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

Civilsdaily

Login

Subject: Indian Society

  • A progressive UCC must protect the child’s best interests

    Central Idea

    • In the backdrop of a potential UCC being brought to the fore during a special parliamentary session from September 18 to 22, 2023, it’s crucial to transcend the traditional discourse surrounding polygamy and divorce. The forthcoming UCC must delve deeper into issues beyond these and prioritize the well-being of children in custody.

    What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

    • The UCC is a framework aimed at replacing personal laws based on religious customs and traditions with a unified set of civil laws applicable to all citizens of a country, regardless of their religion or background.
    • The goal of a UCC is to provide a common set of laws for matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, among others.
    • This unified code is intended to promote equality, justice, and uniformity in personal matters while respecting individual rights and cultural diversity.

    Reimagining child custody

    • The Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, fundamentally prioritizes the child’s welfare when determining custody.
    • Within the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, Section 6 asserts the father’s status as the natural guardian, followed by the mother. However, this distinction should not be interpreted as lifetime primacy but rather ‘in the absence of’ the father.
    • A more holistic UCC should move beyond this binary.

    Exploring Islamic Law

    • Intriguingly, custody under Islamic law centers on the child’s rights rather than the parents. The father’s custody right ranks sixth, following the mother, maternal grandmother, paternal grandmother, sister, maternal aunt, and paternal aunt.
    • Different schools of thought allocate custody at varying ages or events. Notably, the Hanafi school does not strip the mother of custody upon ceasing to be Muslim.
    • Such varied approaches provide a lens for crafting a comprehensive UCC.

    Nuanced Issues in Child Custody

    • Complexities Beyond Conventional Disputes:
      • Child custody disputes involve intricate challenges that go beyond the typical battles between fathers and mothers.
      • The complexities arise from scenarios involving biological parents’ rights after adoption and situations related to a biological father accused of rape.
    • Favoring biological parents over adoptive ones:
      • Courts are increasingly leaning towards granting custody to biological parents, often at the expense of adoptive parents.
      • The growing concern is that the child’s best interests might be overlooked in such cases.
    • Case of Custody to the Biological Father:
      • In a specific case where the Bombay High Court granted custody of an adopted child to the biological father.
      • This decision was made despite the biological father facing rape charges that led to the child’s birth.
    • Balancing Biological and Adoptive Rights:
      • The case underscores the importance of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) addressing the rights of both biological and adoptive parents.
      • The primary focus should be on the child’s well-being and best interests.
    • Biological Mother’s Situation:
      • Another case involves a 17-year-old biological mother who allegedly eloped with an accused rapist, resulting in the birth of a child.
      • Despite the biological mother’s subsequent marriage and decision to surrender the child for adoption, the High Court awarded custody to the biological father.
    • A Holistic Approach to Custody Decisions:
      • These instances highlight the need for custody decisions to consider not only legal aspects but also the child’s welfare and the well-being of all parties involved.
      • Advocates for the UCC to address such nuanced scenarios and ensure that custody decisions are guided by the principle of prioritizing the best interests of the child.

    Significance of a Progressive UCC

    • A Holistic Approach to Custody:
      • A progressive UCC goes beyond superficial changes, addressing custody beyond the father’s role.
      • It ensures the “best interests of the child” principle in custody disputes, balancing parental rights.
    • Balancing Biological and Adoptive Parents:
      • The UCC’s recognition of both biological and adoptive parents prevents favoring one over the other.
      • It prioritizes child welfare over parental status.
    • Reflecting on a Changing Society:
      • A progressive UCC adapts to evolving family dynamics and structures.
      • It caters to diverse familial arrangements, avoiding outdated norms.
    • Protection Against Discrimination:
      • The UCC safeguards individual rights, preventing discrimination based on religion, gender, or background.
      • It ensures equal treatment in family matters.
    • Empowering Children’s Interests:
      • The UCC’s child-centric approach minimizes the adverse effects of custody disputes on children.
      • It promotes a healthier environment for their growth.
    • Encouraging Equitable Gender Roles:
      • A progressive UCC challenges traditional gender roles, empowering individuals to make choices.
      • It dismantles biases, promoting gender equality.
    • Legal Clarity and Unity:
      • Uniform laws reduce legal complexities, providing clarity for the individuals involved.
      • They foster a sense of unity by treating all citizens equally.
    • Recognition of Modern Family Models:
      • LGBTQ+ relationships, single parenthood, and non-traditional families gain legal recognition.
      • The UCC acknowledges diverse family structures.
    • Enhancing Adoption and Surrogacy Regulations:
      • A progressive UCC offers comprehensive guidelines for adoption and surrogacy.
      • It safeguards the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

    Conclusion

    • As the horizon of legal reform broadens, a child-centric approach should be at the heart of the UCC. The UCC should not only evolve with changing societal dynamics but also serve as a testament to the nation’s commitment to nurturing the best interests of its children.

  • Revised NCF: How school education could change

    ncf

    Central Idea

    • The launch of the revised National Curriculum Framework (NCF) heralds a transformative era in Indian education.
    • Spearheaded by a 13-member steering committee led by Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former ISRO chief, the updated NCF is a milestone document shaping the contours of future school education.

    About National Curriculum Framework (NCF)

    • The NCF is a meta-framework that integrates the credits earned through school education, higher education, and vocational and skill education.
    • The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) is a cornerstone of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
    • It consists of three verticals:
    1. National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF)
    2. National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) and
    3. National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)
    • There have been four revisions in NCF in the past: in 1975, 1988, 2000, and 2005.

    Key features of NCF

    • Multiple Languages Learning: In Classes 9 and 10, students embark on a journey of linguistic exploration involving three languages, with at least two originating from India’s diverse linguistic spectrum. Grades 11 and 12 entail the study of two languages, including one of Indian origin, aimed at cultivating a “literary level” of linguistic proficiency in at least one Indian language.
    • Flexible Board Exams: Students are granted the freedom to take Board exams twice within an academic year, with the highest score being retained.
    • Revised Mandatory and Optional Subjects: Departing from previous norms, Classes 9 and 10 see the inclusion of seven mandatory subjects, while Classes 11 and 12 witness six, providing a broader academic spectrum.
    • Varied Subject Combinations: Students have the freedom to select diverse subject combinations, transcending traditional divides between Science, Social Science, Art, Physical Education, and vocational fields.
    • Prominent Environmental Focus: The NCF integrates environmental awareness and sustainability throughout, with dedicated stages for embedding environmental education.
    • Content Distribution in Social Science: Classes 6 to 8 witness a redefined content distribution in Social Science, encompassing 20% local, 30% regional, 30% national, and 20% global perspectives.

    Significance of NCF

    • Structured Educational Stages: The NCF categorizes school education into four stages, fostering a structured and seamless learning progression: Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary.
    • Focus on Interdisciplinarity: The framework empowers students to select subjects from various streams in grades 11 and 12, promoting interdisciplinary learning and expanding career prospects.
    • Learning Enrichment: The framework introduces an “Additional Enrichment Period” in grades 9 and 10, enabling students to deepen their knowledge in a chosen subject.
    • Competency-Based Approach: The NCF outlines competency goals for various subjects, promoting effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

  • Can vehicles bear ‘Caste and Religious Stickers’?

    caste
    PC: The Quint

    Central Idea

    • Recent actions taken by the Noida and Ghaziabad Police to issue challans for displaying ‘caste and religious stickers’ on vehicles have stirred debate about the legality of such stickers.
    • This move, part of a special drive, raises questions about the intersection of vehicle regulations, social norms, and legal restrictions.

    Displaying Caste on Vehicles: Exploring Legal Framework

    • Caste and Religious Stickers: The legality of these stickers is assessed based on the Motor Vehicle Act and Motor Vehicle Rules.
    • State Orders: Various state governments, including Uttar Pradesh, have issued orders against affixing stickers signifying caste and religion on vehicles, even on the body of the vehicle.
    • Registration Number Plate: The Motor Vehicle Rules strictly forbid placing stickers on the registration number plate.

    Challenging Stickers and Law Enforcement

    • Challan Penalties: The penalties for placing such stickers on vehicles are set at Rs 1,000, while it rises to Rs 5,000 if the sticker is placed on the registration number plate.
    • Future Initiatives: The authorities have indicated their intention to continue conducting similar drives in the future.

    Number Plate Specifications and Violations

    • Number Plate Standards: The Motor Vehicle Rules specify the composition of the number plate, which should be a solid unit made of 1.0 mm aluminium with the letters “IND” in blue on the extreme left center.
    • Penalties for Violations: Section 192 of the MV Act outlines penalties for non-compliant number plates, including fines of up to Rs 5,000 for the first offense and potential imprisonment and fines for subsequent offenses.
    • 2019 Amendment: Post the 2019 MV Act amendment, the fines for violations rose to a maximum of Rs 2,000.

    Disobedience of Orders and Legal Consequences

    • Legal Basis: Police are issuing challans under Section 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 in the case of stickers on the body of vehicles.
    • Section 179 Details: Section 179 addresses “disobedience of orders, obstruction, and refusal of information.” Offenders can be fined up to Rs 500 as per the section.
    • Amendment Impact: Following the 2019 MV Act amendment, the fines for such offenses increased to a maximum of Rs 2,000.

    Conclusion

    • The legal scrutiny of ‘caste and religious stickers’ on vehicles underscores the tension between personal expressions, cultural practices, and legal regulations.
    • As legal frameworks evolve and society navigates its complex dynamics, finding the balance between individual rights and societal harmony remains an ongoing challenge.

  • Multidimensional Poverty Reduction in India: A Closer Look

    poverty

    Central Idea

    • PM highlighted a significant milestone achieved during his government’s first 5-year term – the liberation of 13.5 crore Indians from the clutches of multidimensional poverty.
    • This achievement, as substantiated by the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report, reflects the government’s commitment to improving the lives of millions across various dimensions of well-being.

    Understanding Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

    • Holistic Evaluation: The MPI gauges deprivations across health and nutrition, education, and standard of living, offering a comprehensive assessment of poverty that extends beyond traditional monetary measures.
    • Three Dimensions: Health is evaluated through nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, and maternal health. Education encompasses years of schooling and school attendance. The standard of living is assessed through variables like sanitation, drinking water, and access to financial services.
    • Technical Collaborators: The methodology behind India’s MPI draws inspiration from the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), with OPHI and UNDP collaborating to formulate the national index.

    Notable Achievements and Data

    • Decline in Poverty: The poverty headcount ratio – the proportion of multidimensionally poor individuals – witnessed a remarkable drop from around 25% to under 15% between the periods of National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21).
    • Significant Impact: This reduction signifies that a staggering 13.5 crore Indians liberated themselves from multidimensional poverty during this period.

    poverty

    Comparison with Historical Records

    • Historical Context: The MPI’s multidimensional nature makes direct comparisons with India’s traditional poverty estimations challenging. However, the Global MPI 2023 report underscores that 415 million Indians emerged from poverty between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
    • Distribution over Time: Economists elucidate that out of the 415 million, 270 million transitioned out of poverty from 2005-06 to 2015-16, with the remaining following thereafter.
    • Discrepancies in Ratio: The Global MPI cites India’s poverty ratio as 16.4%, while Niti Aayog’s MPI places it at 14.96%, due to variations in metrics and definitions.

    Traditional Poverty Measurement

    • Historical Monetary Measure: Since 1901, poverty in India has been estimated using monetary measures that ascertain the income needed for subsistence or a minimum standard of living.
    • Creation of Poverty Line: Expert committees headed by D T Lakdawala (1993), Suresh Tendulkar (2009), and C Rangarajan (2014) established a poverty line based on consumption expenditure data.
    • Unresolved Data Issues: The absence of updated consumption data since 2011 has led to economists using alternative sources like NFHS data and CMIE data to estimate poverty, which has introduced uncertainty.

    Conundrum of Middle-Class Definition

    • Ambiguity in Classification: India lacks an official middle-class definition, making it challenging to ascertain whether those emerging from poverty automatically join the middle class.
    • Income Disparity: Private research by PRICE categorizes the middle class based on annual income between ₹5 lakh and ₹30 lakh, a considerable jump from the income levels of individuals transitioning from poverty.
    • Survey Insights: As per PRICE’s survey, out of India’s population of 1,416 million, 432 million fall under the “Middle Class” category, while 732 million are classified as “Aspirers.”

    Conclusion

    • The reduction of 13.5 crore individuals from multidimensional poverty is a testament to India’s commitment to holistic development.
    • While multidimensional poverty indices gauge well-being across dimensions, traditional poverty estimation methods use monetary measures.
    • India’s achievements reflect its focus on inclusive growth, emphasizing improvements in health, education, and living standards.
    • As the nation continues its journey, these achievements illuminate the path towards building a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient society.

  • Many states refrain to implement PM-USHA Scheme

    Central Idea

    • States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have not signed the required MoU for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) under the PM-USHA scheme.
    • Concerns revolve around budget allocation and the absence of specific funds for NEP reforms.

    PM-USHA Scheme

    • The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was introduced as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to financially support institutions in States/UTs.
    • Its aim was to enhance access, equity, and excellence in higher education with improved efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.
    • The initial phase of the scheme commenced in 2013, followed by the second phase in 2018.
    • In alignment with the National Education Policy, the RUSA initiative has been revamped as the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

    Challenges and Concerns

    • Lack of Additional Funds: The MoU requires states to undertake NEP-related administrative, academic, accreditation, and governance reforms. States are concerned that there are no extra funds designated specifically for NEP reforms within the scheme.
    • 40% State Contribution: States have to bear 40% of the expenses under the PM-USHA scheme, leading to further apprehensions about their ability to fund NEP initiatives.
    • Incomplete Alignment: The MoU doesn’t explicitly address the financial needs for implementing NEP changes, leading to dissatisfaction among some state governments.

    Government Response and Flexibility

    • Consultations and Integration: The University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman emphasizes the integration between NEP and PM-USHA through the MoU, which necessitates alignment with NEP principles.
    • Streamlined Approach: The PM-USHA scheme consolidates various components and offers states more flexibility in focusing on felt needs.
    • Focus on Prioritized Districts: States can identify priority districts based on enrollment ratios, gender parity, and demographic proportions, ensuring tailored educational interventions.

  • Smartphone Use among Schoolchildren

    Central Idea

    • The report, titled “State of Elementary Education in Rural India” was recently released.
    • It highlights the prevailing digital landscape in rural communities regarding Education.

    State of Elementary Education in India

    • It is a comprehensive survey conducted across 21 Indian States, encompassing 6,229 parents of rural schoolchildren aged 6 to 16.
    • It is released by conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU).
    • It has uncovered a notable trend: children in rural areas predominantly employ smartphones for entertainment purposes rather than for educational pursuits.

    Key Highlights

    (1) Smartphone Use and Entertainment

    • Survey Overview: The survey found that 49.3% of rural students have access to smartphones, shaping their digital engagement.
    • Entertainment Dominance: Among parents whose children have access to gadgets, a significant 76.7% noted that their children primarily use smartphones for playing video games, underscoring the prevalence of entertainment-related activities.
    • Media Consumption: The survey revealed that 56.6% of students with access to gadgets use smartphones for downloading and watching movies, while 47.3% engage in downloading and listening to music.
    • Educational Utilization: In contrast, only 34% of students employ smartphones for study downloads, and merely 18% access online learning resources such as tutorials.

    (2) Demographics and Education Levels:

    • Age and Smartphone Access: The survey delineated that students in higher grades (Class VIII and above) have greater access to smartphones (58.32%) compared to their counterparts in lower grades (Classes I-III) with access at 42.1%.
    • Aspirations for Education: An encouraging statistic emerged, with 78% of parents aspiring to educate their daughters to at least graduation level, and 82% aiming for the same for their sons.

    (3) Parental Participation and Insights

    • Learning Conversations: The survey indicated that only 40% of parents engage in daily conversations with their children about school-related learning. Another 32% have such discussions a few days a week.
    • Dropout Insights: Among a subset of 56 respondents, reasons for children dropping out of school included daughters needing to contribute to family income (36.8%), lack of interest in studies (31.6%), and household responsibilities (21.1%). For boys, the primary reason was disinterest in studies (71.8%), followed by the need to assist with family earnings (48.7%).
    • Parent-Teacher Meetings: Impressively, 84% of parents reported regular attendance at parent-teacher meetings. Challenges hindering participation included short notice and a lack of willingness.

    Conclusion

    • Despite limited access, these findings emphasize the need for balanced digital engagement that promotes both educational growth and recreational activities.
    • The survey’s insights into parental aspirations, conversations around learning, and the challenges of dropout rates provide a comprehensive picture of the rural education landscape and underscore the importance of holistic educational approaches.

  • Supreme Court concerns over Persistent Lynchings and Mob Violence

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court asked the Centre and six States to respond to a plea concerning the alarming incidents of lynchings and mob violence.
    • It highlighted the need for the government machinery to be held accountable for protecting the lives of victims, including members of the minority community.
    • Presently the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) does NOT maintain separate data on atrocities against religious minorities and on mob lynching.

    lynching

    Mob Lynching through Judiciary’s Lens

    • Apex Court’s 2018 Judgment: In the Tehseen Poonawala Case (2018), the Supreme Court warned against the rising wave of frenzied mobs fueled by fake news, self-professed morality, and false stories. The court foresaw these incidents as “creeping threats” and emphasized the necessity to curb them promptly.
    • Call for Special Law and Punishment: The 2018 judgment condemned mobocracy as an anathema and called for special laws and stringent punishments to address the issue effectively.

    What is Mob Lynching?

    • Mob lynching is a heinous act of premeditated extrajudicial killing carried out by a group to punish an alleged transgressor or intimidate a community.
    • The absence of a separate definition for lynching in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and inadequate provisions to deal with such crimes have raised concerns about the growing incidents of mob violence in the country.

    Need for an Anti-Lynching Law

    • Filling the Legal Void: An anti-lynching law would address the shortcomings in the current criminal jurisprudence, providing a specific legal framework to deal with such brutal acts. Presently, the IPC offers provisions for unlawful assembly, rioting, and murder, but there is no explicit law against mob lynching.
    • Curbing Lawlessness: An anti-lynching law would hold accountable those involved in lynching incidents, establishing a clear deterrent against such acts of violence.
    • Addressing the Rise in Lynching Incidents: Over the years, mob lynching cases have increased, necessitating a focused and comprehensive legal approach to combat this menace.

    Factors behind the Surge in Lynchings

    • Impunity: Lynch mobs often act with confidence, believing they will escape punishment. The lack of decisive action by the state has contributed to their audacity.
    • Communalism: In cow-linked lynchings, political considerations influence the response from the incumbent government, affecting the crackdown on such attacks.
    • Fake News: The rapid spread of misinformation through social media platforms fuels sudden waves of antagonism and contributes to mob violence.
    • Alienation and Unemployment: Modernity has eroded associational life and a sense of fraternity, leading to feelings of alienation. High unemployment rates also leave millions of youth disengaged, making them vulnerable to manipulation.

    Impact of Lynching

    • State: Lynching undermines fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, leading to a crisis in law and order.
    • Economy: International agencies have issued warnings against mob lynching, negatively impacting foreign and domestic investments and sovereign ratings. It also hampers internal migration and places an additional burden on the state exchequer to tackle such incidents.
    • Society: Lynchings foster fear of radicalization, disrupt communal harmony, and promote intolerance, aggravating caste, class, and communal tensions.

    Way Forward

    • Proactive Measures: States must proactively monitor and flag rumours on social media and other platforms, adopting measures taken by some states as examples to deter such incidents.
    • Special Courts: Establishing special courts to try mob violence cases would ensure prompt and efficient justice delivery.

  • UNESCO endorses Banning Smartphones from Schools

    smartphone

    Central Idea

    • The UNESCO has released Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023.
    • The report warned against the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s well-being and academic performance.

    What is UNESCO?
    Full Name United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
    Established November 16, 1945
    Headquarters Paris, France
    Director-General Audrey Azoulay
    Purpose To promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
    Functions – Promoting education for all

    – Supporting scientific research

    – Safeguarding cultural heritage

    – Fostering freedom of expression

    – Promoting media development
    Membership Over 190 member states
    World Heritage Sites Over 1,100 designated sites worldwide
    Languages Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

    Working languages: English, French

    About Global Education Monitoring Report 2023

    • Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO.
    • At the 2015 World Education Forum, it received a mandate from 160 governments to monitor and report on progress on education SDG 4.0.
    • The report provides in-depth analysis and assessment of key education issues and challenges worldwide.
    • It also offers evidence-based insights and policy recommendations to improve education systems and outcomes.

    Concerns raised in the report

    • Ills of digital learning: The report highlights that learning benefits diminish if technology is used excessively or without qualified teachers’ involvement.
    • Equitable Learning: The report reveals that inequities in learning emerge when instruction becomes exclusively remote, affecting vulnerable students, especially in rural areas.
    • Evidence-based Approach: The report urges for sound, impartial evidence on technology’s impact in education, as most available evidence originates from technology companies and may be biased.
    • Long-term Costs and Sustainability: Countries need to consider the long-term costs of digital learning and connectivity. The expansion of the Edtech market should not overshadow unmet basic education needs.
    • Threats posed by AI: The growth of generative AI and technology necessitates digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
    • Protecting Children’s Rights: During the pandemic, many online education initiatives risked infringing on children’s rights.

    Key endorsements: Banning smartphones in schools

    • The report endorses banning smartphones in schools if technology integration does not improve learning or negatively affects student well-being.
    • Research indicates that banning mobile phones from schools can lead to better academic performance, especially among low-performing students.

  • 530 districts reported free of Manual Scavenging: Centre

    manual scavenging

    Central Idea

    • The Social Justice Ministry revealed that while 530 districts have reported themselves as manual scavenging-free, a significant number of districts are yet to do so.
    • Despite the government’s assertion that manual scavenging-related deaths have not occurred in the last five years, fatalities during sewer and septic tank cleaning persist.

    Manual Scavenging in India

    • Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks.
    • India banned the practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR).
    • The Act bans the use of any individual for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta till its disposal.
    • In 2013, the definition of manual scavengers was also broadened to include people employed to clean septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks.
    • The Act recognizes manual scavenging as a “dehumanizing practice,” and cites a need to “correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by the manual scavengers.”

    Reasons for its persistence

    • Low Awareness and Marginalization: Manual scavenging is often carried out by marginalized sections of society who are unaware of their rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
    • Enforcement Issues: Weak enforcement of the Act and the exploitation of unskilled laborers contribute to the persistence of manual scavenging.
    • High Cost of Automation: The high cost of adopting automated cleaning methods in sewers is a deterrent for municipal authorities.
    • Cheaper Availability of Unskilled Labor: Contractors resort to illegal employment of unskilled labourers who are willing to work at lower wages, perpetuating the practice.
    • Caste Dynamics: The practice is reinforced by the existing caste hierarchy, with a majority of manual scavengers belonging to lower castes.

    Various Policy Initiatives

    • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2020: The proposed amendment seeks to mechanize sewer cleaning, provide on-site protection, and offer compensation in case of sewer-related deaths.
    • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013: This Act goes beyond dry latrine prohibitions and outlaws all forms of manual excrement cleaning in insanitary latrines, open drains, or pits.
    • Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan: The “Maila Mukti Yatra,” initiated in 2012, aims to eradicate manual scavenging nationwide, starting from Bhopal.
    • Prevention of Atrocities Act: This Act serves as protection for sanitation workers, as a significant number of manual scavengers belong to the Scheduled Caste.
    • Compensation: The PEMSR Act and the Supreme Court’s decision in the Safai Karamchari Andolan vs. Union of India case mandate compensation of Rs 10 lakh for victims’ families.
    • National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK): Investigating the conditions of waste collectors in India, the NCSK provides recommendations to the government.
    • Proper Distinction: The Ministry now recognizes the difference between sanitation work and manual scavenging.
    • Enumeration of Sanitization Workers: The enumeration of sanitation workers will be conducted in 500 AMRUT cities as part of the National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE).
    • NAMASTE Scheme: The NAMASTE scheme aims to eliminate unsafe sewer and septic tank cleaning practices, enhancing the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.

    States and UTs with Pending Declaration of Manual Scavenging-Free Districts

    • Concerning Data: Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand are among the States and UTs with the highest number of districts yet to declare themselves as manual scavenging-free.
    • Disparity among States: While States like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu have achieved 100% declaration of manual scavenging-free districts, several other States and UTs have reported only 15% to 20% of districts as free from the practice.

    Way forward

    • Regular surveys and social audits must be conducted against the involvement of manual scavengers by public and local authorities.
    • There must be proper identification and capacity building of manual scavengers for alternate sources of livelihood.
    • Creating awareness about the legal protection of manual scavengers is necessary.

  • Demographic transition and change in women’s lives

    What is the news?

    • The observance of World Population Day (11 July) provides an opportunity to reflect upon India’s demographic journey and its transformative impact on the lives of its citizens, particularly women. This article presents insights and perspectives on how population growth, fertility decline, and social norms have influenced various aspects of women’s lives in India.

    Central idea

    • From a population of 340 million at Independence to a staggering 1.4 billion today, India has experienced remarkable growth fueled by advancements in public health, diminished starvation, and medical breakthroughs. This demographic transition has had profound implications for Indian women throughout their lives, presenting both positive and negative changes.

    Challenges Faced by Indian Women

    • Son Preference and Gender Bias: Indian society’s preference for sons is reflected in the sex ratio imbalance. The number of girls per 100 boys under the age of five dropped from 96 to 91 between 1950 and 2019. This decline can be attributed to practices such as sex-selective abortion and the neglect of sick daughters, resulting in limited opportunities and discrimination against girls.
    • Early Marriage and Childbearing: The early marriage and childbearing continue to be significant challenges for Indian women. The average age at first birth has remained low, with women born in the 1980s still having a first birth below 22 years of age. Early motherhood limits women’s educational and employment prospects, perpetuating gender inequality.
    • Limited Access to Education: While recent improvements have been made, access to quality education remains limited for many girls and women in India. The article emphasizes that although over 70% of girls enroll in secondary education, early marriage and childbearing restrict their educational opportunities, hindering their skill development and access to better employment prospects.
    • Gender-based Violence and Harassment: There is prevalence of gender-based violence and harassment, including domestic violence, dowry-related violence, and sexual harassment. Such incidents negatively impact women’s physical and psychological well-being, restrict their freedom, and limit their ability to fully participate in society.
    • Limited Economic Opportunities: Gender pay gaps, occupational segregation, and biases in hiring and promotion processes contribute to limited economic opportunities for women in India. The burden of unpaid domestic and caregiving work falls disproportionately on women, hindering their ability to engage in paid employment and achieve economic empowerment.
    • Lack of Social and Financial Support: The widowed or elderly women often lack adequate social and financial support systems. Dependence on male family members, particularly sons, for financial support can perpetuate gender inequality and leave women vulnerable to economic hardships, social isolation, and limited access to healthcare and pension benefits

    Aging women and its implications

    • Increase in Proportion: The proportion of the female population aged 65 and above has risen significantly over the years. Between 1950 and 2022, the proportion of women aged 65 and above increased from 5% to 11% and is projected to reach 21% by 2050.
    • Outliving Husbands: Women tend to marry older men and are more likely to outlive their husbands. As a result, a higher percentage of elderly women are widowed compared to men in the same age group. The 2011 Census shows that while only 18% of men above age 65 are widowed, about 55% of the women are widowed.
    • Financial Challenges: Widowed women often face financial difficulties, as they may lack access to savings, property, and other financial resources. This dependence on their husbands and subsequent reliance on their children, primarily sons, can perpetuate the cycle of son preference.
    • Limited Agency: Widowed women may experience limited decision-making power and agency in their later years. Their dependence on sons for support can restrict their ability to make independent choices and contribute to a sense of social and economic vulnerability.

    Changing Dynamics for Indian Women

    • Difficulty in ensuring the birth of a son: With families having fewer children, the likelihood of not having a son increased. Social norms, patrilocal kinship patterns, and financial insecurity reinforced the preference for sons. This led to practices such as sex-selective abortion and neglect of sick daughters.
    • Decreased years spent on active mothering: As fertility rates declined, women had more time for education and employment. NFHS finds that the number of years women spend caring for children under five declined from 14 years in 1992-93 to eight in 2018-20; the years spent caring for children ages six to 15 dropped from 20 to 14 years.
    • Persistent early marriage and childbearing: While women’s educational attainment increased, with over 70% of girls enrolling in secondary education, early marriage and childbearing remain the predominant forces defining women’s lives. As a recent article by Park, Hathi, Broussard, and Spears documents, the average age at first birth has hardly budged about 20 for women born in the 1940s and still remains well below 22 years for those born in the 1980s.

    What is mean by Gender Dividend?

    • Gender Dividend refers to the concept that societies can achieve greater productivity and equity by investing in women and girls and closing gender gaps, particularly in the labor market.
    • It emphasizes that by realizing the economic potential of women and girls through increased investments and opportunities, societies can become more productive and equitable.

    Strategies to harness the Gender Dividend

    • Education and Skill Development: Promote gender equality in education by ensuring equal access to quality education for girls and women. Encourage girls’ enrollment and retention in schools, address barriers to education, and provide skill development programs that equip women with relevant skills for employment.
    • Economic Empowerment: Create an enabling environment for women’s economic participation by addressing gender disparities in the labor market, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring equal pay for equal work. Implement policies and programs that support women’s access to financial resources, credit, and business opportunities.
    • Women’s Leadership and Decision-making: Increase women’s representation and participation in leadership positions across sectors, including politics, business, and public institutions. Encourage women’s involvement in decision-making processes at all levels to ensure their perspectives and voices are heard.
    • Legal Reforms and Gender Equality: Enact and enforce laws that protect women’s rights and promote gender equality. Address discriminatory practices, such as early marriage, dowry, and violence against women. Strengthen the implementation of existing laws to ensure justice and protection for women.
    • Health and Well-being: Improve women’s access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, maternal health, and preventive care. Address specific health issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, reproductive health concerns, and mental health.
    • Social Support and Safety: Establish social support systems that provide safety nets for women, particularly vulnerable groups such as widows, elderly women, and single mothers. Create awareness campaigns to challenge social norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women.
    • Engaging Men and Boys: Engage men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful gender norms. Encourage men’s involvement in caregiving, domestic responsibilities, and advocating for women’s rights.
    • Data Collection and Monitoring: Collect sex-disaggregated data and conduct gender analysis to identify gaps, monitor progress, and inform evidence-based policymaking. Regularly evaluate and measure the impact of gender equality initiatives to ensure accountability and guide future interventions.

    Strategies for enhancing childcare access

    • Utilize National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS): Consider making staffing crèches an acceptable form of work under NREGS. This would involve using NREGS workers to help staff childcare centers, thereby expanding access to affordable childcare services.
    • Leverage the Self-Help Group Movement: Harness the self-help group movement to establish neighborhood childcare centers in urban and rural areas. This can involve utilizing the network and resources of self-help groups to set up and manage childcare facilities.
    • Expand Anganwadis: Increase the reach and scope of Anganwadis, which are government-funded centers providing integrated childcare and early education services. Expand their capacity and include provisions for crèche services to accommodate working parents.
    • National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Integrate childcare services within the NRLM framework, which aims to enhance the livelihoods of rural households. This can involve incorporating childcare as part of the skill development and income-generation activities supported by NRLM.
    • Financial Support for Childcare: Explore the implementation of subsidy programs or financial assistance schemes to make childcare more affordable for low-income families. This could include income-based subsidies, vouchers, or tax credits to alleviate the financial burden of childcare expenses.
    • Neighbourhood Childcare Centers: Encourage the establishment of neighborhood-based childcare centers, particularly in urban areas, to cater to the local community’s childcare needs. This approach ensures proximity and accessibility for parents, making it easier for them to balance work and childcare responsibilities.
    • Recognition of Childcare as Work: Recognize the valuable work of childcare providers and promote the professionalization of the childcare sector. This can include offering training programs, certification, and support systems to improve the quality of care provided by childcare professionals

    Conclusion

    • Realizing India’s demographic dividend requires fully harnessing the gender dividend by empowering women throughout their lives. Access to childcare plays a pivotal role in facilitating women’s labor force participation. Efforts to improve childcare access should be combined with strategies to challenge patriarchal norms and create an enabling environment for women’s education, employment, and asset ownership. By embracing these measures, India can empower its women and achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

    Also read:

    Women’s Political Representation in India: Moving Beyond Tokenism