#SOCIO ECONOMIC CASTE CENSUS

[livesanskrit]

Send from Sansgreet Android App. Sanskrit greetings app from team @livesanskrit .

It's the first Android app for sending @sanskrit greetings. Download app from https://livesanskrit.com/sansgreet

Ayushman Bharat Diwas

Ayushman Bharat Diwas is celebrated by the nation on April 30. The day aims to promote affordable medical facilities in remote areas of the country based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census database. It will also promote health and wellness and provide insurance benefits to the poor. The scheme is also titled National Health Protection Scheme and ModiCare. Some of the diseases covered by this scheme include Paediatric Cancer and many others.

The day also aimed to benefit 50 crore beneficiaries in India and it covers secondary and tertiary healthcare. The scheme aims to provide healthcare to more than 10 crore families in India. The 10 crore families consist of 8 crore families in rural areas and 2.33 crore families from urban areas. This day is of national importance to mark the launch of Ayushman Bharat Yojana which is also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). It was launched by PM Narendra Modi in the year 2018 to provide various benefits with a cover of 5 lakh rupees per family to be given per year.

#sansgreet #sanskritgreetings #greetingsinsanskrit #sanskritquotes #sanskritthoughts #emergingsanskrit #sanskrittrends #trendsinsanskrit #livesanskrit #sanskritlanguage #sanskritlove #sanskritdailyquotes #sanskritdailythoughts #sanskrit #resanskrit #ayushmanbharat #ayushmanbharatday #governmentofindia #celebratingsanskrit #pmjay #ministryofhealth #nationalhealthauthority #pmoindia #pmmodi #narendramodi #incredibleindia #arogyasetuapp #ayushmanbharatyojana #myindia #indiafirst

[allaboutfinanceandinsurance]

Everything to know about Ayushman Bharat Health Account

The Ayushman Bharat Health Account is a significant initiative under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. It provides financial protection to vulnerable families against devastating healthcare expenses.

Launched in September 2018, ABHA seeks to empower beneficiaries by facilitating cashless access to quality healthcare services and promoting financial inclusion. Here is everything you need to know about Ayushman Bharat Health Account:

Objective

The primary objective of the Ayushman Bharat Health Account is to create a dedicated healthcare fund and provide financial security to economically lower families. By offering cashless treatment for specified medical conditions and procedures, ABHA aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with healthcare expenses and ensure timely access to essential medical services.

Coverages

ABHA covers eligible beneficiaries identified under the Socio-Economic and Caste Census database, which includes vulnerable households based on predefined criteria such as income levels and social deprivation indicators. Beneficiaries are entitled to cashless treatment for a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare services at public and private hospitals across India.

Features

The features of ABHA include:

Cashless treatment

ABHA provides access to cashless treatment for specified medical conditions and procedures covered under the AB PM-JAY scheme.

Portability

Beneficiaries can avail of healthcare services at any network hospitals across India, irrespective of their state of residence.

Family coverages

The scheme extends coverage to all members of eligible families, ensuring comprehensive healthcare protection for households.

Pre-authorisation

Prior authorisation from the designated authorities is required for availing cashless treatment under ABHA, ensuring transparency and accountability in healthcare delivery.

Funding mechanisms

ABHA operates on a co-contribution model, wherein the central and state governments contribute funds to the healthcare account based on predefined sharing ratios. Beneficiaries may also contribute to their health account through voluntary contributions or premiums, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their healthcare needs.

Benefits

The benefits you enjoy under ABHA are:

Financial protection

ABHA offers financial protection against catastrophic healthcare expenses, shielding vulnerable families from the risk of impoverishment due to medical emergencies.

Access to quality healthcare

By enabling cashless access to quality healthcare services, ABHA ensures that beneficiaries receive timely and appropriate medical treatment, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing mortality rates.

Empowerment

ABHA empowers beneficiaries by giving them control over their healthcare expenditures and promoting informed decision-making regarding their health and well-being.

Implementation

ABHA is implemented through a network of state-level agencies, Insurance companies, and healthcare providers under the oversight of the National Health Authorities. Network hospitals need to adhere to predefined treatment protocols and quality standards to ensure the delivery of safe and effective healthcare services to beneficiaries.

Conclusion

As a part of Individual Health Insurance, the Ayushman Bharat Health Account represents a massive step towards achieving universal health coverage and addresses the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations in India. By offering these facilities, ABHA embodies the principles of equity, inclusivity, and social justice in healthcare delivery.

[rajdeepsinghsharma]

Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Bridging Gaps in Access to Healthcare

Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a revolutionary scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23rd September 2018. The scheme aims to provide financial protection to 10.74 crore poor, deprived rural families and identified occupational categories of urban workers’ families as per the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. Ayushman Bharat Yojana is one of the most significant healthcare…

[parionstr]

Bihar, a state with a rich history and diverse culture, has been a hotspot for caste-based politics and societal divisions. The caste system, rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and societal norms, has evolved over centuries, with Brahmins at the top and Dalits at the bottom. The emergence of caste-based politics in Bihar emerged as a response to social and economic disparities, with leaders like Karpoori Thakur and Lalu Prasad Yadav playing pivotal roles. Nitish Kumar, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, aimed to address the challenges posed by caste dynamics and envisioned a Bihar where development and governance took precedence over caste-based identity politics. He initiated a caste-based survey to gain deeper insights into the caste composition and socio-economic status of the people of Bihar, covering both urban and rural areas of the state.

Caste-based surveys in India are guided by various legal provisions, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, the Census Act, 1948, and the Right to Information Act, 2005. These acts ensure ethical, accurate, and respect for the rights and dignity of individuals from all castes. The implementation of Nitish Kumar's caste-based survey faced challenges such as the large population of Bihar, logistical difficulties in reaching remote and marginalized communities, and resistance from certain caste groups. To overcome these issues, the government enlisted local community leaders and organizations and conducted awareness campaigns. The data collected from the Nitish Kumar survey provided valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of different caste communities in Bihar, shaping policies and programs aimed at addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups. The survey data led to targeted development initiatives, reservation and representation, welfare schemes, and reduced discrimination. Post-survey analysis revealed significant changes in caste dynamics in Bihar, including shifts in political alliances, increased social mobility, empowerment of women, and changes in identity. These developments highlight the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized communities and promoting social mobility.

Nitish Kumar's comprehensive survey on caste dynamics in Bihar has significantly impacted the state's socio-political evolution. Despite challenges in implementation, the survey has reduced socio-economic disparities and fostered a more inclusive society. The lessons learned can be valuable for other Indian states facing similar caste-related issues.

[mahilamahashakti]

Education as a Tool for Empowerment: Mahila Mahashakti’s Initiatives

Introduction

Education is a powerful tool for empowering women and girls in India. Education not only helps to develop the personality and potential of an individual, but also plays a vital role in social, economic, and cultural development. Education can help women and girls to achieve more in their personal, professional, and family lives, and to contribute to the society and the economy. Education can also help women and girls to overcome the barriers and challenges that they face due to poverty, discrimination, violence, and patriarchy.

However, many women and girls in India still lack access to quality education, due to various reasons, such as lack of financial resources, social norms, early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and safety issues. According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate of women in India was 65.46%, compared to 82.14% for men. The gender gap in literacy was more pronounced in rural areas, where the literacy rate of women was 57.93%, compared to 77.15% for men. Moreover, the dropout rate of girls in school was higher than that of boys, especially at the secondary and higher secondary levels. According to the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey, only 35.7% of women aged 15-49 years had completed 10 or more years of schooling, compared to 53.5% of men.

Mahila Mahashakti is a non-profit organization that works to empower women and girls through education and skill development. Mahila Mahashakti believes that every woman and girl deserves to have access to quality education, regardless of her socio-economic background, caste, religion, or location. Mahila Mahashakti aims to provide a common and safe place for all women and girls to come together, seek help and guidance, uplift each other, and work towards becoming better versions of themselves. Mahila Mahashakti has undertaken various initiatives to empower women and girls through education, such as:

Providing Scholarships and Mentorship

One of the main educational initiatives that Mahila Mahashakti has taken to empower women and girls through education is to provide scholarships and mentorship to women and girls from disadvantaged communities, who have the potential and aspiration to pursue higher education or professional courses. Mahila Mahashakti selects the women and girls based on their academic performance, family income, and personal interview. The selected women and girls receive financial assistance to cover their tuition fees, books, and other expenses. They also receive mentorship from Mahila Mahashakti volunteers, who guide them through their academic and personal challenges, and motivate them to achieve their goals. Mahila Mahashakti has helped hundreds of women and girls to complete their education and pursue their dreams.

Creating Safe and Supportive Spaces

Another initiative that Mahila Mahashakti has taken to empower women and girls through education is to create safe and supportive spaces for women and girls, where they can interact with each other, share their experiences, and learn new skills. Mahila Mahashakti organizes various activities and events, such as workshops, camps, clubs, and festivals, to provide women and girls with opportunities to learn about their rights, health, and well-being, and to develop their leadership, communication, and creative abilities. Mahila Mahashakti also engages with the parents, teachers, and community leaders, to sensitize them about the importance of women’s and girls’ education and empowerment, and to create a more conducive and respectful environment for women and girls.

Promoting Digital Literacy and Innovation

Another initiative that Mahila Mahashakti has taken to empower women and girls through education is to promote digital literacy and innovation among women and girls, by providing them with access to computers, internet, and other digital tools, and by training them in various digital skills, such as coding, web design, graphic design, and digital marketing. Mahila Mahashakti also encourages women and girls to use digital tools to create innovative solutions for the social and environmental problems that they face in their communities. Mahila Mahashakti has helped many women and girls to become digitally literate and innovative, and to use their skills to make a positive impact on the society.

Also Read: Mahila Mahashakti Empowering Disabled Women Through Education and Skill Development

Conclusion:

Education is a powerful tool for empowering women and girls in India. Mahila Mahashakti is a non-profit organization that works to provide education and skill development opportunities to women and girls from disadvantaged communities. Mahila Mahashakti has undertaken various initiatives to empower women and girls through education, such as providing scholarships and mentorship, creating safe and supportive spaces, and promoting digital literacy and innovation. Mahila Mahashakti has made a significant impact on the lives of women and girls, and has contributed to the social and educational progress of women and girls in India. If you want to support or join Mahila Mahashakti, you can visit their website at mahilamahashakti.org, or follow them on their social media platforms. Mahila Mahashakti welcomes you to be a part of their mission and vision.

[harishjain]

Transgender Law: A step towards an inclusive workplace

For a long time, transgender persons have been excluded from contributing towards socio-economic activities and decision-making processes. So much so that it was only during the 2011 census that, for the first time, data related to their employment, literacy and caste was collected. As per a 2017 study conducted by the Kerala Development Society for the National Human Rights Commission of India, 96% of transgender participants (including qualified and skilled persons) reported that they were discriminated and denied employment opportunities in the formal sector.[1] The transgender community is ubiquitous in India’s social construct. From Sathyasri Sharmila, Tamil Nadu’s first transgender lawyer to Padmini Prakash, anchor of a local Tamil news channel to Dr. Manabi Bandopadhyay, first trans-woman to become a college principal, transgender persons are gaining recognition across different sectors[2]. Yet, their presence and participation at workplaces, remains elusive. Organizations are often ill-equipped to support and integrate transgender employees into the mainstream.

[avbrhwardha]

How do I use ayushman Arogya card? Can I apply Pmjay card online?

To use the Ayushman Arogya Card, which is issued to beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), follow these steps:

·         Check if you are eligible for the PMJAY scheme and if you have been issued an Ayushman Arogya Card.

·         Visit any empanelled hospital or healthcare facility that is participating in the PMJAY scheme.

·         Show your Ayushman Arogya Card to the hospital staff or healthcare provider.

·         The hospital staff will verify your eligibility and admission request with the PMJAY portal.

·         Once the verification is done, you will be able to receive cashless treatment for any medical condition covered under the PMJAY scheme up to the prescribed limit of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year.

·         You may be required to provide additional documents, such as your identity proof and residence proof, for verification purposes.

You cannot apply for the Ayushman Bharat Scheme or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) card online as the scheme does not provide an online application process.

The process of getting enrolled in the scheme starts with the identification of eligible families by the Government of India through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database. The eligible families are then issued the PMJAY card by the respective state governments.

If you think you are eligible for the scheme but have not received the PMJAY card, you can contact the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Ayushman Bharat PMJAY empanelled hospital or healthcare facility for assistance.

You can also call the PMJAY helpline number at 14555 or 1800-111-565 for more information on how to enrol in the scheme or to check your eligibility status.

[indizombie]

The Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)’s decade-long mutation, from a foundational census to ostensibly efficiently deliver benefits to the poor into an mass-surveillance system, reveals how the Indian government is rapidly building surveillance infrastructure under the guise of poverty alleviation and how organisations like the World Bank are happy to offer advice to developing countries building intrusive systems that may not pass muster in places like Europe. “Such an unrestrained mass surveillance system could threaten liberty like never before,” said Chinmayi Arun, Fellow of the Information Society Project at Yale Law School, who taught law in India between 2010 and 2018. “India’s safeguards for state surveillance have always been weak. But this near-complete Orwellian surveillance would overturn the balance of power between citizens and the state,” Arun said. “It may be safe to say that if the state manages successfully to watch us so closely, India’s democracy will gradually become unrecognisable.”

Kumar Sambhav Shrivastava, 'Documents Show Modi Govt Building 360 Degree Database To Track Every Indian', Huffington Post

[harpianews]

Can't ask Center to describe data as 'unreliable': SC to Maharashtra

Can’t ask Center to describe data as ‘unreliable’: SC to Maharashtra

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the Maharashtra government’s plea asking the Center to disclose the OBC data collected by it in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census and the Census Department to collect necessary information for the 2021 census. was instructed to do. Population of backward class citizens. A bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar noted the Centre’s stand that the data…

[ds4techofficial]

No proposal at present to release 2011 caste census data: Government

No proposal at present to release 2011 caste census data: Government

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the SECC 2011 data, excluding the caste data, had been finalised and published by the MoRD and the HUPA. The government has no proposal at present to release the report of the caste census carried out in 2011, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011, was…

[informaticnishant]

🙅 Today is the National Ayushman Bharat Diwas 2021..!! . 💥 Nation celebrates Ayushman Bharat Diwas on 30th April.  . 🙋 The day aims to promote affordable medical facilities in remote areas of the country based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census database. . 📍 It will also promote health and wellness and provide insurance benefits to the poor. . 🎉 So, let's celebrate this day with INFORMATIC NISHANT and spread awareness among people. #ayushmanbharatdiwas #bharatdiwas #ayushmanbharatdivas #india #modi #modigovernmenr #informaticnishant #marketingtips #indiancelebrations #modicare #ayushmanbharatdiwas2021 #stayhealthy #stayfit #patanjali #celebrations #awareness #govtscheme (at Bhubaneswar - Smart City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CORi3m-st2N/?igshid=jztcgvc2x155

[harishjain]

Transgender Law: A step towards an inclusive workplace

For a long time, transgender persons have been excluded from contributing towards socio-economic activities and decision-making processes. So much so that it was only during the 2011 census that, for the first time, data related to their employment, literacy and caste was collected. As per a 2017 study conducted by the Kerala Development Society for the National Human Rights Commission of India, 96% of transgender participants (including qualified and skilled persons) reported that they were discriminated and denied employment opportunities in the formal sector.[1]

The transgender community is ubiquitous in India’s social construct. From Sathyasri Sharmila, Tamil Nadu’s first transgender lawyer to Padmini Prakash, anchor of a local Tamil news channel to Dr. Manabi Bandopadhyay, first trans-woman to become a college principal, transgender persons are gaining recognition across different sectors[2]. Yet, their presence and participation at workplaces, remains elusive. Organizations are often ill-equipped to support and integrate transgender employees into the mainstream.

Read More: https://www.psalegal.com/transgender-law-a-step-towards-an-inclusive-workplace/

[pragyanegi18]

What You Should Know About Ayushman Bharat Scheme

‘Ayushman Bharat’ Or ‘Healthy India’ is a national health initiative introduced by the government of India to provide health coverage to 10 crore families under Ayushman Bharat Scheme. The government aims to provide access to healthcare to every household using the two components:

Two components of Ayushman Bharat Scheme are as follows:

Establishment of Health and Wellness Centres- The government under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme aims to establish 1 lakh fifty thousand health and wellness centres. These centres aim to bring healthcare to every household by taking care of primary health. with the focus on the health of every girl child and mother.

 Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana- PMJAY aims to provide universal health coverage and financial protection to the weaker sectors of society. The health services are available for economically deprived sections of Urban and Rural India according to the data provided by Socio-Economic Caste Census.

       Features of Ayushman Bharat Scheme: 

 It provides health cover of 5 lakhs to each household. The health cover is provided to 10 crore families living below the poverty line of India.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme covers the treatment of predetermined diseases across the country.

 Approximately, the scheme covers 50 crores households of urban and rural India. There is, however, no cap on the age or number of members who can get health coverage.

The scheme gives priority health coverage to the girl, mothers and senior citizens of the country.

Eligibility criteria for getting health coverage under Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides health cover for pre and post ailments with ease. You can also get paperless and cashless health services under the scheme. The health cover is, however, accessible to the following sections of society.

Rural India health coverage under Ayushman Bharat Scheme: The following members of the family are only eligible for rural health coverage.

 Families belonging to SC and scheduled tribes.

Rural Households with no male member between the age of 16 years and 59 years.

Beggars 

Families who don't have individuals between the age group of 16-59 years.

A family which has at least one physically challenged member and no healthy adult individual

Families which don't posse any land and make a living by working as casual manual labourers

Individuals belonging to Primitive tribal communities

Individuals who are involved in manual scavenging.

Urban India health coverage under Ayushman Bharat Scheme: The following members of the family are only eligible for urban health coverage.

Washerman/ Chowkidars

Rag Pickers

Mechanics, electricians, and repair workers

Domestic help

Sanitation workers, gardeners, and sweepers

Home-based artisans and handicraft workers

Tailors

Cobblers, hawkers, and people providing services by working on streets or pavements

Plumbers, masons, construction workers, porters, welders, painters, and security guards

Transport workers such as drivers, conductors, helpers, cart, or rickshaw pullers

Assistants, peons of a small organization, delivery men, shopkeepers and waiters

What health services are included in Ayushman Bharat Scheme:  Apart from primary, secondary and tertiary daily health care services of private and govt hospitals the health cover of Rs. 5 Lakhs can be utilized in the following health expenses.

The amount can be used for any surgery. In the case of multiple surgeries, the amount is paid for 1st surgery. For the second surgery, only 50% of the amount is waived.

You can utilize the funds for critical diseases such as Prostate cancer, Double valve replacement or Anterior spine fixation.

        Summary : What you should know about Ayushman Bharat Scheme

‘Ayushman Bharat’ Or ‘Healthy India’ is a national health initiative introduced by the government of India to provide health coverage to 10 crore families under Ayushman Bharat Scheme.The government under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme aims to establish about 1,50,000 health and wellness centres. 

Features of Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides health cover for pre and post ailments with ease. You can also get paperless and cashless health services under the scheme. 

1. It provides health cover of 5 lakhs to each household. The health cover is provided to 10 crore families living below the poverty line of India.

2. Ayushman Bharat Scheme covers the treatment of predetermined diseases across the country.

3. Approximately, the scheme covers 50 crores households of urban and rural India. There is, however, no cap on the age or number of members who can get health coverage.

4. The scheme gives priority health coverage to the girl, mothers and senior citizens of the country.

5. Apart from primary, secondary and tertiary daily health care services of private and govt hospitals the health cover of Rs. 5 Lakhs can be utilized for any surgery critical diseases such as Prostate cancer, Double valve replacement or Anterior spine fixation.

[maheshsomani]

Government Aims To Build 51 Lac Houses Under PMAY (Gramin) In FY 18

51 lac houses are likely to be constructed amid 2017-2017 to meet the target of one crore houses by 2019 under PMAY under the updated Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) and prospect to overturn the construction completion time limit to 6-12 months from 18 months to 3 years. As per the sources over 32 lacs houses will be ready for the occupancy in FY 2017, whereas 18 lac projects have been successfully developed across the country in FY 2016.

PMAY-Garmin was introduced in November 2016 swapping places with India Indira Awaas Yojana. This year center has sanctioned RS. 15,000 crore for the development under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) and it doubled the provision per household from RS. 75000 to over 1, 20,000; by which the by and large area increased by 22 to 25 square meter. It’s expected that there will be more volume of affordable flats in Kolkata around the suburbs and extended parts of the city. Government targets to finish the entire project within their scheduled timeline. For meeting up this target, they are now speeding up the progress of the development. Along with which they are tracking they money being allotted for this purpose is not being blocked for some irrelevant purposes. Under the new scheme by far 15,000 houses have been constructed. Builders are bound to update the government timely with relevant snaps of the project completion at different stages including geo-referenced network for detailed verification of the projects in a much easier and quicker manner.

Following the Socio Economic and Caste Census data 2011, government has analyzed that a total number of 3.92 crore people of lower-income group fall under homeless category, despite ongoing government’s ambitious project. The survey data has found that 2.26 crore houses are eligible for this scheme. Thus, within coming 7 years government aims to bring in 3 crore affordable housing projects across the country for village-side EWS. “Government’s effort for sheltering socio-economically weaker sections is utterly commendable. The growing absorption in semi-urban and suburban areas has lead to issues of land-shortage, illegal acquisition and congested conveyance. For basic facilities such as open areas, water, electricity was largely getting affected. We hope to see more eminent developers to be associated with this ambitious project of government,”-said Mr. Mahesh Somani Vice President - NAR India & Chairman : National RERA committee, NAR India.

–LNN (Liyans News Network)

[heartlandians]

Multigenerational living: Heartland did it before it was popular

Heartland writers reveal secrets to writing a successful multigenerational, multi-season story.

We've lived with the Fleming family for coming up on 13 Seasons and it's no secret that home is at the heart of our hit CBC drama, Heartland — where three or sometimes four generations live under one roof. The latest moniker for such living arrangement, "multigenerational living," came alive on screen many times. But let's talk about real life for a second before we dive into what challenges Heartland writers face when writing a multigen story.

Over the past few years, multigen living spiked in popularity and according to the latest Stats Canada's 2016 Census data, such households are the fastest growing type of household in Canada with 2.2 million people living in multigenerational households.

The potential of clashing generations in multigen households is potent, however, pros definitely outweigh cons — especially for the youngest family members who reap the benefit of learning, care and attention from two, sometimes three generations. And while some cultures have kept this tradition for hundreds of years, we've abandoned it with the rise of industrialization and seem to have ulterior motives when it comes to readopting multigen living.

Studies show that reasons for re-emergence of multigenerational living in Canada simply comes down to socio-economic factors and, in some parts of Canada, ethno-cultural. Its recent popularity is merely a sign of how adaptable families are to socio-economic changes.

Enter the Fleming family, who portray the intricacies along with beautifully fostered and strong family bonds in a multigen household with such conviction, and suddenly such living arrangements seems much more appealing.

Heather Conkie, Mark Haroun and Ken Craw, the writers of Heartland, elaborate on how they approach writing a multi-season, multigen story.

Editor's Note: this Q&A has been adjusted for length and clarity.

Where do you draw inspiration when writing a multigen story?

Heather Conkie: We actually draw a ton of inspiration from our fantastic multigenerational Heartland cast of characters — from two-year-old Lyndy to Grandpa Jack, who remains ageless.

Over our 13 Seasons we've had the unique and unusual experience of watching our characters literally grow up. Our lead character Amy, was a fifteen-year-old girl when the series premiered and now she's a married woman with a child.  

The writing team has endeavoured to make sure the growth and development of our characters is as true to life as possible. I think keeping it really has also allowed us to connect with our audience, a demographic that is as multigenerational as our cast with viewers from two to 92.  

Mark Haroun: Inspiration comes from a combination of our own experiences and a lot of asking ourselves "what if?". What if Amy had to move her young family back into the ranch house where her sister, niece and grandfather live? What if Amy's dad sells his ranch and ends up moving back in with his daughters and ex father-in-law – who he doesn't really get along with at the best of times?

Ken Craw: We often borrow from our own family experiences and dynamics to find circumstances, challenges and triumphs we have lived through, to act as story springboards on Heartland. The great thing about writing a family drama is that every day in your life is a form of story research – we are all a part of a family and are involved in ever-evolving relationships of our own.  

How much do you talk about family dynamics when writing an episode of Heartland?

Conkie: When we begin to arc a season, it's inevitable that personal stories, whether tragic or funny or completely mundane, are constantly shared. A good portion of those stories find their way into a script. My own family has to be careful of what they say and do in front of me because they're terrified I'll use the material at some point and totally embarrass them.

Haroun: Family dynamics are paramount. Whenever we're coming up with stories, we always think about the best characters to throw together and how their reactions to each other will propel those stories forward in really unique and interesting ways.

Craw: A lot. We try to see the story through each character's lens – taking into consideration how their own life experiences, age, gender, biases and personal sensibilities would shape their perspective.  

How difficult is it to tie together multigenerational characters into an evolving story arc and what does it take to do so?

Conkie: It's actually harder than it looks. The best stories are ones that manage to tie all the characters in with the main theme of the episode in some manner or form. But because of the disparate age range of our characters, every one of them needs to react to a circumstance in their own personal and unique way based on their own past experiences and their hopes and dreams for the future – and they definitely don't always agree among themselves. That's what creates the drama in any given plot line.

Haroun: The biggest challenge to telling multigenerational stories, especially in a 13th season of a series, is to never let things get too predictable or lean too much on certain kinds of stories that have worked well in the past. That means really peeling the onion and taking a close look at who these characters are and how they might react when thrown into a new situation.

Craw: I actually think this is one of the most interesting challenges of writing a multigenerational family drama. You need to do your best to put yourself in the shoes of each character. You draw a little from your own experiences but also need to be a keen observer of the people and the world around you. Why do certain people hold different feelings, beliefs and values?

It's our job to cultivate stories that challenge each of our characters' belief systems and find opportunities to see their perspectives shift or become more entrenched in those perspectives. As every story arc evolves, so does each character's personal journey.

We know that the greater the number of people living in a home, the greater the challenges. How much research do you do in order to get the right tone across for each character and how they will interact with each other?

Conkie: Season 13 actually deals with our multigenerational family attempting to live under one roof. And it's full of challenges. It finds Amy and Ty in a loft that's bursting at the seams, now that they are fostering Luke. Tim advises them to move back into the main house where they'll have more space but all the while he has his eye on taking over their loft.

The loft looks pretty good to a teenager [Georgie] who has just returned from her first taste of freedom in Europe. So everyone is learning how to deal with each other as best they can in a set of new circumstances.

This interaction isn't so much a result of research as it is making the most of our individual characters idiosyncrasies and knowing how each of them would deal with the new situations they find themselves in.

Haroun: We do a lot of research on Heartland depending on the storylines we're pursuing, but when it comes to how characters might react to each other when thrown together in close quarters, it's really driven by the individual characters and how they've developed over the past 13 seasons.

Craw: To be honest I have not lived in a multigenerational home, so for me it's always been about taking the family relationships and dynamics in my own life and imagining how all of the tensions and challenges would be exacerbated if you stuck everyone under one roof! It's my feeling that a family under one roof is forced to confront their challenges more quickly out of necessity – since you actually live together and must find a way to be a functioning household.

Do you think family values are different in multigen homes, have they changed over the years?

Conkie: One thing we hear frequently from our audience is that Heartland is appointment television in their home. They tell us that it brings the family and extended family together on Sunday nights. People say they have been inspired by the "Heartland family dinners," with all the characters of all ages, gathered around the big dining room table to share their day, argue, resolve issues, make their opinion known… whether anyone wants to hear it or not.

The thought that Heartland has brought families together makes me very, very happy.  

Haroun: That's a good question and not an easy one to answer. Living in a multigenerational home is a wonderful opportunity for older and younger generations to interact on a deeper level.

Older generations have so much to offer in terms of experience and perspective. I think there's a much healthier attitude towards ageing that's developing in this country that positions grandparents and great grandparents as vital and important to the family dynamic, and not just "over the hill".

Craw: I believe that family values are different in multigenerational homes. I think for children living in a multigenerational home there is greater opportunity to be mentored by older family members and have family members be your most influential role models.

In smaller family units the parents are often so busy doing what it takes to provide for the family in our high stress, fast paced society that children are often having their values and beliefs shaped by people outside the family or social media. For the elder generations, a multigenerational home likely gives them a greater sense of purpose in their golden years and certainly allows for a much more immersive experience and relationships with the younger generations.

Source

[anika95sharma]

PM Jan Arogya Yojana a game-changer, but it will face these huge challenges

There is no doubt that the Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is the biggest effort ever by any government anywhere in the world to provide health cover. To begin with, the scheme provides assurance up to Rs 500,000 to more than 500 million beneficiaries in the country. 

There is no limitation of family size. This goes well beyond the cover of Rs 30,000 and family size limited to five under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) launched in 2007.The government has also put in place an extremely competent team to implement the scheme that has the potential of transforming health care in the country. The traditionalists who have lived with and promoted unadulterated supply-side management of health care would question this approach, but we know what this obsession with supply-side management has done to health care in India.

Hence, there is a need to put the money (read entitlement) in the hands of the consumer and allow him to choose between public and private players providing health care. The benefits are portable and the beneficiary can avail of them from any empanelled hospital anywhere in the country. The scheme has started with a bang, with beneficiary numbers rising to 7,000 in a day — quite remarkable indeed!

The scheme will, however, face the real test now as the demands on the health infrastructure as well as the software backbone (borrowed from Andhra’s Arogyashree) will increase. True success will be determined by the ability of the scheme to bring down out-of-pocket expenditure. Let us look at some  READ FULL ARTICLE HERE ON – BUSINESS STANDARD / BS