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  • Banking Sector Reforms

    NBFC sector resilient under scale-based regulations framework: RBI bulletin

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    During the transition to the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework, the NBFC sector experienced double-digit credit growth, maintained adequate capital levels, and saw a reduction in delinquency ratios.

    What is Scale-Based Regulation (SBR)?

    • The SBR framework was first outlined in October 2021 and became effective on October 1, 2022.
    • It aims to categorize NBFCs based on their size, activities, and perceived riskiness rather than merely distinguishing between systemically important and non-systemically important entities.

    What are the key points presented by RBI on the resilience of the NBFC sector?

    • Improvement in Asset Quality: Since the introduction of the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework in October 2022, the asset quality of NBFCs has improved, with lower gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratios.
      • By December 2023, GNPA ratios had decreased to 2.4% for government-owned NBFCs and 6.3% for non-government NBFCs, reflecting enhanced risk management.
    • Double-Digit Credit Growth: The NBFC sector maintained strong credit growth throughout 2023, driven by a diversified funding base, including retail credit (gold loans, vehicle loans, and housing loans) and expanding into industrial and service sectors.
    • Improved Profitability: The sector witnessed a rise in profitability, as evidenced by better returns on assets (RoA) and equity (RoE).
    • Net NPA (NNPA) Performance: Upper layer NBFCs had lower GNPA ratios than middle layer NBFCs, but the latter maintained sufficient provisions for riskier portfolios, ensuring that their NNPA ratios were also controlled.
    • Compliance with SBR: Major NBFCs in the “Upper Layer” identified by the RBI under the SBR framework, such as LIC Housing Finance, Bajaj Finance, and L&T Finance, have complied or initiated steps to comply with listing requirements.

    Regulatory measures  taken up by the NBFC sector 

    • Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) Framework: Introduced in October 2022, the SBR framework categorizes NBFCs into different layers based on their size, systemic importance, and risk profile. For instance, strengthen asset quality, capital requirements, and risk management.
    • Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Norms: Effective from October 2024, PCA norms will apply to government-owned NBFCs. These measures aim to enhance financial discipline, focusing on capital adequacy and asset quality.
    • Diversification of Funding Sources: Due to rising risk weights on bank lending, NBFCs have diversified their funding base by reducing dependence on bank borrowings and expanding into secured retail credit.
    • Listing Compliance: Many NBFCs in the upper layer have complied or are in the process of complying with listing requirements as part of regulatory mandates.

    What are the emerging risks that NBFCs need to cater? (Way forward) 

    • Cybersecurity Risks: With the increasing use of digital platforms, NBFCs need to enhance cybersecurity measures to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.
    • Climate Risk: The financial impact of climate change poses a new risk. NBFCs must integrate climate-related risks into their risk management frameworks to mitigate potential disruptions.
    • Financial Assurance Functions: The RBI emphasizes that assurance functions like risk management, compliance, and internal audit are critical in maintaining resilience in the face of rapid changes in the financial landscape.
    • Evolving Regulatory Environment: As the financial sector continues to evolve, NBFCs must stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure that their risk management practices are aligned with emerging threats and new regulations.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Why Ambedkar and Gandhi disagreed on question of separate electorates for SC’s?

    Explained | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in the News?

    On September 20, 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yerawada Jail, Pune, to protest against the provision of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes.

    Gandhi vs Ambedkar on Caste

    • Gandhi’s Views on Caste: Initially orthodox, Gandhi supported social prohibitions like restrictions on inter-dining and inter-marriage but later rejected untouchability, referring to untouchables as “Harijans.” However, he did not reject the institution of caste itself, as it was tied to Hindu religious practices.
    • Ambedkar’s Radical Approach: Ambedkar believed that to truly abolish caste, one needed to attack the divine authority of the Hindu scriptures (shastras) that justified it. He argued that reforms short of rejecting the religious basis of caste were insufficient.
      • Ambedkar’s strategy was to focus on lower castes achieving political power to challenge their subjugation within the Hindu social order.

    Ambedkar’s Argument for Separate Electorates

    • Distinct Identity of Depressed Classes: Ambedkar argued that the Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes) formed a distinct group, separate from the Hindus. Despite being part of Hindu society, they did not enjoy equal treatment and were subject to systemic oppression.
    • Political Machinery for Representation: Ambedkar advocated for separate electorates with a double vote system, where Scheduled Castes would vote for their own candidates as well as in the general electorate.
    • Protection from Majority Rule: Ambedkar warned that joint electorates would allow the Hindu majority to control the election of Dalit representatives, making it impossible for lower castes to effectively protect their interests against the tyranny of the majority.

    Why Gandhi Opposed Separate Electorates

    • Integration of Lower Castes: Gandhi opposed separate electorates because he believed they would marginalize lower castes further.
      • Instead of being restricted to a limited share of seats, Gandhi thought lower castes should aim for broader participation in political leadership.
    • Fear of Dividing Hindu Society: Gandhi feared that separate electorates would divide Hindu society, further weakening it.
      • He believed this division would help the British continue their “divide and rule” policy, undermining India’s struggle for independence.
    • Strategic Concerns: The introduction of separate electorates for Scheduled Castes, in addition to those for Muslims, would fragment the Hindu political base, reducing the power and influence of upper-caste Hindu leadership.

    Culmination of the Debate: The Poona Pact

    • Gandhi’s Fast: In 1932, Gandhi went on a fast unto death to oppose separate electorates, pressuring Ambedkar to concede. Ambedkar, despite his misgivings, agreed to the Poona Pact, which provided for reserved seats for Scheduled Castes but within a joint electorate.
    • Ambedkar’s Dissatisfaction: Ambedkar was never fully satisfied with the outcome, believing the joint electorate allowed upper-caste Hindus to nominate Dalit representatives, effectively controlling their political voice.

    Conclusion: The Gandhi-Ambedkar debate on caste culminated in the Poona Pact, with Gandhi opposing separate electorates to maintain Hindu unity, while Ambedkar sought political power for lower castes. Though Ambedkar agreed, he remained dissatisfied with the compromise.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Child Rights – POSCO, Child Labour Laws, NAPC, etc.

    How Supreme Court strengthened child pornography law?

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court has tightened child pornography laws, declaring that viewing, possessing, or failing to report such content is punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, regardless of whether the material is shared or transmitted.

    What is the law in question?

    • The Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of Section 15 of the POCSO Act, which deals with “Punishment for storage of pornographic material involving child”.
    • In 2019, the POCSO Act was amended to introduce three connected offences under Sections 15(1), (2) and (3) with increasing grades of punishment:
      1. Any person, who stores or possesses pornographic material involving a child, but fails to delete, destroy or report the same to the designated authority with an intention to share or transmit child pornography.
      2. Any person, who stores or possesses such material for transmitting, propagating, displaying or distributing in any manner at any time except for reporting or use as evidence in court.
      3. Any person, who stores or possesses such material for commercial purpose.
    • The court refers to these as “inchoate” offences – offences in anticipation or preparation for committing a further criminal act.

    About the Case and SC’s Verdict

    • Case Background: The Supreme Court was dealing with a case where the Madras High Court had quashed criminal proceedings against a man who had downloaded child pornography but did not share it.
      • The High Court had limited its ruling to Section 14 of POCSO (using children for pornography) and excluded Section 15 (punishing possession) since no evidence of sharing existed.
    • Supreme Court’s Verdict:
      • The SC overturned the Madras High Court’s ruling, expanding the definition of “possession” of child pornography to include “constructive possession”, even without physical storage of the material.
      • Viewing, controlling, or exercising knowledge over such material (e.g., watching without downloading) was deemed sufficient for possession.
      • The SC stressed that even failing to delete or report such content implies intent to share and is punishable under Section 15(1).
      • Even if the accused does not have the material at the time of filing the FIR, they can still be held accountable if they had possessed it “at any point”.

    How will such cases be registered?

    • Determination of Intention: The court held that the intention (mens rea) of the accused will be determined based on the circumstances, such as how the material was stored or possessed and why it was not reported or destroyed.
      • Actions like storing, not deleting, or failing to report child pornography can be used as evidence of intent to share or distribute.
    • Role of Police: The police must not limit their investigation to only one sub-section of Section 15. Even if a specific offence isn’t made out, the police should explore the possibility of other violations under different sub-sections.
    • Reporting Obligation: The court emphasized the mandatory reporting of child pornography, with penalties for failing to report starting from a fine of Rs. 5,000 and increasing for repeat offences.Failure to report, even after merely viewing child pornographic material, can result in legal consequences.

    Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s ruling on the POCSO Act broadened the definition of possession, emphasizing that failure to delete or report child pornography constitutes intent to share, with strict penalties for non-compliance, underscoring the obligation to report such content.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    How Starlink satellites are ‘blinding’ astronomers?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Starlink satellites, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are causing issues for astronomers by disrupting both optical and radio astronomy due to unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR).

    What is a Starlink Satellite?

    • Starlink satellites are part of a network created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide high-speed internet to remote areas around the world.
    • The network, known as a satellite constellation, currently includes more than 6,300 satellites orbiting Earth at around 550 km altitude.
    • These satellites aim to offer internet connectivity to places that would otherwise lack access, especially in rural or underserved regions.

    Why Radio Astronomy matters?

    • Radio astronomy is a branch of astronomy that studies celestial objects using radio frequencies instead of visible light.
    • Radio telescopes detect radio waves, which are longer than light waves, emitted by objects in space such as stars, galaxies, and even black holes.
    • Radio astronomy is important because it helps scientists study the universe beyond what can be seen with optical telescopes.
    • Radio noise from sources like satellites can interfere with these observations, making it difficult for astronomers to collect data, similar to how bright lights can obscure faint stars.

    What Starlink does to Space Communications?

    • Starlink satellites are designed to improve global internet access, especially in hard-to-reach places, by transmitting signals from space.
    • However, these satellites also emit unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), which causes radio noise that disrupts radio astronomy observations.
    • The situation may worsen as more satellites are launched — some estimates suggest 100,000 satellites could be orbiting Earth by 2030.
    • There are currently no regulations controlling how much radio pollution these satellites can emit, making it harder for astronomers to mitigate the impact on their work.

    PYQ:

    [2011] A layer in the Earth s atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?

    1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.

    2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 Only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Who was Mary Poonen Lukose?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Why in the News?

    100 years ago, on September 23, 1924, Mary Poonen Lukose became the first woman to join a legislative council in an Indian princely state, entering the Travancore Legislative Council.

    Who Was Mary Poonen Lukose?

    • Born on August 2, 1886, in Kerala, she became the first woman from the state to earn a medical degree, specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics.
    • Her contributions:
      • She performed the first cesarean section in Kerala before 1920, often working under challenging conditions with minimal equipment.
      • She started a midwifery training program for local women, which led to safer home births, reducing risks for mothers and babies.
      • As a member of the Travancore Legislative Council, she influenced public health policy, using her expertise to benefit the community.

    Records set by Mary Poonen Lukose

    • First woman legislator in an Indian princely state: In 1924, she became the first woman member of the Travancore Legislative Council (a predecessor to Kerala’s Legislative Assembly).
    • First woman graduate from Madras University in 1909, despite facing barriers to studying science as a woman.
    • First woman Surgeon General of Travancore, and possibly the first woman Surgeon General in the world, in 1938.
      • First woman to head the health department in Travancore, in 1924.
    • Awarded the Padma Shri in 1975 for her contributions.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (10 marks-200 words).

    [2011] With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for

    (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
    (b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
    (c) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
    (d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

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  • Corruption Challenges – Lokpal, POCA, etc

    Section 107 of the BNSS

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the News?

    About Section 107 of the BNSS

    • Section 107 of the BNSS, 2023 pertains to the attachment and forfeiture of property categorized as “proceeds of crime.”
    • It grants the court the authority to attach property at the request of a police officer during an ongoing investigation.
      • The request must be approved by a Superintendent or Commissioner of Police.
    • This section gives the court unbridled powers to attach any property believed to be derived from criminal activities and, under specific conditions, to forfeit it to the government.
    • There is no requirement for the police officer to wait until the completion of the investigation (unlike earlier laws).
      • Property can be attached during the investigation.
    • It differs from the PMLA, 2002, in that there are no preconditions like documenting the reasons for believing the property is a result of criminal activity.
    • After attachment, if the court finds the property to be proceeds of crime, it can direct the District Magistrate to distribute the proceeds to the affected persons within 60 days.
      • If no claimants are identified, the proceeds are forfeited to the government.
    • There is a requirement for issuing a show-cause notice within 14 days for the property attachment, and the court can pass an ex parte order if no representation is made.

    Its significance

    • Empowers Law Enforcement: It allows attachment of property during investigations, preventing criminals from hiding or transferring assets.
    • Faster Relief for Victims: It enables quick distribution of proceeds of crime to affected persons even before the trial concludes.
    • Stronger Deterrence: It acts as a deterrent by allowing the forfeiture of criminally acquired assets, impacting offenders financially.
    • State-Level Enforcement: It empowers State governments to manage proceeds of crime, providing more localized control.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Massive Greenland Landslide

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Why in the News?

    • In September 2023, seismic stations across the world detected an unusual signal which persisted for 9 days.
      • It was caused by a massive landslide in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord (i.e narrow sea inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier).

    About the Massive Greenland Landslide

    • The landslide involved a colossal volume of 25 million cubic metres of rock and ice, equivalent to filling 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
    • The landslide involved 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice, which is enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
    • This event caused a mega-tsunami with waves as high as 200 meters, which significantly impacted the area.
    • The seismic waves created by the landslide lasted for 9 consecutive days.
    • The loss of such a large amount of glacier ice highlights how global warming is speeding up damage to these fragile environments.

    Causes of the Greenland Landslide

    • The main reason for the landslide was global warming, which caused the glaciers in Greenland to melt and shrink over recent decades.
      • The Hvide Stovhorn peak glacier had been holding up the mountain slopes, but as it thinned, the rock above it became unstable and eventually collapsed.
    • The permafrost (frozen ground) on the mountain’s steep slopes started melting because of rising temperatures, making the slopes unstable.
    • When the rocks and ice fell into the fjord, it triggered a submarine landslide (a landslide under water), which made the event even bigger and caused a mega-tsunami.

    Back2Basics: Seismic Waves

    Type  Sub-Type Wave Characteristics Speed Medium of Travel Movement Impact
    Body Waves P-Waves (Primary Waves) • Longitudinal/compressional waves.
    • Fastest seismic waves.    		 Fastest (First to arrive) Solids and liquids Particles move back and forth in the direction of wave travel. First waves to be detected during an earthquake, cause less damage.
    S-Waves (Secondary Waves) • Transverse/shear waves.
    • Slower than P-waves.    		 Slower than P-Waves Solids only Particles move perpendicular to the wave’s direction. Follow P-waves, more ground shaking, cause more damage than P-waves.
    Surface Waves Love Waves • Transverse horizontal motion.
    • Faster than Rayleigh waves.    		 Slower than S-Waves Earth’s surface Particles move side to side, horizontally. Cause significant structural damage.
    Rayleigh Waves • Rolling motion.
    • Slowest seismic waves.    		 Slowest of all seismic waves Earth’s surface Particles move in an elliptical motion (both vertical and horizontal). Cause vertical and horizontal ground movement, highly destructive.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

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  • Judicial Reforms

    The perception of Justice

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News?

    The perception of justice is as vital as justice itself, with unelected constitutional institutions expected to uphold transparency and exercise restraint in engaging with elected authorities.

    Relationship between Public Perception and the Actual Functioning of the Justice System:

    • Role of Perception in Justice: Perception of justice is critical because it shapes public trust in institutions. Even if the justice system functions properly, if it is perceived as biased or ineffective, it erodes confidence. The system must not only deliver justice but also be seen as just.
    • Moral Authority: When unelected constitutional bodies, like the judiciary, demonstrate transparency and accountability, they build moral authority.
    • Perception vs Reality: Public perception can sometimes be more influential than the actual functioning of the system. Institutions like the judiciary must work to balance delivering justice and managing public perception to maintain credibility.

    How Do Systemic Biases Affect Perceptions of Justice Among Marginalized Communities:

    • Historical and Structural Biases: These perceptions arise when the system disproportionately impacts certain communities, whether through discriminatory practices or unequal access to legal representation.
    • Erosion of Trust: When systemic biases are evident, marginalized groups may become cynical or disengaged from legal processes, believing that the system is not designed to serve their interests. This creates a widening gap between these communities and the justice system.
    • Impact on Public Discourse: Systemic biases fuel narratives that the justice system is rigged or unfair. In the long term, this can lead to public apathy, where marginalized groups may stop engaging with the system, assuming that it will not provide them justice.

    Broader Reflections on Democracy and Institutions:

    • Information and Discourse: The explosion of media and social media has blurred the lines between personality-driven and issue-based politics. This shift has led to heightened cynicism, where the focus on individuals overshadows serious discourse on public issues.
    • Restoring Institutional Integrity: For democracies to thrive, institutions must maintain boundaries defined by constitutional mandates. When constitutional organs exhibit higher standards of probity and transparency, they inspire trust, which is vital for democracy.
    • Responsibility of Constitutional Institutions: Independent constitutional bodies, like the judiciary, are expected to rise above partisan politics and protect democratic values.
      • The example of T.N. Seshan, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, exemplifies how individuals can enhance institutional integrity by adhering to constitutional principles and maintaining public confidence.

    Conclusion:

    The functioning of the justice system, while critical, is deeply influenced by public perception, especially among marginalized communities. Systemic biases create barriers to justice for these communities, reinforcing negative perceptions. Constitutional organs must hold themselves to higher standards, as public trust in these institutions is vital for the health of democracy.

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Professional Indian women work the most hours globally   

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Social Empowerment

    Why in the News?

    The tragic death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil in Pune has sparked debate about professional workload in India, with her mother citing “work stress” as the cause.

    What does the ILO data observe about Professional Indian women? 

    • Longest Working Hours Globally: Indian women in professions like information technology (IT), media, and professional, scientific, and technical fields work the highest number of hours globally. Women in IT and media jobs worked 56.5 hours weekly, while women in professional, scientific, and technical fields worked 53.2 hours per week in 2023.
    • Young Professional Women Work More: Younger women, especially those aged 15-24, work even longer hours. For instance, young women in IT and media work 57 hours per week, and those in professional, scientific, and technical fields work 55 hours per week.
    • Gender Imbalance in Workforce: Indian women are underrepresented in these sectors. Only 8.5% of the Indian workforce in professional, scientific, and technical jobs and 20% in information and communication jobs are women. This low percentage is among the lowest globally.
    • Global Comparison: In countries like Germany, women in similar IT and media jobs work far fewer hours (32 hours weekly). Russia reports 40 hours for the same sector, highlighting how disproportionately longer Indian women work.

    Major Challenges in Indian Society:

    • Workload Stress: The tragic death of Anna Sebastian highlights the intense workload stress that young professionals, especially women, face. High demands and long working hours can severely affect mental and physical health.
    • Male-Dominated Workspaces: Women in professional fields face challenges working in male-dominated environments, which can result in increased pressure, lack of support, and issues of gender equity.
    • Systemic Gender Inequality: Despite rising participation in the workforce, the gender imbalance in professional sectors reflects deeper societal and structural inequalities. Women continue to face barriers to career advancement, equal representation, and fair treatment.
    • Lack of Support: The absence of adequate organizational support during personal tragedies (as indicated by Anna’s case) points to a lack of empathy and a toxic work culture in certain professional settings.

    Government Initiatives:

    • Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): The Indian government has launched several initiatives to encourage women’s participation in technical and scientific fields, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns (e.g., GATI initiative).
    • Maternity Benefits: The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, increased paid maternity leave for women from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, aimed at helping women balance work and family life.
    • Gender Equality Programs: Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao promote girls’ education and empowerment, aiming to address the long-term gender imbalance in professional spaces.
    • Skill Development Initiatives: Government programs like Skill India and Digital India aim to provide technical and vocational training to women, helping bridge the gender gap in high-skill industries such as IT and professional services.

    Way forward: 

    • Work-Life Balance Reforms: Enforce stricter labour regulations on working hours and promote flexible work arrangements to reduce burnout, particularly for young professionals in high-demand sectors.
    • Inclusive Workplaces: Strengthen gender diversity and equity initiatives within male-dominated industries by fostering supportive work environments, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities for women.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space?  (UPSC IAS/2019)

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    U.P., Rajasthan, M.P. top in cases of atrocities on Dalits: report

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Communalism, Secularism, Regionalism

    Why in the News?

    According to a recent government report, 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes in 2022 were concentrated in 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest numbers.

    What are the finding as per report?

    • Concentration of Cases: Approximately 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were reported from 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh having the highest incidents. For Scheduled Tribes (STs), 98.91% of cases were also concentrated in these states.
    • Statistics on Atrocities:
        • For SCs, there were 51,656 reported cases, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 23.78% (12,287 cases).
        • Other significant contributors included Rajasthan (8,651 cases, 16.75%) and Madhya Pradesh (7,732 cases, 14.97%).
        • For STs, a total of 9,735 cases were registered, with Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest at 30.61% (2,979 cases).
    • Investigation and Charge-Sheeting:
      • Among SC-related cases, 60.38% resulted in charge sheets, while 14.78% concluded with final reports due to reasons like false claims or lack of evidence.
      • For ST-related cases, the charge-sheeting rate was slightly higher at 63.32%, with similar conclusions for final reports.
    • Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for atrocities under the Act has declined to 32.4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020, indicating a concerning trend in legal outcomes for victims.
    • Special Courts and Infrastructure: Out of 498 districts, only 194 had established special courts to expedite trials related to these cases, highlighting a significant gap in judicial infrastructure.

    What are the protection for SCs in Indian law?

    The Indian legal framework provides several protections for SCs under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:

    • Prohibition of Atrocities: The Act defines various forms of atrocities against SC members, including social exclusion, bonded labor, forced manual scavenging, and physical violence.
    • Legal Recourse: Victims can report crimes to the police or the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), which has the authority to investigate complaints and ensure legal protections are enforced.
    • Punishments for Offenders: Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from six months to five years along with fines for committing atrocities against SC members.

    What are the intiative taken by government to empower SCs in economical and social term?

    • Reservation Policies: The Constitution mandates reservations for SCs in government jobs and educational institutions to enhance their representation and opportunities.
    • Financial Assistance Programs: Various schemes provide financial support for self-employment and skill development among SC communities to improve their economic status. Example is the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).
    • Establishment of Protection Cells: SC/ST Protection Cells have been set up across states to address grievances and ensure the enforcement of protective laws.For instance, in Karnataka, these cells have been actively involved in monitoring atrocities against SCs/STs and conducting surveys in atrocity-prone areas
    • Awareness Campaigns and Training Programs: The government conducts awareness campaigns to educate SC communities about their rights and available legal protections. For example,“Bharat ke Sathi” campaign.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Legal and Judicial Mechanisms: Establish more special courts and fast-track mechanisms in all districts to ensure timely justice for victims of atrocities, alongside improving conviction rates through effective investigation and prosecution.
    • Empowering SC Communities Through Socio-Economic Initiatives: Expand skill development, financial assistance programs, and awareness campaigns to improve economic independence and social integration of SC communities, ensuring better enforcement of their rights and protections.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC IAS/2018)

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