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  • Delhi Earthquake

    Why in the News?

    A magnitude 4 earthquake struck New Delhi with epicentre near Dhaula Kuan. The quake was shallow (5 km depth), highlighting Delhi’s seismic vulnerability due to its location in Zone IV of India’s earthquake hazard map.

    Possible Causes of the Earthquake

    • Tectonic Activity along the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge:
      • Delhi sits on the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge, an active seismic fault.
      • Continuous collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates builds tectonic stress, leading to earthquakes when stress is released.
    • Groundwater Extraction as a Seismic Trigger: Excessive exploitation alters rock pressure, potentially inducing fault movements.
    • Anthropogenic (Human-Induced) Activity:
      • Urbanization, metro construction, and large-scale infrastructure projects alter subsurface stress.
      • Vibrations from construction activities can contribute to localized seismic instability.

    About the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt

    • The Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt is a major geological formation that extends from southern Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi.
      • It consists of ancient folded rock formations that have undergone millions of years of geological transformation.
    • This region has several pre-existing faults, meaning seismic activity can occur without direct tectonic subduction.
    • Although historically more active, tectonic movements in the belt have slowed over time.
    • These earthquakes occur due to fault reactivation and local stress accumulation rather than large-scale tectonic shifts.
      • Himalayan earthquakes are caused by subduction, where the Indian plate moves under the Eurasian plate.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.

    [2015] The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects.

     

  • India to be part of UN’s 63rd session of Commission for Social Development 2025

    Why in the News?

    India participated in the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development (CSoCD) from February 10 to 14, 2025, in New York, USA. The Indian delegation was led by Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development.

    What is Social cohesion?

    • Social cohesion refers to the strength of relationships, trust, and sense of belonging among individuals and groups within a society.
    • It ensures that people work together harmoniously, respect diversity, and actively contribute to the well-being of the community.

    What are the Dimensions of the Social Cohesion?

    • Social Inclusion & Equity: Ensures equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights for all individuals, reducing discrimination and marginalization. Example: India’s JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) has enabled financial inclusion for disadvantaged communities, particularly women and rural populations.
    • Trust in Institutions & Social Capital: Building confidence in governance, law enforcement, and civic institutions to enhance cooperation and stability. Example: Sweden’s transparent governance and welfare policies result in high public trust in government institutions.
    • Participation & Civic Engagement: Encouraging individuals and communities to actively engage in decision-making and democratic processes. Example: Rwanda’s high female political representation (over 60% in Parliament) fosters inclusive and equitable policymaking.
    • Solidarity & Shared Identity: Promoting unity while respecting cultural diversity and fostering a common sense of belonging. Example: Canada’s multicultural policies encourage immigrant integration while maintaining cultural heritage.
    • Economic Inclusion & Opportunity: Providing equal access to economic resources, employment, and skill development to ensure upward mobility. Example: Germany’s dual vocational education system equips young people with job-ready skills, reducing unemployment and income inequality.

    What is the virtuous cycle? 

    • A virtuous cycle is a positive, self-reinforcing loop where one beneficial action leads to another, creating a continuous cycle of improvement and progress.
    • It is the opposite of a vicious cycle, which perpetuates negative outcomes.

    What are the roles of Social Cohesion in the Virtuous cycle?

    • Promotes Inclusive Economic Growth: Social cohesion ensures equal access to economic opportunities, reducing disparities and fostering shared prosperity. Example: In Germany, strong social policies and labor rights have contributed to stable economic growth and low unemployment rates.
    • Enhances Trust in Institutions and Governance: When citizens feel included and represented, they trust public institutions, leading to political stability and effective governance. Example: Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway have high levels of trust in governance due to inclusive decision-making and welfare policies.
    • Encourages Social Mobility and Equal Opportunities: A cohesive society provides fair access to education, healthcare, and social protection, enabling upward mobility for all. Example: Singapore’s education system focuses on meritocracy, ensuring students from all backgrounds have access to quality education and career opportunities.
    • Strengthens Community Participation and Civic Engagement: Social cohesion encourages people to engage in local governance, volunteerism, and community development initiatives. Example: Japan’s neighborhood associations play a crucial role in disaster response, fostering collective responsibility and mutual support.
    • Reduces Social Conflicts and Crime: By addressing inequalities and fostering a sense of belonging, social cohesion minimizes tensions and crime rates. Example: New Zealand’s restorative justice programs emphasize reconciliation and community involvement, reducing recidivism rates.

    What are the Key Recommendations to promote Social Cohesion? (Way forward)

    • Inclusive Policies and Equal Opportunities: Ensure access to quality education, healthcare, and employment for all, reducing social and economic disparities. Example: Finland’s education system provides free, high-quality education, ensuring equal opportunities for all children, regardless of socioeconomic background.
    • Community Engagement and Trust Building: Promote civic participation, intergroup dialogue, and local governance to strengthen social bonds and mutual respect. Example: South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) helped heal racial divides by addressing historical injustices through public dialogue.
    • Economic and Social Safety Nets: Implement strong social protection systems like universal healthcare, unemployment benefits, and targeted welfare programs. Example: Brazil’s Bolsa FamĂ­lia program reduced poverty and inequality by providing conditional cash transfers to low-income families, improving education and health outcomes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q An independent and empowered social audit mechanism is an absolute must in every sphere of public service, including judiciary, to ensure performance, accountability and ethical conduct. Elaborate. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Dhokra Artwork

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted a Dhokra (or Dokra) artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron.

    About Dhokra Artwork

    • Dhokra Art is an ancient metal-casting craft from India, primarily practiced by the Dhokra Damar tribes.
    • It uses the lost-wax casting technique, where a wax model is made, coated in clay, and molten metal is poured into the mold after the wax melts.
    • This technique has been in use for over 4,000 years, with the earliest known artifact being the dancing girl from Mohenjo-Daro.
    • Dhokra is practiced in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, with distinct regional styles.
    • In 2018, Adilabad Dokra from Telangana received the GI tag for its distinct style.

    Features of Dhokra Art:

    • Primitive: The designs are rustic and simplistic, often featuring animals, religious figures, and tribal motifs.
    • Seamless: Dhokra pieces are crafted as a single unit without joints, providing a unique and smooth finish.
    • Long Crafting Time: Each figurine can take up to a month to complete due to the intricate processes involved.
    • Non-ferrous Metal: Brass and copper are mainly used in Dhokra Art due to their strength and malleability.
    • Casting Types:
      • Solid Casting: Common in Southern India, uses solid wax.
      • Hollow Casting: Predominant in Central and Eastern India, uses a clay core.

  • Who was Sant Guru Ravidas?

    Why in the News?

    The birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas, a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement during the 15th and 16th centuries, is celebrated every year on 12th February.

    Sant Guru Ravidas

    Who was Sant Guru Ravidas?

    • Guru Ravidas, also known as Bhagat Ravidas, was a prominent saint, poet, and social reformer of the Bhakti movement in 15th-century India.
    • Born in 1377 CE in Seer Govardhanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he dedicated his life to eradicating social discrimination and promoting equality.
    • Despite facing caste-based oppression, Guru Ravidas rose to prominence through his wisdom, humility, and devotion to God.
    • He was a contemporary of Sant Kabir and is believed to have met Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion.
    • His hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, reflecting his significant influence in Sikhism and Bhakti traditions.

    Key Contributions of Guru Ravidas

    • Equality & Social Justice: Opposed caste discrimination and untouchability.
    • Bhakti Movement: Advocated devotion over rituals for spiritual enlightenment.
    • Begumpura Concept: Envisioned a society free from oppression and sorrow.
    • Literary Contributions: Composed over 40 devotional hymns in Guru Granth Sahib.
    • Spiritual Influence: Guided Meera Bai in her devotion to Lord Krishna.
    • Universal Brotherhood: Taught that God is for all, beyond religion or caste.
    • Impact on Sikhism: Influenced Guru Nanak and Sikh teachings on equality and devotion.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

    1. Dadu Dayal

    2. Guru Nanak

    3. Tyagaraja

    Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

    (a) 1 and 3

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 1 and 2

     

  • Unlocking women’s workforce potential in India

    Why in the News?

    Increasing the number of women in the workforce is not just about equality and it is also essential for economic growth.

    What are their challenges in enabling women’s economic participation in India?

    • Unpaid Care Work Burden: Women in India spend 7.2 hours per day on unpaid domestic work, compared to 2.8 hours by men (Time Use in India Report, 2019). This leaves them with less time for paid employment.
      • Example: Many women drop out of the workforce after marriage due to caregiving responsibilities, particularly in rural areas where childcare facilities are scarce.
    • Lack of Formal Part-time Employment: India lacks legally regulated part-time work, unlike OECD countries where part-time work is protected by law and provides benefits.
      • Example: According to the NCAER study (2024), 57% of women prefer part-time jobs for flexibility, but due to the absence of formal options, many take low-wage, informal sector jobs without security.
    • Gender Discrimination and Wage Gap: Women in India earn only 77% of what men earn for the same work (World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report 2023).
      • Example: The STEM sector in India has only 16% female representation, limiting women’s access to high-paying jobs and leadership roles.
    • Limited Access to Safe and Affordable Transport: Lack of safe and reliable transport restricts women’s mobility for work, especially in cities with high crime rates against women.
      • Example: A study by Ola Mobility Institute (2022) found that over 50% of women in Delhi and Mumbai reject job opportunities due to safety concerns while commuting.
    • Low Financial and Digital Literacy: Women in India have lower financial and digital literacy, limiting their participation in modern, high-skilled jobs and entrepreneurship.
      • Example: According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), only 33% of Indian women use the Internet, reducing their access to online job markets and digital banking.

    What are the Study and Findings from the LFPR Report?

    • Low Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in India: India’s Female LFPR stands at 37%, which is much lower than the global average of 47% and the OECD average of 67%. The primary reasons for this low participation include unpaid care work, lack of formal part-time jobs, gender discrimination, and mobility constraints.
    • Impact of Addressing Barriers on LFPR Growth: The study used the McCall-Mortensen job search model to simulate the effects of policy changes. It found that addressing two major barriers (formalizing part-time work and redistributing unpaid care work) could increase women’s LFPR by 6 percentage points, from 37% to 43%.
    • Projected Increase in LFPR: The study found that addressing these two barriers could raise India’s female LFPR by six percentage points, increasing it from the current 37% to 43%.
    • Formalizing Part-Time Employment: The study highlighted that introducing formally recognized part-time work contracts with pro-rated wages and benefits would offer women the flexibility they need.
    • Redistributing Unpaid Care Work: Achieving gender equality in caregiving responsibilities, through policies like paid parental leave and investment in childcare along with cultural changes, is crucial for enabling women’s participation in the labour force.

    What are the steps taken by the government? 

    • Maternity and Childcare Support – The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 increased paid maternity leave to 26 weeks, and schemes like PM Matru Vandana Yojana provide financial aid to pregnant women.
    • Skill Development and Entrepreneurship – Programs like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) train women in various skills, while Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India provide financial support for women entrepreneurs.
    • Workplace Safety and Legal Protections – The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 ensures safer workplaces and the Working Women’s Hostels Scheme provides secure housing for working women.

    Way forward: 

    • Policy Reforms for Flexible Work and Social Security: Introduce formal part-time work laws with pro-rated wages and benefits, ensuring job security and flexibility for women. Expand paid parental leave and affordable childcare facilities to reduce the unpaid care work burden.
    • Improving Safety, Mobility, and Digital Inclusion: Strengthen safe public transport infrastructure and women-only commuting options to enhance workplace accessibility. Promote financial and digital literacy programs, ensuring women’s participation in online job markets and entrepreneurship.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Renaming of Fort William

    Why in the News?

    In a move to eliminate colonial practices and symbols from the Indian Armed Forces, Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg.

    About the Vijay Durg (Fort William)

    • It was originally built by the British in 1773, Fort William was named after King William III of England.
    • It is located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River in Kolkata, West Bengal.
    • It served as a key British military stronghold during colonial rule.
    • The first version of Fort William was built by the English East India Company in 1696.
    • It had an inner bastion used as a prison, leading to the term “Black Hole of Calcutta”.
    • The Black Hole of Calcutta Incident (1756) refers to the alleged imprisonment of British prisoners by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, where many reportedly suffocated to death due to overcrowding and lack of ventilation.
    • After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, Robert Clive ordered its demolition, and a new fort was built, completed in 1773.
    • Fort William College was established by Lord Wellesley in 1800 to train Company civil servants in Indian languages and customs, but it was closed in 1802.
    • The present-day fort is octagonal in shape, made of brick and mortar, covering 70.9 acres.
      • It is now owned by the Indian Army and serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Command.

    Do you know?

    Fort St. George (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) 

    • It was the first fort built by the British in 1644, marking the beginning of British rule.
    • It served as the headquarters of the Madras Presidency.
    • It included St. Mary’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India.
    • Current Use: Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly & Secretariat.

    Significance of Renaming

    • The new name is inspired by Vijay Durg Fort in Maharashtra, one of the oldest and most significant naval forts under Chhatrapati Shivaji.
    • Vijay Durg served as a naval base for the Marathas, highlighting India’s indigenous military history.
    • The renaming aligns with India’s broader initiative to remove colonial influences and promote native military traditions.
      • In September 2022, the Indian Navy replaced its British-era ensign with a new octagonal design inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s royal seal.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs: 

    Institution: Founder

    1. Sanskrit College at Benaras: William Jones
    2. Calcutta Madarsa: Warren Hastings
    3. Fort William College: Arthur Wellesley

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 3 only

     

  • [pib] NITI Aayog launches Swavalambini Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The NITI Aayog has launched Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

    About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme:

    • It is a program to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
    • Aims and Objectives:
      • Empowerment: To inspire and equip young women to become job creators and leaders, thereby contributing to economic development in Northeast India.
      • Skill Development: To provide structured training that covers essential business aspects, enhancing participants’ entrepreneurial competencies.
    • Provisions and Features:
      • Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): A two-day session introducing 600 female students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
      • Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): An intensive 40-hour training for 300 selected participants, covering topics such as financial planning, market access, legal compliance, and business networking.
      • Mentorship: Six months of dedicated mentorship to assist participants in transforming their business ideas into viable enterprises.
      • Faculty Development Programme (FDP): A 5-day training for faculty members to enhance their ability to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs effectively.

    PYQ:

    [2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:

    1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc., whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
    2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self-Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • In news: Darien Gap

    Why in the News?

    The illegal journey into the US often involves dangerous crossings through multiple countries, including the treacherous Darien Gap – a vast, roadless jungle that connects Colombia and Panama.

    In news: Darien Gap

    What is the Darien Gap?

    • The Darien Gap is a 97-km stretch of dense rainforest, swamps, and mountains that forms the only break in the Pan-American Highway, which otherwise runs from Alaska to Argentina.
    • Due to its extreme terrain, harsh climate, and lack of infrastructure, the region has remained largely impenetrable.
    • However, in recent years, it has become a major migration route, as thousands of people attempt to cross it in hopes of reaching North America.
    • Geographical Features:
      • Location: Forms the border between Panama and Colombia.
      • Terrain: Consists of steep mountains, muddy swamps, fast-flowing rivers, and dense rainforests, making travel extremely difficult.
      • Climate: Has a hot, humid, and rainy environment with limited access to food and water.

    Geo-Political Significance:

    • Migration Crisis: Over 520,000 migrants crossed in 2023, with over 300,000 crossings in early 2024.
    • ‘Donkey Route’: Many migrants, including Indians, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Pakistanis, travel through Central American nations like Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala before reaching Mexico.
    • Criminal Activity: The region is controlled by smuggling networks, drug cartels, and armed groups, who demand money, rob migrants, or subject them to violence.
    • Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of sexual assaults, deaths, and disappearances are increasing, with overcrowded shelters and severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:

    (a) Central Asia

    (b) Middle East

    (c) South-East Asia

    (d) Central Africa

  • Bhopal’s new order criminalising begging

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Bhopal district collector banned begging in the district and imposed strict rules, including filing police cases against both those who beg and those who give alms.

    What legal basis is Bhopal using to criminalize begging?

    • Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023: The orders by the collectors of Indore and Bhopal are under this section, which empowers officials like the District Magistrate or any Executive Magistrate to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger. This order can direct any person to abstain from a certain act and may apply to residents or the public frequenting a particular area.
    • Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Action will be taken under this section, which punishes those disobeying an order announced by a public servant lawfully empowered to do so.

    What are the penalties for violating the order?

    • Disobedience of the order can result in simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 2500, or both.
    • If the disobedience causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health, or safety, imprisonment can extend to one year, and the fine to Rs 5000.

    How have different regions in India approached the issue?

    • Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959:  The first law against begging, with colonial roots, aimed to clear streets of destitute persons, leprosy patients, or those with mental illnesses by sending them to institutions. Mumbai still has detention centres under this Act, allowing police to detain those without visible means of subsistence, with punishment extending to detention for 10 years.
    • Delhi High Court (2018) Struck down some sections of the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act as unconstitutional, decriminalizing begging in Delhi. The court stated that people beg out of need, as a last resort for survival, and the government has a mandate to provide social security3.
    • Other States Many states, including Maharashtra, continue to criminalise begging under the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act. There is no central act on begging, but many states have enacted their own laws based on the 1959 Act.
    • Rehabilitation Efforts In 2020: the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposed focusing on rehabilitation rather than criminalising begging in ten cities, including Mumbai

    How have different regions in India approached the issue?

    • State-Level Criminalization: Around 22 states and union territories have anti-begging laws, many modeled after the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, which criminalizes begging, vagrancy, and soliciting alms, allowing arrest without a warrant.
      • States like Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and others have enacted similar laws.
    • Decriminalization Efforts & Judicial Interventions: The Delhi High Court (2018) struck down parts of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act as unconstitutional, decriminalizing begging in Delhi. The Supreme Court (2021) also refused to ban begging nationwide, recognizing that criminalizing it unfairly targets the poor. Rajasthan has taken a more rehabilitative approach.

    What are the arguments for and against criminalizing begging?

    Arguments in favour: 

    • Curbing Organized Begging Rackets – Criminalization helps tackle forced begging, where vulnerable individuals, including children and disabled people, are exploited by criminal networks.
    • Public Safety and Order – Authorities argue that begging creates nuisance, disrupts traffic, and can lead to petty crimes, making public spaces unsafe.
    • Encouraging Rehabilitation – Some laws claim to detain beggars for rehabilitation, ensuring they receive food, shelter, and vocational training instead of relying on alms.

    Argument against: 

    • Violation of Fundamental Rights – Criminalizing begging punishes poverty, not crime, violating the right to life (Article 21) by penalizing individuals who have no means of survival.
    • State’s Failure in Social Security – The presence of beggars reflects gaps in government welfare, and punishing them shifts the burden away from state accountability.
    • Arbitrary and Unjust Implementation – Many laws allow arrests without warrants, disproportionately targeting the homeless, disabled, and elderly, rather than addressing systemic issues.

    Way forward: 

    • Rehabilitation-Centered Approach – Shift focus from criminalization to social welfare programs, including skill development, housing, mental health support, and reintegration into society.
    • Legislative Reforms & Judicial Oversight – Enact a uniform national policy that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, while ensuring judicial oversight to prevent misuse of anti-begging laws.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Critically examine the rationale behind criminalizing begging in India. Discuss the legal and constitutional challenges associated with such measures. (250 words) 15M

  • Rajasthan’s Bill against ‘unlawful’ religious conversions

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the bill was introduced in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly to prevent “unlawful” religious conversions.

    What are the Draft Provisions under the Bill?

    • Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion – The Bill bans religious conversions through misrepresentation, force, coercion, allurement, fraud, or marriage.
    • Declaration & Inquiry for Voluntary Conversion – Individuals must submit a declaration to the District Magistrate (DM) 60 days in advance, with authorities conducting an inquiry to verify the intent.
    • Burden of Proof & FIR Filing – The person facilitating the conversion must prove it was voluntary, and an FIR can be filed by the affected individual or close relatives.
    • Punishments & Penalties – General unlawful conversion leads to 1-5 years of imprisonment, increasing to 2-10 years for minors, women, or SC/ST individuals; mass conversions attract 3-10 years in jail.
    • Legal Consequences & Compensation – Marriages done solely for unlawful conversion are invalid, the offense is non-bailable, and courts may award compensation up to â‚č5 lakh to victims.

    What about those wanting to convert voluntarily?

    • Those wanting to convert voluntarily would undergo a detailed process. A prescribed declaration form must be filled out and submitted to the District Magistrate (DM) or the relevant authority 60 days in advance and violations invite up to three years’ punishment and a minimum fine of Rs 10,000. 
    • The person performing the conversion ceremony would give a month’s advance notice to the DM via a prescribed form, and violating this would invite up to five years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 25,000. An officer not below the rank of Additional DM will conduct a police inquiry regarding the real intention, purpose, and cause of the proposed religious conversion.
    • The converted person must send a declaration in a prescribed form within 60 days of conversion to the DM, including details such as date of birth, address, and religion before and after conversion. The convert has to appear before the DM within 21 days from the date of filing the declaration to establish their identity and confirm the contents of the declaration.

    Were attempts made to pass such a Bill earlier?

    • 2006: BJP-led government under Vasundhara Raje introduced the Rajasthan Freedom of Religion Bill, 2006, to curb “forced” conversions.
    • 2008: Amended version required prior approval from the District Collector but was stuck with the Centre.
    • 2013-2018: Raje’s second tenure saw efforts to revive the 2008 Bill, but the Centre rejected it in 2017, citing deviation from national policy.
    • 2017: Rajasthan High Court issued guidelines to prevent forced conversions in the absence of a law.
    • 2025: The current Bill is seen as a successor to these previous attempts and is expected to pass in the budget session.

    What would be the impact on Fundamental Rights?

    • Right to Freedom of Religion (Article 25) – Every individual has the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, the Bill imposes state scrutiny on religious conversions, which may be seen as a restriction on this right.
    • Right to Privacy (Article 21) – The requirement of mandatory declaration to the District Magistrate and police inquiry into personal religious choices could infringe upon the right to privacy, recognized as a fundamental right in the Puttaswamy judgment (2017).
    • Burden of Proof Issue – Placing the burden of proof on the person facilitating the conversion contradicts the legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty”, potentially violating Article 14 (Right to Equality).
    • Criminalization and Fear – The stringent punishments and criminalization of conversion through marriage might discourage individuals from exercising their right to choose their faith or marry interfaith partners, potentially violating their personal liberty (Article 21).

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Constitutional Safeguards – Amend the Bill to align with Article 25 by distinguishing forced conversions from voluntary ones, reducing state overreach in personal religious choices, and upholding the right to privacy (Article 21).
    • Fair Implementation & Oversight – Establish independent judicial review for conversion inquiries to prevent misuse, ensure burden of proof remains balanced, and introduce strict safeguards against harassment of individuals exercising their religious freedom.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.(UPSC IAS/2017)