The Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) has been established to support the development of urban infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
AboutUrban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF):
Details
What is it?
• Established (budget speech for Financial Year 2023-24) to utilize priority sector lending shortfall for financing urban infrastructure projects.
• Managed by the National Housing Bank (NHB).
• Initial Corpus: ₹10,000 crore.
• Modeled after the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which supports rural infrastructure projects.
• Focus on developing Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India.
Tier-2 Cities: Cities with populations between 50,000 and 1 lakh.
Tier-3 Cities: Cities with populations below 50,000.
Aims and Objectives
• Support Urban Infrastructure: Provides funding for essential urban services such as water supply, sanitation, sewerage, and waste management.
• Sewerage, water supply, sanitation, drains, and solid waste management.
• Prioritizesprojects with significant improvements in urban services.
• Funds are allocated to Municipal Corporations and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for infrastructure development.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
• Coverage: Supports 459 Tier-2 cities and 580 Tier-3 cities in India.
• Loan Terms: Loans offered at Bank Rate minus 1.5% interest rate.
• Repayment Terms: Loan repayable in five equal annual instalments over seven years.
• Moratorium Period: Two years before repayment starts.
• Quarterly Interest Payments: Regular payments required during the loan period.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
It has a corpus of Rs 4,00,000 crore at present.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 is a scheme launched on October 1, 2021 continues to make strides towards transforming Indian cities into self-reliant and water-secure urban areas.
Back2Basics: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
It is a flagship urban development scheme launched in June 2015.
The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
Objectives:
Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
Increase the green areas in the cities.
Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport.
Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage.
It covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over 1 lakh with notified Municipalities.
About AMRUT 2.0:
Details
• Launched on 1st October 2021 as the continuation of AMRUT 1.0.
• Aims to enhance urban infrastructure in 500 cities by focusing on water supply, wastewater management, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
• The mission runs for five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).
Salient Features and Mission
• Universal Coverage: Ensures coverage of water supply and sewerage in 500 cities and 4,900 statutory towns.
• Circular Economy: Focuses on water recycling, reuse of treated sewage, and water conservation.
• Technology Integration: Adopts global technologies for better water management.
• Pey Jal Survekshan: Survey to assess water distribution, wastewater reuse, and promote healthy competition among cities.
Its Implementation and Further Roadmap
• Project Approval: 8,998 projects approved with an estimated cost of ₹1,89,458.55 crore.
• Funds Distribution: Funds released by MoHUA to States/UTs and then to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• State Water Action Plan (SWAP): States/UTs must complete their SWAP and get approval within two years of the mission’s launch.
• Future Plans: Focus on sustainable water management and extension of AMRUT 1.0 benefits to more towns.
PYQ:
[2011] In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee
1. is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
2. prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area.
3. has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The ongoing copyright dispute between actors Dhanush and Nayanthara highlights the complexities of copyright law and its potential misuse in the film industry.
What is the dispute?
The case revolves around South Indian actor Dhanush suing actress Nayanthara for using excerpts from their 2015 film in a biopic without his consent.
Nayanthara claims she had sought permission earlier, but Dhanush’s company, which produced the film, did not respond, leading to the lawsuit over copyright infringement.
About The Copyright Act, 1957:
Details
What is it?
• Enacted in 1957 to protect creators’ rights over original works.
• Objective: To encourage creativity while balancing public access.
• Grants exclusive rights to authors and creators for reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works.
• The Act has been amended to address digital content and technological advancements.
Features and Provisions of the Act
• Scope: Covers literary, musical, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings, and more.
• Duration: Copyright lasts life of author + 60 years for literary, musical, and dramatic works, and 60 years for films/sound recordings.
• Exclusive Rights: Right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt works.
• Moral Rights: Includes right to attribution and integrity of the work.
What does Section 52 say?
• Section 52 lists exceptions allowing use of copyrighted works without permission in specific situations.
• Fair Use: For criticism, review, news reporting, teaching, research, and private use.
• Includes exceptions for libraries, archives, and government use.
• Important for education and public access—enables non-commercial use of works.
PYQ:
[2014] In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
[2017] With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the following statements:
It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs on the United States’ three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—once he assumes office.
What specific tariffs is Trump proposing on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico?
25% Tariff on Imports: President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on imported goods from the United States’ three largest trading partners: Canada, Mexico, and China.
Additional 10% Tariff on China: He also proposed an additional 10% tariff specifically targeting imports from China, citing the country’s failure to address the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
What are the underlying reasons for these tariff increases?
Trade Imbalance: The tariffs aim to address perceived trade imbalances and protect American manufacturing jobs.
Fentanyl Crisis: The additional tariff on China is a direct response to the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S., particularly related to fentanyl trafficking. Trump emphasized China’s lack of action in curbing the drug’s flow into the U.S. as a justification for the tariffs.
Political Strategy: The tariffs may also serve as a political manoeuvre to reinforce Trump’s stance on trade issues and drug-related policies as he prepares to take office.
What potential economic impacts could arise in the Asian region (esp India) from these tariffs?
Increased Costs for Importers: Indian companies that rely on imports from these countries may face higher costs due to increased tariffs, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
Supply Chain Disruptions: The tariffs could disrupt existing supply chains, particularly in industries that rely on components from Canada, Mexico, and China, affecting production schedules and costs.
Investment Shifts: Businesses might reconsider their investment strategies in light of new tariffs, potentially leading to a shift in manufacturing bases or sourcing strategies away from affected countries.
Opportunities for Indian Manufacturers: Conversely, Indian manufacturers might find opportunities to fill gaps left by increased tariffs on imports, potentially boosting local production and employment.
Way forward:
Strengthen Trade and Strategic Engagement with the U.S.: India should proactively address trade imbalances by diversifying imports from the U.S., aligning with American regulatory standards, and offering enhanced market access in key sectors like technology and defence.
Position as a Reliable Alternative to China: Leverage initiatives like Make in India to attract U.S. investments, promote joint ventures, and emphasize India’s strategic importance as a trusted partner in global supply chains.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC IAS/2018)
Nearly 75 years after the adoption of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court reaffirmed (on 25th Nov’ 24) the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution.
What historical context led to the insertion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble?
The Objectives Resolution, introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946, laid foundational principles for the Constitution, emphasizing independence, equality, and minority rights, which set the stage for later amendments.
Initial discussions around socialism and secularism occurred during the drafting of the Constitution, with early proposals to include these concepts being rejected. The debates highlighted differing views on the role of socialism and secularism in India’s governance.
The terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were inserted into the Preamble during the Emergency (1975-1977) under the 42nd Amendment, a time characterized by significant political unrest and government overreach.
What was the SC’s reasoning for upholding these terms in the Preamble?
Evolution of Meaning: The Supreme Court noted in 1973 () that the meanings of ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ have evolved over time within the Indian context.
The court recognized that these terms now reflect principles of economic justice and religious neutrality rather than strict ideological definitions.
Interpretation of Secularism: The court emphasized that India’s interpretation of secularism is unique, where the state neither endorses nor discriminates against any religion. This interpretation aligns with the Preamble’s ideals of fraternity and equality.
Socialism as Economic Justice: The court defined socialism as ensuring economic and social justice, asserting that it does not impede private enterprise but rather supports state intervention to uplift marginalized communities.
How do ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ reflect India’s Constitutional values and principles?
Commitment to Justice: The inclusion of ‘socialist’ reflects a commitment to social and economic justice, aiming to reduce inequalities in society.
Religious Neutrality: By incorporating ‘secular’, the Constitution underscores India’s commitment to religious pluralism and the protection of individual rights regardless of faith.
Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the idea that these terms are integral to the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be altered or removed without undermining India’s democratic framework.
What are the steps taken by the Government to implement the Socialist and Secular principles of the Preamble?
Promoting Social Justice (Socialist): Welfare schemes like MNREGA, Ayushman Bharat, and PDS reduce poverty and ensure equitable access, while progressive taxation and affirmative action address economic disparities.
Ensuring Religious Neutrality (Secular): Laws protecting religious freedom, minority rights (Articles 25–30), and institutions like the National Commission for Minorities promote interfaith harmony and safeguard pluralism.
Strengthening Democracy and Equality: Free and fair elections by the Election Commission and rights-based laws like the RTE Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act ensure equality, fraternity, and justice for all.
Way forward:
Strengthening Constitutional Values: Enhance awareness of constitutional principles through education and public campaigns, ensuring adherence to secularism, socialism, and democratic ideals in policymaking.
Inclusive Governance: Implement targeted programs to address socio-economic inequalities, promote interfaith dialogue, and uphold democratic rights, fostering harmony and justice in a diverse society.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances?. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire after 13 months of rising conflict, though it is linked to the UN Resolution 1701, which has not been fully implemented.
AboutUNSC Resolution 1701:
Details
What is it?
Passed on August 11, 2006, following the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Aimed to end hostilities, ensure the security of Israel and Lebanon, and establish long-term peace along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Also designed to prevent Hezbollahfrom using southern Lebanon as a base for military operations against Israel.
Key Provisions and Objectives
Cessation of Hostilities: Aimed at halting the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Disarmament of Armed Groups: Called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and all other armed groups in Lebanon, leaving only the Lebanese state with weapons authority.
Israeli Withdrawal: Mandated Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which had been occupied since the 1982 Lebanon War.
Lebanese Forces Deployment: Directed the Lebanese government to deploy its army in southern Lebanon to ensure peace and prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament.
UNIFIL Deployment: Increased deployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to monitor the border and ensure compliance.
Arms Embargo: Imposed restrictions to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah.
Implementation of Taif Accords (1989): The resolution emphasizes the full implementation of this accord, which is critical for the disarmament of non-state actors in Lebanon and the consolidation of Lebanese state authority across the country.
Implementation and Violations
Partial Implementation: While Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, Hezbollah retained its weapons and continued its terror operations.
Lebanese Army Deployment: The Lebanese army was deployed in southern Lebanon but struggled to assert full control, as Hezbollah’s influence remained strong in the region.
UNIFIL’s Role: UNIFIL, while active, faced challenges in fully enforcing the provisions of the resolution due to Hezbollah’s continued presence and the complexities of local politics.
Violations: Despite the resolution’s provisions, violations have included Hezbollah’s stockpiling of weapons and cross-border skirmishes, as well as the failure to fully disarm all armed groups, undermining the resolution’s goals.
Taif Accords Violation: This has hindered the establishment of complete state sovereignty in Lebanon.
PYQ:
[2018] “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
PYQ Relevance: Q) Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Inclusive Healthcare Infrastructure’ (in 2020), ‘Effective Implementation of Healthcare Policies’ (in 2017), ‘Universal Health Coverage Programs’ (in 2015).
Corneal blindness is a significant public health issue in India, contributing to approximately 15% to 20% of total blindness cases. With an estimated 1.2 million people affected and 20,000 to 25,000 new cases emerging annually, the urgency for effective solutions is paramount.
Today’s editorial explores the current challenges and proposes a comprehensive approach to address corneal blindness in India. This content can be used to present ‘Public Health challenges’ and to suggest some ‘innovative solutions to address Public Health’ in India.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Report titled “India’s corneal blindness crisis” published by India Today, highlights the increasing incidence of corneal blindness, particularly in rural areas, and discusses the contributing factors such as limited access to healthcare and a shortage of donor corneas.
What are the key findings from these reports?
• Rising Incidence: Corneal blindness is increasing in India, with estimates of 20,000 to 25,000 new cases annually. This condition accounts for approximately 7.5% of total blindness cases in the country, significantly impacting rural populations where access to eye care is limited. • Demographics and Causes: The causes of corneal blindness have shifted from infectious diseases like keratitis to eye trauma and complications. Factors such as vitamin A deficiency, poor hygiene, and delayed medical interventions exacerbate the problem, particularly affecting children and working-age adults in rural areas. • Healthcare Disparities: Many individuals in rural regions lack access to quality eye care services, leading to irreversible corneal damage before they seek help. There is a notable gap in training and resources for healthcare providers, limiting their ability to effectively manage and treat corneal conditions. • Shortage of Donor Corneas: Despite a demand for around 100,000 corneal transplants each year, only about 25,000 to 30,000 corneas are donated annually. This shortage poses a significant barrier to treating those affected by corneal blindness. • Policy Considerations: Indian policymakers are considering implementing a ‘presumed consent’ model for organ donation to increase the availability of donor corneas. This approach aims to address the critical shortage and improve access to necessary treatments.
What are the primary causes and current statistics of corneal blindness in India?
Occupational Hazards: Injuries, particularly in industrial and agricultural settings, are increasingly recognized as a leading cause of corneal blindness. This shift highlights the impact of occupational hazards on eye health.
Historically, infectious diseases such as keratitis and trachoma have been significant contributors to corneal blindness.
However, the focus has shifted towards eye trauma and complications as major causes in recent years.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Widespread vitamin A deficiency is another critical factor exacerbating the incidence of corneal blindness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and working-age adults.
Healthcare Access Issues: Limited access to quality eye care services, especially in rural areas, leads to delayed treatment for conditions that could be managed effectively if addressed early.
Poor Hygiene and Delayed Interventions: Poor hygiene practices and delays in seeking medical help contribute to the worsening of corneal conditions, often resulting in irreversible damage.
Current Statistics
• Corneal blindness affects approximately 1.2 million people in India. • The country sees an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 new cases of corneal blindness each year. • Corneal blindness accounts for around 7.5% of the total blindness burden in India. • Children and working-age adults in rural areas are particularly susceptible due to malnutrition and frequent injuries, while elderly individuals face risks from degenerative eye conditions.
What are the barriers to effective treatment and prevention of corneal blindness?
Shortage of Donor Corneas: There is a significant gap between the demand for corneal transplants (estimated at 100,000 annually) and the actual number of donor corneas available (around 25,000 to 30,000). This shortage limits the ability to treat those suffering from corneal blindness effectively.
Healthcare Disparities: The distribution of specialized corneal services is uneven across India, with underserved regions lacking adequate facilities for the timely management of corneal diseases.
More trained corneal surgeons are needed to meet the annual transplant targets.
Although the Cornea Society of India has over 1,000 members, the exact number of surgeons performing keratoplasty regularly is unclear. This gap in training and availability affects surgical outcomes.
Data Gaps: Comprehensive data on the prevalence of corneal blindness and the number of individuals who could benefit from transplantation are lacking. Establishing a national registry for corneal blindness and transplants is essential.
Preventable Causes: Many cases of corneal blindness are avoidable through preventive measures such as addressing vitamin A deficiency, improving hygiene practices, and providing timely medical interventions for infections and injuries.
Public Awareness and Myths: Lack of awareness about eye health and misconceptions surrounding eye donation hinder corneal donation efforts. Myths about eye color change after donation or beliefs that only young people can donate deter potential donors.
What comprehensive strategies can be implemented?
Public Awareness and Education:Min of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) can lead nationwide awareness campaigns about eye health, corneal blindness, and the importance of eye donation.
Local health departments can conduct community outreach programs in schools and villages to educate people about eye care and the significance of corneal donation.
Enhancing Healthcare Access: The National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) under the MoHFW, is responsible for improving eye care services across India, including establishing mobile eye care units.
District Blindness Control Societies (DBCS) that operate at the district level to implement eye care initiatives, can organize screening camps and facilitate access to surgical treatments for corneal blindness.
Training and Capacity Building: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology (RIOs) can provide specialized training programs for eye surgeons and healthcare workers to enhance their skills in treating corneal conditions.
Policy and Research Initiatives: TheMinistry of Science and Technology can support research initiatives aimed at understanding the causes of corneal blindness and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions through funding and collaboration with research institutions.
For example, theNational Eye Bank Association of India can work on establishing guidelines for eye banks, promoting voluntary eye donations, and conducting research on best practices in eye banking
By implementing these strategies, India can make significant strides towards reducing the prevalence of corneal blindness and improving overall eye health across its population.
On November 26, 2024, India celebrated 75 years of its Constitution, honouring how leaders from different viewpoints worked together in the Constituent Assembly to build a nation that respects the rights and interests of all cultural groups.
Why Did Constitution Makers Agree to Create a Liberal Political State in India?
Emphasis on Liberty: The Constitution-makers embraced liberalism, which prioritizes individual freedom and the belief that citizens should operate without state interference. This was seen as essential for realizing human potential in intellectual, moral, and physical dimensions.
Positive State Role: Recognizing the severe social and economic inequalities at Independence, the framers concluded that a purely liberal approach without state intervention would exacerbate these disparities. Thus, they envisioned a state that actively works to reduce inequality through affirmative action and policies designed to uplift marginalized groups.
Egalitarian Vision: The Constitution reflects principles of egalitarian liberalism, aiming to create an inclusive society where equal opportunities are available to all. This is evident in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which advocate for reducing inequalities and ensuring fair access to resources.
How Does the Neoliberal Ideological Order Shadow the Constitutional Vision of Creating an Egalitarian Social Order in India?
Concentration of Wealth: The neoliberal agenda has facilitated wealth concentration among a small elite, undermining constitutional provisions intended to prevent such disparities.
The report that indicates that by 2022-23, 90% of billionaire wealth was held by upper castes in India is titled “Towards Tax Justice and Wealth Redistribution in India” (2024), prepared by the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics.
Shift in Economic Focus: Since the adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, there has been a marked shift towards prioritizing private capital investment over welfare state interventions.
Rising Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has surged post-reforms, with the top 1% of earners capturing an increasing share of total income rising from 6% in the 1980s to approximately 22% by 2022-23.
What Policy Measures Can Be Implemented to Address Inequality Effectively? (Way forward)
Strengthening Welfare Policies: Reinvigorating welfare state mechanisms to ensure basic needs are met for all citizens can help bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups. This includes enhancing social security systems and public health initiatives.
Affirmative Action: Expanding affirmative action policies can help uplift marginalized communities by ensuring their representation in education, employment, and political spheres.
Progressive Taxation: Implementing a more progressive tax system can redistribute wealth more equitably. Higher taxes on the wealthy can be used to fund social programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.
Community Resource Management: Encouraging community-based management of resources can empower local populations and ensure equitable distribution of wealth generated from local economies.
Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing robust regulatory frameworks that prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition can help mitigate wealth concentration and promote economic equity.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Referring to the framers of India’s Constitution solely as “founding fathers” reflects patriarchal bias, overlooking the pivotal contributions of the “founding mothers” who co-authored its progressive vision like UCC (Uniform Civil Code).
What are the implications of the UCC for women’s rights in a diverse society?
Equality Across Personal Laws: The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen.
Legal Protection Against Patriarchal Religious Law: By establishing a uniform framework, the UCC could provide women with equal rights in matters traditionally dominated by patriarchal interpretations of religious laws.
Cultural Resistance: The implementation of the UCC faces resistance due to India’s diverse cultural landscape. Many communities view it as an infringement on their religious freedoms.
How does feminist constitutionalism challenge traditional interpretations of the Indian Constitution?
Challenging Patriarchal Narratives: Feminist constitutionalism critiques traditional interpretations that often marginalise women’s contributions and rights.
For example, while the Indian Constitution guarantees equality, its application has frequently been undermined by personal laws that perpetuate women’s subordination.
Reinterpreting Constitutional Provisions: Feminist legal theorists argue for a reinterpretation of constitutional provisions to ensure they align with contemporary understandings of gender equality.
Historical background of the Constitution: The historical context of the Constitution’s framing reveals that while women like Amrit Kaur and Hansa Mehta fought for equal rights, their efforts were often compromised by the need to secure broader political consensus.
For example, Hansa Mehta and Amrit Kaur strongly advocated for the inclusion of the UCC under the Fundamental Rights to ensure gender equality in personal laws.
What role does historical context play in shaping contemporary gender jurisprudence in India?
Legacy of Founding Mothers: The contributions of women in the Constituent Assembly have been historically overlooked, yet their advocacy for fundamental rights laid a foundation for future gender jurisprudence.
Impact on Contemporary Legislation: Historical struggles against patriarchal norms inform today’s feminist movements and legal battles. The ongoing discourse around the UCC is rooted in these historical contexts, highlighting both progress made and obstacles remaining in achieving true gender equality.
Intersectionality: The intersectional experiences of women from diverse backgrounds during the Constitution’s framing underscore the need for inclusive legal frameworks that address not only gender but also caste, class, and community-specific issues.
In what ways can feminist legal theory contribute to redefining concepts of justice and equality in India? (Way forward)
Redefining Justice and Equality: Feminist legal theory advocates for a broader understanding of justice that encompasses social, economic, and cultural dimensions rather than merely legalistic definitions. This perspective encourages policies that address systemic inequalities faced by women.
Promoting Inclusive Dialogue: By emphasizing women’s voices and experiences in legal discourses, feminist theory fosters inclusive dialogue about rights and justice, challenging dominant narratives that often exclude marginalized groups.
Encouraging Legislative Reforms: Feminist legal scholars push for legislative reforms that reflect an understanding of gender as a social construct influenced by cultural norms, thereby advocating for laws that protect women’s rights comprehensively across all spheres.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC IAS/2015)
PYQ Relevance: Q) ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on Constitutional Principles (2014 and 2019) with respect to ‘basic features’ and ‘checks and balances’.
Before commending the Constitution’s work to the Assembly, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar said that – “however good a Constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. However bad a Constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are called to work it, happen to be a good lot.”
Today’s editorial focuses on the enduring relevance and adaptability of the Indian Constitution. This content can be used whicle inferring ‘Constitutional Background’, ‘Core Principles of the Constitution’ and ‘Balance of Power’ in your Mains Answers.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Today 26th November, marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption by the Constituent Assembly of the draft Constitution of India. The Union government has announced that it intends to commemorate this momentous occasion with a special joint sitting of Parliament.
Historical Background:
The Indian Constitution is celebrated for its comprehensive framework that establishes India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The Constitution not only outlines the structure of government but also enshrines fundamental rights that protect individual freedoms and uphold justice.
Core Principles: • Justice: Ensuring fairness in all judicial processes. • Liberty: Protecting individual freedoms against state interference. • Equality: Guaranteeing equal treatment under the law. • Fraternity: Promoting a sense of brotherhood among citizens.
How does the Constitution adapt to the changing socio-political landscape of India?
Amendability: This structure enables the Constitution to evolve without compromising its core principles, through Article 368, ensuring it remains relevant to current societal needs:
Simple Majority: Some provisions can be amended by a simple majority in Parliament.
Special Majority: Others require a special majority, which includes a two-thirds majority in both Houses.
Ratification by States: Certain amendments necessitate ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.
Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court of India has established several landmark judgments that illustrate this adaptability with changing conditions:
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): This case introduced the “basic structure doctrine,” asserting that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its fundamental framework.
Right to Privacy: The Supreme Court’s recognition of the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 demonstrates how judicial interpretation can expand constitutional protections in response to modern concerns.
Balancing Rigidity and Flexibility: The hybrid nature of the Indian Constitution—combining elements of rigidity with flexibility—ensures that balance is crucial for maintaining democratic governance and protecting fundamental rights against arbitrary alterations.
Dynamic Nature of Constitutional Principles: CJI D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized that no single generation holds a monopoly over constitutional interpretation, reflecting a continuous dialogue between generations. This dialogue allows for evolving challenges such as technological advancements and changing social norms.
Inclusion of New Realities: The Constitution’s flexibility facilitates the inclusion of new realities and societal demands:
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): These principles guide the state in policy-making and reflect socio-economic changes, allowing for progressive reforms in areas like social justice and economic equity.
Gender Equality and Rights: Recent rulings have addressed gender discrimination in religious practices, showcasing how the Constitution adapts to uphold rights against traditional norms.
What is the significance of constitutional values in promoting justice and equality in India?
Justice: The Constitution guarantees justice through its Preamble and Fundamental Rights, ensuring that every citizen can receive fair treatment under the law.
For instance, the Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) case decriminalized adultery, reinforcing gender equality and emphasizing that both partners in a marriage should be treated equally under the law.
Equality Before Law: Article 14 ensures that all individuals are treated equally, prohibiting discrimination.
The Navtej Singh Jauhar v. Union of India (2018) case is a landmark ruling that decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships by striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, thus affirming the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and promoting social equality.
Fraternity and Social Cohesion: The value of fraternity promotes unity and respect among diverse communities. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized the importance of mutual fraternity for maintaining equality in order to raise awareness about constitutional values, highlighting that dignity and respect for all citizens are foundational to national unity.
Economic Equality: The Constitution also addresses economic disparities through Directive Principles, aiming for equal rights to livelihood and equal pay for equal work (Article 39). This framework guides government policies towards creating a more equitable society.
In what ways can citizens actively engage with and uphold constitutional ideals?
Participating in Local Governance: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act empowers citizens to participate in local governance through structures like ward committees. These committees allow residents to voice concerns and influence local decisions.
For example,Under JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission), various states established Area Sabhas (neighborhood committees) to facilitate citizen participation in urban planning.
In cities like Pune, these committees have successfully engaged citizens in developing city plans, leading to improved infrastructure and services based on community needs.
Advocating for Rights and Social Justice: Citizens can advocate for their rights by participating in legal awareness programs that educate them about their constitutional rights.
For example initiative like the ‘Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan’focuses on educating rural populations (especially women) about their legal rights, enabling them to seek justice against violations.
Engaging in Digital Activism: With the rise of digital media, citizens can use online platforms to raise awareness about constitutional issues and mobilize support for various causes.
The #MeToo movement gained significant traction on social media, where women shared their experiences of harassment and sought justice.
Participating in Elections and Civic Duties: Active participation in elections is fundamental to democracy. Citizens should not only vote but also engage with candidates and political parties on issues that matter to them.
Initiatives like the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program have successfully increased voter turnout, particularly among young voters.
Conclusion: “Independence is no doubt a matter of joy. But let us not forget that this independence has thrown on us great responsibilities. By independence, we have lost the excuse of blaming the British for anything going wrong. If hereafter things go wrong, we will have nobody to blame except ourselves.” – Dr. Ambedkar
