Assess the performance of various schemes and policies undertaken to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable sections of society. What measures do you suggest to enhance their performance?

Schemes and policies for welfare of vulnerable sections:

I. Poverty reduction and food security

⊳ Direct income transfer (PM KISAN)

⊳ PM Rasibi Kalyan Annna Yojane

⊳ POSSHAN Niamaan for nutritional security of children

II. Welfare of SC/STs and OBCs:

⊳ VSTAP scheme: training and capacity building

⊳ Nai Mangal for women empowerment in minority

II. Women

⊳ Shakti and Sambal (Protection) (Financial empowerment)

⊳ KIRAN: for STEM education

IV. Elderly

⊳ Vayashri Yojana

V. Differently Abled

⊳ UDID and ADIP scheme

Performance Analysis

A. [Positives]

1. Financial inclusion: 10 years of PM Tan Dhane Yojane (50% beneficiaries are women)

2. Food security via MGNREGA

3. Reduction in poverty – currently 5% people below poverty line

4. Increase of participation of women in economy (33% - PLFS)

5. Economic empowerment ⊳ PM Mudray Yojana ⊳ PM Svanidhi (41% beneficiaries are women)

However, challenges to welfare of vulnerable sections remain:

1. Accessibility to benefits eg. Elderly and Feevan human benefits

2. Challenges to gender equality – where women are digitally or culturally implicit

3. Exclusion errors and lack of documentation

Remedial measures

1. Whole of government approach to service delivery

2. Regular performance audit

3. Coordinate with SHGs to ensure saturation of benefits

4. Double/tripling of service

5. e-Governance and technological capacity building

This will ensure realisation of ideal of welfare state and inclusive growth on the road to development.