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GS Paper: Ministries & Departments Of The Government

  • 75th anniversary of National Sample Survey (NSS)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is conducting the 75th-anniversary culmination ceremony of the National Sample Survey (NSS) along with World Statistics Day on 18 November 2025.

    About National Sample Survey (NSS):

    • Origins: Started in 1950 to fill gaps in national income data; expanded into India’s largest multi-topic socio-economic survey system.
    • Institutional Home: Conducted by NSSO (set up 1970), now merged into the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
    • Organisational Structure: Four key divisions – SDRD (Kolkata) for survey design, FOD (Delhi/Faridabad) for fieldwork, DPD (Kolkata) for data processing, and SCD (New Delhi) for coordination.

    Survey Design and Coverage:

    • Rounds Structure: Includes large thick rounds every five years (≈1.2 lakh households) and thin rounds on specialised themes.
    • Geographic Coverage: Expanded from 1,833 villages in 1950–51 to over 14,000 rural villages and urban blocks in recent rounds.
    • Scope: Generates national and state-level estimates on consumption, employment, migration, health, education, disability, housing, agriculture, elderly conditions, and more than 50 socio-economic themes over 75 years.
    • Representativeness: Provides robust national and regional estimates but does NOT offer district-level granularity.

    Major Surveys Under NSS / NSO:

    1. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): Launched 2017; India’s key source on employment, unemployment, labour force participation, and quarterly urban labour indicators.
    2. Annual Survey of Industries (ASI): Tracks organised manufacturing — output, inputs, employment, productivity, structural change.
    3. Price Surveys: Produce CPI-Rural, CPI-Urban, CPI-AL/RL, and contribute to WPI, forming the backbone of inflation monitoring.
    4. Urban Frame Survey (2022–27): Updates the sampling frame for all urban socio-economic surveys.
    5. Agriculture and Crop Surveys: Estimate crop yields and support state agricultural statistics systems.

    Significance of the NSS:

    • Policy Backbone: Critical for designing and evaluating programmes such as MGNREGA, PDS reforms, Ayushman Bharat, labour policies, rural development, and welfare targeting.
    • Macroeconomic Relevance: Supports GDP estimation, poverty assessment, consumption tracking, and inflation analysis.
    • Long-Term Value: Provides the most reliable, comparable household-level datasets in India, enabling analysis of structural change over decades.
    [UPSC 2018] As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agriculture Households”, consider the following statements:

    1. Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agriculture households among its rural households.

    2. Out of the total households in the country, a little over 60 percent being to OBCs.

    3. In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agriculture households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agriculture activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • [12th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Relief for Refugees (Foreign (Exemption) Order, 2025)

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022] India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka. Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

    Linkage: The issue of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees directly ties to India’s longstanding friendship with Sri Lanka. While India has consistently extended humanitarian aid during Sri Lanka’s crises, the 2025 Immigration Order reflects another dimension of this support by protecting refugees from forcible repatriation. It highlights how India balances compassion for vulnerable groups with its broader role as a stabilising partner in Sri Lanka’s recovery

    Mentor’s Comment

    The recent Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, marks a turning point in India’s refugee policy, particularly concerning Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. While it offers legal relief, many gaps remain in ensuring citizenship, dignity, and durable solutions. This article explores the issue through a UPSC lens, connecting it with governance, international relations, and humanitarian concerns.

    Introduction

    The Union Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, exempting specified groups from passport and visa requirements for entering, staying, and exiting India. For the first time, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, who have lived in Tamil Nadu since the 1990s, find explicit mention, gaining protection from forcible repatriation. However, questions of legal status, citizenship, and long-term rehabilitation remain unresolved, making this both a humanitarian and policy challenge.

    Why in the News

    For over three decades, Sri Lankan Tamil refugees have lived in India without a clear roadmap for citizenship or repatriation. The 2025 Order gives them temporary relief but does not resolve their “illegal migrant” status. This is significant because, unlike the six religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who received relief under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Sri Lankan Tamils had been left out earlier. The recognition in 2025 is thus both a success and a reminder of unaddressed policy gaps.

    What Does the New Immigration Order Provide?

    1. Exemption Granted: Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, six religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lankan Tamils are exempted from strict passport and visa rules.
    2. Historical Reference: Refugees must have entered India before January 9, 2015, and registered themselves to avail of the benefit.
    3. Protection from Forcible Return: This safeguards Sri Lankan Tamils from involuntary repatriation after decades of uncertainty.

    Why Are Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees a Special Case?

    1. Civil War Displacement: Many fled to Tamil Nadu in the 1990s during Sri Lanka’s civil war.
    2. Post-war Welfare: Both Union and Tamil Nadu governments provided welfare after the civil war ended in 2009.
    3. Exclusion from CAA 2019: Unlike refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, Sri Lankan Tamils were excluded from citizenship benefits.

    What Legal Hurdles Do Refugees Still Face?

    1. Illegal Migrant Tag: Despite the order, they remain classified as “illegal migrants” under Indian law.
    2. Citizenship Barriers: They cannot easily apply for citizenship under Section 5 (registration) or Section 6 (naturalisation) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
    3. Long Term Visa (LTV) Gap: Exclusion from LTV eligibility blocks access to gainful employment and higher education.
    4. Missed Precedent: Tibetan refugees receive certificates of identity, which could serve as a model for Sri Lankan Tamils.

    What Are the Policy Options Ahead?

    1. Liberalisation of LTVs: Extending LTVs to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees would facilitate education and jobs.
    2. Voluntary Repatriation: India and Sri Lanka can collaborate on structured assistance for safe return.
    3. Local Integration: For those unwilling to return, gradual local integration with a humane approach can be considered.
    4. Model Replication: Certificates of identity, as given to Tibetan refugees, can help provide dignity and legal standing.

    Conclusion

    The 2025 Immigration Order is a step forward, but it leaves critical questions unresolved. Sri Lankan Tamil refugees deserve a humane, durable solution, whether through voluntary repatriation with assistance, or integration with rights and dignity. India, while balancing domestic concerns and foreign relations with Sri Lanka, must craft a policy that reflects compassion, legality, and long-term stability.

  • [pib] Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public comments and suggestions.

    Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024: Key Features

    Details
    Sports Regulatory Board of India • Central regulatory authority overseeing National Sports Federations (NSFs).
    • Responsible for granting recognition to NSFs, ensuring governance, financial, and ethical standards are followed.
    • Flexible and autonomous in regulating sports governance without a fixed formula for NSF recognition.
    Governance Structure for Sports Bodies • Applies to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSFs.
    • Limits Executive Committees (ECs) to 15 members.
    • Leadership positions open to citizens with usual terms and conditions.
    • Encourages NSFs to hire full-time salaried management, led by a CEO.
    Ethical and Governance Standards • Mandatory Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions at the NOC, NPC, and NSF levels.
    • Aligns with international standards to help India host global events like the Olympics.
    Athletes Commissions • Required in NOC, NPC, and all NSFs.
    • Provides athletes a platform to raise concerns and participate in decision-making.
    • Government to provide additional funding.
    Athlete Representation in Governance • At least 10% of voting members in the General Body of NOC, NPC, and NSFs must be sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs).
    • At least 2 SOM representatives (one male, one female) must serve on the Executive Committee.
    Safe Sports Policy • Introduces a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment and abuse.
    • Strict adherence to the POSH Act.
    National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs) • Guidelines for recognizing and regulating NSPOs to support sports governance, athlete development, and sports promotion.
    Appellate Sports Tribunal • Handles sports-related disputes, reducing the burden on civil courts.
    • Provides faster, cheaper, and efficient dispute resolution.
    Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees • The Sports Regulatory Board can form these committees in cases of non-compliance or suspension of sports federations.
    Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Standards • Emphasizes anti-doping measures and compliance with international standards, positioning India as a clean host for global events.
    Public Accountability and Transparency • NOC, NPC, and NSFs subject to the RTI Act with exclusions for performance and medical data, ensuring transparency in sports governance.
    Inclusivity and Gender Representation • At least 30% of the members of Executive Committees and other governing bodies must be female, promoting gender equality in sports.
    Sports Election Panel • IOA, PCI, and NSFs must engage electoral officers from the Sports Election Panel to ensure free and fair elections.
    Use of National Name and Insignia • Only recognized sports bodies will be allowed to use the Indian Flag or national names.
    • Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year.

    Significance of the Bill:

    • The National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is significant as it aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in sports governance while ensuring the welfare of athletes.
    • It establishes regulatory frameworks and ethical standards that align India’s sports ecosystem with global practices, fostering a more efficient, fair, and athlete-centric sports environment.

    PYQ:

    [2014] An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.

  • Supreme Court to review PMLA verdict     

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court has postponed its review of the decision to uphold key provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) to August 28.

    Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

    • The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) is a crucial legislative framework in India aimed at combating money laundering and related financial crimes.
    • The PMLA was enacted by the Parliament of India and came into force on July 1, 2005. It was introduced to prevent money laundering and provide for the confiscation of property derived from or involved in money laundering.
    • The main objectives of the PMLA are:
      • To prevent and control money laundering.
      • To confiscate and seize property obtained from laundered money.
      • To address issues connected with money laundering in India.

    What is the Case?

    •  On July 27, 2022, the Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in the case of “Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India”.
      • The 540-page ruling accepted the government’s arguments on all challenged aspects, including reversing the presumption of innocence for bail, passing amendments as a Money Bill, and defining the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) powers.
    • On August 25, 2022, a different three-judge bench agreed to hear a review petition filed by Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. The petition raised concerns about at least two issues from the Madanlal decision.

    What are the Grounds for Review?

    • The Supreme Court’s verdict in Madanlal upheld stringent bail conditions for economic offences, imposing a reverse burden of proof on the accused.
    • Petitioners argue that, without essential documents like an FIR, charge sheet, case diary, and prosecution documents, an accused cannot adequately present their case.
    • The Madanlal verdict upheld Section 50 of the PMLA, allowing ED officials to record statements under oath, admissible in court. It distinguished ED officers from police officers, classifying their investigations as “inquiries.” Petitioners argue that the verdict overlooked provisions granting penal powers to the ED.

    How is a Judgment Reviewed?

    • The Supreme Court can review its judgments or orders under Article 137 of the Constitution.
    • A review petition must be filed within 30 days of the judgment. Typically, review petitions are heard through written submissions (“circulation”) by the same judges who passed the original verdict, rather than in open court.
    • Reviews are granted on narrow grounds to correct grave errors causing a miscarriage of justice. One common ground is “a mistake apparent on the face of the record,” which must be glaring and obvious, such as reliance on invalid case law.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhanced Transparency and Documentation: To address concerns about the adequacy of case presentation by the accused, there should be a mandate for providing all essential documents such as FIRs, charge sheets, case diaries, and prosecution documents to ensure a fair trial process.
    • Clarification of ED’s Powers and Procedures: Amendments to the PMLA should clearly define the scope and limits of the Enforcement Directorate’s powers, ensuring that ED officers are given appropriate procedural guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse of penal powers and uphold due process.

  • Questionable searches under the Money Laundering Act

    Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 | IASbaba

    Central idea 

    The Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) emphasizes a strict application tied to scheduled offences and the definition of “proceeds of crime.” Criticism of the Enforcement Directorate’s actions highlights the need for probity and fairness, urging consistency in procedures. The issue raises concerns about potential abuse of authority and its impact on federalism, necessitating clear jurisdictional delineation.

    Key Highlights:

    • Supreme Court Interpretation: The Supreme Court’s unique interpretation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) has raised concerns, limiting its application to “wrongful and illegal gain of property” related to scheduled offences.
    • Definition of “Proceeds of Crime”: The Court emphasized that for the PMLA to apply, the property must qualify as “proceeds of crime” under Section 2(1)(u) of the Act.
    • Critical Observations on ED: Instances of Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions beyond its powers, especially arrests, led to severe criticism. The court highlighted the need for the ED to function with “utmost probity, dispassion, and fairness.”

    Key Challenges:

    • Inconsistent ED Practices: The Court noted the lack of consistent and uniform practices within the ED, especially in furnishing written copies of arrest grounds, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.
    • Abuse of Authority: The ED’s conduct in conducting searches, seizures, and arrests outside its powers resulted in strong criticism, pointing to potential abuse of authority.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Scheduled Offence: Offences specified in the schedule of the PMLA Act to which the Act’s provisions apply.
    • Proceeds of Crime: Property derived or obtained as a result of criminal activity relating to a scheduled offence.

    Key Quotes and Statements:

    • “If the offence so reported is a scheduled offence, only in that eventuality, the property recovered by the Authorised Officer would partake the colour of proceeds of crime…”
    • “The ED, mantled with far-reaching powers under the stringent Act of 2002, must be seen to be acting with utmost probity, dispassion, and fairness.”

    Key Examples:

    • Vijay Madanlal Choudhary Case: The Supreme Court’s interpretation in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case set the precedent, emphasizing the need for the existence of “proceeds of crime” for PMLA application.
    • Pankaj Bansal Case: The Court’s criticism of the ED’s style of functioning in the Pankaj Bansal case highlighted the importance of adherence to probity and fairness.

    Critical Analysis: The Court’s focus on the stringent application of PMLA provisions, especially tying them to scheduled offences and the definition of “proceeds of crime,” reflects a commitment to precision and legal rigor. The criticism of ED practices underscores the significance of maintaining ethical standards in enforcement agencies.

    Way Forward:

    • Procedural Consistency: Enforcement agencies, particularly the ED, need to establish consistent and uniform practices, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
    • Judicial Scrutiny: Ongoing cases, especially those involving political implications, should undergo thorough judicial scrutiny to prevent potential abuse of authority and protect the principles of federalism.
    • Clarity on Jurisdiction: The ED’s jurisdiction, especially in non-scheduled offences like illegal mining, should be clarified to avoid overreach, respecting the powers vested with the State governments.

  • Alarming Road Accidents and Fatalities in India in 2022

    road accident

    Central Idea

    • A recent government report titled ‘Road Accidents in India – 2022’ has revealed a concerning surge in road accidents, fatalities, and injuries.
    • The report sheds light on the grim statistics of road safety in the country.

    Road Accidents in India 

    • The report is based on information provided by police departments of States and Union Territories collected on a calendar year basis.
    • Standardized formats from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) were used for data collection under the Asia Pacific Road Accident Data (APRAD) base project.

    Statistical Overview:

    • In 2022, India witnessed a total of 4,61,312 road accidents. It resulted in a tragic loss of 1,68,491 lives.
    • Additionally, 4,43,366 individuals sustained injuries.

    State-Specific Data

    • Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of road accidents on National Highways in 2022 (64,105 accidents or 13.9%).
    • Madhya Pradesh followed closely with 54,432 accidents (11.8%).
    • Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of fatalities (22,595 or 13.4%) due to road accidents.
    • TN came second with 17,884 fatalities (10.6%).

    Why discuss this?

    (1) Year-on-Year Increase:

    • The report disclosed an alarming year-on-year increase of 11.9% in road accidents.
    • Fatalities also rose by 9.4% in the same period.
    • The number of injuries surged by a staggering 15.3% compared to the previous year.

    (2) Accident Distribution:

    • The accidents were distributed across different types of roads as follows:
    1. National Highways, including Expressways: 32.9% (Fatalities: 36.2%)
    2. State Highways: 23.1% (Fatalities: 24.3%)
    3. Other roads: 43.9% (Fatalities: 39.4%)

    (3) Demographic Impact:

    • Young adults: Mostly between 18 and 45 years old comprised a significant portion, accounting for 66.5% of road accident victims in 2022.
    • Working People: Within the working age group of 18 to 60 years represented 83.4% of total road accident fatalities.

    (4) Rural vs. Urban Accidents:

    • Approximately 68% of road accident fatalities occurred in rural areas.
    • Urban areas accounted for 32% of total accident deaths in the country.

    (5) Vehicle Categories

    • Two-wheelers remained the most prominent vehicle category involved in road accidents and fatalities for the second consecutive year.
    • Light vehicles, including cars, jeeps, and taxis, ranked a distant second.

    What global reports have to say?

    • A recent analytical series published by The Lancet highlights the potential to reduce road accident-related deaths in India and other countries by 25 to 40%.
    • This reduction is achievable through preventive interventions that target four key risk factors.

    Major issues identified

    In developing countries like India, several structural problems persist:

    • High Speed: Excessive speed contributes to accidents.
    • Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol-impaired driving poses a substantial risk.
    • Unplanned Motorization: Rapid motorization and urbanization create challenges.
    • Highway Development: Speedy highway construction often lacks accommodation for diverse traffic speeds.
    • Vehicle Conditions: Ramshackle vehicles, wrong-side driving, and inadequate traffic policing are widespread issues.

    India-specific Problems

    • Weak Law Enforcement: Inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws, often resolved through bribery.
    • Speeding: Higher vehicle speeds and increased traffic volume on highways.
    • Engineering Challenges: Gaps in highway medians, untreated intersections, and missing crash barriers.
    • Behavioural Issues: Violations such as wrong-side driving, lane misuse, and traffic light disobedience.
    • Lack of Immediate Trauma Care: Insufficient trauma care on highways leading to higher fatalities.

    Steps Taken by India

    India has undertaken various measures to address road safety concerns:

    • Sundar Committee (2007): India lacks competent investigation units to determine accident causes.
    • Amendment to Motor Vehicles Act (2019): Legislative changes, though not uniformly implemented across states.
    • National Road Safety Board: Establishment with advisory powers for safety reforms.
    • World Bank Support: Approval of a $250 million loan for the India State Support Programme for Road Safety.

    Challenges in Implementation

    Despite efforts, the focus remains conventional, with limited emphasis on structural changes:

    • User Behavior Focus: States prioritize user behavior and education over structural improvements.
    • Low Emphasis on Engineering Standards: Inadequate attention to raising engineering standards for roads, signage, signals, and accident investigation training.
    • Responsibility Fixation: Neglect in assigning responsibility to government departments for road infrastructure design, creation, and maintenance.

    Way forward

    • Promoting awareness and responsible behaviour.
    • Better road design, maintenance, and signage.
    • Strictly enforcing traffic rules and penalties.
    • Ensuring vehicle safety and roadworthiness.
    • Enhancing first aid and paramedic care in Golden Hour.

  • Clearance to Politicians for Foreign Travels

    Central Idea

    • A Delhi State Minister has moved the court seeking directions for the government to decide on granting her political clearance before it is too late.
    • Earlier, Delhi CM’s participation to attend the World Cities Summit in 2022 was due to delayed political clearance by the Centre.

    Understanding Political Clearance

    • Political clearance is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is required for public servants and government officials traveling abroad.
    • Applications for political clearance can be made through the epolclearance.gov.in portal since 2016.
    • The decision on political clearance considers various factors, including the nature of the event, level of participation, invitation, and India’s relations with the host country.

    (1) Process for CMs and State Ministers to Travel Abroad

    • Informing the cabinet: The Cabinet Secretariat’s circular of May 6, 2015, mandates informing the Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of External Affairs about proposed foreign visits by CMs and State Ministers.
    • Mandatory nature: Prior political clearance and FCRA clearance are mandatory for such visits.
    • Application process: The application for clearance must be sent to the Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).

    (2) For other Ministers and Parliamentarians

    • Union ministers require clearance from the Prime Minister’s Office in addition to political clearance from the MEA for official and personal trips abroad.
    • Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members need clearance from the Speaker and Chairperson respectively, only for official trips.
    • Government employees, depending on their rank and delegation type, require approval from the Minister concerned or a screening committee of secretaries.

    (3) Application to Judges

    • Judges of the Supreme Court and state High Courts must send their proposals to the Department of Justice after obtaining clearance from the Chief Justice of India.
    • Approval from the MEA and, in certain cases, the Home Ministry is required.
    • Delhi High Court has struck down guidelines on judges’ personal travel in the past.

    Debates surrounding political clearance

    • In his early term, PM Modi held meetings with Union department secretaries to discuss the issue.
    • Calls have been made to change the “dilatory system” of MEA clearing travel proposals by officials.
    • The MEA has asserted its prerogative in deciding the suitability, desirability, and level of participation of Indian officials in engagements abroad.

    Reasons for Political Clearance Denials

    • The inappropriateness of direct correspondence: The MEA may consider direct correspondence between a diplomatic mission and a state government as inappropriate, leading to denial of clearance for a visit.
    • Substantive and protocol considerations: Concerns may arise regarding the substantive and protocol aspects of a CM’s visit, which could influence the decision to deny political clearance.
    • Unsuitability or undesirability: The nature of the event or the level of participation from other countries might be deemed unsuitable or undesirable for a CM’s visit, resulting in denial of clearance.
    • Special consideration challenges: Concerned agencies may face challenges in providing special consideration to a Chief Minister’s visit, considering substantive and protocol angles.
    • Prevailing circumstances: The prevailing circumstances, including diplomatic relations with the host country or other relevant factors, can play a role in the decision to deny political clearance.
    • National security concerns: In certain cases, national security considerations may lead to the denial of political clearance for an official visit.
    • Lack of sufficient justification: If the purpose or justification provided for the visit is not deemed sufficient, the political clearance request may be denied.

    Importance of Political Clearance

    • Ensures effective representation and protection of India’s interests abroad.
    • Maintains diplomatic relations and adheres to established protocols.
    • Balances security concerns with the need for international engagements.

    Implications for diplomacy

    • Denial of political clearance can impact bilateral and multilateral relationships.
    • Strengthens cooperation and dialogue between countries.
    • Builds trust and goodwill through smooth facilitation of visits and engagements.

  • Home Ministry begins process to sell Enemy Properties

    enemy
    MA Jinnah’s house in Mumbai

    The home ministry has begun the process to sell enemy properties, immovable assets left behind by people who have taken citizenship in Pakistan and China after wars with these countries.

    What one means by Enemy Property?

    • Enemy property refers to the assets and properties of individuals or entities that have been declared as “enemies” by the Indian government.
    • This can include individuals or entities who are citizens of a country that is at war with India, or who have engaged in hostilities or acted against the interests of India.

    Why was such a concept initiated?

    • In the wake of the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, there was the migration of people from India to Pakistan.
    • Under the Defence of India Rules framed under The Defence of India Act, 1962, the Government of India took over the properties and companies of those who took Pakistani nationality.
    • These “enemy properties” were vested by the central government in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India.
    • The same was done for property left behind by those who went to China after the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
    • The Tashkent Declaration of January 10, 1966 included a clause that said India and Pakistan would discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict.
    • However, the Government of Pakistan disposed of all such properties in their country in the year 1971 itself.

    Dealing with enemy property

    • The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1968, provided for the continuous vesting of enemy property in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) under the Home Ministry.
    • The central government, through the Custodian, is in possession of enemy properties spread across many states in the country.
    • Some movable properties too, are categorised as enemy properties.
    • In 2017, Parliament passed The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016, which amended The Enemy Property Act, 1968, and The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

    Total such properties in India

    enemy

    • There are 12,611 enemy properties in India estimated to be worth over ₹1 lakh crore.
    • The government has earned over ₹3,400 crore from disposal of enemy properties, mostly movable assets like shares and gold.
    • None of the immovable enemy properties has been sold so far.
    • Out of the 12,611 properties vested with the CEPI, 12,485 were related to Pakistani nationals and 126 to Chinese citizens.
    • Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of enemy properties (6,255), followed by West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Tripura, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana.
    • Kerala, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, Assam, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Daman and Diu, and Andhra Pradesh have enemy properties as well.

     

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  • Unscientific Highway Infrastructure: A Cause of Accidents

    Highway

    Context

    • In a March 2019 circular, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) raised the subject of premature issuance of completion certificates for national highway works. NHAI had noticed that, in certain cases, completion certificates had been issued even before the completion of works ‘up to the standards and specifications’ prescribed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.

    Highway

    Status of National highways and deaths

    • 35 percent of all road deaths: NHAI is the principal organization responsible for construction of National Highways in India. National highways constitute a mere 2 percent of the country’s road network, but account for close to 35 percent of all road deaths.
    • Record 37 kms per day: The ministry has been taking credit for the pace at which national highways are being constructed. In the fiscal year 2021, it reached a record 37 kms per day. This has come down to 19.44 km per day in the first six months of the financial year 2022.

    What was the circular issued by NHAI?

    • Issuance of completion certificate: The circular forbade the issuance of such certificates, especially if non-completion resulted in ‘material inconveniences to users’ or affected their safety.
    • Likely cause of fatalities: Items such as road shoulders, road signs, markings, dressing of slopes, and road furniture were explicitly mentioned. circular was not taken with due seriousness by some authorized engineers. This negligence could have contributed to road crashes, probably resulting in fatalities.
    • Dereliction of duty by NHAI’s officials: The NHAI has now warned the delinquents that such behavior would be treated as a serious dereliction of duty and disciplinary action would be taken against officers issuing such certificates to incomplete road works. Additionally, the officers would be held personally liable in case of serious accidents that occur on such unfinished infrastructure.
    • Safety is better than pace of construction: The Minister for Road Transport & Highways stressed that it is necessary to build safer roads even if this decelerated the pace of construction.

    Highway

    Case study of NHAI’s road construction?

    • Death of Cyrus Mistry: Unfortunately, self-introspection by the NHAI in regard to safety failures and the large number of deaths on national highways was not in evidence in the aftermath of the death of Cyrus Mistry on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai national highway in September 2022.
    • Crash was result of poor infrastructure: In this instance, a seven-member forensic investigation team found that the car crash was the result of an infrastructure issue. The car in which Mistry was travelling happened to tragically hit a bridge that was faultily designed.
    • Invisible dividers: The bridge parapet was found to be protruding into the shoulder lane. Furthermore, the road with three lanes unexpectedly narrowed to a road with two lanes with a dangerous L-shaped concrete divider that had no proper paint on it.
    • Inadequate safety signs: Road signages were grossly inadequate, making that road stretch a ‘black spot’. This epithet is used for a road section where accidents are a frequent occurrence.
    • Expressways are constructed for more speed: The accident also raised issues of the excessive speed of the car that crashed. It was said that the car was travelling at a speed in excess of 100 km per hour. However, the minister himself has been in favour of higher speeds on Indian expressways and national highways. He proposed a speed limit of 140 kmph on expressways and at least 100 kmph on four-lane national highways. This, he stated, was advocated on account of considerable improvements in the quality of India’s highways that permit vehicles to go faster than in the past.
    • Speed limit safety needs to be revise: The minister was also critical of some judicial rulings that disallowed hiking speeds on national highways. However, in the light of certain facts repeatedly surfacing in regard to safety issues of national highways, it does appear that greater caution in regard to increasing speed needs to be taken.

    Critical analysis of NHAI’s road construction and maintenance

    • Rains and potholes: While the government claims that they are of international standard, a recent report highlighted the plight of road travelers on national highways post India’s monsoons. The rains have left the country’s arterial network in poor shape as they have become riddled with potholes.
    • Higher toll but poor roads: The cited report mentioned the Gurgaon-Jaipur stretch of NH-8, which, despite a hike in toll rates, remains incomplete and terribly potholed. The reason for this sorry state of affairs was revealed in a reply by the government to a parliamentary standing committee.
    • Insufficient maintenance: The budgetary provision for maintenance of national highways was a mere 40 percent of their own estimated standards. Clearly, maintenance of national highways was being discounted in favour of more kilometres of road construction. The shortfall of 60 percent of maintenance money was terribly high and resulted in the resources being thinly spread, making adequate maintenance intervention highly unlikely.
    • Inadequate budgetary allocation: The parliamentary committee pointed out in its report titled ‘Issues related to road sector’ that the shortfall in sufficient budgetary allocation was echoed in the poor quality of national highways often witnessed across the country. The committee emphasized that the maintenance of national highways was vitally significant in regard to safety and good average traffic speeds and ought to be given high priority. The issue had been repeatedly flagged by the committee.
    • NITI Aayog’s acknowledgement of poor infrastructure: Similarly, NITI Aayog, in its report titled ‘Strategy for New India @75’, advised that the government should earmark 10 percent of its annual budget for maintenance of roads and highways and move towards the developed country norm of marking 40 percent of the budget for road upkeep. It is evident that if national highways are not in shape, the economy of the country and the states takes a hit.

    Highway

    Conclusion

    • It is absolutely necessary for citizens to follow road safety norms but government cannot look away from its responsibility. Scientific road construction even at the cost of slow construction rate is non-negotiable for sake of accident prevention. Safety of citizens is prior to any world record.

  • Amendments to Bharat Series Rules

    bharat

    The Ministry of Road Transport and Highway has issued a draft notification proposing new rules to further increase the scope of implementation of the BH series vehicle registrations.

    Bharat series (BH-series)

    • There was a procedure of re-registration of a vehicle while moving to another state.
    • A vehicle bearing BH registration mark shall not require assignment of a new registration mark when the owner of the vehicle shifts from one State to another.
    • Format of Bharat series (BH-series) Registration Mark –

    Registration Mark Format:

    1. YY BH #### XX
    2. YY – Year of first registration
    3. BH- Code for Bharat Series
    4. ####- 0000 to 9999 (randomized)
    5. XX- Alphabets (AA to ZZ)

    Why such move?

    • Station relocation occurs with both Government and private sector employees.
    • Such movements create a sense of unease in the minds of such employees with regard to transfer of registration from the parent state to another state.
    • Under section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a person is allowed to keep the vehicle for not more than 12 months in any state other than the state where the vehicle is registered.

    Who can get this BH series?

    • BH-series will be available on voluntary basis to Defense personnel, employees of Central Government/ State Government/ Central/ State PSUs and private sector companies/organizations.
    • The motor vehicle tax will be levied for two years or in multiple of two.
    • This scheme will facilitate free movement of personal vehicles across States/UTs of India upon relocation to a new State/UT.
    • After the completion of the fourteenth year, the motor vehicle tax shall be levied annually which shall be half of the amount which was charged earlier for that vehicle.

     

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