Discuss the role of social safety nets in reducing poverty and inequality. How can they be made more effective?

Q.10 Discuss the role of social safety nets in reducing poverty and inequality. How can they be made more effective?

Ans:  Social safety nets are government programs designed to provide financial and social support to vulnerable populations. They play a crucial role in reducing poverty and inequality by ensuring basic needs, improving livelihoods, and promoting social inclusion.

Role of Social Safety Nets in Reducing Poverty and Inequality

1. Income Support Programs: Direct cash transfers provide immediate relief to the poor, reducing income inequality. Example: The PM-KISAN scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to small farmers, benefiting over 11 crore households.
2. Food Security Initiatives: Programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS) ensure access to subsidized food grains for the poor. Example: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) covers 80 crore people, providing rice at ₹3/kg and wheat at ₹2/kg.
3. Employment Guarantee Schemes: Schemes like MGNREGA provide livelihood security and reduce rural poverty. Example: In 2022-23, MGNREGA generated 2.8 billion person-days of employment, supporting rural households.
4. Healthcare Access: Health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat provide free healthcare to the poor, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Example: Over 50 crore beneficiaries have been covered under Ayushman Bharat, ensuring access to quality healthcare.
5. Education and Skill Development: Programs like Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Skill India Mission improve access to education and employment opportunities. Example: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme provides nutritious meals to 12 crore children, improving school enrollment and retention.
6. Social Pensions: Pensions for the elderly, widows, and disabled provide financial security to vulnerable groups. Example: The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) provides pensions to over 4 crore beneficiaries.
7. Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation: Social safety nets provide immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation during natural disasters. Example: During the 2023 floods in Assam, relief packages and rehabilitation programs were provided to affected families.

Measures to Make Social Safety Nets More Effective

1. Targeted Delivery Mechanisms: Use of Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) ensures subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries. Example: The PAHAL scheme saved ₹50,000 crore by eliminating ghost beneficiaries in LPG subsidies.
2. Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular audits and social audits can improve transparency and accountability. Example: The Social Audit Unit under MGNREGA ensures community participation in monitoring.
3. Increasing Coverage and Accessibility: Expanding the reach of social safety nets to include more vulnerable groups. Example: The PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) extended food grain support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Integrating Technology: Digital platforms and data analytics can improve targeting and reduce leakages. Example: The e-NAM platform helps farmers access better prices, reducing the need for price subsidies.
5. Promoting Awareness: Educating beneficiaries about available schemes and their eligibility criteria. Example: The Kisan Call Centres disseminate information about agricultural subsidies and schemes.
6. Strengthening Local Governance: Empowering local bodies to implement and monitor social safety nets. Example: The 15th Finance Commission allocated funds to local bodies for improving basic services.

Social safety nets are essential for reducing poverty and inequality by providing financial and social support to vulnerable populations. To make them more effective, targeted delivery, technology integration, and strengthened monitoring are crucial.

Question of the Day Q.  Analyze the impact of automation on employment in India. How can the workforce be       prepared for the future?       भारत में रोज़गार पर स्वचालन के प्रभाव का विश्लेषण कीजिए। भविष्य के लिए कार्यबल को कैसे तैयार किया जा       सकता है?

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