20.20 ndian onom
(i) Action is needed in the direction of The idea of technology-enabled Direct
improving the quality of education Benefits Transfers (DBT), namely the
provided in schools to arrest and reverse JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile)
the decline in enrolment in government number trinity solution, introduced by
schools. Besides, it is essential to improve the GoI in this regard is believed to be a
the educational outcomes in both public game-changing move.
and private schools. An important (v) India needs to include the behavioural
contributor to improvement in the dimensions of the target population in its
quality of education would be an increase framework of policy-making to realise
in the per centage of qualified teachers. desired results in the area of promoting
(ii) India needs to overcome the development the cause of the social infrastructure.
challenges through innovative models of India has already included this aspect
delivery of services. It has a critical role to in its sanitation campaign (especially, in
play in India’s march towards double- checking open defecation)—the same is
digit growth. needed in the other areas of importance,
(iii) Without improvement in social too.
infrastructure development of a country (vi) There is a need of integrating the social
is incomplete. To capitalise and leverage sector initiatives of the Centre, states and
the advantages that India will have on the the local bodies. The new ‘think tank’
demographic front with a large segment NITI Aayog can play a suitable platform
in the productive age group, social in this regard.
infrastructure requires fresh impetus with (vii) Strengthening of the local bodies (the
focus on efficiency to improve the quality PRIs) will not only boost the social sector
of human capital. To foster education but it will have an effect of externality
and skill development of its diverse in the form of an aware, awakened and
population, including the marginalised participative citizenry. Through them,
sections, women and the differently- India can garner the support of civil
abled, and to provide quality health and society and the NGO.
other social services, the Government (viii) There is need to orient the private sector
has identified the potential of technology (corporate world) towards this cause.
platforms which can significantly improve Their inclusion in this area will not only
efficiency in the system. bring in fund to this fund-scarce sector
(iv) Overhauling of the subsidy regime is but enable the country to use their
needed with faster pace. It will not expertise in the promotion of the social
only rationalise the subsidies but bring infrastructure.
in variety of other benefits in the service The Economic Survey 2017-18 concludes its
delivery system—inclusion of the needy chapter on the subject with a quote from the World
population; exclusion of the fake accounts; Economic Forum 2017—“strengthening the policy
prevention of corruption and leakages; and institutional ecosystem supporting inclusive
traceability; authentication of delivery; growth deserves to be a top policy priority for
transparency and accountability.