💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship - June Batch Starts

Q.2) Vaccine hesitancy and the digital divide are among the biggest challenges in Covid-19 vaccination in India. Discuss the various aspects related to these challenges and suggest measures to deal with these challenges. (15 marks)

“Mentor’s Comments”

  • https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-vaccine-hesitancy-covid-inoculation-drive-7355171/
  • In the intro, mention the importance of vaccination to deal with the Covid-19 challenge.
  • In the body, mention the factors driving vaccine hesitancy-misinformation, disinformation, fear, lack of information etc. Also, lack of internet, lack of digital literacy, lack of access etc. as the factors increasing the digital divide and thereby access to vaccines. In the suggestions mention WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes, engagement with the community, information campaigns in local languages etc. To bridge the digital divide, suggest helpline number, walk-in registration and vaccination, use of points of contacts such as post offices, fair price shops etc.
  • Conclude by mentioning the need for thinking local and utilising established networks to create culturally resonant messages to reduce vaccine hesitancy, bridge the digital divide and achieve vaccine saturation.

 

Comments

35 responses to “Q.2) Vaccine hesitancy and the digital divide are among the biggest challenges in Covid-19 vaccination in India. Discuss the various aspects related to these challenges and suggest measures to deal with these challenges. (15 marks)”

  1. Vishal Nagle Avatar
    Vishal Nagle

    Ref id 422329
    Please review

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vishal

      You have written a nice answer but I think you can increase the content.
      Introduction is good, for hesitancy you can add some reasons like misinformation, disinformation, rumor-mongering, fear etc

      Some of these measures also you can add–

      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(give incentives to people)
      engagement with the community,
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)
      Involve ASHA workers and the ANMs, these are trusted local figures

      To bridge the digital divide:
      helpline number, walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompted fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Conclusion is good. You have used the UP example, good, you can use some more of successful models, you will get them in the article.

      Keep writing. 🙂

  2. subhashree mallick Avatar
    subhashree mallick

    pay_HH1EGxOD3EGEhl

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shubhashree

      You have made a nice attempt, but I think you have ignored the ‘digital divide’ part and focused only on vaccine hesitancy.

      Points for both reasons and measures for vaccine hesitancy are good, in measures you can add leveraging ASHA workers, ANMs etc in rural areas as they are trusted. Also give some examples if possible, like use of popular folk songs in Chhattisgarh.

      Measures to bridge the digital divide:
      helpline number, walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompted fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Conclusion is good.

      Also, since this is a 15 marker, I think you have enough space for the content.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing.

      5.5/15

  3. Rahul Kumar Avatar
    Rahul Kumar

    Payid — pay_HHfL00yH7yO4Mb

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Rahul

      Good answer. You have written most of the points. Measures to improve vaccine distribution are missing.
      To bridge the digital divide:
      helpline number, walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompt fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Also, instead of writing in 2 different sections you can combine and write reasons for both at one place and then suggestions at one place

      Also you can use some examples from the article.

      Content of the answer is good.Conclusion is okay too.

      Keep writing. 🙂

      6.5/15

  4. Utkarsh Singh Avatar
    Utkarsh Singh

    Please review.

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Utkarsh

      Please mention the reference ID for timely review.

      In reasons for vaccine hesitancy you can add : religious dogma, fear among people etc You can use some examples, villagers in Barabanki jumped in Saryu to avoid vaccination etc

      Examples of successful models like PayNearby, Swachh Bharat etc can be added in respective categories in suggestions also.

      Rest of the answer is good, you have mentioned many points.

      Conclude by mentioning the need for thinking local and utilising established networks to create culturally resonant messages.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

  5. Anupam Singh Avatar
    Anupam Singh

    Refid# 422544

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Anupam

      Introduction and reasons given are good. In suggestions, try to include multiple angles, for example to counter digital divide just increasing internet connectivity is not enough. Some of the measures you can write –

      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(give incentives to people)
      engagement with the community,
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)
      Involve ASHA workers and the ANMs, these are trusted local figures

      To bridge the digital divide:
      helpline number, walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompted fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Try to include examples of successful interventions.

      This is a 15 marker, so you can increase the content.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

  6. Ibrahim Saud Avatar
    Ibrahim Saud

    Plz review… I’d – HJjaTzqssZMHUB

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Ibrahim

      Instead of starting with India’s numbers of vaccination till now, you can start with the importance of vaccination. That will be more relevant to the question.

      You can add religious dogmas, fear among people and disinformation campaigns as reasons for vaccine hesitancy.

      In suggestions you can add some of these :
      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(give incentives to people)
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)
      Involve ASHA workers and the ANMs, these are trusted local figures

      To bridge the digital divide:
      helpline number, walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompted fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Try to include examples of successful interventions,

      Rest of the points are ok, but don’t give example of giving ration only to vaccinated unless there is sufficient supply, suggest some other incentive otherwise hunger issues will add to the problem instead of solving it.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

  7. shubham yadav Avatar
    shubham yadav

    Please review it sir
    Pay I’d- pay_HHhwlNw9vfR4HH

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shubham

      You have written well. Covered almost all points.

      You can add some of these points:

      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(can mention this)
      engagement with the community,
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)
      Involve ASHA workers and the ANMs, these are trusted local figures

      To bridge the digital divide:
      walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompted fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Introduction and conclusion is good.

      Keep writing. 🙂

  8. Gauri Shankar Meena Avatar
    Gauri Shankar Meena

    Payment Id pay_HHlJ1R1WIIMdGT

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Gauri Shankar,

      You have written well. First part is very good.

      In measures taken, you have mentioned WHO’s Besd model, explain it briefly, otherwise it remains unclear.

      You can also mention about information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(Chhatisgarh tribal example), use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc, prompt fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model,involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model.

      Rest of the points are very good, conclusion is fine too.

      Keep writing. 🙂

  9. SUMITA DOWERAH Avatar
    SUMITA DOWERAH

    Payment Id: pay HFrdyJMOEZ9967. Please review, Sir.

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Sumita

      Nice attempt. I think you have taken up a lot of space in mentioning reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Mentioning reasons will do., no need to explain that much. Points are good.

      Instead, you can write some steps taken by India to address these issues, can use some examples(you will get them in the article mentioned above).

      In suggestions too, most of the points are mentioned. Give equal space to each part.

      Content of the answer is good, just improve the presentation and use some examples.

      Read some other answers, keep writing. 🙂

  10. ankita thakur Avatar
    ankita thakur

    Payment id-HJHAZEWKSzM3CX

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Ankita

      Answer is good. You can mention reasons of vaccine hesitancy and digital divide first at one place, then move on to mentioning some steps taken and suggestions, it will be a better structure; otherwise the answer looks a bit scattered.

      You can add some measures such as:

      involve ASHA workers and the ANMs, these are trusted local figures
      walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Also, try to give some more successful examples, it will be like value-addition.

      Rest of the points are good. Introduction and conclusion is fine.

      Keep writing. 🙂

  11. ankita thakur Avatar
    ankita thakur

    Payment id-HJHAZEWKSzM3CX
    4th pg

  12. Pulkit Saxena Avatar
    Pulkit Saxena

    Kindly review anyone please..

  13. Arpit Singh Avatar
    Arpit Singh

    Payment id HHU8LODcXby9Db

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Arpit

      Your answer is good, especially the introduction and challenges part.

      Suggestions are good too, you can add some more :

      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(give incentives to people)
      engagement with the community,
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)

      To bridge the digital divide:
      helpline number, walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompt fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Always better to write more points than explaining a few.

      Conclusion is fine, nice attempt.

      Keep writing. 🙂

      6.5/15

  14. Utkarsha Yadav Avatar
    Utkarsha Yadav

    Please review
    Payment Id pay_HHWzC2O9xhkaqA

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Utkarsha

      Introduction is good. Digital divide is not a reason for vaccine hesitancy, vaccine hesitancy means not wanting to take vaccines even if it is available whereas digital divide is unavailability of vaccines due to lack of technology or internet. So, you can make separate sub-headings for both and write reasons for each.

      Points mentioned in reasons are good, structure of the answer is also good.

      Some more suggestions you can add:

      walk-in registration and vaccination
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc.
      Prompted fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Examples are good.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

      6.5/15

  15. Zulu Avatar
    Zulu

    Payment ID: pay_HHOMaDqnwYDcZ5
    Order ID: #0000422294

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Zulu

      As this is a 15 marker, you can write in 2.5-3 pages. Content is good, you can add examples of both hesitancy and some successful interventions.
      Some of these measures also you can add–

      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(give incentives to people)
      engagement with the community,
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)
      Involve ASHA workers and the ANMs, these are trusted local figures

      To bridge the digital divide:
      Prompt fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model
      use of points of contacts such as business correspondents,post offices, fair price shops etc. for vaccination

      Rest of the points mentioned are okay, try to present more neatly.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

  16. Vivek H Avatar
    Vivek H

    Payment Id : 115213946268

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Vivek

      Introduction and challenges part is good. You can increase content in suggestions, since it is a 15 marker. Try to use some innovative examples(you will get in the article mentioned above).

      Some of these measures also you can add–

      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(give incentives to people)
      engagement with the community,
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)

      To bridge the digital divide:
      Prompt fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

  17. Chandrama Mukhopadhyay Avatar
    Chandrama Mukhopadhyay

    Payment id- HLOjtqOLjvDs5Y

    Please review @swatantra sir

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Chandrama

      Introduction is good. Digital divide is not a reason for vaccine hesitancy, vaccine hesitancy means not wanting to take vaccines even if it is available whereas digital divide is unavailability of vaccines due to lack of technology or internet. So, you can make separate sub-headings for both and write reasons for each.

      Points mentioned in reasons are good.

      Some of these measures also you can add–

      For vaccine hesitancy:
      WHO’s BeSD model based on behavioural changes(give incentives to people)
      engagement with the community,
      Information campaigns in local languages, local graffiti, popular folk songs etc.(give examples)

      To bridge the digital divide:
      Prompt fintech startups to enable vaccine registration Ex- PayNearby model
      Involve all level of public servants Ex- Swachh Bharat model

      Use examples, that will add value to the answer.

      Way forward is good, you can keep purposes of vaccination part short.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

  18. shivanshu pandey Avatar
    shivanshu pandey

    pay_HH4AoVE2qPd386 please check @swatantra

    1. Swatantra Avatar
      Swatantra

      Shivanshu

      In introduction instead of vaccine, it should be covid.

      Points mentioned in reasons as well as suggestions are good.

      You can add examples in both parts for value-addition.You will get some good examples in the article mentioned above.

      Also, try to write a conclusion.

      Read some other answers. Keep writing. 🙂

  19. Deepali Rajan Avatar
    Deepali Rajan

    kindly review
    ref id 420326
    @swatantra sir

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