💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Governance

Important aspects of Society

  • [pib] PM-YASASVI Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

    About PM-YASASVI Scheme  

    Details
    Launch Year 2021-22
    Purpose To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT).
    Eligibility Criteria • Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT(Denotified Tribes) categories
    • Annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh
    • Additional criteria may apply based on specific schemes.
    Benefits • Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
    • Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
    • Hostel facilities for OBC students
    • Promotes educational advancement for marginalized communities.
    Scholarship Amounts • Class 9 and Class 10: ₹75,000 annually
    • Class 11 and Class 12: ₹1,25,000 annually
    Selection Criteria • Based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
    Application Process • Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
    Significance Promotes inclusivity and social progress by supporting students from OBC, EBC, and DNT backgrounds in their educational pursuits.

  • SC upholds State legislatures’ right to regulate Industrial Alcohol as an ‘Intoxicant’

    Why in the News?

    A nine-judge Constitution Bench, with an 8:1 majority, affirmed the authority of State legislatures to regulate industrial alcohol.

    What is the definition of “intoxicating liquor” with industrial alcohol?

    • The SC’s ruling established that the term “intoxicating liquor” in Entry 8 of the State List should be interpreted broadly to include not only potable alcohol but also industrial alcohol, such as rectified spirit, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), and denatured spirit.
      • This definition extends beyond the popular meaning of “intoxicating liquor” as alcoholic beverages meant for consumption.
    • Public Health Consideration: The ruling emphasized that alcohol, in any form, is a noxious substance prone to misuse. Hence, industrial alcohol, which can potentially be diverted for the production of illicit or harmful alcoholic beverages, falls under the regulatory domain of the States to protect public health and safety.
    • Legal Precedent: The Court cited previous decisions where the interpretation of “intoxicating liquor” was not confined to just alcoholic beverages but also included forms of alcohol that could be detrimental to health if used improperly.

    How does this ruling impact the balance of power between state and central governments?

    • Strengthening State Autonomy: The ruling affirms that States have the legislative competence to regulate industrial alcohol according to Entry 8 of the State List.
      • By upholding the States’ right to regulate industrial alcohol, the judgment reinforces federalism and the autonomy of State legislatures in matters that fall within the ambit of their constitutional authority.
      • This challenges the Centre’s claim to exclusive control over industrial alcohol under Entry 52 of the Union List, which pertains to industries regulated by the Union for public interest.
    • Restriction on Centre’s Authority: The judgment limits the Union government’s power and clarifies that Parliament’s control over industries under Entry 52 is limited and does not extend to regulating industrial alcohol in its entirety.

    How does it impact the state revenues and public health?

    • State Revenues: The ruling potentially enhances States’ power to levy taxes and fees related to the production, manufacture, and sale of industrial alcohol. This could result in increased revenue generation from excise duties on alcohol-based products and licensing fees.
    • Public Health Regulation: Having greater regulatory control over the production and distribution of industrial alcohol will help the states curb the misuse of substances like rectified spirit and ENA in the production of illicit liquor. This can improve public health outcomes by reducing instances of alcohol poisoning and illicit liquor-related deaths.
    • Policy Formulation: The judgment may prompt States to strengthen policies and enforcement mechanisms regarding alcohol regulation, ensuring that industrial alcohol is not diverted for unauthorized uses.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Regulatory Framework: States should enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the diversion of industrial alcohol for illicit uses, ensuring strict compliance with safety standards and public health protections.
    • Collaborative Policy Development: The Centre and States should work together to harmonize regulations, balancing State autonomy with national interests, while focusing on safeguarding public health and optimizing revenue generation from alcohol-related activities.

    Previous Year Question:

    Q) It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many deaths, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities. The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrests, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever. Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially, and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave a boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people. Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (UPSC CSE 2018)

  • Scuttling people’s Right to Information (RTI)

    Why in the News?

    Governments are undermining the RTI Act by delaying the appointment of information commissioners, causing commissions to struggle with increasing backlogs, according to a 2023-24 report of Satark Nagrik Sangathan.

    About Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS):

    • Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS) is not a government-based organization; rather, it is a citizens’ organization focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in India.
    • A citizen organization is a non-governmental group formed by individuals who come together to advocate for specific causes, promote social change, or address community issues..

    Current Challenges Facing the Implementation of the RTI Act:

    • Vacant Posts in Information Commissions: Many information commissions have unfilled vacancies, which severely affects their functioning. For instance, the Central Information Commission has eight out of 11 positions vacant. Some state commissions, like those in Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana, have been defunct for years.
    • Mounting Backlogs: The lack of sufficient information commissioners has led to over 4 lakh pending appeals and complaints. In some states, such as Chhattisgarh and Bihar, a fresh appeal may not be disposed of until 2029.
    • Bias in Appointments: A majority of appointed commissioners are retired government officials or individuals with political affiliations, leading to reluctance to take action against transparency violations.
    • Failure to Impose Penalties: Commissions rarely penalize officials for violations, with penalties imposed in only 5% of cases where applicable. This promotes a culture of impunity and discourages proper adherence to the RTI Act.
    • Regressive Amendments: Amendments to the RTI Act in 2019 reduced the autonomy of information commissions by giving the central government control over tenure, salaries, and entitlements of commissioners. The 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act further restricted the disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act.
    • Threats and Attacks on RTI Activists: There have been nearly 100 killings and thousands of cases of assault, intimidation, and legal harassment against individuals using the RTI Act.

    How the Erosion of RTI Undermines Democratic Principles:

    • Weakening of Accountability and Transparency: The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information and hold the government accountable. Erosion of this right leads to reduced government transparency, weakening the democratic process of checks and balances.
    • Increased Impunity and Abuse of Power: The failure to impose penalties and enforce accountability fosters a culture where officials can evade scrutiny without facing consequences, allowing for corruption and abuse of power to thrive.
    • Diminished Public Participation in Governance: The RTI Act plays a crucial role in empowering citizens to participate in governance by providing access to information. Restrictions on this access limit citizens’ ability to make informed decisions and engage with government policies effectively.
    • Chilling Effect on Whistleblowers and Activists: Threats and violence against RTI users deter citizens from using the law to expose wrongdoing, leading to a decrease in transparency and whistleblowing.

    Measures to Strengthen the RTI Framework in India: (Way forward)

    • Fill Vacancies and Increase Capacity: Appoint information commissioners promptly to reduce backlogs and ensure commissions function efficiently. Strengthen the infrastructure and manpower of commissions to handle increasing workloads.
    • Restore Autonomy and Accountability: Reverse regressive amendments and ensure that information commissions operate independently. Implement stricter measures for imposing penalties on officials who violate RTI norms.
    • Strengthen Legal Protections for RTI Users: Operationalize the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014, to protect those who face retaliation for using the RTI Act. Provide security and legal assistance to activists and whistleblowers.
    • Promote Digital Solutions: Enhance the use of digital platforms to file RTI applications and appeals, and improve the efficiency of the information disclosure process. This can help reduce delays and improve transparency.
    • Public Awareness and Training Programs: Conduct regular public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the RTI Act. Provide training to information officers to improve their understanding of the law and ensure timely and accurate responses.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Can India escape middle-income trap?

    Why in the News?

    The World Development Report 2024 highlights the “middle-income trap,” where economies stagnate as growth slows. Only 34 middle-income nations advanced to high-income status in 34 years.

    How does the World Bank define the threshold for middle-income economies?

    • The World Bank defines middle-income economies as those with incomes between $1,136 and $13,845 per capita.
    • The middle-income trap refers to a slowdown in growth when an economy reaches a certain income threshold, about 11% of U.S. per capita income.
    • Only 34 middle-income countries have transitioned to higher-income status over the last 34 years, indicating the difficulty of escaping the middle-income trap.

    Why is state intervention crucial for breaking the middle-income trap?

    • State intervention is vital for coordinating development goals, as seen in South Korea and Chile, where governments played an active role in shaping industries and ensuring the private sector’s alignment with national development objectives.
    • The state ensures investment, infusion of global technologies, and domestic innovation, which are critical for modern economies. This is known as the 3i approach (Investment, Infusion, Innovation).
    • State intervention disciplines local elites, ensuring firms succeed based on performance, not political connections. Underperforming firms are allowed to fail, promoting efficiency and innovation.

    What lessons can be drawn from South Korea and Chile?

    • South Korea adopted a state-led industrialization strategy with a focus on export-driven manufacturing:
      • The state actively directed private sector activities, ensuring businesses were competitive on the global stage.
      • Chaebols (large business conglomerates) were supported based on their performance, promoting technological advancement and innovation.
    • Chile achieved success by focusing on natural resource exports, like its salmon industry:
      • The state’s role was crucial in developing and supporting industries with growth potential, showing how targeted interventions can help small but strategically important sectors thrive.

    What challenges does India face in balancing state intervention with democratic values?

    • Economic Power Concentration: India faces a growing concentration of wealth among powerful business houses, which are perceived to be closely linked to the state. This risks cronyism rather than performance-based growth, which could hinder innovation and investment.
    • Manufacturing Stagnation: Unlike South Korea, India’s manufacturing sector has not experienced significant growth. With global export demand slowing and increased protectionism, manufacturing is less likely to drive India’s growth.
    • Wage Stagnation: Real wage growth has been stagnant, as inflation erodes the benefits of nominal wage increases. This limits domestic demand, a critical factor in economic dynamism.
    • Premature Deindustrialization: India, like many developing economies, faces premature deindustrialization, meaning that manufacturing’s contribution to GDP is declining at a lower level of income than historically seen in developed economies.
    • Balancing State Intervention with Democracy: South Korea and Chile implemented aggressive state interventions under authoritarian regimes. However, India, as the world’s largest democracy, must ensure that growth strategies do not come at the cost of democratic values and labor rights.

    World Bank recommendation to escape the middle-income trap: 

    World Development Report 2024: This report outlines a three-pronged approach for middle-income countries to escape the trap:

    • Investment: Initially focusing on increasing investment.
    • Technology Infusion: Incorporating modern technologies into domestic industries.
    • Innovation: Ultimately fostering innovation to enhance competitiveness and productivity

    Way forward: 

    • Economic Growth Strategy: Niti Aayog CEO  emphasized the need for a comprehensive economic strategy to avoid the middle-income trap, which he described as the “biggest threat” to India’s growth.
    • Free Trade and Global Integration:  Niti Aayog CEO advocated for increased openness to free trade and alignment with global value chains.
    • Urban Development and Infrastructure: The government should focus on transforming urban areas into economic hubs, which is seen as crucial for driving growth.

  • [pib] Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public comments and suggestions.

    Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024: Key Features

    Details
    Sports Regulatory Board of India • Central regulatory authority overseeing National Sports Federations (NSFs).
    • Responsible for granting recognition to NSFs, ensuring governance, financial, and ethical standards are followed.
    • Flexible and autonomous in regulating sports governance without a fixed formula for NSF recognition.
    Governance Structure for Sports Bodies • Applies to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSFs.
    • Limits Executive Committees (ECs) to 15 members.
    • Leadership positions open to citizens with usual terms and conditions.
    • Encourages NSFs to hire full-time salaried management, led by a CEO.
    Ethical and Governance Standards • Mandatory Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions at the NOC, NPC, and NSF levels.
    • Aligns with international standards to help India host global events like the Olympics.
    Athletes Commissions • Required in NOC, NPC, and all NSFs.
    • Provides athletes a platform to raise concerns and participate in decision-making.
    • Government to provide additional funding.
    Athlete Representation in Governance • At least 10% of voting members in the General Body of NOC, NPC, and NSFs must be sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs).
    • At least 2 SOM representatives (one male, one female) must serve on the Executive Committee.
    Safe Sports Policy • Introduces a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment and abuse.
    • Strict adherence to the POSH Act.
    National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs) • Guidelines for recognizing and regulating NSPOs to support sports governance, athlete development, and sports promotion.
    Appellate Sports Tribunal • Handles sports-related disputes, reducing the burden on civil courts.
    • Provides faster, cheaper, and efficient dispute resolution.
    Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees • The Sports Regulatory Board can form these committees in cases of non-compliance or suspension of sports federations.
    Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Standards • Emphasizes anti-doping measures and compliance with international standards, positioning India as a clean host for global events.
    Public Accountability and Transparency • NOC, NPC, and NSFs subject to the RTI Act with exclusions for performance and medical data, ensuring transparency in sports governance.
    Inclusivity and Gender Representation • At least 30% of the members of Executive Committees and other governing bodies must be female, promoting gender equality in sports.
    Sports Election Panel • IOA, PCI, and NSFs must engage electoral officers from the Sports Election Panel to ensure free and fair elections.
    Use of National Name and Insignia • Only recognized sports bodies will be allowed to use the Indian Flag or national names.
    • Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year.

    Significance of the Bill:

    • The National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is significant as it aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in sports governance while ensuring the welfare of athletes.
    • It establishes regulatory frameworks and ethical standards that align India’s sports ecosystem with global practices, fostering a more efficient, fair, and athlete-centric sports environment.

    PYQ:

    [2014] An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.

  • Rules promoting caste bias in jails struck down by Supreme Court

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court declared caste-based discrimination in prisons unconstitutional, ordering immediate reforms in jail manuals nationwide to uphold inmates’ dignity, equality, and non-discrimination rights.

    What specific caste-based practices in prison manuals were deemed unconstitutional by the SC?

    • Work Assignments Based on Caste: The assignment of menial tasks like cleaning and sweeping to marginalized castes (e.g., SCs, STs, DNTs) while reserving cooking roles for higher castes was ruled unconstitutional.
      • This violated Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, etc.).
    • Caste-based Classification of Labour: The court struck down provisions in prison manuals that classified inmates into different labour roles based on their caste, calling it a form of “untouchability” and caste hierarchy.
    • References to ‘Scavenger Class’: The reference to specific castes as the “scavenger class” was condemned as reinforcing caste stereotypes, and the court ruled such practices unconstitutional under Article 17 (abolition of untouchability).
    • Assignment of Hazardous Tasks: Marginalized prisoners forced to clean sewers and tanks in unsafe conditions was also ruled a violation of their dignity under Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).

    How does the ruling reflect the broader implications of caste discrimination in society?

    • Historical and Societal Caste Biases: The ruling emphasized that caste-based discrimination in prisons is a remnant of colonial and pre-colonial oppressive systems, designed to dehumanize marginalized groups.
    • Reinforcement of Stereotypes: The court noted that prison rules, by assigning certain jobs to marginalized castes, indirectly perpetuate historical stereotypes and social hierarchies, harming personal growth and development, and fostering caste prejudices.

    India’s prisons face other challenges too: 

    • Overcrowding: In 2016, India’s prisons were 20% over capacity, with some prisons over 500% capacity. Overcrowding can lead to poor living conditions and the spread of disease. 
    • Poor hygiene and Custodial torture: Prisoners face physical abuse and sexual abuse, and police may also torture prisoners. Prisons are underfunded, which leads to poor infrastructure, inadequate food, and insufficient clothing. 
    • Understaffing: 33% of prison official positions are vacant. Prison management is a state subject, so prison rules vary by state.
    • Ineffective bail system: The bail system contributes to the crisis of undertrial incarceration.

    What are the actions mandated by the SC?

    • Reform of Prison Manuals: All states and Union territories must revise their prison manuals within three months to align with the judgment, eliminating discriminatory provisions.
      • The Union government is required to update the Model Prison Manual 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act 2023 within the same period.
    • Removal of Caste-Based Work Assignments: The court ordered that no inmate be subjected to work or housing arrangements based on their caste. The caste column in registers of undertrial and convicted prisoners must be deleted.
    • Prohibition of Hazardous Work: The court mandated that manual scavenging or hazardous cleaning of sewers or septic tanks in prisons be prohibited, in line with the 2013 law banning manual scavenging.
    • Arrest Guidelines for DNTs: The court called for strict adherence to guidelines (from Arnesh Kumar Vs State of Bihar and Amanatullah Khan Vs Commissioner of Police, Delhi cases) to prevent arbitrary arrests of denotified tribe members.
    • Compliance Oversight: The court initiated suo motu proceedings to monitor the implementation of these reforms and ordered states and the Union government to submit compliance reports, ensuring sustained oversight.

    Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling ends caste-based discrimination in prisons, mandating nationwide reforms in jail manuals, safeguarding inmates’ dignity, and promoting equality by eliminating discriminatory caste-based practices and work assignments.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Food safety laws in states

    Why in the News?

    The Uttar Pradesh government has mandated that all food establishments display the names and addresses of their owners and employees. In July, the Supreme Court put a hold on similar orders issued by the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

    What are the regulations for selling food in India? 

    • Licensing and Registration: All food businesses must register with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) or obtain a license, depending on their scale of operation. Small-scale vendors are classified as “Petty Food Manufacturers” and must register under specific rules.
    • Display Requirements: Food business operators are required to prominently display their FSSAI registration certificate or license, including a photo ID, at their premises or vehicles to inform customers about the legitimacy of the food business.
    • Compliance and Penalties: Non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) can lead to penalties, including fines up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment for up to six months. Violators may also receive an Improvement Notice, which could result in license suspension or cancellation if not addressed.

    What powers do states have to make laws in this regard?

    • Authority to Make Rules:
      • Under Section 94(1) of the FSSA, state governments can make rules for food safety after obtaining prior approval from the FSSAI.
      • Section 94(2) specifies areas where states can legislate, such as additional functions of the Commissioner of Food Safety and other matters requiring state-level rules.
    • Implementation: The Commissioner of Food Safety, appointed by the state government, is responsible for ensuring the efficient implementation of food safety regulations.
    • Legislative Approval: Any rules made by the state government must be presented before the state legislature for approval (Section 94(3)).

    Can a state government’s directives under FSSA be challenged in court?

    • Grounds for Challenge: Previous orders from UP and Uttarakhand were contested on grounds that they discriminated against individuals based on religion or caste, violating constitutional rights under Articles 15(1) and 19(1)(g).
    • Judicial Precedent: In July 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that only competent authorities under the FSSA could issue such directives, limiting police powers in this context

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Regulatory Framework: There is a need to enhance the regulatory framework by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of state governments and the FSSAI.
    • Engaging Stakeholders and Public Awareness: The government should engage with food business operators, consumers, and public health experts to foster better understanding and compliance with food safety regulations.

  • Was animal fat present in Tirupati laddus?

    Why in the News?

    The ghee samples used by ‘Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ for ritual offerings and ‘Laddu Prasadam’ were found to contain foreign fats, including fish oil, beef tallow, and lard, as per the NDDB’s analysis report.

    What did the ALF of the National Dairy Development Board find in the Tirupati laddus?

    • The Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) of the National Dairy Development Board found that ghee samples supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for preparing laddus were adulterated with various fats.
    • Adulterants detected included:
      • Plant-based fats: soybean, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, linseed, wheat germ, maize germ, cotton seed, coconut, and palm kernel fat.
      • Animal-based fats: fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (pig fat).

    Existing Laws:

    • The Indian Penal Code (1860) penalizes food adulteration under Section 272, but penalties are often minimal, leading to insufficient deterrence.
    • The Food Safety and Standards Act, of 2006 aims to consolidate food safety regulations, but implementation remains weak due to inadequate resources and oversight.

    Implementation Gaps:

    • Despite robust standards set by the FSSAI, the actual enforcement is lacking. For instance, many tests that could detect sophisticated forms of adulteration are only sometimes conducted due to a lack of testing facilities and trained personnel.
    • A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlighted that major brands of honey were found to be adulterated with undetectable syrups, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current testing protocols.

    Why maintaining a good baseline data (specific to Indian conditions) is necessary?

    • Biological Variation in Indian Cows: Baseline data specific to Indian cows is needed for accurate results. Indian cows may have different genetic and biochemical profiles compared to European cows, meaning the existing international standards for detecting adulteration (like the ‘s-values’) may not accurately reflect the composition of Indian cow ghee.
    • Adulterants Unique to Local Conditions: The types of adulterants commonly used in India, such as certain vegetable oils or animal fats, may differ from those in other regions. Establishing baseline data for Indian adulterants would improve the precision of detecting the specific types of foreign fats used in India.
    • Accurate Interpretation of Results: Without specific data on the composition of Indian cow ghee, it becomes difficult to interpret the results from methods like gas chromatography. Customized baseline data ensures that the detection methods yield accurate and meaningful conclusions in the Indian context.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms: Increase resources for testing facilities and train personnel to implement FSSAI standards more effectively, ensuring regular checks for sophisticated adulteration.
    • Develop India-Specific Testing Protocols: Create testing standards based on baseline data specific to Indian cows and local adulterants to improve accuracy in detecting food adulteration.

  • With 2026 target approaching, clearing of 50% landfill sites in big cities yet to start

    Why in the News?

    In the third year of the five-year Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Urban 2.0, larger cities have yet to clear land at half of their landfill sites. According to government sources, only 38% of the total waste has been remediated so far..

    Present State of Cities in India (related to legacy landfills):

    • Inadequate Progress in Waste Remediation: Three years into Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Urban 2.0, only 38% of the waste in legacy landfill sites across major cities has been remediated. About 62% of garbage still remains unprocessed, and 65% of the land has not been cleared.
    • Slow Progress in Large Cities:
      • In major cities with populations over 1 million, 35 out of 69 landfill sites have not had any land cleared.
      • Deonar landfill in Mumbai, the largest in India, has not seen any remediation or land clearance.
      • In Ahmedabad’s Pirana landfill, 48% of the total area has been cleared, while in Delhi’s Ghazipur and Bhalaswa landfills, waste remediation has begun, but no land has been reclaimed yet.
    • Challenges with Legacy and Fresh Waste: Legacy landfills remain a persistent issue as fresh waste is still being deposited at the same sites undergoing remediation. This cycle hampers progress, as more fresh waste offsets the clearance of older waste, making remediation efforts inefficient.
    Note: The Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0), launched on October 1, 2021, aims to achieve a “Garbage Free” India by 2026. It focuses on sustainable sanitation, effective waste management, and enhancing urban cleanliness through initiatives like door-to-door waste collection and remediation of legacy dumpsites.

    What are the cities expected to do with reclaimed land?

    • Reuse Plans for Cleared Land: According to SBM Urban 2.0 guidelines, cities are expected to reuse cleared land after bioremediation for productive purposes such as:
      • Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF): Waste is processed into RDF for use in waste-to-energy plants.
      • Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling: Cleared waste is recycled for infrastructure projects.
      • Bio-soil: Reclaimed bio-soil is used for road construction or other land development projects.
    • Limited Action on Reuse: Despite these plans, the amount of land reclaimed from garbage dumps remains minimal in many cities, and detailed data on how reclaimed land is being utilized is lacking. As of now, the focus remains on remediation rather than immediate land reuse.

    Way forward: 

    • Develop Alternative Waste Processing Sites: Cities must create dedicated facilities to manage fresh waste separately from legacy landfills to avoid offsetting progress and ensure efficient remediation.
    • Accelerate Land Reuse Plans: Prioritize the swift repurposing of reclaimed land for productive uses, such as waste-to-energy plants, construction material recycling, and bio-soil applications, ensuring sustainable urban development.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan? (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Why digitisation is not enough to reform land laws?

    Why in the News?

    India’s land governance system is a tangled web of laws that have significantly impeded the nation’s economic and social progress for many years.

    What are the limitations of digitisation in land law reform?

    • Failure to Address Legal Complexities: Digitisation alone does not resolve the underlying conflicts in land laws, such as unclear titles, insecure tenure, and legal ambiguities around land ownership and transfers.
    • Outdated Records: Even digitised land records may remain outdated or inaccurate, undermining the reliability of property titles and failing to improve access to formal credit.
    • Ineffectiveness in Fragmented Land Markets: Digitisation does not solve the issue of land fragmentation, which reduces agricultural productivity and hampers investment.
    • Limited Impact on Tenancy and Leasing Laws: Digitisation does not address restrictions on land leasing or tenancy, leaving land markets inefficient and informal.
    • Overreliance on Administrative Procedures: The complexities of legal and administrative frameworks still hinder land ownership, transfers, and use, despite digitisation efforts.
    • Political Exemptions from Judicial Review: The exclusion of land laws from judicial scrutiny through the Ninth Schedule limits accountability and the ability to challenge unjust political or administrative actions.

    How do socio-political factors influence the effectiveness of digitisation efforts?

    • Political Resistance: Local and state-level political interests may resist changes to land laws that could undermine entrenched power structures or vested interests, impeding the effectiveness of digitisation efforts.
    • Rent-Seeking Behavior: Complex land laws and administrative procedures encourage rent-seeking, making digitisation ineffective without legal reforms that simplify regulations.
    • Cultural Norms and Gender Disparities: Socio-political dynamics, especially regarding gender and caste, influence land ownership patterns, limiting the impact of digitisation in addressing social inequalities.
    • State Variability: Differences in state capacity, resources, and political will lead to uneven adoption and success of digitisation efforts across India.
    • Lack of Integration in Subsidy Targeting: Social and political factors, such as inefficient targeting of subsidies (e.g., fertiliser subsidies not linked to land records), limit the impact of digitisation on equitable resource distribution.
    • Exclusion from Judicial Review: The Ninth Schedule’s protection of land laws from judicial review allows political decisions to go unchallenged, reducing the long-term effectiveness of digitisation reforms.

    What additional measures are necessary for effective land law reform? (Way forward)

    • Comprehensive Legal Reforms: Overhaul conflicting land laws to ensure clarity, secure property titles, and strengthen property rights.
    • Tenancy and Leasing Reforms: Modernise and liberalise tenancy laws to formalise leasing arrangements and reduce the risk of expropriation.
    • Land Use Flexibility: Reforms allowing easier conversion of land use between agricultural, industrial, and residential sectors to ensure optimal land utilisation.
    • Land Consolidation Policies: Facilitate land consolidation to improve agricultural productivity and attract investment by reducing fragmentation.
    • Gender Equality in Land Ownership: Strengthen laws ensuring equal land and property rights for women, addressing gender-based inequalities in land ownership.
    • Judicial Oversight: Allow land laws to be subject to judicial review, ensuring fairness and protecting against arbitrary political and administrative decisions.