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  • [Burning Issue] Indian Democracy@75

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    Context

    Recently, India celebrated its 75th Independence Day. The occasion provides us a great opportunity to delve back in time when a newly independent nation made its ‘tryst’ with political democracy and how it is faring today on key democratic factors as well as in comparison to other major democracies of the world

    What is a democracy?

    The word democracy comes from the Greek words “demos”, meaning people, and “kratos” meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as “power of the people”: a way of governing that depends on the will of the people.

    No one is born a good citizen, no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth.   – Kofi Annan

    Why choose democracy?

    The idea of democracy derives its moral strength – and popular appeal – from two key principles:

    • Individual autonomy: The idea that no one should be subject to rules which have been imposed by others. People should be able to control their own lives (within reason).
    • Equality: The idea that everyone should have the same opportunity to influence the decisions that affect people in society.

    Democracy is good. I say this because other systems are worse.

    – Pt Nehry

    Democracy in India

    • Ancient India had a democratic republic even before the 6th century BCE and India has seen democratic rule through ages. Vaishali (in present-day Bihar) is considered one of the first republics around 6th century BCE.
    • Republics at that time were called ‘Mahajanpadas’ and Sabhas and Samitis (assemblies) existed. Panchayat systems were also used in some of these republics.
    • Anti-colonial movements in India brought democracy into the picture during British rule in India. Nehru, Gandhi, Ambedkar, etc helped in bringing universal adult franchise, at a time when the literacy rate was very low in the nation.
    • Government of India Act, 1935 laid the foundation for democratic rule in India.
    • India’s independent modern democratic journey started in 1950 with the full implementation of the constitution of India. The constitution of India declared the nation as a sovereign democratic republic. India granted Universal Adult Franchise under Article 326 of its Constitution effective in 1950 giving a strong base for democracy.
    • The general elections of 1951 were the biggest electoral exercise on such a large scale in democratic history. Since then 17 Lok Sabha have been formed, several PMs and Presidents have been elected.
    •  The Indian Republic at present has a parliamentary system of democracy and a federal structure in which leaders are elected by citizens of various castes, classes, religions, etc.

    How Indian Democracy has performed in past?

    (A)Positive aspects

    Political front

    • India is the world’s largest democracy proving a success in accommodation of group and regional demands in a complex, quasi-federal, polity.
    • During the first general election in 1951, India had 54 political parties and now it has grown up to 464 in the 2019 general election as evidence of the deepening of the democratic process.
    • In the first General election in 1951, 173 million citizens were given the right to vote.
    • In the 16th general election in 2014, the size of the electorate had increased to 814 million.

    Social front

    • The democratic process has brought about a shift of political power from the middle and higher castes and classes of urban society to backward classes who are now the politically most influential ones in the country.
    • They have won reservations for themselves in legislatures and government services as were accorded to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes after independence through Constitutional provisions.
    • Members of marginalized sections of society and minority communities have reached the top legislative and executive positions in the country.

    Economic Front

    • India has become the 5th largest economy in the world and is also the fastest growing major economy in the world.
    • India has been able to emerge as a regional power in Asia and superpower in south Asia backed by its economic, military and nuclear capabilities.
    • The incidence of Poverty has reduced from 70% in 1950 to around 20% at present. The economic well-being of people has improved. Incomes and living standard of people has improved substantially.

    (B)Negative aspects

    Political front

    • Declaration of emergency- in 1975 was an aberration in India’s political democracy journey and will remain a blot on Indian democracy.
    • Period of political instability– India saw the assassination of two of its Prime Ministers in the first 40 years of its democracy. The last decade of the 20th century witnessed high political turmoil due to unstable coalition governments. In this period, India saw 5 PM’s in 10 years.

    Social front

    • Low women representation: the number of elected women representatives in the Indian parliament is just 16% even after 75 years of independence.
    • Continuing ill social practices– like caste-based discrimination, manual scavenging etc point towards continuous breaching of fundamental rights of citizens of India. It also shows that we are still to achieve Social democracy.

    Economic front

    • Low per capita income– An Indian’s per capita income is one the lowest in the world, even lower than a Bangladeshi national.
    • High poverty and inequality: India still has one of the world’s largest populations of poor in the world. In addition to this, income and wealth distribution is highly unequal with the top 1% of wealthy people owing 70% of the wealth in India (Source- World inequality report)

    We must not to be content with mere political democracy. We must make our political democracy a social democracy as well. Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy. What does social democracy mean? It means a way of life that recognizes liberty, equality and fraternity as the principles of life.    – Dr. BR Ambedkar

    Present situation of Indian Democracy

    (A)Positive aspects

    • Still continuing democracy: The Indian democracy is still continuing opposite to what was apprehended by British PM Winston Churchill at the time of independence of India.
    • Public trust: The enthusiasm and trust among the Indian masses for democracy is still continuing as evident from high voting turnout during elections as compared tp developed democracies where voting percentages are declining.
    • Respect for constitution: The original constitution is still intact, continuing and greatly revered by all political parties and sections of the society.
    • Global reputation: At the international level, India has carved its own space as a highly diverse and largest democracy in the world,

    (B) Negative Aspect

    • Weakening of political democracy: Several constitutional experts have pointed toward a decline in democracy in India. It is evident from the dropping rankings of India in several key indices like the Democracy index (labelled India a ‘flawed democracy’), V-Dem report (called India ‘Electoral Autocracy’)
    • Decline of Parliament: Parliament as a democratic institution is underperforming. The ability of Parliament to seek accountability of the executive has been severely hampered. Productivity of Lok Sabha in the 2021 monsoon was just 22% due to disruption by Opposition. Informed debates in parliament have also been reduced. There is high usage of ordinances and voice notes to make decisions inside parliament
    • Non-Attainment of economic democracy: As evident from high economic inequality among masses [the debate of INDIA (Urban India) vs BHARAT (Rural India)], low women participation in the labour force, economic backwardness in several large states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha etc
    • Weak social democracy: As evident from recent communal clashes in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, continuing of several secessionist movements like Khalistan, demand for Nagalim, high crimes against women etc this has hampered the creation of true ‘Fraternity’ which Preamble of Constitution talks about.
    • Weakening of civil society: There has been a continuing phenomenon of weakening of civil society including NGO’s, academic institutions where these institutions are finding it difficult to uphold accountability of the govt.
    • Growing gulf between public and their representatives: Today, elected representatives are more representatives of their political parties than the people who have elected them. Also, Older MP’s are representing young India (Average age of Indian MP’s-54) and Crorepati MP’s are representing poor Indians (88% MP’s are crorepati).

    Causes of lacunas in current democracy

    • Authoritarian attitude of the regime– The government due to Weak opposition and civil society, as they are failing to uphold the Government’s accountability inside and outside parliament.
    • COVID-19 crisis– parliaments stopped working during the crisis which further led to reduced accountability of the executive to parliament
    • Criminalization of politics– there has been a growing trend in the number of parliamentarians having criminal records with the current 17th Lok Sabha having the highest ever (50%) of MP with criminal records of them. Thus, lawbreakers are becoming lawmakers.
    • Decreasing ethical politics- The political morality and ethical conduct of elected representatives have been decreasing rapidly as evident from the frequent shifting of politicians between different political parties (‘Resort’ democracy, where the governments are being formed in resorts rather than in parliament), use of unethical language and unparliamentary conduct inside parliament.
    • Strengthening of identity politics– Identity politics have been rising in India for the past few years where people are being polarized to vote for their caste or religion only.

    Consequences

    • Democratic backsliding or democratic deficit– all of the above causes have led to democratic deficit/backsliding which there has a growing gulf between preaching and practice of democracy in India.
    • Spillover effect– with the growing power of the executive and weakening of democratic institutions like parliament, the pressure on the judiciary is increasing as evident from the fact that almost all major bills passed by parliament are being challenged in the supreme court. This is leading to Judicial activism.
    • Weak social mobility and human capital development– Because of all this, the economic growth of the nation is suffering which is further leading to slow social mobility and human capital development.

    Comparison with thy neighbors

    • Though both India and Pakistan started their political journey under a democratic framework, both countries after 75 years stand at opposite ends. While India is considered a vibrant democracy, Pakistan is considered a failed state.
    • In India, 70% of the population believes that democracy is preferable to other forms of government, whereas in Pakistan, only 37% population, believes that democracy is preferable.
    • Pakistan witnessed three dictatorships regimes under different military generals and multiple suspensions of its constitution while India continued on its path of democracy and constitutionalism.
    • Even during periods of civilian rule, the Pakistan army and its powerful Inter-Intelligence-Services have retained the right to set the country’s foreign and security policy.

    Comparison between Bangladesh and Pakistan

    • Bangladesh chose the secular democratic route after independence, but its flirtation with the secular government was brief. It soon followed in the footsteps of Pakistan, opted for authoritarian military rule and made Islam the state religion. However, under its current Sheikh Hasina regime, Bangladesh is regenerating its democracy and economy.
    • Bangladesh outpaces Pakistan across all standard economic indicators, including nominal gross domestic product, GDP per capita, GDP growth rate and foreign reserves. It has now become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
    • A GDP of $411 billion, compared to Pakistan’s GDP of $347 billion, makes Bangladesh the 33rd largest economy in the world. Experts forecast that the economy’s size could double by 2030.
    • Bangladesh has also made more progress in human development in some areas compared to Pakistan, for example in the infant mortality rate. In 2018 there were 22 deaths per 1,000 live births in Bangladesh, compared to 57deaths in Pakistan. The current life expectancy in Bangladesh is 73, compared to 67 in Pakistan, 

    Way forward

    • Opposition: strong democracy requires strong opposition. Without an alternative choice, the very objective of election to provide a check on arbitrary power gets defeated.
    • Need to bring in Constitutional Morality: It also makes the governing institutions and representatives accountable to the people.
    •  Promoting Good Governance: Good governance enables to reach out government schemes to the needy and it entrusts the desire to do well in life.  It also helps to realize one’s duties and rights and boosts confidence in government.
    • Welcoming criticism: The Government should hear criticism rather than reject it out rightly. Suggestions on eroding democratic values need a thoughtful and respectful response.
    • Equality in the society: If redistributive public welfare policies are effective, the inequality in society would be reduced. Thus, it must be the priority of the government to maintain social and economic equality and inclusive growth.
    • Parliamentary oversight: It is necessary to hold strong checks on the executive through parliamentary committees, question hours, etc. Separation of powers is the most important thing for a healthy democracy.

    Conclusion

    Until and unless we don’t realize the real sense of Democracy we can’t live with dignity. Only with people’s participation, it can be achieved.

    It is important that all the government organs work in harmony to uphold the trust people of the country have held in them and ensure the objectives of true democracy.

    In the upcoming “Amrit Kaal” (2022-2047), we must ensure that by the end of this period, India should have achieved its “Tryst with Destiny”- A Social, Political and Economic Democracy in the true sense.

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  • Perspective: UN and Global Terrorism

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    Context

    • China has blocked a move by India and the US to list Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Abdul Rauf Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council.
    • This is the second time Beijing has resorted to such a step in less than two months.

    Global facets of Terrorism

    • Terrorism is the calculated use of violence to create a general climate of fear in a population and thereby to bring about a particular political or social objective.
    • It has been practiced by political organizations with both rightist and leftist objectives, by nationalistic and religious groups, by revolutionaries, and even by state institutions such as armies, intelligence services, and police.
    • Various attempts have been made to distinguish among types of terrorist activities. In general, there are three basic facets of terrorism – international terrorism, domestic terrorism and transnational terrorism.

    We need to be familiar with these five types of terrorism:

    1. State-Sponsored terrorism, which consists of terrorist acts on a state or government by a state or government.
    2. Dissent terrorism, which are terrorist groups which have rebelled against their government.
    3. Terrorists and the Left and Right, which are groups rooted in political ideology.
    4. Religious terrorism, which are terrorist groups which are extremely religiously motivated and
    5. Criminal Terrorism, which are terrorists acts used to aid in crime and criminal profit.

    Terror tactics these days are more modernizing through new technologies such as:

    1. Bio-terrorism: It is the intentional release of biological agents to cause illness or death in humans, animals, or plants. These agents may be bacteria, fungi, toxins, or viruses. They may be naturally occurring or human-modified.
    2. Cyber-terrorism: It is the convergence of cyberspace and terrorism. It refers to unlawful attacks and threats of attacks against computers, networks, and the information stored therein when done to intimidate or coerce a government or its people in furtherance of political or social objectives.

    Why do people resort to terrorism?

    Individuals and groups choose terrorism as a tactic because it can:

    • Act as a form of asymmetric warfare in order to directly force a government to agree to demands
    • Get attention and thus political support for a cause
    • Directly inspire more people to the cause (such as revolutionary acts) – propaganda of the religion/separatism
    • Indirectly inspire more people to the cause by provoking a hostile response or over-reaction from enemies to the cause

    Somewhere in the roots of domestic terrorism, socio-cultural deprivation remains the prime mover.

    Terrorism in India

    Following are the types of terrorism which threaten India’s security and internal peace and tranquility.

    1. Ethnic terrorism
    2. Religious terrorism
    3. Ideological terrorism

    Ethnic Terrorism: Terrorism based on an identity crisis, resource crisis, and cultural imperialism among various ethnic groups is called ethnic terrorism. It is spread in the northeast region of India.

    Religious terrorism: The systematic violence propagated based on religion is called religious terrorism. The feeling of religious superiority is at the root of this terrorism. Religious terrorism in modern times is considered terrorism.

    Ideological terrorism: If the purpose of planned violence is motivated by communist elements, it is called Left Terrorism or Naxalism/Maoism.

    The UN and its handling of Terrorism

    The UN’s counter-terrorism work in recent years can be organized under three headings:

    First, a norm-setting role that includes-

    • the development and promotion of a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and efforts to counter violent extremism,
    • a set of international conventions, and
    • far-reaching UNSC  resolutions imposing counter-terrorism obligations on member states;

    Second, capacity-building activities to help countries meet some obligations (through FATF and all) and

    Third, Security Council-mandated sanctions, in the 1990s, against state sponsors of terrorism, and since 9/11 against hundreds of individuals and entities affiliated with Al Qaida.

    The UN has accumulated ample experience and a proven record of success in its efforts to end civil wars over the past two and a half decades.

    However, serious questions arise regarding the preparedness of the UN’s conflict management tools, in particular its peace operations, to deliver mandates in countries affected by terrorist insurgencies, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen and Lebanon.

    Limitations to the UN

    The U.N. is too political, too uncoordinated, too focused on process rather than outcomes and follow-up, and too far removed from the people who actually deal with the problems of terrorism.

    • Invocation of a “war on terrorism” and adoption of reflexive security measures renders very serious pressure on any organization such as the UN.
    • As an intergovernmental organization catering to the needs and driven by the interests of national governments, the UN is constitutionally ill-equipped to implement counter-terror measures.
    • The UN’s comparative advantage may thus lie in supporting and mobilizing funding for networks that would allow for the sharing of best practices among such local actors.

    Why need global action?

    • Radicalism is the new political capital: The growing presence of religious terrorist groups in many of today’s civil war environments complicates the UN’s peace-making.
    • Mercenary armies on rise: This is because many of these groups pursue maximalist demands that are very difficult to meet or to incorporate into political settlements based on human rights and democratic governance.
    • Diplomatic tool to pursue interest: Even where such groups may be motivated primarily by local, legitimate, and reversible grievances, key powers tend to discourage negotiations with them.

    India’s action: Leading from the front

    India has been fighting insurgency and terrorism since its days of independence.

    • India has been at the forefront for a call of global action against terrorism which is increasingly becoming a global phenomenon.
    • India has been calling for the passing of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. CCIT calls for a common definition of terror and the criminalization of international terrorism.
    • A decade of relentless efforts by India to get Pakistan-based terror master Masood Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UNSC finally came to fruition in 2019.
    • India has been successful in drawing attention to its problem of terrorism by casting Pakistan as a breeder and supporter of terrorist organizations.  To this testimony, India’s role play at the FATF against Pakistan is globally visible.

    This signifies India’s leadership in global counter-terrorism efforts.

    Way Forward

    • Indeed, around the world many governments continued to rely primarily on military and law enforcement tools in their counter-terrorism efforts often to the detriment of human rights and with insufficient attention paid to underlying drivers of extremism.
    • The world needs to shift its focus primarily from military and law enforcement tools towards a holistic approach.
    • This is because counter-terrorism efforts often tend to detriment human rights and the least attention is paid to underlying drivers of extremism.

    Endorsing the Christchurch Call

    • Christchurch’s call of action is an initiative named after the New Zealand city where 51 people were killed in an attack on mosques.
    • The attack highlighted the urgent need for action and enhanced cooperation among the wide range of actors with influence over this issue, including governments, civil society, and online service providers, such as social media companies, to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

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  • How to add value to your UPSC Mains answers for 450+ marks in GS Mains? Learn Basic to advanced skills to write UPSC level answers with Sumit Haritwal sir. FREE Masterclass, register now!

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    It’s well said that writing is an art. But, in the case of the IAS exam, Answer writing is a skill rather than an art. Every year lakhs of aspirants sit for the UPSC-IAS exam, but only 0.005% become an IAS/IPS. It doesn’t mean 99% of people lack knowledge. They lack those required skills that an IAS aspirant must have.

    Remember, UPSC doesn’t want the best answer. It evaluates whether you use 200 words in a required way.

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  • 19th August 2022| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1        Effects of globalization on Indian society.

    GS-2        Federalism

    GS-3        Security challenges and their management in border areas

    GS-4        Case Studies

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 How far do you agree with the view that globalisation has aggravated the challenges faced by the poor in India? (10 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2 The withdrawal of general consent to the CBI by certain state governments in India threatens the spirit of cooperative federalism in India. Discuss. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 Discuss the role that space technology can play in strengthening India’s border security. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 In recent times, we have witnessed large scale displacement of people all over the world. The reasons for this are manifold but it has resulted in a severe challenge in the form of a refugee crisis of large proportions. The recent turmoil in Afghanistan adds another unfortunate chapter to it. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Examine the ethical issues involved in the refugee crisis being witnessed in the recent decades. (b) Highlight both short-term and long-term measures to deal with it. (20 Marks)

     

    HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

    1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

    2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

    3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

    4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

    5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

    6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

    7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

    8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

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  • Mystery of milk price going up when WPI inflation is down

    Milk prices are rising, as producers and marketers pass on higher costs to consumers.  Amul and Mother Dairy raised milk prices by ₹2 each this week, the second such hike this year.

    Why are milk prices going up?

    • High operating cost: For dairy companies and cooperatives, the cost of operation and production of milk has increased.
    • Fodder price hike: Prices of cattle feed, which includes maize, wheat and soybean, are up 20% over the year.
    • High procurement cost: Given the rise in input costs, its member unions from where it procures milk have increased farmers’ price in the range of 8-9% year-on-year.
    • Cost sharing: In an already inflationary environment, dairies are compelled to pass on price increases to consumers as procurement prices go up.

    Has demand for milk picked up as well?

    • A better rate of vaccination, resumption of offices, schools and even opening up of channels such as hotels and restaurants have led to higher out-of-home consumption of foods and beverages in the last two to three quarters.
    • This has led to greater demand for milk and other dairy beverages.
    • Analysts cited higher skimmed milk prices in the international markets that they said make exports of the commodity out of India more attractive.
    • A combination of these factors is pushing up milk procurement prices, and leading to higher retail prices.

    But isn’t wholesale inflation cooling down nowadays?

    • Yes; India’s wholesale price-based inflation eased to 13.93% in July.
    • In fact, WPI inflation in milk eased in July to 5.45% compared  to  6.35%  in  June,  though it remained high compared to February.
    • However, companies also pass on hikes with a lag to lessen the impact on demand. Amul says the increase is less than 4% — below the food inflation rate of 8-9%.

    When will milk prices cool down?

    • Milk procurement is also dependent on the flush season that runs between September to February.
    • This is the peak lactating period for cattle due to better availability of green fodder and water.
    • As a result, the period in general sees higher milk production and availability.
    • The onset of  the  flush  season  could offer some relief to dairy companies in the second half of the current fiscal year.

    What does this mean for consumers?

    • For households, an  increase  in milk prices obviously means shelling out more money; this in a country that is among largest consumers of milk.
    • In fact,  by July,  dairy companies had raised milk selling prices by 5-8% in a six-month window.
    • Consumer demand typically sees an impact in the first few days after price hikes are initiated. However, recovery happens gradually.
    • Consequently, higher milk procurement prices could also hurt companies that make bakery products or food items that use milk or milk solids.

    Also read

    Concept of Inflation/Deflation/WPI/CPI/IIP

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  • Species in news: Great Indian Bustard

    The critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has adopted an altogether new behaviour of giving clutch of two eggs at a time after getting additional protein diet during the monsoon season.

    Great Indian Bustards

    • GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
    • GIBs’ historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 percent of it. Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs prefer grasslands as their habitats.
    • GIBs are considered the flagship bird species of grassland.

    Protection accorded

    • Birdlife International: uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
    • Protection under CITES: Appendix I
    • IUCN status: Critically Endangered
    • Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule I

    Threats

    • Overhead power transmission
    • Poor vision: Due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight makes in-flight quick maneuvers difficult.
    • Windmills: Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are the places that have witnessed the creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure.
    • Noise pollution: Noise affects the mating and courtship practices of the GIB.
    • Changes in the landscape: by way of farmers cultivating their land, which otherwise used to remain fallow due to frequent droughts in Kutch.
    • Cultivation changes: Cultivation of cotton and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are also cited as reasons for falling GIB numbers.

    On the brink of extinction

    • The GIB population in India had fallen to just 150.
    • Pakistan is also believed to host a few GIBs and yet openly supports their hunting.

    Supreme Court’s intervention

    • The Supreme Court has ordered that all overhead power transmission lines in core and potential GIB habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat should be undergrounded.
    • The SC also formed a three-member committee to help power companies comply with the order.

    Conservation measures

    • In 2015, the Central government launched the GIB species recovery program.
    • Under the program, the WII and Rajasthan Forest departments have jointly set up conservation breeding centers where GIB eggs are harvested from the wild.
    • They have been incubated artificially and hatchlings raised in a controlled environment.

    Try this PYQ

    Q.Consider the following pairs:

    Protected Area: Well-known for

    1. Bhiterkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
    2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
    3. Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolock Gibbon

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (CSP 2014)

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Post your answers here.

     

     

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  • Labour policies need to change for better quality livelihoods

    Context

    • One of the biggest economic fallout of the pandemic has been the deteriorating labour market conditions.
    • Given the ebb and flow of the pandemic, the growth recovery is likely to be fragmented and will weigh on the number and types of jobs available.

    What is quality and sustainable livelihood?

    • “A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets and activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base.’’

    Sustainable livelihoods objectives

    • improved access to high-quality education, information, technologies and training and better nutrition and health;
    • a more supportive and cohesive social environment;
    • more secure access to, and better management of, natural resources;

    Definition of labour welfare

    • Labour welfare relates to taking care of the well-being of workers by employers, trade unions, governmental and non-governmental institutions and agencies.
    • Welfare includes anything that is done for the comfort and improvement of employees and is provided over and above the wages.

    Why labour law is needed

    • Labour law aims to correct the imbalance of power between the worker and the employer; to prevent the employer from dismissing the worker without good cause; to set up and preserve the processes by which workers are recognized as ‘equal’ partners in negotiations about their working conditions etc.

    Constitutional mandate

    • Article 41 – The state shall within the limits of its economic capacity and development make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of underserved want.
    • Article 42 – The state shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.

    Challenges in labour welfare in India

    • Technical glitches: Under the Constitution of India, Labour is a subject in the concurrent list where both the Central and State Governments are competent to enact legislations. As a result, a large number of labour laws have been enacted catering to different aspects of labour e.g. occupational health, safety, employment etc.
    • Loopholes: Because of the predominantly heavy handed labour regulations (also called as Inspector Raj) with exploitable gaps, the MNCs and domestic organizations have resorted to alternate ways i.e. employing contract labour at less than half the payroll of a permanent employee.
    • Gaps in labour laws: One of the main reasons for labour reforms is the concept of contract labour. Trade Unions suggest that this concept itself should be removed. There is stringent hiring and firing process defined in Industry Disputes Act. It makes it mandatory for the organization to seek Government permission before removing an employee.

    Global best practices  

    • Universal basic income pilot project: For two years Finland’s government gave 2,000 unemployed citizens €560 a month with no strings attached. It was the first nationwide basic income experiment. The concept is slowly becoming difficult for people to ignore.

    How will dynamic policies and labour codes respond?

    • Labour productivity: It is likely to improve with both employees and employers developing a sense of being partners in wealth creation.
    • Labour reform: A transparent environment in terms of workers’ compensation, clear definition of employee rights and employer duties.
    • Compliance un-burdening: Simplified labour codes making compliance easier are likely to attract investments.
    • Formalization of the economy: With more workers in the organized sector, leakage in terms of direct as well as indirect taxes may be plugged.

    Conclusion

    • The guiding principle for India’s labour policy reformers should not merely be ring fencing jobs but safeguarding workers through social assistance, re-employment support (such as that which is provided in several Western nations) and skill building, and supporting employers in employee training and development.

    Mains question

    Q. Why there is need to make labour policies more dynamic? Do you think universal basic income approach will be the best way forward for achieving quality livelihood?

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  • Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

    The Supreme Court has ordered status quo on the implementation of a Delhi High Court order to hand over the affairs of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to a Committee of Administrators (CoA).

    Why in news?

    • The FIFA had recently gone ahead and suspended the AIFF, citing “third party interference”, leaving an air of uncertainty on the prospect of India hosting the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in October.
    • The governance of the AIFF had similarly been transferred to a CoA by the Supreme Court.

    Delhi HC case

    • The high court had passed the order on a petition seeking a direction for redrafting of the IOA constitution in accordance with the National Sports Code, 2021.

    Controversy with IOC

    • According to IOC rules, if any national body is governed by a non-elected body, it is seen as interference by a third party.
    • The moment the CoA takes charge, there is 99 per cent chance that India and our sportspersons will get suspended from all international events and Olympic Games.

    Olympics and India

    • India first participated in the Olympics in 1900 in Paris.
    • The country was represented by Norman Pritchard, an Anglo Indian who was holidaying in Paris during that time.
    • The seeds for creation of an organisation for coordinating the Olympic movement in India was related to India’s participation in the 1920 and 1924 Olympics.
    • Back then, Sir Dorabji Tata suggested the need for a Sports body at National level for promoting Olympic Sport in united India.
    • After the 1920 Games, the Committee sending the team to these Games met, and, on the advice of Sir Dorabji Tata, invited Dr. A.G. Noehren (Physical Education Director of YMCA India) to also join them.

    Establishment of Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

    • Subsequently, in 1923-24, a provisional All India Olympic Committee was set-up, which organised the All India Olympic Games in February 1924.
    • Eight athletes from these Games were selected to represent India at the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics, accompanied by manager Harry Crowe Buck.
    • This gave impetus to the development and institutionalization of sports in India, and, in 1927, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was formed, with Sir Dorabji Tata as its founding President and Dr. A.G. Noehren as Secretary.
    • The same year as it was formed, 1927, the Indian Olympic Association was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

    Also read

    Better time for Sports in India: PM

     

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  • Long road ahead: Towards women empowerment

    Context

    • Gender parity is not recovering, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022. It will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap.
    • As crises are compounding, women’s workforce outcomes are suffering and the risk of global gender parity backsliding further intensifies.

    Why in news?

    • India has one of the world’s lowest female labour force participation rates (LFPR).
    • This means the productive potential of half of the population goes unutilized.

    What is women’s empowerment all about?

    • Women’s empowerment can be defined to promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others.

    Why it is needed?

    • Human resource: Empowerment of women is a necessity for the very development of a society, since it enhances both the quality and the quantity of human resources available for development.
    • Sustainable development: Women’s empowerment and achieving gender equality is essential for our society to ensure the sustainable development of the country.

    Constraints in women empowerment

    • Illiteracy: Illiteracy has been found as major constraints for the attainment of women Empowerment in the nation. It is the rate of literacy which governs the reservation, takeover and competition among women for their right in country. Female child are less privileged for attaining schools.
    • Discriminatory nature of male towards female: In India, since the olden days, the men have been in control of politics, social, economical as well as cultural and traditional spheres of life.
    • Religious and cultural beliefs: This is another important constraint of women’s empowerment in India which tightens up the female population. It is because of unknowing believes and following superstitions.
    • Less participation of women in political field: In particular, women them self involves less in the political filed. Their participation is very insignificant in political issues and right as compared to male population.

    What happens if we don’t act?

    • Economical losses: Evidence shows that economic disempowerment of women can result in losses of 10% of GDP in industrialized economies and over 30% in South Asia and in the Middle East and North Africa.
    • Work opportunities: India’s GDP could grow by nearly ₹3 trillion if women were brought into the labour market and given access to formal, ‘decent’ work opportunities.

    Case study

    Mahila Sanatkar a craftswomen cooperative located in Hyderabad.

    Economic and social  effects: It  is  noticeable  some  social  results  such  as  skill building, self-confidence  enhancement,  the  mobility acquired  by the  women.

    What is needed to improve women’s welfare?

    • Community sensitization: Persistent effort must be directed toward community sensitization to root out patriarchal social norms.
    • Directional efforts: In addition to enforcing existing regulations like minimum wages, there must be supportive ancillary policies including childcare; secure transport; lighting; safety at work; and quotas in hiring, corporate boards, and politics to foster more  women  in  leadership.
    • Universal social mobilization: Identification and inclusion of the poor remains a challenge. There is need to develop community resource persons for participatory identification of poor.
    • Training, Capacity Building & Skill Upgradation: There is lack of appropriate training plans, quality training and availability of expert training institutions.
    • Universal Financial Inclusion: Lack of uniform financial management systems at all tiers of SHGs has impacted the growth in bank accounts, improvement in financial literacy, and absorption capacity of community members.
    • Multiple & Diversified Livelihoods: There is lack of progressive leadership for inclusiveness of small-sized enterprises at the federal level. Market/ forward linkages, is largely missing.

    Conclusion

    • If we improve women’s labour force participation, not only do we harness the massive productive potential of half of the population, but their earnings will yield enormous dividends for the future of the country and economy.

    Mains question

    Q. What do you consider as true women empowerment? Assess the constraints for the same and give directional efforts needed to overcome it.  

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  • Lessons for India from the Taiwan standoff

    Context

    The brief visit by the United States House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan, against stern warnings issued by China, has the potential to increase the already deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and China. For those of us in India watching the events as they unfold around Taiwan, there are valuable lessons to be learnt.

    Background

    • The crisis that began with the visit of Ms. Pelosi to Taipei is still unfolding and there is little clarity today on how it will wind down.
    •  For China, its claims about a rising superpower might ring hollow if it is unable to unify its claimed territories, in particular Taiwan.
    • For the U.S., it is about re-establishing steadily-diminishing American credibility in the eyes of its friends and foes.
    • For Taiwan, it is about standing up to Chinese bullying and making its red lines clear to Beijing.
    • Lessons for India: To be fair, there is growing recognition in New Delhi that it is important to meet the challenge posed by a belligerent China, but there appears to be a lack of clarity on how to meet this challenge.
    • To that extent, the Taiwan crisis offers New Delhi three lessons, at the very least.

    Takeaways for India

    1] Articulate red lines

    • The most important lesson from the Taiwan standoff for policymakers in New Delhi is the importance of articulating red lines and sovereign positions in an unambiguous manner.
    •  New Delhi needs to unambiguously highlight the threat from China and the sources of such a threat.
    • Any absence of such clarity will be cleverly utilised by Beijing to push Indian limits, as we have already seen.
    • Stop confusing international community: Even worse, ambiguous messaging by India also confuses its friends in the international community.
    • If India does not clearly articulate that China is in illegal occupation of its territory, how can it expect its friends in the international community to support India diplomatically or otherwise?
    • In other words, India’s current policy amounts to poor messaging, and confusing to its own people as well as the larger international community, and is therefore counterproductive.

    2] Avoid appeasement

    • Taiwan could have avoided the ongoing confrontation and the economic blockade during Chinese retaliatory military exercises around its territory by avoiding Ms. Pelosi’s visit to Taipei, or perhaps even keeping it low key.
    • Appeasement of China, Taiwan knows, is not the answer to Beijing’s aggression.
    •  India’s policy of meeting/hosting Chinese leaders while the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continue(d) to violate established territorial norms on the LAC is a deeply flawed one.
    • Unilaterally catering to Chinese sensitivities even during the standoffs between the two militaries is a mistake.
    • For instance, the parliamentary delegation visits and legislature-level dialogues between India and Taiwan have not taken place since 2017.
    • Soft-peddling of the Quad was a mistake: During the 2000s, India (as well as Australia) decided to soft-peddle the Quad in the face of strong Chinese objections.
    • It is only in the last two years or so that we have witnessed renewed enthusiasm around the Quad.
    • In retrospect, appeasing Beijing by almost abandoning the Quad was bad strategy.

    3] Economic relationship is a two way process

    • Given that the economic relationship is a two-way process and that, as a matter of fact, the trade deficit is in China’s favour, China too has a lot to lose from a damaged trade relationship with India.
    • More so, if the Taiwan example (as well as the India-China standoff in 2020) is anything to go by, trade can continue to take place despite tensions and without India making any compromises vis-à-vis its sovereign claims.
    • India for sure should do business with China, but not on China’s own terms.

    Conclusion

    The recent crisis offers valuable lessons for India in its dealing with China.

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