Lesson 8. Social Sector Initiatives: Health and Education

Human capital formation through health and education is critical for long-term development. For health, the syllabus covers the overarching challenges (high out-of-pocket expenditure, low public spending, doctor-population ratio, malnutrition—NFHS data), major government schemes (Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY & Health and Wellness Centres, National Health Mission), and issues related to pharmaceuticals and vaccine policy. Understanding the infrastructure of public health, the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial. For education, the focus is on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in detail, the Right to Education Act, issues of learning outcomes (ASER reports), digital divide, skilling (Skill India Mission, NSDC), and challenges in higher education (regulatory framework, internationalization). The interlinkages between health, education, productivity, and economic growth form the core of questions in this area. Additional Resources: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) reports, the National Health Profile, and the WHO’s India Country Profiles are essential for health data. For education, the UDISE+ reports, NEP 2020 document, ASER reports by Pratham, and the Annual Status of Education Report are fundamental. The World Bank’s Human Capital Index provides a comparative assessment.