Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Amartya Sen’s work fundamentally shifts the focus of development from mere economic growth to expanding human capabilities – the freedom to achieve well-being. He argues that investments in primary education and healthcare are not merely social welfare measures but crucial for unlocking human potential and fostering economic progress. India, despite significant strides, continues to grapple with challenges in providing equitable access to quality primary education and healthcare, evidenced by persistent disparities in learning outcomes and health indicators. Addressing these requires a Sen-inspired approach prioritizing access, affordability, and quality, tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable populations.
Amartya Sen’s Core Arguments & Relevance
Sen’s ‘capabilities approach’ emphasizes that development should be assessed based on what people are actually able to *do* and *be*, rather than simply on economic indicators. This necessitates focusing on basic capabilities like literacy, numeracy, and health. He also highlights the importance of ‘social capabilities’ – the ability to participate in and influence society. For India, this means addressing systemic inequalities based on caste, gender, and region.
Improving Primary Education
Enhancing Access & Equity
- Universalization of Quality Education: Beyond enrollment, focus on ensuring learning outcomes. Implement robust monitoring systems like the National Achievement Survey (NAS) to track progress.
- Addressing Social Disparities: Targeted interventions for marginalized groups (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, girls) through scholarships, residential schools, and culturally relevant pedagogy. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme (2015) needs strengthened implementation.
- Strengthening Anganwadis: Anganwadis are crucial for early childhood care and education (ECCE). Invest in training and infrastructure to improve the quality of ECCE provided.
Improving Quality & Relevance
- Teacher Training & Professional Development: Continuous professional development for teachers, focusing on pedagogical skills and subject matter knowledge. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes this.
- Curriculum Reform: Move away from rote learning towards competency-based education. Integrate vocational skills and life skills into the curriculum.
- Infrastructure Development: Ensure adequate infrastructure – classrooms, libraries, toilets, drinking water – in all schools, particularly in rural areas.
Improving Primary Healthcare
Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure
- Investing in Primary Health Centres (PHCs): Upgrade PHCs with adequate staffing, equipment, and essential medicines. Ensure functional referral linkages to higher-level facilities.
- Expanding Health Workforce: Address the shortage of doctors, nurses, and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- Improving Sanitation & Hygiene: Invest in water and sanitation infrastructure to prevent waterborne diseases. Promote hygiene education.
Enhancing Access & Affordability
- Universal Health Coverage: Strengthen the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme (2018) to provide financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures.
- Strengthening the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Continue to prioritize maternal and child health, immunization, and disease control programs under NRHM.
- Community Participation: Empower communities to participate in planning and monitoring healthcare services.
Governance Reforms for Effective Implementation
Effective implementation requires strong governance mechanisms. This includes:
- Decentralization: Empower local bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) to manage primary education and healthcare services.
- Transparency & Accountability: Ensure transparency in budgeting and expenditure. Establish mechanisms for accountability of service providers.
- Inter-sectoral Coordination: Promote coordination between education, health, and other relevant departments (e.g., women and child development, social welfare).
Conclusion
Professor Sen’s insights provide a powerful framework for improving primary education and healthcare in India. Moving beyond a purely economic perspective and focusing on expanding human capabilities is crucial for achieving inclusive and sustainable development. This requires sustained investment, targeted interventions, and robust governance mechanisms, all underpinned by a commitment to equity and social justice. A holistic approach, addressing the social determinants of health and education, is essential for realizing the full potential of India’s human capital.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.