APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (24/01/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (24-01-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Lag in Jal Jeevan Mission Implementation in Assam
Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Governance, Water Resources, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Introduction
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024. While states like Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved 100% coverage, Assam lags behind, with only 81.32% of the target completed. This delay poses challenges to ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water in rural areas of Assam.
Key Points
- Status of Implementation in Assam:
- Current Coverage: 81.32% of rural households.
- Villages Covered: Water supply established in 11,352 villages; work in progress in 11,759 villages.
- Pending Villages: 376 villages yet to begin work.
- Impact of Delays:
- High prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
- Increased burden on women and children who fetch water from distant, often contaminated sources.
- Economic losses due to poor health and reduced agricultural productivity.
- Case Studies:
- Upahupara, Darrang: Before JJM, residents relied on tube wells and ponds, leading to frequent illnesses. Post-implementation, clean tap water has improved health and agricultural productivity.
- Chetia Katoni, Sivasagar: Tap connections under JJM have drastically reduced the time women spend fetching water, allowing them to focus on education and income-generating activities.
Prelims Pointers
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Centrally sponsored scheme aimed at ensuring potable water to rural households.
- Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs): Key deliverable under JJM.
- Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Mains Pointers
Significance of JJM in Assam
- Health Benefits:
- Reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases.
- Improves maternal and child health.
- Economic Impact:
- Enhances agricultural productivity by ensuring reliable irrigation.
- Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.
- Social Impact:
- Empowers women by reducing the time spent fetching water.
- Promotes community involvement through water user committees.
Challenges in Implementation
- Geographical Constraints:
- Difficult terrain and flood-prone areas hinder project execution.
- Funding and Resource Allocation:
- High dependency on central funds and slow fund utilization.
- Administrative Delays:
- Inefficient monitoring and lack of skilled personnel at the grassroots level.
- Water Quality Issues:
- Presence of arsenic and fluoride in groundwater in some regions.
Government Initiatives
- Recognition of Water Warriors: Acknowledging efforts of individuals contributing to JJM.
- Capacity Building: Training programs for local officials and water committees.
- Integrated Efforts: Collaboration with schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for holistic development.
Way Ahead
- Strengthen Monitoring Mechanisms:
- Use GIS and IoT-based tools to track progress.
- Community Participation:
- Empower water user committees to take ownership of projects.
- Focus on Water Quality:
- Install water treatment units in regions with contamination issues.
- Policy Support:
- Ensure timely fund disbursement and accountability at all levels.
Conclusion
The Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to transform rural lives in Assam by ensuring access to clean drinking water. By addressing implementation challenges and fostering community participation, the state can bridge the gap and achieve the mission’s objectives, contributing to health and socio-economic development.
2. Kamakhya Debutter Board Case: Misappropriation of Funds
Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Governance, Transparency, and Accountability
Introduction
The Kamakhya Temple, a revered Shakti Peeth in Assam, is managed by the Kamakhya Debutter Board, which oversees its administration, including donations and assets. Recent allegations of misappropriation of temple funds by the board members have raised serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the protection of cultural heritage.
Key Points
- Background of the Case:
- Allegations surfaced of financial mismanagement and misuse of temple donations.
- Reports indicated irregularities in auditing and fund utilization by the Kamakhya Debutter Board.
- Significance of Kamakhya Temple:
- One of the 51 Shakti Peeths, drawing lakhs of devotees annually.
- A major cultural, spiritual, and economic hub, contributing significantly to Assam’s tourism.
- Issues Raised:
- Lack of Transparency: No public disclosure of donations and their usage.
- Weak Oversight Mechanisms: Absence of regular audits or independent regulatory oversight.
- Ethical Concerns: Allegations of favoritism in awarding contracts for temple services and infrastructure.
- Repercussions:
- Erosion of public trust in temple management.
- Potential impact on the temple’s reputation and religious tourism.
Prelims Pointers
- Kamakhya Temple: Located in Guwahati, it is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and associated with tantric traditions.
- Kamakhya Debutter Board: Governing body managing temple affairs, donations, and infrastructure.
- CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General): Constitutionally mandated to audit public accounts but not directly involved in temple fund audits.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Governance in Temple Administration
- Cultural Preservation:
- Ensures protection and promotion of religious and cultural heritage.
- Economic Benefits:
- Enhances tourism, benefiting the local economy.
- Public Trust:
- Transparent governance fosters devotees’ trust and ensures continued contributions.
Challenges in Temple Governance
- Lack of Regulatory Framework:
- Temples managed by private boards often operate without external oversight.
- Accountability Issues:
- Absence of regular audits and financial disclosures.
- Mismanagement Risks:
- Allegations of embezzlement or favoritism damage the temple’s credibility.
Steps Taken
- Legal Proceedings:
- State government and judiciary involvement in investigating allegations.
- Public Interest Litigations (PILs):
- Filed by devotees and activists demanding transparency in fund management.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms:
- Introduce regular audits by independent bodies or the CAG.
- Implement digital platforms to track donations and their utilization in real time.
- Institutional Reforms:
- Create a regulatory body for temple governance in Assam.
- Involve stakeholders, including devotees, in decision-making processes.
- Capacity Building:
- Train temple board members in financial management and ethical practices.
- Legal Safeguards:
- Establish laws ensuring accountability and penalizing mismanagement of temple funds.
Conclusion
The Kamakhya Debutter Board case highlights the urgent need for reforms in temple governance. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and community involvement can safeguard cultural heritage while promoting public trust and sustainable management of religious institutions.
3. Healthcare in Tea Gardens: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Health, Social Justice, and Governance
Introduction
Assam’s tea gardens are home to over 1.2 million workers, many of whom face significant health challenges due to poor working conditions, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare. To address these issues, the Assam government has launched Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, healthcare facilities aimed at providing affordable and quality medical services to tea garden workers and their families.
Key Points
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs – Overview:
- Part of the government’s initiative to enhance healthcare access in tea garden areas.
- Facilities include outpatient services, maternal and child healthcare, and preventive care.
- Integrated with the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) for free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
- Key Features:
- Primary Healthcare Focus: Diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses, antenatal care, and immunization.
- Mobile Medical Units: To reach remote tea estates where access to health facilities is limited.
- Specialized Camps: Regular health camps for non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
- Health Challenges in Tea Gardens:
- Maternal and Child Mortality: Higher rates of maternal and infant deaths due to inadequate healthcare.
- Occupational Hazards: Respiratory diseases, malnutrition, and musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent.
- Limited Health Infrastructure: Lack of functional hospitals and trained medical staff in tea garden areas.
- Government’s Efforts:
- Integration of Ayushman Bharat to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Upgradation of tea garden hospitals with better infrastructure and equipment.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to strengthen service delivery.
Prelims Pointers
- Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY: Provides health insurance up to ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
- Tea Garden Workers in Assam: A significant workforce, contributing to Assam’s tea industry, which produces over 50% of India’s tea.
- Mobile Medical Units (MMUs): Vehicles equipped with medical facilities to provide on-site healthcare.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
- Improved Healthcare Access:
- Brings healthcare facilities closer to tea garden workers.
- Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on medical treatment.
- Social Justice:
- Addresses historical neglect of tea garden communities.
- Promotes equity in healthcare access for marginalized groups.
- Economic Productivity:
- Healthier workers contribute to higher productivity in the tea industry.
- Reduces absenteeism due to illness.
Challenges in Implementation
- Infrastructure Deficits:
- Many tea garden hospitals lack essential medical equipment and medicines.
- Shortage of Medical Personnel:
- Difficulty in retaining doctors and nurses in remote areas.
- Awareness Barriers:
- Limited awareness among workers about available healthcare schemes.
- Sustainability Issues:
- Dependence on government funding without a clear long-term financial plan.
Government Initiatives and Policies
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Health coverage for tea garden workers and other vulnerable groups.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Focus on maternal and child health in tea garden areas.
- Tea Garden Hospital Upgradation Program: Financial support for modernizing health infrastructure.
Way Ahead
- Capacity Building:
- Train local youth as community health workers to address personnel shortages.
- Incentivizing Healthcare Professionals:
- Provide monetary and non-monetary benefits to attract doctors to tea garden areas.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate workers about health services and insurance schemes.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Set up robust mechanisms to track the impact and progress of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs represent a significant step toward addressing the healthcare needs of tea garden workers in Assam. By bridging the healthcare access gap and focusing on preventive and curative care, this initiative can improve the quality of life for one of Assam’s most vulnerable communities while ensuring the sustained growth of the state’s tea industry.
4. Focus on Technology in Northeast Development
Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology, Regional Development, Infrastructure
Introduction
The Northeast region of India, known for its geographical challenges and socio-economic disparities, is witnessing a shift towards technology-driven development. The use of advanced technologies in infrastructure, governance, agriculture, and disaster management is being prioritized to unlock the region’s potential and bridge developmental gaps.
Key Points
- Technological Interventions in Northeast Development:
- Digital Connectivity: Expansion of broadband and mobile networks to improve internet access in remote areas.
- Smart Governance: Implementation of e-governance initiatives for transparent and efficient public service delivery.
- Agricultural Innovations: Use of AI, IoT, and GIS in precision farming to enhance productivity and resource management.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Promotion of solar and hydropower technologies to address energy deficits sustainably.
- Key Sectors Benefiting from Technology:
- Healthcare: Telemedicine and mobile health units to improve access in remote areas.
- Education: Digital classrooms and online learning platforms to address teacher shortages.
- Disaster Management: Early warning systems and satellite monitoring for flood and landslide risk mitigation.
- Recent Initiatives:
- Digital Northeast Vision 2022: Focused on improving digital infrastructure and promoting startups.
- AI for Agriculture: Pilot projects in Assam to provide farmers with weather forecasts, pest management advice, and market trends.
- Bamboo Innovation: Research on bamboo-based construction and products using modern technologies.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
- Collaboration with tech giants like Google and Microsoft for skill development and digital literacy campaigns.
- Startups encouraged to work on Northeast-specific challenges in agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts.
Prelims Pointers
- Digital Northeast Vision 2022: Aimed at enhancing digital connectivity and fostering innovation in the region.
- GIS (Geographic Information System): Technology used for mapping and resource management in agriculture and urban planning.
- Telemedicine: Delivery of healthcare services through telecommunication and digital platforms.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Technology in Northeast Development
- Improved Connectivity:
- Bridges the digital divide, enabling access to information and services.
- Boost to Economy:
- Encourages entrepreneurship and startups, creating job opportunities.
- Promotes tourism through better connectivity and digital promotion.
- Social Empowerment:
- Improves healthcare and education access for remote communities.
- Enhances transparency and citizen participation through e-governance.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Supports renewable energy adoption and resource-efficient practices.
Challenges
- Geographical Barriers:
- Rugged terrain and frequent natural disasters hinder infrastructure development.
- Digital Divide:
- Low penetration of internet and mobile networks in remote areas.
- Skill Deficiency:
- Lack of trained personnel to implement and maintain technology-based solutions.
- Policy and Funding Constraints:
- Insufficient allocation of resources for technology adoption and capacity building.
Government Initiatives
- North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS): Focuses on building physical and social infrastructure, including ICT development.
- Startup India Northeast Yatra: Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
- BharatNet Project: Extends high-speed broadband to rural areas, including the Northeast.
Way Ahead
- Strengthening Digital Infrastructure:
- Accelerate BharatNet implementation to ensure last-mile connectivity.
- Capacity Building:
- Conduct skill development programs in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and GIS.
- Tailored Solutions:
- Develop region-specific technologies for agriculture, tourism, and disaster management.
- Increased Funding and PPPs:
- Attract private investment for technology projects while ensuring government support for scalability.
- Focus on Innovation:
- Establish technology hubs and incubation centers for startups in the Northeast.
Conclusion The integration of technology into development strategies for the Northeast has the potential to address the region’s unique challenges while unlocking its economic and social potential. By focusing on digital infrastructure, capacity building, and region-specific innovations, the Northeast can emerge as a model for technology-driven inclusive development in India.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: Lag in Jal Jeevan Mission Implementation in Assam
Q1. With reference to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), consider the following statements:
- JJM aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to all rural households in India.
- Assam has achieved 100% coverage under JJM.
- The mission focuses solely on providing water supply and does not include water quality monitoring.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: a) 1 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. JJM aims to ensure FHTCs to all rural households by 2024.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. Assam’s coverage is at 81.32%, with several villages yet to be covered.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. JJM includes water quality monitoring and management as part of its mandate.
Q2. The presence of arsenic and fluoride in groundwater in some regions of India is primarily linked to:
a) Overuse of chemical fertilizers in agriculture
b) Natural geological formations
c) Industrial effluents
d) Deforestation
Answer: b) Natural geological formations
Explanation:
Arsenic and fluoride contamination in groundwater often originates from natural geological processes, especially in states like Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Topic 2: Kamakhya Debutter Board Case: Misappropriation of Funds
Q3. With reference to the governance of religious institutions in India, consider the following statements:
- The Kamakhya Debutter Board is responsible for managing the administration of the Kamakhya Temple.
- The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits all religious institutions in India.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed to ensure transparency in the governance of temples.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. The Kamakhya Debutter Board oversees the temple’s management.
- Statement 2: Incorrect. The CAG does not audit all religious institutions; temple boards are often governed by state laws.
- Statement 3: Correct. PILs can be filed to address governance and transparency issues in temple management.
Topic 3: Healthcare in Tea Gardens: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Q4. Consider the following statements about Ayushman Arogya Mandirs:
- They are healthcare facilities set up exclusively for tea garden workers in Assam.
- These facilities are integrated with the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- They focus only on curative care and do not include preventive health services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Correct. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs specifically cater to tea garden workers and their families.
- Statement 2: Correct. These facilities are integrated with AB-PMJAY, providing free secondary and tertiary healthcare.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. They also include preventive care, such as antenatal services and immunization.
Q5. Tea garden workers in Assam face higher health risks due to:
- Malnutrition and poor living conditions
- Lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation
- Occupational exposure to chemicals and poor ergonomics
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
All three factors contribute to the poor health outcomes among tea garden workers in Assam, necessitating targeted healthcare interventions.
Topic 4: Focus on Technology in Northeast Development
Q6. Which of the following initiatives aim to improve digital infrastructure in the Northeast region?
- BharatNet Project
- Digital Northeast Vision 2022
- National Bamboo Mission
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- BharatNet Project and Digital Northeast Vision 2022 focus on enhancing digital connectivity in the region.
- National Bamboo Mission focuses on bamboo-based livelihood and industry development, not digital infrastructure.
Q7. Consider the following technologies:
- Telemedicine
- Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Blockchain
Which of the above are being used to address challenges in the Northeast region of India?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
Blockchain is being explored for transparent governance and supply chain management in agriculture and MSMEs.
Telemedicine is being used to provide healthcare services in remote areas.
GIS is widely used in agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
APSC Mains Practice Question
1. Lag in Jal Jeevan Mission Implementation in Assam
Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Governance, Water Resources, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Introduction
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024. While states like Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have achieved 100% coverage, Assam lags behind, with only 81.32% of the target completed. This delay poses challenges to ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water in rural areas of Assam.
Key Points
- Status of Implementation in Assam:
- Current Coverage: 81.32% of rural households.
- Villages Covered: Water supply established in 11,352 villages; work in progress in 11,759 villages.
- Pending Villages: 376 villages yet to begin work.
- Impact of Delays:
- High prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
- Increased burden on women and children who fetch water from distant, often contaminated sources.
- Economic losses due to poor health and reduced agricultural productivity.
- Case Studies:
- Upahupara, Darrang: Before JJM, residents relied on tube wells and ponds, leading to frequent illnesses. Post-implementation, clean tap water has improved health and agricultural productivity.
- Chetia Katoni, Sivasagar: Tap connections under JJM have drastically reduced the time women spend fetching water, allowing them to focus on education and income-generating activities.
Prelims Pointers
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Centrally sponsored scheme aimed at ensuring potable water to rural households.
- Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs): Key deliverable under JJM.
- Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Mains Pointers
Significance of JJM in Assam
- Health Benefits:
- Reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases.
- Improves maternal and child health.
- Economic Impact:
- Enhances agricultural productivity by ensuring reliable irrigation.
- Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.
- Social Impact:
- Empowers women by reducing the time spent fetching water.
- Promotes community involvement through water user committees.
Challenges in Implementation
- Geographical Constraints:
- Difficult terrain and flood-prone areas hinder project execution.
- Funding and Resource Allocation:
- High dependency on central funds and slow fund utilization.
- Administrative Delays:
- Inefficient monitoring and lack of skilled personnel at the grassroots level.
- Water Quality Issues:
- Presence of arsenic and fluoride in groundwater in some regions.
Government Initiatives
- Recognition of Water Warriors: Acknowledging efforts of individuals contributing to JJM.
- Capacity Building: Training programs for local officials and water committees.
- Integrated Efforts: Collaboration with schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for holistic development.
Way Ahead
- Strengthen Monitoring Mechanisms:
- Use GIS and IoT-based tools to track progress.
- Community Participation:
- Empower water user committees to take ownership of projects.
- Focus on Water Quality:
- Install water treatment units in regions with contamination issues.
- Policy Support:
- Ensure timely fund disbursement and accountability at all levels.
Conclusion
The Jal Jeevan Mission has the potential to transform rural lives in Assam by ensuring access to clean drinking water. By addressing implementation challenges and fostering community participation, the state can bridge the gap and achieve the mission’s objectives, contributing to health and socio-economic development.
2. Kamakhya Debutter Board Case: Misappropriation of Funds
Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Governance, Transparency, and Accountability
Introduction
The Kamakhya Temple, a revered Shakti Peeth in Assam, is managed by the Kamakhya Debutter Board, which oversees its administration, including donations and assets. Recent allegations of misappropriation of temple funds by the board members have raised serious concerns about governance, transparency, and the protection of cultural heritage.
Key Points
- Background of the Case:
- Allegations surfaced of financial mismanagement and misuse of temple donations.
- Reports indicated irregularities in auditing and fund utilization by the Kamakhya Debutter Board.
- Significance of Kamakhya Temple:
- One of the 51 Shakti Peeths, drawing lakhs of devotees annually.
- A major cultural, spiritual, and economic hub, contributing significantly to Assam’s tourism.
- Issues Raised:
- Lack of Transparency: No public disclosure of donations and their usage.
- Weak Oversight Mechanisms: Absence of regular audits or independent regulatory oversight.
- Ethical Concerns: Allegations of favoritism in awarding contracts for temple services and infrastructure.
- Repercussions:
- Erosion of public trust in temple management.
- Potential impact on the temple’s reputation and religious tourism.
Prelims Pointers
- Kamakhya Temple: Located in Guwahati, it is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and associated with tantric traditions.
- Kamakhya Debutter Board: Governing body managing temple affairs, donations, and infrastructure.
- CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General): Constitutionally mandated to audit public accounts but not directly involved in temple fund audits.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Governance in Temple Administration
- Cultural Preservation:
- Ensures protection and promotion of religious and cultural heritage.
- Economic Benefits:
- Enhances tourism, benefiting the local economy.
- Public Trust:
- Transparent governance fosters devotees’ trust and ensures continued contributions.
Challenges in Temple Governance
- Lack of Regulatory Framework:
- Temples managed by private boards often operate without external oversight.
- Accountability Issues:
- Absence of regular audits and financial disclosures.
- Mismanagement Risks:
- Allegations of embezzlement or favoritism damage the temple’s credibility.
Steps Taken
- Legal Proceedings:
- State government and judiciary involvement in investigating allegations.
- Public Interest Litigations (PILs):
- Filed by devotees and activists demanding transparency in fund management.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms:
- Introduce regular audits by independent bodies or the CAG.
- Implement digital platforms to track donations and their utilization in real time.
- Institutional Reforms:
- Create a regulatory body for temple governance in Assam.
- Involve stakeholders, including devotees, in decision-making processes.
- Capacity Building:
- Train temple board members in financial management and ethical practices.
- Legal Safeguards:
- Establish laws ensuring accountability and penalizing mismanagement of temple funds.
Conclusion
The Kamakhya Debutter Board case highlights the urgent need for reforms in temple governance. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and community involvement can safeguard cultural heritage while promoting public trust and sustainable management of religious institutions.
3. Healthcare in Tea Gardens: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Health, Social Justice, and Governance
Introduction
Assam’s tea gardens are home to over 1.2 million workers, many of whom face significant health challenges due to poor working conditions, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare. To address these issues, the Assam government has launched Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, healthcare facilities aimed at providing affordable and quality medical services to tea garden workers and their families.
Key Points
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs – Overview:
- Part of the government’s initiative to enhance healthcare access in tea garden areas.
- Facilities include outpatient services, maternal and child healthcare, and preventive care.
- Integrated with the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) for free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
- Key Features:
- Primary Healthcare Focus: Diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses, antenatal care, and immunization.
- Mobile Medical Units: To reach remote tea estates where access to health facilities is limited.
- Specialized Camps: Regular health camps for non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
- Health Challenges in Tea Gardens:
- Maternal and Child Mortality: Higher rates of maternal and infant deaths due to inadequate healthcare.
- Occupational Hazards: Respiratory diseases, malnutrition, and musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent.
- Limited Health Infrastructure: Lack of functional hospitals and trained medical staff in tea garden areas.
- Government’s Efforts:
- Integration of Ayushman Bharat to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Upgradation of tea garden hospitals with better infrastructure and equipment.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to strengthen service delivery.
Prelims Pointers
- Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY: Provides health insurance up to ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
- Tea Garden Workers in Assam: A significant workforce, contributing to Assam’s tea industry, which produces over 50% of India’s tea.
- Mobile Medical Units (MMUs): Vehicles equipped with medical facilities to provide on-site healthcare.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
- Improved Healthcare Access:
- Brings healthcare facilities closer to tea garden workers.
- Reduces out-of-pocket expenditure on medical treatment.
- Social Justice:
- Addresses historical neglect of tea garden communities.
- Promotes equity in healthcare access for marginalized groups.
- Economic Productivity:
- Healthier workers contribute to higher productivity in the tea industry.
- Reduces absenteeism due to illness.
Challenges in Implementation
- Infrastructure Deficits:
- Many tea garden hospitals lack essential medical equipment and medicines.
- Shortage of Medical Personnel:
- Difficulty in retaining doctors and nurses in remote areas.
- Awareness Barriers:
- Limited awareness among workers about available healthcare schemes.
- Sustainability Issues:
- Dependence on government funding without a clear long-term financial plan.
Government Initiatives and Policies
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Health coverage for tea garden workers and other vulnerable groups.
- National Health Mission (NHM): Focus on maternal and child health in tea garden areas.
- Tea Garden Hospital Upgradation Program: Financial support for modernizing health infrastructure.
Way Ahead
- Capacity Building:
- Train local youth as community health workers to address personnel shortages.
- Incentivizing Healthcare Professionals:
- Provide monetary and non-monetary benefits to attract doctors to tea garden areas.
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate workers about health services and insurance schemes.
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Set up robust mechanisms to track the impact and progress of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs represent a significant step toward addressing the healthcare needs of tea garden workers in Assam. By bridging the healthcare access gap and focusing on preventive and curative care, this initiative can improve the quality of life for one of Assam’s most vulnerable communities while ensuring the sustained growth of the state’s tea industry.
4. Focus on Technology in Northeast Development
Relevance:
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology, Regional Development, Infrastructure
Introduction
The Northeast region of India, known for its geographical challenges and socio-economic disparities, is witnessing a shift towards technology-driven development. The use of advanced technologies in infrastructure, governance, agriculture, and disaster management is being prioritized to unlock the region’s potential and bridge developmental gaps.
Key Points
- Technological Interventions in Northeast Development:
- Digital Connectivity: Expansion of broadband and mobile networks to improve internet access in remote areas.
- Smart Governance: Implementation of e-governance initiatives for transparent and efficient public service delivery.
- Agricultural Innovations: Use of AI, IoT, and GIS in precision farming to enhance productivity and resource management.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Promotion of solar and hydropower technologies to address energy deficits sustainably.
- Key Sectors Benefiting from Technology:
- Healthcare: Telemedicine and mobile health units to improve access in remote areas.
- Education: Digital classrooms and online learning platforms to address teacher shortages.
- Disaster Management: Early warning systems and satellite monitoring for flood and landslide risk mitigation.
- Recent Initiatives:
- Digital Northeast Vision 2022: Focused on improving digital infrastructure and promoting startups.
- AI for Agriculture: Pilot projects in Assam to provide farmers with weather forecasts, pest management advice, and market trends.
- Bamboo Innovation: Research on bamboo-based construction and products using modern technologies.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
- Collaboration with tech giants like Google and Microsoft for skill development and digital literacy campaigns.
- Startups encouraged to work on Northeast-specific challenges in agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts.
Prelims Pointers
- Digital Northeast Vision 2022: Aimed at enhancing digital connectivity and fostering innovation in the region.
- GIS (Geographic Information System): Technology used for mapping and resource management in agriculture and urban planning.
- Telemedicine: Delivery of healthcare services through telecommunication and digital platforms.
Mains Pointers
Significance of Technology in Northeast Development
- Improved Connectivity:
- Bridges the digital divide, enabling access to information and services.
- Boost to Economy:
- Encourages entrepreneurship and startups, creating job opportunities.
- Promotes tourism through better connectivity and digital promotion.
- Social Empowerment:
- Improves healthcare and education access for remote communities.
- Enhances transparency and citizen participation through e-governance.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Supports renewable energy adoption and resource-efficient practices.
Challenges
- Geographical Barriers:
- Rugged terrain and frequent natural disasters hinder infrastructure development.
- Digital Divide:
- Low penetration of internet and mobile networks in remote areas.
- Skill Deficiency:
- Lack of trained personnel to implement and maintain technology-based solutions.
- Policy and Funding Constraints:
- Insufficient allocation of resources for technology adoption and capacity building.
Government Initiatives
- North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS): Focuses on building physical and social infrastructure, including ICT development.
- Startup India Northeast Yatra: Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
- BharatNet Project: Extends high-speed broadband to rural areas, including the Northeast.
Way Ahead
- Strengthening Digital Infrastructure:
- Accelerate BharatNet implementation to ensure last-mile connectivity.
- Capacity Building:
- Conduct skill development programs in emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and GIS.
- Tailored Solutions:
- Develop region-specific technologies for agriculture, tourism, and disaster management.
- Increased Funding and PPPs:
- Attract private investment for technology projects while ensuring government support for scalability.
- Focus on Innovation:
- Establish technology hubs and incubation centers for startups in the Northeast.
Conclusion The integration of technology into development strategies for the Northeast has the potential to address the region’s unique challenges while unlocking its economic and social potential. By focusing on digital infrastructure, capacity building, and region-specific innovations, the Northeast can emerge as a model for technology-driven inclusive development in India.
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