Monday, June 06, 2022

New WHO report on assistive technology for disabled provides a roadmap for India

Rajib Dasgupta, Shweta Sharma, Balram Bhargava write: The health system’s responsibility in providing equitable access to assistive technology, just as for essential medicines and vaccines, is increasingly being recognised

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force in May 2008 to bring to centrestage disability as an intersection of health, human rights and development priority. Subsequently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank jointly produced the World Report on Disability in 2011 to provide evidence for innovative policies and programmes.

In his foreword to this report, Stephen Hawking — who had motor neurone disease — noted that while persons with disabilities face attitudinal, physical and financial barriers, he had been fortunate in having the aid of computer experts who supported him with an assisted communication system and a speech synthesiser which enabled him to compose lectures and papers. The aids Hawking referred to are examples of highly sophisticated assistive technology (AT) – these may include any item, piece of equipment, software programme or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. These aids could also be “physical” products such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, prostheses, walking devices or continence pads; “digital” such as software and apps that support communication and time management; or adaptations to the physical environment, for example, portable ramps or grab-rails. Different disabilities require different assistive technologies, and these are designed to help people who have difficulty speaking, typing, writing, remembering, seeing, hearing, learning, or walking.

A billion people globally are currently estimated to be in need of assistive technology (AT); this is projected to double by 2050. Drawing upon the World Report on Disability 2011, the 71st World Health Assembly resolved on May 26, 2018 to prepare a global report on effective access to assistive technology by 2021. There were two core concerns: One, 90 per cent of those who need assistive technology do not have access to it, and two, the inclusion of assistive technology into health systems was essential for progress toward the targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) relating to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in the last two and a half years, it is an incredible achievement that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) jointly launched the first Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT) on May 16.

The GReAT report draws upon surveys conducted in 20 countries. These indicate that the proportion of the population currently using at least one assistive product ranges from less than 3 per cent to about 70 per cent. Those reporting that they use or need at least one assistive product range from about 10 per cent to nearly 70 per cent; the extent to which these needs are met varies from about 2 per cent to nearly 90 per cent. Universal assistive technology coverage implies that everyone, everywhere receives the AT that they need without financial or any other hardship.

The barriers to access and coverage, in the context of AT, are best understood when seen from the following five parameters.

People: This is related to the age, gender, type of functional difficulty, location and socioeconomic status of those in need of AT.

Products: The range, quality, affordability and supply of assistive products continue to pose considerable challenges. Quality and standard issues such as safety, performance and durability are key concerns. Repairing, refurbishing, and reusing assistive products can be faster and more cost-effective than purchasing new ones.

Provision: The information and referral systems remain complex and services are not available across all geographies and populations. The range, quantity and quality of assistive products procured and provided, as well as the efficiency of delivered services, remain below par.

Personnel: The workforce gaps are not just about numbers but also about adequate training and education too.

Policy: A survey of more than 60 countries reported that they have at least one government ministry or authority responsible for access to AT. Almost 90 per cent of them have at least one piece of legislation on access to AT. Even then, the current levels of access imply a long road to universal AT access.

Disadvantaged groups and communities face hardships in their search for affordable quality healthcare in India and this is more so with respect to obtaining ATs and associated services — the estimated unmet need is about 70 per cent. ATs handed out in camps or as a part of social service initiatives are a sporadic activity without the use of statistics as a basis for unmet needs. Products are often sub-standard and lead to poorer health outcomes. Including assistive technology in universal health and social care services is a critical imperative. The health system’s responsibility in providing equitable access to ATs, just as for essential medicines and vaccines, is increasingly being recognised and country-level plans are being drawn up with an aim to fund and provide ATs under the UHC. Until AT solutions are integrated with the existing primary healthcare packages the current top-down approach is of limited benefit. The GReAT Report provides that roadmap

Written by Rajib Dasgupta , Shweta Sharma , Balram Bhargava

Source: Indian Express, 6/06/2022

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Quote of the Day May 31, 2022

“Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
Pablo Picasso

“प्रत्येक बच्चा एक कलाकार होता है, समस्या यह है कि युवा होने पर कलाकार कैसे बने रहा जाए।”
पाबलो पिकासो

Sewa International Unveils Its Sewa Fellowship Programme: Calling Young Individuals To Serve Bharat

New Delhi : Aiming to create a progressive long-term impact in India, Sewa International a global non-profit organization, launches Sewa Fellowship to support individuals, societal leaders, and organizations aligned with the philosophy of serving India. The fellowship programme is an opportunity for young and dynamic individuals to bring positive changes at the grassroots level for nation-building.

The fellowship launch hosted at India International Centre, New Delhi, was attended by dignitaries who have pioneered in exploring new methods and exemplified processes for serving communities including, Shri Shyam Parande (the General Secretary of Sewa International), Dr. R Balasubramaniam (Member at Capacity Building Commission), Phoolbasan Bai (Renowned Social worker and Padma Shri Awardee), Dr. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (Chairman at University Grants Commission), Gauranga Das (Divisional Director at ISKCON), Venkatesh Murthy (Founder and Chief Mentor at Youth for Seva), Ambassador Virendra Gupta (Former IFS) , Dr. Ram Kakani (Director at IIM Raipur), and Prof. Ajay Dubey from JNU and other renowned leaders from different walks of life.

Inviting applications from across India, the fellowship has a three-stage selection process. The first stage includes sharing the application with an essay writing or video-based essay defining the statement of purpose. The second stage will assess the candidate’s problem solving approach, and curiosity and humility through field assignments and personal conversation. The final selection is based on the individual’s behaviour/psychometric analysis, collaborative working attitude, and rigour for community work.

The 23-month immersive programme encompasses an extensive curriculum with a core emphasis on imparting knowledge, skills, and temperament training. It includes project management, research and development, monitoring and evaluation of live projects, and learning best practices to create an impact on society. The fellows will also be trained in skills such as critical thinking, systems thinking, eco-centered design, storytelling, leadership, sewa bhaav, communication, and fundraising, etc.

Shri Shyam Parande Ji, General Secretary, Sewa International, said, “We are delighted to celebrate Sewa International’s 25th Anniversary. In the initial 12 years, Sewa International worked with other institutions and later started its initiatives for the upliftment of society. He reiterated Swami Vivekananda’s message that a few heart-whole, sincere, and energetic men and women can do more in a year than a mob in a century. The world needs more young leaders to solve future problems. In his words, now is the time that young men and women must come forward and take the challenges of contemporary India and contribute to make India a global power. We operate on the ethos ‘neki kar darya me daal’, and work relentlessly to spread this message. Sewa Fellowship is a 100-week journey that will be led by experts in the field of social development. Under this, fellows will work with India’s most impactful NGOs and work on their development projects. We are looking for self-motivated individuals who want to devote their lives to building a new and better India.”

Chief Guest at the event, Dr. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC, said, “There is a rampant need for fellowships in India to bring changes at the grassroots level. The Sewa Fellowship will not only identify problems in the social fabric but also help find sustainable solutions. It is a much-needed initiative that will positively accelerate development across the country.”

Source: indiaeducationdiary.in, 30/05/22

Current Affairs-May 31, 2022

INDIA

– PM releases benefits under PM CARES (Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations) Fund for children orphaned in Covid

– Statehood day of Goa celebrated; became 25th state of India on May 30, 1987

‘Yoga for Humanity’ is theme of International Day of Yoga on June 21

– Shruti Sharma tops civil services exam, women bag first three ranks: UPSC

– Gen Next Democracy Network programme of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), concludes

– NHA (National Health Authority) launches public dashboard for Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

ECONOMY & CORPORATE

– PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme) extended till FY26; assists youth in setting up of micro enterprises in non-farm sectors.

– Govt aims to cut power output from at least 81 coal-fired plants over 4 years

– Tata Motors to takeover Sanand plant; signs MoU with Ford and Gujarat govt

WORLD

– Sudan: General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan lifts state of emergency countrywide

SPORTS

– Rajasthan: CM Ashok Gehlot announces Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for state’s sportspersons

UPSC ethics simplified: From ‘babus’ to ‘civil servants’

The General Studies Paper IV, "Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude," is an essential component of the UPSC Mains Examination. The Indian Express UPSC Ethics Simplified series to help and enable aspirants in decoding, deconstructing, and analysing the "Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude" paper. UPSC Ethics Simplified will assist candidates in developing attitudes and approaches to solve matters relating to integrity and probity in public life, as well as evolving problem-solving perspectives on various issues and situations.

The term “babu” was frequently used derisively to refer to civil servants and other government officials, and the Indian bureaucracy was earlier labelled “babudom” due to its elitism and sense of entitlement. The recent episode of high-handedness of an IAS couple at Delhi’s Thyagraj Stadium once again brings up the question, “Is the steel frame of India rusting and losing its shine?”

Who are civil servants and what is their expected role?

In a modern democracy, a civil servant is an official in the service of the people and is recruited based on predetermined qualifications. Civil servants are bureaucrats who need to be familiar with the laws and regulations of the country and are expected to act in the best interests of the country and its citizens. They are responsible for managing the resources given to them by the government and making use of them efficiently and effectively. A sound parliamentary system of government requires civil servants to maintain their integrity, fearlessness, and independence. One of the most important functions of the civil service, as stated by the head of the Canadian Public Service, is to “speak truth to power.” The crisis of ethics and accountability in civil servants exposes many issues related to the structure of the code of conduct, constitutional protection, the politician-bureaucratic nexus, and their political victimisation. To address these issues and maintain integrity and discipline amongst civil servants, various reform committees such as the Santhanam Committee (1964), Hota Committee (2004), and the most recent Second Administrative Reform Committee Report (2005) have been formed.

Code of conduct for civil servants

In the 1930s, a collection of instructions containing “do’s and don’ts” was published under the title “Conduct Rules.” The All India Services Rules, 1955, separated the compendium into separate rules. The Santhanam Committee (1964) recommended significantly broadening such rules, which resulted in the 1964 version. These rules were later revised to incorporate additional behavioural norms.

According to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, every member of the service shall maintain:
· Integrity and honesty;
· Political neutrality;
· Promoting of the principles of merit, fairness and impartiality in the discharge of duties;
· Accountability and transparency;
· Responsiveness to the public, particularly to the weaker section;
· Courtesy and good behaviour with the public.

Code of ethics vs code of conduct rules

In India, there is no code of ethics for civil servants, though such codes exist in other countries. We have a number of conduct rules that prohibit a variety of common activities. These conduct guidelines serve a purpose, but they are not a code of ethics. While the Conduct Rules contain some general norms such as “maintaining integrity and absolute devotion to duty” and not engaging in “conduct unbecoming of a government servant,” the code of conduct is generally aimed at cataloguing specific activities deemed undesirable for government servants. There has recently been a concern that more “generic norms” should be added to the list of acceptable conduct.

A draft “Public Service Bill” proposed by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions in 2007 seeks to establish a set of generic expectations of civil servants known as “values.” The following are the key “values” envisioned in the Bill:

· Allegiance to the various ideals enshrined in the preamble to the Constitution
· Apolitical functioning
· Good governance for the betterment of the people to be the primary goal of civil service
· Duty to act objectively and impartially
· Accountability and transparency in decision-making
· Maintenance of the highest ethical standards
· Merit to be the criteria in the selection of civil servants consistent, however, with the cultural, ethnic and other diversities of the nation
· Ensuring economy and avoidance of wastage in expenditure
· Provision of a healthy and congenial work environment
· Communication, consultation and cooperation in the performance of functions that is the participation of all levels of personnel in management.

The draft Bill also includes provisions for a public service code and a public service management code, which define more specific duties and responsibilities. Violations of the code would result in penalties similar to the current major and minor penalties imposed by the heads of institutions and organisations. A ‘Public Service Authority’ is also envisaged to oversee the implementation of the code and the values mentioned above, as well as to provide advice on the values and the code.

Written by Priya Kumari Shukla

Source: Indian Express, 31/05/22

Monday, May 30, 2022

Quote of the Day May 30, 2022

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu

“आप जहां भी हैं, वहीं पर अपना थोड़ा सा क्यों न हो अच्छा काम करते रहें; यही छोटी छोटी अच्छी बातें मिलकर संसार को जीत सकती हैं।”
मुख्य पादरी डेसमण्ड टुटु

Economic & Political Weekly: Table of Contents

The Legacy of Balamani Ammal in Tamil Theatre - Affirming a History Lost in the Conjunction between Social Respectability and Historiography of Arts

A Mangai

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