SELF-HELP GROUPS (SHG)
1. Context
The last few years have seen interest among policymakers in women-led rural entrepreneurship. Much of it has sought to leverage the experience gathered from the estimated 46 million rural poor women mobilized through the Self Help Group (SHG) architecture. These organizations, since their start in the 1990s, have been an effective vehicle, especially in providing financial intermediation solutions for unbanked rural women.
2. Self Help Groups (SHGs)
- Self Help Groups (SHGs) are community-based organizations formed by a small group of individuals, usually from the same socio-economic background, who come together to collectively address their common needs and aspirations.
- These groups play a significant role in empowering marginalized and economically disadvantaged individuals, especially women, by providing them with a platform to enhance their social, economic, and decision-making capabilities.
3. Key Features and Objectives
- Collective Strength: SHGs encourage individuals to pool their resources, skills, and knowledge to collectively address challenges and opportunities.
- Financial Inclusion: SHGs promote savings and credit activities, allowing members to accumulate funds for emergencies, livelihood initiatives, and income generation.
- Empowerment of Women: SHGs predominantly focus on women's empowerment, aiming to enhance their status, self-confidence, and participation in household and community decision-making.
- Social Cohesion: SHGs foster a sense of community, solidarity, and mutual support among members, contributing to social cohesion and collective development.
- Skill Development: SHGs often engage in skill-building activities, vocational training, and awareness programs to enhance members' livelihood opportunities.
4. Need for SHGs
The establishment of Self Help Groups (SHGs) addresses a range of socio-economic needs and challenges faced by marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, particularly women, in various regions. The need for SHGs arises from several factors:
- Poverty Alleviation: SHGs contribute to poverty reduction by promoting income-generating activities and small-scale enterprises among members. These initiatives empower individuals to generate additional sources of income and improve their standard of living.
- Women's Empowerment: SHGs predominantly focus on women's empowerment by providing them with a collective platform to enhance their decision-making abilities, self-confidence, and socio-economic status. This empowerment extends to their households and communities.
- Access to Credit: SHGs provide an alternative source of credit for members who may not have access to formal banks. This access to credit supports various needs, including emergencies, education, health expenses, and livelihood development.
- Entrepreneurship Promotion: SHGs promote entrepreneurial spirit by encouraging members to initiate and manage small-scale businesses. This contributes to local economic development and job creation.
- Women's Participation: By involving women in SHGs, gender norms, and stereotypes can be challenged, leading to increased participation in decision-making processes and more equitable distribution of resources.
5. Issues with SHGs
While Self Help Groups (SHGs) have proven to be effective in addressing various socio-economic challenges, they also face certain issues and challenges that can impact their functioning and overall impact. Some of the key issues with SHGs include:
- Inequitable Participation: Despite the focus on women's empowerment, SHGs sometimes face challenges in ensuring equal and meaningful participation of all members, particularly marginalized and socially excluded women.
- Dependency on External Support: Many SHGs rely heavily on external support for training, capacity-building, and financial assistance. This can hinder their long-term sustainability and self-reliance.
- Lack of Financial Literacy: Some SHG members may have a limited understanding of financial concepts and practices, making it difficult for them to effectively manage their savings and loans.
- Limited Market Linkages: While SHGs encourage income-generating activities, members often lack access to markets to sell their products or services, which can hinder their economic growth.
- Loan Default and Repayment Issues: In some cases, members struggle with loan repayment, leading to tensions within the group and potential disruptions in trust and collaboration.
6. Role of SHG in Women's Empowerment
The role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in women's empowerment is significant and multifaceted. SHGs provide a platform that empowers women economically, socially, and personally, enabling them to enhance their status, decision-making abilities, and overall well-being. Here's an overview of the role of SHGs in women's empowerment:
Economic Empowerment:
- Financial Inclusion: SHGs provide women access to savings and credit facilities, enabling them to accumulate funds for emergencies and invest in income-generating activities.
- Income Generation: SHGs promote entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities among women, helping them generate additional sources of income for their families.
- Asset Ownership: Through collective savings and loan activities, women can acquire assets such as land, livestock, and equipment, contributing to their economic independence.
Social Empowerment:
- Decision-Making: Participation in SHGs helps women develop confidence, leadership skills, and a voice in household and community decisions.
- Knowledge and Awareness: SHGs offer a platform for sharing information, learning about health, education, legal rights, and government programs, empowering women to make informed choices.
Personal Empowerment:
- Self-Confidence: Engaging in group activities and interacting with peers fosters self-confidence and self-esteem among women.
- Agency and Autonomy: Women gain a sense of agency over their lives, enabling them to assert their rights and negotiate with family members and external stakeholders.
Gender Equality:
- Changing Norms: SHGs challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes by promoting women's participation in economic activities, decision-making, and leadership roles.
- Balanced Power Dynamics: Women's increased involvement in income generation and decision-making contributes to more equitable power dynamics within households.
Community Transformation:
- Ripple Effect: Empowered women within SHGs serve as role models, inspiring other women in the community to join and pursue their own empowerment journey.
- Poverty Alleviation: Economic empowerment through SHGs contributes to poverty reduction and overall community development.
7. Conclusion
The expansion of the SHG movement's horizons, evolving from its initial focus on social mobilization and financial inclusion to encompass economic development, represents a natural progression along the livelihood continuum. While the shift from being mere producers to becoming entrepreneurs is indeed a positive transition, it's crucial not to overlook the inherent differences between business enterprises and savings groups or social collectives. Governments, although supportive, have yet to demonstrate their prowess in fostering entrepreneurship within rural settings.
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For Prelims: Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Poverty Alleviation, Financial Inclusion, Women Empowerment, and Gender Equality.
For Mains: 1. Discuss the role and significance of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in empowering marginalized communities, particularly women, for socio-economic development in rural areas. (250 Words)
2. Analyse the challenges faced by SHGs in their functioning and sustainability, and suggest measures to enhance their effectiveness as vehicles for grassroots empowerment and poverty alleviation. (250 Words)
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Previous year Question1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2023)
1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived.
2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.
3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
Answer: B
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Source: The Indian Express
OPERATION JERICHO
1. Context
The use of air power in Mizoram in 1966 has become a hot topic of discussion after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned it in the Lok Sabha while replying to the no confidence motion
2. Situation of Mizoram in 1966
- In the first two months of 1966, a separatist movement led by Mizo National Front (MNF) was gathering steam in the area now known as Mizoram, and then referred to as the Mizo Hills
- The Centre had decided to station another Assam Rifles battalion in the Hills, in addition to the one Assam Rifles battalion and a few BSF companies already present
- Incensed at this, the MNF leadership decided to launch ‘Operation Jericho’ to take control of Aizawl, the biggest town in the region, and then the entire Mizo hills
- Incensed at this, the MNF leadership decided to launch ‘Operation Jericho’ to take control of Aizawl, the biggest town in the region, and then the entire Mizo hills.
3. Operation Jericho
- Operation Jericho was a British military operation during World War II that involved the bombing of the Tirpitz, a German battleship, in Kaafjord, Norway. The operation was carried out on September 15, 1943, by a force of 22 Avro Lancaster bombers of No. 617 Squadron RAF
- The operation was aimed at freeing members of the French Resistance who were being held in the Amiens prison in German-occupied France.
- The prison held many political prisoners, including members of the Resistance who were due to be executed.
- Operation Jericho remains a notable and debated event in the history of World War II. It is often discussed in the context of the difficult decisions faced by military commanders when planning operations that involve balancing strategic goals with potential civilian casualties and collateral damage
4. Way forward
Operation Jericho was a major victory for the Allies and helped to secure the supply lines to Britain. The sinking of the Tirpitz also showed the Germans that the Allies were capable of carrying out daring and successful operations.
The operation was named after the biblical city of Jericho, which was destroyed by the Israelites. The British hoped that the operation would be equally successful in destroying the Tirpitz.
The operation was a success, but it came at a high cost. Eight of the Lancaster bombers were shot down and 53 airmen were killed. However, the sinking of the Tirpitz was a major victory for the Allies and helped to secure the supply lines to Britain.
Source: indianexpress
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE(MoEFCC)
1. Context
In June, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a notification quietly walking back on its move to establish integrated regional offices by merging offices of the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), and thus bring them under the Ministry.
2. Ministry's Integration Plan and key takeaways
- MoEFCC proposed merging key environmental bodies during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Critics argued integration would weaken organizations' effectiveness.
- NTCA's ability to oppose projects in Tiger Reserves would be compromised.
- MoEFCC cited "ease of doing business" as the reason for the merger.
- NTCA opposed the merger, fearing administrative confusion and loss of independence.
- Internal documents revealed conflicting viewpoints.
- MoEFCC abandoned the merger due to technical challenges.
- Environmental lawyer Ritwick Dutta criticized the unplanned decision.
- Mergers are viewed as undermining statutory, scientific, and administrative bodies.
- A new notification suggests reorganizing regional offices.
- Critics question the lack of objective criteria in reorganization.
- Example: Bengaluru office's jurisdiction spans diverse states and territories.
3. Project Tiger and Project Elephant Mergers
- Indian government announced Project Tiger and Project Elephant merger.
- Concerns were raised about NTCA's autonomy and Project Elephant's significance.
- The lack of legal backing for Project Elephant adds to apprehensions.
4. MoEFCC
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) serves as a pivotal entity in India's efforts to safeguard its natural resources, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change challenges. Established with the aim of preserving the nation's rich biodiversity and ensuring ecological balance, the MoEFCC holds a significant role in shaping India's environmental policies and strategies.
Mandate and Responsibilities
The MoEFCC's primary mandate revolves around formulating and implementing policies and programs that foster environmental conservation, sustainable forest management, and climate change mitigation. It plays a crucial role in:
- Biodiversity Conservation: The ministry focuses on protecting India's diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species, through initiatives such as wildlife conservation, protected area management, and habitat restoration.
- Forestry and Ecosystem Management: MoEFCC aims to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources, afforestation, and ecosystem preservation. It oversees programs for afforestation, reforestation, and restoration of degraded lands.
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Addressing the global challenge of climate change, the ministry formulates strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable energy and green technologies.
- Environmental Regulation and Impact Assessment: MoEFCC plays a regulatory role by evaluating the environmental impact of development projects and ensuring adherence to environmental norms and standards.
- Wildlife Protection and Conservation: The ministry is responsible for the protection of wildlife, including critically endangered species, and the management of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation areas.
Key Initiatives and Programs
The MoEFCC has launched several significant initiatives to address pressing environmental concerns and promote sustainable development:
- Project Tiger and Project Elephant: These initiatives focus on conserving and protecting India's iconic tiger and elephant populations and their habitats.
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): MoEFCC spearheads this comprehensive strategy to combat climate change, incorporating eight national missions that cover various sectors, from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture.
- Green India Mission: A part of NAPCC, this mission aims to enhance forest and tree cover, restore ecosystems, and strengthen biodiversity conservation.
- National Clean Air Program (NCAP): Addressing air quality issues, NCAP seeks to reduce air pollution levels in Indian cities and promote cleaner air for healthier living.
- International Environmental Agreements: The ministry represents India in international forums and negotiations related to environmental treaties and agreements, including the Paris Agreement on climate change.
5. Forest Survey of India (FSI)
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is a premier institution dedicated to assessing, monitoring, and managing India's diverse forest resources. Established in 1981 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the FSI plays a pivotal role in gathering accurate and comprehensive data on the country's forests, contributing significantly to informed decision-making and sustainable forest management.
Mandate and Objectives
The FSI is clearly mandated to provide reliable and up-to-date information on India's forest cover, biodiversity, land use changes, and related ecological parameters. Its key objectives include:
- Forest Cover Assessment: FSI conducts periodic assessments of forest cover through satellite remote sensing and ground-based surveys. These assessments provide essential data on forest extent, types, and changes over time.
- Biodiversity Monitoring: The FSI contributes to biodiversity conservation efforts by monitoring flora, fauna, and their habitats. This information aids in identifying ecologically sensitive areas and formulating conservation strategies.
- Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change: The FSI assesses the role of forests in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, offering critical insights into India's contribution to global efforts in this area.
- Forest Resource Planning: FSI's data forms the basis for sustainable forest resource planning, helping policymakers make informed decisions regarding afforestation, reforestation, and conservation initiatives.
Key Functions and Initiatives
The Forest Survey of India carries out a range of functions to fulfill its objectives:
- National Forest Inventory (NFI): FSI conducts the NFI to assess the extent and condition of forests in India. The inventory provides valuable insights into forest health, composition, and ecological dynamics.
- Forest Fire Monitoring: FSI monitors forest fires and assesses their impact on forest ecosystems. This information aids in developing strategies to prevent and manage forest fires.
- Geospatial Data and Technology: The FSI employs cutting-edge geospatial technology and remote sensing to map and analyze forest resources, enabling accurate and detailed assessments.
- Forest Cover Mapping: FSI produces comprehensive forest cover maps, capturing the distribution of various forest types, protected areas, and other relevant features.
6. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a dedicated agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India, established with the primary goal of conserving and protecting the nation's iconic tiger population and their habitats. Founded in 2005, the NTCA has played a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to ensure the survival of tigers while maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Mandate and Objectives
The NTCA operates with a clear and focused mandate to oversee and implement the Project Tiger program, which aims to conserve and manage tiger reserves across India. Its key objectives include:
- Tiger Conservation: NTCA is responsible for the effective implementation of policies and programs aimed at conserving the endangered tiger species. This involves protecting tiger habitats, curbing poaching and illegal wildlife trade, and mitigating human-tiger conflicts.
- Tiger Reserve Management: NTCA oversees the management and administration of tiger reserves, ensuring that they are effectively protected, well-managed, and support healthy tiger populations.
- Ecological Balance: While the focus is on tiger conservation, NTCA recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems. It works to preserve the overall health of these ecosystems, benefiting a wide range of flora and fauna.
Key Functions and Initiatives
NTCA carries out several important functions to fulfill its objectives:
- Project Tiger: The flagship program involves the identification and protection of critical tiger habitats, anti-poaching measures, habitat management, and community involvement.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: NTCA employs advanced technology, such as camera traps and satellite tracking, to monitor tiger populations, track their movements, and detect potential threats.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: NTCA implements strategies to minimize conflicts between tigers and local communities, ensuring the safety of both humans and wildlife.
7. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) is a specialized agency established by the Government of India to combat wildlife crimes and illegal trade in wildlife and their derivatives. Operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the WCCB plays a crucial role in preserving the country's precious biodiversity and protecting endangered species from exploitation and trafficking.
Mandate and Objectives
The primary mandate of the WCCB is to enforce laws and regulations related to wildlife protection and conservation. Its key objectives include:
- Preventing Wildlife Crime: WCCB is tasked with preventing and combating crimes related to poaching, illegal trade, and trafficking of wildlife and their parts. It works to disrupt criminal networks involved in these activities.
- Investigation and Prosecution: The bureau conducts investigations, collects evidence, and assists law enforcement agencies in prosecuting individuals and groups involved in wildlife crimes.
- Capacity Building: WCCB enhances the capabilities of law enforcement personnel, wildlife officials, and other stakeholders through training programs and workshops on wildlife crime detection and prevention.
Key Functions and Initiatives
WCCB carries out a range of activities to achieve its objectives:
- Intelligence Gathering: The bureau gathers intelligence on wildlife crimes, monitors illegal trade routes, and identifies potential hotspots for criminal activities.
- Undercover Operations: WCCB conducts undercover operations to infiltrate criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking and gather evidence for legal action.
- Forensic Analysis: The bureau employs forensic techniques to analyze seized wildlife products and provide evidence for prosecution.
8. Central Zoo Authority (CZA)
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India. Established in 1992, the CZA plays a critical role in overseeing and regulating the operation and management of zoos across the country. Its main objective is to ensure the welfare of captive animals, promote conservation education, and maintain high standards of animal care and management.
Mandate and Objectives
The CZA operates with a clear mandate to regulate and monitor zoos in India. Its key objectives include:
- Animal Welfare and Conservation: CZA aims to ensure the well-being of animals housed in zoos, promote their conservation, and prevent cruelty and exploitation.
- Conservation Breeding: The authority encourages and oversees captive breeding programs for endangered species, contributing to their conservation and eventual reintroduction into the wild.
- Visitor Education: CZA focuses on raising awareness and educating the public about wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and environmental issues through zoos' educational and outreach programs.
- Zoo Infrastructure and Standards: CZA sets and enforces guidelines and standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of zoo facilities, enclosures, and exhibits.
Key Functions and Initiatives
CZA carries out several important functions to fulfill its objectives:
- Zoo Recognition and Regulation: The authority grants recognition to zoos that meet its standards and guidelines, ensuring that they provide appropriate living conditions for animals and adhere to ethical practices.
- Inspections and Monitoring: CZA conducts regular inspections and evaluations of zoos to assess their compliance with regulations and guidelines.
- Capacity Building: The authority provides training and capacity-building programs for zoo personnel, promoting skill development and knowledge enhancement in animal care and management.
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For Prelims: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Forest Survey of India(FSI), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the role and significance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India's efforts towards sustainable development, environmental conservation, and addressing climate change challenges. (250 words)
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Previous year Question1. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, in 2020. Which of the following statements is correct about EIA? (Punjab Civil Service 2020)
1. It predicts the effect of a proposed industrial/infrastructural project on the environment.
2. It prevents the proposed activity/project from being approved without proper oversight or taking adverse consequences into account.
3. It compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits.
4. As per the new notification, Coal and non-Coal mineral prospecting and solar photovoltaic projects do not need prior environmental clearance.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. Only 1 and 2
B. Only 2, 3 and 4
C. Only 1, 2 and 3
D. Only 1, 2 and 4
Answer: D
2. With reference to the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014)
1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education, and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
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Source: The Hindu
LINE OF ACTUAL CONTROL (LAC)
1.Context
A joint statement issued said India and China have agreed to resolve remaining issues in an expeditious manner while keeping up the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels. It said that in the interim, the two sides have agreed to maintain the peace and tranquillity on the ground in the border areas
Pic credits: TRT WORLD
2.About Line of Actual Control (LAC)
The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km
It is divided into three sectors:
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The eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,
The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in Ladakh
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3.The disagreement
- The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line, and there are minor disputes about the positions on the ground as per the principle of the high Himalayan watershed
- This pertains to India’s international boundary as well, but for certain areas such as Longju and Asaphila
- The line in the middle sector is the least controversial but for the precise alignment to be followed in the Barahoti plains.
- The major disagreements are in the western sector where the LAC emerged from two letters written by Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai to PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, after he had first mentioned such a ‘line’ in 1956.
- In his letter, Zhou said the LAC consisted of “the so-called McMahon Line in the east and the line up to which each side exercises actual control in the west”
- After the 1962 War, the Chinese claimed they had withdrawn to 20 km behind the LAC of November 1959
- During the Doklam crisis in 2017, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged India to abide by the “1959 LAC”
- India rejected the concept of LAC in both 1959 and 1962. Even during the war, Nehru was unequivocal: “There is no sense or meaning in the Chinese offer to withdraw twenty kilometres from what they call ‘line of actual control’
4.India's agreement to LAC
- LAC was discussed during Chinese Premier Li Peng’s 1991 visit to India, where PM P V Narasimha Rao and Li reached an understanding to maintain peace and tranquillity at the LAC.
- India formally accepted the concept of the LAC when Rao paid a return visit to Beijing in 1993 and the two sides signed the Agreement to Maintain Peace and Tranquillity at the LAC
- The reference to the LAC was unqualified to make it clear that it was not referring to the LAC of 1959 or 1962 but to the LAC at the time when the agreement was signed
- To reconcile the differences about some areas, the two countries agreed that the Joint Working Group on the border issue would take up the task of clarifying the alignment of the LAC
5.How is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan?
The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War. It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by DGMOs of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.
The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.
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For Prelims: LAC, LOC For Mains: 1.What is this ‘line of control’? Is this the line China have created by aggression. Comment 2.What we know about the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh |
Source:indianexpress
