Shanti, an 18-year-old residing in southwest Delhi, aspires to complete her education by April of the following year at a government school. Her mother, Santosh, who supported the family as a masseur, sadly passed away last year. Santosh, known as a “maalishwali” in her neighborhood, worked hard to raise her two sons and daughter with her modest earnings after becoming a widow. Santosh was originally married into a family that owned land in Haryana. However, due to land division among her brothers-in-law, the family’s income became insufficient to cover expenses, prompting her father to move to the city in search of livelihood opportunities. Despite the challenges, the city was seen as a ray of hope. He secured a job as a contract long-distance truck driver but developed a drinking problem. Shanti and her brothers grew up in an environment of domestic violence, with Santosh being the primary target. The family lacked support networks during their distress and found that their ties with the village weakened without compensatory assistance in the city. While dealing with issues of housing, water, and healthcare, they were pushed to the city’s outskirts, resulting in higher transportation costs and increased vulnerability to harassment. Santosh’s husband succumbed to alcohol abuse, and she herself passed away at the age of 45 from an undisclosed illness last year. Rumors circulated that a neighbor in their unrecognized slum colony had performed occult rituals against her. Shanti, having studied health science in school, is skeptical of these claims, but her older dropout brothers warn her against opposing “society” or meeting a similar fate. Being a single woman, her mother had faced societal disapproval for traveling long distances for work, often returning home late at night. Shanti is also facing criticism due to her close relationship with a slightly older boy, leading to conflict with her brothers. She was even physically abused by her eldest brother for defying him, resulting in her being barred from school for two months. Her brothers aim to arrange her marriage with someone from their chosen village in Haryana, but Shanti has chosen to rebel. She left the unfinished structure her mother had left for her children and is now living with her 80-year-old grandmother, expressing her identity as a “city girl.” You, being acquainted with Shanti’s grandmother who works as your house help, have come across Shanti’s situation. You intend to meet Shanti to comprehend her circumstances. (a) Identify the key issues highlighted in the case study and explain their problematic nature. (b) Discuss your motivation to provide assistance. Suggest a range of measures that could improve Shanti’s quality of life. (c) Analyze whether it is appropriate to question whether Shanti, as a “city girl,” is experiencing better circumstances compared to if she had remained in her village. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS Paper: 4 – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude]

Introduction:
The case study of Shanti sheds light on several pressing issues arising from urbanization, migration, women’s struggles, inadequate education, and problematic societal norms. In this context, it is crucial to assess these challenges and propose pragmatic solutions for enhancing Shanti’s life.

Issues Highlighted and Problematic Aspects:

Problems with Urbanization:
Rapid urbanization often brings along infrastructural deficiencies and increased competition for resources.
Example: Shifting to the city exposes Shanti’s family to housing concerns, inadequate water supply, and healthcare challenges.

Migration:
Migration can lead to the erosion of support networks, isolation, and psychological distress.
Example: Shanti’s family faces alienation and vulnerability due to the weakening of ties with their village and the lack of social assistance in the city.

Women’s Issues – Domestic Violence, etc.:
Gender-based violence and unequal power dynamics perpetuate the cycle of abuse and hinder women’s progress.
Example: Shanti’s mother faced domestic violence and societal disapproval for pursuing work, creating an unsafe environment.

Lack of Education:
Inadequate access to education limits opportunities and perpetuates intergenerational poverty.
Example: Shanti’s disrupted schooling and her brothers’ dropout contribute to a cycle of limited prospects.

Problematic Societal Norms:
Traditional norms often restrict women’s agency and choices, reinforcing regressive behaviors.
Example: Shanti’s brothers’ attempts to control her relationships and dictate her future underscore the impact of societal norms.

Why the Desire to Help:
The motivation to assist Shanti arises from a blend of social responsibility and personal connection, considering her grandmother’s role as domestic help. Furthermore, as conscientious citizens, it is imperative to contribute towards creating a just and equitable society.

Steps to Improve Shanti’s Life:
Immediate Solutions:

Education: Facilitate Shanti’s uninterrupted education by collaborating with local schools and providing necessary resources.
Counselling: Offer psychological support to address the trauma she experienced, building her resilience and self-esteem.
Accompanying to Village: Arrange visits to her village to maintain connections, fostering a sense of belonging.

Long-Term Solutions:

Awareness Programs: Conduct workshops on gender equality and women’s rights in communities, challenging regressive norms.
Skill Development: Initiate vocational training to enhance Shanti’s employability and economic independence.
Family Mediation: Engage in dialogues with Shanti’s family to shift perspectives and encourage a more supportive environment.

Assessing Shanti’s Well-being:
The question of whether Shanti, as a “city girl,” is better off than if she had remained in her village needs to be reframed. Instead, we should ponder if Shanti, as a city dweller, enjoys a superior quality of life anywhere in the country. Both cities and villages should ideally ensure equal access to basic services, transcending class-based inequalities.

Conclusion:
Shanti’s case serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges that urbanization, migration, gender norms, and lack of education pose, irrespective of geographical location. Addressing her predicament demands comprehensive, pragmatic, and socially conscious interventions that consider the intricacies of her situation and work towards a more inclusive society.