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  • 50 Years of Farakka Barrage

    Why in the News?

    It was nearly 50 years ago, that India had completed the construction of the Farakka Barrage.

    About Farakka Barrage

    • The Farakka Barrage is located on the Ganges River in Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India, about 18 km from the Bangladesh border.
    • The barrage measures 2,304 meters (7,559 feet) in length.
    • Its construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1970 at a cost of 1 billion dollars. It became operational on April 21, 1975.
    • The Feeder Canal is approximately 42 km long, connecting the barrage to the Hooghly River.
    • Purpose:
      • It diverts water to the Hooghly River to maintain the navigability of Kolkata Port and to flush out sediment from the river.
      • It diverts 1,800 cubic meters per second of water from the Ganges.
    • Construction Details:
      • Built by Hindustan Construction Company, it consists of 109 gates, with 108 over the river and one over low-lying land as a precaution.
      • Supports the Farakka Super Thermal Power Station.
    • The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty ensured fair water distribution:
      • 70,000 cusecs or less: 50% to both India and Bangladesh.
      • 70,000 – 75,000 cusecs: India gets 35,000 cusecs, Bangladesh the balance.
      • 75,000 cusecs or more: India receives 40,000 cusecs, Bangladesh gets the remainder.

    Significance in India-Bangladesh Water Sharing:

    • The Farakka Barrage is crucial for irrigation in West Bengal, supporting agriculture during the dry season.
    • Bangladesh, particularly Mongla and Khulna, depends on the Ganges for water.
    • The diverted water has led to water scarcity, impacting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods in Bangladesh, causing diplomatic tensions.
    • This treaty ensures equitable distribution and guarantees a minimum flow for Bangladesh.
    • Issues: 
      • Water diversion has led to salinization and soil degradation in Bangladesh, affecting agriculture and freshwater supplies.
      • Biodiversity loss and damage to the Sundarbans mangrove forests have been significant environmental impacts.
    [UPSC 1997] The canal-carrying capacity of Farakka is:

    (a) 40,000 cusecs (b) 60,000 cusecs (c) 80,000 cusecs (d) 100,000 cusecs

     

  • Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in ‘The Hindu’.

    Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

    About Lapis Lazuli

    • Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock prized for its vibrant colour, often used in jewellery and decorative items.
    • It is composed mainly of lazurite, with other minerals like calcite and pyrite, which give it its characteristic golden specks.
    • It is mainly found in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, though it is also present in Chile, Russia, and the US.
    • It has been valued since ancient times, particularly in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, and is known for its use in making pigments, especially ultramarine.

    Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

    Lapis Lazuli in Indus Valley Civilization (IVC):

    • The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) (3300-1900 BC) had extensive trade with Mesopotamia and Afghanistan, where lapis lazuli was imported.
    • It was used for beads and ornaments found at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, underscoring its value in Indus jewellery.
    • It was a sacred stone, often used in beads, pendants, and amulets, symbolizing spirituality and high social status.
    • It was likely associated with religious ceremonies and used to represent the gods.
    • The Indus people were skilled at bead-making, often combining lapis lazuli with other stones, such as gold.
    • The intricate designs, including incised or painted beads, reflect their technical expertise.

    Other Semi-Precious Stones Found in IVC:

    Several semi-precious stones were used by the IVC to create jewellery and ornaments:

    • Carnelian beads were made into pendants and rings, valued for their reddish-orange hue and durability.
    • Amethyst beads, a purple quartz variety, were also used, likely imported from other regions.
    • Jasper, a chalcedony variety, was used for beads and pendants, valued for its earthy tones.
    • Turquoise was used in beads, often combined with lapis lazuli and carnelian.
    • Steatite (Soapstone) was used for seals and beads, often engraved with animal motifs or symbols.
    • Crystal and quartz were used for translucent beads, adding a mystical quality to jewelry.
    • Gold, combined with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise, was extensively used in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Lothal, a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization, was particularly well-known as a:

    (a) major agricultural centre

    (b) centre for textile production

    (c) major trade hub for beads, gems, and ornaments

    (d) site with extensive fire altars

     

  • India ranked 118th on the World Happiness Index

    Why in the News?

    India has improved its position in the World Happiness Report 2025, climbing to 118th place among 147 countries, up from 126th last year.

    About the World Happiness Index (WHI)

    • The WHI is part of the World Happiness Report, a global survey conducted by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), an initiative of the United Nations.
    • The report ranks countries based on citizens’ self-reported happiness, focusing on life satisfaction and overall well-being.
    • The rankings are primarily based on data gathered from the Gallup World Poll, where individuals rate their own lives on a 0-10 scale using the Cantril Ladder method.
    • 6 key factors influence these evaluations:
    1. GDP per capita
    2. Healthy life expectancy
    3. Social support
    4. Freedom
    5. Generosity
    6. Perception of corruption

    Key Highlights of the World Happiness Report 2025:

    • Top Countries: Finland remains the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden are also in the top ranks. Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th) entered the top 10 for the first time. Israel ranked 8th despite conflicts.
    • Declining Happiness in Western Nations: The United States dropped to 24th, and the United Kingdom fell to 23rd, with both countries experiencing increased social isolation.
    • Least Happy Countries: Afghanistan remains the least happy, with Sierra Leone and Lebanon also in the bottom three.
    • India’s Improvement:
    • India improved its ranking from 126th to 118th, with its happiness score rising from 4.054 to 4.389.
      • Despite its economic growth, technological advancements, and improvements in healthcare and education, it continues to rank lower than its neighboring countries like Pakistan (109th).

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2004] Human Development Index comprises literacy rates, life expectancy at birth and-

    (a) Gross Domestic Product per head in US dollars

    (b) Gross National Product per head in US dollars

    (c) Purchasing Power Parity in US dollars

    (d) National Income per head in US dollars

     

  • Spring Equinox, 2025

    Why in the News?

    March 20 marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the beginning of the spring season.

    What are Equinoxes?

    • An equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun, resulting in equal length of day and night across the planet.
    • Equinoxes occur twice a year:
      • Vernal Equinox: Around March 20-21, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
      • Autumnal Equinox: Around September 22-23, marking the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • On an equinox, the Sun is directly above the Equator, leading to almost equal distribution of sunlight between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
    • The equal length of day and night is observed, with each lasting approximately 12 hours.

    What are Solstices?

    • A solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt is most extreme either towards or away from the Sun. This results in the longest or shortest day of the year in each hemisphere.
    • Solstices occur twice a year:
      • Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around June 20-22, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.
      • Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around December 20-23, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.
    • Solstices create unequal distribution of sunlight, with one hemisphere receiving significantly more or less sunlight than the other.

    Cultural Significance of the Equinox:

    • Nowruz, celebrated on the vernal equinox, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year.
      • The festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years by the Zoroastrian community, including the Parsi community in India.
    • Vernal Equinox Day is a national holiday in Japan, celebrating the arrival of spring.
    • Easter, one of the most significant days in Christianity, is determined based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
    • Passover, the Jewish festival, begins on the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

     

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2019] On 21st June, the Sun
    (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
    (b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
    (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
    (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

     

  • Health Expenditure at 1.84% of GDP

    Why in the News?

    The Union government has steadily increased its spending on healthcare, with the expenditure rising to 1.84% of GDP in 2021-22, up from 1.15% in 2013-14.

    Overview of India’s Health Expenditure

    • India has shown a consistent increase in government spending on healthcare, reflecting a growing commitment to improving the public healthcare system.
    • As of 2021-22, government health expenditure (GHE) rose to 1.84% of GDP, up from 1.15% in 2013-14, and is on track to meet the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
    • The rise in health expenditure has been particularly significant post–COVID-19, with a 37% increase in government spending from 2020-21 to 2021-22.
    • This has led to better healthcare accessibility, reduced financial burden on individuals, and greater focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure.

    What is Total Health Expenditure?

    • Total Health Expenditure (THE) refers to the sum of all current and capital expenditures incurred by the government, private sector, and external sources for healthcare purposes in a given period.
    • This includes:
      • Current Health Expenditure (CHE): Ongoing spending on healthcare services, such as hospitals, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
      • Capital Expenditure: Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as building hospitals or purchasing medical equipment.
    • In 2020-21, India’s THE was estimated at ₹7,39,327 crores, constituting 3.73% of GDP, with a per capita expenditure of ₹5,436.
    • In 2021-22, this figure increased to ₹9,04,461 crores, representing 3.83% of GDP, reflecting a proactive government response to healthcare challenges and pandemic management.

    Reasons for Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

    The reduction in OOPE can be attributed to:

    • Increased government health spending, making healthcare more affordable.
    • Expansion of public health services, including vaccination and preventive care.
    • Growth in government-funded health insurance and social security programs, reducing reliance on personal funds.
    • Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have eased the financial burden.
    • Improved public healthcare access and financial protection have reduced hardship for low- and middle-income families.

    PYQ:

    [2021] “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.

     

  • Why Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt and extension of the original article published in the Indian Express.

    Why Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    Types of Potteries in Ancient India:

    1. Neolithic Age (10000 BCE): Pottery in this period was handmade, with rough, unglazed surfaces. Later, the footwheel was introduced, making pottery shaping more refined. Materials like clay, mica, and sand were used.
    2. Chalcolithic Age (4500-2000 BCE): The main pottery types during this era were Black-and-Red Ware, Black-on-Red Ware, and Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP). These were seen in cultures like Ahar-Banas and Jorwe, often featuring geometric designs.
    3. Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1500 BCE): Pottery was wheel-thrown, with both polished and unpolished varieties. Common pottery types included Black-and-Red Ware and Painted Grey Ware, adorned with geometric patterns and depictions of animals and plants.
    4. Vedic Era (1500-500 BCE): During this period, Painted Grey Ware (PGW) became prominent, characterized by fine grey pottery with black geometric patterns. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) emerged, glossy and associated with the elite for its fine finish.
    5. Mauryan and Gupta Periods: The Mauryan period continued the use of NBPW, while the Gupta period introduced redware pottery. The Kushana period added red polished ware with stamped designs.

    Rise in Mercantile Activities and Evolution of Pottery Styles:

    • The Vedic period saw the emergence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW), often linked with the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
    • With the rise of Buddhism, Jainism, and urbanization, NBPW emerged during the Mahajanapada period.
    • Glazed porcelain was introduced around 1000 AD through trade with China and Muslim traders, significantly influencing India’s pottery tradition.

    How Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

    • Material Culture: Pottery is a direct reflection of daily life and technological expertise. It reveals how ancient societies lived, worked, and expressed their culture through artistic and functional objects.
    • Socio-Economic Indicators: The types of pottery indicate economic status. Luxury pottery like NBPW was reserved for the elite, while more common pottery suggests the everyday life of the broader society.
    • Cultural and Religious Practices: Pottery had significant ritualistic and symbolic importance, used in religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Specific pots represented deities or were filled with sacred items like coconuts, bananas, and flowers.
    • Technological and Artistic Development: The evolution of pottery-making, from handmade to wheel-thrown pottery, marks the increasing technological and artistic sophistication of ancient civilizations, highlighting advancements in both craftsmanship and creativity.
    • Chronological Understanding: Pottery helps date ancient sites, providing key insights into the timeline of cultural and technological progress. It allows historians to map out the development of civilizations and better understand their historical context.

  • A regional divide in blue-collar worker migration from India

    Why in the News?

    Recent data show a decline in remittances from Gulf countries to India, while contributions from advanced economies have grown.

    Why has the share of remittances from Gulf countries to India declined while contributions from advanced economies have increased?

    • Wage Stagnation and Cost of Living in the Gulf: Wages in Gulf countries have remained relatively stagnant, while the cost of living has increased, reducing the savings and ability to send money home of Indian workers. Example: The UAE introduced a Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2018, increasing living costs for migrant workers.
    • Shift in Migration Patterns Toward High-Income Countries: More Indian professionals and skilled workers are migrating to advanced economies like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., where salaries are higher. Example: The number of Indian students and skilled workers in Canada has surged, contributing to rising remittances from the country.
    • Stringent Localization Policies in the Gulf:  Gulf nations have implemented employment nationalization policies that push for localization in jobs (e.g., Saudization in Saudi Arabia, Nitaqat in UAE), shrinking opportunities for foreign workers, including Indians.
    • Depreciation of Gulf Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar: The exchange rates of Gulf currencies, which are tied to U.S. dollar, have not appreciated significantly, while the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable. Example: A stronger U.S. dollar means remittances from the U.S. convert to more Indian rupees compared to Gulf remittances.
    • Expansion of India’s IT and Healthcare Workforce Abroad: Skilled professionals in IT, healthcare, and finance are securing jobs in developed countries, leading to increased remittances from these sectors. Example: Indian tech workers in the U.S. under the H-1B visa program send substantial remittances back home, contributing to the U.S.’s growing share.

     

    Global Migration & Remittance Shifts: How India Compares with Other Nations Traditional Remittance Sources New Migration Trends Key Drivers of Change
    India Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany Wage stagnation in the Gulf, rise in high-skilled migration, better job opportunities in advanced economies
    Philippines Middle East, Southeast Asia U.S., Canada, Australia Strong demand for healthcare workers, education-driven migration, better worker rights in Western nations
    Vietnam Japan, South Korea, Taiwan U.S., Europe, Australia Economic ties with Western economies, investment in skilled workforce
    Mexico U.S. Europe, South America Stricter U.S. immigration policies, expansion of trade ties with Spain and Latin America
    Bangladesh Gulf countries, Malaysia Limited shift; still Gulf-dependent Fewer high-skilled migration pathways, reliance on traditional labor jobs
    Pakistan Saudi Arabia, UAE Minimal change; remains Gulf-dependent Economic constraints, limited alternative migration routes

     

    What are the reasons behind the decline in the number of blue-collar workers emigrating from the Southern States to the Gulf?

    • Improved Employment Opportunities in India: Economic growth and industrial expansion in southern states have created more local job opportunities, reducing the need for migration. Example: Tamil Nadu and Telangana have seen growth in manufacturing (automobiles, electronics) and IT sectors, offering better wages compared to low-paying Gulf jobs.
    • Stringent Gulf Employment Policies & Localization Programs: Gulf nations have implemented policies like Saudization and Emiratization, prioritizing local workers over foreign laborers, reducing demand for Indian blue-collar workers. Example: Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat system has restricted Indian employment in sectors like retail and construction.
    • Higher Migration Costs and Reduced Financial Returns: The cost of migration, including visa fees, recruitment charges, and living expenses, has risen, while wages in the Gulf have remained stagnant, making migration less attractive. Example: In Kerala, many workers are opting for European destinations (e.g., Italy, Germany) instead of the Gulf due to better wages and worker rights.

    How has the shift in migration patterns impacted States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal in terms of remittance inflows?

    • Slower Growth in Remittance Inflows: These states still send large numbers of workers to the Gulf, where wages and remittances are lower compared to advanced economies. Example: Despite high migration from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, their share in India’s total remittances remains low (around 3%), while Kerala and Maharashtra, with migrants in high-income countries, receive a higher share.
    • Limited Economic Upliftment Due to Lower Earnings: Since Gulf remittances have lower financial returns, households in these states see limited improvements in savings and investments. Example: While Tamil Nadu and Kerala benefit from higher wages in the U.S. and the U.K., families in Rajasthan and West Bengal largely rely on low-wage Gulf jobs, leading to slower economic mobility.
    • Higher Economic Vulnerability and Migration Dependency: With fewer alternative employment opportunities, many continue to migrate to the Gulf despite lower wages, reinforcing economic dependence on remittances. Example: Unlike Punjab, where migration to Canada has increased financial stability, states like Bihar still rely on remittances from Gulf labor, leaving them more vulnerable to economic downturns in the region.

    Which factors contribute to the continued high migration from northern and eastern States to the Gulf despite lower financial returns?

    • Skill Development and Certification Programs: Initiatives like the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) aim to enhance the skills of Indian workers, making them eligible for higher-paying jobs abroad. Example: The program aligns skill training with international standards, increasing employment prospects in advanced economies.
    • Bilateral Agreements and Labour Welfare Measures: India has signed labor agreements with Gulf countries to ensure better working conditions, fair wages, and legal protection for migrant workers. Example: The India-UAE MoU on Labor Cooperation provides safeguards against exploitation and ensures wage protection.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhancing High-Skilled Migration Pathways: The government should strengthen bilateral agreements with high-income countries to facilitate the migration of skilled professionals, particularly in IT, healthcare, and engineering.
      • Expanding initiatives like the India-Germany Skilled Workers Pact and negotiating better visa policies with the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. will ensure higher remittance inflows.
    • Skill Development and Certification for Diversified Destinations: To reduce dependence on Gulf remittances, India should invest in internationally recognized skill training through programs like Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and collaborate with European and East Asian countries for labor mobility agreements.

    Mains PYQ:

     Q Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (2015)

    Reason: This PYQ asks for a discussion of changes in labour migration trends over a significant historical period (the last four decades) and across both internal and external migration.

  • Anniversary of the Muzhara Movement

    Why in the News?

    On March 19, the anniversary of the Muzhara movement is observed, marking a significant chapter in Punjab’s agrarian struggles.

    About Muzhara Movement

    • Muzharas were farmers who worked the land but had no ownership rights.
      • They were part of a larger class of landless peasants in Punjab, facing oppressive feudal systems.
    • The biswedars (landlords), who took one-third of the produce, controlled the land.
      • This system led to economic exploitation, with a significant portion of the produce and profits going to the feudal landlords and, ultimately, the British colonial rulers.
    • The muzharas were seeking ownership of the land they had tilled for generations, asserting their right to the land in opposition to both the feudal and colonial systems.
    • In March 1949, when the biswedars tried to reclaim land from the muzharas, Kishangarh village became the epicentre of the struggle.
    • A violent standoff between the muzharas and the Patiala police ensued, which resulted in the death of a police officer on March 17.
    • The army intervened on March 19, leading to four muzharas being killed in the ensuing confrontation.

    Other Contemporary Peasant’s Movements

    Details
    Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
    • Led by Mahatma Gandhi in Bihar against the tinkathia system, where peasants were forced to grow indigo on part of their land.
    • Resulted in the Champaran Agrarian Act (1918), which abolished oppressive practices.
    Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
    • Organized in Gujarat after crop failures when the government refused to remit land revenue.
    • Gandhi and Sardar Patel supported peasants in withholding revenue payments until demands were met.
    Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)
    • Led by Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat against a 30% hike in land revenue.
    • The movement succeeded, and Patel earned the title “Sardar” for his leadership.
    Tebhaga Movement (1946-47)
    • Initiated by the Kisan Sabha in Bengal, demanding a two-thirds share of produce for tenants instead of the customary half.
    • Despite being suppressed violently, it highlighted peasant rights.
    Telangana Movement (1946-51)
    • A communist-led peasant guerrilla struggle in Andhra Pradesh against feudal landlords and the Nizam’s oppressive regime.
    • Achieved redistribution of land and improved

     

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2013] The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:

    (a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third,

    (b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land,

    (c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom,

    (d) writing off all peasant debts

     

  • Six sites added to India’s tentative list by UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism has announced the addition of six sites to India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage List.

    About the Sites

    Details
    Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
    • Located in Mudumal region, Nalgonda district, Telangana.
    • Dates back to 1000 BCE to 500 BCE, associated with Iron Age.
    • Famous for menhirs, large upright stones used for burial or ceremonial purposes.
    • Provides insight into ancient South Indian megalithic cultures.
    Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh)
    • Located in Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Built by Bundela Rajputs from 16th to 18th centuries.
    • Known for a mix of Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu architectural styles.
    • Key sites include Orchha Fort, Datia Palace, and Chanderi Fort.
    Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
    • Located in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh.
    • Covers 200 km², known for dense forests, caves, and waterfalls.
    • Home to species like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and bison.
    • Famous for Kanger Dhara waterfall and Bailadila Range of hills.
    Ashokan Edict Sites (Multiple States)
    • Spread across India: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
    • Created by Emperor Ashoka during 3rd century BCE.
    • Focuses on moral conduct, non-violence, and promoting Buddhism.
    • Key sites include Sanchi, Lumbini, Kalinga, and Kandahar.
    Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States)
    • Found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa.
    • Built during the 8th to 12th centuries CE, associated with Tantric Hinduism.
    • Temples dedicated to 64 Yoginis, with notable sites in Khajuraho and Bhilsa.
    Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple States)
    • Located in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
    • Built during 4th to 6th centuries CE during the Gupta Empire.
    • Characterized by Nagara-style architecture.
    • Notable examples: Deogarh Temple, Dasavatara Temple, etc.

     

    PYQ:

    [2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

    1. Shantiniketan

    2. Rani-ki-Vav

    3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

    4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

     

  • A school closure that must be called out

    Why in the News?

    The shutdown of the only Gondi-medium school in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, which was started in 2019 by the Mohgaon gram panchayat, raises concerns about tribal students learning in their own language.

    What constitutional provisions support the preservation of Adivasi languages and cultures in India?

    • Article 29: Protects the rights of minorities to conserve their distinct languages, scripts, and cultures.
    • Article 350A: Directs the state to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary education level for minority children.
    • Fifth Schedule: Provides special protections and governance provisions for Scheduled Areas, where many Adivasi communities reside.
    • Sixth Schedule: Grants autonomy to certain tribal areas in the northeastern states, allowing self-governance and cultural preservation.
    • Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): Recognizes the role of gram sabhas in self-governance, including decisions related to education in tribal areas.

    How do the forces of absorption in secular and religious realms impact Adivasi communities?

    • Marginalization of Adivasi Languages in Education: Adivasi students are forced to learn in dominant languages, leading to the decline of their mother tongues and weakening of cultural identity. Example: The closure of the Gondi-medium school in Maharashtra due to non-recognition under the Right to Education Act.
    • Loss of Land and Displacement Due to Development Projects: Adivasi communities are displaced from their ancestral lands due to industrial and infrastructural projects, leading to economic instability and cultural loss. Example: Large-scale mining and dam projects in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have forced many Adivasis to migrate to urban slums.
    • Religious Assimilation and Erosion of Indigenous Beliefs: Traditional tribal religious practices are undermined or replaced by dominant religions, leading to cultural homogenization. Example: The decline of Sarna worship among Adivasis due to conversions to Hinduism and Christianity.
    • Market-Driven Cultural Appropriation: Tribal art, music, and traditions are exploited for commercial purposes without benefiting the Adivasi creators. Example: Warli and Gond paintings being sold globally, while many Adivasi artists remain in poverty.
    • Denial of Political and Constitutional Recognition: The lack of official recognition for Adivasi languages and cultures weakens their identity and limits access to resources and opportunities. Example: Gondi, spoken by over 2.9 million people, is not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, whereas Sanskrit, spoken by fewer than 25,000, is recognized.

    What are the steps taken by the government?

    • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Emphasizes mother-tongue-based education at the primary level, promoting indigenous languages. Example: Bilingual textbooks in tribal languages have been introduced in states like Odisha and Jharkhand.
    • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Aims to provide quality education to tribal students while incorporating their cultural heritage. Example: Over 700 EMRS schools are planned across India, with some offering instruction in tribal languages.
    • Documentation and Digital Preservation Initiatives: Projects to document and preserve endangered tribal languages and cultures. Example: The Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) under the CIIL (Central Institute of Indian Languages) focuses on documenting languages like Gondi.

    What are the factors that highlight the contrast between the recognition of Sanskrit and Gondi in the Eighth Schedule?

    • Oral vs. Textual Tradition: Sanskrit has a vast corpus of classical texts and scriptures, whereas Gondi follows an oral tradition, making it vulnerable to erosion without formal preservation efforts. Example: Ancient Sanskrit texts like the Vedas are archived and studied, but Gondi folklore and oral histories are at risk of being lost due to a lack of institutional documentation.
    • Number of Speakers: Gondi is spoken by over 2.9 million people across six states, while Sanskrit has fewer than 25,000 speakers. Example: Despite its widespread use among Adivasi communities, Gondi remains unrecognized, whereas Sanskrit, with a much smaller speaker base, is included in the Eighth Schedule.
    • State Support and Promotion: Sanskrit receives government funding, university courses, and institutional backing, whereas Gondi lacks state-supported educational and literary initiatives. Example: Sanskrit is taught in schools and has dedicated institutions like the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, while Gondi-medium schools struggle for recognition, such as the case in Maharashtra.
    • Socio-Political Influence: Sanskrit is associated with elite Brahminical traditions and enjoys support from powerful socio-political groups, whereas Gondi is linked to marginalized Adivasi communities with limited political representation. Example: Political leaders and policymakers advocate for Sanskrit’s preservation, but there is little lobbying for Gondi’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
    • Economic and Employment Relevance: Sanskrit is promoted as a classical and sacred language, but it has minimal practical usage in employment, whereas Gondi is actively spoken by tribal communities in daily life. Example: Sanskrit is used in religious and academic contexts, while Gondi is the primary language for communication among Adivasis, yet lacks state recognition.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutional Recognition and Policy Support: Need to include Gondi and other major Adivasi languages in the Eighth Schedule to ensure constitutional recognition, funding for education, and cultural preservation.
    • Community-Led Preservation and Promotion: The Government should strengthen grassroots efforts by empowering Adivasi organizations, establishing indigenous language schools, and promoting digital documentation of oral traditions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (UPSC IAS/2022) 

    Reason- This question is relevant because the closure of the Gondi-medium school highlights the specific educational needs of a particular tribal community (Gondi speakers).