After months of struggling to manage the ethnic crisis, the Union government finally took action by removing the N. Biren Singh-led government in Manipur and imposing President’s Rule, hoping this change would bring peace and stability.
Who are the key stakeholders involved in the ethnic conflict, and what are their demands?
Meitei Community: Seeks protection of territorial integrity and opposes any division of Manipur. Example: Meitei groups have opposed the creation of a separate Kuki-Zo administrative region, fearing it would fragment the State.
Kuki-Zo Community: Calls for Union Territory status or a separate administrative arrangement to safeguard their identity and security. Example: Civil society organizations representing the Kuki-Zo people have warned against free movement unless their request for separate governance is met.
Naga Community: Resists any move to carve out a separate region, as it could affect their ancestral lands and autonomy. Example: Naga groups have opposed the Kuki-Zo call for Union Territory status, fearing loss of their territorial claims.
Union Government: Aims to restore law and order, maintain territorial integrity, and recover stolen arms. Example: After imposing President’s Rule, the government set a deadline for militant groups to surrender looted weapons and worked to reopen blockaded highways.
What steps has the Union government taken to restore normalcy in Manipur after imposing President’s Rule?
Weapon Recovery Drive: Initiated efforts to retrieve stolen weapons from non-State actors to curb violence. Example: Set a deadline for groups to return weapons looted from police armories, recovering nearly one-third of the 3,000 missing firearms.
Clearing Highway Blockades: Worked to remove blockades on key highways to restore the free movement of goods and people. Example: Central armed police forces attempted to clear blockades in Kangpokpi district, though clashes resulted in one death and over 40 injuries.
Strengthening Security Measures: Deployed additional central forces to control violence and secure vulnerable areas. Example: Increased the presence of paramilitary forces in both the hill and valley regions to prevent further ethnic clashes.
Engaging in Dialogue: Encouraged talks with community representatives while rejecting violent and separatist threats. Example: Continued discussions with leaders from the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to find a peaceful resolution.
Central Leadership Involvement: Called for the active engagement of senior government officials to address grievances and appeal for peace. Example: The Union Home Ministry and senior officials emphasized the need for dialogue and public appeals to restore calm and facilitate the return of displaced persons.
Why is the demand for Union Territory status or a separate arrangement for Kuki-Zo areas considered a dangerous move?
Deepening Ethnic Divisions: Such a move could escalate tensions between communities, worsening the already fragile social fabric. Example: It may intensify hostility between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, making reconciliation and long-term peace more difficult.
Resistance from Other Communities: The proposal could face strong opposition from other ethnic groups, such as the Nagas, who also reside in the hill areas and have their own territorial interests. Example: Naga groups may view the creation of a separate Kuki-Zo region as a threat to their claims and autonomy, leading to new conflicts.
Undermining Territorial Integrity: Fragmenting the state could weaken Manipur’s territorial integrity and set a precedent for further separatist demands. Example: Accepting such a demand could encourage other communities to seek similar autonomous arrangements, complicating governance and stability.
Way forward:
Inclusive Dialogue and Mediation: Facilitate continuous engagement with all ethnic groups to address grievances and promote mutual understanding through impartial mediation.
Strengthening Law and Order: Intensify efforts to recover illegal weapons, enforce rule of law, and ensure equitable development to rebuild trust and maintain peace.
Mains PYQ:
Q Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The MoHFW has released the India TB Report 2024. You should know the basics of TB. From the Mains perspective, 3 key points in this article are the issue of drug resistance (we have had PYQs in 2014), the challenges in eliminating TB (PYQs on Covid challenges in 2020), and our target to eradicate it by 2025 (this makes it an important theme for UPSC).
The treatment course for TB mentioned in Back2Basics will help you prepare for any difficult questions that may come out of the woods!
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UPSC Microthemes & Mains PYQ:
Q1.) GS3 Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)
Q2.) GS3: COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management to the pandemic. (2020)
Microthemes: Medical and Health Technologies; Achievements of Indians in S&T
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Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health issue for India, which accounts for 26% of the world’s TB cases. The 2024 India TB Report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlights significant achievements, challenges, and areas of concern as the country strives toward its ambitious target of TB elimination by 2025. Here’s a concise look at the findings, challenges, and government initiatives to tackle TB.
Key Highlights: India TB Report 2024
Year
Total TB Cases (lakh)
Mortality Rate (per lakh)
Private Sector TB Cases (lakh)
2015
19.1
28
1.9
2023
25.5
23
8.4
Decline in Mortality Rate: TB mortality dropped from 28 per lakh in 2015 to 23 in 2022.
Increase in Private Sector Involvement: Private sector notifications rose from 1.9 lakh in 2015 to 8.4 lakh in 2023, showing improved engagement in TB detection.
Case and Mortality Trends: While estimated TB incidence slightly increased to 27.8 lakh in 2023, TB mortality held steady at 3.2 lakh.
Challenges to Eliminate TB by 2025
Challenge
Explanation
High burden of TB cases
India accounts for 28% of all global TB cases (Global TB Report 2022). This makes it difficult to identify and treat cases on time.
Drug-resistant TB
Drug-resistant TB is widespread in India, making treatment more expensive and complicated. This is due to improper antibiotic use and poor adherence to treatment.
Limited access to healthcare
Many people, especially in rural areas, lack access to quality healthcare, leading to delayed diagnosis, treatment, and increased TB spread.
Stigma and discrimination
The stigma surrounding TB prevents people from seeking treatment or disclosing their illness due to fear of discrimination or isolation.
Poor living conditions
Overcrowded homes, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water increase the risk of TB transmission.
Limited awareness
Many people don’t know the symptoms of TB or the importance of completing treatment, leading to delays and further spread.
Insufficient funding
Despite the severity of TB in India, it receives inadequate funding and attention from policymakers and healthcare providers.
Government Initiatives Against TB
Initiative
Description
Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
Community-based program offering nutritional support through Ni-kshay Mitras
National Strategic Plan (NSP)
Aims to eliminate TB by 2025, targeting no more than 44 new TB cases per lakh
Digital Tracking (Nikshay Portal)
Digital platform for monitoring patient progress and ensuring treatment adherence
Free Treatment and Drug Access
Free supply of essential drugs like Bedaquiline and Delamanid
Expanded Testing Access
Increased use of molecular diagnostics (CB-NAAT, TureNat) across districts
Innovative Approaches Adopted by States:
Chhattisgarh: By involving Village Health Committees in TPT efforts, Chhattisgarh improved grassroots-level awareness, screening, and treatment adherence for TB prevention, leveraging local networks effectively.
Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu adopted local procurement of the 3HP TPT regimen, ensuring a shorter, accessible TB prevention therapy, which enhanced patient compliance and streamlined medication availability.
Maharashtra and Rajasthan: These states introduced TPT in high-risk groups like prison inmates, integrating preventive therapy into Active Case-Finding (ACF) efforts, reducing TB prevalence in vulnerable populations.
WHO Recommendations for TB Control
Molecular Diagnostics: Faster, more accurate diagnostics similar to COVID-19 testing.
MDR-TB Management: Better prescription practices, drug quality, and treatment completion.
Patient-Centered Care: Improved support for managing treatment side effects, enhancing treatment completion.
Moving Forward: Key Recommendations
Strengthen Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Engage healthcare, social services, and education to address TB’s root causes.
Enhance Rural Access: Boost local healthcare infrastructure, deploy mobile health units, and train community health workers.
Stigma Reduction and Awareness: Implement public campaigns to reduce stigma and educate on TB prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
India’s path to TB elimination by 2025 requires a holistic, coordinated approach, addressing healthcare gaps and social determinants to ensure accessible and effective TB care. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, enhancing diagnostics, and addressing the social factors influencing TB, India can accelerate its progress toward a TB-free nation.
#BACK2BASICS
Understanding Tuberculosis
Parameter
Details
Cause
Bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Transmission
Airborne, particularly in dense, poorly ventilated areas
Common Symptoms
Cough, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever, night sweats
Global Impact
TB infects 10 million and causes 1.5 million deaths annually, affecting HIV patients
Treatment
Standard 6-month, four-drug course with supervised support
Drug-Resistant TB:
MDR-TB: Resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, requiring second-line drugs like bedaquiline.
XDR-TB: Highly resistant, responding poorly to standard and even second-line treatments.
TREATMENT FOR TB
Standard 6-Month Treatment Course
Phase
Details
Intensive Phase (2 months)
For new TB cases, the intensive phase includes four drugs: Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol.
Continuous Phase (4 months)
After completing the intensive phase, the continuous phase follows for 4 months.
For Previously Treated Cases
The intensive phase lasts 12 weeks, with an injection of streptomycin given for 8 weeks along with four drugs.
Regimen Duration
A strictly followed 6-month drug regimen cures most people with TB.
BPaLM Regimen
Feature
Details
Drugs Used
Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin.
Advantages
– Faster, safer, and more effective compared to traditional treatments.
– Cures MDR-TB in 6 months (compared to 20 months with traditional treatment).
– Higher success rate for drug-resistant TB treatment.
– Fewer and milder side effects.
– Shorter treatment duration and reduced side effects lead to lower overall costs.
Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB)
Feature
Details
Diagnosis
CBNAAT (Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) is used for early diagnosis.
Resistance
MDR-TB is resistant to at least Isoniazid and Rifampicin, the two most powerful anti-TB drugs.
Treatment Challenges
Treatment options for MDR-TB are limited and expensive.
Causes of MDR-TB
Cause
Details
Mismanagement of Treatment
Inappropriate or incorrect drug use, ineffective drug formulations, or premature treatment interruption.
Transmission
Person-to-person transmission of the disease.
Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB)
Feature
Details
Resistance Profile
XDR-TB is a form of MDR-TB with additional resistance to fluoroquinolones and at least one second-line injectable drug (amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin).
Treatment for Drug-Resistant TB
Treatment Type
Details
MDR-TB Treatment Success
Treatment success for MDR-TB is about 54%.
XDR-TB Treatment Success
Treatment success for XDR-TB is about 30%.
Treatment Duration
XDR-TB requires a combination of eight drugs for over a year.
Success Factors
Treatment success depends on the extent of resistance, disease severity, immune system strength, and adherence to treatment.
Side Effects
Drugs used for treating MDR-TB and XDR-TB can cause serious adverse effects, including deafness.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Financial Stability Report (FSR), 2024 has highlighted an increasing household debt burden and a concerning rise in consumption-based borrowing.
About Financial Stability Report (FSR):
The FSR is published biannually (June & December) by the RBI.
It reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC – headed by the Governor of RBI) on risks to financial stability and the resilience of the financial system.
The Report also discusses issues relating to the development and regulation of the financial sector.
Key Highlights of the Financial Stability Report (FSR) 2024:
Union Education Minister comment accusing the Tamil Nadu government of being “dishonest” in implementing the PM SHRI scheme caused disruption in the Lok Sabha.
What is the PM-SHRI Scheme?
About
Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2022 to upgrade 14,500 schools as model institutions for NEP 2020 implementation.
Objective: To create inclusive, nurturing schools with modern infrastructure, holistic education, and competency-based learning.
Implementation
From 2022-23 to 2026-27. After this, states/UTs will maintain the benchmarks achieved.
Funding Pattern:
60:40 (Centre: State/UTs with legislature, except J&K).
90:10 for Northeastern & Himalayan States, J&K.
100% Central funding for UTs without legislature. States must sign an MoU with the Centre to participate.
Stage-2: Identifying eligible schools using UDISE+ data.
Stage-3: Schools compete to meet selection criteria, verified by States/UTs/KVS/JNV.
Final selection by Expert Committee headed by the Education Secretary.
PYQ:
[2017] What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only
According to the RBI, bad loans in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme segment increased by 42% over the last four years, reaching ₹97,543 crore by December 2024, up from ₹68,547 crore in March 2021.
About theKisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
The KCC Scheme is a government-backed credit initiative designed to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers for agricultural and allied activities.
Launched in 1998 on the recommendation of NABARD (R.V. Gupta Committee), the scheme aims to ensure easy access to institutional credit, reducing farmers’ dependency on moneylenders and informal credit sources.
Purpose of KCC:
Provides short-term credit for crop cultivation and post-harvest needs.
Supports working capital requirements for farm mechanization, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and other allied agricultural activities.
Helps meet household consumption needs of farmers.
Allows credit access for investment in agriculture-related businesses.
Credit and Repayment System:
Farmers can avail collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh.
Interest rates start as low as 4% per annum (with government interest subvention for timely repayment).
The loan limit was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in Budget 2025-26.
Revolving credit system allows farmers to withdraw and repay as needed within the sanctioned limit.
Repayment schedules are linked to the crop harvesting cycle, ensuring no undue financial burden.
A recent study published by Johns Hopkins University (USA) and Northumbria University (UK) reveals howCollisionless Shock Waves act ascosmic accelerators, helping subatomic particles gain ultra-high energy and travel vast distances in space.
What are Collisionless Shock Waves?
Collisionless shock waves are disturbances in plasma (ionized gas) where energy transfer occurs without direct particle collisions, relying instead on electromagnetic forces.
They are found in supernova remnants, black hole disks, pulsars, magnetars, and planetary magnetospheres.
They act as natural cosmic accelerators, boosting electrons and other charged particles to ultra-high speeds.
Key Findings from the Study
NASA’s MMS, THEMIS, and ARTEMIS missions observed an electron acceleration event near Earth’s bow shock on December 17, 2017.
Electrons in Earth’s foreshock region gained 500 keV of energy, reaching 86% of the speed of light, a huge increase from their usual 1 keV.
Diffusive shock acceleration (known for producing high-energy cosmic rays) requires electrons to already be moving at 50% of light speed before further acceleration can occur.
The study identifies how electrons receive this initial boost, a long-standing astrophysical mystery.
Scientists have long assumed that supernova explosions are the primary source of cosmic rays.
The recent study suggests that planetary magnetospheres interacting with stellar winds could also contribute to high-energy cosmic rays.
How Shock Waves accelerate Particles without Collisions?
Unlike in solids, liquids, or gases, where energy is transferred via molecular collisions, plasma particles interact through electromagnetic fields.
This allows shock waves to accelerate electrons without direct contact.
Multi-Stage Acceleration Process:
Plasma waves interact with electrons, imparting initial energy.
Magnetic turbulence in the shock front causes electrons to spiral, further increasing their speed.
Repeated interactions with plasma waves push electrons to relativistic speeds.
Role of Earth’s Bow Shock & Foreshock:
When the solar wind collides with Earth’s magnetosphere, it forms a shock wave.
The foreshock region ahead of this wave is highly turbulent, enabling efficient electron acceleration.
PYQ:
[2009] In the year 2008, which one of the following conducted a complex scientific experiment in which sub-atomic particles were accelerated to nearly the speed of light?
(a) European Space Agency
(b) European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
(c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Q) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc (2020) and WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’ (2018).
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s U.S. visit on February 13, 2025, India and the U.S. agreed to begin talks on a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025. As both countries are WTO members, the agreement must follow WTO rules. While details remain unclear, the agreement’s content matters more than its label.
Today’s editorial discusses how the ongoing Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations may affect both countries. This information is useful for GS Paper 3 in the UPSC Mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Since both the U.S. and India are members of the World Trade Organization, their trade agreements must follow WTO rules.
What are the key legal challenges India and the U.S. may face while negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) under WTO law?
Violation of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Principle: WTO law mandates that any trade advantage granted to one member must be extended to all members (Article I of GATT). A BTA providing preferential tariffs only to India or the U.S. may violate this principle.
Example: If the U.S. lowers tariffs on Indian textiles under the BTA without extending the same benefit to other WTO members like China, it breaches the MFN principle.
Meeting the “Substantially All Trade” Requirement: Article XXIV.8(b) of GATT requires that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) must cover “substantially all trade.” A limited-scope BTA focusing only on select sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals or agriculture) may not satisfy this condition.
Example: If the India-U.S. BTA only includes technology and defense products while excluding key areas like agriculture, it may not qualify as a valid FTA under WTO law.
Notification and Transparency Obligations: WTO members must notify the organization of any new regional trade agreements (RTAs) or BTAs and demonstrate compliance with Article XXIV of GATT. Failure to provide transparent schedules may lead to legal disputes.
Example: If India and the U.S. do not submit a clear implementation timeline for tariff reductions under an interim BTA, other WTO members could challenge the agreement.
Bound Tariff Commitments: Both countries have pre-committed to maximum tariff limits (bound tariffs) under WTO rules. Any preferential treatment exceeding these limits may violate their commitments.
Example: If India agrees to reduce tariffs on American agricultural imports below its bound tariff rates, it could be accused of breaching its WTO commitments.
Misuse of the “Interim Agreement” Clause: Article XXIV.5 allows “interim agreements” only if they lead to a full FTA within a reasonable period (usually 10 years). Using an interim BTA to delay full liberalization may face legal scrutiny.
Example: If the India-U.S. BTA remains a partial agreement for an extended period without progressing toward an FTA, it could be deemed a violation of WTO norms.
Why is the “most favoured nation” (MFN) principle significant in evaluating the legality of the proposed India-U.S. BTA?
Prevents Discrimination Between Trading Partners: The MFN principle under Article I of GATT ensures that any trade advantage (e.g., lower tariffs) given to one WTO member must be extended to all members. A BTA offering exclusive benefits violates this core principle.
Example: If the U.S. reduces tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals but does not extend the same reduction to other countries like Vietnam, it breaches the MFN rule.
Limits Preferential Bilateral Deals: WTO law only allows exceptions to the MFN rule through comprehensive trade agreements covering “substantially all trade” under Article XXIV of GATT. A narrowly focused BTA risks legal challenges.
Example: If India and the U.S. sign a BTA that only includes high-tech products while excluding major sectors like agriculture, it may not qualify for an MFN exemption.
Ensures Transparency and Fair Competition: The MFN principle promotes a transparent, rule-based trading system where no country receives hidden advantages, ensuring fair market access for all WTO members.
Example: If India provides exclusive tariff cuts on American dairy products without offering similar terms to New Zealand, it would violate WTO transparency obligations.
Prevents Trade Fragmentation: Upholding the MFN principle avoids trade fragmentation by ensuring consistent rules for all members. Bilateral deals that bypass MFN could undermine the multilateral trade system.
Example: If the U.S. grants Indian textiles preferential access through a BTA but not to countries like Bangladesh, it could distort global supply chains.
Requires WTO Notification and Review: Any departure from the MFN principle through a BTA must be notified to the WTO and subjected to legal scrutiny under Article XXIV to confirm its compliance.
Example: If the India-U.S. BTA is not notified to the WTO or lacks a clear transition plan toward an FTA, it may be legally contested by other members like China or the EU.
How can the proposed BTA be structured as an “interim agreement” under Article XXIV of the GATT without violating WTO norms?
Commitment to Full Free Trade Area (FTA) or Customs Union: The BTA must outline a clear plan to eventually form a Free Trade Area (FTA) or Customs Union within a reasonable time frame (generally within 10 years).
Example: The India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) started as an interim agreement with the goal of expanding into a broader trade framework.
Transparency and Notification to WTO: The parties must notify the WTO of the interim agreement and submit detailed information on trade coverage, timelines, and implementation steps for review by the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA).
Example: The European Union (EU)-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was notified to the WTO during the Brexit transition, ensuring compliance with Article XXIV.
Non-Discriminatory Transition: The interim agreement must not create unjustifiable discrimination against other WTO members, and the removal of trade barriers should cover substantially all trade between the parties.
Example: The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) complies with this by covering a broad range of goods and services, ensuring that trade barriers are progressively reduced.
Way forward:
Ensure Comprehensive Coverage and Timely Transition: Design the BTA to cover substantially all trade sectors with a clear roadmap toward a full Free Trade Area (FTA) within the 10-year WTO guideline to comply with Article XXIV.
Enhance Transparency and Legal Compliance: Notify the WTO promptly, providing detailed schedules on tariff reductions and implementation timelines, ensuring non-discrimination and regular compliance reviews by the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA).
Various groups have raised concerns about the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025, which outline qualifications for appointing and promoting university teachers and aim to maintain standards in higher education.
What are the primary reservations expressed regarding the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025?
Reduced Role of State Executives in V-C Appointments: The draft regulations limit the State government’s involvement in the search-cum-selection process, despite State universities being funded and established by State legislatures. Example: In the Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi vs State of Gujarat (2019) case, the Supreme Court ruled that State executive members cannot be part of the V-C selection committee, reducing their influence.
Broadening of Eligibility Criteria for Vice-Chancellors: Expanding the eligibility to include individuals from public policy, government, and private sectors may dilute academic rigor and expertise. Example: Between 2010 and 2018, the UGC regulations required 10 years of professorship or equivalent academic experience, ensuring a focus on research-based qualifications.
Why has the Supreme Court of India ruled against the involvement of the State executive in the selection process of Vice-Chancellors?
Ensuring Compliance with UGC Regulations: The Court upheld the UGC’s 2018 regulations, which specify that only a UGC representative, not a State executive member, should be included in the search-cum-selection committee. Example: In Professor (Dr.) Sreejith P.S vs Dr. Rajasree M.S. (2022), the Court invalidated the V-C’s appointment because the selection process did not follow UGC norms.
Preventing Arbitrary Appointments: The Court held that allowing State executives to influence the selection process could lead to biased or politically motivated appointments, compromising merit-based selection. Example: In Dr. Premachandran Keezhoth vs The Chancellor, Kannur University (2023), the Court declared the V-C appointment void due to the involvement of the State executive, reinforcing the need for an independent selection process.
Preserving Autonomy and Neutrality: The Court emphasized that the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment process should be free from political or administrative influence to maintain the academic institution’s autonomy and impartiality. Example: In Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi vs State of Gujarat (2019), the Court ruled that State executive members cannot be part of the selection committee to prevent undue influence.
Who are the key stakeholders affected by the proposed changes in the search-cum-selection process?
State Governments and State Universities: The reduced role of State executives limits their ability to shape the leadership of State-funded universities, affecting regional educational priorities and innovation. Example: State governments argue that universities play a critical role in addressing local development needs, which may be overlooked if the selection process is centralized.
University Governance Bodies: University executive bodies lose direct influence over the V-C selection, reducing their ability to align leadership with institutional goals and academic vision. Example:Central University statutes follow a similar model where the Chancellor, UGC, and university bodies are key decision-makers, excluding executive government officials.
Academic and Non-Academic Professionals: The broadened eligibility criteria open leadership positions to individuals from non-academic backgrounds, changing the traditional focus on academic excellence. Example: The draft regulations allow candidates with experience in public policy or industry, which some argue may dilute the focus on academic scholarship.
Which options should be suggested to balance the State executive’s concerns? (Way forward)
State Nominee with Specific Criteria: Permit the State executive to nominate one member to the search-cum-selection committee, provided the nominee is a distinguished academic with no active government role. Example: Similar to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) guidelines, the nominee could be a retired academic leader who is free from political affiliations.
Increased Consultation Mechanism: Introduce a pre-selection consultation phase where the State executive provides inputs on regional needs without directly influencing the final selection. Example: The university executive could hold formal discussions with the State to ensure the selected V-C aligns with local educational and developmental goals.
Mains PYQ:
Q The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015)
According to PLFS reports, employment in India is increasing, but the real wages of salaried workers have remained unchanged since 2019.
What are the key reasons behind the stagnation of real wages for salaried workers in India since 2019?
Inflation Outpacing Wage Growth: Rising consumer prices (CPI) have eroded the purchasing power of salaries despite nominal wage increases. For example, Real wages for salaried workers in India were 1.7% lower in the June 2024 quarter compared to the June 2019 quarter (PLFS data).
Excess Labour Supply and Declining Returns to Education: An oversupply of qualified workers has reduced the premium for higher education, limiting salary growth. For example, the share of self-employed workers increased from 53.5% in 2019-20 to 58.4% in 2023-24, indicating a shift from salaried roles due to a lack of opportunities.
Depressed Private Sector Investment: Reduced corporate investment leads to slower job creation and wage stagnation. For example, India’s private sector investment-to-GDP ratio declined from 28% in 2011-12 to 21.1% in 2022-23 (Reserve Bank of India).
Policy Shocks (Demonetisation and GST Impact): Economic disruptions from demonetisation (2016) and GST (2017) weakened small and medium enterprises (SMEs), affecting formal employment. For example, Formal employment fell, and salaried employment as a share of total workers dropped from 22.9% in 2019-20 to 21.7% in 2023-24 (PLFS data).
Shift Toward Informal and Contractual Work: Companies increasingly rely on temporary and gig workers, offering lower pay and fewer benefits. For example, Casual labour wages increased by 12.3% (real terms) between 2019 and 2024, while salaried wages stagnated, reflecting a rise in informal work.
Why is the increase in wages for casual labour not considered a net positive for the economy?
Lower Productivity Contribution: Casual labour typically involves low-skilled, irregular work with limited productivity gains. While wages may rise, the overall economic output does not grow proportionately.
For example, the agriculture sector, which employs a large share of casual labour, contributed only 16% to India’s GDP in 2023-24 despite employing over 45% of the workforce (Economic Survey 2023-24).
Informal Nature of Work: Casual jobs lack social security, health benefits, and job stability, leading to long-term economic insecurity despite wage increases.
In India, 93% of the workforce remains in the informal sector with minimal social protection, contributing to economic vulnerability (ILO report, 2023).
Wage-Price Spiral Risk: Rising wages in low-skilled sectors can increase the cost of goods and services, driving inflation without improving living standards.
For instance, wage increases for casual farm labour contribute to higher food prices, intensifying retail inflation (CPI rose by 7.44% in July 2024, RBI).
Limited Skill Development and Upward Mobility: Casual work offers fewer opportunities for training or career advancement, trapping workers in low-wage cycles despite nominal wage growth.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (2023-24) shows that only 2.4% of India’s workforce received formal vocational training, limiting skill-based upward mobility.
Depressed Consumption and Savings Rates: Casual labourers typically earn subsistence-level wages, leaving little room for savings or significant consumption, which hampers long-term economic growth.
Household savings as a share of GDP declined from 23.6% in 2011-12 to 18.1% in 2022-23, reflecting weak wage-driven consumption (RBI report).
When did real wages for self-employed workers begin to recover after the pandemic?
Real wages for self-employed workers in India began to recover after the pandemic in the quarters. Despite this recovery, as of the June 2024 quarter, real wages remained 1.5% lower than in the June 2019 quarter.
Rural vs. Urban Disparities:
Rural Areas: In rural regions, self-employed workers experienced a 3.02% increase in real wages during the same period.
Urban Areas: Conversely, urban self-employed workers saw a decline of 5.2% in real wages compared to pre-pandemic levels.
How have policy decisions like demonetization and the implementation of GST affected wage growth and employment patterns?
Disruption of Informal and Small-Scale Enterprises: Both demonetisation and GST disrupted cash-dependent small and medium enterprises (SMEs), leading to job losses and reduced wage growth in the informal sector. Example: The share of salaried workers declined from 22.9% in 2019-20 to 21.7% in 2023-24 (PLFS data), indicating a shift away from formal employment.
Shift Toward Informal and Gig Work: Policy shocks accelerated the transition from stable salaried jobs to informal, gig-based, and self-employed work, which generally offers lower pay and fewer benefits. Example: The share of self-employed workers increased from 53.5% in 2019-20 to 58.4% in 2023-24, reflecting a rise in informal employment (PLFS data).
Slower Wage Growth and Employment Stagnation: Compliance burdens from GST and cash shortages from demonetisation constrained business operations, leading to slower wage increases across sectors. Example: Real wages for salaried workers were 1.7% lower in June 2024 compared to June 2019 (PLFS data), indicating stagnant wage growth despite economic recovery.
Way forward:
Enhance Formal Employment and Skill Development: Promote labour-intensive sectors and incentivize formal job creation through targeted tax benefits and reduced compliance burdens.
Strengthen Social Security and Wage Policies: Implement comprehensive social protection schemes for informal workers to ensure income stability and healthcare benefits.
Mains PYQ:
Q Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2022)
