💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • Model Prisons Act 2023 to replace British-era Law

    prison

    Central Idea: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prepared the ‘Model Prisons Act 2023’ to replace the outdated Prisons Act of 1894.

    Model Prisons Act, 2023

    • The focus of the new act is to reform and rehabilitate inmates and overhaul prison administration.
    • The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), a think tank on policing subjects, was tasked with reviewing the laws and preparing a new draft.

    Salient Features of the Act

    • The model act includes provisions for the punishment of prisoners and jail staff for using prohibited items such as mobile phones in jails.
    • It establishes and manages high-security jails, open jails (open and semi-open), and provisions for protecting society from hardened criminals and habitual offenders.
    • The act provides legal aid to prisoners and includes provisions for parole, furlough, and premature release as incentives for good conduct.

    Need for a New Prisons Act

    • Outdated laws: The existing laws, including the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950, are outdated and need to be updated.
    • Better prison administration: The MHA found several gaps in the existing act and emphasized the need for a correctional focus in prison administration.
    • Prisoners’ rehab: The existing Prisons Act of 1894 lacks a focus on reform and rehabilitation of prisoners.
    • Use of technology: The act also incorporates the use of technology in prison management and emphasizes the physical and mental well-being of prisoners.

    Review and Integration of Existing Laws

    • Along with the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900 and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950 have also been reviewed by the MHA.
    • Relevant provisions from these acts have been assimilated into the Model Prisons Act 2023.
    • State governments and union territory administrations are encouraged to adopt the model act in their jurisdictions, with necessary modifications and the repeal of the existing three acts.

    Focus Areas of the Model Act

    • Segregation of prisoners: The act emphasizes security assessment and segregation of prisoners, individual sentence planning, and grievance redressal.
    • Prison development board: It proposes the establishment of a prison development board and aims to promote an attitudinal change towards prisoners.
    • Gendered division: The act provides for separate accommodation for women prisoners, transgender individuals, and other specific groups.
    • Technological push: It highlights the use of technology in prison administration, such as video-conferencing with courts and scientific and technological interventions.

    Key Lessons

    • Changing Perspective on Prisons: The statement acknowledges that globally, prisons are now seen as reformative and correctional institutions.
    • Retributive deterrence: Prisons are no longer considered solely as places of retributive deterrence but as institutions where prisoners can be transformed and rehabilitated as law-abiding citizens.

    Considerations for prison reforms in India

    • Overcrowding and Understaffing: Addressing the issue of prison overcrowding by exploring alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders, such as diversion programs and community-based sentencing.
    • Legal Aid and Access to Justice: Ensuring that prisoners have access to legal aid and representation to protect their rights and facilitate fair trials. Promoting awareness among inmates about their legal rights and avenues for seeking redress.
    • Prison Healthcare: Enhancing healthcare services within prisons, including mental health support and substance abuse treatment programs.
    • Women and Children in Prisons: Creating gender-responsive policies and separate accommodations for women prisoners, ensuring their safety, privacy, and access to reproductive health services.
    • Community Reintegration: Collaborating with community-based organizations, NGOs, and vocational training institutes to support the reintegration of released prisoners into society.
    • Technology and Digital Solutions: Leveraging technology to improve prison management, record-keeping, and communication systems.

    Conclusion

    • The Model Prisons Act, 2023 emphasizes rehabilitation and recognizes the potential of prisoners to become law-abiding citizens.
    • The act provides a framework for creating a more just and rehabilitative criminal justice system.
    • It focuses on the well-being of inmates and aims to ensure their successful reintegration into society.

     

    Also read:

    PM calls for Prison Reforms and Repeal of Obsolete Laws

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!

  • Debate over Fortified Rice

    fortified rice

    Central Idea

    • The Union Food Ministry refuted the allegations made by the Opposition regarding the distribution of Fortified Rice through fair price shops.

    What is Fortified Rice?

    • Fortified rice refers to the process of enhancing regular rice with essential nutrients to address nutritional deficiencies in populations that heavily rely on rice as a staple food.
    • These added nutrients aim to improve the nutritional value of rice and combat specific deficiencies prevalent in certain regions or population groups.
    • The fortification process involves coating the rice grains with a nutrient-rich powder or premix.
    • The specific nutrients added to fortified rice can vary, but commonly include:
    1. Iron: Iron is often added to fortified rice to address iron deficiency anaemia, a widespread nutritional problem globally.
    2. Vitamins: Essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B-complex (including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid), and vitamin D may be included in fortified rice to address specific vitamin deficiencies prevalent in target populations.
    3. Minerals: Other minerals like zinc, calcium, and iodine may be incorporated into fortified rice, depending on the specific nutritional needs and deficiencies of the target population.

    Need for fortification

    • Data from the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 shows that 57 per cent of women in the reproductive age group (15-49) are deficient in iron.
    • Moreover, studies have shown that about a fifth of the children (0-5 years) who do not have access to a nutritious and diversified diet suffer from vitamin-A deficiency.
    • Vitamin D deficiency has been termed a silent epidemic.

    Advantages offered

    • Health: Fortified staple foods will contain natural or near-natural levels of micro-nutrients, which may not necessarily be the case with supplements.
    • Taste: It provides nutrition without any change in the characteristics of food or the course of our meals.
    • Nutrition: If consumed on a regular and frequent basis, fortified foods will maintain body stores of nutrients more efficiently and more effectively than will intermittently supplement.
    • Economy: The overall costs of fortification are extremely low; the price increase is approximately 1 to 2 percent of the total food value.
    • Society: It upholds everyone’s right to have access to safe and nutritious food, consistent with the right to adequate food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger.

    Issues with fortified food

    • Against nature: Fortification and enrichment upset nature’s packaging. Our body does not absorb individual nutrients added to processed foods as efficiently compared to nutrients naturally occurring.
    • Bioavailability: Supplements added to foods are less bioavailable. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient your body is able to absorb and use.
    • Immunity issues: They lack immune-boosting substances.
    • Over-nutrition: Fortified foods and supplements can pose specific risks for people who are taking prescription medications, including decreased absorption of other micro-nutrients, treatment failure, and increased mortality risk.

    Possible health hazard

    • Thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia and malaria are conditions where there is already excess iron in the body, whereas TB patients are unable to absorb iron.
    • Consumption of iron-fortified foods among patients of these diseases can reduce immunity and functionality of organs.

    Ministry’s justification of Fortified Rice

    • The Ministry cited various studies to support the assertion that consumption of fortified rice leads to a significant improvement in haemoglobin levels and a reduction in the prevalence of anaemia.
    • Rice fortification has been adopted by seven countries, including the U.S., since 1958, highlighting its effectiveness as a public health intervention.
    • Ongoing evaluation, conducted by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research, is being carried out to assess the impact and effectiveness of fortified rice.
    • Evaluation studies focusing on pilot districts are currently underway to gather comprehensive data and insights.

    Way Forward

    • Collaborative efforts between the Ministry, NITI Aayog, and other relevant institutions should be prioritized to conduct a thorough and independent evaluation of the fortified rice program.
    • Transparent communication of evaluation results and findings is crucial to foster trust and address any potential shortcomings or areas of improvement.
    • Incorporating feedback and recommendations from stakeholders will be valuable in enhancing the implementation and impact of the fortified rice distribution program.
    • Continuous monitoring and assessment of the program’s effectiveness should be a priority, enabling necessary adjustments and improvements to be made in a timely manner.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024

  • What is Narco Analysis Test?

    narco test

    Central Idea

    • Wrestlers at Jantar Mantar expressed their willingness to undergo narco analysis test.
    • One of them emphasized that the test should be monitored by the Supreme Court.

    What is a Narco Test?

    • In a ‘narco’ or narcoanalysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the accused.
    • This transports the accused to a hypnotic or sedated state, in which their imagination is neutralised.
    • In this hypnotic state, the accused is understood as being incapable of lying, and is expected to divulge information that is true.
    • Sodium pentothal or sodium thiopental is a fast-acting, short duration anaesthetic, which is used in larger doses to sedate patients during surgery.
    • It belongs to the barbiturate class of drugs that act on the central nervous system as depressants.

     Difference from Polygraph Tests

    • It is important to differentiate narco-analysis tests from polygraph tests, as they serve different purposes.
    • Polygraph tests rely on physiological responses to detect lies, measuring variables such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, and sweat gland activity while the suspect is being questioned.
    • In contrast, narco-analysis tests induce a hypnotic state through the administration of drugs, aiming to weaken the subject’s resolve to lie.

    Reasons to use such tests

    • In recent decades, investigating agencies have sought to employ these tests in investigation, which are sometimes seen as being a “softer alternative” to torture or “third degree” to extract the truth from suspects.
    • However, neither method has been proven scientifically to have a 100% success rate, and remain contentious in the medical field as well.

    Restrictions on these tests

    • No self-incrimination: The Bench took into consideration international norms on human rights, the right to a fair trial, and the right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) of the Constitution.
    • Consent of the accused: In ‘Selvi & Ors vs. State of Karnataka & Anr’ (2010), a Supreme Court Bench comprising then CJI ruled that no lie detector tests should be administered “except on the basis of consent of the accused”. The subject’s consent should be recorded before a judicial magistrate, the court said.
    • Legal assistance to such convicts: Those who volunteer must have access to a lawyer, and have the physical, emotional, and legal implications of the test explained to them by police and the lawyer.
    • Guidelines at place: It said that the ‘Guidelines for the Administration of Polygraph Test on an Accused’ published by the National Human Rights Commission in 2000, must be strictly followed.

    Previous Cases and Supreme Court Ruling

    • Narco analysis tests have been employed in significant cases like the 2002 Gujarat riots, the Abdul Karim Telgi fake stamp paper scam, the Nithari killings case in 2007, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case involving Ajmal Kasab.
    • However, it was in 2010 that the Supreme Court delivered a ruling addressing the legality and admissibility of narco tests.
    • According to the Supreme Court ruling in “Selvi & Ors vs State of Karnataka & Anr” (2010), lie detector tests should not be administered without the consent of the accused.
    • The ruling emphasized that those who volunteer for the test must have access to legal counsel and be fully informed about the physical, emotional, and legal implications of the test.

    Court Decisions and Examples

    • The Supreme Court, relying on its 2010 ruling, rejected a petition to produce narco-test reports in the case of Aarushi Talwar, deeming it an attempt to delay the trial proceedings.
    • In 2019, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) wanted to conduct narco-analysis tests on a former Punjab National Bank (PNB) staffer involved in an alleged fraud case, but the manager did not provide consent.
    • Last year, a Delhi court allowed a narco test on Aaftab Poonawalla, a murder suspect, after he voluntarily consented and acknowledged the potential consequences.

    Legal Position before Supreme Court Ruling

    • In 2006, the Madras High Court stated that scientific tests could be used by investigating agencies when the accused did not come forward with the truth, as it did not violate testimonial compulsion.
    • Similarly, the 2008 Delhi High Court ruling in “Sh. Shailender Sharma vs State & Another” acknowledged the need for thorough investigations and stated that narco-analysis tests do not suffer from constitutional infirmities.

    Can the results of these tests be considered as “confessions”?

    • Not a confession: Because those in a drugged-induced state cannot exercise a choice in answering questions that are put to them.
    • Assumed as evidence: However, any information or material subsequently discovered with the help of such a voluntarily-taken test can be admitted as evidence.
    • Supports investigation: It reveals the location of, say, a physical piece of evidence (which is often something like a murder weapon) in the course of the test.

    Way Forward

    • Evaluate the demand and implications of narco analysis tests in legal proceedings, considering both the benefits and ethical concerns.
    • Engage in a broader discussion on the forced intrusion into an individual’s mental processes and its impact on human dignity and rights.
    • Explore alternative methods of gathering evidence while ensuring constitutional rights are respected and upheld.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024

  • Code of Conduct for Civil Servants: A Review

    Central Idea

    • The civil services in India have witnessed a resurgence in popularity, with a growing number of candidates applying each year.
    • In this article, we delve into the various rules that govern civil servants and the restrictions they face throughout their career.

    Civil Services and Services Allocation

    • Successful applicants in the civil services examination can join various services based on their rank and personal preferences.
    • Three prominent services, known as All India Services, include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
    • Other services, known as Central Civil Services, are under the central government and do not have a state cadre system.

    Rules for Conduct of Civil Servants

    • Civil servants are governed by two sets of rules:
    1. All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, and
    2. Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1964
    • These rules cover a wide range of issues, outlining the expected behaviour and conduct of civil servants.

    Issues with these rules

    (1) Vague and Specific Rules

    • The Conduct Rules include both vague and specific provisions.
    • Rule 3(1) emphasizes maintaining absolute integrity and devotion to duty without engaging in any behaviour unbecoming of a civil servant.
    • Rule 4(1) prohibits the use of one’s position or influence to secure employment for family members with private organizations or non-governmental organizations.

    (2) Restrictions on Political Affiliation and Expression of Opinion

    • Rule 5(1) prohibits civil servants from being members of political parties or organizations involved in politics.
    • Rule 7 restricts civil servants from making adverse criticisms of government policies or actions in public media or documents.

    (3) Prohibition on Dowry

    • Giving or taking dowry is strictly prohibited for civil servants under Rule 11(1-A).
    • Civil servants are required to report any gifts exceeding Rs. 25,000 received from near relatives or personal friends.

    Amendments and Updates to the Rules

    • The Conduct Rules are not static and have been amended and updated over time.
    • The government determines the political nature of organizations, impacting civil servants’ association with them.
    • Additional sub-rules were added in 2014, focusing on maintaining high ethical standards, integrity, political neutrality, and accountability.

    Coverage and Penalties

    • Civil servants are covered by these rules as soon as they join training, which is part of their probation period.
    • Violations of the rules can result in major penalties, including dismissal from the service.
    • The Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA) complements the Conduct Rules in addressing corruption issues.

    Challenges in Enforcement

    • While the rules outline penalties, enforcing them can be challenging.
    • Complaints with proper details are necessary for action to be taken.
    • Proper channels, such as the Central Vigilance Commission and investigation agencies, exist for filing complaints.

    Way Forward

    • Ensuring the effective implementation of the Conduct Rules requires streamlining the complaint process and encouraging transparency.
    • Regular review and updates of the rules can help address emerging challenges and ensure their relevance.
    • Training programs and awareness campaigns can enhance civil servants’ understanding of their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance.
    • Collaborative efforts between government bodies, civil society, and the public can foster a culture of accountability and ethical conduct among civil servants.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024

  • Highlights of the proposed Digital India Act, 2023

    Central Idea

    • The Digital India Bill, a comprehensive overhaul of Internet laws, will be unveiled in June 2023. This bill represents a significant update since the Information Technology Act of 2000.

    What is the Digital India Bill?

    • DIA will consist of 4 parts:
    1. Digital Personal Data Protection Bill,
    2. DIA rules,
    3. National Data Governance Policy, and
    4. Indian Penal Code amendments

    Need for such legislation

    • India has 850 million internet users, making it the world’s largest “digitally connected democracy.”
    • The IT Act, created for the pre-digital era, lacks provisions for user rights, trust, safety, and modern cyber threats.
    • Growing cyber crimes, disinformation, and privacy concerns necessitate an updated legislation.

    Goals of the Digital India Bill 

    • Evolvable digital law: Flexible rules adaptable to changing technological trends.
    • Adjudicatory mechanism: Accessible mechanism for resolving online civil and criminal offenses.
    • Principles and rules-based approach: A legislative framework based on overarching governing principles.

    Key components of the DIA

    • Open Internet: Promotes choice, competition, diversity, fair market access, and ease of doing business, preventing the concentration of power.
    • Online Safety and Trust: Safeguards users against cyber threats, revenge porn, defamation, cyberbullying, and moderates fake news. Advocates for digital rights and protects minors.
    • KYC Requirements: Mandates Know Your Customer (KYC) for privacy-invading devices like spy camera glasses.
    • Monetization Rules: Overhauls rules for platform and user-generated content to align with the DIA.

    Key feature: Reconsideration of Safe Harbour

    • The government is reconsidering a key aspect of cyberspace — ‘safe harbour’.
    • Safe harbour is the principle that so-called ‘intermediaries’ on the internet are not responsible for what third parties post on their website.
    • This is the principle that allows social media platforms to avoid liability for posts made by users.
    • Safe harbour has been reined in in recent years by regulations like the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require platforms to take down posts when ordered to do so by the government, or when required by law.

    Way Forward

    • The detailed timeline is undisclosed, but the government aims to conduct a comparative study of global laws and consult with experts, industry, the public, and relevant forums.
    • The draft Bill will undergo consultation, followed by a draft Cabinet note before the final version is released.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024

  • Digital Census and Self-enumeration through NPR Update

    Central Idea

    • The article discusses implementation of a digital Census and the option for citizens to self-enumerate through updating their National Population Register (NPR) details online.

    What is the news?

    • Census 2021, the first digital Census, will allow citizens to “self-enumerate” when it is conducted.
    • The government has not announced the date for the Census yet, and a notification from January 2, 2023, indicates that the exercise is postponed until at least September.

    What is National Population Register (NPR)?

    • The NPR is a register that records the usual residents of the country.
    • It is prepared at various levels, including local, sub-district, district, state, and national.
    • The creation of the NPR is governed by the provisions of the Citizenship Act 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
    • It is mandatory for every usual resident of India to register in the NPR.
    • A usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for the past 6 months or more, or a person intending to reside for next 6 months or more.

    Differences between NPR and Census

    • The census involves a detailed questionnaire, collecting information such as age, sex, marital status, occupation, religion, and more.
    • The NPR collects basic demographic data and biometric particulars.
    • The census is governed by the Census Act, 1948, while the NPR operates under a set of rules framed under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

    Stipulated process for self-enumeration

    • Self-enumeration for the Census will be available only to households that have updated their NPR details online.
    • The Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI), responsible for the Census, has developed a web-based “self-enumeration (SE)” portal, presently available in English.
    • The mobile-friendly portal, yet to be launched, will allow users to register their mobile numbers in the NPR database, self-enumerate, and fill in Houselisting Operations details.
    • During self-enumeration, the collection of Aadhaar or mobile numbers is mandatory.

    How are NPR and NRC related?

    • According to the Citizenship Rules 2003, the NPR is the initial step in compiling the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC/NRC).
    • The NPR was updated in 2015, but new questions were added as part of a trial exercise involving 30 lakh respondents in September 2019.
    • The exercise is seen as a step towards the compilation of the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRC) as per the Citizenship Rules, 2003.

    What about data confidentiality?

    • While similar data is collected through the Census, individual data remains confidential under Section 15 of the Census Act, 1948.
    • Only aggregated data is released at administrative levels.
    • Data collected under the NPR are shared with states and used by the Central government for various welfare schemes at the individual level.

    Way forward

    To ensure the success of the digital Census and self-enumeration process, the government should consider the following:

    • Conduct thorough awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the self-enumeration process and its benefits.
    • Provide multi-language support on the self-enumeration portal to accommodate diverse language preferences.
    • Address concerns regarding data privacy and security to build trust among citizens.
    • Establish a robust support system to assist citizens in case of technical issues or questions during self-enumeration.
    • Regularly update and improve the self-enumeration portal based on user feedback to enhance user experience and ease of use.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024

  • 73% projects completed under Smart Cities Mission

    Smart Cities Mission

    Central Idea

    • The Union Urban Affairs Ministry announced that significant progress has been made under the Smart Cities Mission, with more than 90% of the allocated funds being utilized and 73% of the projects already completed.

    Why discuss this?

    • The projects were supposed to be completed within five years of the selection of the city.
    • However, in 2021 the Ministry changed the deadline for all cities to June 2023, which was earlier the deadline for Shillong alone.

    What is Smart Cities Mission?

    • The Smart Cities Mission is an initiative of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry that was launched by PM on June 25, 2015.
    • Cities across the country were asked to submit proposals for projects to improve municipal services and to make their jurisdictions more liveable.
    • Between January 2016 and June 2018 (when the last city, Shillong, was chosen), the Ministry selected 100 cities for the Mission over five rounds.

    How does it work?

    • Each smart city has created a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for planning, appraising, approving, releasing funds, implementing, and managing, operating, monitoring, and evaluating development projects.
    • The SPV is led by a full-time CEO and includes nominees from the Central and State governments, as well as the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on its Board.

    Monitoring and Reporting

    • The implementation of the SCM is overseen by an Apex Committee, led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    • The committee utilizes the Real Time Geographical Management Information System (GMIS) to provide regular reports on project progress.

    Features of the mission

    • Smart Infrastructure: Upgrading urban systems, including transportation, water, and waste management.
    • E-Governance: Digital platforms for transparent government services and citizen engagement.
    • Smart Solutions: Integration of IoT and data analytics to optimize urban systems.
    • Sustainability: Green initiatives, renewable energy, and eco-friendly practices.
    • Social and Economic Development: Affordable housing, healthcare, and fostering entrepreneurship.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data for evidence-based planning and resource allocation.

    Progress status

    (1) Funds Utilization

    • As of May 1, a total of ₹38,400 crore was released for the Smart Cities Mission.
    • Out of this amount, ₹35,261 crore has already been utilized for various projects.
    • The utilization of funds accounts for over 90% of the allocated budget.

    (2) Project Completion

    • The Smart Cities Mission encompasses approximately 7,800 projects, valued at ₹1.8 lakh crore.
    • Among these projects, more than 5,700, valued at ₹1.1 lakh crore, have been completed.
    • The remaining projects are expected to be completed by June 30, 2024.
    • Currently, only 22 out of the 100 designated cities have successfully concluded all projects under the mission.

    Conclusion

    • By emphasizing effective funds utilization and project completion, the government intends to transform cities into smarter, more sustainable, and citizen-centric urban spaces.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024

  • What is PARAKH Program?

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Education has organized a workshop in New Delhi to discuss the unification of 60 school examination boards operating across different states and union territories.
    • The key component of this plan is PARAKH, the National Assessment Centre established under the National Council of Educational Research and Training.

    What is PARAKH?

    • PARAKH stands for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
    • It is an organization created to bring school boards from various states and union territories onto a unified platform.
    • It has been launched as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020.
    • It acts as a constituent unit of the NCERT.
    • It is tasked with holding periodic learning outcome tests like the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and State Achievement Surveys.
    • It will work on three major assessment areas: large-scale assessments, school-based assessment, and examination reforms.

    Key objectives of PARAKH

    • Uniform Norms & Guidelines: Setting comprehensive norms, standards, and guidelines for student assessment and evaluation in all recognized school boards.
    • Enhance Assessment Pattern: Encouraging school boards to adopt assessment patterns aligned with the skill requirements of the 21st century.
    • Reduce Disparity in Evaluation: Establishing uniformity across state and central boards, which currently employ different evaluation standards, resulting in significant score disparities.
    • Benchmark Assessment: Developing a benchmark assessment framework to move away from rote learning and align with the objectives of the NEP 2020.

    Outcomes of the recent workshop

    (1) Establishing Equivalence of Boards

    • The Centre is planning for the equivalence of boards to facilitate seamless transitions for students across different boards or regions.
    • The objective is to align curriculum standards, grading systems, and evaluation methodologies to enhance the credibility and recognition of certificates and grades obtained across boards.

    (2) Moving away from Rote Examination Culture

    • The workshop highlighted the need to reassess the prevailing rote examination culture in the education system.
    • There is a growing realization that holistic assessments, considering various dimensions of a student’s abilities and potential, are equally important.

    (3) Standardization and Fairness in Assessments

    • The discussion emphasized the importance of well-designed and standardized question papers to ensure fairness and consistency across schools and boards.
    • Striking a balance between formative and summative assessments was identified as a means to reduce the burden of high-stakes examinations while effectively measuring student progress.

    Conclusion

    • PARAKH’s significance lies in its potential to bring about transformative change, facilitating collaboration, and benchmarking assessments.
    • It is an important step towards creating a standardized and equitable assessment system, providing students with a fair platform to demonstrate their abilities and skills.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024

  • Plight of Single-Teacher Schools: A Call for Urgent Action

    Single-Teacher Schools

    Central Idea

    • The presence of single-teacher schools in India, particularly in Jharkhand, continues to persist despite the Right to Education Act mandating a minimum of two teachers in every school. The prevalence of such schools poses significant challenges, hampering the quality of education and depriving children of their right to a proper education. The alarming situation of single-teacher schools, calls attention to recent findings, and emphasizes the need for urgent action to address this issue.

    Single-Teacher Schools

    Plight of Single-Teacher Schools in India

    • Even after 14 years since the implementation of the Right to Education Act, the proportion of single-teacher schools in India remains high at 14.7%.
    • In Jharkhand alone, nearly one-third of primary schools fall under the single-teacher category, significantly impacting the quality of education.
    • While Jharkhand is a poor performer, a few States had a similar or even higher proportion of single-teacher schools such as Andhra Pradesh (34%), Telangana (30%) and Karnataka (29%).
    • In nine of India’s 21 major States, the share of children studying in single-teacher schools was well above 10%, rising to 25% in Jharkhand.
    • A recent report titled Gloom in the Classroom sheds light on the severity of the situation in Jharkhand.
    Did you know?

    ·       The Right to Education Act states that every school must have at least two teachers.

    Reasons attributed to the presence of Single-Teacher Schools in certain states

    • Low Population Density and Scattered Settlements: In states with low population density and scattered settlements, such as Himachal Pradesh, it becomes challenging to establish multiple schools in close proximity. Limited resources and logistical difficulties make it economically unviable to have multiple teachers in such areas. As a result, single-teacher schools are often the only feasible option to provide education to children in remote locations.
    • Low Fertility Rates: States with low fertility rates, such as Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, may have a smaller number of students in schools. In these cases, single-teacher schools serve as a more efficient and cost-effective arrangement to cater to the relatively smaller student population. With fewer students, consolidating them into larger schools may not be practical or necessary.
    • Viability of Mini-Schools: In some states, single-teacher schools are a result of the viability and historical existence of mini-schools. Mini-schools were established in sparsely populated areas before the Right to Education Act came into force. Some states, like Kerala, have successfully managed to merge mini-schools, while others continue to have single-teacher schools as separate entities.
    • Staffing Challenges and Budget Constraints: State governments facing staffing challenges and budget constraints may opt for under-staffing schools in underprivileged areas, leading to the prevalence of single-teacher schools. Limited resources and difficulties in recruiting and retaining teachers, especially in remote or economically disadvantaged regions, contribute to the staffing issues.
    • Resistance to Remote Postings: Remote areas often lack basic amenities and facilities, making it challenging for teachers to adjust to such environments. Reluctance to accept postings in remote locations can lead to a shortage of teachers, resulting in single-teacher schools as a temporary solution.

    Measures to tackle the challenges associated with single-teacher schools

    • Infrastructure and Resources: Adequate investment in infrastructure, including the establishment of additional classrooms, is crucial to accommodate more teachers and reduce the burden on existing staff. Providing schools with sufficient teaching resources, such as textbooks, learning materials, and technological tools, can enhance the teaching-learning process.
    • Recruitment and Retention: State governments must prioritize the recruitment of qualified teachers, ensuring a sufficient number of professionals in underprivileged areas. Encouraging and incentivizing teachers to accept postings in remote areas can help overcome the resistance to such assignments.
    • Policy Reforms: The Right to Education Act needs to be rigorously implemented, emphasizing the requirement for a minimum of two teachers in each school. State governments should allocate adequate funds to address staffing needs and enforce compliance with the act. Policy reforms should focus on promoting equity and inclusivity, targeting marginalized communities and ensuring access to quality education for all children.
    • Community Engagement: Building awareness among parents and communities about the importance of education and the impact of single-teacher schools is crucial. Encouraging community participation in school management committees and fostering collaboration between schools, parents, and local organizations can drive collective efforts to improve the educational environment.

    Way forward: Revitalizing the Education Movement

    • It is imperative to revive the momentum for the right to education that once echoed across the nation.
    • A renewed movement is necessary to advocate for quality education, raise awareness about the persisting challenges, and hold authorities accountable for ensuring children’s right to education.
    • The recent protests in Jharkhand, which highlighted the unmet demand for quality education, serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address the plight of single-teacher schools.

    Conclusion

    • The prevalence of single-teacher schools in Jharkhand and several other states indicates a systemic failure in fulfilling the right to education. Immediate action is required to improve infrastructure, recruit qualified teachers, implement policy reforms, and foster community engagement. By prioritizing education and addressing the challenges associated with single-teacher schools, we can ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!

    Also read:

    [Sansad TV] Reforms in Content and School Text Books

  • 25 years of Kudumbashree Scheme

    kudumbashree

    Central Idea: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of Kudumbashree.

    What is Kudumbashree?

    • Kudumbashree is a poverty eradication and women empowerment program implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) in Kerala, India.
    • The program was established in 1997 based on recommendations from a task force appointed by the state government.
    • It was created in the context of devolving powers to the Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the People’s Plan Campaign in Kerala.
    • Membership in Kudumbashree is open to all adult women, with one membership allowed per family.
    • In 2011, the Centre recognized Kudumbashree as the State Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).

    Working mechanism

    • Kudumbashree operates through a three-tier structure:
    1. Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs),
    2. Area Development Societies (ADS), and
    3. Community Development Societies (CDS).
    • The community network was gradually expanded to cover the entire state between 2000 and 2002.

    Evolution and Contributions of Kudumbashree

    • Kudumbashree has transformed significantly over the past 25 years.
    • During the Kerala flood, Kudumbashree donated a substantial amount to the Chief Minister’s relief fund, surpassing contributions from tech giants and foundations.
    • The organization was initially conceptualized as an all-women poverty alleviation program.
    • Despite being flood victims themselves, Kudumbashree members showed resilience and contributed generously to help others.

    Role during the COVID-19 Pandemic

    • Kudumbashree played a crucial role in responding to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • They manufactured and distributed masks and sanitisers.
    • The organization set up COVID treatment centres and worked as the nodal agency for COVID management in several local bodies.
    • ‘Janakeeya Hotels’ provided affordable meals to those in need, including those in home quarantine.

    Empowerment and Social Impact

    • Kudumbashree has empowered women and facilitated grassroots planning for employment generation, poverty alleviation, and women’s empowerment.
    • It mobilized women for community activities and increased their participation in local bodies.
    • Kudumbashree’s initiatives include micro-enterprises, agricultural projects, rural development, and compassion programs.
    • The organization has made significant strides in empowering Dalit and tribal women.

    Challenges and Future Directions

    • Critics highlight the need for Kudumbashree to evolve gender perspectives and alternative development models.
    • Despite criticism, Kudumbashree’s contribution to poverty reduction is unparalleled.
    • The organization aims to address gender-based crimes and eliminate social evils.
    • Mental and cultural empowerment are deemed crucial for overcoming the ‘gender paradox’ in Kerala.

    Conclusion

    • Kudumbashree success in reducing poverty is widely recognized.
    • Continued efforts are needed to combat gender-based crimes and challenges.
    • Kudumbashree aims to be a force for positive societal change and women’s empowerment.

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!