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  • India to procure MQ-9 Predator Drones

     

    predator

    Central Idea

    • The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of armed Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the cost of over $3 billion.
    • The UAVs will be procured from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a United States-based aeronautics company.

    Predator Drones: An Overview

    predator

    • The Predator UAV, manufactured by GA-ASI, is known as the MQ-9.
    • It has an endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS, and can operate up to 50,000 feet.
    • It has a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds (1,746 kilograms) and can carry external stores of up to 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms).

    Benefits and Capabilities of the MQ-9 UAV

    • The MQ-9 UAV has a higher payload capacity and horsepower compared to its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator.
    • It provides long endurance, persistent surveillance, and strike capability for the warfighter.
    • The maritime variant of the MQ-9 UAV, known as Sea Guardian, has an endurance of over 30 hours.

    Enhancing Indian Armed Forces’ Capabilities

    • The procurement of MQ-9 UAVs will enhance the Indian Armed Forces’ Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
    • These high-altitude, long-endurance drones will be able to carry out intelligence collection, strike strategic targets in mountains and maritime domains, and support various military operations.
    • Indian Armed Forces are expected to receive a total of 31 MQ-9s, with 15 for the Navy and eight each for the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

    Previous Use of MQ-9 UAVs by India

    • In the aftermath of the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, the Indian Navy had leased two MQ-9 UAVs, and the lease has since been extended.
    • The leased UAVs have completed 10,000 flight hours and have significantly contributed to the Indian Navy’s operations.

    International Usage of MQ-9 UAVs

    • The MQ-9 UAV has been acquired by various countries, including the United States Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, NASA, Royal Air Force, Italian Air Force, French Air Force, and Spanish Air Force.

  • Places in news: Brahmani Natural Arch

    brahmani arch

    Central Idea

    • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) plans to declare the ‘Brahmani Natural Arch’ in Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division of Odisha as a Geo Heritage Site.
    • This natural arch is believed to date back to the Jurassic period and would be the largest natural arch in India with the Geo Heritage tag.

    Brahmani Natural Arch

    • The oval-shaped arch has a base length of 30 meters and a height of 12 meters.
    • The alcove of the arch has a maximum height of 7 meters and a width of 15 meters.
    • India currently has two other natural arches, located at Tirumala hills in Tirupati and Andaman and Nicobar, but both are smaller than the one in Sundargarh.

    Its formation

    • The natural arch is composed of ferruginous sandstone from the Upper Kamthi formation.
    • It dates back to the lower to middle Jurassic age, approximately 184 to 160 million years old.
    • Research on the geological significance of the site began in 2017 after its discovery during coal exploration in the district.

    Awareness and Preservation Efforts

    • The GSI state unit and Sundargarh forest division conducted an awareness drive in the district to promote the protection of the natural arch.
    • Steps are being taken to promote the proposed geo-heritage site as a cultural pride and potentially name it ‘Brahmani natural arch.’
    • The site could be promoted and preserved as an eco-tourism destination.

    Back2Basics:

    Geological Heritage Sites in India
    Andhra Pradesh Mangampeta Volcanogenic bedded Barytes (Cuddapah Dist.), Eparchaean Unconformity (Chittor Dist.), Natural Geological Arch in Tirumala Hills (Chittor Dist.), Erra Matti Dibbalu located between Vishakhapatnam and Bhimunipatnam.
    Maharashtra Lonar Lake (Buldana Dist.)
    Kerala Laterite near Angadipuram PWD rest house premises (Malapuram Dist.), Varkala Cliff Section (Thiruvanatapuram Dist.)
    Chattisgarh Lower Permian Marine bed at Manendragarh (Surguja Dist.)
    Tamil Nadu Fossil wood near Tiruvakkarai (South Arcot Dist.), National fossil wood park in Sattanur (Tiruchirapalli Dist.), Charnockite in St. Thomas Mount (Madras), Badlands of Karai Formation with Cretaceous fossils along Karai – Kulakkalnattam Section (Perambalur District)
    Karnataka Columnar Lava in St. Mary Island (Udupi Dist.), Pillow lavas near Mardihalli (Chitradurga Dist.), Peninsular Gneiss in Lalbagh (Bangalore), Pyroclastics & Pillow lavas in Kolar Gold fields (Kolar Dist.)
    Gujarat Sedimentary Structures – Eddy Markings in Kadan Dam (Panch Mahals Dist.)
    Himachal Pradesh Siwalik Fossil Park (Saketi, Sirmur dt.)
    Rajasthan Sendra Granite (Pali Dist.), Barr Conglomerate (Pali Dist.), Stromatolite Fossil Park near Jharmarkotra Rock Phosphate deposit (Udaipur Dist.), Gossan in Rajpura-Dariba Mineralised belt (Udaipur Dist.), Akal Fossil Wood Park (Jaisalmer Dist.)
    Odisha Pillow Lava in iron ore belt at Nomira (Keonjhar dist.)
    Jharkhand Plant Fossil bearing Inter-trappean beds of Rajmahal Formation around Mandro (Sahibganj dist.)
    Nagaland Nagahill Ophiolite Site near Pungro
    Sikkim Stromatolite bearing Dolomite/Limestone of Buxa Formation at Mamley, near Namchi (South district), Stromatolite bearing Dolomite / Limestone of Buxa Formation, Sikkim

     

     

    https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2023/jun/11/gsi-proposes-geo-heritage-tag-for-jurassic-age-natural-arch-in-odisha-2583901.html

  • HC Observations over Right to Change Name

    Central Idea

    • Allahabad High Court has allowed a man to change his name citing fundamental rights under Articles 19(1) (a), 21, and 14.
    • Delhi High Court permitted two brothers to reflect their father’s changed surname on their Board certificates, asserting the right to identity as an intrinsic part of the right to life under Article 21.
    Article Summary
    Article 19(1)(a) Freedom of speech and expression: Citizens have the right to express their opinions and ideas freely, with reasonable restrictions to safeguard national interests and public order.
    Article 21 Right to life and personal liberty: Individuals are protected from arbitrary deprivation of life or liberty and have the right to live with dignity. It includes the right to privacy and encompasses various aspects of human rights.
    Article 14 Right to equality: All individuals are entitled to equal protection under the law, ensuring fairness and prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It promotes equality before the law for all citizens.

    Right to Change Name

    • The right to change one’s name is recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
    • It is often exercised for various reasons, including personal preferences, religious conversions, marriage or divorce, or to overcome social or cultural barriers.
    • Individuals may choose to change their names to reflect their gender identity, religious beliefs, or to align with their professional or artistic pursuits.

    Process to change the name

    1. Prepare a petition stating the desire to change the name and reasons for the change.
    2. Prepare an affidavit affirming the intention to change the name and get it notarized.
    3. Publish a notice in two local newspapers announcing the name change.
    4. Apply for Gazette notification through the Department of Publication.
    5. Gather supporting documents like identity and address proof.
    6. File the petition, affidavit, and supporting documents in the appropriate court.
    7. Attend the court hearing and provide necessary explanations.
    8. Obtain a court order approving the name change.
    9. Update official documents with the new name.

    Observations by the HCs

    • Allahabad High Court ruled that the rejection of the name-change applications by the authorities violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a), 21, and 14.
    • It emphasized the need for congruence in all identity-related documents and the prevention of confusion and potential misuse.
    • Delhi High Court asserted the right to identity as an intrinsic part of the right to life under Article 21.

    Restrictions on the Right to Change Names

    • Although the right to change names is a fundamental right, it is subject to reasonable restrictions.
    • Restrictions imposed by law must be fair, just, and reasonable.
    • Principle of proportionality and the value of human dignity play important roles in determining the reasonableness of restrictions (Jeeja Ghosh vs. Union of India, 2016).

     

  • National Pension Scheme (NPS)

    pension

    Central Idea

    • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced a new feature for systematic withdrawal from the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

    National Pension Scheme (NPS): A Brief Overview

    • The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a voluntary retirement savings scheme launched by the Government of India in 2004.
    • It is regulated and administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
    • The primary objective of the NPS is to provide a pension income to individuals upon their retirement.

    Key Features of the NPS:

    • Contributions: Subscribers make regular contributions to their NPS account during their working years. These contributions accumulate and grow over time.
    • Investment Options: The NPS offers two investment options: a) Auto Choice: where the funds are invested based on the subscriber’s age, and b) Active Choice: where the subscriber can select the asset classes (equity, corporate bonds, and government securities) and the fund manager.
    • Portable Account: The NPS account is portable, allowing subscribers to maintain their account even if they change jobs or locations.
    • Withdrawal Options: Upon retirement, subscribers have the flexibility to withdraw a portion of their accumulated corpus as a lump sum and use the remaining amount to purchase an annuity, which provides a regular pension income.
    • Tax Benefits: NPS offers tax benefits at different stages. Contributions made by subscribers are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C, while withdrawals are subject to certain tax exemptions.
    • Regulated and Transparent: The NPS is regulated by the PFRDA, ensuring transparency and oversight of the scheme. It follows strict investment guidelines and has mechanisms in place to safeguard the interests of subscribers.
    • Wide Coverage: The NPS is available to all Indian citizens, including salaried employees, self-employed individuals, and non-resident Indians (NRIs).

    Benefits of the NPS

    • Retirement Income: The NPS provides a retirement income to subscribers, ensuring financial security during their post-retirement years.
    • Long-term Wealth Creation: The investment component of the NPS allows subscribers to accumulate wealth over time, potentially generating higher returns and building a substantial retirement corpus.
    • Flexibility and Control: Subscribers have the flexibility to choose their investment options and actively manage their NPS accounts, providing a level of control over their retirement savings.
    • Tax Efficiency: The NPS offers tax benefits both on contributions and withdrawals, making it a tax-efficient retirement savings option.
    • Portability: The portability feature of the NPS allows subscribers to continue their account irrespective of job changes or relocations.
    • Regulated and Secure: The NPS is regulated by the PFRDA, ensuring a secure and transparent framework for retirement savings.

    Changes introduced: Systematic Withdrawal Plan

    • NPS subscribers will be allowed to withdraw 60% of their contributions systematically post-retirement.
    • The current system of one-time withdrawal will be replaced.
    • 40% of the contributions must be in annuity.
    • Systematic withdrawals can be customized by the subscriber based on their needs.
    • Withdrawals can be made in lump sum or on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annual basis.
    • This feature is applicable to individuals aged 60-75.

    Benefits offered by this change

    • Flexibility: Subscribers can customize their withdrawals based on their financial needs.
    • Regular Income: Systematic withdrawals provide a regular income stream post-retirement.
    • Enhanced Financial Planning: Allows for better financial planning and management.

     

  • In news: Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society

    Central Idea

    • The decision to rename the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) Society has ignited a political controversy.
    • The institution will now be known as the ‘Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society’.
    • The controversy reflects the ongoing debate surrounding dynastic politics in India.

    About the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) (erstwhile)

    • NMML in New Delhi, is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture.
    • It is a leading resource center on India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
    • Established in 1964, it houses extensive archives, including Mahatma Gandhi’s writings and private papers of prominent figures like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, C. Rajagopalachari, and Sarojini Naidu.
    • It is located in the majestic Teen Murti House, the official residence of the first Prime Minister of India.
    • It has four major constituents, namely, a Memorial Museum, a library on modern India, a Centre for Contemporary Studies and the Nehru Planetarium.

    Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (the PM’s Museum)

    • In April 2022, the NMML inaugurated the Museum as a new addition to the institution.
    • It is a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence, showcasing their contributions to the nation’s development over the past 75 years.

    Why rename it now?

    • The meeting acknowledged the contributions of all past and present Prime Ministers and expressed the mission of the Society to preserve India’s democratic journey and legacy.
    • It was felt that renaming the institution would better align with this purpose.

  • Kari Ishad Mango from Karnataka gets GI tag

    mango

    Central Idea

    • The Kari Ishad mango, prominently grown in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.
    • The GI certificate has been issued to Matha Totagars Farmer Producer Company Limited, Ankola, and is valid until March 1, 2032 from March 31, 2023.

    Kari Ishad Mango

    • The Kari Ishad mango is renowned for its unique aroma, luscious taste, high amount of pulp, and distinctive shape and size.
    • They are large and have an oblique to oval shape.
    • Typically, each panicle bears only one fruit, and a well-grown tree can produce up to 2,000 fruits in a season.
    • However, the fruit has a short shelf life of about five days.

    Cultivation and Production

    • Apart from Ankola, the Kari Ishad mango is grown in Karwar and to a certain extent in Kumta of Uttara Kannada.
    • The prominent cultivation areas include Belse, Shetgeri, Belambara, Mogata, and Vandige villages of Ankola.
    • Vandige village stands out as the highest producer, yielding around 600 tonnes of fruits per season. Belse village boasts 1,500 plants.

    Variants of the Mango

    • The Ishad mango has two variants:
    1. Kari Ishad, characterized by its thin skin, abundance of pulp, and sweetness,
    2. Bili Ishad, which has thick skin, less pulp, and sweetness.

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)

    • A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
    • Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
    • GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    • The tag stands valid for 10 years.

  • VAIBHAV Fellowship Program

    vaibhav

    Central Idea: The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships programme.

    VAIBHAV Program

    • The program aims to connect the Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions.
    • It promotes collaborative research work, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices in frontier areas of science and technology.

    Implementation and Eligibility

    • Implementing Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
    • Beneficiaries: outstanding scientists/technologists of Indian origin (NRI/OCI/PIO) engaged in research activities in their respective countries.
    • Benefits: Grant of INR 4,00,000 per month, international and domestic travel expenses, accommodation, and contingencies
    • Verticals identified: 75 fellows will be selected to work in 18 identified knowledge verticals, including quantum technology, health, pharma, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and material sciences.
    • Collaborations: The VAIBHAV Fellow will collaborate with Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), universities, and/or public-funded scientific institutions.
    • R&D Activity: The fellow can spend up to 2 months per year, for a maximum of 3years, in an Indian institution.

    VAIBHAV Summit and Participation

    • The Government of India organized the VAIBHAV Summit to connect the Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian institutions.
    • The summit was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and saw the participation of over 25,000 attendees.
    • Indian STEMM diaspora from more than 70 countries took part in the deliberations.

  • Ladakh’s Demand for Sixth Schedule

    ladakh

    Central Idea: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will meet civil society leaders from Ladakh amid persistent demands and protests in the Union Territory for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the sixth schedule of the Constitution.

    About Ladakh

    • Ladakh is a region in the northernmost part of India, bordering China and Pakistan.
    • The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Ladakhi people, who are predominantly Buddhist.

    Demand for Sixth Schedule in Ladakh

    • There has been a demand from the local tribal communities in Ladakh to extend the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the region.
    • The demand has been primarily driven by concerns over the protection of tribal rights and the preservation of the unique cultural identity of the local communities.

    Current administration in Ladakh

    • Ladakh was granted Union Territory status in 2019, following the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories.
    • The administration of Ladakh is currently governed by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and an elected Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).

    Benefits of Sixth Schedule in Ladakh

    • Meeting tribal aspiration: The Parliamentary standing committee recommended including of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule because its tribal communities account for 79.61% of its total population.
    • Autonomy and self-governance: The extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh could provide greater autonomy and self-governance to the local tribal communities.
    • Cultural preservation: It could also help to protect the unique cultural identity of the local communities and preserve their traditional practices and customs.

    Challenges to this demand

    • No further fragmentation: The demand to extend the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh has faced some opposition from certain quarters, who argue that it could lead to further fragmentation of the region and create new administrative challenges.
    • Losing political capital: There are also concerns over the potential impact of the demand on the political and administrative structure of the region.

    Conclusion

    • Overall, the demand to extend the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of the needs and aspirations of the local tribal communities, as well as the broader political and administrative context of the region.

    Back2Basics: Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution

    • The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in the northeastern states of India.
    • These provisions were added to the Constitution in order to protect the rights and interests of the tribal communities in these areas and to promote their social, cultural, and economic development.

    Here’s a summary of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution:

    Areas covered

    • The Sixth Schedule covers the tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
    • These areas are known as “tribal areas” and are home to a large number of indigenous tribal communities.

    Autonomous district councils

    • The Sixth Schedule provides for the establishment of autonomous district councils in the tribal areas.
    • These councils have the power to make laws and regulations for the governance of their respective areas.
    • They are also responsible for the administration of the local institutions of self-government, such as village councils and traditional councils.

    Composition of district councils

    • The members of the district councils are elected by the people of the respective districts.
    • The councils are headed by a chairman, who is also elected by the members of the council.
    • The district councils have the power to appoint their own staff and to manage their own finances.

    Powers of district councils

    • The district councils have the power to make laws on a range of subjects, including land, forests, water, and fisheries.
    • They also have the power to regulate local markets and to levy taxes and fees on a range of activities.
    • The district councils can also establish and manage schools, hospitals, and other institutions for the benefit of the local communities.

    Protection of tribal rights

    • The Sixth Schedule provides for the protection of the rights of the tribal communities in the areas covered by the schedule.
    • It ensures that the traditional rights and customs of the tribal communities are respected and protected.
    • It also provides for the reservation of seats in the district councils and other local bodies for members of the tribal communities.

     

  • Is the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) flawed?

    nirf

    Central Idea

    • In a country as diverse as India, ranking universities and institutions is a complex task.
    • The Ministry of Education established the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2016 to assess the performance of institutions based on critical indicators.
    • Institutions eagerly await their standings in this nationally recognized system every year.

    NIRF Ranking: An Overview

    • The NIRF releases rankings across various categories, including ‘Overall’, ‘Research Institutions’, ‘Universities’, ‘Colleges’, and specific disciplines.
    • The rankings serve as an important resource for prospective students navigating the higher education landscape in India.
    • NIRF ranks institutes based on their total score, which is determined using five indicators:
    1. Teaching, Learning & Resources (30% weightage)
    2. Research and Professional Practice (30%)
    3. Graduation Outcomes (20%)
    4. Outreach and Inclusivity (10%)
    5. Perception (10%)

    Concerns about the methodology

    • Role of Bibliometrics: Bibliometrics refers to the quantitative analysis of scholarly publications, including metrics such as the number of publications, citations received, and journal impact factors.
    • Limitations: Bibliometrics may not adequately consider factors such as the quality and relevance of research, innovation, societal impact, and contributions beyond traditional publications.
    • Caution against Over-Reliance: A comprehensive evaluation methodology should consider a broader range of factors to provide a more holistic assessment of institutional performance.

    Issues with NIRF’s Bibliometric Approach

    • Reliance on Commercial Databases: The NIRF relies on commercial databases like Scopus and Web of Science to collect bibliometric data for evaluating research output and impact. However, these databases may have limitations in terms of coverage, accuracy, and the inclusion of non-traditional research outputs.
    • Accuracy and Misuse Concerns: There are concerns regarding the accuracy of bibliometric data, potential manipulation of citation counts, and the misuse of metrics for promotional purposes. It is important to ensure the integrity and validity of the data used in ranking assessments.
    • Neglecting Non-traditional Contributions: The focus on research articles in bibliometric indicators may overlook other valuable intellectual contributions, such as books, book chapters, patents, policy reports, and other forms of non-traditional scholarly outputs.
    • Disincentive for Local Issues: The emphasis on internationally recognized journals and global research trends may discourage researchers from addressing local issues and conducting research that is contextually relevant to national or regional priorities.

    Transparency and Flaws in the Rankings

    • Lack of Transparency: Institutions and stakeholders should have access to detailed information about the methodology, data sources, weightage assigned to different indicators, and the process of data collection and analysis.
    • Need for Detailed NIRF Methodology: While the NIRF publicly shares its ranking methodology, there is a need for more comprehensive and transparent documentation that provides a detailed view of the evaluation process. This would enhance stakeholders’ understanding and enable a more informed assessment of the rankings.
    • Addressing the Discrepancy: Clear and precise definitions for indicators like research quantity and quality are crucial to avoid potential ambiguity and misinterpretation. Transparent guidelines and criteria should be established to ensure a consistent and fair evaluation.

    Conclusion

    • Promoting Comprehensive Evaluation: There is a need to develop evaluation methodologies that go beyond bibliometrics and consider a broader range of qualitative and quantitative factors to provide a more comprehensive assessment of institutional performance.
    • Transparency, Diverse Factors, and Balance: Ensuring transparency in ranking methodologies, considering diverse factors, and striking a balance between quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments will contribute to a more accurate and meaningful evaluation of universities in India.

  • 80 Castes to be added to Central OBC List

    Central Idea

    • National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is processing the approval for adding approximately 80 castes from six states to the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
    • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) also reported the addition of 16 communities to the Central OBC list in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

    About National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)
    Established Constitution Act, 2018 (also known as 102nd Amendment Act, 2018) under Article 338B of the Indian Constitution
    Jurisdiction Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
    Purpose Active participation and advisory role in the socio-economic development of socially backward classes (OBCs)

    Evaluating the progress of their development
    Statutory Backing Outcome of the Indra Sawhney & Others v. Union of India case (16.11.1992)
    Composition Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three other members appointed by the President

    Conditions of service and tenure determined by the President
    Functions and Powers Inclusions and exclusions in the lists of backward communities for job reservations

    Providing advice to the Central Government

    Investigating and monitoring safeguards for backward classes

    Inquiring into specific complaints related to their rights and safeguards

    Participating in socio-economic development and evaluating progress
    Reports and Recommendations Annual reports to the President and recommendations for effective implementation of safeguards

    Recommendations for measures to protect, welfare, and socio-economic development of backward classes
    Other Functions Discharging functions specified by the President and subject to parliamentary laws
    Constitutional Amendment 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act (2018) empowered NCBC to address grievances of Other Backward Classes

     

    Who are the Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?

    • Other Backward Class is a collective term used to classify castes which are educationally or socially disadvantaged.
    • It is one of several official classifications of the population of India, along with General Class, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs).
    • The OBCs were found to comprise 55% of the country’s population by the Mandal Commission report of 1980, and were determined to be 41% in 2006.

    Communities likely to be added

    States like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana have proposed communities to be added to the Central OBC list.

    1. Telangana: Suggested the addition of around 40 communities.
    2. Andhra Pradesh: Turup Kapu community
    3. Himachal Pradesh: Majhra community
    4. Maharashtra: Lodhi, Lingayat, Bhoyar, Pawar, and Jhandse communities
    5. Punjab: Yadav community
    6. Haryana: Gosai/Gosain community

    Approval Process

    • NCBC Examination: The NCBC examines the requests and processes them accordingly, aiming for most of them to be approved.
    • Cabinet Approval: Once the Commission decides, it can send its recommendations to the Cabinet for approval.
    • Notification by President: The final step involves legislation and notification by the President to enact the changes.

    How is the process different from SC/ST list updation?

    • Unlike the procedure for adding communities to the SC or ST lists, the addition of communities to the Central OBC list does not require the concurrence of the Office of the Registrar General of India or any other authority.
    • The Commission follows guidelines established by the Mandal Commission in 1979, considering social, educational, and economic indicators for additions to the Central OBC list.

    Current Status of OBC List and Recent Additions

    • The Central OBC list currently includes over 2,650 different communities from all states and union territories.
    • The Union government takes credit for recent additions and highlights the 105th Constitutional Amendment, which protects state OBC communities from being deprived of benefits.
    • There are currently about 1,270 communities listed in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list and 748 communities in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.

    Changes in the SC and ST Lists

    • Since the last Census in 2011, four communities have been added to the SC list as main entries, 40 as sub-entries, and four have been dropped or moved to other lists.
    • Similarly, in the ST list, five communities were added as main entries, 22 as sub-entries, 13 as substitute terms, and one was dropped.

    Impact of OBC List Additions

    • Broader representation: Adding more castes to the Central OBC list ensures broader representation and access to reserved seats and benefits for disadvantaged communities.
    • Social upliftment: The inclusion of additional communities acknowledges their backwardness and provides opportunities for social upliftment and empowerment.

    Challenges and Criticisms

    • Political motivation: The process may face challenges and criticisms, such as concerns over potential political motivations or inaccuracies in identifying backwardness.
    • Issue of parity: Ensuring transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the decision-making process is essential to address these challenges and maintain the integrity of the OBC list.

    Conclusion

    • The reservation system and OBC list play a significant role in promoting social equality by providing opportunities for historically marginalized communities.
    • The continuous evaluation and expansion of the OBC list reflect the government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive society and addressing historical injustices.