PM IAS UPSC CURRENT EVENTS DEC 18

NEET, CUET, UGC-NET like elections? Panel proposes poll-style framework for entrance tests to boost transparency

Source: The Indian Express

Syllabus: GS II Governance and Education

A high-level committee, chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, has proposed significant reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in conducting national entrance tests like NEET, CUET, and UGC-NET. These reforms aim to safeguard the integrity of the examination process, drawing parallels with the general election framework to prevent malpractices and ensure fairness.

What is the National Testing Agency (NTA)?

About NTA:

• Established in 2017 as an autonomous, self-sustaining organization under the Union Ministry of Education.
• Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and comes under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
• Its director general and governing body are appointed by the Union government.

Background:

• In 2010, a committee comprising directors of IITs recommended the creation of an autonomous and transparent body, modeled after the US-based Educational Testing Service (ETS).
• Before NTA, various entities like UGC, CBSE, and central universities (e.g., DU, JNU) conducted their own entrance examinations.

Objectives:

1. Conduct efficient, transparent, and globally standardized tests for admissions and recruitment.
2. Undertake research to identify gaps in educational and testing systems and implement corrective measures.
3. Collaborate with experts and institutions to develop examination questions.
4. Disseminate information and research on education and professional development standards.

Examinations Conducted by NTA:

• JEE (Main), NEET-UG, Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT), and University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET).
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends a broader role for the NTA to conduct entrance or aptitude tests for all universities across the country.

Issues Faced by the NTA:

1. Accountability Challenges:
   
   • Computer-based tests facilitate high-volume processing but rely on third-party technical partners due to the limited capacity of the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
   • This outsourcing creates accountability gaps, leaving the system vulnerable to exploitation.
2. Shortage of Manpower:
   
   • The NTA was established with only 25 permanent staff positions, and much of its work has been outsourced to private technical partners.
3. Security Mechanisms:
   
   • Weak mechanisms for securing large-scale pen-and-paper examinations, including:
     • Question paper setting and encryption.
     • Selection of printing presses and examination centers.
     • Secure transportation and storage of question papers and answer sheets.
   • Each stage is prone to malpractice without robust safeguards.
4. Cases of Irregularities:
   
   • The integrity of NEET-UG was compromised due to alleged question paper leaks.
   • The UGC-NET exam was canceled following reports of breaches in its conduct.

Key Recommendations of the High-Level Committee for Secure Examinations:

1. Election-Style Examination Framework:
   
   • State Collaboration:
     • A collaborative approach involving state and central governments, with district collectors playing a critical role, similar to election management.
   • Presiding Officers and Protocols:
     • Appointment of NTA-designated “presiding officers” to oversee operations at testing centers, akin to polling booth management.
   • Sealing and Securing Centers:
     • Testing centers to be sealed before exams and unsealed in the presence of district administration and NTA officials, mirroring election processes for EVM security.
2. State and District-Level Committees:
   
   • State-Level Committees:
     • Headed by a nodal officer nominated by the Chief Secretary, with representatives from state police, NTA, IB, and NIC.
   • District-Level Committees:
     • Led by district magistrates to identify secure testing centers and devise strategies for transporting question papers with police or paramilitary support.
3. Background Checks for Centers:
   
   • Vetting testing centers based on past performance, ownership records, and intelligence inputs to prevent security breaches.
4. Reducing Dependence on Third-Party Agencies:
   
   • Phasing out reliance on private test delivery agencies like TCS iON.
   • Collaborating with Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas to develop in-house digital infrastructure for computer-based testing.
5. Digi-Exam System:
   
   • Inspired by the DigiYatra model, the system will use biometric data and primary identification information for candidate verification and secure exam administration.
6. CCTV Monitoring and Sanitized Centers:
   
   • Continuous CCTV surveillance during exams.
   • Pre-exam sanitization of centers by third-party agencies, with checks by NIC and NTA representatives.
   • Establishment of district-level CCTV monitoring hubs for centralized oversight.
7. Redefining NTA’s Role:
   
   • Limiting the NTA’s scope to entrance exams for higher education, with recruitment exams delegated to other bodies.
8. Flexibility in Exam Modes:
   
   • The decision on whether NEET should remain pen-and-paper-based or transition to computer-based testing will be made by the Health Ministry, with NTA serving as a service provider.

Conclusion: The proposed reforms signify a transformative step toward ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency in national entrance tests. By adopting an election-style framework and leveraging advanced technology, the government seeks to restore public trust in the examination system. These measures aim to eliminate malpractices and safeguard the integrity of assessments, aligning with the broader goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and enhancing India’s educational landscape.

The Challenge of Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS II Governance, Constitution and Social justice

India’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is complex, given its diverse health systems, disparities in government health expenditures, and regional variations in healthcare outcomes. The multiplicity of challenges highlights the need for tailored strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Regional Disparities in Health Expenditure

The per capita government health expenditure varies widely among Indian states, reflecting their differing priorities and capacities. For example:

• Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu spend ₹3,829, ₹2,590, and ₹2,039 per capita, respectively.
• In contrast, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar allocate only ₹951 and ₹701 per capita.

These disparities directly affect healthcare delivery and outcomes. For instance, West Bengal, despite being predominantly rural with a low fertility rate of 1.64, has a high teenage pregnancy rate of 16%, compared to Kerala (2.4%) and Himachal Pradesh (3.4%). This underscores the need for state-specific UHC plans that address unique regional challenges.

The Role of Government Health Expenditure

Increasing government health expenditure, while necessary, is insufficient on its own to achieve UHC. Consider the case of West Bengal:

• Government health expenditure grew at 11% annually and is projected to meet UHC requirements by 2030.
• Despite this, out-of-pocket expenditure remains high at 67% (2019-20), reflecting systemic issues that increased funding alone cannot resolve.

Similarly, Andhra Pradesh experienced a 3% increase in per capita government health expenditure in 2019-20 but still reported high out-of-pocket expenditure at 64%. These figures indicate that systemic design flaws persist, impeding financial risk protection for citizens.

Persistent Challenges

Out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for a significant share of health spending in both resource-poor and comparatively prosperous states. For example:

• Poor states like Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh report over 50% out-of-pocket spending.
• Prosperous states like Kerala and Punjab, despite having robust healthcare systems, also face similar challenges.

These patterns suggest that healthcare financing models need reform to address inequities and reduce the financial burden on citizens.

Specific Issues in West Bengal

West Bengal’s healthcare landscape illustrates some of these challenges:

1. High C-Section Rates in Public Hospitals:
   The prevalence of C-sections even in public sector hospitals indicates an adequate supply of government facilities. This questions the relevance of the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which subsidizes private hospital care despite sufficient public healthcare capacity.
   
2. Chronic Disease Burden:
   The state has a significant prevalence of high blood sugar rates among adults, highlighting the need for stronger preventive healthcare and chronic disease management programs.
   

Policy Implications

To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is required:

1. State-Specific UHC Strategies:
   
   • Tailor health interventions to regional needs, such as addressing high teenage pregnancy rates in West Bengal and strengthening public health infrastructure in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
   • Develop integrated healthcare delivery models that combine preventive, promotive, and curative care.
2. Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure:
   
   • Strengthen public healthcare systems to provide free or affordable care, minimizing reliance on private facilities.
   • Expand health insurance coverage under schemes like Ayushman Bharat to ensure financial risk protection.
3. Efficient Resource Allocation:
   
   • Prioritize investments in primary healthcare and public health infrastructure to address systemic deficiencies.
   • Rationalize existing schemes to avoid duplication and ensure optimal utilization of government funds.
4. Focus on Preventive Healthcare:
   
   • Launch targeted programs to address chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which have a rising prevalence in states like West Bengal.
   • Enhance health awareness campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce disease burden.

Conclusion

Achieving UHC in India requires addressing systemic inefficiencies, bridging regional disparities, and ensuring financial risk protection for all citizens. A combination of increased funding, state-specific strategies, and a stronger focus on preventive and primary healthcare is essential to meet the healthcare needs of India’s diverse population and fulfill the vision of equitable and inclusive health for all.

The Constitution on Minority Rights

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS II Governance, Constitution and Social justice

Introduction

Minority rights serve as a cornerstone of democratic governance, embodying the principles of equality, justice, and the preservation of cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. Recognizing their importance, the Indian Constitution and international frameworks, such as the United Nations’ 1992 Declaration on Minority Rights, aim to safeguard the interests of minority communities. Franklin D. Roosevelt aptly observed, “No democracy can long survive which does not accept as fundamental to its very existence the recognition of the rights of minorities.”

Historical Context The concept of minority rights is rooted in the constitutional developments of 19th-century Europe:

• Austria (1867): Recognized ethnic minorities’ rights to preserve their languages and national identities.
• Hungary (1868): Enacted laws ensuring similar protections.
• Post-World War I Treaties: Incorporated minority protection clauses in agreements with nations such as Poland and Czechoslovakia, establishing a framework for international minority rights.

These principles influenced India’s constitutional drafting process, underscoring the nation’s commitment to preserving its pluralistic identity. The framers of the Indian Constitution sought to integrate these global ideals into domestic governance, ensuring harmony amidst diversity.

Provisions in the Indian Constitution The Indian Constitution provides an elaborate framework to protect minority rights:

• Article 29: Grants all citizens the right to conserve their distinct culture, language, or script.
  • Significance: Recognizes and safeguards diverse cultural identities, fostering equality and dignity.
• Article 30: Empowers religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
  • Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court has upheld Article 30 as integral to equality and non-discrimination. Recent judgments, such as the 2024 verdict on Aligarh Muslim University, reaffirm its minority character and institutional autonomy.
• Article 350A: Mandates the provision of primary education in one’s mother tongue.
• Article 350B: Provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for linguistic minorities to monitor and address their concerns.

Additionally, the Constitution accommodates personal laws for various communities, exemplified by the customary laws of the Nagas, ensuring legal pluralism.

Defining ‘Minority’ The term “minority” lacks a universal definition in the Constitution. However:

• Judicial Interpretation: In the landmark case of TMA Pai Foundation (2002), the Supreme Court defined minorities at the state level. For instance, Hindus are considered minorities in Punjab and certain northeastern states.
• Indicia for Minority Institutions: The judiciary identifies minority institutions based on:
  • The intent of the founders to serve a minority community.
  • Operational aspects like funding, infrastructure, and administration.

Judicial Safeguards While minority institutions enjoy autonomy, they are subject to reasonable oversight:

• Maladministration Prohibition: Governments can enforce regulations to ensure institutional standards and accountability.
• Fair Aid: Article 30(2) prohibits discrimination against minority institutions in granting aid, ensuring equity in resource allocation.

Rationale Behind Minority Rights The preservation of diversity underpins minority rights, reflecting the ethos of India’s pluralistic society:

• Individual vs. Group Rights: While individual equality is guaranteed under Articles 14-18 and Articles 19 and 25, substantive equality necessitates group recognition and protection.
• Judicial Observations: Courts consistently emphasize the need for special protections to bridge societal disparities and promote inclusive growth.

Significance in Contemporary India

• Constitutional Legacy: Articles 25-30 epitomize India’s dedication to pluralism and coexistence.
• Global Relevance: The framework aligns with international principles, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
• Policy Implications: Protecting minority rights ensures social harmony, addresses historical injustices, and fosters national unity amidst diversity.

Conclusion India’s constitutional framework strikes a delicate balance between individual equality and group recognition, reinforcing the democratic ethos of inclusion. By safeguarding minority rights, the nation strengthens its commitment to pluralism and social justice. However, evolving socio-political dynamics necessitate constant vigilance and proactive measures to uphold these principles effectively. As India progresses, the protection of minority rights remains vital to preserving its rich cultural heritage and democratic values.

China as the World’s Largest Debt Collector

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS III Economic Development, Technology

Introduction
China has emerged as the leading lender in global bilateral external debt, responsible for over 25% of the world’s bilateral external debt by the end of 2023. This marks a significant shift from two decades ago when China’s role as a lender was minimal, and nations like Japan, the U.S., and European countries dominated the lending landscape.

Trends in Bilateral External Debt
Bilateral external debt refers to the amount a country owes to foreign governments, excluding loans from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and private bondholders.

• Rapid Rise in Debt Owed to China: Between 1973 and 2023, total bilateral external debt increased from $49.5 billion to $741.4 billion, with China’s share skyrocketing from 1% in 2003 to 26% in 2023.
• Shift in Lending Dynamics: While the U.S. was the largest lender in the 1970s and 1980s, it was overtaken by Japan by the 1990s. By 2023, China had emerged as the largest lender, followed by Japan and the Netherlands.

Country-Specific Impacts
Several countries now owe a significant portion of their external debt to China, exacerbating their financial vulnerabilities:

• Pakistan: Owes $22 billion to China, constituting 60% of its bilateral debt.
• Laos: Owes $6 billion (75% of its bilateral debt). The country’s economic crisis deepened due to high inflation, currency depreciation, and slow growth.
• Angola: Owes $17 billion to China, accounting for 58% of its external debt. Sub-Saharan Africa is heavily reliant on Chinese loans, with 16 nations owing over 50% of their debt to China.
• Sri Lanka: Struggling with debt repayment, Sri Lanka owes $8 billion to China (50% of its bilateral debt) and had to lease Hambantota Port to China in 2017.

China’s Role and Implications

1. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Many loans are tied to China’s BRI projects, which aim to develop infrastructure in borrowing countries. While these projects promise economic development, they often lead to debt dependency and financial crises in recipient nations.
2. Control over Strategic Resources: In countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, China controls 15 of the 19 cobalt-producing mines, linking debt to resource exploitation.
3. Debt Diplomacy: China’s lending practices have raised concerns about “debt-trap diplomacy,” where countries struggling to repay loans are compelled to cede control over key assets, such as ports or mines.

Critical Analysis
China’s emergence as the largest bilateral lender has dual implications:

• Economic Development: Chinese loans have funded critical infrastructure projects in developing countries, fostering economic growth and connectivity.
• Debt Dependency: High-interest loans and lack of transparency have often led to financial crises, currency depreciation, and loss of sovereignty in borrower nations.

Conclusion
China’s dominance in global bilateral lending reflects its growing geopolitical and economic influence. While Chinese loans have spurred infrastructure development, the associated risks of debt distress and strategic asset control necessitate cautious borrowing and international regulation. Developing nations must diversify their sources of funding to avoid over-reliance on a single creditor, ensuring sustainable economic growth and financial stability.