Over 58 lakh property cards will be issued to owners in approximately 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs through a virtual event addressed by PM Modi under the SVAMITVA Scheme.
AboutSVAMITVA Scheme:
Details
About
Full Form: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
Launched on 24th April 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day) by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Objective: Provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India, issuing Record of Rights to households in inhabited rural areas (village abadi areas).
Central Sector Scheme: Fully funded by the Central Government, implemented in collaboration with States/UTs and the Survey of India.
Primary Goals:
1. Demarcation of inhabited areas using drone technology.
2. Creation of property cards (Record of Rights).
3. Formalizing ownership to reduce disputes and enable financial asset use.
Structural Mandate
Implementing Agencies:
Ministry of Panchayati Raj at the national level.
State Revenue Department/Land Records Department at the state level.
Survey of India (as the technology partner).
Coverage:
The scheme is being implemented in phases from 2020-2024.
Initially covered 6.62 lakh villages in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, including a few border villages of Punjab and Rajasthan.
West Bengal, Bihar, Nagaland, and Meghalaya have not joined the scheme yet.
Nomenclature:Title Deed in Haryana, Rural Property Ownership Records (RPOR) in Karnataka, Adhikar Abhilekh in Madhya Pradesh, Sannad in Maharashtra, Svamitva Abhilekh in Uttarakhand, and Gharauni in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Features and Significance
Use of Drone Survey Technology: Drones capture high-resolution images for accurate mapping of village abadi lands.
Issuance of Property Cards: Known by various names (e.g., ‘Gharauni’ in UP). Serves as legal proof of ownership.
Phased Implementation (2020–2024): Began in select states (UP, Haryana, Maharashtra, MP, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, plus border villages in Punjab/Rajasthan), expanding nationwide.
Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS): Network stations for precise drone-based surveys in pilot-phase states.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Revenue/Land Records Depts, Survey of India, etc.
Progress Made So Far
Drone Surveys & Mapping: 92% of targeted drone mapping completed across 3.17 lakh villages; full targets likely by 2026.
Issuance of Property Cards: Over 2.19 crore property cards finalized; latest distribution covered 58 lakh cards in 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs.
Phased Rollout: Successful pilots led to larger-scale implementation.
Collaborative Efforts: Coordination among Panchayati Raj Ministry, Survey of India, and state-level agencies; financial support from the Centre.
Recognition of Success: Regarded as a landmark initiative for minimizing litigation, enhancing rural governance, and clarifying property rights.
PYQ:
[2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
(c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2024, aiming to modernize and reform the State’s prison system. It is based on the Model Prisons Bill, 2023, issued by the Government of India (GoI).
Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2024: Key Highlights :
Repeal of Outdated Acts:
The Prisons Act, 1894, the Prisoners Act, 1900, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950 stand repealed.
The new legislation consolidates laws related to regulation of prisons, correctional services, and prisoners in Maharashtra.
Establishment of High-Security Prison in Mumbai:
Plans are underway to construct a high-security, multi-storey prison with advanced surveillance measures, akin to international standards like Alcatraz in San Francisco.
Features include fortified walls, electronic tracking, power fencing, watchtowers, and 24×7 CCTV coverage.
Land parcels for the new Mumbai jail have already been identified.
Special Categories of Prisons:
Special Prisons for high-risk inmates.
Open and Semi-Open Prisons to facilitate rehabilitation.
Open Colonies designed for reintegration of inmates with society.
Temporary Prisons for certain categories of offenders.
Gender-Sensitive Facilities:
Separate cells and wards for women inmates with provisions for pre- and post-natal care.
Special child-care areas (Balwadis) for children staying with mothers in prison.
Dedicated enclosures and healthcare for transgender inmates.
Rehabilitation, Skill Development, and Welfare:
Mandatory libraries, sports facilities, yoga, and recreation for inmates.
Work-based compensation and opportunities to sell inmate-produced goods at on-site outlets.
Borstal institutions for young offenders, focusing on education and skill-building.
Early Release and Monitoring:
A system of parole and furlough for good behavior, with electronic tracking.
A special committee under district collectors to support bail bond funding for indigent undertrial prisoners (noting that 1,600 accused are still in jail due to lack of funds).
Detention Centre in Mumbai:
The State plans to establish a detention centre in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been tasked to identify land for the project.
AboutModel Prison Act, 2023
It replaces the colonial-era Prisons Act, 1894, aiming to modernise prison laws and align them with contemporary standards.
It shifts emphasis from mere detention to reform and reintegration of inmates.
It serves as a model document for states, since ‘Prisons’ is a State List subject in India.
It merges relevant provisions of older legislations (e.g., Prisoners Act, 1900 and Transfer of Prisoners Act, 1950).
It strives to bring India’s prison system in line with international best practices and human rights norms.
Key features include:
Specialised Jails: Provides for high-security, open, and semi-open prisons to manage different categories of inmates.
Rehabilitation Measures: Emphasises vocational training, skill development, counselling, and educational programs to facilitate inmates’ reintegration.
Legal Aid & Incentives: Outlines provisions for legal assistance, along with parole, furlough, and premature release for good conduct.
Use of Technology: Encourages CCTV, video conferencing, and e-monitoring systems to enhance transparency and security within prisons.
Inclusive Accommodation: Mandates separate facilities for women, transgender persons, and other special categories, ensuring safety and dignity.
Present Prison System:Key Findings of the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning Report
The occupancy rate stood at 131.4% as of December 2022, with 75.8% of inmates being undertrials.
This highlights a pressing need for measures to reduce congestion and expedite trials.
Initiatives taken:
Modernization of Prisons Project (2021–26): The government provides financial assistance to States and Union Territories to implement advanced security measures in prisons.
Aims to support reformation and rehabilitation efforts for inmates through various correctional programs.
Model Prison Manual (2016): Offers detailed guidelines on the legal rights of inmates, including access to free legal services.
Modernization of Prisons Scheme (2002–03): Introduced to improve living conditions in prisons, address the welfare of inmates, and enhance the working environment for prison staff.
India’s ancient scriptures, history, and culture serve as key inspirations for meaningful governance. As highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita, the concept of “adhishthan” forms the foundation, with PM Modi already promoting its integration.
How can ancient Indic principles enhance modern governance?
Ethical Leadership and Accountability (Raj Dharma): Ancient Indic principles emphasize leaders as servants of the people, prioritizing fairness, justice, and public welfare. This aligns with modern demands for transparent and accountable governance.
Inclusive Development (Antyodaya): The concept of Antyodaya advocates for uplifting the marginalized and ensuring that governance benefits all sections of society, especially the most disadvantaged, which is essential for achieving equitable development.
Sustainability and Environmental Harmony (LiFE & Karmayogi): Indic principles stress balance with nature and responsible living, guiding modern governance towards sustainable development practices. Additionally, the Karmayogi concept promotes continuous skill-building for public servants to enhance governance effectiveness.
What are the contemporary challenges to good governance in India?
Corruption and Lack of Accountability: Corruption remains a significant barrier to good governance in India, undermining public trust and the effectiveness of government programs.
Political Polarization: Increasing polarization between political parties has created a toxic environment that hampers constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Inequality and Access to Services: Economic disparities continue to widen, limiting access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure for marginalized communities.
Bureaucratic Inefficiency: The inefficiency of bureaucratic processes often leads to delays in service delivery and implementation of policies.
In what ways can citizen engagement be improved through Indic ideas?
Participative Governance (Sab Ka Prayas): The concept of Sab Ka Prayas emphasizes collective effort, where citizens are actively involved in decision-making and implementation processes.
Empathy and Responsibility (P2G2 – Pro-People Good Governance): By incorporating P2G2, which stresses sensitivity, commitment, and a sense of responsibility towards the people.
Citizens can be more engaged through empathetic governance that prioritizes their well-being and fosters trust in public institutions.
Empowerment through Education and Awareness (Antyodaya and Raj Dharma): Indic ideas like Antyodaya and Raj Dharma promote the empowerment of all individuals, particularly the marginalized, through education and awareness.
Conclusion: To enhance governance, India should integrate ancient Indic principles like ethical leadership, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability into policy-making. This requires strengthening transparency, encouraging citizen participation, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering continuous capacity building in public administration for effective governance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What do you understand by the term ‘good governance’? How far recent initiatives in terms of e-Governance steps taken by the State have helped the beneficiaries? Discuss with suitable examples. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Q) Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have previously focused on the ‘Indian concept of secularism’ (2018) as well as the ‘tolerance, assimilation and pluralism’ of India (in 2022).
Archaeologists typically dig historic sites to uncover ancient civilizations or cities, using scientific methods. However, excavating under one religion’s place of worship to find another’s is unusual and non-secular. Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud found no issue with such a survey in the Gyanvapi mosque case, observing it might not violate the Places of Worship Act.
Today’s editorial explores the issues and implications of survey or excavation in an active place of worship.
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Why in the News?
Conducting a survey or excavation in an active place of worship to determine its religious identity violates the rights granted under Article 26.
What is the role of interpreting historical events like the Places of Worship Act?
Secular Intent: The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, enacted in 1991, aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. Its purpose is to prevent communal tensions and preserve secularism in India by prohibiting the conversion of places of worship from one religion to another.
Historical Context: The Act was introduced in response to rising communal tensions, particularly during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. It seeks to provide a legal framework that acknowledges historical grievances while promoting coexistence among different religious communities.
Legal Clarity: The Act explicitly states that any legal proceedings regarding the conversion of religious places existing as of 1947 shall abate, thereby providing a clear legal stance on maintaining the status quo and preventing future disputes over religious sites.
How do ideological biases affect the understanding and what are the legal challenges?
Challenging Constitutionality: The constitutionality of the Places of Worship Act is currently under challenge in the Supreme Court. Critics argue that the choice of August 15, 1947, as a cut-off date is arbitrary and infringes on judicial review rights, suggesting that it limits access to courts for addressing historical injustices.
Specious Arguments: The argument that the date was chosen arbitrarily is countered by the rationale that it marks India’s independence and the establishment of a new sovereign state. Thus, it serves as a logical reference point for determining the religious character of places of worship.
Judicial Review Concerns: The claim that the Act undermines judicial review is contested; while it does prevent certain types of suits from proceeding, it does not eliminate judicial oversight entirely. The Act’s provisions aim to balance legislative authority with judicial processes.
What are the Judicial Observations and Consequences?
CJI’s Remarks: Former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s observation regarding surveys in places of worship sparked controversy. His statement suggested that such surveys might not violate the Places of Worship Act, leading lower courts to order surveys in mosques without fully considering their implications or legal standing.
Impact on Communal Harmony: The lower courts’ decisions to conduct surveys have led to increased tensions and even violence in some instances, highlighting how judicial observations can have significant real-world consequences on communal relations.
Legal Relevance of Surveys: The necessity for surveys to determine religious character is questioned since the Act already establishes what that character was as of 1947. This raises concerns about unnecessary provocations and potential violations of established law.
What do fundamental rights say?
• Article 26 Protections: Article 26 of the Indian Constitution grants religious denominations the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion. Interference through surveys or excavations in places of worship can be viewed as a violation of this fundamental right. • Worship as a Fundamental Right: The act of worshipping in a mosque or church is protected under this Article. Any external interference aimed at redefining or questioning this right undermines the autonomy and dignity afforded to religious communities. • Historical Preservation vs. Political Agendas: While archaeology can reveal historical truths, using it as a tool for political or communal agendas risks distorting history and inciting further division among communities. It emphasizes the need for careful handling of sensitive historical narratives within legal frameworks.
Way forward:
Strengthen Legal Safeguards: Ensure strict adherence to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, to prevent misuse of surveys or excavations that could disrupt communal harmony, while upholding secular principles and maintaining the religious status quo as of 1947.
Promote Judicial Prudence: Advocate for cautious and balanced judicial observations to avoid unintended consequences on communal relations, ensuring sensitive cases are handled with due consideration of legal and social implications.
NITI Aayog has proposed a set of policy interventions to enable the creation of mega workers’ accommodations near factories under its initiative called S.A.F.E (Site Adjacent Factory Employee) Accommodation-Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth.
About the S.A.F.E. (Site Adjacent Factory Employee)Initiative
Overview
S.A.F.E. initiative by NITI Aayog aims to provide affordable dormitory-style housing for workers near industrial areas, especially migrant laborers, including women.
The housing will include essential amenities like water, electricity, and sanitation, improving workers’ living conditions and enhancing productivity.
Key Features
Location: Housing will be near industrial hubs to minimize commute time.
Basic Amenities: Includes water, electricity, and sanitation.
Ownership: Non-transferable accommodations, strictly for worker use, ensuring worker welfare.
Significance
Worker Welfare: Improves living standards and promotes gender inclusivity.
Productivity: Reduces commute time, enhancing productivity and reducing attrition.
Economic Growth: Attracts global investors and supports India’s manufacturing growth target of 25% GDP by 2047.
Key Recommendations
Tax & GST Benefits: Reclassification for tax exemptions to make the initiative financially viable.
Zoning Laws: Amendments for mixed-use developments to integrate worker housing.
Viability Gap Funding (VGF): 30%-40% of project cost for financial support.
Environmental Clearances: Streamlining for faster approvals.
Financial Support: Public-private partnerships for development and management.
PYQ Relevance: Q) Consider the following statements: 1. Aadhaar card can be used as proof of citizenship or domicile. 2. Once issued, the Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2018) (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Prelims have focused on ‘citizenship or domicile’ (in 2018), and ‘only one citizenship and one domicile’ (2021).
In October 2024, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled 4:1 to uphold Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. This law provides a special process for people from former East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) who settled in Assam, allowing them to become Indian citizens if they arrived before March 25, 1971. The judgment is important but raises questions about overlooked constitutional issues and the possible negative effects of the decision.
Today’s editorial focuses on the implications of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the constitutional validity of Section 6A. You can use this content for the question asked on ‘Governance issues’ and ‘internal security issues’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the constitutional validity of Section 6A overlooks critical constitutional issues, especially those affecting Assam’s indigenous population.
What is Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955?
Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, was introduced as part of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 1985, following the Assam Accord. This provision specifically addresses the citizenship status of migrants from Bangladesh who settled in Assam.
• Categories of Migrants: Pre-1966 Migrants: Individuals who entered Assam before January 1, 1966, are deemed Indian citizens from that date. 1966-1971 Migrants: Those who entered between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, can apply for citizenship after a mandatory registration process and a waiting period of ten years. • Cut-off Date: The cut-off date of March 25, 1971, was chosen because it coincides with significant historical events related to the Bangladesh Liberation War. • Exclusions: Section 6A explicitly excludes individuals who were already Indian citizens before the amendment and those expelled under the Foreigners Act, 1946. • Voting Rights: Migrants from the 1966-1971 category are denied voting rights for ten years from the date they are identified as foreigners.
How does Section 6A impact the demographic and cultural landscape of Assam?
Cultural and Linguistic Displacement: The influx of migrants facilitated by Section 6A has led to significant demographic changes in Assam. Research indicates that between 1951 and 2011, the percentage of the Bengali-speaking population increased from 21.2% to 28.91%, while the proportion of Assamese speakers declined from 69.3% to 48.38%. This shift represents a cultural and linguistic displacement that threatens the distinct identity of the Assamese people.
Political and Economic Strain: The arrival of a large number of migrants has raised concerns about political representation and economic resources in Assam. The perceived threat to local culture and political rights has been a driving force behind movements advocating for stricter immigration controls.
Social Tensions: The demographic shifts have exacerbated social tensions between indigenous Assamese communities and migrant populations, leading to conflicts over resources, identity, and political power.
What are the legal and constitutional challenges associated with Section 6A?
Violation of Article 29: Critics argue that Section 6A violates Article 29, which protects the cultural and linguistic identities of distinct communities in India.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which stated that the influx did not infringe upon the ability of Assamese people to conserve their culture, has been challenged as flawed reasoning that overlooks the erosion of cultural identity.
Temporal Unreasonableness: Section 6A lacks a temporal limitation, allowing individuals who entered before March 25, 1971, to apply for citizenship indefinitely.
This raises concerns about its relevance over time, as it fails to address contemporary issues related to migration.
Arbitrary Reasoning: The judgment has been criticized for arbitrary reasoning, particularly in how it justifies singling out Assam for special treatment while disregarding similar situations in other states like West Bengal and Meghalaya.
Flawed Mechanism for Identification: The process for identifying migrants under Section 6A is problematic, placing the burden on state authorities without a clear mechanism for voluntary self-identification by migrants. This has led to inefficiencies and confusion regarding citizenship status.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Section 6A for future immigration policies in India?
Precedent for Future Laws: The ruling sets a precedent for how immigration laws may be framed in India, potentially allowing for similar provisions that distinguish between different states or communities based on historical migrations.
Potential for Increased Migration: By upholding Section 6A, there is concern that it may encourage further migration into Assam and other regions, as individuals may perceive opportunities for citizenship under similar provisions.
Focus on Cultural Protection: Future immigration policies may need to consider cultural protections more seriously, as the ruling highlights the tension between humanitarian needs and cultural preservation.
Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: The ruling underscores the necessity for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses both historical contexts and contemporary realities while ensuring the protection of cultural identities.
Impact on Political Discourse: The ruling may influence political discourse surrounding immigration in India, potentially polarizing opinions on citizenship rights and cultural identity among different communities.
Q) “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment:
UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution)’ (in 2020), and ‘different types of cyber crimes ’ (2021).
In 2019, India announced plans to create the world’s largest facial recognition system for policing, which has since evolved into widespread deployment of AI-powered surveillance across railway stations and crime patrols. Plans for 50 AI satellites further expand this infrastructure. While integrating AI into law enforcement offers potential, it raises serious legal and constitutional concerns, including risks of “dragnet surveillance (Indiscriminate data collection beyond suspects, infringing on privacy rights).”
Today’s editorial focuses on the legal frameworks, gaps, and issues surrounding AI surveillance in India and its impact on constitutional rights, especially privacy.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
A robust regulatory framework is crucial to effectively manage AI’s impact on civil liberties, ensuring rights protection and responsible usage.
Existing Legal Frameworks Governing AI Surveillance in India
• Constitutional Provisions: The right to privacy is enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which was affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark case K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017). o This ruling recognized privacy as a fundamental right, extending to informational privacy and emphasizing the need for robust legal frameworks to address challenges posed by surveillance technologies. • Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA): Enacted in 2023, the DPDPA aims to regulate data privacy and consent management. However, it has been criticized for broad exemptions that allow government agencies significant leeway in processing personal data without consent, particularly concerning medical treatment during epidemics and employment-related data. • Lack of Specific AI Regulations: Currently, there is no comprehensive legislation specifically governing AI surveillance technologies in India. While the government has promised future regulation under the Digital India Act, no draft legislation has been made public yet, leaving a regulatory gap.
Impact of AI Surveillance on Civil Liberties and Privacy Rights in India
Potential for Overreach: The deployment of AI-powered surveillance systems raises concerns about “dragnet surveillance,” where data is indiscriminately collected from individuals beyond just suspects or criminals. This can lead to significant infringements on citizens’ rights.
Data Breaches and Misuse: Incidents like the Telangana Police data breach highlight vulnerabilities in data collection practices, where sensitive information from social welfare databases was accessed without transparency or accountability.
Imbalance in Legal Framework: The existing legal framework appears skewed towards state surveillance capabilities at the expense of individual rights. The DPDPA’s provisions place heightened scrutiny on individuals while granting broad powers to the government, raising concerns about potential misuse of personal data.
Measures to Enhance Regulatory Oversight of AI Surveillance Technologies
Comprehensive Regulatory Framework: Establishing a detailed regulatory framework that addresses the implications of AI surveillance on civil liberties is essential. This framework should include clear guidelines on data collection practices, specifying what data is collected, its purpose, and retention periods.
Transparent Consent Mechanisms: Implementing stringent consent requirements with narrow exemptions is crucial. This should involve independent judicial oversight for processing personal data to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected.
Adopting a Risk-Based Approach: India could benefit from adopting a risk-based regulatory approach similar to the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, which categorizes AI activities based on their risk levels and imposes restrictions on high-risk technologies.
Public Accountability and Oversight: Regular transparency reports and independent audits should be mandated for all agencies utilizing AI surveillance technologies to ensure accountability and build public trust in these systems.
Legislative Action: Prompt legislative action is needed to fill existing regulatory gaps and establish clear guidelines governing the use of AI in law enforcement, ensuring that civil liberties are not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement.
Conclusion: To safeguard civil liberties while leveraging AI surveillance, India must enact comprehensive legislation, adopt risk-based regulations, and enforce stringent consent mechanisms with judicial oversight. There is a need for prompt legislative action is critical to ensure a balanced approach between technological progress and citizens’ rights protection.
Reliance on critical mineral imports, especially from China, poses strategic concerns. To address this, the Indian government is advancing its Mineral Diplomacy to enhance security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.
What is Mineral diplomacy?
Mineral diplomacy refers to a nation’s strategic efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through international partnerships, trade agreements, and resource-sharing initiatives, ensuring economic stability and reducing geopolitical vulnerabilities.
India’s Mineral Diplomacy of 2024
Aim: To coordinate efforts in securing access to critical minerals both domestically and internationally. It focuses on enhancing resource mapping, accelerating exploration activities, and developing resilient supply chains for minerals vital to India’s industrial and green energy targets.
Key Features:
International Partnerships: India is actively engaging with resource-rich countries, particularly in Africa, to secure essential minerals. This includes participation in the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) and bilateral agreements like the India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership, which are designed to fortify supply chains and position India as a key player in global mineral diplomacy.
Domestic Reforms: The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 allows private sector participation in exploring critical minerals. This reform is expected to boost domestic supply and reduce reliance on imports, aligning with India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency.
Geopolitical Context: As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, India’s mineral diplomacy is not just about securing resources but also about establishing itself as a significant player in the clean energy economy.
India is emphasizing responsible mining practices to differentiate itself from competitors like China.
Focus on Recycling: The mission prioritizes recycling critical minerals from electronic waste and used batteries, ensuring resource efficiency and sustainability amidst limited reserves.
Investment in Technology: India plans to leverage advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning for geological mapping to enhance exploration efforts.
What are the strategic objectives of India’s Critical Mineral Mission 2024?
India’s Critical Mineral Mission aims to secure a stable supply of essential minerals for its economic and technological growth. The strategic objectives include:
Reducing Import Dependency: By decreasing reliance on imports, particularly from China, India seeks to enhance its mineral security and mitigate economic risks associated with geopolitical tensions.
Enhancing Domestic Production: The mission focuses on boosting domestic exploration and production capabilities for critical minerals, thereby fostering self-sufficiency.
Facilitating Recycling and Sustainable Practices: Emphasis is placed on recycling critical minerals to ensure a sustainable supply chain while addressing environmental concerns.
How is India leveraging international partnerships to enhance its mineral supply chains?
India is actively engaging in international partnerships to enhance its mineral supply chains through several strategic initiatives:
Bilateral Agreements: India has established partnerships with resource-rich countries like Australia, Argentina, and Kazakhstan to secure supplies of lithium and cobalt. For instance, KABIL signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia for lithium and cobalt projects.
Joint Ventures: The formation of joint ventures, such as IREUK Titanium Limited with Kazakhstan, aims to develop production capabilities within India, thus integrating into the global supply chain.
Multilateral Engagements: India is participating in multilateral initiatives like the Quad and the G-7 to align with global best practices in mineral security and facilitate knowledge sharing.
What challenges does India face in its mineral diplomacy efforts?
Despite the positive outcomes of India’s mineral diplomacy, several challenges hinder its effectiveness:
Lack of Private Sector Participation: The absence of a clear roadmap for private sector involvement in the critical minerals supply chain limits India’s ability to leverage domestic capabilities fully.
Weak Diplomatic Capacity: Insufficient diplomatic resources and expertise in mineral diplomacy pose challenges in forming sustainable international partnerships.
Need for Comprehensive Strategy: A cohesive strategy that integrates private sector roles and addresses supply chain vulnerabilities is essential for enhancing India’s mineral security efforts. The current lack of such a strategy hampers effective engagement with international partners.
Way forward:
Develop a Comprehensive Critical Minerals Policy: Formulate a cohesive strategy integrating private sector participation, incentivizing domestic exploration, and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.
Strengthen Mineral Diplomacy Capacity: Expand diplomatic resources and expertise in mineral partnerships, focusing on resource-rich nations and multilateral platforms. Establish specialized teams to negotiate sustainable agreements, ensuring secure and diversified supply chains.
Mains PYQ:
Q A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018. (UPSC IAS/2018)
Amid intense debates between the government and the opposition, the Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, in 2024.
What were the significant key features of the bill?
Repeal of the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905: The Bill repeals the 1905 Act, which governed the establishment and powers of the Railway Board. Provisions from the 1905 Act are now incorporated into the Railways Act, of 1989, for a unified legal framework.
It combines the provisions of the 1905 Act and the 1989 Act, reducing legislative redundancy and simplifying governance.
Constitution of the Railway Board: It empowers the central government to determine:
The number of Railway Board members.
Qualifications, experience, and terms of service for the Chairman and members.
Method of appointment for these positions.
Streamlining Legal Provisions: It consolidates provisions for easier administration and reduces the need for cross-referencing between multiple laws.
It enables the central government to prescribe updated qualifications and service terms for Railway Board members, potentially improving leadership quality.
Administrative Integration: It maintains the Railway Board’s central authority while aiming for operational efficiency and uniformity in governance.
It aligns with recommendations for a modernized railway structure, paving the way for potential decentralization and private sector participation.
Development Goals: The Bill is in line with India’s broader infrastructure and economic development objectives, which depend heavily on an efficient railway system.
Why did the Government Bring the Bill?
The government aims to repeal the Indian Railway Board Act of 1905 and integrate its provisions into the Railways Act of 1989, simplifying the legal framework governing Indian Railways and reducing reliance on multiple laws.
The government argues that this integration will enhance the efficiency and development of railways, allowing for better governance and decision-making within the Railway Board.
Since its inception, the Railway Board has operated under the 1905 Act. The new Bill seeks to modernize this structure by aligning it with contemporary governance practices.
What did MPs Say About the Bill?
Support from Government MPs: The ruling party MPs praised the Bill as a significant step towards modernizing and strengthening Indian Railways, asserting that it would enhance the functions and independence of the Railway Board.
Concerns from Opposition MPs: Opposition members argued for an independent Railway Board free from government control and highlighted that the Bill does not address critical issues like:
Concerns About Privatization: The Opposition party is worried that the new Bill could lead to the privatization of Indian Railways, making it less accessible to poorer people.
Loss of Independence: Many Members of Parliament (MPs) are concerned that more government control over appointments to the Railway Board could reduce the independence of Indian Railways.
Restoration of Discounts: Several MPs are calling for the return of fare discounts for senior citizens, journalists, and economically weaker groups, which were stopped during the pandemic.
Calls for Inclusivity: Some MPs raised concerns about representation within the Railway Board, questioning whether marginalized groups would be adequately represented in appointments.
Way forward:
Strengthen Railway Board Autonomy: Establish an independent regulatory framework to ensure the Railway Board operates with greater autonomy, focusing on safety, operational efficiency, and decentralization at zonal and divisional levels.
Inclusive Representation and Expertise: Mandate merit-based appointments to the Railway Board, ensuring adequate representation of marginalized groups (SCs, STs, OBCs, and women) while emphasizing domain expertise for effective governance.
Mains PYQ:
Q The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators. (UPSC IAS/2014)
The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at addressing the growing mental health challenges in the country.
About National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
Details
Initiated in 1982 and restructured in 2003, the NMHP aims to modernize mental health facilities and upgrade psychiatric wings in medical institutions.
Features and Signficance
The program has 3 components:
1. Treatment of mentally ill
2. Rehabilitation
3. Prevention and promotion of positive mental health.
Aims and Objectives
Prevention and treatment of mental and neurological disorders and their associated disabilities.
Use of mental health technology to improve general health services.
Application of mental health principles in total national development to improve quality of life.
Structural Mandate
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), based on the Bellary Model, focuses on community mental health services at the primary healthcare level, spanning 716 districts.
DMHP provides outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, and support for severe mental disorders.
Priority given to mental morbidity and treatment.
Primary healthcare services at village and sub-center levels.
Services at the Primary Health Center (PHC) and District Hospital levels.
Facilities at Mental Hospitals and Teaching Psychiatric Units.
Back2Basics: The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
It replaced the Mental Healthcare Act, 1987, which was criticized for failing to recognize the rights of mentally ill individuals.
It ensures the Right to Access to Healthcare and aims to ensure the rights and dignity of those with mental illness.
It decriminalized suicide, stating that attempts are presumed to be under severe stress and shall not be punished.