Question 17GS2GS2

When it comes to sexual and reproductive health of women in India, rights-based discourse has largely been bypassed not just by the societal norms but also by the legal norms. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.44)

Answer Strengths Gaps Keywords

Introduction

Sexual and reproductive health was in news with regard to debate around Menstrual leave.

14 words

Main Body

Sexual and reproductive health was in news with regard to debate around Menstrual leave.

Sexual & reproductive Health Facts:

1Menstruation (NFHS - 5 say 20% still use unhygienic practices)

2Abortion: DNFPA says 8 deaths every hours

3Delivery and post-partum care → 60% female still not got institutional delivery

4Contraception and Dignity → in its exposure sexual health (Eg: 2 Surgeon test)

Rights Based Discourse: Idea:

1Treating sexual health as implicit in IISDG 5] and Act 21] → Dignified living

2Balance [privacy] with access to healthcare

Failures due to Societal Norms:

1Patriarchal mindset of society → Podal judgment on female ask for abortion

2Lack of awareness → Use of cloth in menstruation

3Early and child marriage (NFHS 5 says 23% females still face). [Lancet report/ says unreleased in West Bengal]

4Lack of awareness about contraceptive

5Difficult in understanding broad definition of sanitation hygiene → Thus leads to undernutrition, nutritional, reproductive health care and poorer [WASH] facilities

6Working women during pregnancy discouraged.

Failures due to legal norms:

7Biased government policies → Economic Survey 2023 says that women laws inhibit women participation in name of protection (Eg: Maternity Act → holiday)

8Sidestepping of child care leave and no paternal leave.

9[MTP, 2021] do not provide unhindered access to abortion

10No law on menstrual hygiene and policy access to contraceptives

11Prevalence of 2-finger test → No accountability

Bright spots seen:

1Success of Tardini Suraksha Yojana in PM Mathrui Vandana Yojana

2Family planning pilot increased contraceptive awareness and reduced abortion case (TFR [NFHS - 5])

3SC judgement in abortion case awareness and sedized case (LGBT [TFR [NFHS - 5])

Way Forward:

Sexual and reproductive health can be solved by 3 measures together. Power for form Power to write:

It will enhance labour force participation, women dignity led to women led development.

316 words27 paragraphs

Conclusion

Sexual and reproductive health can be solved by 3 measures together. Power for form Power to write. It will enhance labour force participation, women dignity led to women led development.

30 words

Direct engagement with current affairs
Use of statistical data
Emphasis on rights-based approach
Clear categorization of failures by societal vs legal norms
Use of current data and surveys
Specific policy examples
Identifies positive schemes and initiatives
Comprehensive understanding of legal gaps
Good conclusion emphasizing integrated approach
Links to broader development goals

Open original scan

Page 44

Topper

Akansh Dhull

AIR 32029

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health

Writing Stats

360

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone