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Distribution: yearly

  • The impact of 50 years of vaccination on children worldwide 

    Why in the News?

    On the occasion of World Immunisation Week observed from 24th to 30th April, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics has launched a campaign to focus on routine immunization as the ‘Birth Right’ of a Child.

    About Measles Vaccination

    • This vaccine protects against 3 diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
    • Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 -15 months of age, and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.

    Indian Government Initiatives:

    • World Immunization Week: The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) launched a campaign during World Immunisation Week (April 24-30) focusing on routine immunization as a fundamental right of every child. IAP urged the government to expedite the introduction of the HPV vaccine and typhoid conjugate vaccine to address significant public health burdens.
    • Vaccination made within the country:
      • DTP Vaccine: 93% of surviving infants received the third dose of the DTP vaccine.
      • Measles Vaccine: 90% of infants received the second dose of the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine has been the most significant in reducing infant mortality, accounting for 60% of lives saved through immunisation since 1974.
      • Present issues include inequitable distribution of vaccines, inability to reach 90% coverage, human resource gaps, and financing problems. In 2022, 33 million children missed a measles vaccine dose, with 22 million missing the first dose and 11 million missing the second dose.

    Impacts of Immunisation Globally:

    • Lives Saved: Immunisation efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, equating to six lives every minute of every year.
    • Infant Mortality Reduction: 101 million of the lives saved were infants. Vaccination against 14 diseases has reduced infant deaths by 40% globally and by over 50% in Africa.
    • Diseases Targeted: Vaccines have contributed to reducing deaths from diseases like Diphtheria, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles, Meningitis A, Pertussis, invasive Pneumococcal disease, Polio, Rotavirus, Rubella, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, and Yellow fever.

    Conclusion: Immunisation saves lives, reduces infant mortality, and prevents outbreaks by protecting against infectious diseases, ensuring healthier communities, and securing a better future for children worldwide.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • Adopting a transformative vision for mediation

    Why in the news? 

    The Mediation Act, of 2023, formalizes diverse mediation forms, promotes amicable settlements and also addresses the judicial backlog. However, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized recently that we need a “mediate, not litigate” directive.

    What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

    • ADR refers to the methods of resolving a dispute, which are alternatives for litigation in Courts. Generally, it uses a neutral third party who helps the parties to communicate, discuss the differences, and resolve the dispute (civil disputes).
    • The Malimath Committee Report (1989-90) underlined the need for ADR mechanisms as a viable alternative to conventional court litigation.

    Important Provisions Related To ADR:

    • Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908: Provides that opportunity to the people, if it appears to court there exist elements of settlement outside the court then the court formulates the terms of the possible settlement and refer the same for ADRs.
    • Legal provisions dealing with the ADR mechanism in India are the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 (established Lok Adalat System) and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

     

    Significance of ADR: 

    • Speedy Justice: It is a well-known fact that the present Judicial System is extremely expensive and delaying. ADR methods typically resolve disputes faster than traditional court processes, which is crucial in reducing judicial backlog and providing timely justice.
    • Cost-Effectiveness: ADR is generally less expensive than litigation, as it avoids the high costs associated with court fees, prolonged legal procedures, and extensive discovery processes.
    • Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, ADR processes are usually private, protecting the confidentiality of the parties and the details of the dispute.
    • Preservation of Relationships: ADR methods, particularly mediation and conciliation, emphasize collaborative problem-solving and communication, helping to preserve or even improve relationships between parties.

    Key provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023:

    • It defines ‘Mediation’ and also expands the scope of mediation to statutorily recognize pre-litigation mediation, online mediation, community mediation and conciliation under the definition.
    • Section 5 provides that the disputing parties, before filing any civil or commercial suit in any court, may “voluntarily and with mutual consent” take steps to settle the disputes by pre-litigation mediation.
    • It is in line with the international practice of using the terms ‘mediation’ and ‘conciliation’ as declared by the UNCITRAL and as done previously by the Supreme Court of India in many of its judgments (Perry Kansagra vs. Smriti Madan Kansagra, 2019 and Amardeep Singh vs. Harveen Kaur, 2017).

    Need to address flaws wrt Mediation Act, 2023:

    • Experience Requirement for Mediators: Aspiring mediators must have 15 years of professional experience before qualifying to practice. This requirement might be too stringent and could limit the pool of potential mediators, hindering the growth of mediation as a viable dispute-resolution method.
    • Disconnect in Legal Education: The current legal education and practice emphasize advocacy, which contrasts sharply with the neutrality required in mediation. This creates a disconnect as legal professionals need to unlearn and relearn skills when transitioning between roles, making the process inefficient.

    How can we foster the next generation of Mediators?

    • Integrated Approach: To bridge the gap between advocacy and mediation, there should be continuous, integrated learning. Legal professionals should be trained to switch roles seamlessly, maintaining and enhancing their skills in both areas throughout their careers.
    • Innovative Training Methods: Co-mediation pairs novice mediators with experienced counterparts, allowing them to gain practical experience in real mediation sessions.
    • Structured Mediation Training: Embedding mediation training within the law school curriculum can ignite early interest and equip students with essential dispute-resolution skills.
    • Amendments: Revising the experience requirement to allow younger professionals to become mediators sooner could expand the pool of qualified mediators and accelerate the adoption of mediation practices.

    Conclusion: According to CJI an “active effort must be taken by courts to make negotiations and mediation mandatory as part of case management and with adequate cooperation from all stakeholders, ADR can emerge as a tool of social justice in the country.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, of 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • An Overview of the Smart Cities Mission | Explained

    Why in the news? 

    The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a key initiative of the previous NDA-1 government, has received less emphasis in this year’s lineup of electoral pledges and accomplishments.

    How are smart cities defined by the government? 

    • Since 2009, following the significant financial crash, the term ‘Smart City’ has gained widespread usage.
    • Urban practitioners have defined smart cities as innovative urban hubs akin to new Silicon Valleys, characterized by robust integration of transportation networks, including airports, highways, and various communication infrastructures, thereby fostering intellectual environments enhanced by advanced information and communication technologies (ICT).
    • The Smart Cities Mission is a key urban renewal and retrofitting program launched by the Government of India in 2015 to develop 100 cities across the country, making them citizen-friendly and sustainable.

    The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) comprises two primary components:

    1. Area-Based Development:

    This aspect focuses on three components:

    • Redevelopment (city renewal): Revitalizing existing urban areas to improve infrastructure, amenities, and quality of life.
    • Retrofitting (city improvement): Upgrading infrastructure and services in already developed areas to meet contemporary urban needs and standards.
    • Greenfield projects (city extension): Developing new urban areas or expanding existing cities with sustainable and modern infrastructure.
    1. Pan-City Solutions based on ICT:

    This facet involves implementing integrated solutions across various sectors using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These solutions typically fall under six categories:

    • E-governance: Utilizing digital platforms for efficient and transparent governance processes.
    • Waste management: Implementing systems for effective waste collection, segregation, and disposal.
    • Water management: Enhancing water supply infrastructure and promoting conservation measures.
    • Energy management: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and promoting renewable energy sources.
    • Urban mobility: Improving transportation systems to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion.
    • Skill development: Promoting programs to enhance the skills and employability of the urban workforce.

    Why is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) considered exclusionary to many?

    • Limited Geographical Scope: Only a small portion of a city’s area, often not more than 1%, was selected for development under the SCM. For example, in Chandigarh, the funds were concentrated in sector 43, focusing on projects like smart water meters and Wi-Fi zones, leaving other areas untouched.
    • Mismatch with Urban Realities: The competitive selection process did not account for the diverse and dynamic nature of urbanization in India. The approach was more suitable for static urban environments found in the West, not the evolving urban landscapes of Indian cities.
    • Displacement and Disruption: Implementation of smart city projects often led to the displacement of people living in poorer localities and street vendors.
    • Inadequate Funding: The total funding allocated for the SCM was significantly less than the estimated requirement for making Indian cities livable. Reports suggested a capital expenditure need of $1.2 trillion by 2030, while the SCM’s allocation was less than $20 billion over nine years.

    Did the SCM override the 74th Constitutional Amendment?

    • Reduced Role of Elected Councils: The governance structure under the SCM limited the role of elected municipal councils.This was seen as bypassing the decentralized, participatory governance model envisaged by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which aimed to empower local urban bodies.
    • Top-Down Approach: Critics argued that the SCM’s design was too top-down, not aligning with the bottom-up approach promoted by the 74th Constitutional Amendment.

    Way forward:

    • Contextual Planning: Develop flexible and adaptive plans that consider the unique and dynamic nature of Indian urbanization, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
    • Community Involvement: Engage local communities in the planning process to ensure that projects reflect the needs and realities of different urban areas.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Preserving Rajasthan’s Semal Trees 

    Why in the News?

    Despite its ecological importance, rampant harvesting of Semal Trees for bonfires poses a grave threat to their existence, undermining biodiversity and cultural heritage alike.

    About Semal/ Silk Cotton Trees

    • The Semal tree, scientifically known as Bombax ceiba, is a deciduous tropical tree.
    • It is native to India, South-East Asia, and Northern Australia.
    • It can grow up to 60 meters tall. It has a distinctive straight trunk, often with spiky thorns, and a wide, spreading canopy.
    • It produces vivid red flowers that are large and attractive, making it quite conspicuous when in bloom.
    • The fruit of the Semal tree is a capsule that contains several seeds surrounded by a fibrous, cotton-like substance which is wind-dispersed.

    Commercial Uses

    • The fibers extracted from the fruit, known as kapok, are used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their buoyancy and insulating properties.
    • The wood is soft and is often used for making paper, while in rural areas, it is used as fuelwood and for making cheap furniture.

    Ecological Significance

    • Members of tribal communities consume the tree’s reddish root for food during the monsoons.
    • Larvae of the moth Bucculatrix crateracma feed on its leaves.
    • The golden-crowned sparrow weaves the lining of its nests with white cotton from its seeds.

    Felling of a Semal Tree: Which laws are violated?

    1. Rajasthan Forest Act 1953: This act prohibits various activities in reserved forests without prior permission. Specifically, it bars any unauthorized person from felling, uprooting, damaging, or otherwise harming trees. Violating these prohibitions can lead to penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. Semal tree is not recorded in the state’s list of ‘rare, threatened, and endangered’ species. (Trees on this list enjoy priority conservation efforts.) (Indian Kanoon)​
    2. Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: This act is more comprehensive at the national level and was enacted to provide for the conservation of forests and to regulate deforestation. It requires that any non-forest use of forest land must have prior approval from the Central Government. This includes clearances for felling trees, which are only granted under specific conditions that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.​ (UNEPLawEnvAssistantPlat)​

    PYQ:

    [2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

    (b) Tropical rainforest

    (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest

    (d) Temperate forest with grasslands

  • India, Iran sign 10-year contract for Chabahar Port Operation

    Why in the news?

    • India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement for the operation of the Chabahar port, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.

    Back2Basics: Chabahar Port

    • The port is located in southeastern Iran in the Sistan-Baluchistan province, on the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
    • It is called the “Golden Gate” to Central Asian land-locked countries of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
    • It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
    • It is only about 170 km west of the Gwadar port if Pakistan.
      • The development of Chabahar port was initiated by India with a MoU in 2015 and executed in 2016 during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran.

    About the Agreement

    The contract, signed between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, involves substantial investment and development initiatives.

    • IPGL will invest approximately $120 million in equipping the Shahid-Behesti terminal, enhancing the port’s efficiency and capacity.
    • India has extended a credit window of $250 million for mutually identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure, emphasizing its commitment to regional development.

    Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port to India

    • Chabahar port will boost India’s access to Iran, the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.
    • Chabahar port will be beneficial to India in countering Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea which China is trying to ensure by helping Pakistan develop the Gwadar port.
    • India can bypass Pakistan in transporting goods to Afghanistan.

    Economic Significance

    • Chabahar Port is at an important point on the Arabian Sea, with easy access from India’s west coast.
    • Kandla port in Gujarat is the closest port at 550 nautical miles, while the distance between Chabahar and Mumbai is 786 nautical miles.
    • Since 2019, the port has handled more than 80,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container traffic and more than 8 million tonnes of bulk and general cargo.
    • The port also offers an alternative route from the Strait of Hormuz for cargo traffic between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?

    (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.

    (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.

    (c) India will not depend on Pakistan to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.

    (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the gas pipeline installation between Iraq and India.

  • [pib] Exercise Shakti

    Why in the news?

    The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI begins at Umroi, Meghalaya, signalling the start of a biennial training event aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation.

    About Exercise Shakti

    • Shakti Exercise is a joint military exercise between the armies of India and France.
    • It is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France
    • It started in 2011, and since then, the armies of both countries have undertaken it to promote defence cooperation and interoperability.
    • Objectives:
    1. To bolster joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
    2. To operate in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, focusing on achieving a high degree of physical fitness and refining tactical drills.

    Major Defence Exercise between India and France:

    • Garuda: It is the joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
    • Varuna: It is the joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
    • Desert Knight-21: It was a bilateral air exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur from January 20-24, 2021. It was unique as it involved the fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides.
    • FRINJEX: It was the maiden joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army conducted at Pangode Military Station, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on March 7-8, 2023.

     

    Tap to read more about:

    Various Defence Exercises in News

  • [pib] Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana enter ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’

    Why in the news?

    The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahrdayaloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’.

    About UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World (MOW) Asia-Pacific regional register’

    Details
    History and Establishment Initiated in 1992 by UNESCO.

    Asia-Pacific Regional Committee (MOWCAP) was set up in 1998.
    Parent Organization Overseen by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
    Objective To safeguard, preserve, facilitate access to, and increase awareness of documentary heritage. Focuses specifically on the Asia-Pacific region.
    Examples of Inscribed Items Includes items like Japan’s “Sugihara’s Visas for Life”, Australia’s “Mabo Case Manuscripts”, and Vietnam’s “Ba Chuc Massacre Archives”.
    Impact and Outreach Supports preservation, digitization, accessibility of documents; provides grants and organizes workshops, meetings, and exhibitions to promote knowledge sharing. 
    Reference

    About the Texts

    • Ramcharitmanas:

    • Written by Tulsidas in the 16th century, the Ramcharitmanas is an epic poem in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, and is a retelling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana.
    • It narrates the life of Lord Rama, his virtues, the ideals of Dharma, and his reign during Ram Rajya.
    • Hanuman Chalisa is a combination of 40 verses from the same epic.

    • Panchatantra:

    • The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian animal fables that dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE. 
    • Originally written in Sanskrit by Vishnu Sharma.
    • Its stories are crafted as simple yet vibrant narratives that aim to impart practical life lessons through the interactions of anthropomorphized animals.

    • Sahrdayaloka-Locana

    • The Sahrdayaloka-Locana is a Sanskrit treatise on poetics written by Jagannatha Paṇḍitaraja in the 17th century.
    • It is considered one of the most important works of Sanskrit literary criticism.
    • The text discusses the concept of “Sahrdaya“, which refers to a sensitive or discerning reader or critic.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorising of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who among the following?

    (a) Shramana

    (b) Parivraajaka

    (c) Agrahaarika

    (d) Maagadha

  • Number of children has more to do with development than religion

    Why in the News? 

    Once again, the Muslim population has become a point of discussion. Last month, PM Narendra Modi referred Muslims in India, suggesting they have a higher birth rate.

    Trends of Muslim Population as per Data Point (NFHS-5 2019-21) published on April 23:

    • Population Trends: The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister noted a Muslims in the total population increased by 43.15% between 1950 and 2015, the share of Hindus decreased by 7.82% between 1950 and 2015.
    • The fertility rate of Muslims was 2.36 in 2019-21, much closer to the replacement level. The fertility rate is the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. A rate of 2.1 (the ‘replacement level’) means that the population is stable.

    Factors behind the High Population Growth of Muslims:

    • Socio-economic Factors: Socio-economic factors, rather than religion, significantly influence fertility rates. Educating girls, delaying marriage, promoting family planning awareness, and ensuring access to family planning measures are crucial in reducing fertility levels.
    • Regional Variations: Fertility rates among Muslim women vary regionally, influenced by the social and economic development of states.
    • Early Marriage and Literacy: There’s a positive correlation between higher fertility rates and early marriage among women aged 20-24. Conversely, a negative correlation exists between literacy rates among women and fertility rates.
    • Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness about family planning remains a concern, with a significant portion of women reporting never hearing or seeing family planning messages.
    • Unmet Demand for Family Planning: Many women, particularly Muslims in certain states, have an unmet demand for family planning due to various factors, including lack of access to contraceptive measures.
    • Government Intervention: Increasing awareness about contraceptives, improving access to family planning measures, educating girls, and preventing child marriages are essential government functions to reduce fertility rates across religious groups.

    Need for Coercive Measures: 

    • Comprehensive Education and Awareness Programs: Implement educational campaigns that promote family planning, gender equality, and reproductive health awareness, targeting both men and women in communities across the country.
    • Access to Family Planning Services: Ensure easy access to a wide range of family planning methods and contraceptives, including in remote and underserved areas, through government health facilities and community outreach programs.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Supreme Court cautions on ‘history sheets’: All you need to know about the practice

    Why in the News?

    On May 7, a Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan warned against the presence of “unfair, prejudicial, and atrocious mindsets” that perpetuate and validate caste prejudices.

    • It also directed all states and union territories to ensure that the ‘history sheets‘ maintained by their police forces are free from ‘caste biases’.
    • The Bench was adjudicating a petition filed by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, contesting a history sheet initiated against him and a proposal to designate him as a ‘bad character’ by registering his name in the surveillance register at Delhi’s Jamia Nagar police station.

    Did you know about the ‘History sheets’?

    • The term “history sheet” first appeared in the Punjab Police Rules of 1934. 
    • These rules authorized the opening of a history sheet against individuals reasonably believed to be habitually addicted to crime or aiding and abetting criminal activities, regardless of whether they have been convicted.

    How was the process of ‘history sheeting’ initiated?

    • The process of opening a history sheet is governed by police rules specific to each state, such as it is applicable in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
    • The initiation typically begins when the Station House Officer (SHO), who is the head of the police station, takes notice of an individual proven guilty in multiple cases or found to be consistently engaged in criminal activities.
    • Details included in the history sheet (Acc. Punjab Police Rules, 1934):
      • A history sheet must contain a detailed description of the individual, paying special attention to any peculiarities of appearance that can aid in identification.
      • It mentions the relations and connections of the individual. This provides clues regarding persons with whom the criminal is likely to associate.
      • It holds the details about any property owned by the criminal, as well as their mode of earning a livelihood, should be included.

    About Amanatullah Khan’s plea in the Supreme Court:

    • On May 13, 2022, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Jamia Nagar had submitted a dossier to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) proposing to open a history sheet and label him as a “Bad Character” in police records.
    • The proposal was accompanied by a list of 18 pending cases against Khan, including offenses such as intimidation, threatening, and riots. Khan claimed that he had been discharged, acquitted, or had the FIRs quashed in 14 of these cases.
    • Legal Battles: 
      • In January 2023, the Delhi HC dismissed Khan’s plea against the opening of the history sheet and the “Bad Character” tag, stating that the Delhi Police had followed due procedure and complied with the Punjab Police Rules, 1934.
      • Khan’s appeal to the SC was rejected, but the SC directed the police to ensure that details of his minor children and wife were not reflected in the history sheet.
      • Khan’s plea focused on protecting the dignity, self-respect, and privacy of his innocent family members, including minor relatives, from being compromised by inclusion in the history sheet.
    • Revisiting Police Procedures: The Delhi Police submitted that they would revisit the format for history sheets to ensure that the details of innocent family members are not compromised.
      • A Standing Order issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner on March 21, 2024, stated that details of minor relatives should not be included in the history sheet.

    BACK2BASICS

    Constitutional and Legal Provisions for accused person in India:

    • Article 20: This right protects against arbitrary and excessive punishment of an accused person, whether a citizen, a foreigner, or a legal person like a company or a corporation, etc.
    • Article 21: This right declares that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law. This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens.
    • Section 50(1) of the CrPC: As per this section, every arrested person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect during detention.
      • This section ensures that individuals, including the accused, are not subjected to any form of physical or mental abuse while in custody, upholding the basic human rights of the accused.

    Way Forward:

    • Review and Revise Police Procedures: States and Union Territories should conduct a comprehensive review of their police procedures related to maintaining history sheets to ensure they are free from caste biases.
    • Training and Sensitization: Police personnel should undergo regular training and sensitization programs to raise awareness about caste biases and the importance of impartiality in law enforcement.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

  • Explained: Behind the 20-year delay in Nagaland’s Urban Local Body Elections

    Why in the News?

    For the first time (since 2004), Nagaland is scheduled to conduct Urban Local Body elections.

    Context: 

    • The state cabinet approved on April 26 for conducting Urban Local Body polls for Nagaland’s 3 Municipal Councils and 36 Town Councils.
    • Further, the State Election Commission (SEC) released the election schedule, with voting slated for June 26.

    BACK2BASICS: Constitutional Provisions for Urban Local Body Elections:

      • The 74th Constitutional Amendment bars the interference by courts in the electoral matters of municipalities.
        • Article 243U mandates a five-year tenure for urban local governments.
      • The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the panchayats and municipalities shall be vested in the State Election Commission (SEC).
    • Article 371 (A)- It makes the special provisions for Nagaland in such a way that the Acts of Parliament would not apply to Nagaland unless the State Legislature Assembly so decides especially in terms of the Religious or social practices of the Naga.

    What does the Janaagraha Survey say about the status of Municipal Elections in India?

    • According to the annual survey made by Janaagraha (a non-profit institution), over 1,400 municipalities in India did not have elected councils in place as of September 2021.
    • According to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG), between 2015 and 2021, over 1,500 municipalities didn’t have elected councils. Major cities like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru faced delays ranging from months to years in holding elections.

    The story behind the contention surrounding the Urban Local Body polls in Nagaland:

    • The Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 was amended in 2006 to introduce a 33% reservation for women in local bodies, by constitutional amendments.
      • However, this amendment became a subject of controversy due to opposition from tribal bodies, citing conflicts with Naga customary laws.
      • These laws under Article 371(A) of the Constitution violated Naga customary practices where women have traditionally not been part of decision-making bodies.
    • In 2009, the state government deferred municipal elections scheduled for the following year due to the controversy surrounding the Act.
    • Despite opposition, advocacy groups such as the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) fought for the implementation of women’s reservations.
    • In 2011, the NMA petitioned the Gauhati High Court, which directed the Nagaland government to hold local body elections.
    • In 2012, the state assembly passed a resolution rejecting women’s reservations in the polls, leading to further legal battles. The NMA filed a special leave petition in the SC, which in 2017 directed the government to hold the polls.
    • When the government moved to conduct the elections as per the Supreme Court directive, violent protests erupted, resulting in casualties. Under mounting pressure, then Chief Minister T R Zeliang resigned from his position.
    • In November, during a special emergency session, the assembly passed the Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023.
      • This new legislation retains the 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies, aligning with constitutional amendments, but removes provisions such as reservation for the post of chairperson and taxes on immovable property.

    Conclusion: Nagaland needs to foster community engagement and participation in the electoral process by promoting inclusive governance structures that involve diverse community members, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.

     

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.(UPSC IAS/2013)