Mission LiFE- Life Style for Environment

Mission LiFE is an India-led global mass movement to nudge individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. At the 26^th session of the CoP Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, India shared the mantra of LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment - to combat climate change. India is the first country to include LiFE in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Objectives of Mission LiFE

1. Mission LiFE seeks to translate the vision of LiFE into measurable impact.
2. Mission LiFE is designed with the objective to mobilise at least one billion Indians and other global citizens to take individual and collective action for protecting and preserving the environment during 2022-2027.
3. Within India, at least 80% of all villages and urban local bodies are aimed to become environment-friendly by 2028.
4. It aims to nudge individuals and communities to practice a lifestyle that is synchronous with nature and does not harm it. Those who practice such lifestyle are recognized as ‘Pro Planet People’.

The ideas and ideals of LiFE will be implemented as a mission-mode, scientific and measurable programme.

Mission LiFE: Three core shifts towards sustainability

1. Change in Demand (Phase I): Nudging individual across the world to practice simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives.
2. Change in Supply (Phase II): Changes in large-scale individual demand are expected to gradually nudge industries and markets to respond and tailor supply and procurement as per the revised demands.
3. Change in Policy (Phase III): By influencing the demand and supply dynamics of India and the world, the long-term vision of Mission LiFE is to trigger shifts in large-scale industrial and government policies that can support both sustainable consumption and production.

LiFE builds upon India's environment-friendly culture and traditional practices.

1. Adaptive architectural forms that minimise electricity consumption and handwashing and sun-drying of clothes, as well as preference for plant-based foods can serve as foundations for LiFE.
2. Many unique water harvesting techniques, contextual to local conditions, are practised across India. These include the step wells of Gujarat and Rajasthan, & the underground tanks (tankaa) of Tamil Nadu, the check dams (johads) of Rajasthan and the Zabo system of Nagaland that deposit the water in pond-like structures on terraced hillsides.
3. Clayware is commonly used for cooking and serving purposes. Several public food establishments continue to serve food in plant-based biodegradable utensils (sal tree leaves) and tea in clay pots (kulhad).

 

 

 

CHAPTER 1:
AYUSH UNVEILING THE SCIENCE OF LIFE FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

• It is the traditional & Non-Conventional Systems of healthcare and healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
• Ayush represents a comprehensive approach to healthcare that encompasses ancient wisdom and holistic healthcare practices.
• Ayush emphasises a personalised approach to health and well-being, balancing the body, mind, and spirit through a combination of exercise, diet, lifestyle modifications, therapeutic drugs, and treatment practices.
• Recognising the importance of evidence-based practices, the ministry has undertaken various initiatives to foster scientific research, validation, and integration of Ayush into the healthcare framework.

R&D initiatives of Ministry of Ayush

1. The Ministry of Ayush has setup five Research Councils as Autonomous Institute for undertaking research in Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani, Siddha, Yoga, and Naturopathy.
2. The research activities of the Councils include medicinal plant research (Medico-ethno botanical survey, pharmacognosy and tissue culture), Drug Standardisation Pharmacological Research, Clinical Research, Literary Research & outreach activities.
3. The Ministry of Ayush also provides financial support for research projects through its Research Councils, National Institutes, and various schemes.
4. Ayush encourages collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and experts from various discipline which can lead to the development of integrated healthcare models that combine the strengths of Ayush and modern medicine.
5. MoA is involved in establishing and implementing quality standards for Ayush products, ensuring their safety, efficacy, and standardization.
6. During the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit held in 2022, the Prime Minister announced the launching of Ayush mark to recognize Traditional Medicine products which will give the authenticity to Ayush products of the country.
7. Ayush Vertical at BIS will enable Ayush to develop standards and make stronger presence in ISO that would help in penetration in global markets at over 165 countries through ISO standards route.
8. The Ministry of Ayush promotes the dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed journals and publications.
9. The Ayush Research Portal has been set up for disseminating Evidence Based Research Data of Ayush Systems at Global Level.
10. The Ministry focuses on capacity building by organising training programmes, workshops, and conferences for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders in the Ayush sector.
11. The Ministry of Ayush works towards integrating Ayush systems with modern healthcare practices. This involves collaborating with mainstream healthcare providers, conducting research on integrative approaches, and promoting interdisciplinary dialogue between Ayush and modern medicine practitioners.
12. The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 has strongly advocated mainstreaming the potential of Ayush within a pluralistic system of Integrative healthcare. It re-emphasizes the need for integrating Ayush in the National Health Mission, research, and education.
13. The WHO-GIobaI Centre for Traditional Medicine, the first and only global out posted Centre (office) for traditional medicine across the globe is being established with the support of the Government of India in Jamnagar.
14. It seeks to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, ensure evidence-based practices, and enhance the overall quality and accessibility of traditional medicine services.
15. The center envisions the establishment of a WHO Traditional Medicine Informatics center that brings together existing traditional medicine data banks, virtual libraries, academic institutions, and research institutes to facilitate collaboration.

Pragmatic model of Research in Ayush

1. Exploring Traditional Knowledge:  It aims to explore and validate this traditional knowledge, tapping into the wisdom accumulated over centuries to find innovative approaches to health and well-being.

Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is a pioneering initiative of India to protect Indian traditional medicinal knowledge and prevent its misappropriation at International Patent Offices.

2. Integrating Modern Scientific Methods- By adopting rigorous scientific methodologies, including clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews, Ayush endeavors to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific standards.
3. Addressing Unmet Healthcare Needs: By exploring the grey areas where existing healthcare approaches fall short; Ayush aims to provide innovative solutions and complementary therapies to fill these gaps.
4. Promoting Lifestyle Modifications- Research in Ayush explores innovative ways to promote healthy lifestyles, incorporating practices such as yoga, meditation, dietary guidelines, and natural remedies.
5. Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine: Ayush’s holistic approach to health and well-being enables it to address the multidimensional aspects of healthcare challenges.

Ayush in achieving Universal Health Coverage and SDG Goals

• Ayush healthcare system is complying with WHO's strategic objectives for achieving the 4As to Universal Health Coverage- Accessibility, Affordability, Availability, and Acceptability.
• Ayush healthcare diligently works towards Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) through National AYUSH Mission (NAM), integrated health programmes and AHWGs, simultaneously targeting health inequity and out-of-pocket expenditure.
• Ayush has always supported SDG 11-Sustainable cities and communities. Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17) is one SDG that is achieved through Ayush in India, by promoting partnerships between different healthcare systems and exchange of knowledge and expertise.
• The emerging concept of ‘One World One Health’ emphasizes the need for collaboration and coordination among various sectors and stakeholders to address global health challenges.

 

Conclusion

Thus, Ayush as a science of life promotes and protects the health of populations by adopting a holistic approach, personalized medicine, preventive measures, integration with modern medicines, scientific research-based practice, and prevention of traditional knowledge. By embracing these principles, Ayush contributes to a comprehensive and patient-centered approaches to healthcare aiming to achieve the goal of ‘Health for All’.

 

 

CHAPTER 2:
YOGA FOR GLOBAL WELL-BEING

Yoga- It is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices originated in ancient India aim to control (yoke) and still the mind in order to recognize a detached witness-consciousness which is untouched by the mind (Chitta) and mundane suffering (Duḥkha).”

Benefits of Yoga

• The practice of yoga can help to promote physical and mental wellbeing, which is critical for individuals to thrive and contribute to society.
• Yoga can also contribute to global well-being by promoting peace and harmony, environmental sustainability, social harmony, cultural awareness, and unity in diversity.
• Regular practice of yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are persuasive issues that affect a significant proportion of the population globally, leading to various health problems such as high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease.
• Yoga helps to improve the ability to-focus by bringing clarity of thought. In the fast-moving modern world, it is easy to become distracted and overwhelmed by work, family, and lifestyle demands.
• Yoga helps to improve physical health. It is an excellent mind-body practice that helps to improve flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance.

Concepts and Principles of Yoga

• Yoga, through the teachings of Yama and Niyama, encourages practitioners to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment, which can lead to more peaceful and harmonious relationships.
• The principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Santosha (contentment) are vital in creating a harmonious society that values not just individual fulfilment but also the well-being of others.
• Ahimsa teaches us to avoid harming any living being, while Santosha reminds us to find contentment and happiness within ourselves rather than constantly seeking external validation.
• Yoga will also play a vital role in promoting environmental sustainability by encouraging practitioners to connect with nature and live in harmony with the environment.
• Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, is one of the fundamental principles of yoga in which teaches us to use what is necessary and to leave the rest for others.

EIGHT PRINCIPLES OF YOGA
S.No.	Principle	Meaning	Sub-types
1	Yama	It deals with the practices that are primarily concerned with the world around us.	Ahimsa (non- violence) Satya: (truthfulness) Asteya: (non-stealing) Brahmacharya: (continence) Aparigraha (non-covetousness)
2	Niyama	It deals with self-discipline and spiritual observances	Saucha (cleanliness) Samtosa (contentment) Tapas (spiritual austerities) Svadhyaya (study of the sacred scriptures and of one’s self) Isvara pranidhana (surrender to God)
3	Asana	It deals with the postures practiced in yoga	Padmasana, Virasana, Vajrasana, etc.
4	Pranayama	It deals with the control of breath using different breathing techniques and exercises.	–
5	Pratyahara	It deals with the stage when senses don’t engage with the external environment	–
6	Dharana	It deals with paying attention to one particular thing, idea, or place	–
7	Dhyana	It deals with the stage when the mind becomes still and remains in concentration.	–
8	Samadhi	It deals with the ultimate and final state of consciousness	–

Yogic practices for health and well-being

• Hatha Yoga is one of the most popular forms of yoga that focuses more on the physical aspects of the practice.
• It consists of various practices such as Shatkarmas, Yogasana, Pranayama, Mudras & Bandhas, and Dhyana.
• Shatkarmas, also known as purificatory practices, are essential in Hatha Yoga as they help to cleanse the body and  prepare it for further practices.
• Yogasana, or psycho-physical postures is performed after the body is detoxified by various cleansing practices. Their regular practice enhances strength, flexibility, endurance, the general fitness of the body, and overall well-being.
• Pranayama, or breath regulation is one of the most important practices of yoga. Traditionally, there are eight different types of pranayama called the Ashta Kumbhaka, which help in opening the subtle channels carrying vital energy throughout the body.
• Mudra & Bandha These practices are used to control and channelize prana in the body. Mudras are body gestures, and bandhas are psychic locks that aid in maintaining the proper flow of prana in the body, leading to various health benefits.
• Dhyana is a state of complete stillness of the mind, that helps in developing the inherent capabilities of the human mind. Various scientifically proven benefits of meditation include reduced stress, improved memory, and enhanced concentration.
• These practices are effective not only in the development and maintenance of optimum physical health, but also in mental and emotional well-being.
• These practices help us to cultivate a deeper connection with our inner selves and with the world around us.
• The practice of yoga has a transformative effect on our entire being, leading to enhanced overall health and well-being. By regularly engaging in these practices, we can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life, and make a positive contribution to the world around us.

Research in Yoga for Health and Well-being

• Yoga’s prominence in Indian and Western civilisation emerged in the 20" century.
• Extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of yoga on various diseases, especially non-communicable diseases such as stroke, cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, among others.
• Many studies have found that yoga can be an effective complementary therapy to conventional medical treatments for these conditions.
• As per a research review, yoga practices were found to be as effective as or better than exercise in improving several health conditions in healthy as well as diseased populations.

Yoga and Global Well-being

• Yoga has gained widespread popularity globally, and many organisations are now incorporating yoga into their programmes to promote global well-being.
• The adoption of the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations helped yoga to reach the unreached and encourage more people to practice yoga worldwide.
• The International Day of Yoga is observed annually on 21 June. Many schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces are now offering yoga classes, yoga workshops, and programmes to promote overall health and well-being.
• Maharishi Patanjali envisaged restraints and observances that have the potential to help people and nations to deal with global challenges and help the world to achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• The concept of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam has been a part of Indian philosophy for centuries and is closely linked to the practice of yoga.
• Yoga promotes the idea of oneness and unity, encouraging individuals to connect with their inner selves and with others in a spirit of compassion and understanding.
• India’s presidency at the G20 provides a platform for the country to share its rich cultural heritage, including the practice of yoga, with the rest of the world.
• By promoting the practice of yoga, India can build bridges between different cultures and develop greater understanding and respect for diversity.

Conclusion

Thus, Yoga is an excellent tool for global well-being. Its numerous benefits, including stress reduction, improved mental clarity and focus, physical health, mindfulness, and spirituality, make it a valuable practice for anyone seeking to improve their overall well-being.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 3:
ROLE OF MEDITATIONAL APPROACHES IN MENTAL WELL-BEING

Healing and Holistic Wellbeing

• Holistic well-being can be ensured only by therapies or processes that ensure the health of the whole being, comprising the body, mind, and soul.
• A human being has limbs outside and many organs inside, and all these must be synchronised in a healthy pattern of living.
• Healing is what restores health. Healing is not restricted to healing the body but includes the mind and emotions as well.
• It is not only the healing of the individual but the healing of the whole of the humanity, the whole of the planet is needed.
• In the early history of the planet, those with the strongest muscles were considered the healthiest and survived best. Later on, intellectual strength gave the best chance of survival. Today, and in the future, the person with the purest and strong heart will have the best health and will survive the best.

Heart’s Foundational Intelligence in Healing

• The foundation of our good health is the sustenance of a life force or our staying alive.
• The thing that makes us stay alive is called by different names in different cultures — rooh, soul, atman, etc.
• A better use of the heart is to  love better, to forgive more, and to be more generous and kinder, expand our consciousness, and this automatically results in improved health.

Enter the Koshas in Healing

At the physical level, we think of health as healthy diet, exercising a good lifestyle, etc. However, at the energetic or vibratory level, we discover that there may be layers of existence inside the human body. We call these layers koshas or sheaths or coverings.

These five koshas are as follows-

1. Annamaya kosha (food)- This outermost kosha takes care of the sustenance for the physical body.
2. Pranamaya kosha (energy)- This kosha regulates the flow of prana, or lifeforce energy.
3. Manomaya kosha (mind)- It is the kosha that gives us awareness of our thoughts and emotions.
4. Vijnanamaya kosha (intuition)- This kosha is connected to an intuitively-deeper level that gives access to spiritual wisdom.
5. Anandamaya kosha (bliss) - This is the deepest layer and the scriptures refer to this as the true inner self, that gives us joy and love.

Meditate for Internal Hygiene

• While external hygiene is of course important to prevent infection, internal hygiene is important to prevent mental illnesses.
• Many health problems are solved by natural adjustments in diet and exercise, healthy sleep patterns, in simple uses of pranayama and yogasanas.
• Most important of all these are simple meditation practices which result in a meditative attitude and a prayerful attitude that can handle any crisis; much better than an agitated or vacillating mind, or a selfish-cowardly heart.

Vaccine for Mental and Emotional Health

• Meditation is the Vaccine for Mental and Emotional Health and a simple natural meditation like heartfulness, is practiced easily because it is aided by yogic transmission or Pranahuti.
• The Heartfulness-cleaning process enables us to reduce our daily levels of stress and tension.
• By developing the skill of connecting oneself to the divine light in the heart before sleep, we get into a habit of reconnecting to the heart every time we change our activity.
• Heartfulness relaxation and Heartfulness polarity processes are used even by children who are too young to do long-term meditation.

Conclusion

Meditational approaches are known to thus create significant improvements in mental health and well-being and emotional resilience. We become more and more aware of our actions and even our life purpose. There is, of course, significant research and evidence in how it reduces anxiety, calms us, gives us peace, and even works on the very root of all problems.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 4:
BASICS OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Understanding Food Groups and Choosing

• A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, protein, good fats, fermented foods, fibre, and phytonutrients.
• Limit grains, sugar, salt, and say no to trans fats.
• An easy tool to get you there is to follow the half plate rule.

Half-plate Rule

• Always pre-plate your food. Put all the food that you want to eat on your plate at once, so that you can see exactly what you are eating. Research shows that those who plate all their food instead of going for second and third, eat 14 per cent less.
• Now, aim for the ‘half-plate’ rule. Half of your plate should be full of vegetables. Divide the rest of it with foods from the other food groups and use grains or cereals as a side dish.
• Every diet needs to be personalised to address food sensitivities. If you are intolerant to certain food groups, plan your diet accordingly.

How Much to Eat?

Portion control begins at the serving stage. Put less on the plate or put all that you want at one time rather than going for second. Looking at a full plate also increases fullness- quite literally. It is believed to be the secret of the centenarian Japanese.

What to Eat?

• Eating better is about choosing foods that have a high nutrient density, from fruits and vegetables to whole grains and proteins.
• The approach should be to pick high-value foods (that are full of nutrients) and not really count calories.
• Millets, quinoa, lentil flour, jackfruit flour, and unprocessed rice are healthy replacements to wheat & white rice.

When to Eat?

• Sleep early, giving your gut the time to break down the food you eat in the most efficient manner possible.
• Eat between the hours of 7am and 7 pm, according to the natural circadian rhythm of day and night. In other words, ‘Eat during the working hours of your system!’.

How to Eat?

Eating slowly has a number of benefits. First, the digestive process actually starts in the mouth, so chewing slowly and chewing well improves digestion. Second, it gives the gut the time (about twenty minutes) it needs to register satiation levels.

Principles of Eating

1. Keep up your motivation- Stop making excuses and assume full responsibility for your weight, make yourself feel important, focus on yourself without feeling guilty, develop a positive association with the kind of clothes that you would love to wear, divert your mind from food by being busy or away from home, talking to your friends, or going out etc.
2. Set Goals-that are reasonable and realistic goals, have short-term and long-term goals. Achieve your ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) and aim for a flat belly etc.
3. Plan Your Eating Regimen- Plan your meals and snacks in advance. Snack smart. Make sure your dinner time falls between 6.30 and 8 pm. If you find that it is getting late, keep your dinner light etc.
4. Practise Mindful Eating- Maintain a food diary. Increase your awareness. Don't fool yourself by focusing on all the food that you did not eat and feeling sorry for yourself.
5. Be Food-Wise- Train your palate. Eating healthy and increasing your intake of raw vegetables and vegetable juices substantially can help you train your palate. Try out different cuisines.
6. Don't Live Against the Clock- Stick to a regular schedule. Eat 2-3 hours before you go to bed.
7. Shop Smart- Plan your shopping in advance, Go organic whenever possible; choose organically or locally grown foods.
8. Exercise- Engage in regular physical activity for at least 45 minutes, ideally 60 minutes, on most days of the week.
9. Manage Stress- Five to ten minutes (during any time of the day) of regular meditation can help you gain control and clarity of thought.
10. Have Regular Health Checkups- These should include a thorough physical examination, blood pressure measurement, and assessment of blood glucose level, fasting lipid profile, body composition, diet, exercise habits, and stress levels.
11. Check Medication- Continue taking your supplements under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.
12. Don't Be Tech-Shy- Log on to authentic, reliable websites and online weight-management portals like theweightmonitor.com, etc., to help you through your journey, but be careful not to fall into the fad-diet trap.
13. Your Mind Counts Too- Check your diet, exercise, thoughts, and habits like addiction, cravings, alcohol, eating disorders, etc, that conflict with your health goals. Work to correct these and seek professional help if necessary.
14. Be the Change- Good eating habits are infectious. You should take the lead and be an example for your family and friends. Do not succumb to social pressures. Learn the art of saying ‘no’. Find desirable alternatives.
15. Remember - It is the journey, not the destination. There is no miracle or permanent diet solution for weight management. The benefits will last as long as you follow healthy habits. The only permanent, sustainable approach is to make eating healthy a way of life.

 

 

 

CHAPTER 5:
DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER IN INDIA

• The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) paradigm marks a quantum leap in terms of the accomplishment of the stated vision of Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• DBT gives more teeth to Article 21 by efficiently and efficaciously implementing schemes to address issues like inequalities in income, opportunities and resources, strengthening the health, and securing right to work and public assistance to those in need - all elements of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Economics of DBT

• The Economic Survey 2015-16 observed that growth needs to be complemented with active government support to improve the economic lives of the poor and   vulnerable, and achieve equity.
• It showed that in several price subsidies that governments offer, rich households benefit more from the subsidies than poor households (say, in the case of electricity, water, or fuel subsidies), and distortions are created in the market that ultimately hurt the poor the most (say, in the case of minimum support prices or railway passenger subsidies).
• It held that the benefit that price subsidies seek to create for the poor can be directly transferred to the poor through lump-sum income transfers, avoiding the distortions that subsidies induce.
• Against this backcloth, the goal of converting subsidies into DBT mediated through the Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile Number (JAM) trinity was set into motion.

What is DBT?

• The DBT was originally envisaged as a scheme, where the welfare benefits provided by the Government are directly credited to the bank or postal account of the accurately identified beneficiary.
• DBT in India not only entails cash support to eligible beneficiaries but also in-kind transfers to them, covering over 300 Central and more than 2000 State schemes.
• Widely known examples of cash support include farmer income support programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Klsan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN), pensions for the old aged, Divyangjan, widows, etc.
• Under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), scholarships for the deprived and other sections needing support; and instances of inkind support like fertilizer subsidy, food grains support (Public Distribution System), mid-day meals for school children, Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), etc.

Progress of DBT in India

The Figure below captures the tremendous growth in DBT transfers at the level of Central government in the past decade.

 

• Over time, DBT in India has been recognised to bring all-round inclusivity and efficiency by experts from various fields.
• The World Bank (2022) also recognised the need for countries to back the DBT-styled public interventions into action plans for disaster resilience.
• The positive impact of DBT in India on the economic and social position of women within and beyond their households.

DBT Fact Figure
S. No.	Type	Amount
1	Total Direct Benefit Transfer (Cumulative)	₹ 29,84,426 Cr
2	Total Direct Benefit Transfer (FY 2022-23)	₹ 7,16,390 Cr
3	Total number of transactions (FY 2022-23)	₹ 693 Cr
4	Number of Schemes	312
5	Number of Ministries	53
6	Estimated Gains (after removal of duplicate/fake beneficiaries)	₹ 2,73,093 Cr

DBT in the G20 Agenda

• The DBT is a shining instance of Indian innovation that fits seamlessly into this farsighted vision.
• India is endeavouring to use the G20 platforms for introducing the home-grown DPl-based DBT paragon to the world, particularly the Global South (PTI 2023).
• DBT also fits into the bigger picture of India’s co-chairship of Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, a forum where India seeks to promote ‘the development of an open, inclusive and responsible digital financial ecosystem based on the presence of a sound and effective digital public infrastructure (DPI) for the advancement of financial inclusion.
• DBT was also showcased in the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting.

 

World praises India’s DBT

• The IMF has hailed DBT for being ‘a logistical marvel how these programmes that seek to help people who are at low-income levels reach hundreds of millions of people.
• IMF also lauded the scale at which DBT impacts people’s lives - ‘Helped by digital cash transfers, India managed to provide food or cash support to a remarkable 85% of rural households and 69% of urban households".
• DBT and accompanying governance reforms have been estimated to save the Government of India cumulatively a sum of Rs 2.23 lakh crore up till March 2021 or close to 1.1% of GDP.

Future Scope of DBT

• Wheels are already in motion for realising the next big-bang reforms titled DBT 2.0 and DBT 3.0.
• The DBT 2.0 focuses on an online eligibility verification mechanism using Aadhaar. Briefly, the Schemes often require applicants to submit eligibility documents or certificates issued by different government agencies and departments.
• The DBT 3.0 seeks to usher in a transformative shift in the scheme of benefit delivery to citizens.
• As things stand, citizens have to discover Government schemes implementing agency for availing the benefits.

Conclusion

For the far-reaching contemporary impacts of, and the possibility of futuristic reforms in India’s DBT paradigm, it is one of the India’s most remarkable contributions to the discourse in G20 discussions. It clearly has the potential to promote harmony within our “One Family” and engender hope for our ‘One Future’.

 

 

 

Mains Practice Question

Q.1    Do you think that Ayush is complementary to the current medical system in India? What are the challenges faced by Ayush system in India in its integration with mainstream medical system in India?

Q.2    How Direct Benefit Transfer scheme has transformed social welfare in India. Suggest measures to further strengthen DBT approach in India.

Q.3    Essay topics (1000-1200 words)

(a)      Ayushman Bharat: Features, prospects and challenge.

(b)      Public health in India: Issues and Challenges

(c)   There’s nothing more important than our good health – that’s our principal capital asset.