022. As the resources – land, water, mineral and energy – are limited,
the productivity of farms and the industries should be enhanced at the same rate.
Given the investment and technology required to make it possible and India’s experience in recent years in doing
so, it seems like a formidable task. We should also take note of the fact that, overcoming this challenge is of
vital significance to reap demographic dividends as about two thirds of population is below the age of
35 years.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks
To build New India by 2022 and to emerge as global leader , it is essential to have quality social and economic
infrastructure. The country has made considerable progress on the infrastructure front in recent years. As per the
Global Competitive Index – Infrastructure of the World Economic Forum (WEF), India’s rank has gone up from 81
in 2015-16 to 68 in 2016-17.
However, this improvement is not sufficient and is far below the expectations of the ever-increasing population. The
WEF report identified that – “inadequate supply of infrastructure” as one of the most problematic factors for doing
business in India and thus in emergence of India as global leader in entrepreneurship.
Defence and Security
India has been facing lot of security challenges from internal and external sources. Problems like –
cross border terrorism, infiltration, border issues with China and Pakistan, separatist tendencies in the
North East and Left Wing Extremism have been posing challenges to the national security.
In view of China’s recent aggressive posture in Doklam standoff and nine-dash line in the South China Sea coupled
with the encirclement strategy, and the One Belt One Road initiative and the associated China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) is expected to pose major challenge to the Indian Defense establishment in the coming five
years.
The threats to cyber security and space security are also expected to increase in the coming years. The growing
digitalization of the financial activities and organizational processes and the race for the supremacy in the space
may pose serious security threats and warrant increased an allocation of financial and human resources in the
coming five years.
Besides the above-mentioned challenges, issues like growing disparities in income, agriculture distress, regional
development disparities and dependence on imports for energy needs are some of the other challenges before the
government.
PRECONCLUSIVE ANALYSIS TO CONCLUSION
The preparedness of society is a journey, not a mere destination. It is a process, which is geared on the
energies of individuals. A process that brews on elemental successes and thrives on the spirit of excellence.
With an increasingly dynamic and vibrant civil society to steer the boat through the sea of incessant storm, India
should have no fear of surmounting the pinnacle.
Effective tackling of social evils of society and demands of progressive legislations will help liberate us to a free
uninhibited flight of potential. Permeation of education and building of a knowledge society are the stepping-stones
to create a nation of unlimited opportunities.
The need of the hour to lead the world is promote equality among citizens, enhance the dignity of individual,imptove
the quality of decision making, Provide a method to resolve conflicts and all rooms to correct mistakes.
Consolidating every aspect of the society by gearing them towards perfection and integrating their energies
will make the global community sit up, notice and crown an able leader, worthy of being emulated and for
this India needs not only a strong political leadership but also responsible citizenry who are committed to
the aspirations of New India and contribute to help India emerge as global leader.
Gender Equality: Turning Promises into Reality
“Achieving equality for women is not only a laudable goal and a human right. It is also good
economics, helps deepen democracy, and enables genuine long-term stability.”
POINTS TO THINK
Gender equality means that men,women and transgenders possess equal power, rights and opportunities
for financial independence, education, and personal development. Traditionally, the concept of Gender
equality aimd to achieve equal rights and opportunities for men and women across all sectors of society, including
economic participation and decision-making. Recently, a third dimension has been added to concept of gender
equality as many countries including India has recognized Transgenders as third gender in the society and has
enacted legislations to meet their aspirations and needs. Thus Gender Equality exists when the rights of all
three genders in the society are equally valued and provided equal opportunities.
It has been realized that policies and projects without concerning the female position in the society
have adverse impact on development. United Nations International Conference on W omen in 1995, held in
Beijing, stressed on the need to reduce gender inequality and to increase women empowerment. The third target
of Millennium Development Goal is regarding gender equality and women empowerment. Recently, many countries
have passed some form of legislations recognizing the rights of Transgenders. Argentina and Denmark top the list
in this regard. India has introduced Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 to provide social justice
and empowerment to Transgenders. Numerous countries, regions and International Development Organizations
made commitments to reduce gender equality as a key for sustainable economic development.
TEMPORAL ELABORATION
POINTS TO THINK
It is evident from history that among all the underprivileged groups in entire world women endured and
suffered the most. Since ages women have been the target of political, social, economic, religious and
even psychological bondages imposed by their very own protectors. The repercussion of these kinds of
practices leads to the dire need of women emancipation and Gender equality. The condition of women belonging
to higher classes and royalties was far better in ancient India. In early period Aryans treated men and
women alike in all religious rituals and social functions. In ancient time the women had enjoyed a remarkable
and better state than their descendents in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. History tells us that in those
times, women used to possess dynamic powers and personalities and there are several examples of their undaunted
courage and mental faculties under most trying times and circumstances. Like their male counterparts ,female
have also ruled over vast empires ably and effectively. Ahilyabai Holker’s administration of her State was once
considered model for India. Besides capable administrators, they were notable poets, scholars, artists and regional
leaders.
Over the period of time, a social change has occurred in the thinking of society regarding the status of
women. Women are being seen as actors, not just as victims or vulnerable beneficiaries.In India, the movement
for women’s upliftment ,to provide them equal status and rights that were exercised by men ,was
initiated by Brahmo Samaj under eminent social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. But perceptible changes
did not come before the beginning of the twentieth century.It was the under the call of genius and farsightedness
of Father of Nation,M.K. Gandhiji ,who realized the untapped potential in the womanhood of India, many women
broke the shackles and come forward openly to participate non-cooperation movement. At that crucial time the
Indian women showed such great courage that they left the men folk behind and took up all types of work connected
with the national movement.
After Independence, the architects of the Indian Constitution wanted to introduce reforms and were
keen to establish an egalitarian society. To achieve this end they use law as an instrument to check gender
discrimination and unfavorable social environment. Many legislative reforms were made to raise the status of
women in society. They were considered equal to men in every walk of life. Equal rights were given to them to
participate in democratic processes of casting vote in State Assemblies as well as the Parliament. They were
appointed to the highest posts as members of the Cabinet, as Governors of Provinces, as Ambassadors and
leaders of delegations to international conferences.
Today ,We are living in a world where along with her ascribed status of a women, sister, mother and
wife, she has also achieved so many other statuses. They are doctors, engineers, scientists, pilots, drivers,
conductors, chartered accountants, bank officers, insurance agents, police officers, army officers, film directors,
ministers, fashion designers and what not. If we talk about the next word ‘Opportunities’ then without a doubt with
the massive success the world is providing women with new and new opportunities.
Gender equality is not only a significant concern from a human rights standpoint, but it will allow for the
economic and political growth that developing nations need to make them competitive in world markets.
Women are key agents of change and when women and men are equal, economies grow faster; less people
remain in poverty, and the overall well-being of people increases. According to the World Bank, countries with
greater gender equality are more prosperous and competitive. So it is somehow right to say that in this century the
promises of Gender Equality are turning into a Reality.
The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its preamble, fundamental
rights, fundamental duties and directive principles. The Constitution not only grants equality to women, but
also empowers the state to adopt measures in favour of women. Various legislations have been enacted and
amended, plans, policies and programmes formulated towards producing tangible outcomes that positively impact
the lives of women.
GENDER EUALITY IS TURNING INTO REALITY
POINTS TO THINK
Indian Constitution and Gender Equality
The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental
Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. The word “Equality” in Preamble emphasise upon Gender
equality also.
The Fundamental Rights
According to the Article 14, the state shall not deny any individual equality whether a foreigner or a citizen. This
is further elaborated on in Article 15(1) and Article 15(3). Article 15(1) states equality and non-discrimination
on grounds of gender while Article 15(3) empowers the constitution to make special provisions for
women and children.
Directive Principle of the State Policy–
Article 39 directs the State towards its policy for securing and maintaining the livelihood for both men and women
as far as work, health, employment. Article 42, stresses on the humane conditions of work guaranteed to women
and men.( Labor laws). Article 51(A) is particularly interesting, as it casts a duty upon the citizens of India to give
up practices, which may be considered derogatory to the dignity of women.
Gender Equality in Social and Cultural Sphere
Changing mindset of Society and Family: A perceptible change has occurred in the intention of so-
called male-dominated Society whose intension now is to bring equality and respect for women. The
last two decades have seen a sea change in the status of women worldwide in walks of life.
What has changed during the last two decades is the attitude of the parents towards their girl child. As
the girls have shown in the field of education, the parents have given up their preference or insistence on male
child.
As the floodgates of opportunities have opened for both males and females for new jobs and professions
with the development of science, technology and informatics, today the parents neither hesitate to give
higher and professional education to their girl child nor to send them away from home to undertake trainings and
jobs.In families ,now females also get due recognition in decision making.
Equal inheritance rights, Equal rights in matter marriage has been extended to women through laws.
Further, to ensure gender equality, the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly struck down discriminatory
religious practices against women, the latest of which is the triple talaq (in Shayara Bano v. Union of India,
2017). The apex court in the judgment paralyzed triple talaq by declaring it as unconstitutional. This means that no
more these three words will be able to invalidate the marriage. Through this, an armament has been provided to the
women to guard themselves against this barbaric law and to liberate themselves from the coercive chains set by
the males.
Gender Equality in Economic Sphere
Increased participation of women in agriculture. of Agriculture: In rural areas where women were
supposed to stay in four walls of the house now play big role in providing food security to the family.
Large number of activities at fields are performed by female. Women comprise about half the agricultural labor
force in the developing world, and in some countries—particularly Sub-Saharan Africa—make up 80 percent of
farmers.
Economic Independence: In this developed world, several women, who were once dependent on men,
have taken control of their own economic fates and are coping with emerging social challenges. They
profess an independent outlook, whether they are living inside their home or working outside. They are increasingly
gaining control over their lives and taking their own decisions with regard to their education, career, profession and
lifestyle. With steady increase in the number of working women, they have gained financial independence, which
has given them confidence to lead their own lives and build their own identity. They are successfully taking up
diverse professions to prove that they are second to none in any respect.
Occupational Empowerment:. Women have entered every field of activity and one can find women in
every conceivable job. For example: It is so common to see women flying a plane, a woman leading a country,
a woman winning Nobel Prize, women building software and women constructing buildings. W omen account for
one-half of the potential human capital in any economy. More than half a billion women have joined the world’s work
force over the past 30 years, and they make up 40 percent of the agriculture labor force. Entry of women in those
areas of employment which were till date a monopoly of men community, itself is a testimony of the fact
that gender equality is turning into a reality in India as well.
In a major step towards empowering women and greater gender parity, the Indian Coast Guard became the
first force to deploy female officers in combat roles on board ships patrolling the country’s maritime zone
near the borders with Pakistan. Creating history, the first batch of three female pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana
Kanth and Mohana Singh were inducted in Indian Air Force fighter squadron to take combat roles in Indian Air
force.Nirmala Sitharaman became the first women to take charge as head of Indian defence Ministry in
2017.
Transgenders have been allowed to enter in almost all spheres of employment as third Gender to earn a
dignified livelihood.
Gender Equality in Political sphere
Participation in Decision making :Women are now holding positions of influence not only in public
forums and government, but also in their own homes and families. The number of women that hold
parliamentary seats has increased in almost every world region since 2000, mostly due to the creation of legislative
or voluntary quotas that require a certain number of female members.In India, upto 33% reservations for women
in the Parliament and the Legislatures has been proposed which will not only empower women politically but
also have social implications.
Strengthening of criminal laws for protection of women from sexual harassment in recent times reflects
gender equality. Laws has also been strengthened for protection of women from domestic violence,
Protection of girl child from sexual offences.
Gender equality reflected in all other spheres of society: Education,Religion,Culture etc.
Global References:
The most striking example of “Gender equality turning into reality “ can be seen in one of the
most conservative and male dominated Muslim Kingdom-Saudi Arabia which has made various
changes over the last decade to liberalize the role of women in society .The kingdom of Arabia,had
been known for one of the highest level of gender inequality in the world but today women are taking
central Stage in the progress of the country and are well on their way to have similar rights and opportunities
as their male counterparts.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a progressive leadership & a formative Vision 2030 document,
is fast becoming a society well in-sync with the developments of the rest of the world. In a
country, that adheres to the austere Wahhabi brand of Sunni Islam, which bans gender mixing, women
are now allowed to enter into hitherto male dominated workforce, drive and attend mixed public sporting
events such as sports, Concerts and cinemas. One the biggest development has been in the financial
sector. The financial sector is considered notorious around the world for its blatant disregard for gender
parity – but in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, women are allowed to take jobs in banks and other financial
institutions.
Since its creation 70 years ago, the UN has achieved important results in advancing gender
equality, from the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women - the main global
intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment
of women - through the adoption of various landmark agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Action.
Recently, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has taken
significant steps to promote women’s increased participation in the global climate change
negotiations process which is a gain for gender equality.In 2012, the Parties to the (UNFCCC) recognised
the need for a more balanced representation of men and women in the climate negotiations. They adopted
a decision to promote the goal of gender balance in negotiating bodies and in country delegations at the
Doha climate change conference and added the issue of ‘gender and climate’ as a standing item on the
agenda of their annual meetings (gender equality issues were previously only considered under ‘Other
Matters’).
The importance of women’s active participation, leadership, freedom of choice and voice is
increasingly being recognised in development-related fields. For example, at the Rio+20
conference on Sustainable Development, world leaders recognised gender equality as a vital aspect
of sustainable development, reaffirming women’s critical contribution. The vital role of women and the
need for their full and equal participation and leadership in all areas of sustainable development has been
reaffirmed. The proposed Sustainable Development Goal 5 addresses this and reads “Achieve gender
equality and empower all women and girls. In other areas too, from REDD+ to what should be on the UN
post-2015 development agenda and in Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality is becoming
more prominent.
CHALLENGES IN TURNING GENDER EQUALITY INTO REALITY

POINTS TO THINK
The challenges which women are facing today have its roots in the past (traditional society) because of the
prevalence of patriarchy in society. Patriarchy is a social system in which men are considered to be superior to
women. Men had more control over resources, decision-making and ideology in every aspect of society- Family,
Economy, Politics, Education, Religion etc. In patriarchy, violence against women becomes part of the system.
Women were controlled through violence or the threat of violence. But now the perception has changed, no nation,
society, and family can flourish and be happy if fifty per cent of its population, i.e. women and girls, are not
respected, free and happy.
But in spite of modernization and social changes in from tradition to modernity, challenges in Gender Equality
continues in present society.
At Social & Cultural Level
Inequality, discrimination, exclusion & deprivation in the family,
Gender-specific socialization and education in the family and society.
Cultural definitions of appropriate sex roles.
Rigid expectations of roles within relationships.
Value belief in the inherent superiority of males.
Values that give men proprietary rights over women and girls.
Notion of the family as the private sphere and under male control.
Customs of marriage (bride price/dowry).
Acceptability of violence as a means to resolve conflict.
Problem of Alcoholism and Drug abuse in the society. Which affects the woman. Alcoholism and drug abuse
paralysis and reduces efficiency of valuable human resource of the society. It leads to unemployment,
powerty, migration and living away from the home. The biggest set back is for the family – broken homes, one
parent family, which ultimately results in alienation from the family.
Economic Level
Women’s economic dependence on men.
Limited access to cash and credit to women.
Discriminatory practices regarding inheritance, property rights, use of family lands, and maintenance after
divorce or widowhood.
Limited access to employment in formal and informal sectors.
Limited access to education and training for women.
Legal Level
Lesser legal status of women in practice.
Failures of Laws regarding divorce, child custody, maintenance and inheritance in empowering women.
Complicated legal definitions of rape and domestic abuse.
Low levels of legal literacy among women.
Insensitive treatment of women and girls by police and judiciary.
Political Level
Under-representation of women in power, politics, the media and in the legal and medical professions.
Domestic violence not taken seriously
Notions of family being private and beyond control of the state.
Limited organization of women as a political force
Limited participation of women in organized political system
Emergent problems caused by Environmental Changes:
Lack of equal capacity for mitigation and adoption to the environmental problems.
Growth in the numbers of Environmental refugees will lead to trafficking of women world over.
Unequal Entitlement: IMP

INITIATIVES FOR TURNING PROMISES INTO REALITY FOR GENDER EQUALITY
Social and Cultural
In the Society : Democratization, constitutionalism, values of equality freedom, justice, liberty.
In the Family : Inheritance rights, equal rights, choices for marriages, equal entitlements, and protection from
domestic violence
Further, the Government has initiated article 44, which is related to uniform civil code to give the status of equality
to all women kind.
Recent verdicts by various courts has given women the right to enter temple and shrines.
The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, increased the maternity leave for working women from 12 to 26
weeks will definitely promote female workforce participation in India.
For ensuring women’s safety pertaining to the strategic areas of prevention, protection and rehabilitation, Government
has established a Nirbhaya Fund.
One Stop Centres for facilitating/providing medical aid, police assistance, legal counselling/ court case management,
psycho-social counselling and temporary shelter to women affected by violence.
Women Helpline for providing 24 hour emergency and non-emergency response, Investigative Units for Crime
against Women (IUCAW) in all police districts of the country, installation of CCTV surveillance cameras in coaches
to strengthen security on trains, National Emergency Response System.
The multi-sectoral Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative also aims to secure a bright future and welfare of the girl child
in India and address the declining child sex ratio and related issues of disempowerment of women over a life-cycle
continuum.
To increase the visibility of women in the police force, 33 per cent reservation has been made for women in the
police force, in UTs and some States.
Refer India year book 2017 for more current information.
Many initiatives have been taken by Government to provide equal rights to Transgenders in social,
economic, political, cultural, educational spheres. Kerala becomes first state to unveil transgender
policy to ensure them non-discriminatory treatment for transgenders The state has opened separate
schools for transgenders.Maharashtra has become the second state in India to set up a welfare board
and the first, to set up a cultural institute dedicated to the transgender community to meet welfare needs
of transgenders.
Economy Sphere
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)
while providing livelihood security to thousands of rural women have also provided them with economic security,
empowered them and created rural assets simultaneously.
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh(RMK), which is working exclusively for poor women, providing them with regular funds and
facilitating market linkages.
To promote such women entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups, Mahila E-Haat has been launched as a start-up
initiative by the RMK. This web based marketing, initiative under Digital India, will facilitate the access of women
to the global market and promote the development of relations between the business community and women
entrepreneurs. Financial Inclusion is one of the top most priorities of the government.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has given confidence to lakhs of women in opening their first bank account and
a break through to overcome the vicious cycle of poverty and debt.
Further, to promote skills and employability of women, the sectors which employ a large number of women have
been identified under the National Skill Development Policy and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
launched to help them securing a decent employment to move out of poverty.
With a mission to secure the financial future of the girl child, a small savings scheme Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
has also been launched under the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao initiative.
In a bid to address the social stigma, Government has started the umbrella scheme to provide monetary benefit to
families with transgender children and encourage them not to abandon them. The umbrella scheme would have five
components – pre-matric and post-matric scholarship for transgender children, support for vocational training of
Transgenders, pension for out-of-work Transgenders in the age group of 40 to 60 years and monthly monetary
support for families with transgender children. Recently, Government has also amended Income Tax rules to
recognize Transgenders as independent gender category in PAN form.
Legal Security
The Criminal Law (Amendment), Act 2013 was enacted to make the punishment more stringent for offences like
rape and has broadened the definition of sexual assault and harassment. New offences like acid attack, sexual
harassment, voyeurism and stalking, disrobing a woman, have been incorporated in the Indian Penal Code. The
Act has also made provisions for greater accountability of public officials including the health care providers for
immediate relief to the woman affected by violence.
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 aims to
provide a safe and secured environment for women to work.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; for protection of the rights of women who are the
victims of violence of any kind within the family;
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, for prohibition of solemnisation of child marriages;
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 to protect children from offences of sexual assault;
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PC & PNDT), 1994 for prohibition of sex selection,
before or after conception.
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 provides for proper care, protection and treatment
to the child by catering to their development needs, and by adopting a child friendly approach.
The Transgenders persons (Protection of rights) Bill, 2016 was introduced in Lok Sabha in 2016 to protect
their rights and revised in 2018 to make it more transgenders friendly.
Health
To address the issue of maternal and child malnutrition, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme
has been universalized and strengthened.
Institutional deliveries through the Janani Suraksha Yojana which is absolutely free and no expense delivery,
including caesarean section.
Mother and Child Protection Card to monitor service delivery for mothers and children.
Mother and Child Tracking System to ensure antenatal, intra-natal and postnatal care along with immunization
services.
The National Health Policy 2016 also addresses women’s health needs. It mentions the need to increase the
targets of male sterilization and contraception utilization.
Education
The Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009 was enacted in April 2010 to make free and compulsory elementary
education a right for all children.
Padhe Bharat, Badhe Bharat has been launched to ensure that learning levels of class I and II students in reading,
writing, language, comprehension and mathematics is at par with the world.
Vidyanjali (School Volunteer Programme) to enhance community and private sector involvement in Government
run elementary schools across the country.
Udaan for girl students. It is a mentoring and scholarship scheme which aims at addressing the lower enrolment
ratio of girl students in engineering colleges and also aims to enrich and enhance teaching and learning of
mathematics and science at senior secondary school level by providing free online resources for all.
To make young boys and girls gender sensitive and create positive social norms that value the girls and their
rights, provision has been made to engage Gender Championsin colleges across the country.
Political Opportunities : PRI, State and Centre
Civil Society Providing Opportunities
Despite the presence of a strong women’s movement with strong grass-roots presence and their active participation,
it’s being said that the various initiatives of our government for the empowerment of women have not had the
desired result, which has given rise to widening of gender disparity, as opposed to gender equality.
This is where the Civil Societies and the media can play a decisive role in women’s emancipation. Many NGO’s
had taken a lead in such programmes to unchain the shackles of inequality.
SHE Teams and Bharosa integrated centre, give victims of harassment and sexual assault the confidence to
complain.
Azad Foundation provides livelihoods with dignity for resource-poor women living in urban areas in India by providing
bold livelihoods options that enhance women’ economic status, dignity, and decision-making within their families.
CARE has been working in India for over 65 years, focusing on ending poverty and social injustice through well-
planned and comprehensive programmes in health, education, livelihoods and disaster preparedness and response.
Various women oriented programmes shown on TV and covered by Media go a longway in attaining the goal of
gender equality.
These organisations not only help women in distress but also train them to channelize their voice against social,
economic and moral suppression by the society.
What seems to be obvious is that while there are thousands of women’s NGOs operating from the grass roots up
to the international stage, and widespread endorsement of the idea that there should be gender equality, the gains
are insufficient to see women becoming equal to men on a global scale. A clear message from women’s NGOs is
that the transformations that are required for gender equality must occur at a structural level, all women must have
equal rights that are inclusive of human, civil, political, legal, social, welfare and economic rights.
LAWS RELATED TO SAFEGUARDING WOMEN RIGHTS

Although all laws are not gender specific, the provisions of law affecting women significantly have been
reviewed periodically and amendments carried out to keep pace with the emerging requirements. Some
acts which have special provisions to safeguard women and their interests are:
(i) The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948
(ii) The Plantation Labour Act, 1951
(iii) The Family Courts Act, 1954
(iv) The Special Marriage Act, 1954
(v) The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
(vi) The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 with amendment in 2005
(vii) Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
(viii) The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended in 1995)
(ix) Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
(x) The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
(xi) The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1976
(xii) The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
(xiii) The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
(xiv) The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1983
(xv) The Factories (Amendment) Act, 1986
(xvi) Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
(xvii) Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987
(xviii) The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
PRECONCLUSIVE ASSUMPTIONS TO CONCLUSION
POINTS TO THINK
Though, there is a progressive change in the society towards women status and gender equality is turning into
reality but still women face some social challenges to be at par with that of men. Governments, civil societies,
national and international organisations and individuals are doing their bit to push gender equality forward; there
are still several areas that reflect the ongoing stereotypes regarding the role of women in society and even in their
day-to-day living. Though, women are better off today, but still far from being equal with men. A lot more needs to
be done especially in areas where orthodoxy still prevails though in lesser intensity. More concerted efforts at local
and national levels and international level by both public and the private sector are needed to bring women to parity
with men.
Guaranteeing the rights of women and giving them opportunities to reach their full potential is critical not only for
attaining gender equality, but also for meeting a wide range of international development goals. Empowered women
and girls contribute to the health and productivity of their families, communities, and countries, creating a ripple
effect that benefits everyone. Political participation is crucial for achieving gender equality and genuine. Further,
harnessing women’s potential as economic actors, leaders and consumers results in higher levels of industrialization
and more sustained growth rates. Global gross domestic product could increase by more than 25 per cent by 2025
if women played the same role in labour markets as men.
Working women should be more cognizant and they have to stay organized to get over challenging situations at
home and all other spheres of life –social.economic,political,cultural etc. They must deal with ordeal wisely to
earn success. Women should work on new lines to scale up power and to get recognition. The equal rights and
opportunities of women and men must be assured as equitable access to assets and services will strengthen
woman’s position. Developing societies must understand that spending on women’s education will reduce hunger
and world will be healthier and peaceful place to live in. Moreover, organizations must encourage by acknowledging
their participation and ensuring adoption of policies which aimed at empowerment of women.
Things have certainly improved for women and, it is desirable to bring an attitudinal change in our societies that
women are no lesser than men and are competent enough in all fields of life.While increasing representation of
women in the public spheres is important and can potentially be attained through some form of affirmative
action.Educating children from an early age about the importance of gender equality could be a meaningful start in
that direction. Also zero tolerance for crime against women should be brought in as measure of deterrence in the
society. For gender equality to become a reality, effective implementation of harsh laws has to be done with zero
tolerance for violation for a sustained period in a fire fighting manner .”Gender is more than a goal in itself. It is a
precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good
governance.”
· W ith the continuous efforts in India and around the world ,today all the opportunities and rights –
Social,Economic,Political,Cultural etc.-are open equally for both men and women leading towards a world where
Gender Equality seems to have been turned into reality.
THERE IS ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE’S NEED BUT NOT FOR

EVERYONE’S GREED’
“Earth can satisfy man’s need but not his greed”
POINTS TO THINK
The ingenious statement given by an ingenious man called Mahatma Gandhi projects the need for
rational and optimal utilisation of resources. The resources on earth are plenty if they are used judiciously
without any unnecessary exploitation and can satisfy the needs of human beings generation after generation.
Greed is the most potent evil weakening mankind. But the wages of greed are hell. Almighty has created everything
so abundant in our world. The stars, the sky, the warmth of the sun, the water, the air, the oxygen, the food, the
fruit, the luxuries, the joys, other resources and everything else we need to live a happy life; there is no dearth of
anything. We get as much as we require. In spite of such mind-boggling abundance, man gets tempted to have,
possess, and own more. This avarice is the root of all ills.
All the wars, struggle, cutthroat competition, rat race to have more than others is madness. This does
not allow the man to see that there is enough for everyone. Today, human beings exploit resources
indiscriminately to satisfy their greed. They do not realise the fact that indiscriminate use of resources will lead to
its depletion.
Greed is a complex and misunderstood emotion. On one hand, it can motivate an individual to be
creative and innovative. On the other, extreme greed can lead to destruction when a sense of entitlement
prevails and reality is lost. Managing the tipping point between a healthy desire to accumulate resources and
destructive greed is essential for the good of an individual, a nation and the whole planet. Resources are not the
property of any individual or a group. It is a property of the nature and needs preservation so that future generation
can also make use of it and the earth will be a better place to live in.
POINTS TO THINK
The journey started after the creation of human being in this world. As man got matured he kept on
inventing new things to get a better life and for a good living. His wants were not restricted, desires were
boundary less and his doggedness of finding reason for everything made him an undefined creature. And that’s
how an environment has been created in which we are living now. If we see this in a broader perspective, all this
happened because of greed. It’s the man’s greed, which made him the richest man in the world, at the same time
it’s his greed, which made the society unbalanced and unequal. He is not bothered about the limitations of one’s
actions and breaching the rules of nature for self-fulfilment. His desire of becoming bigger than others has changed
the destiny of mankind.
For instance, during Industrial revolution, geographical explorations by European countries was their
need to find the raw material for their industries but due to their greed to establish monopoly on resources,
they started colonizing them. This greedy tendency of these countries led to socio-economic exploitation of the
colonized countries and later led to wars between the countries.
ENOUGH TO MEET NEED BUT NOT GREED
POINTS TO THINK
Nature was made in such a way that there will be a balance in the eco-system and everybody gets
enough what they need in proportions for them to live a good life. Unfortunately, Man, being greedy,
have taken advantage of this fact. They want more than what they need and would go out of their way to get it.
They take more than what they give. But there is a limit to which resources of the planet can be exploited for the
use of human beings. It is pretty much common today to experience the shocks resulting from catastrophic
ûoods, storms and droughts along with the huge consequence of rising prices in the marketplace. The catastrophic
consequences must be traced in the collective human greed.
Food distribution in this world is a perfect example to support the above statement. Most people would
have already known, from the media such as television and newspapers, about how millions of people
in this world are suffering from starvation because of the lack of food. Some may say that it is just a
famine, a natural disaster that nobody has control of. Others say that there is just not enough food in this world for
everyone. However, if one comes to think of it carefully, is there really not enough food? It is more than just a
famine that is causing this unfairness. If every single person were to give a portion of their food that they do not
need, surely there will be more than enough to go around to every human being living on this Earth. Of course,
taking is much easier than giving. It is because of human greed that there is not enough food for everyone.
This unfair food distribution is also caused by the greed for more money. For example, in Africa, there
is actually sufficient food for everyone. However, there is not enough for export so that the country can
earn more money. What is even worse is that the greedy government prioritises the export and money more than
their own people. As a result, the people do not get anything. Instead, they are betrayed by their corrupted
government.A usual suggestion for this problem is to cultivate more food! But this is easier said than done because
to have more food is to have more arable land and even that is not enough for everyone’s greed. If everyone were to
leave the arable land and take only what they need, again, there would be more than enough for everyone.
However, if one considers about the land that they need to build factories, buildings and other commercial needs
and wants, there is certainly not enough. These things are unnecessary but because of Man’s greed for more
money and property, it has become almost indispensable. They convert useful arable land to barren ones. Soon,
there is not enough to make use of and the less fortunate ones will suffer.
Man makes use of everything in their reach to satisfy their greed. One of the things that contribute a lot
to their wealth and power is the Earth’s own natural resources. Man, unfortunately has exploited these
resources beyond the limit. When a country owns more resources, they are automatically richer. They use and
sell the resources to develop their country. The greed comes in when different countries compete with one another
to have a more developed nation and to be the best in the world. To develop their nation, more natural resources,
such as oil, need to be exploited. Over-utilisation of resources has led to the depletion of the resources for meeting
the greed of a few individuals. For example, over-utilisation of petroleum products has led to a situation where most
of the countries of the world are facing energy crisis, concentration of resources has divided the society into
‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ or the rich and the poor. Over utilisation of resources has led to the global ecological crisis
such as global warming, depletion of ozone layer, pollution and land degradation. Irrational use of resources lead
not only to ecological problems but also socio economic issues.
The greedy and selfish nature of individuals and exploitative technology is root cause of resource
depletion on global level.To satisfy his greed to find more land for agriculture and establish industries
or factories, man has started destroying forests. The deforestation which has taken place due to commercial
exploitation of trees for timber, resin, medicinal herbs, etc., the developing of new agricultural fields, over-grazing
by animals, the coming up of new habitation (e.g. because of the construction of the Tehri dam), the building of
roads mainly after the China invasion of 1962, tourism development and other development activities, increase in
the population (men as well as animals), all have had an adverse affect on the environment and have led to
biological loss and ecological imbalance.This biological loss is strongly correlated with the loss of cultural diversity.
Such losses have increasingly marginalised and impoverished many indigenous and other forest-dependent
communities, who directly depend on various components of the forest and wildlife for food, drink, medicine,
culture, spirituality, etc. Within the poor, women are affected more than men.
The values of reverence in the modern man have vapourated. They are degrading the soil by throwing
waste wherever they like.This waste is created only because of more consumerism which is the result of greed.
Man’s greed make him to buy as many things he wishes, which increases the waste that exploits the Earth. Earth
can degrade itself some of the bio-degradable wastes but when it comes on non-biodegradable, toxic and E-waste
Earth cannot. In turn the Earth itself is effected.
Farmer’s are also not lagging behind in showing their greed. They sow seeds of other crops immediately
after one crop is harvested without giving some time for the soil to regain it nutrients. This kind of
agriculture can help farmer make more money but after few years the land looses its fertility and is of no use. This
shows how earth can’t satisfy man’s greed.
The rapid growth in the global economy and the exploitation of resources has brought the planet to its
limits. Within a span of ûve decades, the population of the world has more than doubled from three
billion to seven billion.Some of the economies like China and India have been growing at a rapid pace
of nearly 10 percent with the implication that the global resources are being consumed at a rapid rate.
Although Africa was the slowest growing region in the world till recent times but is now averaging about ûve percent
annual GDP growth, while other developing region have grown at seven percent per year. The developed world has
been growing at about 4.5 percent. There are both positive and negative implications of the rapid global rate of
growth especially for the developing countries. It has brought down the level of poverty. Thirty years ago, half of the
Chinese population was poor; today this extreme level of poverty has been cut down to nearly ten percent. This is
of course the positive implication. However, there is a negative implication too. The global economy will double in
size in about two decades with the world economy growing at about 4 to 5 percent annually. In other words, the
$70 trillion global economy will double in size to $140 trillion and further to $280 trillion by mid century. It will be
nearly impossible for planet earth to physically support the exponential economic growth, especially if we let greed
take the upper hand.
CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN GREED BEYOND HIS NEEDS
POINTS TO THINK
The burden of economic growth is already evident in depleting resources such as the diminishing supplies
of fossil-fuel energy resources that nature took millions of years to create.
The burning of fossil fuels leading to climate change is already creating instabilities evident in extreme storms,
temperature and rainfall.
The pressure on resources and unstable prices of fuel and food are an implication of resource crunch,
resource exploitation and our greed. While the purchasing power of consumers has increased on average,
there are also more mouths to feed.
Yet, increasing natural disasters such as ûoods, droughts and heat waves induced by climate change are
destroying crops and reducing the supplies of food grains.
India and China are today in the grips of massive ûoods, while it was common to hear the news of acute
water shortages and droughts in several parts of India only months ago. The adverse climate impacts are
common everywhere in the world including the US, China, Australia and Brazil.
Contradictorily enough, while the ûoods are devastating India and China, and other populous parts of
the world, these regions have also been under the spell of devastating drought. The farmers from the
American Midwest, northern China and northern India were tapping into ground water to irrigate their crops as the
great aquifers that store ground water have been depleting rapidly. In recent years, the water table in India has
been falling rapidly and deep wells have nearly exhausted. There is the danger of ocean water spilling into aquifers.
In other words, the world is today on the brink of a calamity unless the human beings inhabiting the planet change
their ways
The society of the present days is running on the principle of greed that rich become richer while the
poor languish. The growing resource crunch will most possibly lead to further widening the gap between the rich
and the poor and may possibly lead to increasingly more violent struggles for survival and access to limited
resources.
Many social scientists fear that the rich will try to use their power to gain access to a greater share of
water, energy and land and will not hesitate in taking recourse to violent means to do so. The US
strategy of militarization in the Middle East is based on this approach will give them a secure source of energy
supplies, while the competition from India and China for the same resources is intensifying. While 10 percent rich
people in the world have access to 90 percent of the global resources, the 90 percent poor people have with them
barely 10 percent of the global resources. The civil strife in Africa is a reûection of growing disenchantment of the
poor people against rich and powerful.
NEED OF THE HOUR TO FULFIL EVERYONE’S NEED
POINTS TO THINK
Sustainable development is the crying need of the hour for ensuring the future of humanity on this
planet. The understanding has to dawn that we have delayed the efforts already, as global warming knocks on our
doors. It is only one of the signals from the nature, that the time to acts sensibly is imminent and ticking away The
understanding requires the nations to inculcate a ‘eco-eco’ ideology, which calls for an ‘ecology-economy ‘equilibrium.
Sustainability does not come at the price of growth and development and human endeavor can deliver them
simultaneously. They can coexist and enrich each other to the benefit of corning generations.
A major breakthrough in our efforts can happen only if we adopt an attitudinal change. The mentality of
‘robbers’ loot has to give way for sharing of resources - whether land, water or minerals. Resources should become
a perpetual tool and not exhaustible reserves if the development is pragmatic. Such efforts would require involvement
of people at every stage of planning, execution and evaluation and paradigm shift is essential in our centrally
dictated use of resources and sense of ownership could infuse miracles and bring about a turnaround in the
conservation of resources for future generation.
With a sense of ownership, responsibility towards the use of resource will be generated. The tribal will be
integrated into forest management and fishermen as coastal eco-force. While each citizen will develop energy
efficient outlook, every farmer will take care to enrich fields. Participation of people will accelerate the pace of
efforts which appear isolated and insufficient when planned by the authority.
This does not abdicate the state of its responsibility. It, rather, becomes more relevant and the crusade
has to be carried proactively by the State. Promotion of energy efficient equipment’s, a gradual policy shift to
renewable sources of energy and promotion of public transport systems in city have to be state’s priority. The land
resource sustenance has to be integrated with forest protection, conservation and promotion. Efforts like social
and urban forestry have multifarious dimensions and transmit multiple gains to the society. Such programmes
have to be integrated with the lives of the population by percolating them to the grassroots.
Sustainable agriculture could strengthen the backbone of weakening food security. Proper planning of
land use with dedicated grazing fields, bio-fertilizers and manures, natural pests as pesticides and making each
drop of irrigation water count can deliver better returns from our efforts to maintain the fertility of our land resources.
The shift from demand based to region specific needs to be appreciated to develop each region holistically on its
strength.
Industrial accountability is a key which can unlock the secret to humanity’s survival. A more responsible
behaviour from the profit mongers can be evinced by taxation or through the innovative approach of “natural resource
accounting and budgeting”. A monetary value to every careless act of polluting the natural resource may heighten
the awareness of these growth seekers. Plantation can be promoted by industries as part of their social responsibility.
Proper waste management system for cines with planned landfills or incineration plants is a must as
urbanization is the order of the day; sustainable cities can become gateways for a long term growth.
Water harvesting through rooftop systems and pollution check of vehicles would ensure a greener environment and
availability of water for future generations. Slums - which standout for their poor hygiene and irreverence towards
ecology - must receive a holistic up gradation plan.
Yet another tool is Environment Impact Assessment, which should become a mandatory organ of any
development scheme. It is an anticipatory and preventive effort, which utilizes multidisciplinary knowledge to
predict and prevent the damages that development project may bring along. This tool would promote the simultaneous
march of sustainability with ecology.
PRECONCLUSIVE ANALYSIS TO CONCLUSION
The rich have enjoyed soaring incomes and growing political power everywhere in the leading countries
such as the US, the UK, China and India. The US economy has been taken over by billionaires. It can be easily
noted that the rapidly growing economy harms the environment, leads to price rise and enhances the chasm
between the rich and poor. Nonetheless, there is way out of the current mess. if we are prepared to share and care.
There will be enough space for everyone to live and enough food that no child sleeps hungry provided the emotion
of greed in men is replaced with emotion, love and care.
Every individual, has a responsibility in protecting the environment, if he/she is serious about leaving a
world for the next generation to inherit. There is a need now to curb the unhealthy consumption that the world
has become slave too as there is a direct link between excessive production and environmental degradation. One
clear example is that of the increase in the use of cars with each member of a family claiming the need to own and
drive his/her own vehicle. The 700 million automobiles of the world are already using up two-thirds of the gasoline
and releasing carbon dioxide that has already ushered in the era of global warming and the greenhouse effect. The
desire to control the oil resources has also seen the worst war of the 21st century and one wonders what others
will follow with environmentalists warning that the next wars will be those fought over water, which is likely to
become a commodity in short supply.
The engine of economic growth is bound to deplete resources especially if greed dominates. Soon,
there will not be enough for the future generation’s need It will push the poor aside and drive the world into socio-
economic and political crisis. Nevertheless, we have a choice. The choice is political and social cooperation within
the nation and also internationally. The resources can be saved and optimally utilized with conversion of our
economies to renewable energy sources, sustainable agricultural practices and proportionate taxation of the rich
towards the goal of shared prosperity. If the past and present generations were to have used the resources to a
limit, more time would have been given for them to replenish. Then, the future generations would have more than
enough for their needs.
On the balanced approach towards resource utilization, once Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam said:
‘Where there is righteousness in the heart

There is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character,
There is harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home,
There is order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation,
There is peace in the world.’
KHELO INDIA: DEVELOPING A SPORTS CULTURE IN INDIA
“Khelaga India to Khilega India”
POINTS TO THINK
Over the past few decades, with active involvement in major global decisions and events, India has left
significant footprint in every arena. On the threshold of achieving the mantle of global leadership, Indian
success story is scripted in diverse fields of political debates, economy, social ventures, entrepreneurship, art and
culture. India is a land of many talents, however, the domain of sports continues to experience drought of significant
Indian presence. The nation of over 1.2 bn continues to grapple with ideas to build a sporting culture and lack of
sporting culture in the country is one the major reasons for the dismal performance of our sportspersons in
international events like Olympics.
Sports in Indian society have always been viewed as a leisure activity, which is given the “leftover”
time, after tending to “more significant” activities. From time immemorial, kings and princes indulged in
sports like hunting or chariot racing for the purpose of amusement. ‘Though the global notions about sports
underwent a change, the Indian mindset has refused to bring out and expand the place of sports in our society.
Over the past decades, with every passing global sporting event like the Olympics or the Asiads, our
attention shifts to the depressing state of Indian sports. This attention span is minimal. As a society, we
return to our works for sustenance and in training the upcoming generation to earn their daily bread. For the nation,
we expect medals in global events but shirk away from preparing our child to be that medal winner.
The performance of our sportspersons in various fields of has been really astounding - the Nehru Cup in
Football, the Asia Cup in Hockey, a good show by Sania Mirza in Tennis, the Twenty20 World Cup in
Cricket and most recently, Vishwanathan Anand becoming the World Champion in Chess. This euphoria generated
in the wake of such performances could provide a perfect ground for sowing seeds of a sports culture - a dimension
sadly lacking in our national life.
Now, that things are looking up a bit, there’s more need to develop a sports culture in India than ever
before. Thus with an aim to promote sports participation and to strengthen the culture of sports in the country
where an attitudinal change can come in every Indian family, in every institution, that sports is equally important,
Khelo India initiative has been started by the Government. The programme has been introduced to revive the sports
culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in our country and
establish India as a great sporting nation.
POINTS TO THINK
As a nation we are proud of our ancient civilization with rich culture. But sadly, we have never had what
could be called a sports culture. Archery, boxing and wrestling were used as war weapons. But no contests
were held even in these disciplines. And training in these was restricted to the elite, mostly the princes.Sporting
excellence was used to kill or subdue the enemy or the adversary and not for promoting the higher, the faster and
the stronger concepts, the hallmarks of modern sports.But mention of some traditional or local sports like Kabaddi,
Kushti, Gulidanda can be found in in ancient scriptures and are played in most parts of our country even today.
In the pre independence period, sports culture in our country could not thrive although concept of some
sports like cricket was borrowed from outside. Later many modern sports like tennis, badminton, volleyball
etc. also came into existence.British Government, however, showed no keen interest in promoting sports culture
here as British imperialist forces were busy in expanding their imperial power and exploit the resources.
After independence, the focus of attention was on revival of economy, which was in a bad shape.
Promotion of sports culture, as such, remained a remote concept, and it could not thrive in such a
scenario. Under these circumstances only few traditional sports were played at local levels and even these sports
could not be promoted for want of outside support from the corridors of power. Sports culture in the country
continued to be relegated to the back seat in post independent period.
However, a few sports personnel shot into prominence in those years who brought laurels to the nation.
Dhyan Chand led the hockey crusade and India ruled the roost for three decades winning seven gold medals.
Milkha Singh broke the world record in 400m at Rome in 1960. P.T. Usha showed the world that Indian women are
capable of competing with the best. Prakash Padukone beat the world single-handedly winning the All-England
and the world title in badminton.But all these are stray cases of excellence and none of them are products of
sports culture. They are all self-made greats because of their own talent, dedication and professionalism and
above all their own resources.
The sports in the country got impetus with the setting up of separate sports department in 1982 and
formulation of the National Sports Policy of India for the first time in1984 with the objective of raising the
standard of Sports in the country.
KHELO INDIA :DEVELOPING A SPORTS CULTURE IN INDIA
POINTS TO THINK
Vision of Khelo India: Aimed at mainstreaming sports as a tool for national development, economic development,
community development and individual development, It has been launched with a vision to infuse sports culture
and achieve sporting excellence in the country. The mission is to encourage sports all over the country thus
allowing the population to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence, namely, holistic
development of children & youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle,
national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development. ‘
Sporting and Nurturing talent: Identification of sporting development and nurturing of such talent is one of the
key priorities of the program. The initiative intends to create an environment of sport in the country by hunting and
nurturing talent, providing opportunities to play, creating competition, and also awareness of physical fitness and
good health. Two initiatives National Sports Talent Search portal and Khelo India School Games, will help
in identification and nurturing of the talents so that an amazing bench strength can be created across multiple
sports
Strengthening Infrastructure: Khelo India program is a seminal measure undertaken by the Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Sports, India and aims at strengthening the infrastructure of Indian sports with the objectives of sports
development. It has been started with a scientific and a holistic approach and a comprehensive strategy at the
grass root level by keeping every single thing into account be it development of infrastructure or be it an issue of
coaching or training or be it an issue of building of human resources so that the rules of sports reach the ground
level in an even manner and culture of sports can disseminated evenly across the country.
Gender Equity: The power of sport in promoting gender equity and social inclusiveness is also fully recognized
and special measures are provided for to achieve these objectives like annual national competitions for women.
Emphasis will be laid on such sports disciplines where there is less participation of women so that more number
of women will participate in such sports disciplines.
Social Inclusiveness: The programme also aims at engaging youth living in disturbed and deprived areas, in
sporting activities, to wean them away from unproductive and disruptive activities and mainstream them in the
nation-building process. The programme strives to raise the standards of competition, both at school and college
level, to have maximum access to organized sports competitions
Indigenous Sport: One of the important dimensions of Khelo India program is the focus on the development of
indigenous sport in India, thereby making Sports a Culture in India. This is the first time ever that a long-term
athlete development pathway would be made available to gifted and talented youngsters to make them adopt
sports as culture and to excel in competitive sports and will create a pool of highly competitive athletes who can
compete to win at the world stage.
Pan Indian Sports Scholarship Scheme: an unprecedented Pan Indian Sports Scholarship scheme has been
started under the Khelo India to attract most talented young athletes each year across select sports disciplines to
make Sports a culture in India.
Sports Universities: 20 universities across country will be promoted as hubs of sporting excellence, which will
enable talented sports persons to pursue dual pathway of education and competitive sports. It also aims at
creating an active population with healthy life-style.
National Physical Fitness Drive: Under it, programme will cover about 200 million children in age group of 10-18.
It will not only measure physical fitness of all children in age group, but also support their fitness related activities.
User Friendly Technology: It also includes the use of latest user-friendly technology in all aspects of sports
promotion such as, use of mobile apps for dissemination of sports training; National Sports Talent Search portal for
talent identification; interactive website for indigenous sports; GIS based information system for locating and using
sports infrastructure, etc.Thus spreading sports as a culture in India.
Focus on Health and fitness: The Programme also aims at creating an active population with healthy life-
style. The Programme would cover about 200 million children in the age group of 10-18 under a massive national

Vikas Ranjan Essay Test 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vikas Ranjan Essay Test 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vikas Ranjan Essay Test 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

https://telegram.me/UPSCMaterials https://telegram.me/FreeUPSCMaterials https://telegram.

Challenges in Political sphere

Gender Equality: Turning Promises into Reality

CHALLENGES IN TURNING GENDER EQUALITY INTO REALITY

Unequal Entitlement: IMP

LAWS RELATED TO SAFEGUARDING WOMEN RIGHTS

PRECONCLUSIVE ASSUMPTIONS TO CONCLUSION

THERE IS ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE’S NEED BUT NOT FOR

CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN GREED BEYOND HIS NEEDS

‘Where there is righteousness in the heart

KHELO INDIA: DEVELOPING A SPORTS CULTURE IN INDIA

“Khelaga India to Khilega India”

KHELO INDIA :DEVELOPING A SPORTS CULTURE IN INDIA

You might also like