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6 February 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF

The Hindu Editorial

6-February-2024

1. A critical view of the ‘sanitation miracle’ in rural India.

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health

UPSC perspective: India’s sanitation challenges reflect social, economic, and behavioral complexities, crucial for aspirants understanding public policy, governance, and sustainable development.
Context
  • The article discusses the progress and challenges of India’s sanitation programs, focusing on the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen.
  • It highlights achievements, behavioral patterns affecting toilet usage, and the need for improved coordination and consideration of social factors in Phase II.
  1. Introduction
  • Sanitation improvement has been a key policy focus in India in the past decade, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
  • The Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) aimed to make India Open Defecation Free (ODF) by October 2019.
  1. Progress and Data
  • Sanitation coverage improved from 39% in 2014 to 100% in 2019, leading to Phase II of SBM-G.
  • Government aims for ODF Plus by 2024-25, with 85% of villages already ODF Plus according to official data.
  1. Usage and Behavioral Patterns
  • The construction of toilets does not guarantee usage; NSSO survey revealed various reasons for non-use in 2012.
  • Subsequent studies in 2018 and 2020 identified issues such as lack of access to water, collapsed structures, and social norms affecting usage.
  1. Left-Out Households and Unused Toilets
  • The National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS)- Round-3 (2019-20) identified a gap of 10% between toilet access and usage.
  • Left-out households need attention in Phase II, and shortcomings of the previous phase should be addressed.
  1. Economic and Social Factors
  • Econometric models show toilet usage depends on economic conditions, education, household size, and social norms.
  • Larger household sizes and difficulties in water access reduce toilet usage.
  1. Program Criteria and Synergy
  • Phase II lacks criteria for multiple toilets in larger households and does not mandate attached bathrooms.
  • Lack of synergy between sanitation programs and other basic needs programs hinders collective behavioral change.
  • Social norms, caste hierarchy, and social networks play a crucial role in sanitation behavior and vary across regions.
  1. Conclusion
  • Despite significant toilet construction, collective behavioral change is yet to occur, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts and addressing societal challenges in sanitation programs.
  • Synergy between various programs and consideration of social networks are crucial for achieving sustainable sanitation goals in India.
Importance of Sanitation in Rural India
Significance:

  • Public health: Prevents diarrheal diseases, improves child health & survival, and reduces malnutrition.
  • Women & girls: Enhances safety & dignity, promotes education & participation.
  • Environment: Prevents water contamination, protects ecosystems, and mitigates climate change.
  • Economy: Saves healthcare costs, boosts productivity & tourism.

Challenges:

  • Open defecation persistence: Behavioral change & infrastructure gaps remain.
  • Waste management issues: Lack of proper disposal & treatment facilities.
  • Social stigma & taboos: Limited awareness & traditional practices hinder progress.
  • Financial constraints: Affordability of toilets & maintenance challenges.

Way Forward:

  • Swachh Bharat Mission: Continued focus on infrastructure, behavior change campaigns, & community ownership.
  • Innovation & technology: Promote low-cost sanitation solutions & waste management technologies.
  • Education & awareness: Empower communities through hygiene education & capacity building.
  • Public-private partnerships: Leverage collaborative efforts for financing & knowledge sharing.
  • Gender & inclusion: Address specific needs & vulnerabilities of women & girls.
PYQ: Appropriate local community-level healthcare interventions are a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All ‘ in India. Explain.
(150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2018)
Practice Question:  How do social norms, economic factors, and program coordination impact the success of India’s sanitation initiatives? Discuss
(150 words/10 m)

2. The road to a healthy democracy

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health

The article is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it addresses India’s development vision, and global leadership, relevant to current affairs and governance.
Context
  • The article discusses India’s vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047, highlighting achievements in various sectors.
  • Emphasis is placed on healthcare’s pivotal role, leveraging technology, AI, and global leadership in medical value travel for India’s progress.

 Vision for a Developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047:

  • The prospect of elevating India to a developed nation Vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, its 100th year of Independence is achievable today.
  • Quantum leaps in every sector, massive expansion in social and economic infrastructure, boost to entrepreneurship, rural transformation, and increased educational institutions.

Foundations of Viksit Bharat Mission:

  • Chandrayaan’s milestone in science and technology.
  • Digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and UPI, recognized globally.

Healthcare as a Pillar for Development:

  • Viksit Bharat Mission emphasizes progress, development, innovation, economic strength, and social prosperity.
  • Well-being of citizens and achieving health equity for all as a central focus.

Advantages and Challenges:

  • India’s demographic dividend with a young population.
  • Potential economic burden and reduced productivity due to prevalent health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Preventive Healthcare as a Priority:

  • Leveraging technological innovations, scientific research, and AI for preventive healthcare.
  • Individual empowerment through knowledge of risk factors, genomics data, and personalized prevention plans.

Leading the World in Healthcare:

  • Clinical excellence and prowess surpassing global benchmarks.
  • Pioneering a patient-centric healthcare model with expanded touchpoints.
  • World-class healthcare infrastructure, clinical talent, and globally competitive costs.
  • AI and Machine Learning (ML) contributing to a new healthcare model.
  • Integration of AI enhancing patient care, accessibility, and quality.

Global Leadership in Medical Value Travel:

  • India’s healthcare industry as a global leader in infrastructure, technology, and clinical expertise.
  • Emergence as a medical value travel hub, particularly in specialized areas.
  • Proton Beam Therapy technology making India a regional leader in cancer treatment.

Pivotal Moment in Healthcare Journey:

  • Reimagining the healthcare model to position India globally.
  • Strategic role of medical value travel in employment, foreign exchange, and global competency.
  • India’s potential as a powerhouse in AI-driven healthcare solutions and a leader in combating non-communicable diseases.

Conclusion:

  • In conclusion, India’s pursuit of development hinges on healthcare innovation, AI integration, and global leadership in medical value travel. Embracing these pillars can propel the nation toward a visionary future.
PYQ: Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (200 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2013)
Practice Question:  In the context of India’s pursuit of a developed nation status, discuss the significance of healthcare advancements and global leadership in medical value travel. (150 words/10 m)

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