A revolution in policy mindset(The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2:Governance 
Prelims level: Sustainable Development Goals
Mains level: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability

Context: 

• As lockdowns ease in countries across Asia and the Pacific in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a return to business as usual is unimaginable in a region that was already off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
• The virtual High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development recently convened governments and stakeholders to focus on the imperativeto build back better while keeping an eye on the global goals.

Unprecedented times:

• Asia was the first to be hit by COVID-19 and feel its devastating social and economic impacts. 
• Efforts to respond to the pandemic have revealed how many people in our societies live precariouslyclose to poverty and hunger. 
• Many countries are taking bold actions to minimise the loss of life and economic costs.
• As attention shifts from the immediate health and human effects of the pandemic to addressing its social and economic effects, governments and societies face unprecedented policy, regulatory and fiscal choices. 
• The SDGs — a commitment to eradicatepoverty and achieve sustainable development, globally, by 2030 — can serve as a beaconin these turbulenttimes.

Grounds for optimism:

• The pandemic has exposed fragilityand systemic gaps in many key systems. 
• However, there are many workable strategies that countries have used to accelerate progress related to development goals and strengthen resilience.
• Countries have taken steps to extend universal health care systems and strengthen social protection systems, including cash transfer and food distribution systems for vulnerable households. 
• Accurate and regular data have been key to such efforts. Innovating to help the most disadvantaged access financing and small and medium-sized enterprise credits have also been vital. 
• Several countries have taken comprehensive approaches to various forms of discrimination, particularly related to gender and gender-based violence. 
• Partnerships, including with the private sector and financing institutions, have played a critical role in fostering creative solutions. 
• These experiences provide grounds for optimism.
• Responses to the COVID-19 crisis must be centred on the well-being of people, empowering them and advancing equality. 

A revolution needed: 

• We need a revolution in policy mindset and practice. 
• Inclusive and accountable governance systems, adaptive institutions with resilience to future shocks, universal social protection and health insurance, and stronger digital infrastructure are part of the transformations needed.
• Several countries in Asia and the Pacific are developing ambitious new strategies for green recovery and inclusive approaches to development. 
• South Korea recently announced a New Deal based on two central pillars: digitisation and decarbonisation. 
• Many countries in the Pacific are focusing on “blue recovery,” seizing the opportunity to promote more sustainable approaches to fisheries management. 
• India recently announced operating the largest solar power plant in the region. 
• China is creating more jobs in the renewable energy sector than in fossil fuel industries.

Conclusion:

• Institutions such as the United Nations and Asian Development Bank have mobilised to support a shared response to the crisis. 
• Now it is vital that we enable countries to secure the support they need to go beyond, to achieve the SDGs.

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Prelims Questions:

Q.1) With reference to the Plea bargaining, consider the following statements:

1. Plea bargaining refers to a person charged with a criminal offence negotiating with the prosecution for a lesser punishment than what is provided in law by pleading guilty to a less serious offence. 
2. In India, the concept was part of law since 1962. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Mains Questions:

Q.1) What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? How COVID-19 pandemic has derailed the achievement of SDGs and initiatives need to be taken to achieve sustainable development goals? Comment.