Q.Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.
How to approach: Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward.
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Introduction
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were eight global development targets adopted by the United Nations in 2000 to address extreme poverty, hunger, disease, and gender inequality by 2015. Among these, three goals were directly focused on global health challenges: MDG 4 (Reduce Child Mortality), MDG 5 (Improve Maternal Health), and MDG 6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases).
Body
Health-Related MDGs and Targets
- MDG 4: Reduce Child Mortality
- Aim: Reduce the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015.
- MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health
- Aim: Reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by three-quarters and achieve universal access to reproductive health.
- MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases
- Aim: Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other major infectious diseases.
Government Actions and Success
- MDG 4: Reduce Child Mortality
- Interventions: The Government of India launched targeted programs including the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the Universal Immunization Program (UIP), and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).
- Success: India's U5MR declined significantly from 126 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 39 in 2015. Initiatives like Mission Indradhanush further expanded immunization coverage among vulnerable children.
- MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health
- Interventions: Key schemes such as Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) were implemented to incentivize institutional deliveries and provide free maternal care.
- Success: The MMR was reduced from 556 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 167 in 2015. While this represented a monumental achievement, it fell slightly short of the strict MDG target of a 75% reduction.
- MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases
- Interventions: The government scaled up the National AIDS Control Program (NACP), distributed insecticide-treated bed nets, and expanded free DOTS therapy under the Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP).
- Success: India successfully stabilized its adult HIV prevalence below 0.3%, and malaria-related mortality saw a steep decline over the target period.
Conclusion
India made substantial progress in achieving its health-related MDGs, particularly in reducing child and maternal mortality and controlling major infectious diseases. However, persistent challenges such as regional disparities and underfunded public health infrastructure highlighted the need for continued focus. This momentum has been carried forward into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming for equitable and universal healthcare access.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2013 (Question 7) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR → Governance, Social Justice & Welfare Schemes |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 12.5 Marks • 200 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 7–8 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Discuss: Conduct a comprehensive, 360-degree exploration of the topic covering multiple perspectives. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2013 GS2 (Governance & Social Justice)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2013 GS Paper II question on Governance & Social Justice?
This 2013 GS Paper II question carries 12.5 marks with a 200-word limit and uses the "Discuss" directive. Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words) and aim to finish within 7–8 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2013 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper II — Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR under the syllabus module "Governance, Social Justice & Welfare Schemes". You can explore all repeated questions from Governance & Social Justice in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Governance & Social Justice PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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