The Health Ministry has requested the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to implement measures to prevent surrogate advertisements of tobacco and alcoholrelated products by sportspersons.
AboutSports Authority of India (SAI)
Details
Establishment
Founded in 1984 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Headquarters
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, New Delhi, India
Objectives
Promote sports and physical education
Develop sports infrastructure
Identify and nurture sports talent
Conduct coaching and training programs
Key Programs
National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)
Special Area Games (SAG)
SAI Training Centres (STC)
Centres of Excellence (COE)
National Sports Academies (NSA)
Major Facilities
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, New Delhi
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi
Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala
Notable Initiatives
Khelo India Program
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)
About Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Details
Establishment
Founded in December 1928
Headquarters
Cricket Centre, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Objectives
Promote and develop cricket in India
Organize domestic and international cricket matches
Identify and nurture cricket talent
Maintain cricket infrastructure and facilities
Key Responsibilities
Selection of national cricket teams (men’s, women’s, and junior)
Organization of domestic cricket tournaments
Administration of Indian Premier League (IPL)
Conducting training and coaching programs
Major Tournaments
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Ranji Trophy
Vijay Hazare Trophy
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Duleep Trophy
Irani Cup
Funding and Support
Funded through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and match revenues
Provides financial assistance and contracts to cricketers
Reforms
Justice Lodha Committee: Result of the report submitted by the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee after an investigation into the 2013 IPL betting scandal.
PYQ:
[2021] Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship:
1. The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won.
2. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to Ukraine next month should signify a reconfiguration of India’s strategy towards European security.
European Scenario
The war in Ukraine has put the question of Europe right at the top of India’s international agenda, necessitating a reconfiguration of India’s approach to European security.
India should see the war in Ukraine as an imperative for long overdue re-engagement with European peace and security, moving beyond treating it as a “pressure point” from the West or a moment for solidarity with Russia.
Europe is facing hard geopolitical dilemmas, torn between criticizing China, pleasing the US, and dealing with a resentful Russia willing to restructure the European security order.
India’s peace diplomacy in Ukraine, even in a limited way, would be worthwhile given the implications of the war for the Indian economy and security, as history shows that China benefits from conflicts between Russia and the West.
India’s Priorities
Re-engagement with European Security: The war in Ukraine has prompted India to reassess its approach to European geopolitics, which has been largely neglected in recent decades. India aims to strengthen its political and diplomatic ties with Europe, recognizing it as a crucial economic partner and a significant source of technology.
Balancing Relations with Russia and the West: India has maintained a careful balance in its relations with Russia while also courting Western powers. The historical ties with Russia, particularly in defence and energy, remain vital for India, especially as it increases its imports of discounted Russian oil.
Addressing Security Challenges: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has complicated India’s security landscape, particularly with China’s growing ties to Russia and its strategic manoeuvres in Europe. India should navigate these complexities while ensuring its own security interests are safeguarded.
Promoting Peace Diplomacy: India is positioning itself as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the importance of peace and dialogue. This diplomatic role not only enhances India’s global standing but also aligns with its long-term interests in promoting stability in a multipolar world.
Future outlook
India’s evolving global priorities reflect its ambition to assert itself as a significant player in international affairs, pursuing economic growth, security, and sustainable development while contributing to the emergence of a multipolar world order.
India’s role in shaping the future of global governance will continue to evolve as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics and works towards its national interests and the common good of the international community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Ukraine next month should mark a reconfiguration of India’s approach to European security, as the return of war to Europe has created multiple economic challenges for India and complicated its security challenges.
Way forward:
Proactive Diplomacy: India should actively engage with European countries and institutions to strengthen political and diplomatic ties.
Peace Mediation Efforts: India can leverage its neutral stance and diplomatic relations to facilitate peace dialogues and mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict.
Mains: Q1 Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Q2 What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)
Note4Students:
Mains: Issues related to Broadcasting Regulation Bill, 2024;
Mentor comments: Could Dhruv Rathee and Ravish Kumar’s YouTube videos have swayed voter preferences in the 2024 general election? This question arises in the context of a Union government that anticipated a return to power with a larger majority but instead was re-elected as a coalition with a reduced mandate. Recognizing a threat to its authority, the government seeks to undermine digital creators through the Broadcasting Regulation Bill, 2024. Data from two CSDS-Lokniti surveys reveal that 29% of voters consume political content daily on digital platforms, suggesting a shift towards a “content election” where digital media increasingly challenges traditional television news.
Let’s learn!
__
Why in the News?
The Broadcasting Bill, 2024 exhibits clear characteristics of a digital authoritarianism initiative aimed at controlling online narratives.
Recent changes Convergence of IT and broadcasting ministries:
Ashwini Vaishnaw remains the Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and has also been given the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) portfolio. This reflects a growing convergence and interest of these ministries in controlling digital content.
Key highlights of the Bill
Expanded Definition of Broadcasters: The Bill classifies individual commentators as “Digital News Broadcasters” and content creators as “OTT Broadcasters.”
This allows the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to set and modify thresholds for subscribers or users, mandating registration for those who meet these criteria, thus significantly broadening government oversight over digital media.
New Compliance Requirements: The Bill introduces additional compliance measures for online platforms, establishing a new safe harbor regime separate from the Information Technology Act, 2000.
It enables the MIB to enforce censorship and require platforms like YouTube to implement specific compliance measures entities.
Expanding legal powers for censorship: A formal legal basis for this censorial partnership was established through the IT Rules, 2021 which expanded MeitY’s powers, including a traceability mandate compromising end-to-end encryption.
The rules also granted the MIB new powers to require registration and block digital news media and online entertainment streaming apps. The MIB has publicly disclosed enforcement action only when it aligns with nationalistic themes fitting its political interests.
Creation of an Autocratic Weapon for Digital Censorship
Expansion of IT Rules: Following the inadequacies of the IT Rules, 2021, the Union Government expanded its powers twice in 2023, first by establishing Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) to handle appeals regarding digital content and then by amending the IT Rules to allow the government to remove content deemed “fake, false, and misleading.“
Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023: The introduction of this bill is seen as a significant step towards increased government control over digital content.
If passed, it would require online creators, such as those on YouTube and Instagram, to register and operate under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), effectively granting the government unprecedented authority over digital expression.
Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability: Critics argue that the Broadcasting Bill, 2023, and its subsequent version, the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, would enhance government powers while reducing transparency and accountability. This could lead to an erosion of fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression.
Secrecy and Lack of Public Access: The latest draft of the Broadcasting Bill, 2024, has not been made public, and access has been restricted to select stakeholders under stringent conditions.This secrecy contradicts the government’s own Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy, raising concerns about the democratic process and public participation in law-making.
Way forward:
The government should adhere to its own Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy and make the latest draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, publicly accessible to allow for meaningful public participation and scrutiny.
Processes should be put in place to ensure transparency in the decision-making process of the Grievance Appellate Committees (GACs) and the enforcement actions taken by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
On July 25, Myanmar’s junta and an ethnic group both claimed control of Lashio’s military command after clashes began on July 3.
Background
The 2021 Military coup in Myanmar triggered sustained violent resistance which undermined military control.
Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and resistance groups, including the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and the Brotherhood Alliance, have made significant territorial gains.
The military’s fragile ceasefires have collapsed, leading to a loss of control in strategic areas, including Lashio, with reinforcements now concentrated near Mandalay.
The dominance of the Arakan Army
Large parts of Rakhine province have fallen under the control of the Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist armed group.
The Arakan Army has seized territories on the borders with Bangladesh, including towns like Buthidaung, and is advancing towards important port cities on the Bay of Bengal coast like Kyauk Phyu, Sittwe, and Ngapali.
Control over these coastal areas gives the Arakan Army leverage to impact the implementation of infrastructure projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Kyauk Phyu and India’s Kaladan project in Sittwe.
Objectives of Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs)
Major EAOs have refrained from declaring independence or creating new sovereign states, likely to avoid rallying renewed support for the military.
EAOs aim to establish a genuine federal democratic structure with maximum autonomy for provinces, with some advocating for a confederation.
Carving out new nation-states is challenging due to complex ethnic geographies and overlapping claims over homelands.
China’s Influence
China has engaged with multiple actors, including the military and various EAOs, to protect its massive investments and economic interests in the region.
Beijing has facilitated temporary ceasefires between the military and EAOs and maintains substantive relations with armed groups like the Brotherhood Alliance and United Wa State Army.
China has reportedly supplied defence equipment to both the military and EAOs, ensuring fragmented sovereignty in Myanmar
India’s role
India can share its experiences and institutional frameworks on federalism with stakeholders in Myanmar to help establish a new constitutional framework based on the principles of federalism and democracy.
Example: Despite the ongoing civil war, India has successfully constructed massive infrastructure projects in neighbouring Afghanistan, demonstrating its potential to contribute to regional peace and prosperity in Myanmar.
Way forward
Facilitate Dialogue and Mediation: To address the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, it is crucial for regional powers, including India and China, to facilitate dialogue between the military junta, Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), and the National Unity Government (NUG).
Enhance Humanitarian Support and Development Initiatives: In parallel with diplomatic efforts, there should be an increase in humanitarian assistance to affected populations in conflict zones, particularly in Rakhine State and areas controlled by the Arakan Army.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Privacy. (2020)
Legal insights from well-structured think tanks can be crucial in clarifying the true intent of specific legislation for the government.
Scope to Review the Process of Legal Consultancy
Need for Structured Legal Inputs: The handling of legal issues by the National Democratic Alliance has been inadequate. There is a need for continuous, informed, and empirically valid legal inputs from structured think tanks to clarify legislative intents.
Proposal for a Legal Advisory Council (LAC): Establishing a LAC akin to the Economic Advisory Council could provide the Prime Minister with timely legal analysis and insights, helping to preempt legal challenges and enhance the legislative process.
Need of Think Tank:
Expert Legal and Policy Analysis: Well-structured think tanks provide informed and empirical legal analysis that can enhance the legislative process.
Facilitation of Evidence-Based Decision Making: Think tanks can contribute to evidence-based decision-making by conducting research and providing data-driven insights on complex legal and social issues.
Recent Legal Issues and the Puttaswamy Case Judgment
Electoral Bonds Scheme: The Supreme Court recently ruled the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional for violating voters’ right to information. This decision highlights the importance of conducting proportionality tests before implementing laws to balance privacy rights with transparency.
Aadhaar Act Intervention: A similar legal examination prior to the implementation of the Aadhaar Act could have prevented the Supreme Court’s intervention in the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India case, which addressed privacy concerns.
Transporter Strike: Concerns over the hit-and-run provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, led to nationwide protests by transporters, indicating the need for thorough legal viability assessments before introducing potentially problematic legislation.
Anticipating Challenges
Proactive Legal Analysis: The proposed LAC would conduct legal analyses of issues referred by the government and perform suo motu research on contemporary legal matters, allowing for proactive identification of potential legal challenges.
Engagement with National Law Universities: Leveraging the expertise of national law universities can enhance the legal consultancy process, ensuring that laws are constitutionally viable and socially acceptable. Regular research inputs from these institutions can aid in formulating better legislation and addressing legal challenges before they escalate.
Way forward:
The LAC should comprise legal experts, eminent jurists, academicians, and researchers with specializations in various fields frequently legislated upon by the government, such as criminal law, trade law, international law, business laws, and taxation laws.
Establish formal mechanisms for collaboration, such as the Committee for Reforms in Criminal Laws at the National Law University Delhi set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to facilitate the exchange of ideas and research between the government and academia.
Israel has announced that it would retaliate strongly against Hezbollah, accusing the group of being responsible for a rocket attack that killed 12 children and teenagers at a football field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Background of Golan Heights:
The Golan Heights was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967 from Syria and has since been a point of contention between the two nations. In 1981, Israel effectively annexed the territory, a move not recognized by the international community.
Strategic Importance: The Golan Heights offers a commanding view of northern Israel and southern Syria, making it a critical military and strategic area. Its elevation allows for surveillance and control over surrounding regions, including the ability to monitor movements from Syria.
Causes of the conflict:
Support for Palestinians: Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel are framed as support for Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Hezbollah, as a member of the Iran-backed Axis of Resistance, has aligned itself with Hamas and other militant groups in the region.
Historical Hostilities: The conflict is rooted in a long history of hostility between Israel and Hezbollah, which was founded in 1982 to combat Israeli forces in Lebanon. Hezbollah views Israel as an illegitimate state and seeks its removal, which fuels ongoing tensions and military engagements.
Escalating Military Capabilities: Hezbollah has significantly enhanced its military capabilities since the 2006 war, possessing a large arsenal of rockets and advanced weaponry. This includes the ability to strike deep into Israeli territory, increasing the stakes for both sides in any conflict.
Implications of the Conflict
Humanitarian Impact: The ongoing hostilities have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement on both sides of the border. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed Hezbollah fighters and civilians, while Hezbollah’s attacks have resulted in Israeli casualties. The humanitarian toll is exacerbated by the broader context of the Gaza war.
Regional Stability: The conflict poses a risk of broader regional destabilization, potentially drawing in other actors and escalating into a full-scale war.
Political Ramifications: The conflict has significant political implications for both Israel and Lebanon. In Israel, the displacement of civilians has become a pressing political issue, while Hezbollah’s actions may influence its standing within Lebanon and the broader Shiite community.
How escalation can be avoided on the Global Stage?
Diplomatic Engagement: The United States and other international actors must continue to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions. This includes facilitating dialogue between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as addressing the underlying issues related to the Gaza conflict. A ceasefire in Gaza could help reduce hostilities in Lebanon.
Regional Agreements: Need to make efforts to establish regional agreements that address territorial disputes and security concerns that can mitigate the risk of conflict.
Monitoring and Mediation: International bodies, including the United Nations, should increase their monitoring of the situation and mediate discussions between the conflicting parties. This can help prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to escalated military responses.
Role of India in this situation: (Way forward)
Engaging with Arab Nations: India should also maintain and strengthen its relationships with Arab nations, including Lebanon, to ensure a balanced approach. This engagement can help India navigate the complexities of the situation and position itself as a neutral party that seeks to promote peace and stability in the region.
Facilitating Dialogue: By promoting dialogue between the conflicting parties, India can help de-escalate tensions and work towards a peaceful resolution.
Mains PYQ:
Q India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)
In 2023, the US surpassed the UAE to become India’s second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), providing 3.09 million tonnes (MT).
World LNG Report 2024 by International Gas Union (IGU)
US as a Major Supplier: The report highlights that the United States has displaced the UAE to become India’s second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2023, with shipments reaching 3.09 million tonnes (MT).
Trade Growth: The US supplied India with 1.8 MT of LNG in 2019, which increased to 3.86 MT in 2021, indicating a significant rise in trade volume despite a decrease in 2022 due to rising prices.
Qatar’s Dominance: Qatar remained India’s largest LNG supplier from 2019 to 2023, with shipments peaking at 10.92 MT in 2023, reflecting its consistent role in India’s energy supply.
The decline of African Suppliers: The report notes a significant decline in LNG shipments from African nations, particularly Nigeria and Angola, which saw their exports to India drop from pre-pandemic levels of around 2.7 MT and 2.9 MT, respectively, to just 0.73 MT each in 2023.
Present trade dynamics
Price Sensitivity: Indian companies remain price-sensitive, with LNG imports being contingent on competitive pricing. Analysts suggest that if LNG prices stay below $12 per mBtu, there could be significant growth in imports.
Geographical Advantage: The proximity of US LNG cargoes to India via the Cape of Good Hope makes it more cost-effective for sellers to export to India compared to North Asia.
Long-term Contracts: Ongoing long-term contracts signed by Indian entities with US suppliers continue to underpin LNG consumption, despite fluctuations in global prices.
Use of LNG in India:
Fertilizer Sector: The fertilizer sector remains the largest consumer of LNG in India, contributing to 32% of the total natural gas consumption.
Power Sector: The power sector accounted for 12% of the total natural gas consumption in India.
City Gas Distribution (CGD) Sector: CGD entities accounted for 19% of the total natural gas consumption in India
What can be done?
Strengthening Domestic Policies: India could benefit from reforms in domestic gas policies, including greater transparency over LNG inventory levels and improvements in gas pipeline capacity, to enhance the efficiency of LNG imports and distribution.
Creating Price Stability: The need to establish a stronger index link between LNG import prices and domestic gas prices could mitigate price risks for LNG importers, ensuring that long-term contracts remain aligned with market conditions.
Enhancing Infrastructure: Govt. should invest in LNG infrastructure, including regasification terminals and transportation networks, which can facilitate increased imports and improve supply chain efficiency.
Diversifying Supply Sources: To reduce dependency on specific regions, India should explore diversifying its LNG supply sources, including potential agreements with emerging suppliers in different regions.
Karnataka CM has offered to discuss with Tamil Nadu, the implementation of Mekedatu Project across River Cauvery.
About Mekedatu Project
Mekedatu is a location along Kaveri in the border of Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara Districts in Karnataka.
Karnataka intends to build a reservoir across River Cauvery near Mekedatu.
The dam is proposed to have a capacity of 48 TMCfeet (thousand million cubic) and is estimated to cost Rs 6,000 crore.
It was first proposed in 2003 with an intention:
To use the water for a hydro power station (400 MW) and
Supply drinking water to Bengaluru city.
At Mekedatu, the Kaveri runs through a deep, narrow ravineof hard granite rock.
Tamil Nadu’s concerns over the Project
Tamil Nadu has all along strongly opposed the project and approached the Supreme Court as well.
Its argument is that any dam proposal by upper riparian states in the Cauvery basin would deprive the state’s delta farmers of their rightful share of water as per the top court verdict.
Tamil Nadu contends that the proposed dam violates the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, which determined the water-sharing arrangements between the two states.
About Cauvery River
The Cauvery River, also spelled as ‘Kaveri’ and known as ‘Ponni’in Tamil, originates from Talakaveri in the Brahmagirirange located in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.
It spans approximately 800 km, traversing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, until it eventually discharges in theBay of Bengal.
The river’s catchment area covers regions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
Key tributaries that join the Cauvery include Harangi, Hemavati, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, and Bhavani.
Cauvery remains perennial due to its dual reliance on both advancing and retreating monsoons for rainfall.
Justifications and proposals by Karnataka
Ensuring adequate flow to TN: Karnataka argues that the construction of the Mekedatu dam will not hinder the stipulated quantum of water release to Tamil Nadu nor be utilized for irrigation purposes.
Allocation of funds and willingness to negotiate: The Karnataka government has earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for the project, indicating its commitment. It also expresses willingness to engage in discussions and negotiations with Tamil Nadu to address concerns and find a resolution.
Clearance of feasibility study: The Central Water Commission cleared a feasibility study for the Mekedatu project in 2018, providing additional support for Karnataka’s justifications and indicating the project’s viability.
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
The invasion violated the Games’ Olympic Truce, which says nations should not attack each other from 1 week before the Olympics to 1 week after the Paralympics.
Belarus was implicated for allegedly allowing Russia to use its territory for military purposes.
In October 2023, the Russian Olympic Committee was suspended after declaring authority over Ukrainian sports organizations in certain regions.
Political Neutrality and Violations
The IOC cited Russia’s International Friendship Association (IFA) as a political body violating the IOC charter.
The charter states that sports organizations within the Olympic Movement shouldapply political neutrality.
Russia’s announcement of the Friendship Games in 2024 led to accusations of politicizing sports.
Critics note the concept of “political neutrality” is not based on objective criteria and is challenging to interpret consistently.
What is Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs)?
The IOC allows athletes from these countries to participate as individual-neutral athletes (AINs).
Athletes must not represent their country or any associated organization.
They cannot actively support the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
AINs are athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports qualified through existing qualification systems.
They will compete under a neutral flagand uniform, with a neutral song played if they win medals.
The audience cannot wave their flags.
Do you know?
The Indian Olympic Association was suspended in 2014, leading to three athletes competing under the Olympic flag.
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q1 Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?(UPSC IAS/2015) Q2 What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (UPSC IAS/2020)
Prelims: Q Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is: (a) a division of World Health Organization (b) a non-governmental international organization (c) an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union (d) a specialized agency of the United Nations
Note4Students:
Mains:Challenges related to Homeless individuals;
Mentor comments: Socio-normative representations of homeless persons living with mental illness (HPMI) often depict them as refuge seekers, leading to interventions focused on transferring them to mental hospitals or shelters. This perspective assumes that displacement from the streets is necessary due to associated risks, which, while valid, oversimplifies their complex realities. Such representations result in coercive measures that fail to recognise the agency of HPMI, perpetuating a cycle of institutionalization rather than fostering genuine community reintegration and support. Addressing these representations is crucial for developing more effective and respectful care strategies.
Let’s learn!
__
Why in the News?
Homeless individuals with mental illness are often viewed as needing rescue, leading to their forced relocation to hospitals or shelters, despite the debatable risks of street living.
Efforts at Integration
Collaborative Initiatives in India: The collaboration among various organizations, including the National Health Mission and local civil society groups, has facilitated access to emergency care and recovery centers (ECRCs) in district hospitals, improving support for homeless persons with mental illness (HPMI).
Breaking Down Asylum Models: The integration of services aims to dismantle the traditional asylum model, which often perpetuates negative stereotypes about mental illness, by providing more immediate and localized care.
Last-Mile Proximal Care: The establishment of ECRCs ensures that care reaches individuals in scattered geographies, addressing the immediate needs of those experiencing crises.
Transformative Care Models: Thefocus on smaller care units that are adequately staffed emphasizes personal attention and the management of comorbidities, which is essential for those facing prolonged adversities.
Problems with institutional spaces:
Long-Term Custodial Care: Approximately 37% of individuals in state psychiatric facilities have long-term needs, with many having histories of homelessness. The median duration of stay is six years, indicating a reliance on institutional care rather than effective community reintegration.
According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders account for 10.6% of total disability among older adults.
Rigid Discharge Criteria: Discharge criteria for individuals in psychiatric facilities are often overly simplistic, leading to inadequate support for those transitioning back to community life.
Isolation from Social Resources: Institutional settings create barriers to accessing social resources and community participation, leading to social isolation and a lower quality of life.
Mental Health America reports that over half (54.7%) of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment, often due to such barriers.
Ineffective Rehabilitation Models: Current rehabilitation models often default to custodial care, failing to promote innovative, community-based solutions.
Initiatives like Housing First and the ‘Home Again’ collaborative in India demonstrate the feasibility of comprehensive social and clinical care, yet traditional models continue to limit the potential for improved outcomes for individuals with mental health challenges.
Way forward:
Shift from Paternalistic to Liberatory Strategies: The need to take social protection measures for homeless people with mental illness (HPMI) must transition from paternalistic interventions to liberatory-focused strategies that honour individual agency.
This includes implementing a modest monthly disability allowance of ₹1,500 to provide financial support while addressing bureaucratic barriers to accessing essential documentation like Aadhar and banking services.
Holistic and Imaginative Approaches: Supportive measures must be complemented by imaginative and holistic strategies that address structural issues such as discrimination, violence, and social segregation.
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