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This channel explains daily editorial covering indian express, Hindustan Times, Livemint and Hindu. You can reach to me for any query at @saurabhGSPaper2
Context: There is a need for the Ambedkar touch in rethinking social justice policies.
B. R. Ambedkar view on social justice
⇒ According to him, social justice is a means to create an ideal or a just society.
⇒ Caste was main reason for discrimination, to end this he advocated for constitutional socialism, inter-caste marriages and conversion to Buddhism.
⇒ A just society is a casteless society, based on the principles of social justice and a combination of three components: liberty, equality and fraternity.
⇒ Ideal society is based upon two fundamental principles:
1. The aim and object of society is the growth of the individual and development of his personality. Society is not above the individual.
2. Terms of associated life between members of society must be regarded by consideration founded on liberty, equality and fraternity.
Suggestions for new social justice policies:
⇒ He offers ethical corrective measures to make institutions more democratic and representative.
⇒ Reforms in market economy
⇒ Integration of marginalized groups in new economic order.
⇒ Address Adivasi concerns to protect their habitats, ecological order and cultural autonomy.
⇒ Adoption of New Policies against social discrimination
⇒ Look beyond the conventional social justice policies as the passive recipient of the welfare packages with more affirmative action.
#Social Justice #Issues related to development
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
Context: The Centre has advised States and Union territories to display the “standard logo” of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U) in all houses constructed under the scheme.
Significance of this scheme:
⇒ Promotes women empowerment by providing the ownership of houses.
⇒ Ensures dignified life with a sense of security and pride of ownership.
⇒ Address the issue of slum dwellings in urban areas.
⇒ Uplift the living standards of vulnerable section through providing basic amenities.
Achievements of this scheme:
According to the Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs:
⇒ Uttar Pradesh has the most completed houses,followed by Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
⇒ So far, 21 states are carrying out social audit.
Challenges:
According to the Parliamentary Standing Committee:
⇒ Lack of basic amenities: 5.6 lakh houses were not delivered to beneficiaries due to lack of basic services.
⇒ Some states such as Nagaland, Manipur, and Rajasthan are not providing their share put high-cost burden on beneficiary.
⇒ Impeding access to loans by financial institutions due to inadequate proof.
⇒ Only 76.25 lakh houses out of 1.19 crore sanctioned were completed over an 8-year span.
⇒ Slow construction rate in North-eastern states.
Measures to tackle the challenges:
Recommendation given by Parliamentary Standing Committee:
⇒ Uniform and fixed central assistance across states may be removed and should vary according to factors such as a state’s topography.
⇒ Conduct an impact assessment.
⇒ Advocate for a comprehensive inquiry for quality of constructed dwellings.
⇒ Addressing Diverse Factors: Such as high land costs and floor space index limitations.
⇒ Shifting of focus on outcome rather than output.
Re-criminalising adultery
Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee examining the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023 has demanded re-criminalising Adultery.
About adultery
IPC Section 497 states: Whoever has sexual intercourse with a person who is and whom he knows or has reason to believe to be the wife of another man, without the consent or connivance of that man, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, is guilty of the offence of adultery.
Adultery Not a Crime
Supreme Court has struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), in Joseph Shine v Union of India held that adultery is not a crime.
Argument for re-criminalising adultery:
⇒ Safeguard the sanctity of the institution of marriage.
⇒ Violation of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India (which protect the fundamental rights to equality and non-discrimination).
⇒ It is morally wrong and goes against societal norms and ethical standards.
Argument against re-criminalising adultery:
⇒ Marriage concerns only two persons and not society at large.
⇒ The State has no business to enter into their lives and punish the alleged wrongdoer.
⇒ It intrudes into the privacy of the matrimonial sphere (against Article 21).
⇒ May not align with contemporary attitudes towards personal relationships.
Way forward:
⇒ 42nd Law Commission (1971): Recommended retention of adultery provision
⇒ Malimath Committee (2003): Suggested retaining adultery as an offense but on gender-neutral terms, emphasizing the preservation of marital sanctity.
Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM – G): World’s Largest Behaviour Change Programme
#General Studies II #Governance
Context: World Bank has recalled the paper titled ‘Progress on Sanitation on Rural India: Reconciling Diverse Evidence’ which states that the usage of toilets in rural India has declined since 2018.
Findings of World Bank
⇒ Largest drop in usage of toiled been reported among people of Scheduled Caste (20% points) and Scheduled Tribe (24% points) communities.
⇒ States decline in regular use of toilets since 2018 were Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Karnataka
Reasons for low usage of toilets among rural population
⇒ Slackening of institutional structure due to lack of proper funds.
⇒ Sense of urgency eased
⇒ Cultural beliefs
⇒ Insufficient water
⇒ Malfunctioning of toilets
Achievements under SBM – G
(Phase I)
⇒ Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), over 10.28 crore toilets were constructed across 36 states/UTs.
⇒ 100% villages (around 6 lakh villages) of the country were declared ODF in 2019.
(Phase II)
⇒ 75% of the total villages in the country achieved ODF Plus status.
⇒ Andaman & Nicobar Islands, D&N Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura are the top performing States/UTs which have achieved 100% ODF Plus villages are.
Measures
⇒ Treating more greywater can address water needs.
⇒ Effective utilization of Fifteenth Finance tied funds earmarked for sanitation (National Scheme Sanction Committee).
⇒ Ground-level verification.
⇒ Proper facilities for the disposal of excreta.
Context in case of Kerala :-
Recently, the state government amended the University Act, which took away the power of the Governor as chancellor to make appointments to the University Appellate Tribunal. Besides, the amendment did not consult the high court with regard to the appointments. The Governor has questioned the amendments as that gives absolute power to the state government in making appointments to the tribunal.
The Governor publicly announcing the Kerala University Amendment Bill.
Already discussed many times..you can watch following video too
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Industry-academia linkage
#Social Justice #Education
Context: Determining and managing impediments to collaborations between industry and academia requires a multi-pronged approach.
Need for industry-academia linkage:
1. To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
2. To equip students with the skills and knowledge needed in the job market.
3. Can facilitate the transfer of technology and intellectual property for development of new products.
4. Can contribute to economic development by fostering innovation and attracting investments.
5. Help in developing entrepreneur skills.
Measures to strengthen industry-academia linkage:
1. They should engage in open dialogue to find common ground where theoretical knowledge and practical applications can intersect.
2. Implement training programs to familiarise researchers and industry professionals with each other's language and expectations.
3. Universities with good research facilities can partner with an industry for long-term research collaborations to develop cutting-edge technologies.
4. Design and update academic curricula to align with industry needs.
5. Government funding agencies should announce suitable research grants
Government initiative to promote industry-academia linkage:
⇒ Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector, 2023: To promote industry-academia linkage for R&D in priority areas.
⇒ Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), 2018: For improving the research ecosystem of India’s Higher Educational Institutions.
⇒ Program for Modernisation and Innovation Promotion in MSME in India (MSME INNO): To bridge the gap between industry and academia through field projects.
⇒ Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA): Focus on the establishment of employment cells to create linkages between Academia, Industry, and the Market.
⇒ NEP, 2020: Focus on regular Industry-Institute engagement and update curriculum for courses in emerging areas.
#POLITY GSPAPER 2
Context: Electoral bond is in question before constitutional bench. Already the issue has been discussed by me earlier. sharing link beloe
Context: Despite the pan-India launch of the 3HP (once-weekly isoniazid-rifapentine for 12 weeks) TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) in March 2023, States are yet to receive the 3HP combination drug from the Central TB Division.
Tuberculosis
TB cases in India
👉India accounts for 27 per cent of the total TB cases in the world, according to the WHO’s Global TB Report 2023.
Initiatives to control TB:
At global level:
1. End TB Strategy by WHO: The objective is to achieve a 90% reduction in TB-related fatalities and an 80% decrease in new cases by the year 2030.
2. Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria: An international financing and partnership organization with the mission of attracting, leveraging, and investing additional resources to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria to support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Stop TB Partnership by UN: A global partnership to supports TB research, advocates for political commitment and funding for TB control, and provides technical assistance to countries in implementing effective TB programs.
National level intervention:-
1. Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP 1997): Focus on early diagnosis and treatment in accordance DOTS strategy. Patients are supported with free diagnostics and medicines.
2. National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination 2017-2025: Built over 4 strategic pillars of Detect – Treat – Prevent – Build. It aims to eliminate TB in India by 2025 through supply of 3HP TB preventive drugs.
3. Nikshay Poshan Yojana: The financial incentive of Rs 500 per month for each notified TB patient for the duration for which the patient is on anti-TB treatment.
4. Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign(2022) : To bring together all community stakeholders to support those on TB treatment and accelerate the country’s progress towards TB elimination.
5. TB Harega Desh Jeetega campaign: To raise awareness about the disease and encourage people to get tested and treated.
Achievements:
• Under RNTCP about 4 lakh DOTS centres have been established so far.
• According to Global TB Report 2023:
o The treatment coverage has improved to 80% of the estimated TB cases, an increase of 19% over the previous year.
o Reduction of TB incidence by 16% in 2022 (from 2015) almost double the pace at which global TB incidence is declining (which is 8.7%).
o TB mortality dropped from 4.94 lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 lakhs in 2022.
o Treatment success rates have improved to 88% for people treated for drug-susceptible TB and 63% for people with Multidrug- and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB).
Challenges to end TB
• Foocus on affected patients only while ignoring the ‘potential’ patient who might get in contact.
• Lack of adequate focus to reduce the burden of smoking and lifestyle diseases.
• The recent National TB Prevalence Survey (in India) found that 64% of people with infectious TB did not seek care.
• Due to a lack of proper drug supply, the Central TB Division has not provided the 3HP drugs to states, leading to a delay in the nationwide implementation of 3HP TB preventive drugs programme.
• TB-HIV co-infection is a significant challenge, especially in regions with high rates of both diseases.
• The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB, poses a serious threat to TB control effort
Areas which require immediate action
Special Category Status
Meaning of Special Category Status (SCS):
It is a classification granted by the Centre to assist the development of States that face geographical or socioeconomic disadvantages.
To safeguard the interest and aspirations of certain backward regions or to protect cultural and economic interests of the tribal people or to deal with the disturbed law and order in some parts of India.
Background:
The SCS was introduced in 1969 on the recommendation of the fifth Finance Commission (FC). The SCS States used to receive grants based on the Gadgil Mukherjee formula, which earmarked nearly 30% of the total central assistance.
With the recommendations of the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, the assistance for the devolution of the divisible pool funds to all states has increased (from 32% in the 14th Finance Commission to 41% in the 15th Finance Commission). However, since 2014, special category status was formally done away with.
Difference between special category status and special status:
The constitution confers special status of states through an act that must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. In contrast, the special category status, formerly granted by the National Development Council, is now conferred by the central government.
Constitutional provision:
The Constitution of India does not include any provision for the categorization of any state in India as a 'special category state.
However, a wide range of provisions are available to as many as 10 states that have been listed under Articles 371, 371-A to 371-H, and 371-J.
States under SCS:
In 1969, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland were granted Special Category Status (SCS). Later, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand also received SCS.
Criteria for SCS:
Based on Gadgil Mukherjee formula:
(i)Hilly and difficult terrain
(ii)Low population density and/or sizeable share of tribal population
(iii)Strategic location along international borders
(iv)Economic and infrastructural backwardness and
(v)Nonviable nature of state finances.
Benefits of SCS:
1.The central government bears 90 percent of the state expenditure on all centrally-sponsored schemes and external aid while rest 10 percent is given as loan to state at zero percent rate of interest.
2.Preferential treatment in getting central funds.
3.Concession on excise duty to attract industries to the state.
4. 30 percent of the Centre's gross budget also goes to special category states.
5.These states can avail the benefit of debt-swapping and debt relief schemes.
6.Exempted from customs duty, corporate tax, income tax and other taxes to attract investment.
7.Special category states can carry forward unspent money from one financial year to the next without it lapsing.
Arguments for Special category status:
1.To preserve the cultural identity. E.g: Goa
2.To deal with socio-economic and infrastructural backwardness. E.g: Bihar.
3.Loss of taxation rights to states under GST mechanism.
4.Due to frequent natural calamities, such as earthquakes, floods, or cyclones, may require special support to recover and build resilient infrastructure. E.g: Odisha.
5.For national security and the need for enhanced infrastructure in such areas. E.g: Rajasthan demanded SCS due to their proximity to international borders.
Arguments against Special category status:
1.It puts an additional economic burden on the centre.
2.It hinders competitive federalism among the states.
3.May foster a culture of economic dependency of states on centre.
4.Granting special status to one state leads to requests from other states as well.
5.Allocation of special category status can be influenced by political considerations rather than objective criteria.
Way forward:
Raghuram Rajan Committe
Has made two key recommendations for devolution of funds to states. They are:
a) A new methodology based on a ‘Multi Dimensional Index (MDI)’.
Now onwards all the news relating to GS Paper 2 will be uploaded on daily basis
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Women in the defence
Context: Prime Minister of India said the government was committed to increasing the strength of women in the armed forces.
Women in defence:
Women Officers (excluding medical services) in Indian army, Indian Air force and Indian Navy: 1733,1654 and 580 (PIB).
Significance of inducting women in defence forces in India:
⇒ Constitutional Mandates: Article 14 & 15
⇒ Step towards gender inclusivity.
⇒ Challenge a strong stereotype.
⇒ Increased diversity.
⇒ Role models for aspiring female officers.
Challenges of women in defence forces:
⇒ Hinder the acceptance of women in traditionally male-dominated professions.
⇒ Limited opportunities for women in the Indian Army.
⇒ Limited facilities in terms of women-only barracks, toilets and other amenities.
⇒ Physical demands can be challenging for women.
Way forward:
⇒ Codify rules and regulations to address gender crimes.
⇒ Forces needs to shed their patriarchal attitude
⇒ Gender-neutral infrastructure.
⇒ Merit-based recruitment irrespective of gender.
Recent initiatives:
⇒ Agnipath scheme (Agniveer women): Providing an opportunity to the patriotic and motivated female.
⇒ Permanent Commission (Babita Puniya case) to Women Officers (WOs) in 12 Arms & Services.
⇒ Armed Forces have opened entry for women candidates in National Defence Academy (NDA) with 19 cadets.
⇒ Indian Army has also opened avenues for WOs to serve as pilots in the Corps of Army Aviation.
⇒ DISHA cell by IAF conducts various Induction Publicity programmes across the country related to induction/ career of officer cadre.
Global scenario
Women in armed force:
⇒ Israel (33%)
⇒ United States (20%)
⇒ United Kingdom (11%)
#Social Justice #Vulnerable Sections
Crime against women
Context: Highest cases of sexual violence make Delhi most unsafe for women.
Facts related to crime against women
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):
⇒ Delhi recorded 14,158 incidents of crime against women in 2022, the highest number among 19 metropolitan cities for the third consecutive year, with about 186.9 crimes reported for every 1,00,000 women.
Reason for high crime against women:
⇒ Cultural factors: Patriarchy, religious beliefs and cultural shock.
⇒ Socio-economic factors: Poverty, alcohol and substance misuse, lack of education, high level economic inequality and shadow pandemic
Challenges in addressing crime against women.
⇒ Lack of reliable and periodical data.
⇒ Conviction rate is also very low close to 89.6% (NCRB)
⇒ Social shame
⇒ Threats and intimidation tactics.
Way forward:
Draft National Policy for Women, 2016:
⇒ Ensure speedy /time bound trial.
⇒ Gender specific training incorporating gender sensitivity.
⇒ Strengthen family courts, Nari adalats etc.
⇒ Increase the representation of women in judiciary and police.
⇒ Compatible and comprehensive data base through streamlining data systems.
Government initative:
⇒ Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: To protect women from sexual harassment at their place of work
⇒ Nirbhaya Fund: For the safety and security of women.
⇒ One-Stop Centre Scheme: To provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence.
⇒ National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO): To facilitate investigation and tracking of sexual offenders across the country by law enforcement agencies
Case study of crime against women: Mararikulam Panchayat
⇒ The Mararikulam Panchayat implemented the crime mapping programme through the Kudumbashree community network to make Mararikkulam a women-friendly Panchayat.
#Social Justice #Vulnerable Sections
Context: December 3 has been annually observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by the UN
Facts related to disability in India
⇒ About 2.2 per cent of India’s population lives with some physical or mental disability (NSO,2019)
⇒ About 44% disabled person are women (Census,2011).
Constitutional Provisions on Disability
⇒ Article 41: State shall, make effective provisions for securing the right to work to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases
Meaning of person with a disability:
⇒ Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 defines a “Person with a disability”: A person with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.
Challenges faced by person with a disability
⇒ Viewed as objects of charity rather than empowerment.
⇒ Systemic barriers: inaccessible Infrastructure, discrimination and denial of property rights.
⇒ Perpetuating stereotypes that create further barriers.
⇒ Missing Millions (absence of data).
⇒ Risk of climate calamities reduced access to clean water and food as 69% of the disabled population resided in rural areas (Census,2011).
Measure to tackle the challenges faced by person with a disability
⇒ Recommendations given by Sudha Kaul Committee:
1. In Articles 15 and 16 ‘disability’ should be included as one of the prohibited grounds.
2. Disability prejudicial references should be removed from the XI and XII schedule of Constitution of India.
3. All major schemes and programmes of GOI should include a component of disability.
⇒ Systemic barriers can be overcome with the convergence method.
⇒ Developing a purple economy for disability inclusion, can help to boost global GDP between 3% to 7%(ILO)
Government intervention
1. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016): Protects the rights of persons with disabilities
⇒ Set up Central & State Advisory Boards on Disability.
2. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan/Accessible India Campaign (AIC): To provide universal accessibility to persons with disabilities.
3. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme: To create an enabling environment to ensure equal opportunities, equity, social justice and empowerment.
4. Kiran Helpline: Toll-free 24 × 7 mental health rehabilitation helpline developed.
5. Sparking Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation (SPARK) project (By ILO in collaboration with Women’s Development Corporation in Maharashtra): For developing a targeting and social inclusion strategy for persons with disabilities.
Conclusion:
The goal of social justice cannot be achieved without the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of development, starting with rural areas and fostering rural resilience. There is a need for PwD to be prioritised at the centre of the global development agenda.
Exit poll
Context: The exit polls results released for five states gave divided results.
Meaning of exit poll:
⇒ An exit poll asks voters which political party they are supporting after they have cast their votes in an election.
⇒ It is supposed to give an indication of result of an election, along with the issues, personalities, and loyalties that have influenced voters.
⇒ It began back in 1957 during the second Lok Sabha elections when the Indian Institute of Public Opinion conducted a poll.
How it differ with opinion poll?
Opinion poll, which is held before the elections.
Who conducts the exit polls?
The polls are conducted by private firms and media organizations.
How are exit polls conducted?
Through the method of random sampling. Some also opt for systematic sampling to predict the actual result.
Exit poll regulations in India
⇒ Section 126A of the RPA 1951 states: Prohibits conduct of Exit poll and dissemination of their results by means of print or electronic media during the period mentioned therein, i.e. between the hour fixed for commencement of poll in the first phase and half an hour after the time fixed for close of poll for the last phase in all the States.
⇒ Election Commission is responsible for regulating the use of exit polls. According to the ECI, exit polls can only be conducted during a specific period. This period starts from the time when the polling booths close and ends 30 minutes after the last booth has closed.
⇒ It is also stated that news broadcasters must not air any final, formal and definite results until the results are formally announced by the Election Commission of India
Should Exit and Opinion Polls be Banned?
⇒ Undermining people trust.
⇒ Not always accurate: E.g.: 2004 LS election.
⇒ Unregulated polls is violation of Article 19(1)(a)
⇒ Create a false narrative
The ECI has issued guidelines for conducting exit polls:
⇒ Disclosure of sample size and methodology
⇒ Clear statement of margin of error and confidence level
⇒ Maintenance of neutrality and impartiality by conducting agency
⇒ Absence of political affiliation or interest
⇒ Refusal of funding or sponsorship from political entities
What is the role of Governor in VC?
Ans: Being the chancellor of Universities, Governor appoints VC.
According to the UGC Regulations, 2018, the VC of a university, is appointed by the Chancellor, from a panel of three to five names recommended by the duly constituted Search cum Selection Committee.
Necessarily this system is not uniform in all the universities. As far as the procedures adopted by different states are concerned, they vary.
Where there is a conflict between the State University Act and the UGC Regulations, 2018 to the extent State legislation is repugnant, the UGC Regulations, 2018 shall prevail. Ex Kerala said VC is to be appointed b y CM not by Governor as per The University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Important Court cases :
In Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi vs The State Of Gujarat, from Sardar Patel University, Gujarat, the Supreme Court quashed the appointment of the incumbent Vice Chancellor on the ground that the search committee did not form a panel for the appointment of VC.Therefore, it was not in accordance with the UGC Regulations of 2018.
In Professor (Dr) Sreejith P.S vs Dr. Rajasree M.S.,the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University.
Thiruvananthapuram, was challenged on the ground that the search committee recommended only one name.This is also against the UGC Regulations.
https://youtu.be/dRxWcm3y124?si=oCh3ciiD5MCXGbLt
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#Social justice
Tribal Welfare
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha
Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) scheme for the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Constitutional provisions for tribal welfare:
⇒ Article 15(4): Reservation in the educational institution has been provided.
⇒ Articles 16(4, 4A and 4B): Reservation in posts and services has been provided in of the Constitution.
⇒ Article 164: Appoint a special minister for tribal welfare in the states of MP, Bihar, and Orrisa.
⇒ Article 275: Allows special grant in aids to states for tribal welfare
⇒ Article 243D: Reservation of seats in Panchayats.
⇒ Article 244 : Fifth and Sixth Schedule to the Constitution.
⇒ Article 330: Reservation of seats in the House of the People.
⇒ Article 332: Reservation of seats in Legislative Assemblies of the States.
⇒ Article 334 : Reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and the State Vidhan Sabhas.
⇒ Article 338A: Special officer post for protection of interests of STs.
Problems faced by tribes in India
1. Land alienation due to rapid urbanisation. E.g: Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat
2. Lack of access to quality education and healthcare.
3. Vulnerable to exploitation due to low skill and bonded labour due to indebtedness.
4. Lack a strong voice in policy making. E.g: Tribal communities of the Northeast region of India .
5. Loss of traditional customs, languages, and arts due to modernization. E.g: Great Andamanese tribes rituals are on the verge of extinction.
Government initiative for tribal welfare:
⇒ Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN): To provide a number of facilities to PVTGs.
⇒ Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Vikas Yojana: To promote entrepreneurship/start-up projects by ST youth.
⇒ The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): To provide basic infrastructure in villages with a significant tribal population.
⇒ Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: To secure the culture and welfare of India’s tribal communities.
⇒ The National Education Policy (NEP): Ensuring that the medium of instruction until at least Class 5, will be the mother tongue or local language of the child.
⇒ Support to Tribal Research Institute (TRI) scheme: To carry out research, documentation, training and capacity-building for tribal development.
⇒ Indian government plans to develop a human development index (HDI): For PVTGs to measure the impact of economic activities and initiatives on their development.
⇒ The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): For the rapid Socio-economic development of tribal people. It forms a part of annual Plan of a State/UT.
Way forward:
⇒ Establishment of tribal administrative service (Mungekar committee)
⇒ Promote the participation of tribal women in decision-making processes at all levels (Xaxa Committee).
⇒ To enhance healthcare infrastructure for addressing prevalent diseases among tribal communities, such as sickle cell anaemia.
⇒ Formation of self-help groups, seed- banks to fulfil short term credit to prevent mortgages
Analysis
Electoral bond was introduced by finance act 2017. The finance act was brought in 2017 at the end of budget process is after appropriation bill. That act has brought amendment in RPA1951 and introduced electoral bond. Now this finance bill of 2017 was actually a financiall bill but passed as money bill,(which is challenged before the court). Samajhna ye hai ki:- The finance bill is a money bill only when it has provision of article 110 but a financiall bill when it has other matter alongwith article 110. So in this case finance bill of 2017 should be passed as Financial bill but govt has passed it as a money bill ( Badmasi hai ye). But this should not impact our understanding.
Another problem discussed below. Actually SC has upheld the electoral bond earlier but now again it was challenged before the court who will see the matter on 31 oct.
Let's see what has happened earlier
Firstly, We will understand What has been the SC verdict on such petition by Association of Democratic Reforms?
Ans:- The court declined to put a hold on electoral bond.
The points in the Bold highlighted by answer of the SC on the question of petitioner in the court
1.Scheme is intended to ensure that everything happens through banking channels:- While the identity of the purchaser of the bond is withheld, it is ensured that unidentified/ unidentifiable persons cannot purchase the bonds and give it to the political parties. Under clause 7 of the Scheme, buyers have to apply in the prescribed form, either physically or online disclosing the particulars specified therein. Though the information furnished by the buyer shall be treated confidential by the authorised bank and shall not be disclosed to any authority for any purposes, it is subject to one exception namely when demanded by a competent court or upon registration of criminal case by any law enforcement agency.
2.Bonds are not tradable:- The petitioner said though the first purchase may be through banking channels who paid in white money, someone may repurchase the bonds from the first buyer by using black money and hand it over to a political party. SC said "This contention arises out of ignorance of the Scheme. Under Clause 14 of the Scheme, the bonds are not tradable. Moreover, the first buyer will not stand to gain anything out of such sale except losing white money for the black."
3.Apprehension that foreign corporate houses may buy the bonds and attempt to influence the electoral process in the country, is misconceived:- It is because as per Clause 3 of the Scheme, the Bonds may be purchased only by a person, who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.
Why the SC Verdict is being criticised?
Ans:-
1.It is very difficult to know the magnitude of donation by the registered entities. It is because registered entities don’t disclose political donations in their financial statement.
2.Firms unlike companies have no regulatory mandate to submit annual reports except annual income tax.
3.The Finance bill of 2017 has deleted the mandatory requirement of declaring donations to political parties.
4.Recipient wise information is not available even in RTI.
Conclusion:- The idea of free and fair election can be achieved only by reform in political funding. In this particular case of electoral bonds, SC has made a remark that what is required is a little more effort to bring out information from both sides (purchaser of bond and political party), else every information is available because:-
•Financial statements can be obtained in physical form from the Registrar of Companies upon payment of prescribed fee.
•Since the Scheme mandates political parties to file audited statement of accounts and also since the Companies Act requires financial statements of registered companies to be filed with the Registrar of Companies, the purchase as well as encashment of the bonds, happening only through banking channels, is always reflected in documents that eventually come to the public domain.
Internationalization of education
Context: South Asian University (SAU), India’s “first international university” is facing a significant depletion in its financial reserves.
About Internationalization of education
⇒ It is the process of integrating an international/intercultural dimension into the teaching, research and service elements of an institution.
Need for Internationalisation of Higher education in India:
1. It may act as the catalyst to spur many Indian universities to improve their global rankings.
2. For sharing of best academic and research practices
3. To spur innovation
4. To foster international competencies in our faculty and students.
6. Framing intercultural and international curriculum
Government’s initiatives to promote internationalization of higher education in India:
1. National Education Policy: To achieve it by making the Indian education system self-reliant and compliant to global standards & norms. Further, it reinforces the need to attract a greater number of international students and achieve the goal of “internationalisation at home.
2. Establishment of the National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER): To facilitate and coordinate the internationalization of higher education in India.
3. Study in India programme: To attract more foreign students to Indian universities
4. Global Initiative for Academic Networks programme: To bring together international and Indian scholars/experts for research in Indian universities.
5. Institutes of Eminence: To identify and support higher education institutions with the potential to become world-class educational and research institutions.
Challenges of internationalization of higher education
⇒ Individual challenges of higher education: Lack of competency, absence of incentives, lack of skill in line with global standards and limited access to necessary technology.
⇒ Institutional challenges: Lack of financial sources. scarcity of human resources, lack of coordination of university programs with community needs, suitability of higher education quality, and enough use of technology.
Way forward
⇒ Allocate six percent of GDP as kothari commission has recommended.
⇒ Grant greater autonomy to Indian universities in terms of recruitment and involve them in standard settings.
⇒ Promote India as a “global study destination providing premium education at affordable costs thereby helping to restore its role as Vishwa Guru”.
Context: In the wake of the incident (Silkyara Tunnel collapse), the Central Trade Unions have urged the Union government to ratify the labour conventions.
Key findings of ILO Report : ‘A Call for Safer and Healthier Working Environments"
👉More than 63% of these deaths are reported from the Asia-Pacific region due to lack of safety net.
👉Threats to workers: Long working hours, exposure to particulate matter, gases, and fumes, and occupational injuries are major causes. Mining, construction, and utilities are the most hazardous sectors.
About Occupational Health & safety:
• It deals with all aspects of health and safety at the workplace with special emphasis on primary prevention of hazards.
• The health of the workers has several determinants, including risk factors at the workplace leading to cancers, accidents, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory diseases, hearing loss, circulatory diseases, stress related disorders, communicable diseases and others.
• Employment and working conditions embrace important determinants such as working hours, salaries, workplace policies concerning maternity leave, health promotion benefits and protection provisions, amongst others.
Importance of occupational health & safety measures:
1. Positive impact on productivity and economic and social development.
2. To ensure sustainable and fair economic growth.
3. Recognising that occupational health is closely linked to public health and health systems development.
4. To identify and mitigate workplace hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Provisions for Ensuring Occupational Safety in India:
1. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: To ensure that the workplace is free from hazards which cause injury or occupational disease to the employees and provide free annual health examinations or tests, free of cost to certain classes of employees.
2. The National Social Security Fund: Set up for unorganised sector workers, with an initial allocation of just ₹1,000 crore to support schemes for weavers, rickshaw pullers and bidi workers etc.
3. The Directorate General of Factory Advisory Services & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI): It serves as a technical arm of the ministry and assists in formulating national policies on occupational safety and health in factories and docks. It also advises factories on problems concerning safety, health, efficiency and well-being of every employee.
4. ILO conventions: India has ratified ILO conventions, the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 to promote and improve labour inspection in various countries and Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 focuses on the standardization and improvement of labour statistics to facilitate international comparisons and promote informed decision-making in the field of labour.
5. World Day for Safety and Health at Work (ILO): For promoting safe, healthy, and decent working environments and raising awareness about occupational safety and health (OSH) issues worldwide. It observed annually on April 28th.
6. Constitutional provision: Article 39(e and f) states that the health of men, women and children should be protected, and children should be given opportunity and facility for healthy development and should be protected against exploitation.
o Article 42: States that humane conditions at work and maternity relief should be provided.
Context: Looking into the increasing case load, Chief Justice of India has suggested for the creation of Constitutional Benches of varying strengths as a permanent feature of Supreme Court.
What is Constitutional Bench?
Article 145(3), which deals with the rules of the court, provides for the setting up of a Constitution Bench. Article 145(3) says a minimum of five judges need to sit for deciding a case involving a “substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution.
Other scenarios in which a Constitution Bench can be constituted are:
1. If two or three-judge Benches of the Supreme Court have delivered conflicting judgments on the same point of law
2. If a later three-judge Bench of the SC doubts the correctness of a judgment delivered by a former Bench with as much strength and decides to refer the matter to a larger bench for reconsideration of the previous judgment.
The Constitution benches are set up on ad hoc basis as and when the above-mentioned conditions exist.
Constitution Benches have decided some of India’s most significant cases over the years:
1. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India(1977)
2. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (retd) v. Union of India
3. Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar (1960)
4. Berubari Union and Exchange of Enclaves (1960)
Reason for creation of permanent Constitutional benches:
1. About 79,000 cases pending, this will lead to better segregation of Constitutional and substantive matters by the Court.
2. To ensure greater judicial stability and consistency by explicitly distinguishing cases filed under constitutional issues from those filed under appellate and review jurisdiction.
3. It can expedite the resolution of these cases, preventing delays and ensuring timely justice.
Recommendations
1. Law Commissions and their recommendations: 229th Law Commission Report (2009) : Recommended establishing regional benches to hear non-constitutional issues. The proposal aimed to decentralize workload and allow the Supreme Court to focus on constitutional matters.
2. Bihar Legal Support Society v. Chief Justice of India (1986) suggested establishing a National Court of Appeal that would be able to entertain special leave petitions
1. Promote and work towards achieving UHC to ensure that all individuals have access to essential TB services.
2. India should invest more in TB screening using digital chest X-rays and molecular testing.
3. The development of a vaccine for adult TB is essential. The current TB vaccine, BCG, has been effective for children largely.
4. The universal implementation of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-assisted handheld radiology with a 90-second reporting time and over 95% accuracy for diagnosis, is imperative.
Depending on the scores of the 28 states on the MDI, they will be split into 3 categories:
👉Least developed
👉Less developed
👉Relatively developed
b) Each state should get a basic fixed allocation and an additional allocation depending on its development needs and development performance.
2. Instead of a blanket special category status, allocate targeted funds for critical social sectors.
3. Design specialized programs to address the needs of vulnerable groups with a focus on preserving their cultural identity.
#Polity GS Paper 2
Context: Centre state relation
read below
Context:- The Government has constituted a consultative process for the creation of All India Judicial service.
So, It is now important to understand the feasibility and challenges for AIJS. And the most important is AIJS is not for the appointment of judges for SC and HC Judges.
Constitutional Provision:-
1. Article 233 (1) provides for the appointments of persons to be, and the posting and promotion of, district judges in any State shall be made by the Governor of the State in consultation with the High Court exercising jurisdiction in relation to such State.
2. Article 312 (1) Says that Parliament can make the laws for the creation of AIJS.
3. But the appointment should not be made for the post inferior to District Judge as per Article 312 (3)
Proposal for the AIJS :-
•Law Commission submitted in its 116th report titled “Formation of All-India Judicial Service” to the Union Law Minister.
•Supreme Court in Writ Petition (Civil) 1989, All India Judges Association v. The Union of India, directed the Union Government to take immediate measures for setting up the All-India Judicial Service.
•Chief Justice of India endorsed the All-India Judicial Service in his inaugural address in a conference titled “National Consultation for Strengthening the Judiciary towards Reducing Pendency and Delays” in Delhi.
What are the advantages of AIJS?
Ans:-
1. Efficiency and efficacy of judiciary would be increased.
2. Transparent and efficient method of recruitment would be followed.
3. The pendency of the cases will be checked.
4. Corruption, nepotism etc would be strongly dealt with.
5. Best legal talent across the country would be selected on the basis of merit.
6. Public faith in the judiciary would be restored.
Arguments against All-India Judicial Services
1.There will be an issue of local laws differences.
2.Local languages and dialects would be a problem.
3.Against the idea of Federalism as Article 233 and 312 will come in direct conflict and Article 312 empowers Parliament to enact the law for the purpose.
4.Except for a few national law schools, others do not prioritize the legal education too much. Law is taken as the last report who do not get into medicine, IITs etc.
5.Unremunerative pay is a big issue. Despite an effort by the Supreme Court to ensure uniformity in pay scales across States in the All India Judges’ Association case, it is still very low.
6.The promotional avenue for the subordinate judiciary would be curtailed as 50%of the post of district judge is filled by promotion from subordinate judicial service.
Way Forward:-
1. Despite the limitations, the establishment of AIJS makes a strong case because, if civil servants can learn the local language of the state they are posted in, even a judicial service officer can. Thus, the language shouldn’t be a barrier.
2. Pay scale, issue of transfers, career growth etc should be looked after.
3. Moreover, after the selection, a Judicial service officer can be provided sufficient training to handle the job. A meritocratic judiciary is the need of the hour which is possible with a competitive recruitment process.
Conclusion:- It is in the interest of all concerned that cases should be disposed of as quickly as possible, and AIJS is the key to check delayed justice which is equivalent to denied justice.