Karnataka’s political landscape is rocked by accusations of sexual abuse against a sitting MP belonging to a prominent political family.
Following explicit video leaks allegedly implicating him, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice, as he remains on the run.
INTERPOL’s Notice System:
The Interpol issues various types of notices to its member countries about individuals who are either missing or wanted.
While these notices aren’t legally binding and countries aren’t required to act on them, they are commonly used to arrest and extradite suspects.
The following entities can request for a notice:
Notice request by the Member Country
International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court can also request notices for individuals accused of serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity under their jurisdiction.
The United Nations can request notices related to enforcing sanctions imposed by the Security Council.
What are Blue Corner Notice?
Purpose: Blue corner notice, also known as an “enquiry notice,” facilitates sharing critical crime-related information, including criminal records verification and locating individuals.
Example: In January 2020, Interpol issued a blue corner notice to locate fugitive Nithyananda, a self-styled godman.
About INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)
Details
Overview
Established in Vienna, Austria (1923), it enables cross-border police cooperation and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.
An inter-governmental organization comprising 195 member countries,
Facilitates better coordination among police forces globally
Functions
Enables member countries to share and access data on crimes and criminals
Offers technical and operational support to member countries
Manages 19 police databases containing information on crimes and criminals, accessible in real-time
Provides investigative support, including forensics, analysis, and assistance in locating fugitives worldwide.
Working
Run by a Secretary General
Headquarters located in Lyon, France
Global complex for innovation based in Singapore.
Several satellite offices in different regions.
I-24/7 Service: Global Police Communications System that provides a common platform for the member countries’ police organizations to share sensitive and urgent police information.
India’s Membership
Joined in June 1956.
Functioning in Member Countries
Each member country has a National Central Bureau (NCB), serving as the central point of contact for the general secretariat and other NCBs worldwide
NCBs are typically managed by police officials and situated in the government ministry responsible for policing (e.g., CBI in India)
Interpol’s databases contain various information, from names and fingerprints to stolen passports, accessible in real-time to member countries
Provides investigative support to member countries, aiding in forensic analysis and locating fugitives globally.
Notices
Interpol issues seven types of notices:
Red Notice: Seeks the location and provisional arrest of fugitives.
Blue Notice: Requests information about a person’s identity or activities.
Green Notice: Warns about individuals likely to repeat crimes.
Yellow Notice: Aids in locating missing persons.
Black Notice: Seeks information about unidentified bodies.
Orange Notice: Warns of imminent threats to public safety.
Purple Notice: Seeks or provides information on criminal methods.
Mains PYQ Relevance: 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) Q) Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Note4Students:
Prelims: Fundamental Right and DPSP;
Mains: Relation between FR and DPSP;
Mentor comments: The Constitution expressly makes Fundamental Rights enforceable, while DPSPs are regarded as goals that the state is expected to work towards. The tension between these parts has simmered through India’s history, reaching a boiling point in the 1970s when the Constitution was routinely amended, primarily to make certain kinds of legislation exempt from Judicial Review.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
The recent case of Property Owners Association vs State of Maharashtra scrutinises two key questions: the meaning of “material resources of the community” in Article 39(b) and whether laws support the “common good”.
Present Dilemma before the Judiciary:
Supreme Court is presently considering a challenge to Chapter VIII-A of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976. This chapter was added in 1986, which allowed the government to acquire “cessed” properties in Mumbai under Article 39(b).
In 1991, the Bombay High Court upheld the amendment, citing Article 31C’s protection for laws related to Article 39(b).
The appeal reached the Supreme Court in 1992, focusing on whether “material resources of the community” in Article 39(b) encompass private resources like cessed properties.
The conflict between Fundamental Rights (Part III) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) (Part IV):
Ongoing Conflict: Despite attempts by the Supreme Court to clarify, the conflict between fundamental rights and DPSP has persisted since the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case in 1973. Uneasy Relationship between FR and DPSP: The relationship between fundamental rights and DPSP is described as uneasy, indicating tension between their implementation and interpretation. Importance of Property Owners Case: The resolution of this conflict in the Property Owners case is expected to have a significant impact on the future trajectory of constitutional interpretation and governance. Clarity in Constitution: Initially, the Constitution seemed clear on the matter, with Article 13 declaring laws violating fundamental rights as void and Article 37 stating that DPSPs are not enforceable by courts but should guide state action. Treatment of DPSPs: Despite not being legally enforceable, DPSPs are considered fundamental principles for governance, and the state is obligated to apply them in legislation, as stated in the Constitution. Hierarchy of Rights: Early court judgments, such as Chief Justice S.R. Das’s remarks in Mohd. Hanif Quareshi vs State of Bihar (1958), emphasised the importance of implementing DPSPs without infringing upon fundamental rights, highlighting the delicate balance required between the two parts of the Constitution.
Evolution of Article 31C:
25th Amendment(1971): The 25th Amendment to the Constitution introduced Article 31C, aimed at placing certain laws beyond Judicial Review, particularly those related to Article 39(b) and (c).
This amendment curtailed the Fundamental Right to Property. It provided that any law made to give effect to the Directive principle contained in Article 39(b)or 39(c) cannot challenged on the grounds of violation of Rights guaranteed under Articles 14,19 and 31, ensuring exemption from judicial scrutiny.
This provision had significant implications. For instance, Parliament could nationalise the media under the pretext of securing the common good, without facing challenges related to freedom of expression.
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): A narrow majority (6:7) found that amendments conflicting with the Constitution’s Basic Structure would be void, partially questioning the validity of the 25th Amendment.
Judicial Review Principle: Justice H.R. Khanna’s opinion highlighted that the 25th Amendment limiting examination of laws regarding Article 39(b) and (c) infringed upon the principle of judicial review, although it upheld the exemption from challenges based on Articles 14 and 19.
Ambiguity in Kesavananda Verdict: Despite some aspects being found void, the Kesavananda case didn’t provide a clear stance on whether the amendment, regarding exemption from fundamental rights challenges, violated the Constitution’s basic features.
Changes to Article 31C and subsequent legal Interpretations:
42nd Amendment (1976): The 42nd Amendment expanded the scope of Article 31C to encompass laws made in furtherance of any Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP), not just Articles 39(b) and (c), granting broader immunity to such laws from judicial review.
Minerva Mills Case (1980): In Minerva Mills vs Union of India, the Supreme Court declared the 42nd Amendment unconstitutional.
The ruling raised questions about the status of Article 31C. Does it revert to its original form from the 25th Amendment, minus the parts invalidated by Kesavananda Bharati? Or does its validity remain uncertain?
Presently, Chief Justice Y.V. Chandrachud emphasized that Fundamental Rights, such as Articles 14, 19, and 21, serve as essential safeguards against unrestricted state power.
Waman Rao Case (1981): In Waman Rao vs Union of India, Justice Y.V. Chandrachud, while acknowledging his own opinion in Minerva Mills, upheld the validity of the unamended Article 31C. This judgment contradicts the stance taken in Minerva Mills.
Validity of Article 31C:
The conflicting interpretations of Article 31C’s validity add complexity to its legal status. While some argue for its reinstatement in its original form, others question its compatibility with fundamental rights.
In Property Owners, the Court will assess the validity of a law allowing a State government board to control dilapidated buildings. Even if it aligns with Article 39(b), the question remains whether the law can be challenged under Articles 14 and 19.
Conclusion: Despite rulings like Waman Rao and Sanjeev Coke vs Bharat Coking Coal, the Supreme Court still needs to conclusively analyze Article 31C’s compatibility with the Constitution’s basic structure. Property Owner’s case offers a chance for resolution.
Two recent reports reveal some important facets of India’s Development.
The Human Development Report 2023-24, published by the UNDP, takes a comparative perspective and maps the achievements in the area of human development.
A paper published by the World Inequality Lab in March 2024 provides long-term trends in income and wealth inequality in India between 1922 and 2023.
About HDI:
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measurement system used by the United Nations to evaluate the level of individual human development in each country. It was introduced by the U.N. in 1990.
How is the HDI measured?
The HDI is the geometric mean of the three dimensions above, with indices calculated separately for each country using data on life expectancy, schooling and per capita income. The final result always gives a value between 0 and 1 which defines, according to the UNDP, the four degrees of human development detailed below:
Very high: countries with a HDI above 0.80.
High: countries with a HDI between 0.70 and 0.80.
Medium: countries with a HDI between 0.55 and 0.70. (India is here)
Low: countries with a HDI below 0.55.
India’s poor ranking in HDI:
Regional Trends: India’s HDI ranking has improved marginally over the years, but it still lags behind several countries, including Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China. In 2022, India ranked 134 out of 193 countries.
Low HDI Value: Despite the incremental improvement in ranking, India’s HDI value remains relatively low. The HDI value increased from 0.633 in 2021 to 0.644 in 2022.
Gender Inequality Index (GII): While India showed improvement in its GII ranking in 2022, moving from 122 out of 191 countries in 2021 to 108 out of 193 countries in 2022, significant gender disparities persist. Notably, India faces one of the largest gender gaps in labor force participation rates, with a substantial difference between men (76.1%) and women (28.3%).
Medium Human Development Categories: India’s HDI ranking places it within the medium human development category alongside countries like Myanmar, Ghana, Kenya, Congo, and Angola.
Key concerns related to Human Development:
Increasing Disparity Between Countries: The report underscores a concerning trend of growing inequality between countries, particularly between those at the upper and lower ends of the Human Development Index (HDI).
Economic Concentration: The concentration of economic power in a few countries is exacerbating global inequality. Nearly 40% of the global trade in goods is controlled by just three or fewer countries
Tech Company Dominance: The dominance of large technology companies further exacerbates inequality, with the market capitalization of the top three companies surpassing the GDP of the majority of countries.
Widening inequality:
Income Disparities in India: The study from the World Inequality Lab reveals stark income disparities in India, with the bottom 50% of the population receiving only 15% of the national income.
Conversely, the top 1% earns on average 23 times more than the average Indian, and the top 10,000 individuals earn 2,069 times the average Indian.
Reduction of Middle-Class size: During the period from 2014 to 2022, the incomes of the middle 40% of the income distribution have grown slower than the bottom 50%. This trend suggests a potential reduction in the size of the ‘middle class.
High Household Debt and Low Savings: Household debt levels in India have reached a record high of 40% of GDP, while net financial savings have plunged to 5.2% of GDP.
Way Forward:
Promote Inclusive Growth Policies: Implement policies that prioritize inclusive growth, focusing on reducing income disparities, and enhancing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all segments of society.
Enhance Social Safety Nets: Strengthen social safety nets to provide support to vulnerable populations, including targeted welfare programs, universal healthcare coverage, and unemployment benefits.
Mains PYQ:
Q Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.(UPSC IAS/2019)
Studies show that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to experience fatal effects from extreme heat compared to those with kidney or heart problems as per Geo Health report.
What is schizophrenia?
As per the National Institute of Mental Health, Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and their family and friends.
Effects of Extreme Heat as per the Geo Health Report:
SchizophreniaHeat-Related Deaths: GeoHealth in 2023 revealed that an extreme heat event in British Columbia in 2021 led to more fatalities among individuals with schizophrenia compared to those with kidney and heart diseases.
Mental Health Conditions: People with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, were identified as being at higher risk of succumbing to heat-related deaths during extreme heat events.
Impact of Extreme Heat Event: British Columbia experienced an eight-day extreme heat event in 2021, with temperatures soaring as high as 40 degrees celsius, significantly above the average temperature of around 20 degrees celsius. The region recorded approximately 740 excess deaths during this heat wave.
Researchers analyzed the data based on various medical conditions, including heart disease, schizophrenia, chronic kidney disease, dementia, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and osteoporosis.
Higher Risk of Schizophrenia: Contrary to expectations, the study reported a 200% increase in the prevalence of schizophrenia diagnoses during the extreme heat event in 2021 compared to a summer without recorded heat waves.
Key challenges for treating Schizophrenia:
Dysfunction of the Hypothalamus: The dysfunction of the hypothalamus, a structure deep in the brain responsible for maintaining bodily homeostasis, may contribute to increased vulnerability to heat stress among individuals with schizophrenia.
Impact of Antipsychotic Medications: Certain antipsychotic medications prescribed for schizophrenia can interfere with the functioning of the hypothalamus, potentially raising body temperature. This side effect, when combined with high ambient temperatures, can lead to fatal outcomes.
Psychotic Symptoms and Anosognosia (unable to be aware of the symptoms): Individuals with schizophrenia often experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and memory loss. The anosognosia, a condition where individuals are unaware of their illness can further complicate treatment efforts.
Way Forward:
Enhanced Monitoring and Support Systems: Implement enhanced monitoring and support systems for individuals with schizophrenia during extreme heat events.
Education and Awareness Campaigns: Conduct education and awareness campaigns to inform individuals with schizophrenia and their caregivers about the risks of heat-related distress and the importance of staying cool and hydrated during extreme heat events.
Tailored Treatment Plans: Develop tailored treatment plans for individuals with schizophrenia that take into account the potential impact of antipsychotic medications on body temperature regulation.
Mains PYQ
Q 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)
The UGC chairperson announced that students with four-year undergraduate degrees can now appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET), an exam that certifies eligibility for lectureship in colleges and universities in India, and PhD programs.
Key Implication of this Announcement:
Lowering of Standards: Allowing students with four-year undergraduate degrees to appear for the National Eligibility Test (NET) and pursue PhD programs without a Master’s degree may lead to concerns about the lowering of academic standards.
Quality of Teaching: Concerns arise regarding the quality of teaching in universities and colleges if fresh undergraduate students are recruited to teach other undergraduate students.
Impact on University Rankings: The decision may have implications for the rankings and reputation of Indian universities, particularly those with prestigious tags like the Institution of Eminence and high NAAC ratings.
Dilutes the perception: Allowing candidates to pursue a PhD in a subject unrelated raises concerns about the diversity and interdisciplinary nature of research.
The decision to broaden access to PhD programs may be aimed at dismantling the perception of PhD as an elite qualification.
However, critics may argue that diluting the entry requirements for PhD programs could undermine the rigor and prestige associated with earning a doctorate.
Impact on Research Culture: Lowering the barriers to entry for PhD programs may have implications for the research culture and scholarly integrity within academic institutions.
Measures to maintain standards for the National Eligibility Test (NET):
Retain Postgraduate Degree Requirement: Maintain the requirement of a postgraduate degree for appearing in the NET to ensure that candidates have a solid foundation in their respective fields of study.
Reintroduce MPhil Programs: Reinstate MPhil programs to provide an intermediary step between postgraduate and doctoral studies. MPhil programs offer an opportunity for students to further develop their research skills and prepare for doctoral-level research.
Enhanced Mentoring and Preparation Period: Implement a structured mentoring program for NET aspirants to help them transition from undergraduate to postgraduate and eventually doctoral-level research.
Specialized Entrance Exams for PhD Programs: Instead of eliminating separate entrance exams for PhD programs, consider introducing specialized entrance exams that assess candidates’ research aptitude, subject knowledge, and suitability for doctoral-level research
Way Forward:
Promote Interdisciplinary Research: Encourage interdisciplinary research by providing opportunities for collaboration and exchange across different academic disciplines.
Maintain Research Standards: Uphold rigorous standards for doctoral research and teaching positions to ensure the quality and integrity of academic programs. Implement quality assurance mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the standards of the NET and PhD programs.
Mains PYQ:
Q The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.(UPSC IAS/2015).
Q) Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieving ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018) Q) To enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Note4Students:
Prelims: Right to life; Right to health; Right to die with dignity;
Mains: Judicial Intervention in Health Care sector;
Mentor comments:Death is inevitable, the one certainty in life. When the time comes, and if you have an incurable disease, how would you like to go? Would you prefer your bed in your home, with your loved ones around you? Or would you prefer being all alone in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a tube in every orifice, hooked to machines that measure the functioning of every vital organ in your body, with each malfunctioning organ supported artificially? When facing an incurable illness, the choice between passing away at home surrounded by loved ones or in an ICU on life support is deeply personal (Right to Privacy). Some prefer the comfort and intimacy of home, while others seek every medical intervention, even if alone. There have been long debates on euthanasia and Palliative care for old people to protect their rights. Courts, through various decisions, have recognized the right to die with dignity as a fundamental right and an integral part of the right to life under Article 21.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the USA, died at 93 in his home surrounded by his family members (2004). However, India’s former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee died (2018), nine years after a stroke that had left him non-ambulant.
Hence, communicating end-of-life wishes is crucial to ensure one’s final moments align with their values.
What is the difference between Life support System and Palliative Care?
Life support System
Palliative Care System
What is it?
It aims to prolong life by artificially maintaining vital bodily functions.
It focuses on improving quality of life by relieving symptoms, pain, and distress, regardless of prognosis.
Treatment
It involves invasive medical interventions like ventilators, dialysis, and feeding tubes.
It emphasizes comfort-oriented, non-curative treatments to alleviate suffering.
Goals
To sustain life, even if it means prolonging the dying process.
To enhance quality of life and provide comfort, even if it means foregoing life-prolonging treatments.
Timing
Used in critical, end-stage illness when curative treatment is no longer possible.
Can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, even alongside curative treatments.
End-of-Life Practices: West vs. India
West Scenario: Advance directives for common, terminally ill allowed Natural Death by withdrawing life support.
Europe Scenario: Only 10.3% die on life support, others shifted to Palliative Care.
Indian Scenario:
70% of incurable patients die on life support in ICUs, alone.
The remaining 30% die through “Left Against Medical Advice” – ethically questionable. A survey in Pune showed 83% prefer to die at home.
What is the LAMA/DAMA Practice?
Left Against Medical Advice/Discharged Against Medical Advice (LAMA/DAMA) refers to a patient leaving the hospital against the advice and recommendation of their treating healthcare providers.
Its Causes: Financial constraints, Belief in alternative therapies, Dissatisfaction with care, Terminal/advanced illness, and Lack of understanding about the treatment process. It adversely affects patient outcomes, increasing the risk of mortality and the need for readmission.
The practice is considered ethically questionable, as it represents unplanned treatment limitations without a formal shift to palliative care.
Challenges in Indian Context:
ICU Routinisation:
Society has a mistaken belief in prolonging life at all costs and accepts ICU death as normal
In recent years, a lack of adherence to ethical principles and routinization of intensive care deaths has become more common.
Lack of Legal Clarity:
Lack of death literacy and inability to make informed decisions plays a major setback in Indian Society.
Further, the absence of a Legal Framework for End-of-life Care in India creates wider challenges for hospital staff and patients.
The term “Passive Euthanasia” isconsidered a misnomer by ICMR. Withholding or withdrawing life support in futility is not euthanasia but allowing natural death.
Initiatives taken on Palliative Care and Living Wills:
By WHO:
WHO defines health as “physical, social, and mental well-being” beyond just the absence of disease.
World Health Day (April 7) has passed and the theme for 2024 was “My health, my right”.
By India (through Judicial intervention):
SC in 2018 recognized passive euthanasia and the ‘Right to die with dignity’ as a fundamental right subject to guidelines.
India’s Supreme Court (three-member Bench) ruled that the ‘Right to Health’ includes the ‘Right to palliative care’.
SC verdict of 2023 recognizes advance medical directives and withdrawal of life support in futility cases.
Conclusion: The Lancet Commission Report 2022 speaks on the Value of Death and that modern society has become death-illiterate. Therefore, it is much required to bring awareness in our Indian Society on the value system of “dignified death”.
India’s score in the World Press Freedom Index fell over the last year, from 36.62 to 31.28, according to Reporters Without Borders. In South Asia, India finds itself ranked at 159th, while its neighbor Pakistan stands marginally higher at 152.
Key Highlights of the Report:
Deterioration Since 2014: Press freedom in India has significantly deteriorated since 2014.
Government vs Media Nexus: The government is criticized for maintaining a close relationship with big media families, leading to a lack of independence and critical journalism being labeled as “anti-national and anti-India“.
Self-Censorship: Fear of political backlash has forced journalists to censor themselves, as Modi’s supporters aggressively target critical reporting of the government.
Corporatization of Media: There’s an increasing trend of wealthy businessmen close to Modi owning a majority of mainstream media outlets, which undermines media independence and diversity.
BBC Raids: Recent raids on the BBC offices in India have drawn international criticism and contributed to India’s declining press freedom ranking.
Comparative Analysis: While India’s press freedom declines, neighboring countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka have improved, although they still lag behind global leaders in press freedom rankings.
India’s Initiative of “Index Monitoring Cell”:
Purpose of the Cell: The Index Monitoring Cell has been set up to work on improving India’s press freedom ranking. It will consist of representatives from various government agencies and credible journalists suggested by the Press Council of India.
Ranking Parameters: The cell will engage with agencies publishing the World Press Freedom Index, like Reporters Without Borders, for a better understanding of the parameters and methodology used for the rankings. This will help formulate an action plan to address the issues identified.
Coordination with State Governments: The cell will coordinate with state governments to appoint nodal officers who can provide regular updates on the state of press freedom and any issues faced by journalists at the local level.
Engagement with Stakeholders: This aims to improve communication and visibility of steps taken to support press freedom and address concerns raised by global media watchdogs.
Reporting Mechanisms: Setting up proper reporting mechanisms is crucial to ensure that the data and information provided to ranking agencies are up-to-date and accurate. This will help in portraying a clearer picture of the press freedom landscape in India.
Conclusion: India needs to enact and strengthen laws to protect the freedom of the Press and ensure journalists’ safety. This includes legislation to prevent harassment, attacks, and threats against journalists, as well as provisions for swift and effective legal recourse in cases of censorship or intimidation.
Mains PYQ
Q What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)
The India Employment Report (IER) 2024, brought out by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has attracted widespread attention.
The analysis compares four years — 2000, 2012, 2019, and 2022 — which capture the changes over the past 22 years.
Positives in the IER Report, 2024:
Employment Quality Improvement: The report highlights a robust improvement in employment conditions as indicated by the Employment Condition Index, with an increase in non-farm employment and a decline in agriculture employment, suggesting structural transformation in the economy.
Female Workforce Participation: There has been a significant increase in the female workforce participation rate, albeit mainly in the agricultural sector and in own-account and unpaid family work. The Female workforce participation (FWFP) rate from 24.5% in 2019 to 37.0% in 2023.
Labour Market Resilience Amidst COVID: Despite the global slowdown induced by the pandemic, the labor market in India bounced back well, with wages of casual workers increasing, leading to a reduction in extreme poverty and deprivation.
Unemployment Trends: Unemployment and underemployment rates increased until 2018 but have declined thereafter. The unemployment rate has declined from 6 percent in 2018 to 3.2 percent in 2023.
Challenges as per the IER Report, 2024:
Emerging Employment Challenges: Challenges include a skewed employment pattern towards agriculture, increasing capital and skill-intensive production processes, low women’s participation, and rising educated youth unemployment.
Youth Unemployment Focus: The report emphasizes youth unemployment as a principal challenge, especially among educated youth, who account for a significant portion of total unemployment.
Informal Employment: Despite improvements, the majority of jobs remain informal and of lower productivity, with over 90% of employment being informal and 83% in the informal sector.
Way Forward
Policy Recommendations: Policy measures suggested include making production more employment-intensive, improving job quality, addressing labor market inequalities, enhancing skills training, and generating reliable statistics to better understand labor market dynamics.
Demographic Advantage: India is likely to have a demographic advantage for the next decade, and policy measures are recommended to leverage this advantage for robust economic growth.
Mains PYQ:
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)
Q) Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Q) ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Prelims: We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model? (UPSC IAS/2021) 1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the Parliament to legislate is limited. 2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court. 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
Note4Students:
Prelims: Model Code of Conduct (MCC);
Mains: Issues around Elections and Parliamentary Representation;
Mentor comments:The ongoing Lok Sabha elections spotlight manifesto deficiencies. The Prime Minister’s false claims against the Congress indicate a narrative lacking factual basis. The absence of a law governing manifestos and weak enforcement of electoral regulations contribute to the erosion of democratic principles and the malaise persists despite constitutional mandates.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister’s recent statement about the opposition’s intentions through their manifestos ( including gold and mangalsutra) has stirred controversy. Leaders must uphold factual accuracy and responsible discourse during this critical time.
The contents of the two Manifestos
Congress Manifesto (‘Nyay Patra’):
Wealth Creation: The manifesto emphasizes rapid growth and wealth generation, setting a target of doubling the GDP in the next 10 years.
Welfare: Prioritizes the welfare of the poor as the first charge on government resources, aiming for a fair, just, and equal-opportunity economy under the Nav Sankalp Economic Policy.
Equity: Acknowledges the disparity among marginalized communities (SC, ST, OBC) and proposes a nation-wide Socio-Economic and Caste Census to strengthen affirmative action based on data.
Constitutional References:
Preamble: The manifesto echoes the principles of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, aiming to secure justice, social, economic, and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship; and equality of status and opportunity for all citizens.
Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 39, 38, 46): Highlights the constitutional mandate for the state to ensure adequate means of livelihood, equitable distribution of resources, promotion of welfare, minimization of income inequalities, and promotion of educational and economic interests of weaker sections, especially Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
BJP’s Manifesto:
Uniform Civil Code: Criticizes the BJP’s aggressive push for a uniform civil code, suggesting that the BJP’s actions contradict its own manifesto’s commitments to the principles of the Constitution.
Comparison with BJP’s Manifesto: Contrasts the BJP’s manifesto promises with those of the Congress, highlighting initiatives like free rations, health insurance, and housing provided by the BJP.
Accusation of Misguidance: Accuses the BJP of misguiding the nation by turning a serious document (the Congress manifesto) upside down.
Major Challenge: No law to govern the Manifesto
S. Subramaniam Balaji v. Government of Tamil Nadu & Ors. (2013): Supreme Court highlighted the absence of legislation governing election manifestos. Consequently, the Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to collaborate with political parties to formulate guidelines.
The ECI, following a meeting with political parties on August 12, 2013, issued ‘Instructions to political parties on manifestos’ on April 24, 2015. These guidelines, acknowledging that election manifesto promises are not considered corrupt practices under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, underscored the influence of freebies on voters and the importance of fair elections.
Violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The Prime Minister’s statements against the opposition and minority communities are cited as violations of the MCC, particularly regarding the prohibition on appealing to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. This indicates a challenge in ensuring compliance with the MCC by political leaders and parties.
Corruption in Electoral Practices: The Supreme Court’s rulings identify speeches of a religious nature aimed at influencing voters as corrupt practices. However, the passage suggests that such appeals continue to occur, indicating a challenge in effectively combating corruption in electoral practices.
Weak Enforcement of Rule of Law: Despite regulations and legal provisions prohibiting certain activities during elections, such as appeals based on religion, caste, or community, there are challenges in enforcing these laws effectively. The passage criticizes the weak rule of law, indicating a broader challenge in ensuring adherence to electoral regulations and upholding democratic principles.
Composition and Functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI): The passage suggests dissatisfaction with the ECI’s performance and its failure to ensure free and fair elections. This raises concerns about the composition and functioning of the ECI, indicating a challenge in maintaining the independence and effectiveness of electoral authorities.
Way Forward:
Legislation on Manifestos: Introduce legislation to regulate election manifestos, outlining guidelines for their content, transparency, and accountability. This law can be based on the guidelines formulated by the ECI, ensuring that manifestos align with democratic principles and do not incite communal or divisive sentiments.
Strengthening the Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Enhance the MCC to include stricter provisions against appeals to caste, religion, or community for securing votes. Ensure that violations of the MCC are swiftly addressed and penalties are imposed on erring political parties or candidates.
Improved Enforcement Mechanisms: Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with electoral laws and regulations. This may involve empowering the Election Commission with greater authority and resources to monitor election campaigns, investigate violations, and take prompt action against offenders.
Since the Congress Party released its Election Manifesto ’Nyay Patra’, the word ‘redistribution’ has dominated the election discourse.
Arguments against the redistribution of wealth:
Against the fair mean: Wealth redistribution stems from a ‘zero-sum’ thought to reduce economic disparity. However, this approach conflates the process of acquiring wealth with the outcome, potentially penalizing even those who acquired their wealth through fair means.
Hindrance to Economic Growth: Implementing confrontational policies to make the rich poorer can hinder investments and trigger capital flight, which is essential for economic growth. Economic growth is necessary for increasing the overall economic pie and improving prosperity for all.
Measures needed to reduce Inequality:
On Wealth and Inheritance Taxes: Wealth and inheritance taxes are seen as potentially punitive measures that may not effectively address economic inequality. The government needs to focus on fixing systemic issues rather than penalizing the wealthy.
On Policies: Economic growth is emphasized as crucial for addressing inequality. Policies should prioritize investment and avoid hindrances that might deter capital flow.
Job Creation and Labour Market Policies: Jobless growth and imbalance in capital-labour relations contribute to inequality. Labor market-focused policy incentives, such as employment-linked schemes and promoting labor-intensive activities, are proposed to rebalance this skew.
Overhaul of the taxation structure: The taxation system is criticized for burdening the poor and middle class disproportionately compared to corporations. There’s a call for an overhaul of the taxation structure to ensure fairness and simplicity, with a focus on lowering the tax burden for the common person.
Social Welfare Programs: Social welfare programs are deemed essential to provide a safety net for the poor until they can benefit from economic growth. Funding for such programs can come from a combination of faster growth, efficient tax collection, and welfare delivery mechanisms.
Steps taken by the Government:
For addressing Social Inequality
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): These schemes aim to create additional employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): This scheme provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of employment per year to rural households
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: This scheme provides affordable housing to the urban and rural poor
For improving Financial Inclusion
Atal Pension Yojana: This pension scheme targets the unorganized sector and private sector employees without pension benefits
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: This scheme aims to provide universal access to banking facilities for all households
For enhancing Access to Basic Necessities
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: This scheme provides LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households
Swachh Bharat Mission: This program focuses on providing toilets for every household and cleaning India’s cities and villages
Conclusion: The Indian government implements schemes to reduce inequality. For example targeting financial inclusion, health protection, and economic development to reduce inequality. Beneficiaries include rural and urban poor, low-income families, and women from Below Poverty Line households.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition be broken through the microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)
