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GS Paper: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

  • [30th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Bihar’s dark side — the hub of girl child trafficking

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGO’s and the private sector would be most productive?

    Linkage: This question is highly relevant because the article explicitly state that child trafficking in Bihar is a severe socio-economic issue rooted in “poverty” and “complete absence of regulatory oversight and social acceptance for girls being commodified.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: The trafficking and exploitation of minor girls in Bihar’s orchestra groups has sparked national concern after the rescue of over 270 girls this year alone—many of them subjected to sexual abuse and forced labour. Despite existing laws, trafficking networks thrive due to weak enforcement, poor inter-state coordination, and lack of regulation. The Patna High Court, responding to a plea by child rights groups, has recognized the issue as serious and directed the Bihar government to act urgently. This case highlights the systemic failures in preventing trafficking and calls for a comprehensive, prevention-based strategy to safeguard children from exploitation.

    Today’s editorial analyses trafficking and exploitation of minor girls. This topic is important for GS Paper III (Internal Security) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, there has been national concern over the trafficking and abuse of young girls in Bihar’s orchestra groups, after more than 270 girls were rescued this year.  

    What factors make Bihar a hub for child trafficking ?

    • Geographical vulnerabilities: Bihar’s porous border with Nepal and seamless railway connectivity to trafficking-prone states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh facilitate trafficking routes.
    • Economic desperation and social acceptance: Deep poverty, especially in rural areas, and a cultural normalisation of girls being commodified contribute to vulnerability.
    • Deceptive recruitment practices: Traffickers exploit aspirations for dance, employment, or marriage, luring families with false promises, especially in districts like Saran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, and others in the ‘orchestra belt’.
    What are the existing laws to prevent child exploitation?

    • Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA): Main law targeting commercial sexual exploitation, penalising brothel-keeping, trafficking for prostitution, and soliciting.
    • Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 370 & 370A: Define and criminalise trafficking for exploitation (e.g., slavery, forced labour), with enhanced punishment for trafficking of women and children.
    • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Provides for protection and rehabilitation of trafficked children as “children in need of care and protection.”
    • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Prohibits bonded and forced labour, often linked with trafficking for labour exploitation, and provides for release and rehabilitation of victims.
    • Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (amended 2016): Prohibits employment of children below 14 in hazardous occupations, including those linked to trafficking networks.

    Why do existing laws fail to curb trafficking despite being comprehensive?

    • Legal Framework Undermined by Weak Implementation

    • Under-enforcement and misclassification: Despite laws like POCSO, JJ Act, and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, many trafficking cases are filed under generic categories like kidnapping or missing persons, weakening legal accountability.

    • Low conviction rates: There’s a sharp disconnect between the number of rescues and successful prosecutions. Convictions remain low due to lack of evidence, procedural delays, and poor legal follow-through.

    • Weak Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): Most AHTUs are under-resourced, lack dedicated staff, and suffer from poor inter-state coordination – limiting their effectiveness.

    2. Poor Local Vigilance and Community-Level Gaps

    • Community silence and normalisation: In many villages and schools, missing children aren’t reported – either due to fear of police or because migration is seen as normal.
       Eg: In Saran district, Bihar, girls trafficked to orchestras weren’t reported by villagers who assumed they had migrated for work.

    • Delayed or uninformed local response: Panchayats and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) often lack awareness or training to respond promptly.
       Eg: In East Champaran, a CWC failed to stop a trafficker from taking custody of a minor using a false identity.
    1. Fragmented Inter-Agency Coordination
    • Lack of coordination between police forces: Investigations often stall because police from different states don’t share real-time data or work collaboratively.
       Eg: A girl trafficked from Gopalganj (Bihar) to Howrah (West Bengal) remained untraced for months due to poor inter-state coordination.

    • No unified tracking database: Absence of a centralised system makes it hard to identify trafficking patterns or repeat offenders.
       Eg: Multiple cases from Sitamarhi went undetected because FIRs weren’t cross-referenced.

    4. Surveillance and Monitoring Gaps at Transit Points

    • Neglected transport hubs: Unlike railways (monitored by the RPF), bus stands and private vehicles lack surveillance protocols.
       Eg: A trafficking ring used night buses from Muzaffarpur to Odisha, bypassing detection entirely.

    What role can technology play in prevention of  trafficking?

    • Real-time Data Sharing for Border Monitoring: Technology-enabled platforms like PICKET (Prevention, Investigation, and Combating of Human Trafficking for Enforcement Tracking) help law enforcement agencies share real-time intelligence at interstate checkpoints.
    • Predictive Analysis and Hotspot Mapping: AI and data analytics can identify trafficking-prone areas, track patterns in missing persons reports, and trigger early alerts.
    • Victim Identification and Case Tracking: Digital tools help maintain a centralised database of trafficked persons, FIRs, and case progress, ensuring follow-up and victim rehabilitation. Eg: A rescued child in Odisha was linked to an FIR in West Bengal using PICKET, allowing swift family reunification and prosecution.

    Way forward

    • Strengthen Local and Border Surveillance: Deploy trained staff at village, block, and border levels with access to real-time data for early detection of trafficking.
    • Scale Up Tech Platforms like PICKET: Expand AI-based tracking, digital case monitoring, and inter-state data sharing for coordinated, victim-focused action.

  • Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) under POSH Act

    Why in the News?

    A student in Odisha, died by suicide after her sexual harassment complaint was rejected by her college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), showing the urgent need for stronger grievance systems.

    About Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):

    • Legal Basis: Mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
    • Applicability: Mandatory in all organizations with 10 or more employees.
    • Purpose: Provides a redressal mechanism to ensure a safe and dignified workplace for women.
    • Composition:
      • A Presiding Officer who is a senior woman employee.
      • At least two internal members with legal or social expertise.
      • One external member from an NGO or with knowledge of sexual harassment issues.
      • Minimum 50% of ICC members must be women.

    Powers and Functions:

    • Complaint Handling:
      • Accepts complaints within 3 months of the incident.
      • Offers conciliation (on request) or initiates a formal inquiry.
    • Inquiry Process:
      • Holds powers similar to a civil court (summon, evidence collection, sworn statements).
      • Must complete inquiry within 90 days.
    • Confidentiality: Identity of complainant, respondent, witnesses, and proceedings must be kept confidential.
    • Post-Inquiry Actions:
      • Recommends disciplinary action or closure.
      • Employer must act on recommendations within 60 days.
      • Assists in filing FIRs if the complainant seeks criminal action.

    Back2Basics: POSH Act, 2013

    • Full Form: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
    • Background:
      • Originated from the Vishaka Guidelines (1997) issued by the Supreme Court.
      • Inspired by the Bhanwari Devi case and public pressure after the Nirbhaya case (2012).
    • Constitutional and Global Basis:
      • Upholds gender justice under Article 15.
      • Based on India’s commitment to CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979) (ratified in 1993).
    • Key Provisions
      • Workplace Scope: Includes private and public sectors, government offices, NGOs, informal sectors, and domestic work.
      • Definition of Harassment: Covers physical contact, unwelcome advances, sexually coloured remarks, explicit content, and verbal or non-verbal conduct.
      • Mandatory ICC: All organizations with 10+ employees must set up an Internal Complaints Committee.
      • Local Committee: District-level Local Committees must be set up for smaller workplaces or domestic workers.
    • Employer Responsibilities:
      • Conduct awareness sessions and training.
      • Ensure safety and publish the organization’s POSH policy.
    • Timelines:
      • Complaints must be filed within 3 months.
      • Inquiries must be completed within 90 days.
    • Penalties:
      • Fine of up to ₹50,000 for non-compliance.
      • Repeat violations can lead to license cancellation.

     

    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Judge (Inquiry) Bill 2006 contemplates establishing a Judicial Council which will receive complaints against Judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices, and Judges.

    2. Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, a woman can file a petition before a 1st Class Judicial Magistrate.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Clean house: On India’s septic tank desludging

    Why in the News?

    Recently, a social audit tabled in Parliament revealed 150 hazardous cleaning deaths in 2022–23, exposing unsafe outsourcing, poor implementation of safety laws, and inadequate funding under schemes like NAMASTE. Despite Supreme Court orders and successful models in states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu, enforcement and mechanisation remain critically lacking nationwide.

    Why has manual scavenging persisted despite laws and schemes like NAMASTE?

    • Weak Enforcement of Legal Provisions and Court Orders: Despite the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 and Supreme Court directions to cancel offending contracts and penalise principal employers, enforcement remains minimal. Eg: In 2024, Parliament revealed that 150 workers died in 2022–23 due to hazardous cleaning.
    • Poor Implementation and Underfunding of Schemes: Schemes like NAMASTE are hindered by insufficient financial support, poor outreach, and lack of protective equipment or training. Eg: Of the 57,758 workers involved in hazardous cleaning, only 16,791 received PPE kits, and a mere ₹14 crore had been released under NAMASTE—inadequate for mechanisation in even one major city.
    • Obscured Employer Liability through Subcontracting: The use of contractual and ‘loaned’ labour allows government and private employers to avoid responsibility for worker safety. Eg: A social audit tabled in Parliament found that out of 54 hazardous cleaning deaths, only five workers were on government payroll, while others were ‘loaned’ to private contractors, making accountability unclear.

    How have Odisha and Tamil Nadu offered viable alternatives to manual scavenging?

    • Odisha has ensured identified sanitation workers are equipped with PPE kits and have access to mechanised desludging vehicles, reducing the need for manual entry.
      Eg: Workers now use vacuum trucks for sewer cleaning instead of entering toxic manholes, improving safety and dignity.
    • Tamil Nadu has piloted robotic interventions to eliminate manual scavenging in urban areas.
      Eg: In Chennai, sewer robots have been deployed to clean over 5,000 manholes, showcasing how technology and political will can prevent hazardous practices.

    How does the lack of rural data hinder sanitation worker reforms?

    • Exclusion from Mechanisation Schemes: Without reliable data on rural sanitation workers, schemes like NAMASTE do not extend their benefits (e.g. robotic cleaning or desludging machines) to villages. Eg: In many gram panchayats of Bihar, manual pit cleaning is still done without equipment as workers remain unregistered and thus unaccounted for in policy rollouts.
    • No Health or Safety Monitoring: The lack of worker enumeration means occupational health risks go unnoticed, and safety training or PPE kitsare not distributed in rural regions. Eg: In Chhattisgarh’s rural blocks, no health cards or protective equipment have been distributed to sanitation workers, exposing them to toxic gases and infections.
    • Obstructs Legal Accountability and Compensation: If workers are not documented, accidental deaths are often unreported or misclassified, preventing compensation to families and accountability for employers. Eg: In a 2023 case in Madhya Pradesh, a worker died while cleaning a septic tank, but due to lack of registration, the case was recorded as a general accident, not as a violation of the Manual Scavenging Act.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

    • Legislation and Legal Ban: The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 bans manual scavenging and mandates identification and rehabilitation of affected workers.
    • NAMASTE Scheme (2023): The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme promotes mechanised cleaning, provides training, PPE kits, and financial support to sanitation workers.
    • Welfare and Skill Development Initiatives: The government has launched surveys, provided one-time cash assistance, health insurance under Ayushman Bharat, and livelihood loans to support entrepreneurship among workers.

    What reforms can ensure safety and rehabilitation for workers?

    • Mandatory Mechanisation and Licensing: Urban local bodies should mandate mechanised sewer cleaning, make it a licensed profession, and classify manual cleaning without valid certification as a cognisable offence. This will ensure accountability and eliminate unsafe practices.
    • Rehabilitation Through Financial and Social Support: Provide sanitation workers with housing, education scholarships, health cards, and loans to operate mechanised equipment. These should be linked to guaranteed municipal contracts, enabling long-term economic and social upliftment.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?

    Linkage: Manual scavenging represents an extreme form of poverty and human capital degradation. This article mentions that “Two-thirds of validated workers are also Dalits, yet rehabilitation packages rarely include housing or scholarships that might help families exit contemptible occupations”. This question allows for a discussion of how ending such hazardous labor and providing meaningful rehabilitation can break this vicious cycle.

  • Safe havens no more: Sexual violence in workplaces and educational institutions is worrying

    Why in the News?

    Recently, a 20-year-old student in Odisha died after setting herself ablaze over ignored sexual harassment complaints, spotlighting the failure of redressal systems like Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs).

    Why are crimes against women still rising despite strict laws?

    • Inadequate Implementation of Legal Mechanisms: Institutions may not establish ICCs, or form them without independent or trained members, rendering them ineffective. Eg: The University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2022 reported that over 150 colleges across India had not constituted ICCs despite mandatory provisions under the 2013 POSH Act.
    • Institutional Apathy and Lack of Accountability: Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs), mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, are either non-functional or reactive rather than preventive. Eg: Following the Odisha incident, the State government had to direct all colleges to form ICCs within 24 hours, a reactionary step rather than proactive enforcement.
    • Underreporting and Social Stigma: Many women do not report crimes due to fear of social backlash, victim-blaming, or lack of faith in the justice system. Eg: According to NCRB 2022, 4,45,256 crimes against women were registered, a 4% increase over 2021, with experts noting that many cases still go unreported, masking the real extent of violence.
    • Lack of Awareness and Sensitisation: Many students and staff are unaware of their rights or how to report harassment, leading to silence and inaction. Eg: A 2023 survey by the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) found that over 60% of women students in rural colleges were unaware of the existence of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs).

    How effective are Internal Complaint Committees?

    • Effectiveness Varies Across Institutions: While ICCs are mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, their effectiveness depends on proper constitution, independence, and stakeholder awareness. In many cases, ICCs exist only on paper.
    • Lack of Training and Sensitisation Hampers Functioning: ICC members often lack training, legal knowledge, and sensitivity in handling cases, leading to mistrust and poor case resolution.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Legal Reforms: Enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 post-Nirbhaya case, which introduced stricter punishments for rape, stalking, acid attacks, and voyeurism.
    • Institutional Mechanisms: Made it mandatory to form Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 in all workplaces and educational institutions.
    • Technology and Support Initiatives: Launched measures like the One Stop Centres, Women Helpline (181), and Nirbhaya Fund for setting up CCTV, panic buttons in public transport, and support for survivors of violence.

    What steps can improve institutional accountability? (Way forward)

    • Strict Enforcement of ICC Guidelines: Ensure timely formation, training, and functioning of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) with regular audits and penalties for non-compliance.
    • Transparent Grievance Redressal Systems: Establish time-bound complaint resolution mechanisms, publicly accessible reporting channels, and third-party oversight to reduce bias.
    • Protection and Support for Victims: Guarantee anonymity, non-retaliation, and access to counselling/legal aid for complainants to build trust in the system.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2017] Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.

    Linkage: The articles highlights the worrying trend of sexual violence occurring in spaces often considered safe, such as school and college campuses or workplaces. This PYQ directly addresses the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms by asking about the ability of the National Commission for Women (NCW) to tackle “problems that women face at both public and private spheres.

     

  • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

    Why in the News?

    Close to 600 tribal students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have cleared IIT-JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET.

    What are Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)?

    • Overview: EMRS are a central government initiative launched in 1997–98 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
    • Core Objective: To ensure access to free, holistic education for ST children from Class VI to XII, particularly in remote and tribal-dominated areas.
    • Bridging the Gap: These schools are intended to bring ST students at par with the general population by offering academic, cultural, and skill-based education.
    • Implementing Agency: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been tasked with implementing and managing EMRS across the country.
    • Expansion Target: EMRS are being established in every block with more than 50 percent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal residents, with a target of setting up 728 schools by 2026.
    • Staff Recruitment: Recruitment for teaching and non-teaching positions in EMRS is centralized under NESTS, which aims to fill over 38,000 posts to strengthen institutional capacity.

    Key Features of EMRS:

    • Residential Setup: EMRS schools are fully residential and co-educational, catering to students from Class VI to Class XII with free education, boarding, and lodging.
    • Student Capacity: Each EMRS school can accommodate 480 students, with equal representation of boys and girls.
    • CBSE Affiliation: The schools follow the CBSE curriculum to maintain consistency with national education standards and facilitate competitive academic performance.
    • Infrastructure: Infrastructure includes classrooms, science and computer laboratories, libraries, hostels for boys and girls, staff quarters, and sports facilities.
    • Cultural Preservation: EMRS institutions are designed not only for academic excellence but also to preserve and promote tribal culture, local art, and languages.
    • Skill and Sports Focus: Special emphasis is placed on skill development and sports training, with 20% seats reserved under the sports quota for deserving ST students.
    • Inclusive Policy: Up to 10% of total seats in each school can be allotted to non-ST students, enhancing diversity while maintaining tribal focus.
    • Free Services: Education, food, accommodation, and all related services are provided free of cost to ensure no economic barrier for tribal children.

    Also in news: TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub) Initiative:

    • NESTS and UNICEF India have launched the TALASH Initiative, focusing on the holistic development of tribal students in EMRSs.
    • It promotes self-awareness, emotional resilience, life skills, and career clarity, aligning with NEP 2020 goals.
    • It includes psychometric tests (inspired by NCERT’s Tamanna), career cards, life skills modules, and e-learning for teachers.
    • Over 1.38 lakh students across 28 States and 8 UTs will benefit, with full EMRS coverage targeted by 2025.
    [UPSC 2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education?

    1. Directive Principles of State Policy

    2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies

    3. Fifth Schedule

    4. Sixth Schedule

    5. Seventh Schedule

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5*

     

  • Reserved faculty posts are still vacant and out of reach

    Why in the News?

    The low number of faculty members from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in central universities and top institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS goes against India’s constitutional promise of ensuring social justice.

    How significant is the problem of unfilled reserved posts in academia?

    • Large number of vacancies: As of 2021, over 2,389 SC, 1,199 ST, and 4,251 OBC faculty posts were vacant in 45 central universities.
    • High vacancy rates: A 2023 UGC report shows 30% of reserved posts are still unfilled, particularly at senior academic levels like associate professor and professor.
    • Public sector contrast: Group C and D jobs in railways and banks are more representative compared to A and B, indicating disparity at leadership levels in academia.

    What is the constitutional and policy framework for reservations in higher education?

    • Constitutional Provisions: Article 15(4) allows the State to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes(SEBCs), SCs, and STs. Article 15(5) extends this to admissions in educational institutions, including private unaided ones (except minority institutions). Article 16(4) allows reservation in public employment for backward classes. Eg: The 93rd Constitutional Amendment enabled the government to reserve seats for OBCs in centrally funded higher education institutions like IITs and IIMs.
    • Statutory Framework and UGC Regulations: The University Grants Commission (UGC) enforces reservation policies for faculty recruitment and student admissions in central universities. Mandated quotas: SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, OBC – 27%, EWS – 10%.
    • Judicial and Policy Milestones: In Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992), the Supreme Court upheld reservations for OBCs and imposed a 50% cap. Later adjusted with the 10% EWS quota under 103rd Constitutional Amendment (2019) allowed reservation for EWS without touching existing SC/ST/OBC quotas.

    What are the main barriers to filling reserved faculty posts in central universities?

    • Institutional Autonomy and Weak Oversight: Central universities operate with high autonomy, often leading to non-compliance with UGC reservation norms due to lack of accountability.
    • Discriminatory Recruitment Practices: Selection committees, often lacking social diversity, may reject qualified SC/ST/OBC candidates citing subjective reasons like “not found suitable.” Eg: A 2022 study by Ambedkar University Faculty Association found 60% of reserved post vacancies resulted from discretionary rejections.
    • Flawed 13-point Roster System: The shift to a 13-point roster treats individual departments as the unit of recruitment, drastically reducing reserved seats, especially for STs. Eg: In departments with fewer than 14 posts, no seat is allotted to STs, leading to underrepresentation.
    • Underrepresentation at Senior Faculty Levels: Reserved category candidates are mainly recruited for junior roles, while senior positions (Professors, Directors, VCs) are dominated by unreserved groups. Eg: UGC data (2023) showed 30% of reserved teaching posts remain vacant, mostly at senior levels.
    • Political and Ideological Biases: Appointments are sometimes influenced by political affiliations or ideological alignment, marginalising qualified candidates from deprived backgrounds.

    What is the 13-point roster system?

    The 13-point roster system is a method introduced in 2018 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for implementing reservation in faculty recruitment in higher educational institutions.

    Why is the 13-point roster system seen as a setback to social justice?

    • Fragmentation of Reservation Quotas: The 13-point roster treats individual departments as the unit of recruitment rather than the whole institution, limiting the total number of posts available for reservation. Eg: In a department with only 6 posts, there may be only one OBC post, and none for SCs or STs, delaying fair representation for years.
    • Exclusion of Marginalised Groups in Small Departments: Due to small faculty sizes, SC/ST reservations are often skipped altogether under this system, severely impacting their inclusion in higher education. Eg: ST candidates often get no opportunity unless 14 or more posts are available in the department, which is rare in most disciplines.
    • Violation of the Spirit of Social Justice Mandate: This system undermines constitutional goals of equitable representation by focusing on arithmetic rather than affirmative action principles. Eg: The 13-point roster was challenged in courts and led to protests by academic and Dalit organisations, citing erosion of diversity in faculty appointments.

    How does faculty underrepresentation impact inclusive education?

    • Lack of Representation and Role Models: Underrepresentation of faculty from SC/ST/OBC/EWS backgrounds deprives students of relatable mentors and role models, affecting confidence and belonging. Eg: A first-generation Dalit student may feel alienated in a classroom where no faculty share similar social experiences, discouraging them from pursuing higher studies or research.
    • Exclusion of Diverse Knowledge Systems: Faculty diversity enriches curricula by introducing marginalised perspectives, histories, and lived realities. Its absence leads to a narrow academic discourse.  
    • Weakening of Constitutional Mandates and NEP Goals: Faculty imbalance undermines the Constitutional vision of social justice and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s focus on inclusive, multidisciplinary education.

    What steps should be taken by the Indian Government? (Way forward)

    • Strengthen Enforcement and Accountability Mechanisms: Ensure strict implementation of reservation policies through regular audits, public compliance reports, and penalties for non-compliance by central institutions. Eg: The Ministry of Education can mandate annual reporting of filled vs. vacant reserved posts and link funding to adherence.
    • Revise the 13-Point Roster System: Replace or reform the 13-point roster to treat the entire institution as the unit of reservation (like the older 200-point roster), ensuring better representation across departments. Eg: This would allow Scheduled Tribes or SCs to get opportunities in smaller departments that currently evade reservation quotas.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

    Linkage: The article explicitly states that India’s constitutional commitment to social justice mandates equitable representation, including specific quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, central universities and premier institutions consistently fail to fill these reserved faculty positions, with significant vacancies reported.

  • [30th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A year later — colonial-era laws to new criminal codes

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

    Linkage: The new criminal codes, through provisions like mandatory audio-video recording of searches and seizures, aim to improve the quality of investigation and ensure greater integrity and commitment from investigating officers (IOs). This directly seeks to foster a positive public perception of civil servants involved in law enforcement, aligning with the query’s emphasis on progress in the new codes.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  As India completes one year of implementing its overhauled criminal justice framework—comprising the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—the on-ground feedback is beginning to surface. A major highlight has been the operationalization of the ‘e-Sakshya’ app for real-time evidence collection. While it empowers investigation officers (IOs) and enhances transparency, several systemic and logistical constraints hinder its full potential. Despite attempts at modernization, the gap between legal reforms and infrastructural readiness threatens to blunt the progressive intent of these laws. This transitional phase is a crucial moment for policy correction and investment.

    Today’s editorial talks about the effectiveness of India’s new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS, and BSA. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity & Governance) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, India’s new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS, and BSA—mark a year of implementation. Technological tools like the e-Sakshya app aid progress, but feedback from investigating officers reveals key challenges and improvement needs.

    What are the key improvements brought by the BNS, BNSS, and BSA in the criminal justice system?

    • Modernization of Colonial Laws: The new laws replace the outdated Indian Penal Code (1860), CrPC (1973), and Indian Evidence Act (1872), aligning criminal justice with contemporary realities, citizen-centric values, and technological advancements.
    • Integration of Technology in Investigation: The BNSS mandates audio-video recording of critical procedures such as search, seizure, and statement recording. It supports the use of tools like the ‘e-Sakshya’ app for real-time digital evidence collection, improving transparency and accountability.
    • Improved Victim-Centric and Time-Bound Procedures: Provisions like seven-day deadlines for medical reports in rape cases and emphasis on video conferencing for witness examination under BNSS aim to ensure faster process, reduce trauma for victims, and increase judicial efficiency.

    How has the ‘e-Sakshya’ app enhanced evidence collection and policing?

    • Real-time digital documentation: The app enables investigating officers to capture photos and videos on the spot with geo-coordinates and a timestamp, ensuring authenticity and preventing tampering. For instance, during a search and seizure, the officer must record the process under Section 105 of BNSS, improving transparency.
    • Improved accountability in investigations: Investigating officers are now required to take selfies at crime scenes, ensuring that they personally conduct the investigation and don’t delegate it unofficially. This deters fabrication of evidence and builds a stronger chain of custody for trial.
    • Strengthened witness reliability: The visual capture of witness presence at the crime scene discourages denial of participation later in court. Eg when a suspect is made to show the place where a weapon or contraband is hidden, the recording serves as reliable secondary electronic evidence admissible in court.

    Why is digital integration through CCTNS and ICJS vital for the new laws’ success?

    • Seamless transition and registration of cases: The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) ensures smooth FIR registration and jurisdictional transfers, enabling police stations to shift from old laws to BNS, BNSS, and BSA without disruption. For instance, zero FIRs are easily routed to the correct police stations within a state using CCTNS.
    • Interlinking of justice system pillars: The Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) connects police with forensic labs, prosecution, courts, and jails, improving coordination and efficiency. This digital integration supports time-bound actions like forwarding medical examination reports or conducting video-based evidence collection as mandated under BNSS.
    Note: About Zero FIR It refers to a First Investigation Report (FIR) that is registered irrespective of the area where the offence is committed. The police in such a case can no longer claim that they have no jurisdiction.

    What are the challenges that hinder the effective implementation of the new criminal laws?

    • Inadequate digital infrastructure: Many police stations have only one tablet, and officers often use their personal phones to operate the e-Sakshya app, which requires Android version 10 or higher and at least 1GB of storage. This limits the ability to uniformly implement mandatory audio-video recording provisions under BNSS.
    • Lack of real-time integration with courts: While images and videos are stored on the National Government Cloud (NGC), courts still do not directly access this digital evidence through the ICJS. Instead, police submit evidence using pen drives, leading to duplication, extra costs, and delay in proceedings.
    • Forensic and legal bottlenecks: Despite the requirement of FSL expert visits under Section 176 of BNSS, forensic infrastructure in many states remains underdeveloped. Also, cybercrime evidence often needs expert analysis and testimony, but State forensic labs are yet to be notified under the IT Act, hampering admissibility of digital evidence.

    What reforms are needed to address them? (Way forward)

    • Strengthen digital infrastructure in police stations: The government should ensure that each investigating officer (IO) has access to a dedicated device compatible with the e-Sakshya app. Providing sufficient tablets or mobile phones with the required specifications will help officers capture evidence reliably and eliminate the need for using personal devices.
    • Enable direct court access to digital evidence: Courts must be integrated with the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) to allow secure, real-time access to evidence stored on the National Government Cloud. This will eliminate dependency on external storage like pen drives and promote efficiency and authenticity in judicial proceedings.

  • [12th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Recounting Velpur’s story in ending child labour

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2016] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

    Linkage: Child labour is a significant issue affecting children, robbing them of their basic rights and hindering their full development potential. It is addressed through various welfare schemes, laws, and policies aimed at protecting and improving the lives of children.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  June 12 is observed as the World Day Against Child Labour, led by the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about the ongoing problem of child labour. This year, attention is not only on the alarming number—160 million children still working, but also on an inspiring success story from India: Velpur Mandal in Telangana. Once known for widespread child labour, Velpur has remained child labour-free for over 20 years. Its achievement, driven by strong community participation, shows how local efforts can bring lasting change and serve as a model for tackling child labour through policy and grassroots action.

     Today’s editorial focuses on the problem of child labour in India, a key issue relevant to GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC syllabus.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Every year on June 12, the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) is observed, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO), to raise awareness about the problem of child labour.

    What are the major global challenges in eliminating child labour?

    • Poverty and Economic Vulnerability: Families in low-income regions rely on children’s income to meet basic needs, making child labour a survival strategy Eg: In sub-Saharan Africa, children are often sent to work in farms or in markets to support their households facing extreme poverty
    • Lack of Access to Quality Education: Poor schooling infrastructure, long travel distances, and hidden costs deter school attendance, pushing children into work Eg: In rural Afghanistan, many children work as street vendors or in workshops instead of attending school due to poor accessibility
    • Weak Law Enforcement and Informal Economy: Despite legal frameworks, enforcement is weak in informal sectors where most child labour occurs. Eg: In Latin American countries, children continue working in agriculture and street vending despite legal prohibitions.
    • Cultural and Social Acceptance: In some societies, child labour is normalized as part of tradition or family livelihood, especially in unregulated home-based industries Eg: In India, children are commonly employed in beedi-rolling or carpet weaving under the guise of family trade training
    • Conflict, Displacement, and Emergencies: Armed conflict, refugee crises, and natural disasters disrupt schooling and increase reliance on child labour for survival. Eg: In Syria, displaced children are often seen working in agriculture or shops due to the breakdown of education and protection systems.

    What are the major national-level challenges in eliminating child labour?

    • Poverty and Household Debt: Economic hardship compels families to send children to work instead of school, especially in informal and unorganised sectors. Eg: In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, children are employed in brick kilns and agriculture to supplement family income or repay local debts.
    • Gaps in Implementation of Laws and Schemes: Despite strong legal provisions, poor monitoring, corruption, and lack of coordination among departments weaken enforcement. Eg: In Jharkhand, children continue to work in mica mines, despite bans and presence of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.
    • Lack of Awareness and Social Acceptance: In many rural and tribal areas, parents are unaware of the long-term value of education and accept child labour as normal. Eg: In Andhra Pradesh’s beedi-making units, child labour is seen as a family tradition and not a violation of child rights.

    Case study of Velpur mandal:

    Who led the anti-child labour campaign in Velpur?

    The campaign was led by the then District Collector of Nizamabad along with committed local officials.

    How did it achieve child labour-free status?

    • Community-Led Campaign and Awareness Drive: A 100-day campaign was launched in 2001 involving local officials, sarpanchs, teachers, caste elders, and civil societyto identify and enroll every child into school. Eg: In Velpur Mandal (Telangana), all 8,057 children aged 5–15 were enrolled in schools, and the mandal was declared child labour-free by October 2, 2001.
    • Debt Waiver and Social Accountability by Employers: Former child employers publicly waived ₹35 lakh worth of family debts and provided school supplies, freeing children from bonded labour. Eg: Employers in Velpur villages forgave loans where children were used as repayment guarantees, helping families send their children to school.
    • Institutional Support and Bridge Schooling through NCLP: Children withdrawn from labour were sent to bridge schools under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) to ease their transition into formal education. Eg: Children from beedi units and farms were given remedial education and then enrolled into regular schools with full retention ensured by community monitoring.

    What is the status of the National Child Policy? 

    • Outdated Framework (Policy of 2013): The National Policy for Children, 2013 is the current guiding document, but it lacks clear mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and budgetary commitments. Eg: Though it recognizes rights to survival, development, protection, and participation, it does not specifically address child labour rehabilitation pathways
    • Lack of Integration with Recent Laws and SDG Goals: The policy has not been aligned with new laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 or with SDG Target 8.7. Eg: India aims to eliminate child labour by 2025 under SDG 8.7, but the national child policy does not provide an updated roadmap or action plan for this
    • Delayed Formulation of a Revised Policy: The government had initiated a process to draft a new National Child Policy in 2020, but no final version has been released or implemented so far. Eg: The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) conducted consultations for an updated policy, but no final policy document has been notified as of mid-2025

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?

    • Strengthening Legal Framework: The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 prohibits employment of children below 14 years and restricts adolescents (14–18 years) from hazardous occupations. Eg: This amendment led to the identification and rescue of thousands of children from beedi-making and fireworks units in states like Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
    • National Child Labour Project (NCLP): Launched in 1988, this centrally sponsored scheme focuses on identifying, rescuing, and rehabilitating child labourersthrough special training centres. Eg: Under NCLP, bridge schools in Velpur (Telangana) helped transition former child workers into regular schools, contributing to its child labour-free status.
    • Integration with Education and Welfare Schemes: Programs like Right to Education Act (2009), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Samagra Shiksha aim to improve school access and retention among vulnerable children.Eg: In Bihar and Odisha, these schemes have improved school attendance, reducing dropout-driven child labour in agriculture and domestic work.

    Way forward: 

    • Community-Driven Monitoring and Social Mobilisation: Empower panchayats, school management committees, and civil society to track school dropouts and ensure local accountability through awareness campaigns and social pressure mechanisms.
    • Policy Update and Stronger Rehabilitation Framework: Finalize and implement a revised National Child Policy aligned with SDG 8.7, and strengthen rehabilitation measureslike skill development, financial support, and psychosocial care for rescued children.

  • A step up: On India and the 2025 Human Development Report

    Why in the News?

    India ranks 130th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI), up from 133rd in 2022.

    What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?

    The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    • Composite Measure of Development: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures a country’s overall development based on three key factors: life expectancy (health), education (mean and expected years of schooling), and standard of living (GNI per capita).
    • Ranking and Insights: HDI ranks countries on a scale from 0 to 1, where a higher value indicates better human development.

    Why has India’s HDI improved?

    • Health (Life Expectancy at Birth): HDI measures the average number of years a person can expect to live, reflecting the overall health conditions in a country. Eg: In 2023, India’s life expectancy increased to 72 years, marking a significant improvement since 1990, when it was just 58.6 years.
    • Education (Mean Years of Schooling and Expected Years of Schooling): HDI considers the average number of years adults aged 25 and older have spent in school (mean years of schooling) and the number of years a child of school-entry age can expect to receive (expected years of schooling). Eg: In 2023, children in India are expected to stay in school for 13 years on average, up from 8.2 years in 1990.
    • Standard of Living (Gross National Income per Capita): HDI includes the per capita income adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which gives a sense of the country’s economic prosperity and standard of living. Eg: India’s GNI per capita increased from $2,167 in 1990 to $9,046 in 2023, reflecting a growth in economic well-being.
    • Inequality Adjustments: HDI adjusts for inequality in each of its three dimensions—health, education, and standard of living—through the Inequality-adjusted HDI (IHDI). The more inequality there is in a country, the lower the adjusted HDI score will be. Eg: India’s HDI value of 0.685 in 2023 was influenced by inequalities, including gender and income disparities, which the report highlighted as a key challenge.
    • Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): HDI is indirectly linked to the MPI, which measures poverty beyond income, including deprivations in health, education, and living standards. Eg: India has made significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, with 13.5 crore people escaping poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

    How has the pandemic affected India’s HDI recovery?

    • Health Impact: The pandemic strained India’s healthcare system, leading to higher mortality rates and disruptions in healthcare services, which affected life expectancy. Eg: The pandemic slowed India’s progress towards improving life expectancy, though it rebounded in the subsequent years, reaching 72 years in 2023.
    • Education Disruptions: School closures and lack of access to online education hindered educational outcomes, especially for underprivileged children. Eg: While the expected years of schooling improved, the pandemic delayed educational progress, particularly in rural areas.
    • Economic Setbacks: The lockdowns and economic disruptions due to the pandemic led to a sharp contraction in economic activities, affecting income levels and jobs, particularly in the informal sector. Eg: India’s GNI per capita growth faced a slowdown, though it eventually rebounded, reaching $9,046 in 2023.

    What challenges remain in improving India’s HDI?

    • Income Inequality: Despite progress, income disparity remains a major challenge, with the rich benefiting disproportionately from economic growth, while the poor remain marginalized. Eg: India’s HDI is impacted by a 30.7% loss due to income inequalities, which continues to drag down overall development outcomes.
    • Gender Disparities: The gender gap in labor force participation and political representation limits progress in improving India’s HDI. Women’s workforce participation remains low, and the gender wage gap is significant. Eg: The female labor participation rate stood at 41.7% in 2023-24, but a supportive ecosystem for women’s work retention and political representation is still lacking.

    How can India use AI to address development while avoiding inequality? (Way forward)

    • AI in Public Service Delivery: AI can streamline public services, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible, especially to marginalized communities. Eg: AI-driven systems can help in targeted welfare distribution, ensuring resources like food and healthcare reach those most in need, reducing administrative inefficiencies.
    • Inclusive Education and Skill Development: Leveraging AI for personalized learning can bridge gaps in educational access and quality, particularly for underserved areas. Eg: AI-based platforms like Byju’s and other ed-tech initiatives provide tailored education, improving learning outcomes for students in rural and remote areas.
    • AI for Job Creation and Economic Inclusion: AI can be used to create new job opportunities and enhance existing ones, especially in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Ensuring that AI adoption leads to inclusive economic growth can help reduce inequality. Eg: AI-driven agricultural technologies can optimize crop yields and provide real-time data to farmers, increasing productivity and income, especially for those in rural areas.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2019] Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.

    Linkage: The paradox of economic growth not translating into high human development indicators, which is a central theme when discussing India’s HDI rank and the challenges despite improvements. It also touches upon inclusive development, another concept related to the HDR’s focus on reducing inequalities

  • Section 19 of the POCSO Act, 2012

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition regarding the mandatory reporting of sexual activity under Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

    About the POCSO Act, 2012:

    • The POCSO Act came into effect on November 14, 2012 (Children’s Day), following India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
    • Its primary objective is to address offences related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were previously either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized.
    • According to the Act, a child is defined as any person below the age of 18 years.
    • In 2019, the Act underwent a review and amendment, introducing more stringent punishments (after Nirbhaya Case), including the death penalty, for those committing sexual crimes against children.

    Key Features of the POCSO Act:

    • Definition of a Child: A child is defined as anyone under 18 years of age.
    • Sexual Offences:
      • Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3)
      • Sexual Assault (Section 7)
      • Sexual Harassment (Section 11)
      • Using Children for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13)
      • Abetment and Attempt (Sections 16-18)
    • Special Courts & Procedures: Establishes Special Courts for speedy trials and mandates child-friendly procedures.
    • Protection of Identity: The identity of the child is protected throughout the process.
    • Rehabilitation & Compensation: Provides for the rehabilitation of child victims.
    • No Delay in Trials: Trials must be completed within one year of the offence.

    Recent Supreme Court Hearing:

    • Litigants have raised concerns that mandatory reporting under Section 19 might criminalize consensual sexual activity between juveniles, especially affecting adolescent girls’ right to health.
    • They emphasized counseling over criminalization, arguing that the law might discourage adolescents from seeking medical care.
    • The Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns and scheduled a detailed hearing on May 8 to address them.
    [UPSC 2017] Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?

    1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour

    2. Abolition of untouchability

    3. Protection of the interests of minorities

    4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4