AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (17^th July 2024)

NITI Aayog SDG India Index 2023-24

GS 2/3: Polity and Governance/ Inclusive growth: SDGs

Why is it in the news?

• The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has unveiled its latest Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) India Index for 2023-24, revealing notable advancements in sustainable development across India’s states and union territories.

SDG India Index

About:

• The SDG India Index, crafted by NITI Aayog, assesses India’s journey towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It promotes the adaptation of SDGs at the local level, urging states to integrate these objectives into their developmental frameworks.
• As a crucial tool, it provides policymakers with a clear benchmark to pinpoint areas needing attention and to strategically align efforts towards sustainable development goals by 2030.

Methodology:

• The SDG India Index evaluates the performance of states and union territories (UTs) across 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), employing a comprehensive set of indicators aligned with national priorities.
• Using 113 indicators from the National Indicator Framework, it calculates goal-specific scores for each SDG and aggregates them to derive composite scores for every State/UT.
• Excluding Goal 14 (Life Below Water), applicable only to coastal states, the scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater advancement towards achieving SDG targets.
• States/UTs are classified into categories—Aspirant (0–49), Performer (50–64), Front-Runner (65–99), and Achiever (100)—based on their SDG India Index scores.

Impact on development:

• The SDG India Index fosters competitive and cooperative federalism among states and union territories (UTs), promoting mutual learning and efforts to bridge gaps in achieving sustainable development goals.
• It offers a detailed analysis of progress, showcasing successes and areas requiring attention. India has fully embedded the SDGs into its national development strategies, emphasizing institutional ownership, collaborative competition, capacity building, and a holistic societal approach.
• As a crucial measure of progress towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047, the Index informs both national and subnational development strategies.

Key Highlights of the SDG India Index for 2023-24

Overall Progress:

• India’s overall SDG score climbed to 71 in 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21 and 57 in 2018, reflecting widespread improvement across all states.

• Key drivers include targeted government initiatives in Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
• Goal 13 (Climate Action) records highest increase in score from 54 in 2020-21 to 67 in 2023-24 followed by Goal 1 (No Poverty) from 60 to 72
• Targeted interventions by the Government such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, Ayushman Arogya Mandir, PM-Mudra Yojana, Saubhgaya, Start-up India etc. had impact and led to rapid improvement.
• Kerala and Uttarakhand lead as top performers, each achieving a score of 79 points. Bihar ranked lowest with 57 points, followed closely by Jharkhand at 62 points.
• 
  Among the front-runner states and union territories (UTs), 32 are identified, with 10 new additions such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Specific SDGs

• Goal 1: No Poverty: India’s score rose from 60 in 2020-21 to 72 in 2023-24, with 99.7% of those seeking employment under MGNREGA finding opportunities.
• Goal 2: Zero Hunger: Advancing from the Aspirant to Performer category, India achieved 99.01% coverage of beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being: The overall score improved from 52 in 2018 to 77 in 2023-24. Key achievements include 93.23% immunization coverage for children aged 9-11 months and a Maternal Mortality Rate of 97 per 1,00,000 live births.

• Goal 4: Quality Education: Adjusted Net Enrolment Rate (ANER) for elementary education stands at 96.5% for 2021-2022. Additionally, 88.65% of schools have access to electricity and drinking water, with gender parity achieved in higher education (18-23 years).
• Goal 5: Gender Equality: India’s score increased from 36 in 2018 to 49 in 2023-24, with a sex ratio at birth of 929 females per 1,000 males.
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Scores rose significantly from 63 in 2018 to 89 in 2023-24. Notable achievements include 99.29% of rural households accessing improved drinking water sources and 94.7% of schools having functional toilets for girls.
• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: This goal saw the highest improvement, rising from 51 in 2018 to 96 in 2023-24. All households now have access to electricity under the Saubhagya Scheme, with a notable increase in households using clean cooking fuels.
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: India’s GDP per capita grew at a rate of 5.88% annually in 2022-23, accompanied by a reduction in the unemployment rate from 6.2% to 3.40%.
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The score improved from 41 in 2018 to 61 in 2023-24. Notably, 99.70% of targeted habitations now have all-weather road connectivity under PM Gram Sadak Yojana.
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: It saw a decrease from 67 points in 2020-21 to 65 in 2023-24. While the score decreased slightly, India made strides with 45.61% of Panchayati Raj seats held by women and 28.57% representation of SC/ST persons in state legislative assemblies.
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Scores rose significantly from 39 in 2018 to 83 in 2023-24, with increased municipal solid waste processing and widespread door-to-door waste collection.
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: India achieved 91.5% treatment of biomedical waste and 54.99% recycling/utilization of hazardous waste in 2022-23.
• Goal 13: Climate Action: Improvements saw India move into the Front Runner category with a score of 67 in 2023-24, highlighting enhanced disaster preparedness, increased renewable energy generation, and high compliance with environmental standards.
• Goal 14: Life Below Water: Not calculated in the Composite Score due to relevance only to coastal states.
• Goal 15: Life on Land: India’s score rose from 66 in 2020-21 to 75 in 2023-24, with nearly 25% of the geographical area under forest and tree cover.
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Key achievements include 95.5% Aadhaar coverage as of march 2024 and a 71.3% charge sheeting rate for IPC crimes as of 2022.

Additional Information:

About NITI Aayog:

• NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India (replaced the Planning Commission in 2015), functions as the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ for the Government of India.
• Objectives:
• It aims to foster cooperative federalism, ensure inclusive development, and integrate national security into economic strategies.
• It emphasizes decentralized planning, monitors policy efficacy, fosters partnerships for innovation, and resolves inter-sectoral issues.
• It serves as a knowledge hub for good governance and sustainable development best practices, prioritizes program implementation through technology upgradation and capacity building.
• Major Initiatives:  SDG India Index, Composite Water Management Index, Atal Innovation Mission, Aspirational District Programme, Health Index, India Innovation Index, and Good Governance Index.

About Viksit India@2047:

• Vision India@2047, initiated by NITI Aayog, aims to blueprint India’s development towards global leadership in innovation, technology, human development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability over the next 25 years.
• It signifies India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by its 100th independence anniversary in 2047, focusing on youth, the poor, women, and farmers as its core pillars.
• Objectives:
• Achieve a USD 30 trillion economy with a per-capita income of USD 18,000-20,000, ensuring strong public finances and a robust financial sector.
• Develop world-class infrastructure in rural and urban areas.
• Promote a digital economy and governance while minimizing government interference in citizens’ lives.
• Establish 3-4 global champions in each sector through mergers or restructuring, boosting indigenous industry and innovation.
• Attain self-reliance in defence and space sectors, enhancing India’s global stature.
• Foster green growth by expanding renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions.
• Empower youth through education and skill development, creating substantial employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with foreign R&D organizations to establish top 10 labs in India and place 10 Indian institutions among the global top 100.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) –

Prelims:

Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)

(a) Department of Science and Technology

(b) Ministry of Labour and Employment

(c) NITI Aayog

(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Answer: C

Q. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the  (UPSC 2015)

(a) Human Rights Commission

(b) Finance Commission

(c) Law Commission

(d) Planning Commission

Answer: D

Q. Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts? (UPSC 2010)

(a) Social justice and empowerment

(b) Inclusive Growth

(c) Globalization

(d) Carrying capacity

Answer: D

Mains Questions:

Q. How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by erstwhile Planning Commission in India? (UPSC 2018)

Q. Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC 2018)

Karnataka Bill mandates 50% quota for locals in management positions

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Karnataka’s employment

Why is it in the news?

• The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024.

Key features of the bill

• The legislation mandates that 50% of management positions and 75% of non-management roles be filled by local candidates.
• The candidates must be born in Karnataka, domiciled in the state for at least 15 years, proficient in Kannada, and meet specified educational qualifications.
• Under the bill, industries can apply for government exemption if sufficient local candidates are not available but must commit to training them within three years. Non-compliance can lead to penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.
• The decision follows longstanding demands for job reservation for Kannadigas, reflecting earlier calls for implementing the Sarojini Mahishi report’s recommendations since 1984.

Additional Information:

• Similar Legislative Initiatives across other States: Several states, such as Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Jharkhand, have also introduced job reservation Bills or laws aimed at prioritizing domiciles for employment opportunities.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Local Job Reservations:

Pros:

• Promotes Local Employment: Ensures job opportunities prioritize residents, potentially reducing unemployment rates locally.
• Amidst high unemployment, local job reservations align with India’s Constitution, which provides special provisions for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana under Articles 371D and E, justifying their implementation.
• Equity Impact: Reservation in local jobs promotes equality by targeting the weakest sections of society, aligning with Article 14 of India’s Constitution, while also addressing regional economic disparities through increased employment opportunities in underdeveloped areas
• Enhances Social Inclusion: Fosters a sense of belonging and community empowerment among local residents.
• Supports Local Economy: Encourages spending within the community, benefiting local businesses and infrastructure generating economic growth.

Cons:

• Impact on Investments: Local job reservation laws could lead to an exodus of investors, especially in sectors like auto and IT reliant on skilled manpower, as seen in Haryana where new investments declined significantly, impacting the state’s economic competitiveness.
• Disruption to Existing Industries: Local job reservation policies raise “sons of the soil” concerns, potentially limiting the mobility of skilled workers and prompting industries, particularly tech giants, to relocate to other states, thereby diminishing local resources and economic growth.
• Limits Talent Pool: Reduces access to skilled individuals, potentially hindering organizational effectiveness and growth.
• Complex Administration: Implementing local job reservation laws requires robust monitoring to prevent situations where non-local candidates falsify their domicile status to gain benefits reserved for locals, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process.
• Against the Constitution:  The Constitution of India safeguards freedom of movement and employment through provisions like Article 14 (equality before law), Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination), Article 16 (equality of opportunity in public employment), and Article 19 (right to move freely throughout the territory of India).

Supreme Court Judgements on Reservation in Private Jobs:

• Pradeep Jain v Union of India (1984): The Supreme Court discussed legislation favouring “sons of the soil,” hinting it could be unconstitutional without a definitive ruling.
• Sunanda Reddy v State of Andhra Pradesh (1995): The Court reiterated its stance from the Pradeep Jain case and struck down a policy giving extra weightage to Telugu medium candidates.
• Kailash Chand Sharma Vs State of Rajasthan (2002): The Supreme Court invalidated Rajasthan’s preference for district residents in government teacher appointments.
• Allahabad High Court (2019): Struck down UPSSSC’s (Uttar Pradesh) job notification favouring women original residents of Uttar Pradesh, citing discriminatory grounds.

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds: Schools shouldn’t suffer over political bickering

GS 2: Social Issues: Education

Why is it in the news?

• The universal education programme has significantly improved enrollment rates nationwide. Decentralisation has been the principle behind the Centre’s education projects, from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) started in 2001 to the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) renamed in 2018.
• However, the commitment to federalism often remains on paper, with most of the states complaining about lack of autonomy.

More about the news

• The Union education ministry has halted SSA funds to Delhi, Punjab, and Bengal due to their reluctance to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme.
• Delhi and Punjab claim to have similar initiatives, while West Bengal objects to the PM-SHRI prefix, arguing it gives undue credit to the BJP-led Centre despite states bearing 40% of the cost.
• Political parties’ eagerness to claim credit for welfare schemes is understandable, but students should not suffer due to competitive populism.
• The SSA’s role in addressing poor learning outcomes, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of trained teachers is crucial, especially as schools implement the National Education Policy. Withholding funds jeopardises these efforts as salaries for over 2,000 government school staff in Delhi have been pending since April, and initiatives to provide textbooks, uniforms, and support for children with disabilities are at risk.
• Despite initial reservations, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have signed the PM-SHRI MoU, while Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal continue to resist. Improving learning outcomes and enrollment requires collaboration between the Centre and states. Politicking over SSA funds and the exemplar school scheme undermines their commitment to students’ futures.

Additional Information:

Samagra Shiksha Scheme Overview:

• Integrated Approach: Samagra Shiksha covers pre-school to class XII, treating school education as a continuum aligned with SDG-4.
• Legislative Support: Supports the implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and integrates NEP 2020 recommendations.
• Vision: Ensure equitable access to quality education in an inclusive classroom environment, addressing diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities to foster active student participation.
• Samagra Shiksha supports new pedagogical and curricular structure of school education (5+3+3+4): 3 years in Anganwadi/pre-school and 12 years in school.

About Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme:

• PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India in 2022.
• Objective: To develop over 14,500 schools nationwide by strengthening existing schools managed by Central, State, or Union Territory governments and local bodies.
• Aim: To nurture students into engaged, productive citizens who contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and plural society, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
• Duration: The scheme runs from 2022-23 to 2026-27. After this period, States and Union Territories will be responsible for maintaining the achieved benchmarks.
• Key Features of PM-SHRI Schools:
• Schools under the scheme are to be developed as ‘Green School’, that will incorporate environment friendly aspects like Solar panels and LED lights, nutrition gardens with natural farming, water conservation and harvesting, climate change related hackathon etc.
• The pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly in the foundational years), inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centric, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable.
• Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored.
• A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes.

Overview of National Education Policy, 2020:

Trying juveniles as adults is not the answer 

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Juvenile Justice

Why is it in the news?

• The recent tragedy in Pune, where a speeding car allegedly driven by a teenager resulted in the deaths of two young techies, sparked controversy over the handling of juvenile offenders under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• Initially granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the adolescent’s case faced public outcry, leading to his detention in an Observation Home.
• The Bombay High Court, while noting the act’s remedial nature, eventually directed the teenager’s release, igniting broader discussions on the system’s ability to handle serious offenses and ensure accountability for young offenders.

More about the news

• Under the JJ Act, adolescents above 16 can be tried as adults for “heinous” offences with a minimum punishment of seven years.
• Despite calls to expand this scope to include serious offences like drunken driving resulting in fatalities, current provisions restrict such cases to the juvenile justice system.
• This framework aims to balance accountability with the understanding that adolescence is characterized by developmental immaturity and impulsive behaviour, as recognized by legal precedents and international conventions.
• The juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, tailored through assessments by the JJB and multidisciplinary interventions. This approach aims to address the underlying factors contributing to juvenile offences, including social and psychological support during and after institutionalization.
• Innovative practices from other countries, such as victim impact panels, emphasize personal accountability and reconciliation with victims’ families, potentially reducing recidivism and fostering transformation.
• Despite its goals, the juvenile justice system faces challenges in implementation, often criticized for leniency or ineffectiveness. However, advocating for trying juveniles as adults overlooks the system’s potential to rehabilitate and reintegrate young offenders effectively.
• Strengthening this system requires not punitive measures but comprehensive support and community involvement to address systemic gaps and ensure justice for all stakeholders.

Conclusion

• While the debate continues on the appropriate treatment of juvenile offenders in serious cases, enhancing the juvenile justice system’s capacity and efficacy remains crucial to balancing accountability and rehabilitation effectively.

Additional Information:

Highlights of Juvenile Justice Act, 2015:

• Legislative Replacement: Replaced the Juvenile Delinquency Law and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.
• In 2021, the Parliament passed The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021 which amended the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
• Trial Provisions: Allows trials of juveniles aged 16-18 years as adults for serious offenses.
• Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 Act (JJ Act) defines a child as a person who has not reached the age of 18 years.
• Adoption Regulations:
• Replaced older adoption laws, facilitating smoother adoption procedures through CARA and to make proceedings of the court faster now the power is transferred to the district magistrate (civil courts oversaw this process).
• The Act aligns with India’s obligations as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Hague Convention on Protection of Children, and other relevant international treaties.
• Registration Mandate: Requires all Child Care Institutions to be registered within six months of the Act’s commencement.
• Implementation Oversight: Under the Juvenile Justice Act, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is mandated to ensure proper implementation of its provisions through statutory monitoring.
• The Act has categorised the offences committed by children into three categories – petty offences, serious offences, and heinous offences.
• Under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2021, crimes against children listed in the chapter “Other Offences Against Children” that carry imprisonment terms ranging from three to seven years will be categorized as non-cognizable.
• Focus on Rehabilitation: The Act emphasizes rehabilitation through counseling, education, skill development, and provides observation and special homes for juveniles’ care and rehabilitation.
• Juvenile Justice Boards:
• The Juvenile Justice Act mandates the establishment of one or more Juvenile Justice Boards in each district, comprising a Judicial Magistrate of the first class and two social workers, including at least one woman.
• For heinous offences allegedly committed by a child aged sixteen or above, the Board conducts a preliminary assessment of their mental and physical capacity, understanding of consequences, and the circumstances of the offence.
• If the Board determines trial as an adult is necessary, the case may be transferred to the Children’s Court for appropriate jurisdiction.

Other Legal Frameworks for Child Welfare:

• Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2013
• Child Labor (Protection and Regulation) Act, 2016
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, 2005

The Problem with Billionaire Consumption

GS 2: Miscellaneous

Why is it in the news?

• The lavish wedding celebrations of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son highlight the issue of “conspicuous consumption” by the rich. In a society with high inequality, how do such displays of wealth impact economic expansion and what are the ethical and economic implications?

An Analysis

Perspectives from the Right and Left

• Defenders of billionaire consumption argue that in a liberal capitalist democracy, individuals have the right to spend their private wealth as they choose, and that inequality is a result of flawed policies, not market processes.
• Conversely, Marxists contend that profits represent unfairly extracted value from labour, making all billionaire consumption illegitimate. They argue that capitalism inherently enriches a few at the expense of many, with structural imbalances masked by the concept of private property rights.

The Impact on the Economy

• Billionaire consumption can boost demand for locally-made goods and employment. However, this is a second-best solution; long-term growth depends on investment, not consumption.
• For instance, if billionaires invest in machinery rather than luxury goods, it would increase productivity, employment, and living standards through the multiplier effect.

A “Social Contract”

• John Maynard Keynes suggested that capitalist societies allow the wealthy to control production and profits if they ensure high investment and employment.
• The “Golden Rule” of growth theory states that maximum economic welfare is achieved when all profits are invested. Conspicuous consumption reduces funds available for investment, harming economic welfare.

Conclusion

• The issue isn’t specific instances of lavish spending but the broader economic context. A Keynesian view holds that rich consumption is problematic if it limits investment and curtails working-class consumption through high monopoly prices.
• With high youth unemployment and stagnant wages, these inequalities pose significant public policy challenges that need addressing.