BPAE 144
Social Policies and Administration
IGNOU BPAE 144 Solved Free Assignment
BPAE 144 Solved Free Assignment July 2024 & January 2025
Assignment A
Q 1. Describe the meaning, scope and Principles of Social Policy.
Ans. Social policy refers to the set of government strategies and programs designed to address the welfare and social needs of individuals and communities.
It encompasses a wide range of issues, such as health, education, housing, unemployment, social security, and poverty alleviation.
Social policy is essential for ensuring that all members of society have access to basic services, promoting equity, and improving overall well-being.
The scope of social policy extends to various sectors, including healthcare, education, employment, housing, and family support.
It is concerned with both the distribution of resources and the creation of opportunities for marginalized or disadvantaged groups.
Social policy plays a vital role in addressing social inequalities by promoting inclusion and providing mechanisms to reduce poverty and disadvantage.
This can include measures like welfare programs, healthcare systems, universal education, and subsidized housing.
The scope is also dynamic, as social policy must evolve to meet emerging challenges, such as aging populations, economic crises, and environmental changes.
The principles of social policy are rooted in the values of justice, equality, and solidarity.
These principles aim to ensure that social policies not only address immediate needs but also promote long-term social development and stability.
One of the primary principles is equity, which seeks to reduce inequalities in society by ensuring that resources and opportunities are distributed fairly, particularly to those who are most disadvantaged.
Another key principle is universality, which emphasizes the importance of providing access to basic services and benefits for all citizens, regardless of their economic status or background.
Social justice is also central to social policy, advocating for the protection of human rights and the establishment of systems that ensure everyone’s basic needs are met.
Another important principle is participation, which encourages the involvement of individuals and communities in the design and implementation of social policies.
This ensures that policies are relevant, responsive, and reflective of the needs of those they aim to serve.
Furthermore, the principle of sustainability is vital, as social policies must be designed to be financially viable in the long term, without compromising the needs of future generations.
This means that social policies must be adaptable to changing circumstances, such as economic fluctuations or demographic shifts, to remain effective.
Q 2. Explain the Powers and functions of National commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Ans. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution through the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2003.
Its main purpose is to safeguard the rights and promote the welfare of Scheduled Tribes (STs) across India.
It plays a vital role in ensuring that tribal communities are not excluded from development and that their rights are protected under the Constitution.
The powers and functions of the NCST are both broad and specific, aimed at ensuring justice, equality, and dignity for tribal populations.
One of the key functions is to investigate and monitor all matters related to the safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution or any law in force.
This includes assessing whether these safeguards are being properly implemented and recommending improvements wherever required.
The Commission also has the authority to inquire into specific complaints relating to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of Scheduled Tribes.
It can summon individuals, require the production of documents, and function similarly to a civil court during its inquiries.
This quasi-judicial power enables the NCST to intervene effectively in cases where tribal rights are being violated or ignored by authorities.
Another significant function of the Commission is to participate and advise in the planning process of socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes.
It evaluates the development programs meant for tribals and suggests ways to improve their reach and effectiveness.
This ensures that development efforts are aligned with the actual needs of the tribal communities rather than being top-down impositions.
The Commission is also responsible for presenting annual reports to the President of India on the working of the constitutional and legal safeguards for Scheduled Tribes.
These reports include details on the status of implementation and suggestions for improvement.
The President then lays these reports before both Houses of Parliament, ensuring transparency and legislative oversight.
The NCST plays a pivotal role in advising the central and state governments on major policy matters affecting Scheduled Tribes.
This includes issues like land alienation, displacement due to development projects, forest rights, access to education, and health services.
The Commission ensures that tribal voices are considered in policymaking, helping to bridge the gap between traditional tribal life and modern governance.
The NCST also works to preserve and protect tribal cultures and identities, which are often endangered by mainstream development processes.
It makes recommendations for the protection of traditional knowledge, languages, and customs, emphasizing cultural sustainability alongside economic development.
This helps in maintaining the unique identity of tribal communities, which is crucial for India’s diverse cultural heritage.
In addition to these functions, the Commission is tasked with reviewing the progress of tribal development schemes, including those related to education, healthcare, and employment.
It evaluates their performance and brings out inefficiencies or discrimination faced by STs in the implementation of such schemes.
This helps in improving the quality and outreach of government initiatives.
The NCST also plays an active role in ensuring reservation policies in public employment and education are followed.
It monitors whether the quota system is being properly implemented and if tribals are receiving their rightful opportunities in government jobs and institutions.
This ensures the inclusion of STs in the mainstream workforce and education system.
One of the emerging roles of the NCST is to safeguard the environmental rights of tribal communities, especially those residing in forest areas.
It intervenes in issues where tribal people are denied access to forest produce or are displaced due to mining and industrial projects.
In such cases, it not only raises concerns but also recommends compensation and rehabilitation measures.
To discharge its functions effectively, the Commission conducts research and collects data on tribal issues, enabling it to make evidence-based recommendations.
It also organizes seminars, workshops, and consultations with stakeholders, including tribal leaders, activists, and government officials, to ensure inclusive decision-making.
This approach helps the Commission remain grounded and responsive to the needs of the people it serves.
Assignment B
Q 3. Describe the characteristics of Social Policy.
Ans. Social policy is a critical component of governance that reflects the commitment of a society toward ensuring equity, justice, and welfare for its citizens.
It refers to the collective interventions made by the government, civil society, and other institutions to address issues of social welfare and human development.
The core aim of social policy is to reduce inequalities and ensure the well-being of the most vulnerable groups.
One of the key characteristics of social policy is its welfare orientation, as it primarily focuses on providing support to disadvantaged sections of society.
This includes ensuring access to basic needs such as education, healthcare, shelter, and food.
It seeks to create a safety net that protects individuals from poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
Another defining feature of social policy is its interdisciplinary nature, drawing insights from economics, sociology, political science, and public administration.
This helps in designing inclusive and effective policies that are grounded in both theory and practical understanding.
The interdisciplinary approach makes social policy dynamic and adaptable to social changes.
Redistribution of resources is also a fundamental characteristic of social policy.
It seeks to balance the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities by implementing policies like progressive taxation, subsidies, and welfare programs.
This redistribution plays a vital role in bridging the socio-economic divide in society.
Social policy also has a strong normative element, meaning it is driven by values such as justice, equity, and human dignity.
These values shape the objectives and implementation strategies of policies, ensuring they align with the broader goals of social development.
The moral aspect makes social policy more people-centered and ethically grounded.
Q 4. write an Essay on National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Ans. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant shift in India’s education system after more than three decades.
It aims to make education more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, and aligned with the needs of the 21st century.
The policy focuses on equity, access, and quality across all levels of education, from primary to higher education.
One of the defining features of NEP 2020 is its emphasis on foundational learning in the early years.
The policy introduces a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure, replacing the old 10+2 system, to support cognitive development in children.
It acknowledges that early childhood education forms the base of all future learning.
The policy promotes mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction till at least Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8.
This step is based on the idea that young children grasp concepts better in their home language.
It also aims to reduce the language barrier in learning and help children feel more connected to their culture.
NEP 2020 brings in multidisciplinary education across streams, encouraging students to choose subjects of interest regardless of traditional streams like arts, commerce, or science.
This flexibility helps students discover their passions and build skills that suit their aspirations. It also encourages critical thinking, creativity, and practical knowledge.
Assessment reforms are another major aspect of NEP. The policy proposes a shift from rote memorization to competency-based learning that focuses on understanding and application of knowledge.
Board exams will be made easier and conducted twice a year to reduce pressure on students.
Vocational education is given a prominent place under NEP 2020. Starting from Grade 6, students will be exposed to various vocational skills, with a focus on practical experience.
This step aims to break the stigma around vocational education and make learners job-ready from an early stage.
Teacher training and recruitment are also highlighted in the policy.
NEP emphasizes that teachers are the heart of the education system and must be empowered through continuous professional development.
New standards and qualifications will be introduced to improve the quality of teaching.
Q 5. Describe the main Provisions of MNREGA.
Ans. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), enacted in 2005, is a landmark social security initiative aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural India.
It guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
This legal right to work makes MNREGA one of the most progressive employment schemes globally.
One of the key provisions of MNREGA is the right to demand work. If a person applies for work under the Act and employment is not provided within 15 days, he or she is entitled to an unemployment allowance.
This clause empowers rural workers and holds the government accountable for job creation.
The Act mandates worksite facilities such as drinking water, shade, and first-aid to ensure the dignity and safety of workers.
Special attention is given to women, and one-third of the total jobs under MNREGA are reserved for them. The scheme promotes inclusive participation and strengthens the role of women in the rural workforce.
Another important provision is timely payment of wages. Workers must be paid within 15 days of completing their work.
In case of a delay, compensation is to be paid by the government. This ensures economic security for poor families who depend on daily earnings.
The planning and implementation of MNREGA are decentralized, allowing for local governance through Gram Sabhas and Panchayats.
These local bodies play a critical role in identifying projects and selecting beneficiaries. This participatory approach builds transparency and trust at the grassroots level.
MNREGA also focuses on the creation of durable community assets, such as water conservation structures, roads, and soil erosion control.
These assets improve rural infrastructure and contribute to long-term development. It links employment with productive outcomes that benefit the entire village.
Another significant feature is the social audit system, where the community reviews and monitors the implementation of the scheme.
Social audits promote accountability and help reduce corruption. It ensures that the benefits reach the rightful workers without leakages.
Assignment C
Q 6. Describe the Functions of State social welfare Board.
Ans. The State Social Welfare Board plays a significant role in the implementation of welfare schemes at the state level, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups.
It works as a link between the central government and grassroots organizations to ensure that welfare policies are effectively executed.
The board focuses on uplifting women, children, the elderly, and the differently-abled through various support programs.
One of the core functions of the board is to support voluntary organizations that work for social welfare.
It provides financial assistance and guidance to NGOs and community-based organizations that aim to serve the underprivileged.
By encouraging voluntary action, the board strengthens social service delivery mechanisms at the local level.
The board also plays a crucial role in policy formulation and advisory functions.
It provides inputs and recommendations to the state government on issues related to social welfare and ensures that new policies are inclusive.
The board helps tailor welfare initiatives to suit local needs and demographics.
Monitoring and evaluation of welfare projects are also part of the board’s responsibilities.
It ensures proper implementation, transparency, and effective use of resources.
Q 7. Discuss the Characteristics of social Entrepreneurs.
Ans. Social entrepreneurs are individuals who identify social problems and use innovative methods to solve them in a sustainable manner.
Unlike traditional entrepreneurs focused mainly on profit, social entrepreneurs prioritize social change and community impact.
They work at the grassroots level, aiming to uplift the disadvantaged and bring about lasting transformation.
One major characteristic of social entrepreneurs is their vision and purpose-driven mindset.
They are guided by a deep sense of responsibility toward society and a desire to address pressing issues like poverty, education, and health.
Their work is not just about personal success but about creating value for others.
Another defining trait is their innovative thinking. Social entrepreneurs often find creative solutions where conventional systems have failed.
They challenge outdated practices and bring new models that are more inclusive and accessible to marginalized communities.
They also show strong leadership and resilience in the face of adversity.
Working with limited resources and difficult conditions, they stay committed to their cause. Their passion and perseverance inspire others and help build trust within communities.
Social entrepreneurs also build partnerships and networks with NGOs, governments, and businesses to scale their impact.
They understand that collective efforts yield stronger results.
In essence, social entrepreneurs are changemakers who blend compassion with innovation to build a more just and equitable world.
Q 8. Write a Short Note on National Nutrition mission.
Ans. The National Nutrition Mission, also known as POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment), was launched by the Government of India in March 2018.
Its primary aim is to reduce malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
The mission seeks to improve nutritional outcomes through better monitoring, targeted interventions, and community participation.
One of the core features of the mission is its focus on convergence. It brings together various ministries like Women and Child Development, Health, and Rural Development to work in coordination.
The mission uses real-time monitoring through mobile apps and dashboards to track progress effectively.
POSHAN Abhiyaan emphasizes behavioral change and awareness. Campaigns like POSHAN Maah and POSHAN Pakhwada are conducted to engage communities and promote nutrition education.
It also includes capacity-building programs for Anganwadi workers and health professionals.
The mission sets ambitious goals such as reducing stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight by 2% annually.
It promotes a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement) approach, making nutrition everyone’s responsibility.
Q 9. Describe the Salient Features of National Food Security Act. 2013.
Ans. The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 is a landmark legislation aimed at providing food security to the citizens of India, particularly those from economically disadvantaged sections.
The Act seeks to ensure that no one suffers from hunger, by making food accessible at affordable prices.
The NFSA is one of the largest food assistance programs in the world and seeks to address both food security and malnutrition.
One of the key features of the Act is the coverage of eligible households.
The NFSA ensures that around 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are provided with subsidized food grains.
Households are classified into two categories: Priority Households (PHH) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, with AAY households receiving the highest amount of subsidized food grains.
Another significant feature is the entitlement to subsidized food grains. Under the NFSA, eligible individuals are entitled to 5 kg of food grains per person per month, at highly subsidized rates.
The grains include wheat, rice, and coarse grains, available at Rs. 3, 2, and 1 per kg, respectively.
The Act also focuses on nutritional support for women and children. It mandates the provision of hot cooked meals or take-home rations to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children up to the age of 14.
Additionally, it ensures nutritional support through midday meals in schools to children from primary and upper primary levels.
The NFSA strengthens food distribution systems through the Public Distribution System (PDS) by promoting transparency and accountability.
It includes provisions for digitizing the PDS, creating a grievance redressal mechanism, and setting up a vigilance system to prevent corruption.
Q 10. Describe the Role and Functions of Control Social welfare Board
Ans. The Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) plays a crucial role in promoting social welfare initiatives across India, especially for marginalized groups like women, children, and the elderly.
Established under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, its main objective is to assist and empower vulnerable communities through various welfare programs.
The board coordinates with other organizations to ensure the effective implementation of social welfare schemes.
One key function of the CSWB is to provide financial support to voluntary organizations working in the social welfare sector.
These NGOs and community-based organizations focus on addressing issues such as domestic violence, child labor, and women’s empowerment.
The CSWB offers grants, resources, and guidance to these entities, thereby amplifying their impact.
Another significant function is capacity building and training.
The board organizes workshops and training programs for social workers, NGO personnel, and government officials to enhance their skills in managing welfare projects.
This helps ensure that interventions are effective and aligned with the needs of beneficiaries.
The board also plays an essential role in monitoring and evaluating welfare programs.
It assesses the progress of funded projects and ensures transparency in their execution.
Additionally, it recommends changes to improve the design and delivery of social welfare initiatives.
Through its efforts, the CSWB continues to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable society.
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