THE CONTEXT: The social determinants of health, including food security, financial stability, and access to education and healthcare, significantly influence health outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these challenges, underscoring the urgent need for robust social protection networks to mitigate the adverse effects on vulnerable communities.
THE ISSUES:
- Limited Awareness and Accessibility: Many intended beneficiaries are unaware of social protection schemes, including their eligibility criteria and procedures. This confusion often results from multiple schemes with similar objectives but different requirements. The Society for Nutrition Education and Health Action (SNEHA) surveyed 1,567 community members, highlighting that the pandemic was more of an economic crisis than a health one.
- Complex Eligibility Criteria: Different income limits for various schemes create confusion, particularly for families with multiple vulnerabilities. For example, income criteria for accessing benefits under schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana vary significantly. The income criteria have remained unchanged for decades, disregarding socioeconomic changes, as seen in Maharashtra’s use of outdated data from a 1997 survey.
- Documentation Challenges: Due to their transient living conditions, migrants struggle to maintain necessary documentation. This affects their ability to access benefits from state schemes like SGNAY. High land prices discourage landlords from providing tenants with essential documentation, limiting access to benefits.
- Corruption and Lack of Transparency: Middlemen often exploit vulnerable communities by charging exorbitant fees to help procure ration cards. There are reports of applications being processed only through these agents. Pilferage and leakage in the Public Distribution System (PDS) persist despite computerization efforts. Ration shopkeepers often do not issue receipts and ignore the interstate portability of ration cards.
- Digital Transition Issues: Transitioning social security schemes to digital platforms presents challenges. For instance, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana portal faced functionality issues in 2023, leading to backlogs and community backlash. Limited access points for digital services further hinder scheme uptake.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Citizen Facilitation Centers (CFCs): Establish CFCs in municipal ward offices to provide information and assistance regarding social protection schemes. These centers can serve as contact points for community members to learn about their entitlements and the necessary documentation.
- Unified Eligibility Framework: Develop a standardized framework for eligibility criteria across different social protection schemes to reduce confusion among beneficiaries. This could involve revising income limits and other criteria to reflect current economic conditions.
- Streamlined Documentation: Simplify documentation requirements, especially for migrants and informal workers who may lack permanent addresses or official documents. This could involve accepting alternative forms of identification or proof of residence.
- Digital Platforms: Enhance digital platforms for social protection schemes to streamline application processes and provide real-time updates on application status. This includes developing mobile apps and online portals that are user-friendly and accessible even in low-internet areas.
- Grievance Redressal Systems: Implement robust digital grievance redressal systems that allow beneficiaries to report issues easily and receive timely resolutions. These systems should include clear guidelines on response times and escalation procedures.
- Electronic Transactions: Transition to electronic transactions for disbursing benefits to reduce the role of intermediaries and minimize corruption risks. Digital IDs and biometric authentication can support this and ensure accurate beneficiary targeting.
- Data Analytics: Use data analytics to improve beneficiary targeting by integrating various databases (e.g., social registries) to identify eligible individuals more accurately. This approach can help dynamically update beneficiary lists based on real-time data.
THE CONCLUSION:
Addressing the gaps in awareness and access to social protection schemes is crucial for enhancing the socio-economic resilience of urban poor communities. By streamlining processes, improving digital access, and fostering community engagement, policymakers can ensure that these schemes effectively reach and benefit those in need, ultimately promoting health equity.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone.” In this context, analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. 2020
Q.2 The performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process – Discuss. 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of social protection schemes in India, particularly in urban areas. What are the major challenges beneficiaries face in accessing these schemes, and how can policy interventions improve their implementation?
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