💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS2

  • Broadcast regulation 3.0, commissions and omissions

     

    PIB India on X: "Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Proposes Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 The draft Bill provides for a consolidated framework to regulate the broadcasting services in the country and

    Central idea

    India’s Broadcasting Services Bill aims at regulating broadcasting comprehensively, introducing positive steps like audience data transparency and competition in terrestrial broadcasting. However, concerns arise over privacy, jurisdictional conflicts with OTT regulation, and lack of measures on ownership and an independent regulator.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill aims to regulate broadcasting comprehensively, marking the third attempt since 1997.
    • Positive propositions include obligations for record-keeping, audience measurement transparency, and allowing private actors in terrestrial broadcasting.

    Key Concerns:

    • Lack of privacy safeguards for subscriber and audience data in data collection practices.
    • Inclusion of Over-the-Top (OTT) content suppliers in the definition of broadcasting creates jurisdictional conflicts and poses threats to smaller news outlets.

    Positive Provisions Requiring Refinement:

    • Obligation for maintaining records of subscriber data.
    • Stipulation of a methodology for audience measurement.
    • Provision to permit private actors in terrestrial broadcasting.

    Apprehensions:

    • Expanded definition of broadcasting may limit conditions for journalists and news outlets not part of large television networks.
    • The mandate for a ‘Content Evaluation Committee’ to self-certify news programming raises feasibility and desirability concerns.

    Crucial Silences in the Bill:

    • Lack of measures to assess cross-media and vertical ownership impacts diversity in the news marketplace.
    • Absence of provisions for creating an independent broadcast regulator.

    Government Empowerment and Intrusive Mechanisms:

    • The Bill grants the government leeway to inspect broadcasters without prior intimation, impound equipment, and curtail broadcasting in “public interest.”
    • Violations of the Programme Code and Advertisement Code could result in deleting or modifying content.

    Concerns Regarding Broadcast Advisory Council:

    • Doubts about the Council’s capacity to address grievances raised by over 800 million TV viewers.
    • Lack of autonomy for the Council, as the Central government has the ultimate decision-making authority.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Over-the-Top (OTT) content suppliers
    • National Broadcasting Policy
    • Content Evaluation Committee
    • Vertical integration
    • Broadcast Advisory Council.

    Key Statements:

    • Privacy concerns arise due to the Bill’s lack of guardrails for subscriber and audience data collection practices.
    • The absence of measures to assess cross-media and vertical ownership impacts the diversity of news suppliers.
    • The Bill’s silence on creating an independent broadcast regulator is a significant omission.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The Bill is part of a series of attempts to regulate broadcasting, following initiatives in 1997 and 2007.
    • TRAI’s ‘National Broadcasting Policy’ proposes including OTT content suppliers in the definition of broadcasting services.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Lack of specifics on cross-media and vertical ownership in the Bill impedes diversity in the news marketplace.
    • No provisions for an independent broadcast regulator, with the proposal for a ‘Broadcast Advisory Council.’

    Critical Analysis:

    • The potential positive provisions of the Bill require refinement, particularly concerning privacy protection and oversight bodies for news outlets.
    • Intrusive mechanisms grant significant power to the government, posing concerns about press freedom and external pressure on news suppliers.

    Way Forward:

    • The Bill must address jurisdictional conflicts, incorporate privacy safeguards, and reconsider intrusive provisions for effective and balanced regulation.
    • Protection of press freedom and diversity should be prioritized through fine-tuning potentially positive provisions and addressing omissions.

  • Invisible Indians – sex workers, bar dancers, trans men and women – and lessons for AIDS epidemic

    Overview: Living Conditions of Sex-Workers in India — Ylcube

    Central idea

    The article on World AIDS Day sheds light on the neglected lives of Mumbai’s marginalized communities, emphasizing lessons from the HIV epidemic. It calls for grassroots engagement, holistic healthcare solutions, and dignity-centered public health strategies.

    Key Highlights:

    • Forgotten Narratives: Reflecting on the lives of marginalized communities in Mumbai on World AIDS Day.
    • Overlooked Wisdom: Emphasizing the resilience of sex workers, bar dancers, and trans individuals.
    • Lessons from the Epidemic: Drawing insights from the HIV epidemic and its impact on these communities.

    Key Challenges:

    • Information Gap: Sub-standard public awareness efforts leading to misinformation.
    • Access Barriers: Discrimination preventing vulnerable communities from accessing healthcare.
    • Top-Down Struggles: Ineffectiveness of top-down approaches in understanding diverse high-risk communities.

    Key Terms:

    • Grassroots Engagement: Involving local communities in decision-making and solutions.
    • Holistic Solutions: Addressing issues comprehensively, considering social, economic, and cultural contexts.
    • Stigma and Discrimination: Negative attitudes and actions directed towards marginalized groups.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Forgotten Narratives“: Bringing attention to the overlooked stories of marginalized communities.
    • “Grassroots Wisdom”: Advocating for effective health interventions through community involvement.
    • “Holistic Approach”: Moving beyond traditional health services for comprehensive solutions.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Walks in Mumbai’s Shadows: Personal anecdotes from journeys with marginalized groups.
    • Voices of Resilience: Quotes sharing insights on life, disease, and discrimination.
    • Epidemic Lessons: Reference to valuable knowledge gained during the HIV epidemic.

    Experts Warn of a Return of the AIDS Epidemic

    Key Facts:

    • Call for Collective Action: Emphasizing the need for public trust and stakeholder involvement.
    • Investment in Health: Recognizing the commitment of poor and vulnerable populations to their well-being.
    • Activism’s Role: Highlighting activism as essential for equitable and accessible healthcare.
    Key Quotes, Anecdotes, Key Statements for good marks
     
    “Even the best strategies falter without grassroots engagement.”
    “The key to ending an epidemic lay in uniting diverse high-risk groups, combating stigma and discrimination.”
    “Conversations with these communities illuminated the multidimensional aspects of human sexuality, desire, and behavior change.”
    “Every issue had human, economic, and social dimensions.”
    “Activism is the kernel around which change can grow. In India, even today, marginalized groups face mistreatment, and it is activism that can make care equitable and accessible.”
    “Health must come with dignity and empowerment.”
    “They certainly gave me life lessons in self-respect, desire, and love.”

    Critical Analysis:

    • Emotional Impact: Personal anecdotes and quotes enhance the emotional connection to the narrative.
    • Advocacy for Change: Effectively advocates for a shift towards inclusive, grassroots-centered health strategies.
    • Learnings from Marginalized: Stresses the importance of learning from marginalized communities for effective healthcare solutions.

    Way Forward:

    • Dignity-Centered Strategies: Calls for strategies prioritizing dignity, equity, and grassroots engagement.
    • Community Learning: Emphasizes the value of understanding and incorporating lessons from marginalized communities in public health interventions.

     

  • Women’s political empowerment — more talk, less action

     

    Women's Reservation Bill: A Long Road Ahead - Civilsdaily

    Central Idea

    Political empowerment of women in India faces challenges despite the 2023 women reservation Act, with recent Assembly elections showing inadequate efforts by political parties to field more women candidates.

    Key Highlights:

    • Two routes for women’s political empowerment: legislative reservation and quotas within political parties.
    • Examples from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan using legislative reservation.
    • Countries like Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Sweden achieve women’s representation without legislatively-backed quotas.
    • In India, the 2023 Act reserves 33% seats for women in State Assemblies and Parliament.
    • Despite the Act, recent Assembly elections show insufficient commitment from political parties.

    Key Challenges:

    • In Madhya Pradesh, BJP and Congress fielded 28 and 30 women candidates, respectively, out of 230 seats after the Act.
    • Telangana sees minimal increase, with BJP and Congress fielding 12 women candidates each out of 119 seats.
    • No party in any state reaches the mandated 33% mark for women candidates.
    • Despite innovative moves like Congress reserving 40% seats in UP in 2022, overall progress is lacking.
    • TMC’s success in Odisha and West Bengal suggests regional parties are more proactive in women’s political representation.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Act passed in Lok Sabha with significant majority, only two opposing members.
    • In Uttar Pradesh 2022 elections, Congress reserved 40% seats for women, a bold move.
    • BJD and TMC’s success in Odisha and West Bengal elections with more women candidates.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The Act, though commendable, looks good on paper due to its linkage with delimitation after 2026.
    • Regional parties like TMC have shown commitment and won with more women candidates, questioning the reluctance of national parties.

    Way Forward:

    • National and regional parties need to demonstrate genuine commitment to women’s political empowerment by increasing the number of women candidates.
    • Learning from the success of regional parties like TMC, other political entities should actively promote and support women in politics.
    • Continuous monitoring and public discourse can encourage political parties to fulfill their commitment to women’s representation.

    While the enactment of the 2023 women reservation Act is a positive step, recent Assembly elections reveal a gap between legislation and action, with political parties showing reluctance to genuinely empower women in politics. Continuous efforts and monitoring are crucial for bridging this gap and ensuring meaningful representation.

  • The challenge of maritime security in the Global South

    The challenge of maritime security in the Global South - The Hindu

    Central idea 

    The article underscores the evolving challenges in the maritime domain, emphasizing the shift from traditional military approaches to a developmental model for maritime security. It highlights the need for collaboration among developing nations to address unconventional threats, such as illegal fishing and climate change, while acknowledging the reluctance to prioritize collective action over political and strategic autonomy.

    Key Highlights:

    • Evolution of Maritime Challenges: New dimensions in hard security challenges, including asymmetrical tactics and grey-zone warfare. Use of land attack missiles and combat drones reshaping the security landscape.
    • Shift in Demand for Maritime Security: Growing demand from states facing unconventional threats such as illegal fishing, natural disasters, and climate change. Need for a broader approach beyond military means to address diverse maritime challenges.
    • India’s Developmental Approach: Maritime Vision 2030 focuses on economic growth and livelihood generation through port, shipping, and inland waterway development. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative with seven pillars, including maritime ecology, marine resources, and disaster risk reduction.

    New Threats in Maritime Domain:

    • Recent developments include Ukraine’s asymmetrical tactics and China’s maritime militias, indicating a shift to improvised strategies.
    • Emerging threats involve grey-zone warfare, land attack missiles, and combat drones.

    Demand for Maritime Security:

    • Majority of recent demand stems from unconventional threats like illegal fishing, natural disasters, and climate change.
    • Addressing these challenges requires commitment of capital, resources, and specialized personnel.

    Global South’s Perspective:

    • Developing nations perceive Indo-Pacific competition among powerful nations as detrimental to their interests.
    • Challenges involve interconnected objectives in national, environmental, economic, and human security.

    Challenges in Global South:

    • Rising sea levels, marine pollution, climate change disproportionately impact less developed states, leading to vulnerability.
    • Unequal law-enforcement capabilities and lack of security coordination hinder joint efforts against maritime threats.

    Creative Models for Maritime Security:

    • Maritime security transcends military actions, focusing on generating prosperity and meeting societal aspirations.
    • India’s Maritime Vision 2030 emphasizes port, shipping, and inland waterway development for economic growth.
    • Dhaka’s Indo-Pacific document and Africa’s Blue Economy concept align with a developmental approach.

    Fight Against Illegal Fishing:

    • Significant challenge in Asia and Africa marked by a surge in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
    • Faulty policies encouraging destructive methods like bottom trawling and seine fishing contribute to the problem.

    India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative:

    • Encompasses seven pillars, including maritime ecology, marine resources, capacity building, and disaster risk reduction.
    • Advocates collective solutions for shared problems, garnering support from major Indo-Pacific states.

    Challenges in Achieving Consensus:

    • Implementation of collaborative strategy faces hurdles in improving interoperability, intelligence sharing, and establishing a regional rules-based order.
    • Balancing sovereignty and strategic independence remains a priority for many nations, hindering consensus.

    Key Challenges:

    • Complexity of Unconventional Threats: Conventional military approaches insufficient; requires capital, resources, and specialist personnel. Challenges include illegal fishing, marine pollution, human trafficking, and climate change.
    • Global South’s Coordination Challenges: Unequal law-enforcement capabilities and lack of security coordination among littoral states. Reluctance to prioritize collective action due to varying security priorities and autonomy concerns.
    • Vulnerability of Less Developed States: Disproportionate impact of rising sea levels, marine pollution, and climate change on less developed states. Vulnerability stemming from inadequate resources to combat environmental and security challenges.
    • Lack of Consensus and Reluctance: Reluctance among littoral states to pursue concrete solutions and collaborate. Paradox of non-traditional maritime security, where collective issues clash with political and strategic autonomy.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Grey-Zone Warfare: Tactics that fall between peace and war, creating ambiguity in conflict situations.
    • Asymmetrical Tactics: Strategies that exploit an opponent’s weaknesses rather than confronting strengths directly.
    • Maritime Vision 2030: India’s 10-year blueprint for economic growth in the maritime sector.
    • Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic development.
    • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: India’s initiative with pillars like maritime ecology, marine resources, and disaster risk reduction.
    • IUU Fishing: Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
    • Bottom Trawling and Seine Fishing: Destructive fishing methods contributing to illegal fishing.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Ukraine’s Asymmetrical Tactics: Utilization of unconventional strategies in the Black Sea.
    • China’s Maritime Militias: Deployment in the South China Sea as an example of evolving threats.
    • India’s Maritime Vision 2030: Illustrates a developmental approach to maritime security.
    • Illegal Fishing in Asia and Africa: Rising challenge with negative environmental and economic impacts.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Maritime Vision 2030: India’s 10-year plan for the maritime sector.
    • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative: Seven-pillar initiative for collective solutions in the maritime domain.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Shift to Developmental Model: Emphasis on generating prosperity and meeting human aspirations in addition to traditional security measures.
    • Comprehensive Maritime Challenges: Recognition of diverse challenges beyond military threats, including environmental and economic goals.
    • Littoral State Reluctance: Paradox in the Global South, where collective issues clash with autonomy, hindering collaborative solutions.

    Way Forward:

    • Collaborative Strategies:Improved interoperability, intelligence sharing, and agreement on regional rules-based order.
    • Prioritizing Collective Action: Developing nations must prioritize collective action over sovereignty for effective maritime solutions.
    • Sustainable Development Goals: Prioritize sustainable development goals in littoral states, addressing challenges such as illegal fishing and climate change.

  • Rythu Bandhu Scheme suspended ahead of Elections

    Central Idea

    Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Key Facts

    • The Rythu Bandhu scheme is also known as Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).
    • It is a welfare programme for farmers started in 2018 by the Telangana government.
    • Under the scheme, the state government provided the 58 lakh farmers in Telangana with ₹5,000 per acre of their land as a farm investment for two crops.
    • There is no ceiling on the number of acres held by a farmer.
    • So, a farmer who owns two acres of land would receive Rs 20,000 a year, whereas a farmer who owns 10 acres would receive Rs 1 lakh a year from the government.
    • This investment is made twice a year, once for kharif harvest and once for Rabi harvest.
    • It is the country’s first direct farmer investment support scheme where cash is paid directly to the beneficiary.

    Reasons for suspension

    • The election commission had allowed the disbursement of funds for the rabi harvest this season, provided they are not publicised, in accordance with the model code of conduct.
    • However, the model code was violated after the state finance minister made a public announcement of the same.

  • In international law, government cannot override Parliament

    Central idea 

    Tax treaties or protocols signed by the executive to alter or vary the provisions of the IT Act must withstand the rigours of the constitutional and statutory requirements

    Key Highlights:

    • Landmark Decision: The Supreme Court’s decision in Assessing Officer (International Tax) vs Nestle SA is a landmark ruling reaffirming the constitutional principle that international obligations assumed by the executive require specific legislative conditions for legal effect.
    • Constitutional Framework: The judgment delves into the interplay between domestic law and international law within India’s constitutional framework, emphasizing the need for parliamentary approval when international obligations conflict with domestically enacted laws.
    • Article 73 and Article 253: The powers of the Union executive, as per Article 73, are co-terminus with those of Parliament, allowing the executive to assume international obligations without legislation. However, Article 253 emphasizes the dualism between international law and municipal law, requiring a domestic legislative process for conflicting obligations.
    • Delegated Powers: Parliament can delegate treaty-making powers to the executive, exemplified by tax treaties under section 90 of the Income Tax (IT) Act. The court clarifies that assuming international obligations and enforcing them domestically are distinct processes.
    • Section 90 of IT Act: The judgment interprets section 90, titled “Agreement with foreign countries or specified territories,” emphasizing the necessity of a notification for the implementation of agreements related to the avoidance of double taxation.
    • MFN Clauses: Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clauses, aimed at altering taxation provisions, must be notified for incorporation into domestic tax law. Failure to do so would create uncertainty in the tax system, with no constitutional or statutory backing for unnotified application.
    • Chaos and Uncertainty: Unnotified application of MFN clauses could lead to chaos and uncertainty, with taxpayers and assessing officers interpreting and applying the clauses based on individual understanding, lacking legal foundation.
    • Scope of Judgment: The judgment’s scope is limited to the need for a notification for the implementation of MFN clauses, and questions related to diplomatic accountability or the executive’s capacity to prolong the performance of international obligations were not addressed.
    • Importance of Constitutional Principles: The Supreme Court’s decision is applauded for upholding democratic principles, ensuring that international obligations assumed by the executive align with constitutional and statutory requirements.

    Challenges:

    • Future Events Contingency: The activation of MFN clauses contingent upon future events poses challenges in their timely application and raises questions about the executive’s diplomatic accountability.

    Key Phrases:

    • Dualism of Legal Systems: The constitutional framework recognizes international law and municipal law as separate and distinct legal systems.
    • Domestic Legislative Processes: International obligations conflicting with domestic laws must undergo legislative processes for enforceability in courts.
    • Separation of Powers: The judgment underscores the importance of the doctrine of separation of powers in judicially incorporating international obligations into domestic law.

    Critical Analysis:

    The court’s decision provides a robust interpretation of constitutional principles, ensuring that assumed international obligations align with domestic legal processes. The focus on the necessity of notifications for the implementation of MFN clauses reflects the court’s commitment to maintaining clarity and avoiding chaos in the tax system.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Article 73 and 253 of the Constitution: The judgment extensively refers to constitutional provisions such as Article 73 and Article 253 to establish the legal framework.

    Way Forward:

    • Legislative Precision: Policymakers should ensure precision in legislative processes, especially concerning the implementation of international obligations, to avoid legal ambiguities.
    • Clarity in Notification: The executive should prioritize clarity in notifications, particularly when activating clauses contingent upon future events, to prevent interpretational challenges.
    • Review of Existing Treaties: Periodic reviews of existing tax treaties to ensure they align with constitutional and statutory requirements and to address any potential issues related to conflicting obligations.
    • Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement: Diplomatic efforts should focus on ensuring that assumed international obligations are seamlessly integrated into domestic legal frameworks to uphold constitutional principles.

    The Supreme Court’s judgment serves as a guide for maintaining the sanctity of constitutional principles in the execution of international obligations, particularly in the context of tax treaties.

  • It’s time to revamp the structure of the Supreme Court

    Constitution Bench of Supreme Court

    Central idea

    The article discusses the challenges faced by the Supreme Court of India, the historical proposals for structural changes, and the recent proposal to create Constitution Benches as a permanent feature. It explores the need for regional benches to alleviate the overwhelming caseload and enhance the court’s efficiency, considering historical recommendations and current demands for reform.

    Jurisdictions of the Supreme Court:

    • Original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions under the Constitution.
    • Functions as a Constitutional Court and Court of Appeal.

    Composition of Constitution Benches:

    • Typically comprise five, seven, or nine judges.
    • Deliberate on issues related to constitutional law.
    • Article 145(3) mandates a minimum of five judges for substantial constitutional questions.

    Broad Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court:

    • Hears cases in Division Benches (two judges) or full Benches (three judges).
    • Addresses diverse topics, from film prohibitions to allegations against public officials.
    • Notable instances of entertaining frivolous public interest litigations.

    Current Caseload and Need for Structural Change:

    • 79,813 pending cases before 34 judges, prompting calls for structural reforms.
    • CJI D.Y. Chandrachud’s recent announcement on establishing varied-strength Constitution Benches permanently.

    Historical Proposals for Structural Change:

    • Tenth Law Commission (1984) proposed splitting the Supreme Court into Constitutional and Legal Divisions.
    • Eleventh Law Commission (1988) reiterated the need for division, aiming at wider justice availability.
    • Bihar Legal Support Society v. Chief Justice of India (1986) expressed the “desirability” of a National Court of Appeal.
    • 229th Law Commission Report (2009) recommended regional benches for non-constitutional issues.

    Colonial Legacy and Evolution of the Supreme Court:

    • Three Supreme Courts during colonial times (Bombay, Calcutta, Madras).
    • Indian High Courts Act of 1861 replaced Supreme Courts with High Courts.
    • Government of India Act, 1935, created the Federal Court of India.
    • The Supreme Court, established on January 28, 1950, under Article 124 of the Constitution.

    Increasing Judges and Overburdened Court:

    • Evolution of the Supreme Court from eight judges in 1950 to 34 in 2019.
    • Overburdened court issuing around 8-10 decisions yearly through Constitution Benches.
    • Only four out of 1,263 decisions in 2022 from Constitution Benches.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Overburdened Judiciary: High number of pending cases (79,813) indicates the burden on the Supreme Court. The overwhelming workload affects the efficiency of the court in delivering timely justice.
    • Historical Proposals: Historical proposals, like the Tenth Law Commission’s suggestion in 1984, proposed splitting the Supreme Court into Constitutional and Legal Divisions.The aim was to make justice more accessible and reduce litigants’ fees.
    • Regional Benches Proposal: The 229th Law Commission Report (2009) recommended establishing regional benches to hear non-constitutional issues. The proposal aimed to decentralize workload and allow the Supreme Court to focus on constitutional matters.
    • Historical Background: Evolution of the Supreme Court from colonial times with the creation of regional Supreme Courts. Transformation from three Supreme Courts (Bombay, Calcutta, Madras) to the current centralized structure.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Bihar Legal Support Society v. Chief Justice of India (1986) suggested establishing a National Court of Appeal.
    • The 229th Law Commission Report (2009) recommended regional benches.

    Key Facts:

    • The Court sits in benches of varying sizes, as determined by the Registry on the directions of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who is the Master of the Roster
    • The Supreme Court was founded on January 28, 1950, under Article 124 of the Constitution.
    • Workforce increased from 8 judges in 1950 to 34 judges in 2019 due to rising caseload.

    Way Forward:

    • Suggestion to split the Supreme Court into a Final Court of Appeal and a permanent Constitution Bench.
    • A Constitution Bench (V. Vasanthkumar v. H.C. Bhatia) analyzing and proposing measures to protect citizens’ access to the Supreme Court.
    • Opportunity to address structural gaps by designating appeal benches as regional benches under CJI’s guidance.

  • [pib] AAINA Dashboard for Cities

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has introduced the ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal (aaina.gov.in).

    About AAINA Dashboard

    • The AAINA Dashboard is envisioned as a permanent platform for ULB-related data, with regular updates.
    • It invites Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India to voluntarily share their key data regularly through a user-friendly data entry form on the portal.
    • The primary objectives of the AAINA Dashboard are:
    1. City Benchmarking: Enable cities to assess their performance relative to other cities.
    2. Inspiration: Inspire cities by identifying areas for improvement and showcasing possibilities.
    3. Peer Learning: Promote peer learning and engagement among cities.

    Dashboard Structure

    The AAINA Dashboard will categorize data submitted by ULBs into five key pillars:

    1. Political & Administrative Structure
    2. Finance
    3. Planning
    4. Citizen-Centric Governance
    5. Delivery of Basic Services

    Data Submission Process

    • ULBs will contribute their data, including audited accounts and self-reported performance metrics, by logging into the dashboard’s portal.
    • ULBs will have the flexibility to update their information as needed, ensuring that the dashboard remains a dynamic and up-to-date resource.https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1976720

  • Amplifi 2.0 Portal for Data-Driven Urban Policymaking  

    Central Idea

    • The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in India has taken a significant step towards fostering data-driven policymaking by launching the Amplifi 2.0 portal.

    Amplifi 2.0 Portal

    • Amplifi 2.0 stands for Assessment and Monitoring Platform for Liveable, Inclusive, and Future-Ready Urban India portal.
    • It was introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    • This platform aims to provide easy access to raw data from Indian cities, facilitating researchers, academics, and stakeholders in their efforts to formulate informed urban policies.
    • Currently, 258 urban local bodies have been onboarded, and data for 150 cities is accessible on the platform.
    • Objectives:
    1. To make data from all 3,739 municipal corporations accessible through the portal.
    2. Offer a wide range of data, including total consumption, water quality testing, healthcare expenditure, slum population statistics, and road accident fatalities.

    Significance

    • Previously, the Ministry used data provided by civic bodies to rank cities based on four indices.
    • These indices encompassed ease-of-living, municipal performance, climate smart cities assessment, and data maturity assessment.
    • The government plans to release various reports based on subsets of these four indices, shifting towards a more data-centric approach.

  • Why is Bihar demanding the Special Category Status?

    Special Category Status

    Central Idea

    • Recently, Bihar govt passed a resolution seeking Special Category Status (SCS) for the state.
    • This demand comes in light of the revelations from the “Bihar Caste-based Survey, 2022,” which unveiled that nearly one-third of Bihar’s population continues to grapple with poverty.

    Special Category Status (SCS): An Overview

    • Definition: SCS is a classification conferred by the Central government to support the development of states facing geographical or socio-economic disadvantages.
    • Origins: SCS was instituted in 1969, based on the recommendations of the 5th Finance Commission (FC).
    • Criteria: Five criteria are assessed before granting SCS, including factors like hilly terrain, low population density, and economic backwardness.
    • Historical Allocation: Initially, three states—Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland—were granted SCS. Subsequently, eight more states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, received this status.

    Benefits of having SCS

    • Financial Assistance: SCS states used to receive grants based on the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, accounting for approximately 30% of total central assistance.
    • Devolution of Funds: Post the abolition of the Planning Commission and the recommendations of the 14th and 15th FCs, SCS assistance has been subsumed into increased devolution of funds for all states (now 41% in the 15th FC).
    • Funding Ratio: SCS states enjoy a favourable 90:10 Centre-State funding split for centrally sponsored schemes, compared to 60:40 or 80:20 for general category states.
    • Additional Incentives: SCS states receive concessions in customs and excise duties, income tax rates, and corporate tax rates to attract investments.

    Why Bihar’s Demand for SCS?

    • Resource Challenges: Bihar attributes its poverty and underdevelopment to limited natural resources, irregular water supply for irrigation, recurring floods in the north, and severe droughts in the south.
    • Industrial Shift: The state’s bifurcation led to the relocation of industries to Jharkhand, creating unemployment and investment voids.
    • Per-Capita GDP: Bihar’s per-capita GDP, at around ₹54,000, consistently ranks among the lowest in India.
    • Welfare Funding: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserts that Bihar houses approximately 94 lakh poor families and that SCS recognition would generate about ₹2.5 lakh crore, crucial for funding welfare initiatives over the next five years.

    SCS Demands from Other States

    • Andhra Pradesh: Since its bifurcation in 2014, Andhra Pradesh has sought SCS due to revenue loss post-Hyderabad’s transfer to Telangana.
    • Odisha: Odisha’s appeal for SCS underscores its vulnerability to natural disasters, such as cyclones, and a significant tribal population (around 22%).
    • Central Government’s Response: Despite these demands, the Central government, citing the 14th Finance Commission’s report, which recommended against granting SCS to any state, has consistently rejected them.

    Is Bihar’s Demand Justified?

    • Criteria Fulfillment: Bihar meets most SCS criteria but lacks hilly terrain and geographically difficult areas, crucial for infrastructural development.
    • Alternative Solutions: In 2013, the Raghuram Rajan Committee proposed a ‘multi-dimensional index’ methodology instead of SCS, which could be revisited to address Bihar’s socio-economic challenges effectively.