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GS Paper: GS2

  • Rethinking Caste Dynamics: Judicial Reflections and Societal Realities

    In the news

    • In a noteworthy observation, Justice Anita Sumanth of the Madras High Court delved into the complex interplay between caste, societal benefits, and historical contexts while addressing quo warranto pleas against three lawmakers.
    • Her remarks shed light on the multifaceted nature of caste dynamics in contemporary Tamil Nadu.

    Quo Warranto: A Writ Jurisdiction

     

    • Definition: This legal remedy allows the court to investigate the legality of an individual’s claim to a public office, preventing unauthorized individuals from unlawfully occupying such positions.
    • Scope: It applies to substantive public offices of a permanent nature established by statute or the Constitution, excluding ministerial or private roles.
    • Applicability: Unlike other writs, Quo Warranto can be sought by any interested party, not limited to the aggrieved party.

     

    Constitutional Provisions

     

    • Authority: The power to issue writs, including Quo Warranto, was bestowed upon the Supreme Court (Article 32) and High Courts (Article 226) by the Constitution.
    • Objective: Quo Warranto aims to halt usurpers from wrongfully holding public office and exercising its privileges without lawful authority.

     

    Conditions for Issuing Quo Warranto

     

    • Public Office: The office in question must be public, established by law or the Constitution.
    • Permanent Tenure: It should entail permanent tenure not subject to arbitrary termination.
    • Actual Possession: The individual against whom the writ is sought must have the office and actively utilizing its powers.
    • Disqualification: Quo Warranto can also be issued if a disqualified individual continues to hold the office illegally.

     

    Circumstances for Refusal

     

    • Ineffectiveness: The court may refuse to grant Quo Warranto if its intervention would not alter the outcome or if the situation is deemed inconsequential.
    • Non-public Office: If the office in question is private, the writ cannot be issued.

     

    Landmark Judgments

     

    1. Jamalpur Arya Samaj Sabha vs. Dr. D Rama (1954): The court declined to issue the writ against a private entity, emphasizing its inapplicability to non-public offices.
    2. Niranjan Kumar Goenka vs. The University of Bihar, Muzzfarpur (1971): Established that Quo Warranto cannot be invoked against individuals not holding a public office.

     

    Judicial Insights on Castes

    • Caste and State Benefits: Justice Sumanth highlighted the nexus between caste-based divisions and state-provided benefits, suggesting that the fervour surrounding caste issues is fueled by socio-economic advantages conferred by the state on different caste groups.
    • Historical Perspective: While acknowledging the prevalence of caste divisions in society, the judge emphasized that the present-day caste system is relatively recent, tracing its origins to less than a century ago, rather than being solely rooted in ancient Varna Dharma principles.
    • Varna Dharma vs. Caste System: Drawing a distinction, Justice Sumanth elucidated that Varna Dharma, historically, delineated societal roles based on occupation rather than birth, contrasting it with the entrenched birth-based caste system prevalent today.

    Societal Realities

    • Cacophony of Castes: Tamil Nadu, with its 370 registered castes, witnesses a cacophony of societal pressures and pulls from various caste groups, reflecting the complexities of caste dynamics in the state.
    • Benefits and Ferocity: The judge noted that the ferocity among different caste groups partly stems from the benefits accorded to them by the state, raising questions about the fairness and equity of resource distribution.

    Key Recommendations

    • Acknowledgment of Past Injustices: While refraining from detailing past atrocities, the judge emphasized the need for acknowledging and deprecating historical injustices, calling for ongoing efforts towards repair and damage control.
    • Forward-looking Approach: Justice Sumanth advocated for sincere introspection among lawmakers to evolve methods for correcting injustices and fostering equality in the present and future.

    Conclusion

    • In her nuanced reflections, Justice Sumanth highlighted the need for a holistic approach towards addressing caste-related issues.
    • She emphasized the importance of societal introspection, equitable resource distribution, and leadership accountability in fostering a more inclusive and just society.

  • Gendered Challenges in TB Care    

    In the news: Case Study

    • The intersection of gender norms, economic instability, and homelessness presents unique challenges in accessing tuberculosis (TB) care for women like Reshma.
    • Amidst systemic inequities and societal biases, their journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery is often fraught with obstacles.
    • A recent study sheds light on the nuanced experiences of homeless women grappling with TB, urging a reevaluation of existing healthcare frameworks.

    Gendered Lens on TB Care

    • Reshma’s Story: Reshma, a homeless woman from Jaipur, embodies the complex narratives surrounding TB care. Her journey, marked by societal abandonment and inadequate healthcare, epitomizes the challenges faced by homeless women battling TB.
    • Gender Norms and Diagnosis: Patriarchal norms influence the accuracy and timeliness of TB diagnosis for women, impacting their access to healthcare facilities and adherence to treatment regimens.
    • Impact of Economic Precarity: Economic instability exacerbates the vulnerability of homeless women, hindering their ability to navigate TB care pathways effectively.

    Data Insights and Inequities

    • Study Findings: A recent survey in Jaipur highlighted the prevalence of TB among the homeless population, underscoring the dire conditions that facilitate TB transmission.
    • Gender Disparities: Homeless women, like Reshma, bear a disproportionate burden of TB infections, revealing systemic gender inequities within TB care systems.

    Barriers to Access and Treatment

    • Documentation Challenges: Lack of identity proof and access to banking services impedes homeless women’s eligibility for government-sponsored TB care Initiatives, such as the Nikshay Poshan Yojana and Nikshay Mitra.
    • Stigma and Social Dynamics: Societal stigma surrounding TB, coupled with patriarchal control over finances, further marginalizes homeless women, hindering their access to nutritional support and treatment adherence.

    Navigating Diagnosis and Care

    • Diagnostic Delays: Vague symptoms and logistical barriers contribute to delayed TB diagnosis among homeless women, prolonging their suffering and increasing the risk of disease progression.
    • Treatment Adherence: Mobility constraints and medication shortages undermine treatment adherence among homeless women, necessitating tailored interventions to address their unique needs.

    Way Forward

    • Inclusive Healthcare Policies: Recognizing the intersectionality of homelessness and gender within TB care, policymakers must prioritize the rights and well-being of homeless women in national TB eradication initiatives.
    • Investment in Care Ecosystems: A comprehensive approach to TB care for homeless women requires increased investment in counselling, tracking, and support services, acknowledging the heightened challenges they face in accessing and adhering to treatment protocols.

    Conclusion

    • Addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by homeless women in accessing TB care demands a concerted effort to dismantle gender biases, mitigate economic disparities, and foster inclusive healthcare ecosystems.
    • By prioritizing equity and empowerment, policymakers can pave the way for a more just and effective TB care paradigm for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or gender identity.

  • Children’s Vulnerability to Skincare Products

    In the news

    • With the increasing trend of children’s interest in skincare products, concerns have been raised regarding their safety and long-term impact on children’s health.
    • Influenced by social media and marketing, parents are seeking skincare routines for their children, often overlooking potential risks.

    In this article, we explore the implications of early skincare practices on children and the necessity for regulatory measures to ensure their well-being.

    Risks Associated with Children’s Skincare Products

    • Vulnerability to Harm: Children’s skin is thinner, more delicate, and less developed than adults, making them more susceptible to adverse reactions from skincare products.
    • Exposure to Toxicants: Behavioral patterns like hand-to-mouth activity increase the risk of ingesting harmful chemicals present in skincare products, posing health hazards.
    • Biological Susceptibility: Rapid growth rate, developing tissues, and immature immune systems make children biologically more vulnerable to the toxicants present in skincare products.

    Insights from Research

    • Usage Patterns: Research indicates that up to 70% of children in the U.S. have used children’s makeup and body products, highlighting the widespread exposure to skincare products among children.
    • Health Risks: Studies suggest that children’s prolonged exposure to makeup and body products may lead to adverse health effects due to their developing physiology and behavioural tendencies.
    Toxins in skincare products can pose risks to health due to their potential adverse effects. Some common toxic ingredients found in cosmetics include:

    • Polyacrylamide: Possible acrylamide contamination.
    • PTFE: Possible PFOA contamination.
    • Petrolatum: Possible PAH contamination.
    • Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen.
    • Paraformaldehyde: A type of formaldehyde.
    • Methylene glycol: A form of formaldehyde

    Regulatory Imperatives

    • Medical Concerns: Dermatologists express concern over the unsupervised use of cosmeceuticals by children, emphasizing the potential harm caused by substances like steroids and hydroquinone present in skincare products.
    • Need for Regulation: Regulatory measures are deemed essential to restrict the sale of skincare products containing harmful ingredients and protect children from inappropriate products.

    Psychological Impact

    • Unrealistic Standards: The promotion of flawless complexion as an ideal standard perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards among children, impacting their self-esteem and body image.
    • Ethical Considerations: The ethical implications of targeting young consumers with skincare products, without adequate consideration of their long-term effects, warrant scrutiny and regulation.

    Way Forward

    • Prioritizing Safety: Parents are advised to prioritize safety, simplicity, and skin health when selecting skincare products for their children.
    • Return to Basics: Dermatologists advocate for a return to basic skincare practices, including a healthy diet, proper cleansing, and moisturizing, to maintain children’s skin health.
    • Functional Necessity: For child performers and those exposed to heavy makeup, gentle cleansing and hydration are recommended to counteract the effects of makeup and protect the skin’s integrity.

    Conclusion

    • As the children’s cosmetics market continues to grow, it is imperative to address the risks associated with early skincare practices and implement regulatory measures to safeguard children’s health and well-being.
    • By prioritizing safety, simplicity, and skin health, parents can navigate the skincare maze for their children and foster a healthy relationship with skincare that values function over appearance.

  • Centre extends Ujjwala Subsidy by another Year

    In the news

    • In pretext of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of the subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for LPG cylinders, offering a subsidy of ₹300 (earlier ₹200) per cylinder for up to 12 refills per year.

    About Ujjwala Scheme

    Details
    Launch 1 May 2016
    Introduced By Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
    Aim Provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and disadvantaged households, reducing reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
    Phases
    1. Phase I: Launched on May 1, 2016, aimed to release 8 Crore LPG connections by March 2020.
    2. Ujjwala 2.0: Aimed to release an additional 1 crore LPG connections, achieved in January 2022, subsequently expanded to release an additional 60 lakh LPG connections.
    Financial Support ₹1600 financial assistance provided for each LPG connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
    Deposit-Free Connections Beneficiaries receive deposit-free LPG connections, including the first refill and a free hotplate.
    Benefits
    • Eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection.
    • Subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
    • Option to use EMI facility for stove and first refill costs.
    • Opportunity to join the PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hanstantrit Labh) scheme for direct subsidy transfers to bank accounts.

    Try a similar PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:

    With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Ensure Pakistan does not divert loans to foot defence bills: India to IMF

    Ensure Pakistan does not divert loans to foot defence bills: India to IMF

    Why in the News?

    India stresses the need for stringent monitoring during a recent review of the loan to Pakistan when the new PM Shehbaz Sharif seeking additional funding support from the IMF.

    Background:

    • Taking a tough stance, India has batted for “stringent monitoring” of any emergency funds provided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Pakistan, stressing that such funds must not be redeployed towards defense bills or repayment of loans from other countries.
    • India’s position was put across to the IMF’s executive board during a recent review of an ongoing $3 billion short-term Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) granted to Pakistan by the Fund.

    About International Monetary Fund (IMF):

    • The IMF works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries.
    • It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, which are essential to increase productivity, job creation, and economic well-being.
    • The IMF is governed by and accountable to its member countries.

    Aims and Objectives:

    • Furthering international monetary cooperation;
    • Encouraging the expansion of trade and economic growth;
    • Discouraging policies that would harm prosperity.

    Functions of IMF:

    • Policy Advice: As part of this process, which takes place at the global and regional levels, the IMF identifies potential risks and recommends appropriate policy adjustments to sustain economic growth and promote financial stability.
    • Financial Advice: The IMF provides financial support to countries hit by crises to create breathing room as they implement policies that restore economic stability and growth. It also provides precautionary financing to help prevent crises. IMF lending is continuously refined to meet countries’ changing needs. The causes of crises can be domestic, external, or both.
      • Domestic factors include inappropriate fiscal and monetary policies, which can lead to large current account and fiscal deficits and high public debt levels; an exchange rate fixed at an inappropriate level, which can erode competitiveness and result in the loss of official reserves, and a weak financial system. Political instability and weak institutions also can trigger crises.
      • External factors include shocks ranging from natural disasters to large swings in commodity prices. With globalization, sudden changes in market sentiment can result in capital flow volatility. Both are common causes of crises, especially for low-income countries.

    Significance of IMF monitoring:

    • Essential in identifying risks that may require remedial policy adjustments.
    • International cooperation on these efforts is critical in today’s globally integrated economy, in which the problems or policies of one country can affect many others.
    • Focuses on individual countries or bilateral surveillance, and the global economy or multilateral surveillance.

    Conclusion: There is uncertainty around Pakistan’s ability to quickly negotiate a new IMF program after the current one expires in April 2024 remains very high. Pakistan’s government liquidity and external vulnerability risks will remain very high until there is clarity on a credible longer-term financing plan

  • Ladakh and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

    In the news

    • A shutdown and protest rally in Ladakh recently demanded statehood for the newly created Union Territory (UT) and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
    • This highlights a broader issue concerning governance and autonomy in the region.

    Centre’s Offer to Ladakh Representatives

    • Article 371-like Protections: MHA offered to extend Article 371-like protections to Ladakh, addressing concerns raised by the Leh Apex Body (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
    • Exclusion from Sixth Schedule: While acknowledging concerns, the government opts against including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, indicating a different approach to address regional issues.

    Background: Ladakh’s Governance Post Article 370 Repeal

    • Recognition as Union Territory: Post the repeal of Article 370, Ladakh was recognized as a separate Union Territory “without legislature,” akin to UTs like New Delhi and Pondicherry.
    • Demand for Sixth Schedule Inclusion: Organizations like ABL and KDA have advocated for Ladakh’s inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, seeking greater autonomy in governance.

    What is the Sixth Schedule?

    • Article 244 in Part X of the Constitution outlines a special system of administration for designated ‘scheduled areas’ and ‘tribal areas.’
    • The Fifth Schedule deals with scheduled areas and tribes in states except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (ATM2).
    • The Sixth Schedule focuses on tribal areas in these four northeastern states.

    Salient Features of Sixth Schedule:

    (1) Autonomous Districts

    • Tribal areas are constituted as autonomous districts within the executive authority of the state.
    • The governor holds powers to organize and re-organize these districts, including boundary changes and division into autonomous regions.

    (2) District and Regional Councils:

    • Each district council consists of 30 members, including nominated and elected
    • Regional councils also exist within autonomous regions.
    • These councils administer areas under their jurisdiction, making laws on specific matters with the governor’s assent.
    • They can establish village councils or courts for dispute resolution, with specified jurisdiction over appeals.
    • District councils manage various facilities and services within their areas, including education and healthcare.
    • They also have the authority to impose taxes and regulate certain activities.

    (3) Laws Exemptions and Modifications:

    • Acts of Parliament or state legislatures may not apply directly or may apply with modifications.
    • The president or governor holds the power of direction in this regard, depending on the region.

    (4) Governor’s Authority:

    • The governor may appoint a commission to examine and report on matters concerning autonomous districts or regions.
    • He/she also has the authority to dissolve a district or regional council based on commission recommendations.

    Tribal Areas under Sixth Schedule

    • Assam: North Cachar Hills District, Karbi Anglong District, Bodoland Territorial Areas District.
    • Meghalaya: Khasi Hills District, Jaintia Hills District, Garo Hills District.
    • Tripura: Tripura Tribal Areas District.
    • Mizoram: Chakma District, Mara District, Lai District.

    Reasons for such Demands in Ladakh

    • Cultural Autonomy: Tribes in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram maintain distinct cultures, customs, and civilizations. Unlike tribes in other parts of India, they have not assimilated much with the majority population.
    • Meeting tribal aspiration: The Parliamentary standing committee recommended including of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule because its tribal communities account for 79.61% of its total population.
    • Autonomy and self-governance: Extending the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh could provide greater autonomy and self-governance to the local tribal communities.
    • Cultural preservation: It could also help to protect the unique cultural identity of the local communities and preserve their traditional practices and customs.

    Challenges posed by this demand

    • Fragmentation: The demand to extend the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh has faced some opposition from certain quarters, who argue that it could lead to further fragmentation of the region and create new administrative challenges.
    • Losing political capital: There are also concerns over the potential impact of the demand on the political and administrative structure of the region.

    Conclusion

    • While stopping short of Sixth Schedule inclusion, MHA’s move demonstrates a commitment to balancing local autonomy with national governance priorities.
    • If implemented, it would mark the first instance of special provisions being introduced for a Union Territory, potentially setting a precedent for future governance arrangements in such regions.

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelim 2015:

    Q.The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made to:

    (a) Protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes

    (b) Determine the boundaries between states

    (c) Determine the powers, authorities, and responsibilities of Panchayats

    (d) Protect the interests of all the Border States

  • Kerala to launch affordable ‘Sabari K-Rice ‘

    In the news

    • The Kerala government’s decision to introduce ‘Sabari K-Rice’ is seen as a response to the Union government’s distribution of ‘Bharat Rice.’

    Bharat Rice and Other Commodities

     

    • ‘Bharat’ Rice refers to the retail sale of rice by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to the general public at a subsidized price.
    • Its primary objective is to stabilize markets and ensure affordability for consumers.
    • This rice is available in 5kg and 10kg packs priced at ₹29/kg.
    •  It is distributed through cooperatives such as Kendriya Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF).
    • Additionally, it can be purchased from mobile vans and physical outlets of these cooperative agencies.
    • Moreover, these agencies also offer ‘Bharat Atta’ (wheat flour) at Rs. 27.50 per kg in 5kg and 10kg packs.
    • Similarly, ‘Bharat Dal’ (chana dal / Chickpea) is available at Rs. 60 per kg for a 1kg pack and Rs. 55 per kg for a 30kg pack, along with onions priced at Rs. 25 per kg.

    Sabari K-Rice

    • Objective: It aims to provide good quality rice at affordable rates, presenting an alternative to the existing subsidized rice scheme.
    • Distribution: K-Rice will be made available through Supplyco outlets, alongside the existing subsidized rice supply of 10 kg per card.
    • Quality and Pricing: K-Rice offers high-quality varieties at subsidized rates, contrasting with Bharat Rice sold by NAFED and NCCF at different prices.
    • Price Discrepancy: While Bharat Rice sells at ₹29 per kg, K-Rice aims to provide affordable rates, with the state government incurring additional costs to distribute it.

  • Have India’s health centres really ‘collapsed’?

    health centres

    In the news

    • Public health centres in India have long been shrouded in infamy, perceived as symbols of systemic failure.
    • The effectiveness of primary healthcare in India has always been a topic of discussion, with calls for strengthening these services through government commitment to accessibility, affordability, and quality care.

    PYQ from CSE Mains 2021:

     

    Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.

    Health Centres in India

    • Primary Health Centres (PHCs) also known as Public HCs play a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the population.
    • The first PHC in India was established following the proposal of the PHC concept in a paper submitted to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 1975.
    • The establishment of PHCs gained further momentum with the International Conference on PHC held in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan in 1978.
    • They are a fundamental component of the healthcare system, with Medical Officers at these centers required to hold an MBBS degree.
    • India boasts a vast public health infrastructure with 23,391 PHCs and 145,894 sub-centers, serving a substantial percentage of the population.
    • PHCs cover a significant portion of outpatient care, including services for non-communicable diseases, maternal health, and child health.

    Importance of Health Centres

    • Foundational Role: Health centres form the backbone of India’s public health system, providing primary care to millions.
    • Access and Affordability: With nearly two lakh centres across the country, they aim to offer accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
    • Impact on Equity: Effective health centres can mitigate social and health inequities, reducing reliance on costly private healthcare and preventing households from falling into poverty due to healthcare expenses.

    Unveiling the Reality

    • Evidence of Progress: Surveys conducted across five states reveal a pattern of improving quality and utilization of health services over time, albeit at a slow pace.
      1. In Himachal Pradesh, functional health centres serve 83% of the population.
      2. Chhattisgarh has shown a radical expansion in the public provision of healthcare, with increased facilities, medicines, and staff presence.
      3. Bihar lags behind, with dismal quality of health centres and some sub-centres being dormant or non-existent.
    • Policy Interventions: Increased health expenditure, initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission, and state-specific schemes have contributed to incremental improvements.
      1. The share of health expenditure in the Union Budget increased drastically.
      2. The National Health Mission’s share shrank from 69% to 44%, while allocations for the Ayushmann Bharat program and new AIIMS hospitals surged.
      3. COVID-19 led to a sustained increase in patient utilization of public health facilities, indicating growing trust in the system.

    Challenges and Gaps

    • Underutilization: Despite improvements, health centres still face challenges such as high staff absenteeism, limited services, and poor infrastructure.
    • Lacunas: Health workers report irregular flow of funds, lack of facilities like toilets and transport, and inadequate supply of drugs and testing equipment.
    • Social Discrimination: Caste and gender dynamics influence access to and quality of healthcare, perpetuating inequalities. Upper-caste doctors display disparaging attitudes towards marginalized communities, while upper-caste families disrespect Dalit ANMs.
    • Gender Disparities: Women, particularly frontline health workers, play a crucial role in rural health settings but often face neglect and discrimination.

    Way forward

    • Holistic Investment: While progress has been made, it remains patchy, with allocations often prioritizing tertiary healthcare over primary care.
    • Designated allocations: The composition of the healthcare budget has remained stagnant, with minimal increases in the share allocated to primary healthcare.
    • Policy Reform: The paper advocates for substantial support from the central government to enable poorer states to replicate successful initiatives and enhance the role of health centres in public healthcare delivery.

    Conclusion

    • India’s health centres, though fraught with challenges, embody resilience and potential.
    • By addressing systemic gaps and prioritizing primary healthcare, the nation can harness the transformative power of these centres to achieve equitable and accessible healthcare for all.

  • Holistic Progress Card (HPC): Revolutionizing Student Assessment

    Holistic Progress Card

    In the news

    • The traditional report cards of students are undergoing a transformation with the introduction of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) by the National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT).
    • This innovative approach aims to evaluate not just academic performance but also various aspects of a child’s holistic development.

    What is the Holistic Progress Card (HPC)?

    • 360-Degree Evaluation: Departing from the conventional marks or grades-based assessment, the HPC adopts a comprehensive evaluation approach.
    • Student-Centric Assessment: Students are actively engaged in the assessment process through class activities, allowing them to demonstrate diverse skills and competencies.
    • Peer and Self-Assessment: Students participate in evaluating their own and their classmates’ performance, fostering self-awareness and peer collaboration.

    Key Features of the HPC

    • Classes Involved: The HPC was created for the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8). Efforts are currently underway to develop a similar framework for the secondary stage.
    • Parameters of Evaluation: Besides academics, students are evaluated on self-awareness, relationships, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Students reflect on their progress after each activity by circling statements like “I learned something new,” “I expressed creativity,” or “I helped others.”
    • Method of Evaluation:
      1. Self-Assessment: Included in the HPC for all students from Class 1 to Class 8. In middle school (Classes 6 to 8), students set academic and personal goals with specific timelines at the start of the year. The middle stage HPC also involves an “ambition card” where students list their goals for the year and areas for improvement, along with the skills and habits needed to achieve them.
      2. Parental Involvement: Parents provide feedback on homework completion, classroom engagement, and the child’s ability to balance screen time with extracurricular activities at home, thus connecting home and school.
      3. Peer Evaluation: Students evaluate their classmates’ participation in learning and engagement after each classroom activity.

    Implementation and Adoption

    • Rollout across States: The HPC has been sent to all states and Union Territories, with several already adopting it for Classes 1 to 8.
    • Regional Customization: States have the flexibility to modify the HPC to suit their regional requirements while adhering to the overarching principles.

    Rationale behind the Change

    • Focus on Higher-Order Skills: The shift from rote memorization to higher-order skills evaluation aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020 and NCF SE.
    • Promotion of Holistic Development: The HPC aims to communicate students’ strengths and areas of improvement, fostering self-esteem and self-awareness.

    Benefits and Implications

    • Comprehensive Evaluation: The HPC promotes a holistic assessment approach, encompassing academic achievements and critical skill development.
    • Shift to Formative Assessment: By emphasizing formative assessment, the HPC encourages competency-based evaluation and continuous improvement.
    • Insights for Teachers and Parents: Teachers and parents gain valuable insights into each student’s learning journey, enabling personalized support and guidance.

    Conclusion

    • The introduction of the Holistic Progress Card marks a significant step towards redefining student assessment in India.
    • By prioritizing holistic development and competency-based evaluation, the HPC aims to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving world.

  • The long road to reforming India’s political party system

    Why in the News?

    Recent political events make one doubt the perceived need and utility of India’s Anti-defection law.

     Context:

    • Political Defections prevalent across India:
      • In Bihar, MLAs from Congress and RJD shifted to BJP, leading to disqualifications under the anti-defection law. Similar incidents occurred in Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
      • A recent adjudicatory development in Maharashtra raised doubts on the necessity of India’s anti-defection law, where factions within NCP were not disqualified based on intra-party dissent.
    • Need for better inner-party democracy: The Speaker highlighted the challenges in applying the anti-defection law effectively, emphasizing the need for better inner-party democracy reforms to address political defections and ensure legislative stability.

     Transgressions that pass muster /Challenges with Anti-defection law:

    • Intra-party dissent and Anti-defection law: The Speaker’s decision in the NCP split case highlights the complexity of applying the anti-defection law to intra-party dissent. The intra-party dissent cannot be subject to the punitive provisions of the Tenth Schedule due legislative majority.
    • Mergers and Anti-defection law: Under the current anti-defection law, a faction that splits from its original party cannot claim exemption from disqualification, as the “split” exception was deleted from the Tenth Schedule in 2003.
      • The only exemption available now is that of mergers, which mandatorily require a minimum of two-third members to separate from their political party and merge with another.
    • The Speaker’s observations: The Speaker’s concern for preservation of inner-party dissent is laudable, but the observation that it is in the nature of politics for leaders to form new alliances and break into new forms raises concern about the effectiveness of the anti-defection law.
    The issue of inner-party democracy:

    • The issue of inner-party democracy in India underscores the lack of democratic processes within political parties, leading to challenges like dynastic politics, nepotism, and ineffective candidate selection.
    • Presently, there is no statutory backing for internal democratic regulation of political parties in India and the only governing provision is under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples’ Act, 1951 which entails registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India.
    • Reports from the 2nd ARC, the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution and the Law Commission have both recommended introducing statutes to enforce internal democracy for political parties.

     Way Forward:

    • Need for Robust democratic structures: The 255th Report of the Law Commission of India proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which could mandate that besides having a constitution, political parties elect an executive committee (for the party), select candidates who are to contest elections to Parliament or State Assemblies, and conduct regular elections within the party at every level.
    • Need for Statutory regulation: The Law Commission also proposed granting the Election Commission of India the powers to impose monetary penalties or withdraw the registration of a political party in case it failed to comply.

    BACK2BASICS

    About Anti-Defection Law in India:

    • The Anti-Defection Law in India, introduced in 1985 through the Tenth Schedule of the 52nd Amendment to the Constitution, aims to limit political defections and ensure democratic stability by curbing unethical practices.
    • This law prohibits elected representatives from defecting to another party after being elected, thereby promoting party discipline and preventing opportunistic defections that can destabilize governments.
    • Despite its significance, there have been calls for reforming the anti-defection law to address challenges and ensure its effectiveness in maintaining the integrity of the political system.
    Mains:

    1) “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. [UPSC CSE 2016]

    Prelims:

    1) Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection? [UPSC CSE 2014]

    a) Second Schedule

    b) Fifth Schedule

    c) Eighth Schedule

    d) Tenth Schedule