INDIA-Gifting Holistic Well-Being to The World

DO YOU KNOW?

“This word is LiFE, which means ‘Lifestyle for Environment’. Today, there is a need for all of us to come together and take Lifestyle for Environment forward as a campaign. This can become a mass movement towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle.” – Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mission LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment

At COP26 in Glasgow, India strongly supported Mission LiFE, proving our unwavering commitment to promoting eco–friendly practices. Our approach to tackling climate change is holistic and comprehensive, incorporating the LiFE philosophy into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Objectives of Mission LiFE:

• Mission LiFE aims to transform the LiFE vision into tangible outcomes that can be measured.
• Mission LiFE aims to inspire 1 billion people to protect the environment from 2022 to 2027.
• By 2028, at least 80% of villages and urban local bodies in India will be targeted to become environmentally friendly.
• The goal is to encourage individuals and communities to live in harmony with nature and avoid causing harm to it. People who follow this lifestyle are known as “Pro Planet People.”

The principles and values of LiFE will be implemented through a mission-driven, scientific, and measurable program.

Why is Mission LiFE crucial for the World?

• Environmental degradation and climate change impact ecosystems and populations across the globe.
• Nearly 3 billion people are projected to experience chronic water scarcity due to droughts at 2°C
• With action, the world economy could retain 18% of its GDP by 2050.

Mission LiFE: Three core shifts towards sustainability:

LiFE builds upon India’s environment-friendly culture and traditional practices.

• Building a sustainable life means using adaptive architecture, consuming less electricity, washing clothes by hand, letting them sun-dry, and eating more plant-based foods.
• India has diverse water harvesting methods, including step wells in Gujarat and Rajasthan, underground tanks in Tamil Nadu, check dams in Rajasthan and the Zabo system in Nagaland.
• It’s common to cook and serve food using clayware. Some people use utensils made of Sal tree leaves, while others prefer clay pots for drinking tea, called Kulhad.

Impact of Mission LiFE:

LiFE actions can have a significant impact when compared to a business-as-usual scenario by one billion Indians from 2022-23 to 2027. This is evident through the following examples:

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CHAPTER 1:

AYUSH UNVEILING THE SCIENCE OF LIFE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Introduction:

1. The Ayush healthcare system combines traditional and non-conventional methods like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. Ayurveda, known as the ‘Science of Life’, is based on ancient Indian knowledge and has been practised for years.
2. Ayush creates personalised plans for a balanced mind-body-spirit connection, incorporating exercise, diet, lifestyle, medication, and therapy.
3. The Ministry of Ayush(MoA) promotes the Ayush healthcare system.
4. This has led to increased funding of research institutes and collaborations between Ayush experts and modern scientific researchers.
5. The Ministry of Ayush(MoA) aims to reduce the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific evidence. This will ensure the integration of Ayush into evidence-based healthcare practices.

R&D Initiatives of AYUSH ministry:

1. MoA has established five Research Councils for research in Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, Yoga, and Naturopathy.
2. The Councils research medicinal plants and conduct various studies, such as drug standardisation and clinical research. They also perform outreach activities.
3. The Extra Mural Research program promotes valuable research for intellectual property innovation.
4. MoA partners with top research institutes and organisations like CSIR and CIMR, boosting its global influence.
5. AIIIMS-Delhi conducts interdisciplinary research for comprehensive healthcare, including the Center for Integrative Medicine & Research (CIMR) for yoga studies.
6. The Ayush mark validates traditional medicine quality, ensuring authenticity in India.
7. The Ministry and the Bureau of Indian Standards are working together to create standards for Medical Value Travel.
8. Currently, there are 17 Indian standards in place for herbal materials, Panchkarma equipment, and yoga accessories.
9. The Ayush research portal was created to share evidence-based research data about Ayush systems globally.
10. The Ministry arranges training programs, workshops, and conferences for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders.
11. The 2017 National Health Policy (NHP) recommends incorporating Ayush into a diverse integrative healthcare system.
12. Jamnagar, India, is home to the WHO-Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM), the first to focus solely on traditional medicine.
13. The goal is to enhance the scientific basis of traditional medicine.
14. We aim to address global health issues related to traditional medicine and promote Ayush worldwide.
15. One of its main duties is to guarantee the quality, safety, effectiveness, accessibility, and reasonable usage of traditional medicines.
16. The centre wants to create a Traditional Medicine Informatics centre with the World Health Organization. This will combine databases, libraries, and institutions to encourage collaboration in traditional medicine research.

Facts : 80% of the World’s population relies on traditional medicine for their well-being. 170 WHO member countries report the use of conventional medicine. The herbal medicines, beauty products and wellness centres industry is valued at trillions of dollars. The Indian Ayush industry grew sixfold from 2014 to 2020.

Pragmatic Model of Research in Ayush:

Ayush addresses healthcare challenges by exploring the grey areas of research and tackles healthcare challenges. Here are some examples:

1. Examining Traditional Knowledge:Research aims to validate and leverage traditional knowledge to develop new approaches for enhancing health and wellness. India protects traditional medicinal knowledge with the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) project.
2. Integration of Modern Scientific Methods: Ayush combines traditional knowledge and modern science, using rigorous methods such as clinical trials, studies, and reviews. In collaboration with national organisations, Ayush effectively manages the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs:Ayush aims to provide innovative solutions and complementary therapies for Cognitive Deficits, utilising traditional remedies like Brahmi Ghrita and Jyotishmati Taila in areas without modern medicine.
4. Promoting Lifestyle Modification:Ayush promotes a healthy lifestyle by advocating for Yoga, meditation, a balanced diet, and natural remedies.
5. Predictive, Preventive, and Personalised Medicine:Ayush believes in a holistic and personalised approach to healthcare, considering physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects.

 

Ayush in achieving Universal Health Coverage and SDGs:

1. Ayush Healthcare aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage by providing accessible, affordable, available, and acceptable healthcare for all, per WHO’s strategic goals.
2. Ayush plays an important role in achieving Zero Hunger (SDG 2) through POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) Abhiyaan.
3. Ayush is committed to achieving SDG 3, which promotes good health and well-being.
4. The National Ayush Mission (NAM) and integrated health programs are working to achieve SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities.
5. Herbal medicines supported by Ayush are crucial for advancing sustainable cities and communities, as emphasised in SDG 11.
6. Promoting partnership and exchanging knowledge and expertise also supports the achievement of SDG 17, which is focused on Partnership for the Goals.

Portals under AYUSH:

With just a click, we can Discover India’s rich medical knowledge, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa Rigpa. For example:

AMAR (Ayush Manuscripts Advanced Repository) Portal: We have digitised rare and hard-to-find manuscripts and catalogues on traditional Indian medicine from libraries and collections worldwide.

Conclusion:

Ayush has played a crucial role in the Indian and global healthcare systems by providing affordable and accessible quality healthcare services. Their approach is patient-centred and comprehensive, with the ultimate goal of achieving “Health for All.” AYUSH healthcare practices are expected to gain global recognition in the next decade.

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Chapter 2: Yoga for Global Well-being

Introduction:

• Yoga is a physical exercise and a lifestyle that incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• The origin of the term “Yoga” can be traced back to the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which conveys the notion of “uniting or integrating.”
• Reducing stress and anxiety through Yoga can help prevent health issues like high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease.

Concepts and Principles of Yoga:

 

• Yoga promotes inner peace and improves relationships through Yama and Niyama teachings.
• To create a peaceful community, prioritise Ahimsa (non-violence) and Santosha (contentment).
• Ahimsa = no harm to living creatures. Santosha = find happiness within, not from others.
• Yoga promotes environmental sustainability by connecting people with nature and encouraging harmony with their surroundings.
• Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, is one of the fundamental principles of Yoga, which teaches us to use what is necessary and to leave the rest for others.

Yoga Constituents:

Yoga comprises eight components, also known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga. These components are listed below:

1. Restraint (Yama)
2. Observance of austerity (Niyama)
3. Physical postures (Asana)
4. Breathing control (Pranayam)
5. Restraining of sense organs (Pratyahara)
6. Contemplation (Dharna)
7. Meditation (Dhyan)
8. Deep meditation (Samadhi)

Benefits of Yoga:

• This helps with maintaining physical and mental health.
• This practice facilitates the development of a stronger bond with our inner selves and the World around us.
• Furthermore, it contributes to the enhancement of social and environmental welfare.
• Living in this way can bring about a more satisfying and meaningful existence.
• This promotes mindfulness and spirituality.

Figure: Benefits of Yoga

 

Yogic Practices for Health and Well-being:

• Hatha Yoga is widely practised and emphasises the physical aspects of Yoga. It comprises various practices such as Shatkarmas, Yogasana, Pranayama, Mudras & Bandhas, and Dhyana.
• Shatkarmas, also known as purificatory practices, are essential in Hatha Yoga as they help to cleanse the body and prepare it for further practice.
• Yogasana, or psycho-physical postures, is performed after various cleansing practices to detoxify the body. Their regular practice enhances strength, flexibility, endurance, the general fitness of the body, and overall well-being.
• Pranayama, or breath regulation, is one of the most important yoga practices. Traditionally, there are eight different types of pranayama called the Ashta Kumbhaka, which help open the subtle channels carrying vital energy throughout the body.
• Mudra & Bandha: These practices control and channelise prana in the body. Mudras are body gestures, and bandhas are psychic locks that aid in maintaining the proper flow of prana in the body, leading to various health benefits.
• Dhyanais a state of complete stillness of the mind that helps develop the inherent capabilities of the human mind. Various scientifically proven benefits of meditation include reduced stress, improved memory, and enhanced concentration.
• These practices are effective not only in the development and maintenance of optimum physical health but also in mental and emotional well-being.
• These practices help us cultivate a deeper connection with our inner selves and the World around us.
• The practice of Yoga has a transformative effect on our entire being, leading to enhanced overall health and well-being. Regularly engaging in these practices can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life and positively contribute to the World around us.

Research in Yoga for Health and Well-being:

• Yoga’s prominence in Indian and Western civilisation emerged in the 20″ century.
• Extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Yoga on various diseases, especially non-communicable diseases such as stroke, cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, among others.
• Many studies have found that Yoga can be an effective complementary therapy to conventional medical treatments for these conditions.
• As per a research review, yoga practices were found to be as effective as or better than exercise in improving several health conditions in healthy as well as diseased populations.

Yoga and Global Well-being:

• Yoga has gained widespread popularity globally, and many organisations are now incorporating Yoga into their programmes to promote global well-being.
• Adopting the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations helped Yoga reach the unreached and encouraged more people to practice Yoga worldwide.
• The International Day of Yogais observed annually on 21 June. Many schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces now offer yoga classes, workshops, and programmes to promote overall health and well-being.
• International Day of Yoga promotes the benefits of Yoga and encourages people to try it. Yoga can improve daily routines.
• Maharishi Patanjali envisaged restraints and observances that can help people and nations deal with global challenges and help the World achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• The concept of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakamhas been a part of Indian philosophy for centuries and is closely linked to the practice of Yoga.
• Yoga promotes the idea of oneness and unity, encouraging individuals to connect with their inner selves and others in a spirit of compassion and understanding.
• India’s presidency at the G20 provides a platform for the country to share its rich cultural heritage, including Yoga, with the rest of the World.
• By promoting the practice of Yoga, India can build bridges between different cultures and develop greater understanding and respect for diversity.

‘The Guardian Ring’:

• The Guardian Ring of Yoga symbolises the Sun’s movement and emphasises the idea of ‘One Sun, One Earth’.
• ‘The Guardian Ring’ united 79 countries, UN organisations, and Indian Missions to showcase Yoga’s power to transcend borders diversity.

‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’:

• Yoga Ocean Ring unites people to form a strong community.
• The Ministry of Defence manages the event with other government departments and agencies.
• The Indian Navy promotes Yoga for global wellness.

Conclusion:

Yoga is a powerful practice that promotes overall well-being. Its numerous benefits include stress reduction, improved mental clarity and focus, physical health, mindfulness, and spirituality. It’s a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their overall well-being.

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Chapter 3: Role of Meditational Approaches in Mental Well-Being

Introduction:

• According to the World Health Organization, health means being in a state of total well-being, and it’s not just about the absence of illness or weakness.
• Stress is a common part of life for many people. Unhealthy habits like lack of sleep, inactivity, and poor diet can worsen the situation and cause serious health issues. Meditation can

Ancient Medical Technique:

• Even with all the progress made in modern science, there are still secrets of medicine that can be uncovered through ancient techniques.
• Ancient civilisations like Egypt and China had alternative systems of medicine.
• Ayurveda and Naturopathy emphasise the timing of herb procurement, treatment, and consumption. Tulsi leaves can become toxic if picked at night.

Healing and Holistic Well-being:

• To achieve overall well-being, it is essential to focus on the well-being of the entire person, including the body, mind, and soul, through various procedures and therapies.
• Emotional and mental well-being depends on the well-being of the self or soul.

Heart’s Foundational Intelligence in Healing:

• The foundation of our good health is sustaining a life force or staying alive.
• What makes us stay alive is called by different names in different cultures — Rooh, soul, Atman, etc.
• Better use of the heart is to love better, to forgive more, and to be more generous and kinder, expand our consciousness, and this automatically results in improved health.

Enter the Koshas in Healing:

At the physical level, we think of health as a healthy diet, exercising, a good lifestyle, etc. However, at the energetic or vibratory level, we discover that there may be layers of existence inside the human body. We call these layers koshas or sheaths or coverings.

These five koshas are as follows-

1. Annamaya kosha (food)-This outermost kosha takes care of the sustenance for the physical body.
2. Pranamaya kosha (energy)-This kosha regulates the flow of prana or lifeforce energy.
3. Manomaya kosha (mind)-The kosha gives us awareness of our thoughts and emotions.
4. Vijnanamaya kosha (intuition)-This kosha is connected to an intuitively deeper level that gives access to spiritual wisdom.
5. Anandamaya kosha (bliss)– This is the deepest layer, and the scriptures refer to this as the true inner self that gives us joy and love.

Meditate for Internal Hygiene:

• While external hygiene is important to prevent infection, internal hygiene is important to avoid mental illnesses.
• Many health problems are solved by natural adjustments in diet and exercise, healthy sleep patterns, and simple uses of pranayama and yogasanas.
• Most important of all these are simple meditation practices, which result in a meditative attitude and a prayerful attitude that can handle any crisis, much better than an agitated or vacillating mind or a selfish-cowardly heart.

Vaccines for Mental and Emotional Health:

• Meditation is the Vaccine for Mental and Emotional Health, and simple natural meditation, like heartfulness, is practised easily because it is aided by yogic transmission or pranahuti.
• The Heartfulness-cleaning process enables us to reduce our daily levels of stress and tension.
• By developing the skill of connecting oneself to the divine light in the heart before sleep, we get into a habit of reconnecting to the heart every time we change our activity.
• Even young children can benefit from the Heartfulness Relaxation and Heartfulness Polarity processes, which can be used as an alternative to lengthy meditation practices.

Conclusion:

Meditation improves mental health, emotional resilience, and well-being. It reduces anxiety and brings calm and inner peace. Research shows it helps us understand our purpose and address underlying issues.

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Chapter 4: Basics of Healthy Lifestyle

Understanding Food Groups and Choosing:

• A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, protein, good fats, fermented foods, fibre, and phytonutrients.
• Limit grains, sugar, and salt, and say no to trans fats.
• An easy tool to get you there is to follow the half-plate rule.

Half-plate Rule:

• Always pre-plate your food. Put all the food you want to eat on your plate at once to see exactly what you are eating. Research shows that those who eat all their food instead of going for second and third eat 14 per cent less.
• Now, aim for the ‘half-plate’ rule. Half of your plate should be full of vegetables. Divide the rest with foods from the other food groups and use grains or cereals as a side dish.
• Every diet needs to be personalised to address food sensitivities. If you are intolerant to certain food groups, plan your diet

How Much to Eat?

Portion control begins at the serving stage. Put less on the plate or all you want at once rather than going for a second. Looking at a full plate also increases fullness- quite literally. It is believed to be the secret of the centenarian Japanese.

What to Eat?

• Eating better is choosing foods with a high nutrient density, from fruits and vegetables to whole grains and proteins.
• The approach should be to pick high-value foods (that are full of nutrients) and not count calories.
• Millets, quinoa, lentil flour, jackfruit flour, and unprocessed rice are healthy replacements for wheat & white rice.

When to Eat?

• Sleep early, giving your gut the time to break down the food you eat most efficiently.
• Eat between 7 AM and 7 PM, according to the natural circadian rhythm of day and night. In other words, ‘Eat during the working hours of your system!’.

How to Eat?

Eating slowly has several benefits. First, the digestive process starts in the mouth, so chewing slowly and chewing well improves digestion. Second, it gives the gut the time (about twenty minutes) to register satiation levels.

Principles of Eating:

1. Keep up your motivation- Stop making excuses and assume full responsibility for your weight, make yourself feel important, focus on yourself without feeling guilty, develop a positive association with the kind of clothes that you would love to wear, divert your mind from food by being busy or away from home, talking to your friends, or going out
2. Set goals that are reasonable and realistic goals and have short-term and long-term goals. Achieve your ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) and aim for a flat belly.
3. Plan Your Eating Regimen-Plan your meals and snacks. Snack smart. Make sure your dinner time falls between 6.30 and 8 PM. If it is getting late, keep your dinner light, etc.
4. Practise Mindful Eating-Maintain a food diary. Increase your awareness. Don’t fool yourself by focusing on the food you did not eat and feeling sorry for yourself.
5. Be Food-Wise-Train your palate. Eating healthy and increasing your intake of raw vegetables and vegetable juices substantially can help you train your palate. Try out different cuisines.
6. Don’t Live Against the Clock- Stick to a regular schedule. Eat 2-3 hours before you go to bed.
7. Shop Smart-Plan your shopping; go organic whenever possible, and choose organic or locally grown foods.
8. Exercise-Engage in regular physical activity for at least 45 minutes, ideally 60 minutes, on most days of the week.
9. Manage Stress- Five to ten minutes (during any time of the day) of regular meditation can help you gain control and clarity of thought.
10. Have Regular Health Checkups- These should include a thorough physical examination, blood pressure measurement, and assessment of blood glucose level, fasting lipid profile, body composition, diet, exercise habits, and stress levels.
11. Check Medication- Continue taking your supplements under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
12. Don’t Be Tech-Shy-Log on to authentic, reliable websites and online weight-management portals, etc., to help you through your journey, but be careful not to fall into the fad-diet trap.
13. Your Mind Counts Too-Check your diet, exercise, thoughts, and habits, like addiction, cravings, alcohol, eating disorders, etc., that conflict with your health goals. Work to correct these and seek professional help if necessary.
14. Be the Change-Good eating habits are infectious. You should lead and be an example for your family and friends. Do not succumb to social pressures. Learn the art of saying ‘no’. Find desirable alternatives.
15. Remember – It is the journey, not the destination. There is no miracle or permanent diet solution for weight management. The benefits will last as long as you follow healthy habits. The only permanent, sustainable approach is to make eating healthy a way of life.

Conclusion:

The best way to maintain good health in the long term is to consistently eat healthy and make it a part of your lifestyle.

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CHAPTER 5: DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER IN INDIA

Introduction:

• India’s Constitution has established a strong democracy, protecting citizens’ rights and vulnerable populations.
• We use two powerful tools to protect Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) paradigm is a significant achievement towards this vision.

DBT and DPSP:

• The right to a dignified living guaranteed under the Fundamental Rights (Article 21) is actualised through the Directive Principles of State Policy provisions(DPSPs).
• DBT gives more teeth to Article 21 by efficiently and efficaciously implementing schemes to address inequalities in income, opportunities and resources, strengthening health, and securing the right to work and public assistance to those in need – all of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Economics of DBT:

• The Economic Survey 2015-16 observed that growth needs to be complemented with active government support to improve the economic lives of the poor and vulnerable and achieve equity.
• It showed that in several government price subsidies, rich households benefit more than poor households (say, electricity, water, or fuel subsidies). Thus, Distortions are created in the market that ultimately hurt people with low incomes the most (say, in the case of minimum support prices or railway passenger subsidies).
• It held that the benefit that price subsidies seek to create for people with low incomes could be directly transferred to people experiencing poverty through lump-sum income transfers, avoiding the distortions that subsidies induce.
• Against this backcloth, the goal of converting subsidies into DBT mediated through the Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile Number (JAM) trinitywas set into motion.

What is DBT?

• The DBT was originally envisaged as a scheme where the welfare benefits provided by the Government are directly credited to the bank or postal account of the accurately identified beneficiary.
• DBT in India entails cash support to eligible beneficiaries and in-kind transfers to them, covering over 300 Central and more than 2000 State schemes.
• Widely known examples of cash support include farmer income support programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN), pensions for the old aged, Divyangjan, widows, etc.
• Under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), scholarships for the deprived and other sections needing support; and instances of in-kind support like fertiliser subsidy, food grains support (Public Distribution System), mid-day meals for school children, Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), etc.

Progress of DBT in India:

The Figure below captures the tremendous growth in DBT transfers at the level of the Central Government in the past decade.

Graph page 39

• Over time, DBT in India has been recognised to bring broad inclusivity and efficiency by experts from various fields.
• The World Bank (2022) also recognised the need for countries to back DBT-styled public interventions into action plans for disaster resilience.
• The positive impact of DBT in India on women’s economic and social position within and beyond their households.

DBT and India Stack:

• India Stack refers to a collection of open APIs and digital public goods that aims to enable the use of identity, data, and payments at a large scale for economic purposes.
• The DBT is not a social assistance programme but a mechanism to consolidate and control the data on direct benefit transfers from multiple sources.
• DBT leverages two elements of India Stack – identity and payments – building on and contributing to online, paperless, cashless, and privacy-respecting access to various public and private services.

DBT in the G20 Agenda:

• The DBT is a shining Indian innovation that fits seamlessly into this farsighted vision.
• India is endeavouring to use the G20 platforms to introduce the home-grown DPl-based DBT paragon, particularly the Global South (PTI 2023).
• DBT also fits into the bigger picture of India’s co-chairship of the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion. In this forum, India seeks to promote ‘the development of an open, inclusive and responsible digital financial ecosystem based on the presence of a sound and effective digital public infrastructure (DPI) to advance financial inclusion.
• DBT was also showcased at the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting (Hence promoting transparency).

World praises India’s DBT:

• The IMF has praised DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) for its incredible logistical efficiency in reaching hundreds of millions of people in need of assistance due to low-income levels.
• The World Bank has praised the significant impact of DBT on people’s lives.

Benefits of DBT: Statistics (DBT Fact Figure)

• IMF also lauded the scale at which DBT impacts people’s lives – ‘Helped by digital cash transfers, India managed to provide food or cash support to a remarkable 85% of rural and 69% of urban households“.
• DBT and accompanying governance reforms have been estimated to save the Government of India cumulatively a sum of Rs 2.23 lakh crore up till March 2021, or close to 1.1% of GDP.
• As of March 2022, there has been a notable increase in the Figure, which now stands at Rs 2.73 lakh crore (as shown in the table below)

 

S. No.	Type	Amount
1.	Total Direct Benefit Transfer (Cumulative)	₹ 29,84,426 Cr
2.	Total Direct Benefit Transfer (FY 2022-23)	₹ 7,16,390 Cr
3.	Total number of transactions (FY 2022-23)	₹ 693 Cr
4.	Number of Schemes	312
5.	Number of Ministries	53
6.	Estimated Gains (after removal of duplicate/fake beneficiaries)	₹ 2,73,093 Cr

 

Future Scope of DBT:

• Wheels are already in motion for realising the next big-bang reforms: DBT 2.0 and DBT 3.0.
• The DBT 2.0 focuses on an online eligibility verification mechanism using Aadhaar. Briefly, the Schemes often require applicants to submit eligibility documents or certificates issued by different government agencies and departments.
• The DBT 3.0 seeks to usher in a transformative shift in the scheme of benefit delivery to citizens.
• As things stand, citizens must discover Government schemes implementing agencies for availing the benefits.

Conclusion:

For the far-reaching contemporary impacts of and the possibility of futuristic reforms in India’s DBT paradigm, it is one of India’s most remarkable contributions to the discourse in G20 discussions. It has the potential to promote harmony within our “One Family” and engender hope for our ‘One Future’.

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Chapter 5: NON-POSSESSION: THE GANDHIAN THOUGHT

Introduction:

• The Gandhian thought encapsulates Truth, Ahimsa-Non-Violence, Brahmacharya-Chastity, Control of the Palate, Non- Stealing, Non-Possession, Fearlessness, Removal of Untouchability, Bread Labour, Tolerance-Equality of Religions, and Swadeshi.
• According to Gandhiji, “A vow means unflinching determination;it helps us against temptation. Determination is meaningless if it falters in the face of discomfort.”
• Just as non-violence can be observed only by a strong person, not by a coward, vows are also a sign of strength, not weakness. Gandhiji lived by these vows.

Gandhi and Indian Opinion:

• On 22 August 1894, Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress to fight against colour prejudice.
• In October 1904, he took the responsibility of the Indian Opinion, a weekly newspaper. It was initially published in English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Tamil.
• This paper and the press were moved to Phoenix, and in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement was founded. This was the beginning of community living.
• In the Indian Opinion, Mohandas wrote a few articles under the heading Guide to Health.
  • He mentioned in these articles that all human activity is carried on through the mind aided by the ten senses. These are the five senses of action and the five of perception.
  • The efficient functioning of the human body requires the smooth cooperation of all its components.
  • His question, therefore, was, “What is the use of the human body?” Everything in the World can be used and abused. This is an eternal truth. The body should be treated as the temple of God.

The interconnectedness of the Body, Mind, And Spirit:

• He also believed that man’s mental and spiritual well-being could not be ignored. In Gandhiji’s lifestyle, the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and Spirit was well maintained.
• A person’s food intake should be according to physical work. One person’s overeating not only spoils their digestive system but also deprives those who need that food.
• One of the eleven vows is to control one’s palate. Overeating can harm the body.

Wider Scope Of Non-Stealing:

• The observance of non-stealing is not limited to “stealing someone’s thing. It goes even further.
• Gandhi ji said – It is theft for me to eat any fruit I do not need, or to take it in a larger quantity than necessary. We are not always aware of our real needs, and most of us multiply our wants and thus unconsciously make thieves of ourselves.
• According to him, Non-Possession was allied to Non-Stealing. Possession implies provision for the future. If each retained possession only of what he needed, no one would be in want, and all would live in contentment.
  • Non-possession is a principle applicable to thoughts as well.
  • Why should a man fill his brain with useless knowledge?
  • The habit of acquiring what is not needed burdens the mind and the environment.

 Rules for Ashram:

In 1928, Gandhiji formulated certain rules for the Ashram. They were:

1. All ashramites should attend the morning prayer at 4 AM.
2. All should eat at the community kitchen.
3. Should spin 160 threads daily.
4. No servant or labour should be hired for housework.
5. All adult men should engage themselves in night vigilance.
6. All young and adults should take turns in cleaning toilets.
7. Each person living in the Ashram should work for the Ashram for at least 8 hours daily.
8. One should maintain a daily diary and note all the work done during the day.

Conclusion:

The eleven vows mentioned earlier in the article are the best formula for living a simple and happy life. It is the best representation of ‘Live and Let Others Live’.

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Chapter 6: DELIBERATIONS ON HOLISTIC HEALTH IN G20

Introduction:

• The Health Track of India’s G20 Presidency has identified three main priorities, as illustrated below.

Figure: Health Track Priority Areas

• Nations have appreciated and commended the Indian Presidency for setting the three health priorities.

First G20 Health Track Meeting:

• In The First G20 Health Track meeting, they discussed the need for coordinated efforts to prevent and respond to pandemics. They also emphasised the importance of strengthening communities to build resilience.
• It emphasised the significance of creating sturdy healthcare systems and putting resources into vaccines, treatments, and medical testing that save lives.
• Mixing modern medicine with traditional healing can effectively treat illnesses and promote wellness. The Second Health Working Group Meeting Under G20 India Presidency.

The Second Health Working Group Meeting Under G20 India Presidency:

• It emphasised an integrative holistic healthcare model of service delivery through a comprehensive IT backbone for Traditional Medicine through ‘Ayush Grid’.
• It also talked about ensuring the benchmarking of Al in Traditional Medicine with the guidance and support of the UN bodies.
• The proposal suggests creating a central organisation and regional hubs and developing AGI and AGI-enabled digital public goods to guide national governments.
• India’s successful initiatives were showcased, including the National NCD portal and eSanjeevani teleconsultation services for Non-Communicable Disease monitoring.
• Democratising digital public goods is important for bridging the digital divide.