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Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • Under fire: The state must enforce compliance of regulations in the fireworks industry

    Why in the News?

    A tragic pattern keeps repeating in Tamil Nadu’s firecracker industry, especially in Virudhunagar district, where frequent explosions continue to injure and kill workers. In the first half of 2025 alone, eight accidents have taken 26 lives—adding to a steady trend of 52 deaths in 2024 and 79 in 2023.

    What causes repeated accidents in Tamil Nadu’s fireworks industry?

    • Unsafe Handling of Chemicals: Accidents often result from friction during the mixing or filling of explosive chemicals, which easily ignite. Eg: In the 2025 Sattur explosion, preliminary reports blamed friction during chemical filling for the blast.
    • Improper Storage of Inflammable Materials: Fireworks units store chemicals in unsafe conditions, often exposed to direct sunlight and heat, violating safety norms. Eg: Explosives Rules, 2008 prohibit storage under excessive heat, but violations continue in units across Virudhunagar.
    • High Ambient Temperatures: The hot and dry climate of Virudhunagar, especially during summer, increases the likelihood of spontaneous ignition.
    • Negligence by Manufacturers: Many factory owners ignore safety protocols to save time and cost, compromising worker safety.
    • Inadequate Regulatory Oversight: Despite being licensed by PESO, regulatory inspections are infrequent or ineffective, allowing unsafe practices to persist.

    What are the safety regulations in India?

    • Explosives Rules, 2008 (under Explosives Act, 1884): Regulates licensing, safe storage, handling, and transport of explosives.
    • Factories Act, 1948: Ensures worker safety through ventilation, PPE (​​Personal Protective Equipment), safety training, and health monitoring.
    • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Mandates pollution control, hazardous waste management, and environmental safeguards.
    • Disaster Management Act, 2005: Requires emergency response plans, mock drills, and local authority coordination.
    • PESO Guidelines: Enforces safety standards in explosives units and conducts inspections for compliance.
    • National Building Code (NBC), 2016: Prescribes fire safety, exits, alarms, and structural norms for industrial buildings.
    • Indian Boilers Act, 1923: Ensures safe operation and periodic inspection of industrial boilers.

    Why is safety regulation ineffective despite existing laws?

    • Weak Enforcement of Existing Laws: The Explosives Rules, 2008 mandate strict precautions, such as protecting explosives from sunlight and heat, but enforcement is lax. Eg: Despite clear rules, multiple units in Virudhunagar continue to store chemicals in open areas, leading to repeat accidents.
    • Lack of Regular and Stringent Inspections: Regulatory bodies like PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) often fail to conduct timely and thorough inspections, enabling rule violations.
    • Absence of Accountability and Deterrence: Post-accident investigations rarely result in penal action, and most factories resume operations without meaningful changes. Eg: After the Sattur explosion in 2025, investigations began, but no immediate enforcement action was reported to prevent recurrence.

    How does worker vulnerability worsen firecracker factory risks?

    • Social and Economic Marginalisation: Workers are often from poor, rural, and socially disadvantaged backgrounds, making them desperate for employment, even in unsafe conditions. Eg: In Virudhunagar, many labourers accept jobs in hazardous fireworks units despite known safety risks due to lack of alternative livelihood options.
    • Lack of Awareness and Training: Vulnerable workers often have low literacy levels and receive little or no safety training, increasing the chance of mishandling chemicals or violating protocols. Eg: Many accidents occur during the manual mixing or filling of chemicals, which is often done by untrained workers.
    • Weak Bargaining Power and Job Insecurity: These workers usually work in informal or unregistered setups, where they cannot demand better safety gear, facilities, or rights.

    What role should the state play in enforcing safety norms? (Way forward)

    • Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Ensure regular inspections and penalties for violations under laws like the Explosives Rules, 2008 and Factories Act, 1948.
    • Collaboration with Industry for Safer Practices: Work with manufacturers to develop a culture of safety, just as cooperation helped eliminate child labourin the past.
    • Support for Worker Protection and Welfare: Ensure social security, compensation, and rehabilitation for injured workers. Promote formal employment practices.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past.

    Linkage: This question directly addresses the effectiveness of “regulatory institutions” and their ability to achieve their “desired objectives”. The article explicitly state that the fireworks industry in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Virudhunagar, experiences numerous fatal accidents annually, despite being governed by the Explosives Rules, 2008, and requiring licenses from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization.

     

  •  Custodial deaths: police convictions remain zero in T.N. and beyond

    Why in the News?

    The custodial death of Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, has once again sparked widespread anger across the country over police brutality and the lack of accountability in such cases.

     

    Note: Custodial death refers to the death of a person while in police or judicial custody, due to torture, negligence, or maltreatment by authorities.

     

    What are the key reasons behind recurring custodial deaths in India?

    • Use of Excessive Force and Torture: Police personnel often resort to physical abuse during interrogations, leading to serious injuries or death. Eg: In 2023, Tamil Nadu reported multiple cases of custodial torture, including the Ambasamudram case, which involved the brutal beating of detainees with iron rods.
    • Weak Legal Enforcement and Delayed Justice: Despite numerous inquiries, very few convictions are secured against police officers involved in custodial violence. Eg: Between 2017 and 2022, 123 police personnel were arrested and 79 were chargesheeted, yet zero convictions were recorded across India.
    • Lack of Independent Oversight: Most investigations into custodial deaths are conducted internally with minimal external checks or judicial scrutiny. Eg: Only 345 magisterial/judicial inquiries were initiated between 2017 and 2022, despite over 11,000 custodial deaths reported during this period.
    • Culture of Impunity within the Police Force: A persistent lack of accountability creates an environment where violations are repeated without fear of consequences. Eg: Out of 74 human rights violation cases filed against police between 2017 and 2022, only 3 convictions were secured.

    How are Scheduled Castes disproportionately affected in detentions?

    • Overrepresentation in Preventive Detentions: Scheduled Castes (SCs) are detained at a much higher rate than their population share, reflecting systemic bias. Eg: In Tamil Nadu (2022), SCs accounted for 38.5% of detainees under preventive laws, despite forming only 20% of the State’s population.
    • Targeted Policing and Social Vulnerability: SC communities often face discriminatory policing, leading to higher instances of illegal detention and custodial violence, especially under vague or discretionary laws. Eg: Tamil Nadu had 2,129 detenues as of December 31, 2022 — nearly half of India’s total — with a large share from SC backgrounds.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Judicial: Enforcement of Article 21 and DK Basu guidelines by the Supreme Court to prevent custodial torture.
    • Legal Safeguards: According to CrPC Section 176(1A),  judicial inquiry is mandated in custodial death cases.
    • Institutional Oversight Mechanisms: Establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) to monitor, investigate, and recommend action on custodial violence.
    • Police Reforms: Training under Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) to promote human rights-oriented policing.
    • Technological Measures: Implementation of CCTV in police stations, body cameras, and e-Sakshya app for real-time evidence collection.

    What are the case studies? 

    • United Kingdom – Independent Oversight through IPCC: The UK established the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) (now IOPC) to investigate deaths and serious incidents involving the police. It ensures transparent investigations and addresses complaints against police misconduct.
    • South Africa – Legal Accountability via Constitutional Court: In Bhe and Others v. Magistrate, Khayelitsha (2005), the South African Constitutional Court held the state responsible for custodial deaths. The judgment pushed for reforms in police behaviour and emphasized constitutional safeguards.

    How can reforms curb impunity in custodial violence cases? (Way forward)

    • Establish Independent Investigation Mechanisms: Create autonomous bodies or empower judicial magistrates to investigate custodial deaths and torture cases, ensuring unbiased inquiry and reducing conflict of interest.
    • Enact a Robust Anti-Torture Law: Pass a dedicated legislation aligned with the UN Convention Against Torture, clearly defining custodial violence, laying out punishments, and providing legal remedies to victims.
    • Ensure Accountability and Transparency: Mandate the use of CCTV and body cameras in all custody areas; implement real-time digital monitoring like e-Sakshya. Need Fast-track trials and ensure strict action against guilty officers to create a strong deterrent.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] Though the Human Rights Commissions have con tributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, sug gest remedial measures.

    Linkage: The article talks about the clear pattern where “a significant number of custodial deaths take place, of which a considerable number of them are reported, a few of the policemen are arrested, and none of them are convicted. This question is highly pertinent to the issue of custodial deaths and the lack of police convictions. 

     

  • [pib] NAKSHA Programme 

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development is set to launch the second phase of capacity building for the NAKSHA programme (NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations).

    About NAKSHA Program:

    • Overview: It was launched on 18th February 2025. It is a geospatial land survey initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
    • Objective: The programme aims to modernise urban land records, make property ownership more transparent, and streamline urban governance.
    • Funding: It is 100% centrally funded, with an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.
    • Significance: The programme was launched in response to India’s rapidly growing urban population, which is expected to exceed 600 million by 2031.

    Key Features:

    • Pilot Coverage: Implemented in 157 ULBs covering an area of 4,142.63 sq km, focusing on towns with an area of <35 sq km and a population of <2 lakh.
    • Drone-Based Survey: Uses drones equipped with LiDAR sensors and 5 cm resolution cameras to conduct aerial surveys.
    • Three-Stage Survey Process:
      • Drone Survey & Data Collection
      • Field Verification & Draft Mapping
      • Public Review & Finalisation
    • Integration with Legal Records: Field surveys validate and update property tax, ownership, and registration data.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:

    1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.

    2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.

    3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

     

  • [30th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A year later — colonial-era laws to new criminal codes

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

    Linkage: The new criminal codes, through provisions like mandatory audio-video recording of searches and seizures, aim to improve the quality of investigation and ensure greater integrity and commitment from investigating officers (IOs). This directly seeks to foster a positive public perception of civil servants involved in law enforcement, aligning with the query’s emphasis on progress in the new codes.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  As India completes one year of implementing its overhauled criminal justice framework—comprising the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—the on-ground feedback is beginning to surface. A major highlight has been the operationalization of the ‘e-Sakshya’ app for real-time evidence collection. While it empowers investigation officers (IOs) and enhances transparency, several systemic and logistical constraints hinder its full potential. Despite attempts at modernization, the gap between legal reforms and infrastructural readiness threatens to blunt the progressive intent of these laws. This transitional phase is a crucial moment for policy correction and investment.

    Today’s editorial talks about the effectiveness of India’s new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS, and BSA. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity & Governance) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, India’s new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS, and BSA—mark a year of implementation. Technological tools like the e-Sakshya app aid progress, but feedback from investigating officers reveals key challenges and improvement needs.

    What are the key improvements brought by the BNS, BNSS, and BSA in the criminal justice system?

    • Modernization of Colonial Laws: The new laws replace the outdated Indian Penal Code (1860), CrPC (1973), and Indian Evidence Act (1872), aligning criminal justice with contemporary realities, citizen-centric values, and technological advancements.
    • Integration of Technology in Investigation: The BNSS mandates audio-video recording of critical procedures such as search, seizure, and statement recording. It supports the use of tools like the ‘e-Sakshya’ app for real-time digital evidence collection, improving transparency and accountability.
    • Improved Victim-Centric and Time-Bound Procedures: Provisions like seven-day deadlines for medical reports in rape cases and emphasis on video conferencing for witness examination under BNSS aim to ensure faster process, reduce trauma for victims, and increase judicial efficiency.

    How has the ‘e-Sakshya’ app enhanced evidence collection and policing?

    • Real-time digital documentation: The app enables investigating officers to capture photos and videos on the spot with geo-coordinates and a timestamp, ensuring authenticity and preventing tampering. For instance, during a search and seizure, the officer must record the process under Section 105 of BNSS, improving transparency.
    • Improved accountability in investigations: Investigating officers are now required to take selfies at crime scenes, ensuring that they personally conduct the investigation and don’t delegate it unofficially. This deters fabrication of evidence and builds a stronger chain of custody for trial.
    • Strengthened witness reliability: The visual capture of witness presence at the crime scene discourages denial of participation later in court. Eg when a suspect is made to show the place where a weapon or contraband is hidden, the recording serves as reliable secondary electronic evidence admissible in court.

    Why is digital integration through CCTNS and ICJS vital for the new laws’ success?

    • Seamless transition and registration of cases: The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) ensures smooth FIR registration and jurisdictional transfers, enabling police stations to shift from old laws to BNS, BNSS, and BSA without disruption. For instance, zero FIRs are easily routed to the correct police stations within a state using CCTNS.
    • Interlinking of justice system pillars: The Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) connects police with forensic labs, prosecution, courts, and jails, improving coordination and efficiency. This digital integration supports time-bound actions like forwarding medical examination reports or conducting video-based evidence collection as mandated under BNSS.
    Note: About Zero FIR It refers to a First Investigation Report (FIR) that is registered irrespective of the area where the offence is committed. The police in such a case can no longer claim that they have no jurisdiction.

    What are the challenges that hinder the effective implementation of the new criminal laws?

    • Inadequate digital infrastructure: Many police stations have only one tablet, and officers often use their personal phones to operate the e-Sakshya app, which requires Android version 10 or higher and at least 1GB of storage. This limits the ability to uniformly implement mandatory audio-video recording provisions under BNSS.
    • Lack of real-time integration with courts: While images and videos are stored on the National Government Cloud (NGC), courts still do not directly access this digital evidence through the ICJS. Instead, police submit evidence using pen drives, leading to duplication, extra costs, and delay in proceedings.
    • Forensic and legal bottlenecks: Despite the requirement of FSL expert visits under Section 176 of BNSS, forensic infrastructure in many states remains underdeveloped. Also, cybercrime evidence often needs expert analysis and testimony, but State forensic labs are yet to be notified under the IT Act, hampering admissibility of digital evidence.

    What reforms are needed to address them? (Way forward)

    • Strengthen digital infrastructure in police stations: The government should ensure that each investigating officer (IO) has access to a dedicated device compatible with the e-Sakshya app. Providing sufficient tablets or mobile phones with the required specifications will help officers capture evidence reliably and eliminate the need for using personal devices.
    • Enable direct court access to digital evidence: Courts must be integrated with the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) to allow secure, real-time access to evidence stored on the National Government Cloud. This will eliminate dependency on external storage like pen drives and promote efficiency and authenticity in judicial proceedings.

  • The need for gender equity in urban bureaucracy

    Why in the News?

    India’s cities will host over 800 million people by 2050. While women’s role in local politics has grown, urban bureaucracies still lack gender balance, which limits truly inclusive urban development.

    What challenges hinder women’s inclusion in urban bureaucracy despite higher political representation?

    • Male-Dominated Administrative Structure: Despite 46% representation of women in local bodies (Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 2024), only 20% of IAS officers are women (IndiaSpend, 2022).  
    • Gender Imbalance in Policing and Field Roles: Only 11.7% of India’s police force are women (BPRD, 2023), and most serve in non-field, clerical roles. Similarly, engineering and sanitation departments have low female participation.
    • Lack of Affirmative Action in Urban Technical Cadres: While reservations exist in elected offices, there are no parallel affirmative policies in bureaucracy for women.

    Why is gender-responsive budgeting essential for inclusive urban development?

    • Addresses Gender-Specific Needs in Urban Planning: GRB ensures that urban budgets reflect the different needs of women, men, and marginalised groups. Eg: Delhi used GRB to fund women-only buses and public lighting, improving women’s mobility and safety in public spaces.
    • Prevents Reinforcement of Existing Inequities: Without GRB, cities may overinvest in flyovers or metros while neglecting community toilets, crèches, or footpaths that benefit women and marginalised groups.
    • Enhances Accountability and Participatory Governance: GRB fosters transparency and encourages civic engagement by linking public spending to gender equity outcomes. For instance, Kerala’s People’s Plan Campaign integrates gender goals into local budgets, empowering women at the grassroots level.

    What is the Impact of Gender Gaps in Urban Administration?

    • Skewed Infrastructure Priorities: Male-dominated bureaucracies often overlook the everyday mobility and safety needs of women. In Delhi and Mumbai, 84% of women use public or shared transport.
    • Underfunding of Social Infrastructure: Services such as water, sanitation, maternal health, or childcare are underprioritised in male-led departments.
    • Delayed Response to Community Demands: Studies by ICRIER and UN Women show female administrators are more responsive to grassroots needs, yet their absence restricts outcome-orientated planning.

    Which global practices can guide India toward gender-inclusive urban governance?

    • Mandatory Gender Budgeting and Oversight:  The Philippines mandates that 5% of local budgets be allocated to gender programmes, and Uganda requires gender equity certificates before fund approvals.
    • Participatory Planning:  South Korea uses gender impact assessments to redesign public transport and urban spaces, and  South Africa pilots participatory planning for grounded, inclusive decision-making.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Constitutional Mandates for Political Representation: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments mandate 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. 17 States and 1 Union Territory have increased this to 50%, leading to over 46% women among elected local representatives (Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 2024).
    • Gender Budgeting Initiatives: India introduced the Gender Budget Statement in 2005-06 to integrate gender perspectives in public finance. Eg: Delhi funds women-only buses and street lighting; Tamil Nadu applies GRB across 64 departments; Kerala links gender goals to the People’s Plan Campaign.
    • Support for Women-Centric Governance Models: The government promotes models like Kudumbashree in Kerala for grassroots women-led governance. Eg: Kudumbashree empowers women in planning and implementation in small and transitioning cities.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Gender Parity in Urban Bureaucracy: Implement affirmative action (like quotas and scholarships) to recruit and promote women in urban planning, engineering, policing, and administrative roles.
    • Institutionalise Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB): Mandate gender audits, participatory budgeting, and monitoring frameworks across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?

    Linkage: The article highlights that despite an increasing presence of women in local elected representative roles (over 46% in ULGs), the bureaucratic apparatus responsible for implementing decisions remains “overwhelmingly male”. This question directly addresses the fundamental importance of incorporating “gender concerns into programme design and implementation”. 

  • [pib] Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA), India’s largest tribal outreach and empowerment campaign to date.

    About Dharti Aaba Jan-bhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA):

    • Overview: It runs from 15 June to 15 July 2025, covering over 5.5 crore tribal citizens across 1 lakh+ tribal villages and PVTG habitations.
    • Premise of launch: It is launched under the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda, also known as Dharti Aaba, a symbol of tribal pride and resistance.
    • Objective: To achieve full saturation of central welfare schemes in tribal areas, ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives entitlements.
    • Five Pillars of DAJA:
      1. Janbhagidari (People’s Participation) – Empowering tribal voices and ensuring community-led governance.
      2. Saturation – 100% coverage of eligible households under central schemes.
      3. Cultural Inclusion – Use of tribal languages, folk arts, and cultural symbols to ensure dignity and identity.
      4. Convergence – Multi-ministry and multi-stakeholder coordination with CSOs, youth groups, volunteers, and academic institutions.
      5. Last-Mile Delivery – Direct delivery of services to the remotest tribal hamlets with full administrative support.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.

    2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • India needs to design an inclusive pension system

    Why in the News?

    India’s pension landscape is facing a critical juncture, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025-26.

    What is the current state of India’s pension ecosystem?

    • Low Pension Assets: Pension assets in India are just 17% of GDP, significantly lower than in developed countries, which range around 80%.
    • Uneven Coverage: Only 12% of the workforce is covered by formal schemes, mainly in the public and organised private sectors.
    • Informal Sector Gap: Informal workers, including gig workers, are largely left out—only 5.3% of the total population participates in Atal Pension Yojana and NPS (FY24).
    • Fragmentation of Schemes: India’s pension system is disjointed, unlike the multi-tiered models in countries like Japan and New Zealand.

    Why is pension coverage for the informal sector vital for India’s development goals?

    • Large Workforce Contribution: Over 85% of India’s workforce is in the informal sector, contributing more than half of the GDP. Ensuring their old-age security is crucial for inclusive economic growth. Eg: Street vendors, gig workers, and farm labourers often lack any retirement support despite their significant economic role.
    • Rising Old-Age Dependency: By 2050, India’s old-age dependency ratio is expected to reach 30%, increasing the burden on working-age populations. Expanding pension coverage now helps prevent future elderly poverty and reduces pressure on public welfare systems. Eg: Without pension security, aging informal workers may become financially dependent on their families or state welfare.
    • Achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047: A universal and inclusive pension system is essential to meet the goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047, ensuring that development is sustainable and equitable. Eg: Countries like New Zealand and Japan offer universal pension models that India can adapt to promote long-term social security.

    What are the key challenges in India’s current pension system?

    • Fragmented and Unequal Coverage: India’s pension landscape is divided across multiple parallel schemes, mainly benefitting public and organised private sector workers, while the informal sector remains largely excluded. Eg: Schemes like EPFO or NPS cover only ~12% of the workforce; gig workers must voluntarily opt into the Atal Pension Yojana, limiting reach.
    • Low Financial Literacy and Awareness: A large section of informal workers lack awareness of available pension options due to limited financial literacyand inadequate grassroots outreach. Eg: Unlike Australia, where superannuation education is part of the school curriculum, India lacks structured sensitisation efforts.
    • Lack of Sustainability and Liquidity in Funds: Many Indian pension funds face low adequacy and poor returns, threatening long-term sustainability. Eg: According to the Mercer CFA Global Pension Index 2024, India scored just 44%, with a sharp fall in adequacy compared to global benchmarks like Denmark or Netherlands.

    How do global pension models ensure inclusivity and sustainability?

    • Universal or Mandatory Coverage: Many countries adopt universal or compulsory schemes to ensure no worker is left out, regardless of employment type. Eg: Japan has a mandatory flat-rate contributory scheme for all residents aged 20–59, including self-employed, farmers, and employees. New Zealand provides a universal pension to all citizens aged 65+, with a 10-year residency condition.
    • Automatic Enrolment and Employer Participation: Models promoting auto-enrolment and mandatory employer contributions increase participation, especially among informal or gig workers. Eg: The UK operates an opt-out pension scheme, automatically enrolling workers unless they choose otherwise.
    • Transparent Communication and Digital Access: Regular disclosures and easy digital access help build trust and improve awareness of pension entitlements. Eg: Netherlands provides annual pension statements to all contributors. Nigeria has invested in digital pension infrastructure to expand access, especially in rural or informal settings.

    What are the steps taken by the government? 

    • Launch of Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Introduced in 2015, APY is a voluntary pension scheme aimed at workers in the unorganised sector, offering a guaranteed monthly pension between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000 after age 60. Eg: As of FY24, APY covered over 5.3% of India’s population, helping bring informal workers under a pension net.
    • Expansion of the National Pension System (NPS): NPS was extended to all citizens on a voluntary basis, including gig workers, self-employed individuals, and informal sector workers, with flexible contributions. Eg: The eNPS portal allows for easy digital enrolment and management, making it accessible to informal workers.
    • Social Security Code and Aggregator Contribution: Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the government mandated platform aggregators (like ride-sharing or delivery apps) to contribute towards the social security of gig and platform workers.

    Which reforms can integrate informal workers into India’s pension framework? (Way forward) 

    • Harmonise fragmented schemes into a three-tier framework: Tier 1: Mandatory basic pension for all, irrespective of employment type. Tier 2: Employer-linked schemes with auto-enrolment. Tier 3: Voluntary savings with tax benefits and flexible options. Eg: Japan’s mandatory flat-rate pension includes self-employed, farmers, and private/public workers.
    • Enhance Financial Literacy and Awareness: Launch targeted awareness campaigns on pension benefits, especially in rural and informal sectors, starting at school and college levels.
      Eg: Australia includes superannuation education in school curricula; UK promotes pensions through opt-out schemes to increase enrolment by default.
    • Strengthen Digital Pension Infrastructure: Develop user-friendly digital platforms for easy enrolment, contribution tracking, and annual disclosures for informal workers. Eg: Nigeria has invested heavily in digital systems to expand pension access across informal sectors.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC IAS 2023] Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

    Linkage: This article explicitly states that “the only protection for the informal sector is voluntary adoption under the National Pension System and Atal Pension Yojana” and that “this only addresses a fraction of the informal sector and adds another parallel scheme to an already complex web”.

  • Centre caps MGNREGS spend at 60%

    Why in the News?

    The Union Finance Ministry has capped spending under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) at 60% of its total annual allocation for the first half of FY 2025-26.

    About MGNREGS:

    • Legal Foundation: MGNREGS is a rights-based Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched under the MGNREGA Act of 2005 to ensure the Right to Work for rural households.
    • Origins:
      • The idea of employment guarantee in India began with Maharashtra’s pilot, Employment Guarantee Scheme (MEGS), in 1965 under the V. Naik government.
      • At the national level, the idea was first proposed in 1991 by then PM P. V. Narasimha Rao and later enacted in 2005.
    • Employment Guarantee: It provides 100 days of wage employment per year to any adult willing to do unskilled manual labour in rural India.
    • Legal Obligation: It is the first law in India that imposes a legal duty on the government to provide employment and compensate for non-compliance.
    • Development Goal: The scheme aims to promote livelihood security, inclusive growth, and rural development.

    Key Features:

    • Statutory Right: Employment under MGNREGS is a legal entitlement, not just a welfare scheme.
    • Eligibility: Any rural adult aged 18 or above can apply and must be offered work within 15 days.
    • Proximity and Wages: Work must be provided within 5 km of the applicant’s residence with minimum wage, and delays attract compensation.
    • Unemployment Allowance: If work is not provided on time, the state must pay an allowance.
    • Demand-Driven Model: The scheme is worker-initiated, requiring the government to respond to demand.
    • Transparency and Audits: Regular social audits and online updates ensure accountability in job cards, muster rolls, and fund use.
    • Local Implementation: It is decentralised, led by Gram Panchayats, with support from block and state officials, and centrally funded.
    • Women’s Inclusion: At least one-third of beneficiaries must be women, enhancing gender equity.
    • Sustainable Assets: Projects focus on durable rural infrastructure like ponds, roads, canals, and plantations.

    Rationale Behind the Spending Cap:

    • Expenditure Control: This cap is part of the Monthly/Quarterly Expenditure Plan to prevent front-loading of funds and mid-year shortages.
    • Previous Trends: In earlier years, over 70% of funds were spent by September, creating dues of ₹15,000–25,000 crore.
    • Current Status: As of June 2025, 28% of the budget is already used, while ₹19,200 crore in dues remain from FY25.
    • Criticism: Experts argue the cap undermines the demand-driven design of the act and may violate the legal right to work.
    [UPSC 2006] Consider the following statements in respect of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005:

    1. The Act provides 100 days of employment to households as a fundamental right.

    2. Women are given priority such that half of the employment seekers are women.

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

  • The rot starts at the top of the aviation ladder

    Why in the News?

    The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which killed over 300 people, is a shocking reminder of how poor aviation safety is in India. This is not a one-time event, but part of a long series of deadly air accidents over the years that show serious problems in the system.

    What governance failures led to the AI171 crash?

    • Lack of Regulatory Oversight: Authorities like the DGCA and MoCA failed to enforce basic safety measures, such as proper runway maintenanceand bird hazard management. Eg: Overgrown grass near the runway in Ahmedabad attracted birds, possibly causing engine failure due to bird ingestion.
    • Failure to Act on Past Warnings: Despite repeated aviation accidents over decades, systemic safety reforms were not implemented, and accountabilitywas routinely evaded. Eg: After major crashes like Mangaluru (2010) and Kozhikode (2020), safety lapses were identified but ignored by aviation authorities.
    • Politicisation and Poor Leadership Appointments: Key aviation bodies were headed by bureaucrats or politically appointed officials lacking technical expertise in aviation safety. Eg: Professionals were bypassed in favour of public-relations-focused appointees at DGCA and AAI, weakening institutional response to risks.

    Why is DGCA under criticism post-AI171 incident?

    • Lack of Regulatory Oversight: Authorities like the DGCA and MoCA failed to enforce basic safety measures, such as proper runway maintenanceand bird hazard management. Eg: Overgrown grass near the runway in Ahmedabad attracted birds, possibly causing engine failure due to bird ingestion.
    • Failure to Act on Past Warnings: Despite repeated aviation accidents over decades, systemic safety reforms were not implemented, and accountabilitywas routinely evaded. Eg: After major crashes like Mangaluru (2010) and Kozhikode (2020), safety lapses were identified but ignored by aviation authorities.
    • Politicisation and Poor Leadership Appointments: Key aviation bodies were headed by bureaucrats or politically appointed officials lacking technical expertise in aviation safety. Eg: Professionals were bypassed in favour of public-relations-focused appointees at DGCA and AAI, weakening institutional response to risks.

    How does a lack of accountability affect aviation safety in India?

    • Recurring Accidents without Systemic Change: When no one is held responsible, critical safety lapses continue unchecked across the aviation sector. Eg: Despite the Mangaluru (2010) and Kozhikode (2020) crashes, Air India and regulators did not implement robust safety reforms.
    • Blame Shift to Pilots: Authorities often scapegoat pilots instead of addressing deeper infrastructure and regulatory issues, undermining fair investigations. Eg: In the AI171 crash, DGCA named the pilots publicly, violating ICAO norms, instead of probing systemic failings.
    • No Judicial Enforcement of Reforms: Weak legal follow-up allows ministries and aviation bodies to evade reforms even after Public Interest Litigations or inquiries. Eg: After the Mangaluru crash, a PIL listing DGCA and MoCA violations was dismissed by the Supreme Court, citing procedural grounds.

    Which global aviation norms were violated in this crash’s aftermath?

    • Violation of ICAO Confidentiality Norms: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates that crew identities be protected during and after investigations to maintain fairness and objectivity. Eg: The DGCA named the pilots involved in the AI171 crash, breaching ICAO Annex 13, which prohibits revealing crew names before the final report.
    • Neglect of Pre-Monsoon Runway Safety Protocols: ICAO standards require strict runway maintenance, especially before seasonal weather shifts, to prevent bird strikes and foreign object damage. Eg: In the AI171 crash, video evidence showed untrimmed grass near the runway at Ahmedabad airport, attracting birds and violating global runway wildlife hazard management norms.

    What reforms are needed to strengthen aviation safety oversight? (Way forward)

    • Professionalisation of Regulatory Bodies: Appoint trained aviation professionals—not bureaucrats—to head institutions like the DGCA and AAI for evidence-based decision-making and technical leadership. Eg: ICAO recommends that civil aviation authorities be led by aviation experts to ensure technical integrity.
    • Independent and Transparent Accident Investigations: Create an autonomous investigation body separate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to probe accidents, publish findings without interference, and fix systemic gaps. Eg: The U.S. NTSB operates independently of the FAA and reports directly to Congress, ensuring accountability.
    • Enforcement of International Standards: Enforce strict compliance with ICAO safety protocols, such as restricting construction near flight paths and maintaining airport surroundings. Eg: The presence of a high-rise building in AI171’s flight path violated ICAO’s obstacle clearance norms.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] “International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above the territory. What do you understand by airspace? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggests ways to contain the threat.

    Linkage: “International civil aviation laws” and “airspace”, which are fundamental legal and operational aspects governing the aviation sector. In this article talks about the violations of “International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards” in India’s aviation system, underscoring the importance of understanding the legal and regulatory framework of the aviation sector.

  • Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN)

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has launched DIGIPIN, a geo-coded digital address system that aims to bring precision and efficiency to address identification across the country.

    Tap to read more about PIN Codes in India.

    What is DIGIPIN?

    • About: DIGIPIN is a digital address system introduced by the Government of India to improve location identification across the country.
    • Development Team: The system was developed by the Department of Posts, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO.
    • Technology Base: It uses GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data to geo-code each physical location with high accuracy.
    • Key Features:
      • Accessibility: Users can access their DIGIPIN through the India Post’s online portal, and it works seamlessly on any GPS-enabled device.
      • Nature of the System: It is open source, interoperable, and privacy-focused, meaning it is publicly accessible, works across platforms, and does not store personal data.
      • Code Format: Each location is assigned a unique 10-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 39J-53M-TJF9) that corresponds to an area of approximately 4×4 square meters.
      • Coverage Area: DIGIPIN works across urban, rural, forest, and oceanic regions throughout India, even where no formal addresses exist.

    digipin

    Significance of DIGIPIN:

    • Precision Mapping: DIGIPIN enables highly accurate geolocation, even in places without traditional street addresses or house numbers.
    • E-Commerce Enhancement: The system boosts last-mile delivery efficiency for platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and other logistics providers.
    • Emergency Response: DIGIPIN supports police, ambulance, and fire services in reaching destinations quickly, especially in dense or unmapped areas.
    • Public Service Delivery: It improves government outreach by making it easier to deliver welfare schemes, notices, and essential services in remote areas.
    • Inclusion of Remote Regions: The system brings digital address visibility to forests, tribal regions, and maritime zones, aiding national mapping efforts.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following:

    1. Aarogya Setu

    2. CoWIN

    3. DigiLocker

    4. DIKSHA

    Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*