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GS Paper: GS2

  • Building on favourable change in the 2024 Waqf Bill  

    Why in the News?

    The Waqf Bill 2024, also known as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after allies of the Narendra Modi government expressed reluctance to pass it immediately, and opposition parties voiced criticism of the Bill.

    Concerns Acknowledged by the JPC

    1. Inclusion of Non-Muslims: The proposal to include non-Muslim members in state waqf boards has faced significant opposition. Critics argue that this undermines the religious autonomy of Muslim institutions, as similar provisions do not exist for Hindu temples or other religious bodies.
    2. Increased Authority of District Collectors: The Bill grants more powers to district collectors, allowing them to arbitrate disputes over waqf properties. This has raised concerns about potential government overreach and the effectiveness of local waqf boards in managing properties.
    3. Impact on Inheritance Rights: The proposed changes could affect the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, by allowing the creation of family waqfs that may not fully comply with Islamic inheritance laws. This raises questions about fairness and equity in the distribution of waqf assets.

    The rationale of the family waqt:

    • Family waqf is rooted in the Islamic principle that charity begins at home
    • The Quran encourages spending money on parents and relatives (2:215), and the Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of spending on one’s family as a highly rewarded act of charity.

     

    1. Potential for Misuse: There are fears that the amendments could lead to the misuse of waqf properties, exacerbating existing issues of encroachment and mismanagement, rather than effectively addressing them.

    Newly Proposed Section 3A(2)

    • Key Features: This section stipulates that a Muslim can create a family waqf only concerning one-third of their property if excluding heirs, and it prohibits the complete exclusion of female heirs. However, it allows for the possibility of token benefits being granted to female heirs, which could still result in unequal distributions.
    • Concerns: Critics argue that this provision may not sufficiently protect women’s rights under Islamic inheritance laws, as it could permit arrangements that do not provide equitable benefits to female heirs compared to their male counterparts.

    Implementation of Waqf Boards Worldwide

    • India: India has 30 waqf boards, each responsible for managing waqf properties within their respective states. These boards oversee approximately 900,000 properties, with a focus on ensuring that waqf assets are used for charitable purposes.
    • Middle Eastern Countries: In many Middle Eastern nations, waqf properties are often managed by government-appointed bodies, and the legal framework tends to be more integrated with Islamic law. For instance, in countries like Egypt and Turkey, waqf management is closely tied to state regulations, which can vary significantly from those in India.
    • Colonial impact: The evolution of waqf laws has been influenced by colonial histories, with some countries, such as Egypt and Tunisia, abolishing family waqfs altogether, while others, like Malaysia and Indonesia, have maintained them with varying degrees of regulation.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Waqf Governance: Ensure robust oversight and accountability of waqf boards by balancing state involvement with respect for religious autonomy. This includes safeguarding the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, and preventing government overreach while maintaining effective management of waqf properties.
    • Promote Inclusivity and Equity: Amend the Waqf Bill to address concerns about the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and ensure equitable distribution of waqf assets in line with Islamic inheritance laws.

  •  How South China Sea tensions pose a threat to international trade? 

    Why in the News?

    Tensions between China and the Philippines have sharply escalated after a violent clash between their sailors in the South China Sea (SCS) last week. Currently, escalating tensions in the South China Sea are heightening global security concerns over this vital trade route.

    How Important is the South China Sea for World Trade?

    • About a third of global maritime trade passes through the 3.5 million square kilometre South China Sea annually, according to UNCTAD.
    • Around 40% of petroleum products traded globally are delivered via the South China Sea every year.
    • In 2016, an estimated $3.4 trillion to $3.6 trillion worth of goods and commodities travelled the seaway.
    • Tens of thousands of cargo vessels move through the South China Sea every year, carrying around 40% of China’s, one-third of India’s and 20% of Japan’s trade with the rest of the world.
    • The South China Sea is a vital crossroads for both intra-Asian trade as well as for commerce with the rest of the world, especially Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    What makes the South China Sea such a Controversial Issue?

    • Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea as its own, angering its neighbours who say China’s territorial ambitions cut into their exclusive economic zones.
    • China ignored a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court that Beijing has no legal or historical basis for its expansive claims under international law.
    • The Chinese military has staged increasingly aggressive actions in the seaway recently, including clashes with Filipino ships, fueling fears of a full-scale conflict.
    • Vietnam and the Philippines have filed claims with the UN for extended continental shelves in the South China Sea.
    • Concerns that Beijing may use military force to bring Taiwan under its control have further raised tensions in the region.

    Why is the South China Sea Contested?

    • Availability of Natural gas and oil: The South China Sea is estimated to hold about 5.38 trillion cubic meters of proven and probable natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil reserves.
    • Rare earth elements: The disputed waters also contain large deposits of rare-earth minerals crucial to China’s technological ambitions, including electric vehicle batteries and advanced electronics.
      • Some estimates suggest the Pacific Ocean contains a thousand times more rare-earth minerals than the currently known land reserves, more than half of which are controlled by China.

    Biggest Chokepoint in the South China Sea

    • The Malacca Strait, which lies between Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, is considered the biggest chokepoint in the South China Sea.
    • Last year, 23.7 million barrels of oil and petroleum products were moved through the strait per day, 13% higher than through the Strait of Hormuz.
    • The Malacca Strait is just 64 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and is already vulnerable to congestion and collisions.
    • Experts predict that if China invades Taiwan, the U.S. and its allies could blockade the Malacca Strait, limiting China’s access to oil and exports

    What should India do? (Way forward)

    • Enhance Strategic Partnerships: India should strengthen its maritime collaborations with key regional players like ASEAN nations, Japan, and Australia while deepening its involvement in forums such as the Quad to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
    • Bolster Naval Capabilities: India should continue to modernize and expand its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on securing critical sea lanes and chokepoints like the Malacca Strait to safeguard its trade routes and energy supplies in the event of escalating tensions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.(2016)

  • Dealing with Death at Work    

    Why in the News?

    On August 21, 2024, a deadly explosion at the Escientia plant in Atchutapuram SEZ killed 17 workers and injured over 50, triggered by a solvent leak involving MTBE. The incident, part of a troubling safety trend, has prompted a government inquiry and calls for stricter safety regulations, particularly due to the exemption from regular inspections for SEZ units.

    • Previous Incidents: This accident is part of a troubling pattern, as it follows another major explosion in the same SEZ last year, and recalls a deadly styrene vapour leak incident in 2020 that killed 12 people.
    • Government Response: The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed condolences and promised support for the victims’ families.

    Importance of Safety Audits

    • Preventing Future Accidents: Regular safety audits can help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations, reducing the risk of catastrophic incidents.
    • Accountability: Audits enforce accountability among management to adhere to safety standards, promoting a culture of safety within organizations.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Conducting safety audits helps organizations ensure compliance with local, state, and national safety regulations.
    • Public Trust: Enhancing safety measures and transparency can restore public confidence in industrial operations, particularly in regions prone to industrial accidents.

    Safety Law and Guidelines:

    • Factories Act, 1948: Governs worker safety in factories, mandating safety audits and safety officer appointments. Requires safety committees with management and employee reps to address hazards.
    • IS 14489:1998: Provides guidelines for occupational safety and health audits, focusing on compliance, deviations, and safety management effectiveness across sectors.
    • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Consolidates labor laws, mandates regular safety audits for hazardous processes, and grants inspectors authority to enforce compliance.
    • CIMAH Rules: Require industries with hazardous processes to prepare safety reports and conduct regular audits to prevent major accidents, enforced by state safety authorities.
    • Integrated Guidance Framework for Chemicals Safety: Offers guidance for safety audits in handling hazardous chemicals, emphasizing compliance with MSIHC Rules and robust audit practices.

    Note:

    IS 14489:1998 is an Indian Standard titled “Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit.” It provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting occupational safety and health audits in various workplaces.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement Regular Safety Audits: Enforce routine safety audits for all industrial units, including SEZs, to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards, thus preventing future incidents and promoting a culture of safety.
    • Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: Close regulatory gaps by applying safety standards uniformly across all sectors, including exempted units, and enhance transparency and accountability in safety practices to restore public trust.

  • [pib] World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES)

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting has launched 25 challenges as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’ for the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES).

    About WAVES

    • It is an international summit organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.
    • The first edition will take place from 20-24 November 2024 in Goa.
    • The summit will be hosted in Goa in collaboration with the State Government of Goa.
    • The Entertainment Society of Goa will act as the Nodal Agency for the event, following an MOU with Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
    • It is supported by industry partners like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
    • Purpose:
      • WAVES aims to be a pivotal forum for fostering dialogue, trade collaboration, and innovation within the evolving media and entertainment industry.
      • The summit will showcase India as a hub for innovation and excellence in the media and entertainment sector, attract investments, and position India as a global leader in the entertainment business.

    Location & Collaboration:

    • WAVES is designed to promote sustainable growth in the media and entertainment industry.
    • It will help attract global trade and investment to India, positioning the country as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.
    • The summit will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to explore new opportunities, tackle challenges, and shape the future of the sector.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

  • Centre directs UPSC to withdraw ad for lateral entry into bureaucracy: Why has the policy been criticized?

    Why in the News?

    The Central government asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday, August 20, to cancel an advertisement from three days earlier that called for applications to fill senior government positions through lateral recruitment.

    What is ‘Lateral Entry’ into the Bureaucracy?

    • Definition: Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of personnel from outside the traditional civil services into senior and middle-level positions in the central government. These entrants come from various backgrounds, including state/UT governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), statutory organizations, research institutes, universities, and the private sector.
    • Objective: The idea is to bring in individuals with domain expertise and specialized knowledge to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. These individuals are usually appointed on contracts of three years, which can be extended to a total of five years.

    What are the Positions Open for Lateral Entry?

    • Positions Advertised: Lateral entry initially focused on Joint Secretary-level positions, which are high-ranking roles within a Department. Over time, positions for Director and Deputy Secretary levels were also opened.
    • Roles and Responsibilities:
      • Joint Secretary: Third-highest rank in a Department, responsible for decision-making and administrative head of a wing within the Department.
      • Director/Deputy Secretary: Middle-level officials, performing roles similar to Joint Secretaries in most ministries.

    What was the Union Government’s Logic Behind Introducing Lateral Entries?

    • Rationale: The government introduced lateral recruitment to bring in fresh talent and specialized skills that may not be available within the traditional civil services.
    • NITI Aayog’s Recommendation: The policy was recommended in 2017 by NITI Aayog in its three-year Action Agenda and by the Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on Governance.

    How Many People Have Been Appointed via Lateral Recruitment So Far?

    • First Round (2018): The first round attracted 6,077 applications for Joint Secretary-level positions. Nine individuals were eventually selected and appointed in 2019.
    • Subsequent Rounds: Additional rounds of recruitment occurred in 2021 and May 2023. As of August 2024, a total of 63 appointments have been made through lateral entry, with 57 lateral entrants currently holding positions in various Ministries/Departments.

    What is the Criticism of Lateral Entry Recruitment?

    • Lack of Reservations: A significant criticism of lateral recruitment is the absence of quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
    • Promotion Concerns: Critics like Mayawati have pointed out that lateral entry deprives lower-level employees in the civil services of promotion opportunities, which would otherwise be available through a merit-based system.

    Way forward: 

    • Incorporate Inclusive Quota Provisions: To address the criticism regarding the absence of reservations, the government could consider introducing a reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in lateral entry recruitment.
    • Establish a Transparent and Merit-Based Selection Process: To ensure the credibility and effectiveness of lateral recruitment, the government should enhance transparency in the selection process. This could involve clearly defined eligibility criteria, objective assessment methods, and regular monitoring of the performance of lateral entrants.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow in India? Critically examine. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

    Why in the News?

    India and Malaysia have elevated their relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ following talks between Prime Ministers Modi and Ibrahim, aiming to overcome past tensions.

    What is a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)?

    • The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) represents a deepened level of engagement between two nations, encompassing a broad spectrum of areas such as political, economic, cultural, and security cooperation.
    • This partnership reflects a commitment to working closely across these domains to achieve mutual goals.

    Upgradation of ties between India and Malaysia:

    • The recent upgrade includes agreements and MoUs in workers’ mobility, digital technology, culture, tourism, sports, and education.
    • India has also agreed to support Malaysia’s bid to join the BRICS grouping, which the Malaysian Prime Minister has been advocating for.
    • The leaders discussed new areas of cooperation, including semiconductors, fintech, defence industry, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technologies.
    • A special allocation of 200,000 metric tonnes of white rice was granted by India to Malaysia in response to Malaysia’s request, reflecting India’s role in Malaysia’s food security.

    Bilateral Friction between India and Malaysia:

    • Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): During the Kuala Lumpur Summit in December 2019, Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad criticized India’s CAA, which provides a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
    • Reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir: Mahathir Mohamad also voiced strong criticism regarding India’s reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the revocation of its special status in August 2019.
    • Extradition of Zakir Naik: India’s repeated requests for the extradition of Zakir Naik, wanted on charges of hate speech and money laundering, have been denied by Malaysia, citing insufficient evidence.
    • COVID-19 Pandemic: During the pandemic, hundreds of Malaysians were detained in India due to the lockdown, further adding to tensions.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Diplomatic Engagement: Continue regular high-level dialogues to resolve sensitive issues and foster mutual trust, focusing on joint working groups for contentious matters like extradition and human rights.
    • Expand Strategic and Economic Collaboration: Prioritize joint ventures and research in emerging sectors such as fintech, AI, and quantum technologies to strengthen economic ties and minimize political friction.

  • [pib] 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

    Why in the News?

    Japanese foreign and defence ministers have arrived in India to participate in the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting.

    About 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

    • The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a diplomatic summit held annually since 2018, initially between India and the US.
    • It later expanded to include Japan, Australia, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
    • This dialogue involves the Foreign and Defense Ministers of participating countries and focuses on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common concerns.
    • The dialogue replaced the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue during a 2017 agreement between PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.
    • First Summit was held on September 6, 2018, between India and the US in New Delhi, involving discussions on defense partnerships and strategic cooperation.

    Key Milestones:

    What are the key priorities of the Indo-Japan 2+2 Dialogue?

    • Update Security Cooperation: Revising the 2008 security agreement to reflect current strategic needs.
    • Promote a Free Indo-Pacific: Collaborating to ensure a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region.
    • Engage in Strategic Talks: Holding strategic discussions between foreign and defense ministers to boost bilateral ties.
    • Address Regional Security: Discussing key issues like Chinese assertiveness, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Gaza crisis.
    • Coordinate Quad Efforts: Exploring cooperation within the Quad framework, including a potential summit.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.
  • [19th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: New migrant realities in Karnataka’s gig sector

    [19th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: New migrant realities in Karnataka’s gig sector

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q  How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?  (UPSC IAS/2016)

    Q Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (UPSC IAS/2021)

    Q Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Mentor comment: The Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, which was introduced on June 29, 2024, aimed to regulate the welfare and rights of gig workers in the state. It is the second such legislation in India after the state of Rajasthan. The proposed ‘quota-for-local’ Bill in Karnataka aims to reserve a significant percentage of jobs for locals, mandating that 70% of non-management and 50% of management positions be filled by Kannadigas. This legislation has raised concerns about its impact on migrant workers, who comprise a substantial portion of the workforce in IT and gig economy jobs.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News? 

    Karnataka’s Gig Workers Bill has raised concerns about its impact on migrant workers, which comprises a substantial portion of the workforce in IT and gig economy jobs.

    Key Features of the Bill:

    • Rights Protection: The Bill is designed as a rights-based framework, ensuring gig workers have protections against unfair dismissals and arbitrary payment deductions.
    • Social Security Fund: A welfare fund will be established, funded by a fee from aggregators based on gig workers’ earnings. This fund aims to provide social security benefits to registered gig workers.
    • Contractual Clarity: Aggregators must provide clear contracts detailing termination grounds and must give a 14-day notice before contract changes.
    • Grievance Redressal: The Bill mandates a two-level grievance redressal mechanism, requiring aggregators with over 50 workers to form an internal dispute resolution committee.
    • Transparency in Operations: Aggregators must disclose parameters related to work allocation and automated decision-making processes affecting workers.

    How does the proposed ‘quota-for-local’ Bill impact migrant workers?

    • Job Opportunities: The bill could limit job opportunities for migrant workers, as companies would be required to prioritize local candidates. This may lead to a reduction in the already precarious employment options available to migrants, who often fill lower-skilled positions.
    • Increased Competition: The migrant workers might face intensified competition for fewer available roles, particularly in sectors where they have traditionally been employed, such as delivery services and hospitality.
    • Economic Migration: The bill could lead to a demographic shift in the labor market. Migrants may choose to relocate to states with more inclusive hiring practices, impacting the state’s economy and workforce diversity.
    • Exploitation Risks: The present Bill could make migrants more vulnerable to exploitation, as companies may feel less inclined to hire them, leading to further marginalization of these workers.
    • Industry Concerns: Business leaders and industry representatives have expressed concerns that the bill could deter investment and talent from flowing into Karnataka, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic growth. The focus should be on skills rather than reservations.

    What measures can be taken to protect migrant workers from exploitation?

    • Right to Change Employers: States need to ensure that migrant workers have the freedom to change employers without facing penalties, which can reduce their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.
    • Empower Migrant workers: The government/ Private sector needs to provide comprehensive information regarding workers’ rights, including recruitment processes, legal protections, and avenues for reporting abuse.
      • Strengthening labor laws and legal assistance with counseling services that protect migrant workers and ensure strict enforcement through regular inspections of workplaces is a need of the hour.
    • Social Security and Housing Access: States need to ensure that migrant workers have access to social services, housing, and healthcare, which can help mitigate their vulnerabilities.
      • NITI Aayog in its report ”India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” has said that fiscal incentives such as tax breaks or startup grants may be provided for businesses that provide livelihood opportunities where women constitute a substantial portion of their workers.
    • International Cooperation: Encourage countries to adopt and implement international standards and conventions that protect the rights of migrant workers, promoting safe and ethical recruitment practices.

    Conclusion: The Karnataka Bill, like the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Rajasthan Act 2023, fails to address employment issues in India. This oversight needs a rightful strategy to look into the issue concerning the gig economy as well as the migration pattern in India in past decades.

    Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/new-migrant-realities-in-karnatakas-gig-sector/article68540307.ece

  • Do doctors need a Central protection Act?     

    Why in the News?

    Resident doctors across India are on strike, demanding safety laws after a young doctor was tragically raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata on August 9.

    Why are Healthcare Workers Protesting?

    • Response to Violence: The protests were triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024.
    • Demand for Safety: Healthcare workers are demanding laws and measures that ensure their safety while on duty.
    • Historical Context: Violence against healthcare workers is not a new issue in India. Previous incidents, such as the case of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse who was sexually assaulted in 1973, underscore a long-standing pattern of violence in healthcare settings.

    Working Conditions of Junior Doctors, Interns, and Nurses

    • Poor Working Environment: Junior doctors, interns, and nurses often work in ill-lit and poorly secured hospital environments.
    • Long Shifts and Exhaustion: Many healthcare workers, including the victim of the recent incident, are subjected to excessively long shifts—in this case, a 36-hour duty shift—without adequate rest or safe spaces to recuperate.
    • Mental Health Concerns: The stressful working conditions, combined with the threat of violence, have raised significant concerns about the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers.

    Key Demands of the Protesters

    • Central Protection Act: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is advocating for a Central protection law specifically for healthcare workers, similar to measures in other countries that classify assaults on medical staff as serious offenses.
    • Enhanced Security Measures: Protesters are calling for hospital security protocols that match those of airports, including the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of security personnel, and improved lighting in hospital corridors and wards.
    • Safe Work Environment: There is a demand for immediate systemic reforms to improve working conditions, including better security arrangements and the establishment of healthcare facilities as safe zones.
    • Accountability and Justice: The IMA has requested a thorough investigation into incidents of violence against healthcare workers, with a focus on timely and professional handling of cases and ensuring that perpetrators face exemplary punishment.
      • Government Response: Following the protests, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an order mandating that any violence against healthcare workers must be reported and acted upon swiftly, with institutional FIRs to be filed within six hours of an incident.

    Sole responsible for the safety of Health workers:

    • State Governments: Health and law enforcement are primarily state subjects in India, meaning that state governments are primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals. They are tasked with implementing laws, providing adequate security in hospitals, and ensuring a safe working environment for medical staff.
    • Central Government: The central government plays a role in formulating national policies and frameworks that support the safety of healthcare workers. 
      • Recent initiatives include the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s order mandating the filing of FIRs within six hours of any violence against healthcare workers, indicating a push for accountability and swift action.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement a Central Protection Law for Healthcare Workers: The government should fast-track the enactment of a Central law specifically designed to protect healthcare workers from violence.
    • Improve Working Conditions and Mental Health Support: Hospitals should prioritize creating safe and well-secured environments for healthcare workers, including reasonable shift hours, adequate rest periods, mental health support, and robust security protocols to prevent future incidents of violence.

  • Lok Sabha Speaker constitutes 6 new Parliamentary Committees 

    Why in the News?

    Lok Sabha Speaker has constituted six new Parliamentary Committees, for a tenure of 1year:

    Origin Composition Functions
    Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919
    • 22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha;
    • Chairman from the Opposition,
    • Appointed by the LS Speaker.
    		 Examines public expenditure, scrutinizes CAG reports, and ensures efficient use of public funds.
    Committee on Estimates Traces back to 1921; reconstituted in 1950 (recommended by John Mathai)
    • 30 members,
    • All from Lok Sabha;
    • Elected annually through proportional representation.
    • Minister CANNOT be a member.
    		 Examines budget estimates, suggests economic efficiencies, and recommends alternative policies.
    Committee on Public Undertakings Established in 1964 based on the Krishna Menon Committee
    • 22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha;
    • Chairman appointed by the Speaker,
    • Chosen from Lok Sabha members
    		 Examines accounts and reports of PSUs, and provides recommendations without interfering in operations.
    Committee on Welfare of OBCs The committee was constituted in June 2012 It comprises 30 members, with 20 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha Focuses on the implementation of policies for OBC welfare, evaluates reservations, and suggests improvements.
    Committee on Welfare of SC/ST N/A The committee consists of 30 members, with 20 elected from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. Ensures implementation of safeguards for SCs and STs, reviews welfare programs, and suggests enhancements.
    Joint Committee on Office of Profit Joint Committee on Office of Profit was established by the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2019 15 members; 10 Lok + 5 from Rajya Sabha. Examines cases of MPs/MLAs holding offices of profit, determine qualification, and maintains legislative integrity.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the house whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation?

    (a) Committee on Government Assurances

    (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation

    (c) Rules Committee

    (d) Business Advisory Committee