Education and state list
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Backgrounds
• The Government of India Act, 1935 created a civil structure for the first time in our polity
•The legislative subjects were distributed between the civil council and businesses.
•After independence, this continued and education was part of the ‘ State list’ under the distribution of powers.
• Still, during the exigency, the Congress party constituted the Swaran Singh Committee to give recommendations for amendments to the Constitution.
•One of the recommendations of this commission was to place ‘ education’ in the concurrent list in order to evolve each- India programs on the subject.
• This was enforced through the 42nd indigenous correction( 1976) by shifting ‘ education’ from the State list to the concurrent list.
• The correction was ratified by colorful countries without acceptable debate.
• The Janata Party government led by Morarji Desai that came to power after exigency, passed the 44th indigenous correction( 1978) to reverse numerous of the controversial changes made through the 42nd correction.
One of these amendments was to bring education back into the state list. But it was n't passed in the Rajya Sabha.
International Practices
• In the U.S., State and original governments set the overall educational norms, accreditation standardized tests and supervise sodalities and universities. In Canada, education is fully managed by the businesses.
• In Germany, the constitution vests legislative powers for education with landers( fellow of States).
• In South Africa, education is governed by two public departments for academy and advanced education.
Arguments & Way Forward
• The arguments in favor of ‘ education’ in the concurrent list include an invarian education policy, enhancement in norms and community between Centre and States.
•But the major issue is that, considering the vast diversity of the country, a ‘ one size fits each’ approach is neither doable nor desirable.
Loss and damage fund
1.Climate finance supports actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change from public, private, and alternative sources.
2. Mitigation addresses causes, while adaptation focuses on managing climate impacts.
3. Adaptation finance lags behind mitigation, with 98% from public sources.
4. The Loss and Damage (L&D) fund addresses irreversible climate impacts.
5. Despite COP27's approval, L&D fund operationalization faces challenges.
6. Public sector reliance slows adaptation progress.
7. Private sector involvement is limited, but crucial for scaling finance.
8. The 2023 Adaptation Gap Report highlights growing finance shortages
9. More funding is urgently needed to close the adaptation gap.
10. Effective L&D fund implementation is essential for protecting vulnerable communities.
GDP Growth vs Unemployment
• Growth Rate: India reported an 8% GDP growth rate in 2023.
• Job Creation: Despite growth, there is a need for 25 million jobs in the next five years.
• Unemployment Data: Unemployment rate decreased from 4.2% in 2021 to 3.1% in 2023, yet job creation remains insufficient.
Political Ratification
• Election Outcome: The 2024 general elections saw the ruling party lose its parliamentary majority, forming a coalition with diverse economic ideologies due to public dissatisfaction. Widening Inequality GPS
• Wealth Distribution: The top 1% owns 40% of India’s wealth, showcasing a “K-shaped” inequality where the rich get richer and the poor poorer.
Economic Management and Criticisms
• Government Claims: Claims of lifting 25 crore people out of poverty are contested by electoral results and public sentiments.
• Growth Sustainability: The GDP growth of 8.2% in 2023-24 is driven by a large budget deficit rather than sustainable investments.
•What are the reforms needed?
• Reforms Needed: There is a call for “next-generation reforms” to sustain economic growth, which is hindered by coalition dynamics.
• Job Market: The informal sector dominates job creation, with minimal contributions from the formal private and government sectors.
Long-Term Strategy
• Economic Strategy: India needs a cohesive long-term economic strategy to address political fragmentation and policy incoherence.
• Inclusive Growth: Reducing inequality and fostering growth across all sectors is critical for future economic stability.
India's economic policies must undergo scrutiny and reform to achieve sustainable growth,addressing structural challenges, reducing inequality, and promoting inclusive growth are essential for economic stability.
