Topics

1. ASEAN, a persistence with dialogue, on a trodden path
2. An avoidable controversy over sample surveys
3. Failures of Commissions
4. Don’t blame NCERT

ASEAN, a persistence with dialogue, on a trodden path

Context

• The 56th Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, in mid-July 2023.
• This gathering, along with the post-ministerial conferences and other related regional meetings, serves as a significant barometer to gauge the latest dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vision and Challenges

• ASEAN faces various challenges in the present decade, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic slowdown, the Ukraine war, climate change, and the Cold War-like confrontation between the United States and China.

• As the current chair, Indonesia envisions ASEAN as the “Epicentrum of Growth” with three interrelated dimensions:

1. creating a political community that ensures regional peace and a just, democratic, and harmonious environment.
2. an economic community focused on achieving a well-integrated and connected regional economy within the global economic system.

• a socio-cultural community to enhance the quality of life of ASEAN’s citizens and promote sustainable development in the region.

Unity and Centrality

• ASEAN’s ability to manage regional and global dynamics depends on maintaining its credibility by adhering to the ASEAN Charter and staying in the driver’s seat while navigating regional dynamics.

• However, ASEAN’s internal differences, particularly on issues like Myanmar, continue to surface in public.

• Additionally, the strained relationship between the U.S. and China poses challenges to ASEAN’s desire to lead the region and shape its agenda.

ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)

• In response to intensifying geopolitical tensions, ASEAN promotes the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) with four identified areas:
  1. Maritime cooperation,
  2. Connectivity,

• UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030,

1. Economic cooperation.

While ASEAN partners reaffirm support for the AOIP, its actual implementation remains a concern.

India’s Role

• India recognizes the significance of the ASEAN meetings and emphasizes the importance of a strong and unified ASEAN in the emerging dynamic of the Indo-Pacific.

• India seeks to build on the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and ASEAN, suggesting cooperation in newer areas such as cyber, financial, and maritime security domains.

Conclusion

Despite persistent dialogue both internally and externally, ASEAN’s disunity on sensitive issues like Myanmar weakens its centrality and credibility. The next ASEAN summit in Jakarta in September 2023 is expected to bring greater clarity on tackling the challenges confronting the region.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/asean-a-persistence-with-dialogue-on-a-trodden-path/article67116954.ece#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20well%2Dchiselled,economic%20system%3B%20and%20a%20socio%2D

An avoidable controversy over sample surveys

Introduction:

• The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding the soundness of data collection procedures in some of India’s important national-level surveys, such as the National Sample Survey (NSS), National Family Health Survey (NFHS), and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
• The writer, Shamika It, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, suggests a major sampling overhaul to ensure that survey estimates reflect the ground reality in the country.

Underestimation of Urban Population and Overestimation of Rural Population:

• Highlights that from 2011-12 till 2019-21, most surveys except NFHS-4 of 2015-16, have consistently underestimated the proportion of the urban population or overestimated the rural population, leading to systematic underestimation of improvements across the country.
• However, it is important to note that the sample designs of NSS and PLFS are not primarily aimed at estimating population numbers; instead, they focus on socio-economic indicators.

Bias in Population Estimation:

• While the surveys adopt scientific sample designs, underestimation of the population has been a recurring issue, particularly for urban areas.
• It suggests that corrective measures are necessary to address this significant underestimation.
• However, estimates of the number of households based on NSS align closely with Census-based figures, making household-level indicators fairly reliable.

Representativeness of Samples:

• The writer’s claim that samples used in these surveys are not representative due to outdated sampling frames loses relevance because they depend on the complete and periodically revised population census list of villages and urban blocks.
• The use of the latest Urban Frame Survey (UFS) blocks for urban sampling further corrects the frame for urbanization.

Systematic Bias in Response Rate:

• It acknowledges the issue of non-response being non-random and linked to household income levels.
• However, the survey methodology substitutes non-responding households with similar ones to mitigate the impact.
• This issue is faced in surveys internationally, and with a low non-response rate, the overall household level indicators are not significantly affected.

Room for Improvement:

• The article emphasizes the importance of sample design and data quality.
• Suggestions for improvement include exploring alternative sources to cover rich households, examining the coverage of the UFS frame, and setting up a methodological study unit.
• Strengthening training, field inspection, data validation, and publicity measures will enhance the quality of primary data.

Conclusion:

While improvements are necessary, criticizing all large-scale official surveys for not adequately capturing improvements overlooks their overall value. The article calls for constructive steps to enhance sampling and data quality without dismissing the significance of these national surveys.

 Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/an-avoidable-controversy-over-sample-surveys/article67116927.ece

Failures of Commissions

Introduction:

• Women’s commissions in India were established with great expectations but need a review of their effectiveness and responses to women’s issues.
• The recent cases of molestation and rape of women in Manipur have brought attention to the disregard for human rights and dignity.

Establishment and Mandate of Women’s Commissions:

• National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act 1990.
• State commissions were also set up with the mandate to safeguard women’s interests and address all aspects of women’s development.
• They are expected to investigate women’s rights-related matters and look into complaints and non-implementation of laws protecting women.

Issues in the Manipur Case:

• The national commission received numerous complaints but seemingly forwarded them to the state without urgent action.
• Suggestions to improve the situation include conducting visits to affected areas and providing aid to women in distress.

Concerns about Women’s Commissions:

• Questions raised about the effectiveness of women’s commissions, with concerns about being “toothless tigers” focused on paperwork rather than field visits.
• Political appointments in the commissions may influence their impartiality and effectiveness.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability:

• Suggests a social audit of the commissions’ performance by external agencies to ensure transparency and proper use of taxpayer money.
• Encourages members to come out of their chambers, engage with ground realities, and take concrete actions to fulfill their mandates.

Conclusion:

• Urges women’s commission members to empathize with the suffering of citizens and take decisive action in addressing women’s issues.
• Ends with a reference to a poem by Amrita Pritam, calling for attention to the plight of women, particularly in the context of the Manipur case.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/manipur-naked-parade-video-manipur-violence-ncw-dcw-women-commissions-in-india-8858184/

Don’t blame NCERT

Background of NCERT (2000-2004)

• In 2000-04, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) faced attacks after deleting paragraphs in textbooks that contained incorrect and objectionable descriptions of Guru Teg Bahadur.
• The then Lt Governor of Delhi ordered the deletion, and the state assembly passed a resolution to this effect, leading to controversy.
• Certain ideologically-driven institutions and individuals launched the “saffronisation” debate, attacking NCERT’s initiatives.

The National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE 2000)

• The NCFSE 2000, released in November 2000, aimed at rooting education in culture and promoting progress and development.
• It was approved by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court in 2002, emphasizing teaching basics of all religions, value education, Sanskrit, Vedic mathematics, and mother tongue as medium of instruction.
• Some individuals with ideological motives challenged the NCFSE-2000 in the Supreme Court.

NCF-2005 and Changes in NCERT

• NCF-2005 and subsequent textbook preparation were rushed, with those who had influence over academia from 1970 back in control.
• The NCERT faculty’s role was reduced, leading to harassment and vendetta campaigns against them.
• The Director responsible for NCFSE-2000 faced an inquiry and delayed receipt of a UNESCO Award due to contrived charges.

Current Deletions in NCERT Textbooks

• The recent deletions in NCERT textbooks have been met with criticism.
• NCERT could have presented itself as an organization keeping pace with changes if it had prepared a new curriculum framework earlier.
• The government of Karnataka took cues from national-level strategies to update its curriculum.

Need for Frequent Curriculum Revisions

• Educationally alert countries revise curricula every five years, with provisions for incorporating the “frontline curriculum” earlier if needed.
• NCERT should have changed textbooks with ideological influences without waiting for the new education policy.

Supporting Independent Scholars and Researchers

• NCERT should respect teachers and academics but also acknowledge the presence of independent scholars, scientists, and researchers in the country.
• The nation’s support remains the strength of NCERT.

The attack on NCERT in the early 2000s and subsequent changes in curriculum development have sparked debates and controversies. The recent deletions in textbooks have been questioned, and the need for frequent curriculum revisions to keep up with changing times has been emphasized. The role of independent scholars and researchers in shaping education should also be acknowledged.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ncert-textbooks-guru-teg-bahadur-chapter-delhi-lg-congress-mla-arvinder-singh-lovely-8858191/