The Chenchu tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Andhra Pradesh, faces poverty, unemployment, and worsening living conditions due to the discontinuation of a special MGNREGS project.
The government launched the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project in 2009 to address their specific needs, providing 180 days of employment.
AboutChenchu Tribe
Details
Location
Primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha
Habitat
Sparse and deciduous Nallamala forest, part of the Eastern Ghats
Language
Chenchu language, belonging to the Dravidian language family
Traditional Livelihood
Hunter-gatherers, relying on forest produce like honey, roots, tubers, soapberries, and gum for sustenance
Role in Tiger Conservation
Involved as tiger protection watchers in the Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
Forest Rights
Granted land rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006), allowing subsistence farming and forest dwelling
Challenges
Facing displacement, low literacy rate (40.6%), and rehabilitation issues due to relocation from their forest homes
Cultural Practices
Worship Malalamma Vana Devatha (goddess of honey); brew liquor from acacia bark, mahua flower, and jaggery
Society
Community-oriented with close-knit family bonds, practicing traditional subsistence living and deeply connected to forest ecosystems
Population
64,227 (2011 Census), spread across five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Government Support
Special rights granted under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (FRA)
Major Threats
Displacement due to tiger conservation efforts, lack of modern skills, poverty, and low literacy rates
Four years after the onset of Covid, an expert group formed by NITI Aayog has proposed the establishment of a comprehensive framework to handle future public health emergencies or pandemics effectively.
Lessons Learned from COVID-19:
Gaps in Legal Frameworks: Existing laws like the Epidemic Diseases Act (1897) and National Disaster Management Act (2005) were insufficient for handling large-scale health emergencies. These laws lack clarity on definitions of epidemics and provisions for managing public health crises, drug distribution, and quarantine measures.
Delayed Response and Coordination: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in coordination between central and state governments, highlighting the need for a more organized response mechanism.
Inadequate Surveillance: Insufficient disease surveillance and early warning systems delayed the identification of threats. The role of zoonotic diseases, especially viruses linked to bat species, underscored the need for better monitoring of human-animal interactions.
What specific recommendations does the NITI Aayog report make?
Enactment of PHEMA: Introduce the Public Health Emergency Management Act for a more robust legal framework to manage pandemics and other health emergencies.
Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS): Establish a central committee to oversee pandemic preparedness, governance, R&D, surveillance, and response efforts.
Strengthened Disease Surveillance: Create a national biosecurity and biosafety network and monitor human-animal interfaces, especially for zoonotic diseases.
Emergency Vaccine Bank: Develop a stockpile of vaccines for rapid access during health crises, sourced domestically or internationally.
Early Warning and Research Network: Build a forecasting and modelling network, along with Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to advance research on priority pathogens and preparedness.
How can India enhance its pandemic preparedness framework? (Way forward)
Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Enact a Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) and establish an Empowered Group of Secretaries for coordinated pandemic response.
Enhancing Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Build a robust disease surveillance network, biosecurity system, and epidemiology forecasting for early detection and response to outbreaks.
Investing in Health Infrastructure and Vaccine Stockpiles: Develop public health cadres, boost healthcare infrastructure, and create an emergency vaccine bank for rapid deployment during health crises.
Recently, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma to grant ST status to tea tribes, he was also strategically countering the BJP’s campaign in election-bound Jharkhand.
Demand for Scheduled Tribe Status
Recognition of Marginalization: The Jharkhand CM has emphasized that the tea tribes in Assam, numbering around 70 lakh, are marginalized despite their significant contributions to the state’s economy.
He has formally requested Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for these communities, which are currently classified as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Assam, limiting their access to essential government benefits and protections associated with ST status.
ST Status: The tea tribes meet the criteria for ST status due to their distinct cultural identity, traditional way of life, and vulnerability to exploitation.
Many members of these tribes are indigenous to Jharkhand and have historical ties to Assam, having migrated there during colonial rule to work in tea plantations.
Which are the Tea Tribes in Assam?
Munda: Originating from the Chotanagpur plateau, they are one of the most prominent groups among the tea tribes in Assam.
Santhal: They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional music and dance.
Oraon: This group also hails from central India and has a strong presence in Assam’s tea gardens.
Gond: Primarily found in central India, Gonds are part of the tea tribes due to historical migration patterns.
Kurukh: This group is related to the Oraon and shares linguistic and cultural ties with them.
Bhumij: They were brought to Assam for labor in tea plantations.
The criteria for a community to be recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in India:
As established by the Lokur Committee and currently followed by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), include:
Primitive Traits: Indications of a primitive lifestyle or cultural practices that are less developed compared to mainstream society.
Distinctive Culture: A unique cultural identity that differentiates the community from others, including language, traditions, and customs.
Geographical Isolation: Communities that are historically or currently isolated from the mainstream population, often residing in remote areas.
Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large: A tendency to avoid interaction with broader society, which may stem from historical marginalization.
Backwardness: Socio-economic disadvantages compared to the general population, including lower levels of education and economic development.
How do the Tea Tribes contribute to the Economy?
Major Workforce: The tea tribes form the backbone of Assam’s tea industry, which is one of the largest in the world.
Approximately 53% of India’s total tea production comes from Assam, and a significant portion of this labor force comprises tea tribe members, particularly women.
Economic Dependence: It is estimated that around 20 lakh people (2 million) in Assam are directly or indirectly dependent on the tea industry for their livelihoods.
The wages earned by tea tribe workers are a primary source of income for many families within these communities.
Cultural Heritage and Historical Injustices
Due to Cultural Displacement: The tea tribes face challenges in preserving their cultural heritage due to their classification as OBCs. This status affects their land rights and access to employment opportunities, leading to a loss of cultural identity.
Due to Socio-economic Challenges: Despite contributing significantly to Assam’s tea industry, the tea tribes suffer from poor living conditions, lack of educational facilities, and inadequate healthcare.
They often live in poverty and face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing government programs designed for marginalized communities. This situation reflects historical injustices stemming from colonial labor practices that uprooted them from their ancestral lands.
Way forward:
Granting ST Status: Expedite the process of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the tea tribes, which would provide them with legal recognition and access to special protections, reservations, and welfare schemes aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
Improving Living Conditions: Implement targeted government programs to improve the living conditions of tea tribe communities, focusing on access to education, healthcare, and better infrastructure in tea plantation areas.
Government data from over 3,000 urban local bodies across 29 States and Union Territories shows that 91.9% of the 38,000 sewer and septic tank cleaners profiles belong to SC, ST, or OBC communities.
What are the socio-economic conditions of workers engaged in sewer and septic tank cleaning?
Demographics: A significant majority (91.9%) of the 38,000 profiled workers belong to marginalized communities: 68.9% Scheduled Castes (SC), 14.7% Other Backward Classes (OBC), 8.3% Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 8% from the general category.
Employment Status: The workforce largely comprises low-income individuals engaged in hazardous, low-status jobs, reflecting persistent caste-based disparities.
Capital Subsidies support: Since the launch of the NAMASTE program, ₹2.26 crore in capital subsidies have been distributed to 191 beneficiaries, indicating some financial support for transitioning into self-employment.
How effective are current policies and rehabilitation schemes for sanitation workers?
NAMASTE Programme: Aimed at mechanizing sewer cleaning and providing safety training and equipment, the program is a replacement for the Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS).
Enumeration Process: Over 3,326 urban local bodies (ULBs) are involved, with 38,000 workers profiled so far. However, 283 ULBs reported zero workers, suggesting that the profiling might not be comprehensive or that many workers are unrecognized.
Rehabilitation Success: Out of 58,098 identified manual scavengers under the previous SRMS scheme, 97.2% were from SC communities. While cash transfers of ₹40,000 were provided, only a fraction pursued skills training or loans for alternative livelihoods.
What are the challenges?
Social Stigma: Predominantly from marginalized communities (SC, ST, OBC), these workers face discrimination, limiting their access to better job opportunities and social mobility.
Health Risks: Exposure to hazardous working conditions leads to significant health risks, with a high mortality rate (377 deaths from 2019 to 2023) due to unsafe practices.
Ineffective Rehabilitation: Current policies and support programs lack comprehensive coverage, leaving many workers unrecognized and limiting the effectiveness of financial assistance and training initiatives.
What are the health risks and safety measures for workers in hazardous cleaning roles?
Hazardous Working Conditions: Between 2019 and 2023, 377 workers died from hazardous cleaning activities, highlighting the extreme risks associated with sewer and septic tank cleaning.
Safety Training: The NAMASTE program aims to provide safety training for workers to minimize health risks, but the effectiveness of such training needs further evaluation.
Equipment and Mechanization: The goal is to transition workers from manual cleaning to mechanized processes, reducing their exposure to dangerous conditions and improving overall safety.
Way forward:
Comprehensive Training and Support Programs: Enhance the effectiveness of the NAMASTE program by providing robust safety training and resources for workers, coupled with extensive outreach to ensure all workers are identified and supported, including those currently unrecognized.
Promotion of Mechanization and Safety Standards: Accelerate the mechanization of sewer cleaning operations to reduce health risks, and establish strict safety standards and regulations to protect workers, ensuring regular monitoring and enforcement of these standards.
The “Arogya Sanjeevani Policy” serves as a reference point for choosing health insurance for hospitalisation.
AboutArogya Sanjeevani Policy:
Details
Launch Date
April 2020
Issued by
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
Objective
To provide basic and affordable health insurance coverage to all citizens
Sum Insured
₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per policy year
Coverage
Hospitalization, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, AYUSH treatments, COVID-19 coverage
Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage after 4 years of continuous policy renewal
Co-Payment
5% co-payment on all claims
Premium
Varies based on age, sum insured, and insurer
Waiting Period
30 days for new policies; 48 months for pre-existing diseases
Daycare Procedures
Covers over 50+ daycare treatments
Room Rent Limit
Up to 2% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹5,000 per day)
ICU Room Rent
Up to 5% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹10,000 per day)
AYUSH Treatments
Covers Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy treatments
Maternity Coverage
Not covered
Network Hospitals
Cashless facility in network hospitals
Eligibility
Individuals aged 18 to 65 years
PYQ:
[2019] Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process – Discuss.
This year marks the beginning of the centenary of the “Self-Respect Movement”, a transformative movement with a unique mission to empower individuals and communities to challenge and dismantle the oppressive hierarchical structures that had subjugated them.
What is the significance of the Self-Respect Movement?
Empowerment Against Hierarchical Structures: The Self-Respect Movement, founded by Periyar in 1925, aimed to dismantle the caste-based hierarchy that oppressed lower castes, especially in the Madras Presidency.
Social Reform Beyond Political Representation: The movement went beyond advocating for communal representation, focusing on equal rights for women, caste abolition, and the upliftment of the depressed classes.
It introduced radical reforms like self-respecting marriages and supported women’s rights such as property ownership, divorce, and widow remarriage.
Kudi Arasu’s Role: The Tamil weekly, Kudi Arasu (The Republic), served as a platform to spread Periyar’s critiques of Brahminism and the caste hierarchy, expanding the reach of the Self-Respect Movement.
Federalism and Political Autonomy: Periyar and the movement contributed to the evolution of federalism in India by advocating for regional autonomy and opposing the dominance of elite caste groups in politics.
How can the principles of the self-respect movement be sustained and promoted?
Adaptation to Contemporary Issues: The movement must address modern complexities like the intersectionality of caste with class, religion, gender, and sexuality. Expanding the movement’s scope to include LGBTQIA+ rights and evolving gender norms will keep it relevant.
Counter-fack news on social media: Active communication with younger generations, particularly in countering right-wing narratives and caste biases on social media, is vital for promoting the movement’s ideals of equality and rationalism.
Reframing Social Justice in a Global Context: Sustaining the Self-Respect Movement’s legacy requires integrating its principles with global discussions on social justice, identity politics, and human rights.
Advocacy for Policy Reforms: Continuous advocacy for policies that address caste and gender inequalities, such as reservations and legal protection for self-respect marriages, can strengthen the movement’s impact.
What challenges does the self-respect movement face in the current socio-political climate?
Cultural Homogenisation: The rise of Hindutva and right-wing ideologies seeks to homogenise India’s diverse cultures, underminingregional, linguistic, caste, and gender identities that the movement has historically sought to protect.
Evolving Caste Dynamics: While traditional caste practices may have declined in some areas, caste-based discrimination persists subtly in other forms, which the movement must continue to confront.
Digital Misinformation: The rise of social media has led to the spread of falsehoods that reinforce caste and group prejudices. The movement must actively engage in digital spaces to counter these narratives.
Caste-based politics: In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, many regional political parties engage in caste-based politics, which indirectly obstructs the principles and application of the Self-Respect Movement.
Way forward:
Promote Inclusive Policy Reforms: The Indian government should enhance policies that target caste and gender inequalities, such as expanding legal protections for self-respect marriages and enforcing anti-discrimination laws, while ensuring marginalized communities have equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Strengthen Digital Literacy and Anti-Misinformation Efforts: The government should initiate programs to combat digital misinformation, particularly caste-based narratives, by promoting digital literacy, fact-checking, and inclusive content on social media platforms to foster equality and social harmony.
Q). Suppose you are an officer in charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she needs documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your inquiries also show that she is destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without the necessary documents would be a violation of the rules. But denying her the support would be cruel. (UPSC CSE 2016)
Prelims: Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (UPSC CSE 2017) (a) Resident Indian citizens only (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments (d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Mentor’s Comment: There is an ongoing discussion about the need for a stronger welfare system because many countries are moving away from neoliberal policies. This has brought back conversations about government support for people in need. The proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) aims to offer pensions to everyone, but it has been criticized for needing major changes to truly help retirees. These potential reforms are important as they relate to larger social support and financial security trends, making the editorial very relevant right now.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Indian pension system has evolved through various schemes, notably the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the New Pension Scheme (NPS), and the proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
There are ongoing discussions about reforming India’s pension framework amidst significant socio-economic changes.
Previous Pension Schemes in India:
Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Implemented before 2004, it guaranteed a defined benefit pension based on the last drawn salary.
The government was solely responsible for pension disbursement and provided stability and protection from financial market risks. It allowed employees to plan their retirements with financial security.
Transition to New Pension Scheme (NPS): Introduced in 2004 replacing the OPS, it shifted from a defined-benefit model to a defined-contribution model.
Both employees and the government contribute to a pension fund invested in financial markets. Pension payouts are linked to market performance, exposing retirees to market volatility.
What are the criticisms faced by the NPS?
It represents a neoliberal shift reducing state involvement in welfare. It leaves retirees vulnerable to economic downturns and market fluctuations.
The market-driven model raises worries about the commercialization of public welfare programs. It highlights the weakening of the state’s social responsibility towards its citizens.
A return to Welfarism
• Global Context: The era of neoliberalism is declining, prompting calls for stronger social safety nets. The 2008 financial crisis highlighted the risks of over-reliance on markets. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified demands for government intervention to protect citizens. • Indian Context: India is experiencing a similar push for state-backed welfare provisions. The proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) aims to provide universal pensions while balancing state involvement and market participation.
About the newly proposed – Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
• It was introduced by the government in August 2024, replacing the 21-year-old National Pension System (NPS) with a structure closely resembling the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). • The UPS promises government employees a lifelong monthly pension of 50%oftheirlastdrawn pay.In the event of a government employee’s death, the family is assured a pension equivalent to 60% of the employee’s pension. • A minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month is assured for those who complete at least 10 years of central government service. • The scheme is contributory, requiring employees to contribute 10% of their salary. The government is to contribute 18.5% of the salary.
Criticism faced by the Unified Pension Scheme:
Limited access to the Beneficiaries: UPS promises retirement payouts but offers lower returns than the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which exposes retirees to market risks.
A requirement of 25 years of service for full pension disadvantages the late joiners, and concerns about potential underfunding could lead to pension delays.
Coverage Limitations: Currently, the UPS only covers Union government employees, excluding many public sector workers like teachers.
Need for State Intervention:
Greater state involvement is necessary to protect retirees from market fluctuations.
The UPS should consider safeguards, such as a minimum guaranteed pension similar to the OPS, to enhance its viability as a welfare scheme.
Conclusion: The UPS, if properly restructured, could become an important tool in protecting the financial security of retirees and addressing the shortcomings of the NPS, ensuring that India’s retirees are not left to the mercy of market forces but are supported by a robust welfare system.
Q) National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2015)
Q) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: The National Credit Framework (NCrF), derived from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, provides a flexible template for educational institutions to offer a unified accumulation and transfer of credits across multidisciplinary education, including skill education.
However, some remain resistant to the dynamic and forward-looking changes advocated by the NCrF, unwilling to adapt to India’s evolving societal, technological, and educational needs. In today’s editorial we will see how the Indian education system needs to remain relevant and competitive, higher education institutions (HEIs) must revise their curricula to align with the NCrF and bridge skill mismatches.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The National Credit Framework (NCrF) represents a significant shift in India’s educational approach, aiming to create a more flexible, integrated, and student-centered learning environment that prepares individuals for the challenges of the 21st century.
What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?
• The NCrF is a set of guidelines to be followed by schools, colleges and universities in adopting the credit system. These guidelines are based on the inter-ministerial committee report, the Union Ministry of Education (MoE) unveiled the draft NCrF in 2022. • The primary goal is to help Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) balance vocational training with academic pursuits, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping individual futures and contributing to societal progress. • It brings the entire school education system under the ambit of credits for the first time. Only the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) follows a credit system. The NCrF also covers skill and vocational education.
Features:
• NCrF will allow students to attain NSQF-approved foundational skills developed by industry and be more employable. • The provision of micro-credentials will allow integration of quick educational upgradation/up-skilling.
Significant Impact of National Credit Framework (NCrF)
Credit Earning Opportunities: The National Credit Framework (NCrF) allows students to earn credits through various activities, including classroom teaching, laboratory work (like Atal Tinkering Labs), research projects, sports, arts, and vocational training, provided they undergo assessment.
Broad Educational Scope: Students can accumulate credits from diverse experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, social work, and experiential learning. This flexibility is designed to cater to their academic and career aspirations.
Integration of Vocational Training: It promotes a balanced approach between vocational training and academic pursuits, ensuring that both aspects are interlinked and equally valued in shaping students’ futures.
What are the present issues in implementation?
Resistance to Change: Some educators are resistant to the NCrF, clinging to conventional educational methods. This reluctance challenges adapting to the evolving educational landscape shaped by societal and technological shifts.
Need for Curriculum Revision: To remain relevant and competitive, higher education institutions (HEIs) must revise curricula in alignment with the NCrF. This includes addressing skill mismatches that could hinder students’ career prospects.
How HEIs can work in a modern education environment?
Dual Focus on Knowledge and Skills: HEIs should not only focus on producing knowledge but also equip students with practical skills necessary for emerging job roles and self-employment opportunities. This dual role is achievable through the adoption of the NCrF.
Differences between MERU (Multidisciplinary Education and Research University) Universities and Traditional Universities:
MERU Universities by NEP
Traditional Universities
Multidisciplinary Focus
It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to education, integrating various fields of study and promoting interdisciplinary research.
It often operates within rigid academic silos.
Research Orientation
MERUs are designed to serve as centers for advanced research and innovation, aspiring to make India a global hub for research and development.
Traditional universities may have limited research opportunities or focus primarily on undergraduate education.
Flexible Curriculum
The curriculum in MERUs is envisioned to be flexible, allowing students to explore various disciplines and gain credits through diverse activities.
Traditional universities often have a more structured curriculum with less room for interdisciplinary exploration.
Accessibility and Equity
MERUs aim to promote accessibility and equity in education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background.
Traditional universities may still face challenges related to inclusivity and equal access.
Continuous Adaptation is the Key: (Way Forward)
Support for Reforms: Promoting an inclusive higher education system requires supporting reforms that democratize education and enhance social equity. Continuous adaptation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is essential to avoid stagnation and maintain effectiveness.
NEP 2020 and MERU Concept: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) model, aiming to cultivate scholars and intellectuals. However, HEIs should also prioritize vocational and skill training to improve student employability.
Practical Skills and Social Mobility: A flexible curriculum, as proposed in the National Credit Framework (NCrF), enables students to acquire practical skills, making higher education a vehicle for social mobility. Resistance to structural changes in education often stems from outdated pedagogical methods that do not address current economic and social realities.
Need for Curriculum Reimagining: To align with modern needs, higher education curricula must integrate flexibility and multidisciplinary approaches, ensuring that institutions prepare students for emerging challenges in the job market.
Conclusion: There is a need to integrate flexibility, multidisciplinary approaches, and skill-based courses to transform India into an economic powerhouse and technological leader. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should emphasize both vocational and skill training alongside fundamental research and innovation.
The tragic death of 26-year-old Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian Perayil in Pune has sparked debate about professional workload in India, with her mother citing “work stress” as the cause.
What does the ILO data observe about Professional Indian women?
Longest Working Hours Globally: Indian women in professions like information technology (IT), media, and professional, scientific, and technical fields work the highest number of hours globally. Women in IT and media jobs worked 56.5 hours weekly, while women in professional, scientific, and technical fields worked 53.2 hours per week in 2023.
Young Professional Women Work More: Younger women, especially those aged 15-24, work even longer hours. For instance, young women in IT and media work 57 hours per week, and those in professional, scientific, and technical fields work 55 hours per week.
Gender Imbalance in Workforce: Indian women are underrepresented in these sectors. Only 8.5% of the Indian workforce in professional, scientific, and technical jobs and 20% in information and communication jobs are women. This low percentage is among the lowest globally.
Global Comparison: In countries like Germany, women in similar IT and media jobs work far fewer hours (32 hours weekly). Russia reports 40 hours for the same sector, highlighting how disproportionately longer Indian women work.
Major Challenges in Indian Society:
Workload Stress: The tragic death of Anna Sebastian highlights the intense workload stress that young professionals, especially women, face. High demands and long working hours can severely affect mental and physical health.
Male-Dominated Workspaces: Women in professional fields face challenges working in male-dominated environments, which can result in increased pressure, lack of support, and issues of gender equity.
Systemic Gender Inequality: Despite rising participation in the workforce, the gender imbalance in professional sectors reflects deeper societal and structural inequalities. Women continue to face barriers to career advancement, equal representation, and fair treatment.
Lack of Support: The absence of adequate organizational support during personal tragedies (as indicated by Anna’s case) points to a lack of empathy and a toxic work culture in certain professional settings.
Government Initiatives:
Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): The Indian government has launched several initiatives to encourage women’s participation in technical and scientific fields, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns (e.g., GATI initiative).
Maternity Benefits: The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, increased paid maternity leave for women from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, aimed at helping women balance work and family life.
Gender Equality Programs: Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao promote girls’ education and empowerment, aiming to address the long-term gender imbalance in professional spaces.
Skill Development Initiatives: Government programs like Skill India and Digital India aim to provide technical and vocational training to women, helping bridge the gender gap in high-skill industries such as IT and professional services.
Way forward:
Work-Life Balance Reforms: Enforce stricter labour regulations on working hours and promote flexible work arrangements to reduce burnout, particularly for young professionals in high-demand sectors.
Inclusive Workplaces: Strengthen gender diversity and equity initiatives within male-dominated industries by fostering supportive work environments, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities for women.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC IAS/2019)
According to a recent government report, 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes in 2022 were concentrated in 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest numbers.
What are the finding as per report?
Concentration of Cases: Approximately 97.7% of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were reported from 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh having the highest incidents. For Scheduled Tribes (STs), 98.91% of cases were also concentrated in these states.
Statistics on Atrocities:
For SCs, there were 51,656 reported cases, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 23.78% (12,287 cases).
Other significant contributors included Rajasthan (8,651 cases, 16.75%) and Madhya Pradesh (7,732 cases, 14.97%).
For STs, a total of 9,735 cases were registered, with Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest at 30.61% (2,979 cases).
Investigation and Charge-Sheeting:
Among SC-related cases, 60.38% resulted in charge sheets, while 14.78% concluded with final reports due to reasons like false claims or lack of evidence.
For ST-related cases, the charge-sheeting rate was slightly higher at 63.32%, with similar conclusions for final reports.
Conviction Rates: The conviction rate for atrocities under the Act has declined to 32.4% in 2022 from 39.2% in 2020, indicating a concerning trend in legal outcomes for victims.
Special Courts and Infrastructure: Out of 498 districts, only 194 had established special courts to expedite trials related to these cases, highlighting a significant gap in judicial infrastructure.
What are the protection for SCs in Indian law?
The Indian legal framework provides several protections for SCs under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
Prohibition of Atrocities: The Act defines various forms of atrocities against SC members, including social exclusion, bonded labor, forced manual scavenging, and physical violence.
Legal Recourse: Victims can report crimes to the police or the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), which has the authority to investigate complaints and ensure legal protections are enforced.
Punishments for Offenders: Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from six months to five years along with fines for committing atrocities against SC members.
What are the intiative taken by government to empower SCs in economical and social term?
Reservation Policies: The Constitution mandates reservations for SCs in government jobs and educational institutions to enhance their representation and opportunities.
Financial Assistance Programs: Various schemes provide financial support for self-employment and skill development among SC communities to improve their economic status. Example is the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).
Establishment of Protection Cells: SC/ST Protection Cells have been set up across states to address grievances and ensure the enforcement of protective laws.For instance, in Karnataka, these cells have been actively involved in monitoring atrocities against SCs/STs and conducting surveys in atrocity-prone areas
Awareness Campaigns and Training Programs: The government conducts awareness campaigns to educate SC communities about their rights and available legal protections. For example,“Bharat ke Sathi” campaign.
Way forward:
Strengthening Legal and Judicial Mechanisms: Establish more special courts and fast-track mechanisms in all districts to ensure timely justice for victims of atrocities, alongside improving conviction rates through effective investigation and prosecution.
Empowering SC Communities Through Socio-Economic Initiatives: Expand skill development, financial assistance programs, and awareness campaigns to improve economic independence and social integration of SC communities, ensuring better enforcement of their rights and protections.
Mains PYQ:
Q Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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