CONTENTS

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE UNDER MSMEs

#Govt Policies 19

RBI’S REPORT ON NIIP

#External Sector 20

02 RBI’S REPORT ON EXTERNAL DEBT

#External Sector 20

BOLD PROJECT 21

# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I I I ( Ma i n ) WORLD INVESTMENT REPORT 2021 21

E-NAM: SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES PURCHASING MANAGERS' INDEX (PMI) 22

#Agriculture 02
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 22
LIVESTOCK SECTOR- OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES AND
WAY FORWARD #Agriculture 04

5 YEARS OF IBC: HITS AND MISSES

24
#Banking 05

RBI’S FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT

# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I I ( Ma i n )
#RBI 07
RULE OF LAW VERSUS RULE BY LAW
IMPACT OF PANDEMIC ON HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS
#Rule of Law #Rights Issues 24
#RBI 09
PROLIFERATION OF MINISTRIES
FINANCE MINISTER’S RELIEF PACKAGE
#Union Government 25
#Development 11
RECONSTITUTION OF CABINET COMMITTEES
EXCISE DUTY ON PETROL AND DIESEL
#Union Government 26
#Govt Policies 13
RESIGNATION OF UTTARAKHAND CM
DATA LOCALISATION- PROS AND CONS
#Resignation of Ministers #Constitution Ninety First
#RBI 15 Amendment 27

30 YEARS OF LPG REFORMS- ANALYSIS CODIFICATION OF PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES

#LPG 15 #Parliamentary Privileges 27

SOLAR POWER IN RURAL AREAS DELAYS IN CASES OF ANTI-DEFECTION

#Energy 17 #Ant-defection #Tenth Schedule 29

ONE NATION ONE RATION CARD SCHEME VACANCY OF SPEAKER’S OFFICE

#PDS 17 #Legislature #Speaker 30

OPEN NETWORK FOR DIGITAL COMMERCE KRISHNA RIVER WATER SHARING – THE UNENDING
#GovtPolicies 18 PROBLEM #River-Water Disputes 31

i
 97TH CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT Qala-I-Naw 58

#Co-operatives #Amendment 34 • Islam Qala

ALL INDIA JUDICIAL SERVICE • Torghundi crossing 58
#AIJS #Article 312 36
Bagram Airbase 58
BIOCENTRICISM AS PART OF ARTICLE 21
• Shir Khan Bandar
# Biocentrism #Anthropocentrism #Environmental Rights
• Spin Boldak 59
37
Imam Sahib - Kunduz 59
COMPENSATION FOR COVID DEATHS
Zaranj Delaram Highway 59
#Compensation #Disaster Management #COVID Deaths 39
Kharshi - Khanabad base in Uzbekistan. 60
AMENDMENT TO CINEMATOGRAPHY ACT, 1952

#Rights #Film Certification 40 Varosha – Cyprus 60

EMIGRATION BILL, 2021 Tunisia 60

#Emigration #Rights 41 Demchok Sector – Ladakh 61

ANTI-TRAFFICKING BILL Nagorno Karabakh 61

#Trafficking #Human Rights 43 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 61

MIDDAY MEAL SCHEME REDUCES STUNTING

#Stunting #Rights #Midday Meal Scheme 45

PRACTICE QUESTIONS 46
63

48 # G S P a p e r I & G S P a p e r I I ( Ma i n )

UTTAR PRADESH AND ASSAM MANDATE TWO CHILD POLICY

#Demographics 63

# GS Paper (Prelims) & HUMAN TRAFFICKING: A SOCIAL EVIL

GS Paper II & III (Main) #Vulnerable sections 66
AFGHAN ISSUE
KERALA MODEL OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW
#Geopolitics 48
#Discrimination #Legislation 68
PEGASUS AND THE SURVEILLANCE LAWS
RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT
#Security 50
#Education 69
DRONE ATTACK
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
#Security 52
#Communalism 71
INTEGRATED THEATRE COMMANDS IN INDIA
NIPUN BHARAT PROGRAM
#Security 55
#Schemes #Tribal Development #Education 72
Term – “Fit for 55” 57
SCHOOL INNOVATION AMBASSADOR TRAINING PROGRAM
Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 57 #Schemes #Tribal Development #Education 72

Indentured Labour Route Project (ILRP) 57 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 72

Mekong Ganga Cooperation 57

INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) 58

ii
 SUBORBITAL FLIGHT
74 #Space #Technology 88

DELHI GETS ITS OWN GENOME SEQUENCING CENTRE

#Genetics #Biotechnology 89

WORLD’S FIRST CONJUGATE VACCINE FOR COVID-19

# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III
#Genetics #Biotechnology 90
( Ma i n )
DOPPLER RADARS
NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
#Science #Physics #Technology 92
#Environment Protection 74
LIQUID NANO UREA
GREEN SOHRA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
#Nanotechnology 93
#Environment Protection 75
UV-C TECHNOLOGY
EUROPEAN FLOODS
#Science #Technology #Health 93
#disasters 76
BITCOIN HARDWARE WALLET
FOREST RIGHTS ACT
#Technology #Cryptocurrency 94
#Conservation #Tribal right 76
Nauka & European Robotic Arm 95
TIGER CORRIDOR IN RAJASTHAN

#Fauna 78 Water on Ganymede 96

GANGA POLLUTION Galileo Project 96

#Pollution 78 'Borg' DNA 96

GROSS ENVIRONMENT PRODUCT PRACTICE QUESTIONS 96

#Environmental Economics 82

ASIAN ELEPHANTS

#FAUNA 83 98
CROCODILES IN INDIA

#Fauna 84
# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I ( Ma i n )
STATE ANIMAL & BIRDS IN LADAKH
KAKATIYA RUDRESHWARA TEMPLE AS WORLD HERITAGE
#Fauna 85
SITE #Architecture #Art & Culture 98
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 86
DHOLAVIRA AS WORLD HERITAGE SITE

#Architecture #Art & Culture 98

87 TIPU SULTAN (1750-1799)

#Personalities #Modern History 99

HISTORIC URBAN LANDSCAPE APPROACH (HULA)

# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I I I ( Ma i n ) #Art & Culture #Architecture 100

EOS-03 AND SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE RAKHMABAI CASE

#Space 87 #Modern History #Personalities 101

BLACK HOLE AREA THEOREM PROVEN RIGHT DR KADAMBINI GANGULY

#Physics #Space 87 #Modern History #Personalities 101

iii
4000, YEAR-OLD SETTLEMENT FOUND DURING EXCAVATION CASE STUDIES for Practice
IN ODISHA #Archaeology #Ancient History 101 MAINS GS PAPER IV 113

SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJEE

#Personalities #Modern History 101

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

#Personalities #Modern History 102

PRACTICE QUESTIONS 102

115
INTROSPECTION AND PERSEVERANCE IN HARD WORK
ARE KEYS TO SUCCESS # philosophical

SUBMITTED BY: ANKUR PANDEY 116

FARMING HAS LOST THE ABILITY TO BE A SOURCE OF

SUBSISTENCE FOR THE MAJORITY OF FARMERS IN INDIA
#Agriculture #Economy
105 SUBMITTED BY: MUSKAN ARYA 117

HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS AND VALUES LIFE IS A LONG JOURNEY BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS AND
BEING HUMANE. #philosophical
#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude 105
SUBMITTED BY: KABIR SAINI 120

iv
 logical .simple .targeted
analysis & explanation
of all relevant news of the month
 Against Interests of Small and Marginal farmers who
E-NAM: SUCCESSES AND are forced to sell at lower prices due to their low

CHALLENGES marketable surplus and poor bargaining power.

Lack of Integrated Domestic market leading to poor
price discovery and lower price realisation for farmers
Higher Post-harvest Losses in the range of 20-25% of
produce accounting for Rs 92,000 crores loss.
According to a recent data published by Ministry of
Agriculture, only around 14% of the Mandis have been WHAT IS E-NAM?
integrated with the E-NAM so far. This shows that despite Pan-India Electronic portal to link the existing APMCs to
making visible inroads, the E-NAM platform has a long way create an Integrated domestic market ("One Nation, One
to go. Market"). Managed by Small Farmers' Agribusiness
NEED FOR E-NAM PORTAL Consortium (SFAC).

Most of the State governments enacted the Agricultural States interested to integrate their mandis with E-NAM
Produce Market Regulation Act (APMC Act) to regulate are required to carry out following three reforms in their
agricultural marketing. Presently, we have around 6700 APMC Act.
APMC wholesale mandis throughout India. So, effectively, a) Single trading license (Unified) to be valid across the
we do not have one, but thousands of agriculture state
markets. b) Single point levy of market fee across the state; and
Fragmented Agricultural Marketing: Agricultural c) Provision for e-auction/ e-trading as a mode of price
commodities pass through multiple middlemen and discovery
traders leading to higher prices for the consumers
WORKING MECHANISM

2
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN 2020 KISAN rath Application: Mobile application to enable
the Farmers and Traders in hiring vehicles for
FPO Module on e-NAM: Enables FPOs to upload pictures
of their produce directly from collection centres without transportation of Agri-produce.

the need to come to Mandis. Integration with other platforms: e-NAM platform has
been made inter operable with ReMS platform of Govt.
Warehousing based Trading Module: Farmers can sell
their produce directly from the warehouses registered of Karnataka. Such an integration facilitates farmers of
either platform to sell their produce in other platform
under warehousing Development and Regulating
thereby increasing their market access.
Authority (WDRA).
Logistics Module: Link large logistic aggregator Agri-Infrastructure Fund: Financing facility to Primary
Agricultural Cooperative Societies, Farmers Producer
platforms with the traders for the seamless
Organizations, Agriculture entrepreneurs, Start-ups,
transportation of Agri-produce.
APMCs etc to set up collection centres, cold chains,
warehousing, assaying, grading and packaging units etc.
BENEFITS, CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD
BENEFITS CHALLENGES WAY FORWARD

Thrust to New Farm Acts: The new farm acts Poor Penetration: Only around Conduct awareness
enable the farmers to sell their agricultural 1000 APMCs (14%) have been programmes among the
produce directly from the trade area- Farm integrated with e-NAM in last 5 farmers to highlight the
gate, warehouse, factory premises etc. Hence, years. In particular, larger APMCs benefits of E-NAM
E-NAM would provide fillip to the have not been integrated. Increase Funding: Presently,
implementation of new farm acts. Lack of Political will: Some of the Government gives Rs 75 lakh
Efficient Agri-marketing regime- Single states have not fulfilled the criteria to each mandi for integrating
trading license. to join E-NAM. This is due to the fear with E-NAM. Need to provide
Single point levy of market fee, e-auction. of revenue loss due to single point higher funds to the APMCs to
Benefits Farmers: Remunerative prices, levy of market fee and single trading plug the infrastructural gaps.
reduced transaction costs, more transparency license. Deploy adequate IT staff for
in sale produce and prompt payment of sales Infrastructural gaps: Inadequate smooth functioning of e-NAM
proceeds infrastructure such as such as platform
Boost FPOs: New E-NAM Trading modules such electronic gate pass (entry and exit), Improve the coverage of E-
as FPO Module, Warehousing module quality assaying (QA) labs, electronic NAM in terms of integration
would save transportation costs for the FPOs. weighbridge; Underdeveloped IT with more APMCs and
Infrastructure; Poor Internet Warehouses
Boost Food Processing Sector and
connectivity; Lack of financial Reduce the dependence of
Exports as Processors and Exporters can
inclusion among the farmers; the farmers on the
directly buy the produce from farmers without
Farmers need cash to meet middlemen by organising
any hassles
immediate expenses. them into FPO, set up
Ensures Quality in procurement as it
Poor participation of Farmers: collection centres at farm
provides for assaying and grading of produce.
Around 32% of the farmers are still level and link such collection
Streamlines the agricultural supply chain,
unaware of the E-NAM; Farmers centres with E-NAM
reduces logistics cost and reduces post-harvest
continue to sell the produce directly Open Bank branches on the
losses
to traders in the villages due to - (a) APMC premises to get instant
Induces transparency and competition and Easier Credit provided by Traders (b)
payments.
prevents collusion among the traders APMCs located far way from villages
Establishment of an Apex
Ensures timely payment directly to the bank (c ) Immediate cash payment
Body is advocated to control
accounts of the farmers Resistance by Traders and and regulate the actives of e-
Ensures price stability and prevents inflation Middlemen as the online system is

3
in Agri-Commodities. more accountable and would bring NAM
them under the ambit of tax.

LIVESTOCK SECTOR-
• Agriculture: The farmers, depend upon bullocks for
ploughing, carting and transport of both inputs and

OPPORTUNITIES, outputs.
• Dung: In rural areas dung is used for several purposes
CHALLENGES AND WAY which include fuel (Dung cakes), fertilizers (farmyard
manure), and plastering materials (poor man’s
FORWARD cement)
CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES
• Shortage of Feed and fodder (only 4% of land
categorized as Pastureland)
• Frequent occurrence of deadly diseases such as Foot
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has recently and Mouth Diseases
approved implementation of special livestock sector package • Underdeveloped Livestock markets
amounting to Rs.9800 crores over the 5 years.
• Livestock extension grossly neglected
The Special Livestock sector package has been formed by
• Lack of International processing Standards hindering
merging different schemes of the Department of Animal
export of meat
Husbandry & Dairying into 3 different categories related to
• Poor coverage of livestock insurance
Dairy Development, Livestock health and Infrastructure
development. • Poor coverage of Artificial Insemination

In this regard, let us take this opportunity to holistically STRATEGIES NEEDED

cover the Livestock Sector from the perspective of Mains Expand Coverage of Artificial Insemination (AI): E
Exam. PashuHaat portal has to be expanded to connect
Animal husbandry output constitutes about 30 percent breeders with farmers and necessary information about
of the country’s agricultural output. Women constitute 70 availability of quality bovine germplasm should be
per cent of the labour force in livestock sector as against provided.
35 per cent in crop farming. Further, most of the Address Shortage of Male Germplasm/Breeding Bulls
livestock is concentrated in dry land areas and with small by identifying more high genetic merit bulls
and marginal farmers. Hence, development of animal
Address Acute Shortage of feed and fodders by
husbandry is considered to be more egalitarian and
effectively implementing National Livestock Mission
inclusive.
(NLM)
IMPORTANCE OF LIVESTOCK IN RURAL Skilled Human Resource Development to enhance
ECONOMY extension service
• Source of Subsidiary Income Development of Dairy Entrepreneurs by providing
• Milk, meat and eggs are an important source of cheaper access to credit, handholding support etc.
animal protein to the members of the livestock Effective implementation of Rashtriya Gokul Mission
owners. and Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for development and
• Social Security: The families especially the landless conservation of indigenous bovine breeds
which own animals are better placed than those who Organizing farmers into FPOs and focus on
do not. diversification towards low-cholesterol ghee, low fat
butter, flavoured milks, ice-creams etc.

4
Promotion of Contract farming: Contract farming in the procurement of milk has been responsible for socio-
Poultry sector and Dairy sector have been successful in economic transformation. There is a need to adopt such
some of the states such as Punjab. For example, models across India.
NESTLE’s association with the farmers in the Punjab for

5 YEARS OF IBC: HITS AND

The year 2021 marks the 5 years of completion of Insolvency
and Bankruptcy code (IBC). In this regard, lets discuss about

MISSES the hits and misses of IBC.

Relationship between Financial health of Banks and
Economic Growth

EVOLUTION IN THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE RESOLUTION OF NPAs

Earlier, in case of default, the Banks were required to file and recover the bad loans. This was a lengthy and time-
civil suits in ordinary courts to sell the pledged properties consuming exercise. Subsequently, the Debt Recovery

5
Tribunals (DRTs) were set up in 1993 based upon the defaults on a loan, the Banks can give a notice period of
recommendations of Narasimhan Committee (1991). 60 days to the borrower to repay the loans. If the
However, the DRTs came to be over-burdened with the borrower fails to repay within 60 days, the Banks can
cases and recovery of bad loans through the DRTs was take the following actions:
lengthy process. Hence, the SARFAESI Act was passed 1. Take possession of the pledged assets and then lease
inorder to enable the Banks to recover their dues quickly. or sell it off to recover the loan amount.
ABOUT SARFAESI ACT,2002 2. Take over the management of the business of the
The SARFAESI Act essentially empowers banks to directly borrower.
auction residential or commercial properties that have 3. Appoint a person to manage the assets.
been pledged with them to recover loans from
borrowers. As per the SARFAESI Act, if a borrower

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SARFAESI ACT AND IBC,

2016
1. SARFAESI- Applicable only for secured financial
creditors; IBC- Applicable for both secured and
unsecured financial creditors.
2. Unlike IBC, SARFAESI is not applicable to Operational
Creditors.
3. The minimum threshold for invoking IBC: Individuals
(Rs 1000); Companies (Rs 1 crore); Minimum threshold
for SARFAESI: Rs 1 lakh.

HITS AND MISSES OF IBC, 2016

HITS MISSES
1. Higher Recovery rate of 45% in comparison to recovery rate of 26% in 1. Case Closure: Only 60% of the cases
the earlier regime. closed.
2. Time taken to close the cases: Around 1 year in comparison to 3-4 2. Mode of Case Closure: Majority of cases

6
 years earlier. closed through liquidation; Few cases
3. Improvement in Ease of Doing Business closed due to Resolution.
4. Addresses the Chakravyuha challenge of Indian Economy: 3. Recovery rates: Exclusion of large
• 1991 LPG Reforms has enabled easier entry of private sector but recovery cases such as Bhushan Steel,
made the exit difficult. Essar Steel etc. would lead to recovery
rate of around 35-36%.
• Old Inefficient firms continue to operate with highly efficient firms
leading to misallocation of factors of production 4. Delay in admission of Applications and
Approval of Resolution plans
• IBC has enabled faster exit of old inefficient firms
5. Infrastructural issues: Less number of
5. Behavioral Change
NCLTs; Delay in appointments; Higher
1. Fear of losing control of the company forces the promoters to operate vacancies etc.
at highest level of efficiency.
2. Encourages the borrowers to settle dues at the earliest.

RBI’S FINANCIAL STABILITY

• SMA-0: Principal or interest payment not overdue for
more than 30 days but account showing signs of

REPORT incipient stress

• SMA-1: Principal or interest payment overdue
between 31-60 days
• SMA-2: Principal or interest payment overdue
between 61-90 days
The RBI has recently released financial stability Report (FSR).
This report discusses some of the recent developments that • Note: If the Principal or interest payment is overdue
have an impact on the financial stability of India. for more than 90 days, then the loan is categorized as
NPA.
As per the latest FSR, gross non-performing assets (GNPA)
ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) could rise to PROVISIONING COVERAGE RATIO (PCR)
11.2 per cent by the end of March 2022. Under the RBI's provisioning norms, the banks are
BASIC TERMS TO UNDERSTAND required to set aside certain percentage of their profits in
order to cover risk arising from NPAs. It is referred to as
Non-Performing Asset (NPA): A loan is categorized as
"Provisioning Coverage Ratio" (PCR). It is defined in terms
NPA if it is due for a period of more than 90 days.
of percentage of loan amount and depends upon the
Depending upon the due period, the NPAs are
asset quality. As the asset quality deteriorates, the PCR
categorized as under:
increases. The PCR for different categories of assets is as
• Sub-Standard Assets: > 90 days and less than 1 year shown below:
• Doubtful Assets: greater than 1 year • Standard Assets (No Default): 0.40%
• Lost Assets: loss has been identified by the bank or • Sub-standard Assets (> 90 days and less than 1 year):
RBI, but the amount has not been written off wholly. 15%
SPECIAL MENTION ACCOUNTS (SMA) • Doubtful Assets (greater than 1 year): 25%-40%
Special Mention Account (SMA) Category has been • Loss Assets (Identified by Bank or RBI): 100%
introduced by the RBI in order to identify the incipient Gross and Net NPA: Gross NPA refers to the total NPAs
stress in the assets of the banks and NBFCs. These are of the banks. The Net NPA is calculated as Gross NPA -
the accounts that have not-yet turned NPAs (default on Provisioning Amount.
the loan for more than 90 days), but rather these
Capital Adequacy ratio (CAR): The CAR has been laid
accounts can potentially become NPAs in future if no
down by the BASEL committee on banking supervision
suitable action is taken. The SMA has the various sub-
under Bank of International Settlement located in Basel,
categories as shown below:
Switzerland.

7
It has been laid down to ensure financial stability and to with no significant loss of value. The LCR requires banks
prevent failure of banks. So far, 3 BASEL Norms have to hold a stock of HQLA at least as large as expected total
been laid down: Basel I (1998), Basel II (2004), Basel III net cash outflows over the stress period of 30 days.
(2009). Stock of HQLA
≥ 100%
CAR is the ratio of a bank's capital to its risk. It is also Total net cash outflows over the next 30 calender days
known as the Capital to Risk (Weighted) Total net cash outflows are defined as the total expected
Assets Ratio (CRAR) cash outflows minus the total expected cash inflows
CAR= (Tier-1 Capital + Tier-2 Capital)/ RWAs * 100. arising in the stress scenario.
The Banks in India are required to maintain CAR of 9% Leverage Ratio (LR): The Basel Committee on Banking
(Tier-1 capital: 7% + Tier-2 Capital: 2%) along with Capital Supervision (BCBS) introduced Leverage ratio (LR) in the
Conservation buffer (CCB) of 2.5%. 2010 Basel III package of reforms. The Formula for the
Hence, unlike the BASEL III norms, which stipulate capital Leverage Ratio is (Tier 1 Capital/ Total Consolidated
adequacy of 10.5% (8%-CAR + 2.5% CCB) , the RBI has Assets) ×100 where Tier 1 capital represents a bank's
mandated to maintain capital adequacy of 11.5% (9%- equity.
CAR + 2.5%-CCB) It is to be noted that the Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio

LIQUIDITY COVERAGE RATIO (LCR) (CAR) is the ratio of a bank’s core tier 1 capital to its total
risk-weighted assets. On the other hand, leverage ratio is
A failure to adequately monitor and control liquidity risk
a measure of the bank's core capital to its total assets.
led to the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. To improve the
Thus, the Leverage ratio uses tier 1 capital to judge how
banks' short-term resilience to liquidity shocks, the Basel
leveraged a bank is in relation to its consolidated assets
Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) introduced
whereas the tier 1 capital adequacy ratio measures the
the LCR as part of the Basel III post-crisis reforms. The
bank's core capital against its risk-weighted assets.
LCR is designed to ensure that banks hold a sufficient
reserve of high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) to allow HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT
them to survive a period of significant liquidity stress Decrease in GNPA and NNPA: The gross non-
lasting 30 calendar days. performing assets (GNPA) has remained at 7.5% in March
HQLA are cash or assets that can be converted into cash 2021. While, net NPA (NNPA) ratios has increased to 2.4%
quickly through sales (or by being pledged as collateral) in March 2021.

Deterioration in Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR): The

provision coverage ratio (PCR) of all Banks taken together
deteriorated across all bank groups from 72% in Sep
2020 to 69% in March 2021.

8
 the financial system is highly interconnected, the failure
of one bank, or some banks, is likely to affect the stability
of other banks. This interdependence is measured by the
Banking Stability Index.

DEFINITION
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) defines Banking Stability
Index (BSI) as “the expected number of banks that could
become distressed given that at least one bank has
become distressed”. Hence, as the BSI increases, it
means that more banks are expected to become
IMPROVEMENT IN CAPITAL TO RISK-WEIGHTED
distressed if one bank in the system is distressed.
ASSETS RATIO (CRAR)
The BSI takes into account the following parameters:

• Efficiency of the Banks

• Profitability

• Soundness

• Liquidity

• Asset Quality.

Updates on BSI: By March 2021, the banking stability

indicator (BSI) has showed improvement in all its five
dimensions (i.e., asset quality; profitability; liquidity;
efficiency; and soundness) that are considered for
BANKING STABILITY INDICATOR
assessing the changes in underlying financial conditions.

IMPACT OF PANDEMIC ON
HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS

Recently, the RBI has published the Preliminary Estimates of

the Household Financial Savings for the third quarter of
2020-21. In this regard, this article basically analyses the
impact of covid-19 pandemic on financial savings of the
Households.
TRENDS IN GROSS SAVINGS RATE
RATIONALE BEHIND BANKING STABILITY INDEX The Gross savings is contributed by mainly 3 sectors-
The concentration of bad assets in a handful of sectors Public, Private Corporate and Household sector. As
increases the risk for the banking system as default in shown below, the Household sector accounts for the
highest share of Gross Savings followed by private
one sector can put significant pressure on the balance
corporate sector.
sheet of several banks. Further, since the banking and

9
 Gross Savings as percentage of GDP
2011-12 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
Gross Savings 34.6 32.2 31.1 30.3 30.5
Public 1.5 1.0 1.2 1.7 1.7
Private corporate* 9.5 11.7 11.9 11.5 11.6
Household sector 23.6 19.6 18.0 17.1 17.2
Net financial savings 7.4 7.1 8.1 6.3 6.6
Physical savings 16.3 12.5 9.9 10.8 10.6
Source: Central Statistics Office

There has been decline in Gross Savings from 34.6% in The Household savings is in turn categorised into two
2011-12 to 30.9% in 2019-20. The decline in the Gross types:
Savings is basically on account of decline in Gross savings Net Financial Savings: It is calculated as (Financial
of household sector. Assets- Financial Liabilities) of the households. The
Note: In India, the average household holds major Financial assets include currency, bank deposits, debt
securities, mutual funds, insurance, pension funds and
chunk of its savings in physical assets (Real estate,
durable goods such as transportation vehicles, livestock, small savings. Financial liabilities are primarily held in the
agricultural machinery and non-farm business form of loans and borrowings from banks, nonbanking
financial companies (NBFCs) and housing finance
equipment). This is in contrast to developed economies
where households hold substantial portion of their companies (HFCs).
wealth in financial assets. Physical Savings: The Physical savings include savings in
the form of land, buildings, home etc.
DETAILS OF SAVINGS OF THE HOUSEHOLDS
Financial Saving of the Household Sector
(Percent of GNDI)
Item 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A. Gross Financial Saving 10.4 10.5 10.4 9.9 10.7 10.4 11.9 11.1 11.0
of which:
1. Currency 1.2 1.1 0.9 1.0 1.4 -2.1 2.8 1.4 1.4
2. Deposits 6.0 6.0 5.8 4.8 4.6 6.3 3.0 4.2 4.2
3. Shares and Debentures 0.2 0.2 0.2 02 0.2 1.1 1.0 0.4 0.4
4. Claims on Government -0.2 -0.1 0.2 0.0 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.3
5. Insurance Funds 2.2 1.8 1.8 2.4 1.9 2.3 2.0 1.9 1.5
6. Provident and Pension Funds 1.1 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 22
B. Financial Liabilities 3.2 32 3.1 3.0 2.7 3.0 4.3 4.1 32
C. Not Financial Saving (A-B) 7.2 72 72 6.9 7.9 7.3 7.5 7.1 7.8
GNDI: Gross National Disposable Income Note: Figures may not add up to the total due to rounding off. Source: NSO.

RECENT TRENDS IN FINANCIAL SAVINGS OF household financial liabilities has led to increase in the
HOUSEHOLDS net financial savings of the households. (Remember Net
Financial Savings is calculated as (Financial Assets-
Studies show that households tend to save more during
Financial Liabilities) of the households).
a slowdown and income uncertainty. The present
economic slowdown has led to higher uncertainty for the In the first quarter of 2020-21, the net financial savings of
households. Hence, the households have refrained from the households increased to 21% of the GDP. According
borrowings loans from the Banks leading to contraction to the RBI’s preliminary estimate, household financial
in the household financial liabilities. This decrease in the

10
savings were at 8.2% of GDP in the third quarter of 2020- previous quarter. According to a recent data released by
21. the RBI, the currency with the Public has risen to all time
So, when the pandemic first struck, household financial high of Rs 28 lakh crores in the month of May 2021.
savings initially jumped In the first quarter of 2020-21, There are number of reasons for higher withdrawal of
but went on to witness sequential moderation in the cash by the Public from the Banks leading to higher
next two quarters. currency with the Public. These include (a) uncertainty
caused due to CovID-19 pandemic (b) higher healthcare
RECENT TRENDS IN HOUSEHOLD DEPOSITS
expenditure (c ) Loss of Jobs forcing people to withdraw
The ratio of household deposits to GDP declined to 3.0% their savings and so on.
in the December quarter of 2020-21 from 7.7% in the

FINANCE MINISTER’S
expenditure. This in a way has the potential to further
accentuate the economic slowdown.

RELIEF PACKAGE Boost Consumer Sentiment: According to RBI's Monthly

Consumption Expenditure Survey, the consumer
sentiment within India has been on constant decline. If
the consumers are optimistic about the current and
future economic state of the country, then they would
spend more money leading to an increase in the GDP.
The outbreak of CoVID-19 has impacted both demand and On the other hand, if the Consumer confidence is low,
supply side simultaneously leading to twin shocks, which is this can lead to decrease in the consumption
unprecedented. Recently, the National Statistical Office expenditure and hence impacts the GDP growth rate.
(NSO) has released the provisional estimates of the National Follow-up to Previous Packages: These measures can
income for the year 2020-21 revealing that the Indian be considered to be a follow-up to the Rs 20 lakh crore
Economy has suffered worst form of "Economic Recession" Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Package announced earlier.
for the first time in the last 41 years since 1979-80.
Boost health care Infrastructure: The Covid-19
Against this background, the Union Finance Minister has pandemic is "Once-in-a-Century" crisis which has
recently announced number of measures to provide relief to exposed the loopholes in our healthcare infrastructure.
diverse sectors affected by the second wave of COVID-19 As rightly pointed out by the Economic Survey 2020-21,
pandemic. The total size of the economic package is we need to substantially ramp up our investment in the
estimated to be around Rs 6.2 lakh crores. This is in addition healthcare.
to the Rs 20 lakh crores support extended by Aatma Nirbhar
Improve Credit creation: The RBI has taken number of
Bharat package, which was announced last year.
measures to improve the liquidity situation in the
RATIONALE FOR THE PACKAGE economy. In spite of surplus liquidity, Banks are reluctant
Prevent Vicious Economic Cycle: There are 4 drivers of to lend loans due to the fear of rising NPAs due to the
an Economy- Consumption Expenditure, Investment, economic slowdown. Similarly, various business
Govt. Expenditure and Net Exports (Exports- Imports). In establishments are also reluctant to take loans due to
the case of India, consumption expenditure is the major poor investor sentiment. Thus, there is a need to nudge
driver accounting for 60% of India's GDP. However, the the Banks to lend loans to private sector. Similarly, even
loss of jobs accompanied by uncertainty due to the private sector must be encouraged to take loans. The
economic slowdown has led to decline in Consumption improvement in credit creation would have multifaceted

11
benefits in the form of increased investment, job Eligibility: Applicable to only standard loans (The MSMEs
creation, revival of demand and thus boost to the GDP who have not defaulted on their repayment of loans and
growth rate. In this regard, the Government has sought their accounts are categorized as Standard Assets by
to improve the credit creation by giving guarantee on Banks).
loans taken by the private sector entities which have Features of Loans: Moratorium of 12 months on the
been affected by the covid-19 pandemic. principal repayment. Interest rate to be capped.
The finance minister has announced around 17 Government's role: 100% Credit guarantee cover to
measures. These measures can be clubbed into 3 broad banks and NBFCs on principal and Interest. This
categories: - guarantee is provided by National Credit Guarantee
1. Economic Relief from Pandemic Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).
2. Strengthening Public Health Latest Announcement: Overall cap of admissible
3. Impetus for Growth & Employment guarantee to be raised from Rs. 3 lakh crores to Rs. 4.5
lakh crores
ECONOMIC RELIEF FROM PANDEMIC
Loan Guarantee Scheme for COVID Affected Sectors
EXTENSION OF AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT
ROZGAR YOJANA
Under this scheme, the Government has promised the
guarantee on loan repayment taken by various sectors The finance minister has announced the extension of the
which have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) from 30th
guarantee on loan repayment would be provided by June 2021 to 31st March 2022.
National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited. Background: In Oct 2020, the Union Cabinet had given
No guarantee fee to be charged by NCGTC under the its approval for ABRY to boost employment creation in
scheme. formal sector. Under this scheme, the Government
The sectors which would be able to avail loans under this would bear the burden of the Employee Provident Fund
scheme include: (EPF) contributions of Employees and Employers.

(a) Healthcare sector for both creation as well as Details about Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
expansion of healthcare infrastructure What is it?: EPF is a social security scheme aimed at
(b) Guarantee on loans extended by the Banks to the salaried individuals and is run by EPFO, which comes
Micro-finance Institutions for on-lending to small under the labour ministry.
borrowers (Loan size of up to Rs 1.25 lakh) Coverage: Organizations that employ 20 people or more
(c) Guarantee on loans extended to people working in need to offer EPF benefits to their employees.
the tourism sector Is it Compulsory?: The EPF is not compulsory for all
EMERGENCY CREDIT LINE GUARANTEE SCHEME employees. Only those who earn up to Rs 15,000 a
month have to contribute 12% of their basic salary plus
(ECLGS)
dearness allowance to EPF. The employer contributes an
Background: In May 2020, as part of Aatmanirbhar
equal percentage (12%) to the corpus out of which 3.67%
Bharat 1.0, the Government had announced Emergency
goes to the EPF and the rest 8.33% goes towards
Credit Line Guarantee Scheme with the following
employees’ pension scheme (EPS). For those who earn
features.
above the threshold of Rs 15,000, contribution to EPF is
Objectives: Mitigate the economic distress faced by optional.
MSMEs due to Covid-19 by providing them additional
ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT ROJGAR YOJANA (ABRY)
funding in the form of a fully guaranteed emergency
credit line. A new scheme to incentivize job creation during COVID-
19 recovery has been launched. The scheme will be
Benefits: Banks and NBFCs to extend collateral free
effective from October 1, 2020. Under this scheme, the
loans worth Rs 3 lakh crores to the MSMEs, business
central government would pay
enterprises, individual loans for business purposes and
MUDRA borrowers

12
• Both Employer’s and Employee’s share of contribution Announcement: Export Credit Guarantee Corporation
(total 24% of wages) for establishment strength up to (ECGC) promotes exports by providing credit insurance
1000 employees. services. It supports around 30% of India’s merchandise
• Only Employee’s share (12% of wages) in case of exports. It has been decided to infuse equity in ECGC
establishment strength of more than 1000. over 5 years to boost export insurance cover by Rs.
88,000 crores.
STRENGTHENING PUBLIC HEALTH
NEW STREAMLINED PROCESS FOR PPP PROJECTS
Besides supporting the health sector through credit
guarantee scheme, a new scheme for strengthening
AND ASSET MONETISATION
public health infrastructure and human resources has Background: The Union Budget 2021-22 has announced
also been announced. the National Monetisation pipeline to monetise the
assets owned by PSUs such as National Highways,
This scheme will focus on short term emergency
preparedness with special emphasis on children and Airports, Gas pipelines etc. The money earned through
monetisation of the assets can be in turn used for
paediatric care/paediatric beds. These include increasing
availability of ICU beds, oxygen supply at central, district creation of new infrastructure assets. However, Current
and sub-district level; availability of equipment, process for approval of Public Private Partnership (PPP)
projects is long and involves multiple levels of approval.
medicines; access to tele-consultation; strengthening
ambulance services etc. Announcement: A new policy will be formulated for
appraisal and approval of PPP proposals and
IMPETUS FOR GROWTH & EMPLOYMENT
monetization of core infrastructure assets. The new
FIGHTING MALNUTRITION AND IMPROVING policy would focus on the speedy clearance of projects
FARMERS’ INCOME: and to improve the Ease of Doing Business.
Background: Earlier focus of research was on DIGITAL INDIA: BHARATNET TO BE
developing higher yield crop varieties. Attention towards IMPLEMENTED IN PPP MODEL
nutrition, climate resilience and improving the income
The Bharat Net project has the objective of providing
levels of the farmers was missing.
high-speed broadband to all the panchayats in the
Announcement: ICAR has developed bio-fortified crop
country. It is the revamped version of National Optical
varieties having high nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, Fibre Network (NOFN) which was launched in October
vitamin-A. Varieties tolerant to diseases, insects’ pests, 2011.
drought, salinity, and flooding etc. have also been
Progress So far: On August 15, 2020, PM announced
developed. 21 such varieties will be released.
broadband connectivity to all inhabited villages in 1000
EXPORT INSURANCE COVER days. Out of 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, 1.56 lakh Gram
Background: India’s vision of becoming a $ 5 trillion Panchayats have been made service ready by 31st May
economy by 2024 is intricately linked with an export- 2021
oriented approach. Greater integration with global value New Announcement: The Government has proposed to
chains (GVCs) will enable India to attract investment, implement BharatNet in PPP model in 16 States
create Jobs, Boost Exports and hence sustain virtuous
economic cycle.

EXCISE DUTY ON PETROL

The rate of Inflation, as measured by CPI has increased to
AND DIESEL 6.3% in May 2021. The CPI has remained above the targeted
rate of inflation of 4%. The increase in rate of Inflation is

13
not only putting additional burden on the people, but it PRESENT REASONS FOR INCREASE IN THE
would also put economic revival in jeopardy. PETROL AND DIESEL
One of the reasons for the higher rate of inflation is higher Last year, in 2020, the international crude oil prices were
taxes on Petrol and Diesel. In this regard, the credit ratings at all time low due to decline in the global demand due
agency ICRA has called upon the Government to reduce the to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, the Government had
tax rates so as to reduce the inflation and push economic increased the taxes on the Petrol and diesel. Because of
growth. this, in spite of fall in consumption of Petrol and Diesel,
PRESENT TAX REGIME ON PETROLEUM the overall revenue collected by the Centre had
PRODUCTS increased.

Presently, both the Central and State Government Now, in 2021, the prices of international crude oil prices
impose taxes on Petrol and Diesel. The Central taxes on have started increasing. But the Government has failed
Petrol and Diesel include Basic Excise Duty, Special to cut the tax rates. Hence, the prices of Petrol and Diesel
Additional Excise Duty, Road and Infrastructure Cess have reached all-time high.
and Agriculture Infrastructure and Development IMPACT OF INCREASE IN PETROL AND DIESEL
Cess. This comes to be around Rs 32.9 per litre of petrol
Petrol and Diesel are considered to be important inputs
and Rs 31.8 per litre of diesel.
in our economy. They are not only used for the purpose
Apart from these central taxes, even the state of transportation, but they are also used as raw
governments impose their own tax in the form of VAT. materials in number of Industries. Hence, increase in
Hence, there is a high incidence of Central and State their prices would inevitably lead to increase in the rate
taxes on Petrol and Diesel. These taxes alone account for of Inflation.
almost around 60% of the cost of the petrol and diesel.
ICRA'S RECOMMENDATIONS
GOVERNMENT'S TAX POLICY TOWARDS
If the Government keeps the tax rates unchanged, then it
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS would be able to earn around Rs 3.6 lakh crores in 2021-
Whenever there is decline in the international crude oil 22. This is 40,000 crores higher than Rs 3.2 lakh crores
prices, the Central Government usually increases the tax which it earned in 2020-21. However, the higher tax rates
rates. That is why, in spite of decline in the international would further accentuate the Inflation and slowdown the
crude oil prices, we end up paying almost the same price economic revival. Thus, there is a need to cut the tax
for petrol and diesel in India. We do not get the benefit rates without significant impact on Government's
of decline in the prices of crude oil. Rather, it is the revenues.
government which gets the benefit in terms of higher tax HOW SHOULD THIS BE DONE??
revenue. Such a government’s policy has a number of
Presently, due to the unlocking of the economy, demand
advantages:
for the mobility has increased. Economic revival is slowly
1. The Higher Excise duty on Petrol and Diesel acts as an
taking place. Therefore, the demand for Petrol and diesel
implicit carbon tax and nudges the economy to move
is set to increase. Hence, even if the Government
towards greener fuels.
reduces the tax rates by a certain margin, the overall
2. Enables the Government to earn more revenue, which revenue would not be impacted much.
can be used later as buffer, in event of increase in
(Higher consumption of Petrol and Diesel--> Higher
crude oil prices.
Tax revenue in spite of lower tax rate)
3. Enables the Government to raise revenue to
Thus, ICRA believes that if Government reduces the tax
undertake higher expenditure towards green energy
rates by around Rs 4.5 per litre, then it would still be able
projects.
to earn revenue of around 3.2 lakh crores, which was
4. Predictable and easy to administer tax same as what it earned in the previous financial year.

14
 DATA LOCALISATION-
Reducing Vulnerabilities: A large amount of data is
transmitted from one country to the other via undersea

PROS AND CONS cables which increases the risk of vulnerability of the
internet and cross-border transfer of data.
Thrust to Industrial Revolution 4.0: Data localization
norms would force the companies to store their data in
India giving a much-needed push to Industrial Revolution
Earlier, in 2018, the RBI had issued a circular which 4.0.
mandated all the payment system operators such as Preventing Foreign Surveillance: A significant portion
Mastercard, Visa etc. to store payment related information of the data collected and stored by global MNCs in other
of the Indian Citizens in the servers which are physically countries increases the scope of foreign surveillance.
based in India. In spite of giving sufficient time to the
companies to comply with Data localisation norms,
CONCERNS RELATED TO DATA LOCALIZATION
Mastercard has failed to store data in servers based in India. Increase in Compliance Cost: Presently, some of the
Indian companies store their data in servers located in
In this regard, recently, RBI has decided to ban Mastercard
the other countries at much cheaper prices. The data
from issuing new debit and credit cards to customers in
localization norms may make it costlier for the Indian
India.
companies to create necessary digital infrastructure to
DATA LOCALIZATION- PROS AND CONS store the data within India.
• Data localization refers to storage of data on any Monopolization of Data: Data Localization would
device that is physically present within the borders of require huge investment in creation of digital
a specific country where the data gets generated. In infrastructure which can be done only for large MNCs.
case of India, the Draft E-Commerce policy has However, the small and medium sized businesses would
mandated for the data localization norms for the e- have to be dependent upon the infrastructure set up
commerce companies such as Flipkart, Amazon etc. these global MNCs in India.
• On similar lines, the RBI has mandated that all the Cyber Threat: Forcing the companies to store data
payment system operators such as Mastercard, Visa locally deprives them of the option of distributing
etc. should compulsorily store the payments related information across servers in multiple locations, making
data in the servers which are physically based in India. it more vulnerable to cyber threats.
• Further, the Srikrishna Panel has also recommended Issues related to Privacy: It is to be noted that data
for the Data localization norms in order to ensure the localization may not be able to completely eliminate
privacy of the sensitive users’ data. cyber-attacks. Even when, data is stored locally, it is
BENEFITS OF DATA LOCALIZATION prone to cyber-attacks leading to data breach and loss of
Data as Public Good: The Economic Survey 2018-19 has privacy.
highlighted that the data generated by the Indian users
has to be accessible by the people and ultimately used
for the benefit of people in the spirit of "Data of the
30 YEARS OF LPG
People, by the People, for the People"; Promotes
evidence-based policy making in order to improve the
REFORMS- ANALYSIS
education, health and various dimensions of human
development.
Enforcement: Enable law enforcement officers to
access information required for the detection of crime as July 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the LPG Reforms.
well as in gathering evidence for prosecution. On one hand, the GDP size of India has increased from $275

15
bn to $ 2.9 trillion. However, on the other hand, the increase basic goods and services. For instance, India's
in GDP size has not been accompanied by transformative expenditure of 3% on education is much below the target
changes in the Indian Economy. of 6%. Similarly, expenditure on health has remained
Taking this forward, let us understand about the challenges quite lower at 1.5% as against the mandated 3%.
with the LPG reforms in India. Balanced Regional Development: The private sector
Agricultural Development: The average growth rate of investment tends to get concentrated in the already well-
Indian agriculture is below the targeted growth rate of developed states and regions. This in turn leads to
4% and is way below the double-digit growth rate of the disparity in the development across the states and within
service sector. In spite of being the one of the largest states in India. Some of the states such as Maharashtra,
producers of food grains, India's share in global export of TN, Punjab etc. have made rapid progress. However, the
agricultural commodities has remained stagnant at 2% states in the Northeast and Eastern India continue to
(9th Rank). Similarly, the import of cheaper agricultural have lower growth rates. Similarly, even within the states,
commodities has adversely affected the income levels of there are certain pockets of underdeveloped regions
the farmers. This clearly shows that the farmers in India such as Vidarbha (Maharashtra), Saurashtra (Gujarat),
have not able to get benefitted from LPG reforms.
Hyderabad-Kar region (Karnataka) etc.
Stagnation in Manufacturing sector: The share of
CONCERNS WITH INDIA'S EXTERNAL SECTOR
manufacturing sector to India's GDP has remained
stagnant at 16-17% since 1991 reforms. Instead of • India's share in the world's exports has remained
focussing on labour intensive industries, the stagnant at 1.6% in the last decade.
manufacturing sector has come to be dominated by • India is still critically dependent on import of critical
capital intensive Industries. The failure of the LPG goods such as Pulses, Oilseeds, Electronic Goods,
reforms to promote manufacturing sector is considered Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) etc. which
to be the biggest loss for the Indian Economy. shows lack of self-sufficiency of Indian Economy.
Jobless Growth: The employment elasticity is hardly
• Imports into India is much higher than exports. This
around 0.1 which means every 1% increase in GDP
usually leads to Current Account deficit.
growth rate leads to 0.1% increase in employment
creation. Apart from low quantity of jobs, concerns have • India's export basket is dominated by Capital intensive
also been raised with respect to poor quality of jobs. 90% goods such as Petroleum products, Gems, Jewelry etc.
of India's workforce is employed in informal sector which (rather than Labor intensive goods such as Textiles,
is characterised by low wages, poor productivity and lack Leather etc.)
of access to social security benefits. Hence, there is a • Undoubtedly, the forex reserves have increased to all
need to create high-paying, high-productivity formal time high. However, it is mainly on account of increase
sector jobs. in volatile FPI inflows rather than on account of export
Lack of Inclusive Growth: India has failed to prevent surplus.
concentration of wealth and provide for equitable
• Unlike China, India has failed to get integrated into
distribution of income. For instance, as per Credit Suisse,
Global value chains (GVCs).
1% of the wealthiest in India have increased their share
in wealth from 40% in 2010 to 60% in the last five years. Poor Innovation Ecosystem: The R&D Expenditure as %
The richest 10% in India own more than 4 times the of GDP at 0.7% has remained stagnant in the last 2
wealth than the remaining 90%. Going forward, richest decades. Unlike developed economies, the R&D
10% in India would take away the majority share of $ 5 expenditure in India is mainly driven by public sector.
trillion economy. The private sector investment in R&D needs to be
substantially enhanced.
Provision of basic services: The Government has failed
to allocate sufficient financial resources for provision of

16
 SOLAR POWER IN RURAL
2. Domestic manufacturing is very limited, that too with
higher prices.

AREAS 3. Land availability

expansion.
is limited due to agricultural

4. Per unit cost is high in short run which is against the

economic capacity of rural population.
5. Solar power in India is regionally concentrated in few
Rajasthan’s power regulator has ordered to solarise states that too in urban areas.
unelectrified public schools mostly in rural area and also 6. People in village areas are not well aware about the
directs to seek corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for solar power, its installation and functioning.
the solarising drive. This brings us to the important
7. Village economy is still surviving on biomass and fuel
discussion on rural solar energy in India.
wood for energy needs.
National institute of solar energy has assessed the country’s
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE IN THIS REGARD
solar potential of about 748 GW assuming 3% of the waste
land area to be covered by Solar PV module. 1. National Solar Mission to promote ecological
sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy
As of January 31, 2021, the total installed capacity of solar
security challenges.
power stood at 38,794 MW (including 34,561 MW of ground-
mounted capacity and 4,233 MW of rooftop capacity). 2. Long term loan from Indian Renewable Energy
Development Agency.
WHY SOLAR POWER IN RURAL AREAS
3. National institute of Solar Energy: for R&D.
a) It is abundantly available due to limited construction
in rural areas. 4. Solar parks and ultra-mega solar power project .

b) India’s land area is receiving 4-7 kWh of solar energy 5. Canal bank and canal tank solar infrastructure.
per sq. m per day. 6. Sustainable rooftop implementation of Solar
c) Benefited millions of people in Indian villages by transfiguration of India (SRISTI) scheme to promote
meeting their cooking, lighting and other energy rooftop solar power projects in India.
needs in an environment friendly manner. 7. Suryamitra: to prepare qualified workforce.
d) Socio-economic benefits: reduction in drudgery 8. Renewable purchase obligation for large energy
among rural women and girls engaged in the consumer customers.
collection of fuel wood from long distances and 9. National green energy programme and green energy
cooking in smoky kitchens, minimization of risks of corridor.
contracting lung and eye ailments, employment
10. KUSUM scheme: decentralised power generation at
generation, and improvement in standard of living
micro levels.
and creation of opportunity for economic activities at
village level.
e) It would generate employment, manufacturing in ONE NATION ONE RATION
rural India. This would further reduce the rural-urban
migration. CARD SCHEME
f) Solar power would boost the economic, social and
political activities in rural areas like schools, hospitals,
factories etc.
g) Solar power would also help in decentralised power The ONORC scheme is being implemented for the nation-
distribution to agricultural fields. wide portability of ration cards under National Food Security
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES FACED TO EXPAND SOLAR Act (NFSA). Through this all eligible ration card
TO RURAL AREAS? holders/beneficiaries covered under NFSA can access their
1. Issue of domestic content requirement under entitlements from anywhere in the country.
World Trade Organisation has become a hurdle in
expanding the cheap equipments in rural areas.

17
BENEFITS
OPEN NETWORK FOR
1. Access to migrant workers, no poor is deprived of PDS
entitlement if that person shifts from one place to DIGITAL COMMERCE
another.

2. Check on fake ration card holders.

3. Reduce dependence of migrant worker on shop

owners and curtail instances of corruption.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
4. Control on rising food subsidy bill by preventing Trade (DPIIT) has recently appointed an advisory committee
leakages. for Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) project. This
CHALLENGES project is aimed at creating open-source platforms for the e-
commerce sector and thus curb digital monopolies.
• Pan-India portability poses the risk of significantly
increasing the cost to the government thus increasing UNDERSTANDING OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE
the possibility of shops running out of stock. • Making a software or a process open source means
• There are technical glitches in the current PDS that the code or the step of that process is made
framework. available freely for others to use, redistribute and

• Issues of bogus cards and duplication of cards. modify it. For example, Google's Android OS is open
source while Apple's IOS is closed source.
• Linking with Aadhaar poses challenges as some of the
migrants may not have Aadhaar card. • In the field of Banking sector, we have open-source
API in the form of UPI. The UPI has been integrated
• States may become biased towards residents and
into number of mobile apps such as Paytm, Gpay,
outsiders.
Phonepe etc. and thus has boosted digital payments.
• Social differences among inhabitants and migrants.
OPEN NETWORK FOR DIGITAL COMMERCE
• Choice of food grains are very limited.
• Presently, e-commerce sector is dominated by giants
• There is skewed food distribution among state under
such as Amazon, Flipkart etc. These companies use
NFSA.
their own proprietary software for handling various
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS aspects of their operations such as listing of vendors,
• Early roll out of the scheme in all states. price discovery, cataloguing of products etc.

• Software and technical infrastructure should be put in • The ONDC project seeks to creating open-source
place. software for the e-commerce sector just like how we

• Centralized grievance redressal system for those who have UPI in banking sector. Such an open-source

are left behind or exploited. software can be used by multiple companies to create
e-commerce platforms.
• Number of food grain choices should be increased
considering the changing food habits of Indians. Note: The task of implementing DPIIT’s ONDC project

• Food allowance on non-delivery of ration. has been assigned to the Quality Council of India (QCI).

• Biometric authentication should be made glitch free, BENEFITS OF ONDC PROJECT

faster and more accurate. • Enable the growth of E-commerce companies and
• States could be encouraged to participate in the check digital companies
scheme. • Presently, traders must showcase their products
separately on different platforms. But, since the

18
 ONDC project is based upon open software, common MSME Development Act, 2006 provides for classification
technological standards will be used across different of enterprises into Micro, Small and medium enterprises.
platforms. Hence, it will enable traders to showcase It also provides for filing of memorandum by the MSMEs
their products simultaneously on different platforms. with the Ministry of MSME. The MSME Ministry has come

• Digitise the entire value chain, standardise operations, up with the Udyog registration portal for the registration

promote inclusion of suppliers, derive efficiencies in of MSMEs.

logistics and enhance value for stakeholders and The MSME ministry comes up with the list of activities for
consumers which the MSMEs can get registered under the Udyog
Registration. Once registered, these MSMEs can avail
various benefits such as Priority sector lending.
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL
RECENT DECISION

TRADE UNDER MSMEs • So far, enterprises involved in the Retail and

Wholesale trade were not considered as MSMEs and
hence were not allowed to be registered with the
Udyog Registration portal.

• Now, the Ministry has decided to consider Retail and

Recently, the Ministry of MSMEs has announced the revised wholesale trade as MSMEs. At the same time, the
guidelines for MSMEs. As per the revised guidelines, Retail Ministry has clarified that the benefits to such MSMEs
and Wholesale trade would be considered as part of MSME will be limited to Priority sector lending only.
sector to avail priority sector loans from the Banks. • The recent move by the Government is set to benefit

BACKGROUND around 25 million wholesale and retail traders.

CHANGE IN DEFINITION OF MSMES AS PART OF AATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT PACKAGE (2020)

Existing MSME Classification

Criteria: Investment in Plant & Manufacturing or Equipment

Classification Micro Small Medium

Manufacturing Enterprises Investment < Rs 25 lakh Investment < Rs 5 crore Investment < Rs 10 crore

Service Enterprises Investment < Rs 10 lakh Investment < Rs 2 crore Investment < Rs 5 crore

Revised MSME Classification

Composite Criteria: Investment and Annual Turnover

Classification Micro Small Medium

Manufacturing Enterprises Investment < Rs 1 crore And Investment < Rs 10 crore And Investment < Rs 50 crore And
Turnover < Rs 5 crores Turnover < Rs 50 crores Turnover < Rs 250 crores

Service Enterprises

New Definition: As shown in the above table, 3 2. An additional criterion of annual turnover has been
important changes have been introduced in the new introduced.
definition of MSMEs: 3. The distinction in the definition of Manufacturing and
1. The Investment limit has been increased. service sector enterprises has been done away with.

19
 RBI’S REPORT ON NIIP
2. Residents from other countries owning assets in India
such as FDI, FPI, NRI Deposits etc.  Liabilities for
Indian Economy
Due to these transactions recorded on BoP, a particular
economy builds up stock of external financial assets and
Recently, the RBI has released the Net International liabilities. Thus, NIIP has been introduced in order to
Investment Position (NIIP) of the Indian Economy as of measure the total stock of external financial assets and
March 2020. liabilities. It is calculated as (Assets owned by residents in
WHAT IS NET INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT other countries - Assets owned by non-residents within
POSITION (NIIP)? India).
Balance of payments (BoP) shows transactions between Positive NIIP indicates that Indian residents own more
residents and non-residents of an economy for a period assets abroad as compared to assets owned by non-
of one year. These economic transactions may lead to residents in India. While Negative NIIP indicates that a
two results: country's residents own less assets abroad than the
1. Residents from India owning assets in other countries assets of non-residents.
(such as Foreign Investment, Equities, Debt, Deposits The NIIP is expressed both in absolute value as well as %
etc in other countries)  Assets for Indian Economy of GDP. The higher the ratio of NIIP to GDP, the more
vulnerable an economy becomes to the developments in
international markets.

RBI'S REPORT ON NIIP

RBI’S REPORT ON
The NIIP of India stands at - 352 $ bn as of March 2021.

The negative value of NIIP indicates that our external

EXTERNAL DEBT
liabilities ($1210 bn) are higher than our External Assets

($858 bn).In terms of percentage of GDP, NIIP stands at -

13% as of March 2020. Recently, the RBI has published a report on the status of
External Debt of India as of March 2021.

20
EXTERNAL DEBT OF INDIA Present status of Cumulative External Debt: At end
The External debt includes the total money owed by the External Debt of March 2021, India’s external debt
Government, Corporations or Indian Citizens to foreign was placed at US$ 570 billion (21.1%
creditors. The Foreign Creditors could be Foreign of the GDP). This is $ 11.5bn higher
Government, Multilateral Institutions (World Bank, IMF as compared to India's external
etc), private commercial banks etc. debt of $ 558.5 bn at the end of
March 2019.
Categorisation of • Duration of loan- Short-term Composition of Debt: Non-
External Debt (less than 1 year) and long-term Sovereign Debt (Non-Government
(more than 1 year) Debt) : 17.1% of the GDP; Sovereign
• Sovereign Debt (Government) Debt (Government Debt): 4% of the
and Non-Sovereign Debt ( Other GDP.
than Government, including Components of Debt: External
private sector) Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
Major Heads • Multilateral Debt: Debt from accounting for 40% of external debt
under External the multilateral institutions such remains the largest source of
Debt as World Bank, IMF, ADB etc. External Debt followed by Non-
• Bilateral Debt: Debt from resident deposits.
sovereign countries such as Duration of Debt: Long term debt
Japan, Germany etc. (maturity of more than 1 year)
• Trade Credits/Export Credits: accounts for 82% of external debt;
Loans and credits extended for Short-term debt ( (maturity of less
imports directly by overseas than 1 year) accounts for 18% of
supplier, bank and financial external debt
institutions Denomination of Debt: US dollar
• External Commercial (52%); remaining in Rupee, Yen, SDR
Borrowings: loans from and Euro and Euro.
commercial banks, other
commercial financial institutions
• Non-Resident Deposits in
Banks and Financial Institutions

BOLD PROJECT
Why Bamboo? Grow fast and prevent land degradation;
Also help in conserving water and reduce
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has evapotranspiration from land surface and hence suitable
recently unveiled a unique project named “Bamboo Oasis on for arid and drought-prone areas.
Lands in Drought” (BOLD).
DETAILS
Objective: Seeks to create bamboo-based green patches
WORLD INVESTMENT
in arid and semi-arid land zones. REPORT 2021
Advantages: Dual benefit of reducing desertification and According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2021, the
supporting rural Industries.
global FDI flows fell by almost 35% to $ 1 trillion in 2020 due
to Covid-19 pandemic.

21
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IIP AND PMI
Top Ranking Countries: US, China, Hong Kong, Purchasing Managers Index of Industrial
Singapore and India are the top ranked countries in Index (PMI) Production (IIP)
terms of FDI inflows.
Published by Nikkei Published by National
India's Performance: India has improved its ranking Statistical Office
from 8th (2019) to 5th (2020).
Does not track the actual Tracks the actual
REPORTS PUBLISHED BY UNCTAD Production Production
• Trade and Development Report
Covers only 500 private Covers both Private Sector
• World Investment Report sector companies as well as PSUs
• Technology and Innovation Report
Covers both Manufacturing Covers only the
• Digital Economy Report and Services Manufacturing Sector

Less Comprehensive since it More Comprehensive

PURCHASING MANAGERS' covers only private sector

companies

INDEX (PMI) Not used for GDP Used for GDP Calculation to
calculation account for the
According to the latest estimates, the Services PMI has
unorganised sector
contracted to a 11-month low in June 2021. The value of
Services PMI stood at 41.2. Reading of above 50 indicates
Expansion and reading of below 50 indicates contraction.

Q1. With respect to India's External Debt, consider (c) UNCTAD

the following statements: (d) World Economic Forum (WEF)
1. The Sovereign Debt is much higher than the Non-
Sovereign Debt. Q3. With reference to Purchasing Managers Index
2. A major share of External debt is denominated in (PMI), consider the following statements:
dollars. 1. The PMI tracks the actual production of Goods
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? and Services in a country.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only 2. The PMI covers both public sector as well as
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 private sector companies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q2. Which among the following agencies publishes (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
the World Investment Report? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) World Bank
(b) IMF

22
Q4. If the Net International Investment Position Q5. With respect to Gross Savings in India,
(NIIP) of a country is Positive, what would it consider the following statements:
denote? 1. The Household sector contributes for the highest
(a) Net inflow of all foreign investments in a share of Savings in India.
particular year is positive. 2. A major share of household savings is in form of
(b) Net inflow of FDI into a country for particular year physical savings rather than financial savings.
is positive. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) It denotes that a country is a net International (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Debtor (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) It denotes that a country is a net International
Creditor

Q1. The implementation of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 has emerged as a game changer in improving
the financial health of the Banks and thus enabled virtuous economic cycle. Critically Analyze (250 Words)

Q2. The Animal Husbandry and Diary sector has the potential to bring about Inclusive and Egalitarian growth. In the
light of this statement, examine various strategies to be adopted to optimally reap the benefits associated with
the Animal Husbandry sector. (250 Words)

Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-d, 5-c

23
 RULE OF LAW VERSUS
1. Laws must be clear and accessible – A regime
rooted in ‘rule of law’ cannot have segregation of laws

RULE BY LAW or secretive laws and wordings of the law must be in

simple and clear language.
2. Equality Before Law – ‘Rule of law’ ensures equal
access to justice for all sections of the society
including marginalised or vulnerable sections. Any
Chief Justice of India has said that there is a difference kind of weakness (poverty, illiteracy, disabled) must
between Rule of Law and Rule by Law. not bar access to rights enjoyed by other section of
the society. Aspects of gender equality must be
UNDERSTANDING “LAW” WITHIN “RULE OF LAW”
ensured and legal empowerment of women must be
• The true meaning of law which combines the backing
appreciated as it helps them in advocating their rights
of a competent legal authority (sovereign) along with and increase their visibility in the legal reform process.
the ideals of justice and equity. Law needs to be fair,
3. Right to participate in the creation and refinement
just & reasonable.
of laws – This is done by electing representatives in
• An “unjust law” might not have the same moral Parliament and State Assemblies by periodically
legitimacy as a “just law”, but it might still command conducted elections. However, the mere right to
obedience of some sections of the society to the change the rulers every few years by itself need not be
detriment of others. a guarantee against tyranny. It should be realized that
• According to CJI, only such states where laws backed people are ultimate sovereign. Centrality of human
by sovereign are tempered by ideal of justice can be dignity and autonomy forms the basis of ultimate
sovereignty of people. A public discourse that is both
said to truly practicing ‘Rule of Law’.
reasoned and reasonable is an inherent aspect of
BRITISH USED ‘RULE BY LAW’ TO CONTROL human dignity and hence essential to a properly
INDIAN COLONY functioning democracy. Julius Stone has observed in
• British colonial powers enforced classification of laws his book, The Province of Law, that regular and free
based on identity and origin and segregated between and fair elections, day-to-day political discourses,
Indians and British. Laws such as Rowlatt Acts were criticisms and voicing of protests is integral to the
passed which curtailed freedom and went against democratic process and a safety mechanism against
human dignity and freedom. Thus, merely being a law tyranny and loss of freedom.

in place does not ensure ‘Rule of Law’. 4. Presence of a “strong independent judiciary” as
Guardian of the Constitution
• Indian freedom struggle can thus be summarised as a
political struggle to convert “Rule by Law” to “Rule of • Judicial Review is guaranteed as basic structure, this
Law”. ensures interpretation of laws in constitutional
context and also limits infinite amending powers of
CJI HIGHLIGHTS PRINCIPLES OF RULE OF LAW Parliament. However, ensuring constitutional rule is

24
 not only the duty of Courts but also the constitutional 2. Inability to adopt an integrated approach to national
mandate of the legislature and executive. priorities and problems.
• Freedom in the functioning of Judiciary is a must and 3. Constitution currently places a limitation on the size of
it should not be controlled either directly or indirectly
the council of ministers to be 15% of strength of Lok
by legislature or executive, else the ‘Rule of Law’ would
Sabha.
become illusory.
Thinning of resources across various issues. Also,
• Media Trials - Amplification of public opinion through
social media or other platforms need not confuse a increase in manpower increases establishment cost of
Judge between what is right and what the majority government. For ex. The Ministries related to transport
believes in as these two might not be synonymous. currently are: 1) Ministry of Railways, 2) Ministry of
Therefore, media trials cannot be a guiding factor in Road Transport and Highways, 3) Ministry of Ports,
deciding cases.
Shipping and Waterways, 4) Ministry of Civil Aviation.
However, there is a need for the India to develop a

PROLIFERATION OF comprehensive national multi-modal transport in an

integrated way. Thus, an umbrella Ministry of
MINISTRIES Transportation with 4 separate departments dealing
with Railways, Roadways, Waterways and Airways would
have helped achieve the goal better.

Thus, there is a need to strike a balance between the

A new Ministry of Cooperation has been formed. Over the
requirements of functional specialization and the need
years, there has been a proliferation of new ministries in
for a holistic approach to key issues.
India. Currently, there are more than 50 Ministries and ND
RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2 ARC
many more departments.
1. The concept of a Ministry needs to be redefined. A
As compared to India, other democracies such as the US and
Ministry would mean a group of departments whose
the UK have around 20-25 ministries and various functions
functions and subjects are closely related and is
of government are distributed in these.
assigned to a First or Coordinating Minister for the
REASONS FOR PROLIFERATION OF MINISTRIES
purpose of providing overall leadership and
1. Creating new department to deal with individual coordination. This concept of a Ministry and the
subjects leads to greater attention and resources on Coordinating (or First) Minister may be explicitly laid
that field. down in the Allocation of Business Rules. Adequate
2. Functions of government have increased. delegation among the Ministers would have to be laid

3. Centralizing tendency of Union Government which down in the Transaction of Business Rules. As a

takes upon itself functions which can be better consequence of this, rationalization of Secretary level

managed at the State Level or by the Private Sector. posts wherever required may also needed.

4. Coalition politics meant that varying factions had to be 2. Individual departments or any combination of these

placated by giving ministership. could be headed by the Coordinating (or First)

Minister, other Cabinet Minister(s)/Minister(s) of State.
5. Large number of ministers is essential for a diverse
country as it empowers representational democracy. 3. The structure of the Government of India should be
rationalised by grouping together closely related
ISSUES WITH PROLIFERATION OF MINISTRIES
subjects in order to reduce the number of Ministries
1. Lack of coordination among different ministries. to 20-25.

25
 RECONSTITUTION OF
Cabinet
2. Cabinet Committee on Union Home
CABINET COMMITTEES Accommodation Minister
3. Cabinet Committee on Economic Prime Minister
Affairs
4. Cabinet Committee on Union Defence
Parliamentary Affairs Minister
With the reshuffle in the Union Cabinet, the Cabinet
Secretary has notified changes in the composition of Cabinet 5. Cabinet Committee on Political Prime Minister
Committees. Affairs
6. Cabinet Committee on Security Prime Minister
ABOUT CABINET COMMITTEES
7. Cabinet Committee on Investment Prime Minister
• Under the Article 77 of the Constitution, President
and Growth
has power to make rules for convenient transaction of
business of Union Government and for allocation of 8. Cabinet Committee on Employment Prime Minister
work among ministers. Under these the President has and Skill Development
notified, two sets of rules: ISSUES WITH CABINET COMMITTEES
1. Allocation of Business Rules deals with distribution 1. Some of the Cabinet Committees are not able to meet
of subject among different ministries and regularly.
departments
2. Some of the Committees are merely recommendatory
2. Transaction of Business Rules deals with disposal of
in nature while others are empowered to take
business by ministries, inter-departmental
decisions.
consultations, committees of cabinet, consultation
3. Lack of clear time lines for cabinet committees to
with Prime Minister and President etc.
arrive at a decision.
• According to the Transaction of Business Rules, Prime
Minister has power to constitute or discontinue 4. Several important subject though inter-ministerial in
Standing Committees of the Cabinet and the functions nature are not dealt by any of these committees.
assigned to them. 5. Cabinet Committees can take up a matter only if it is
• Membership to these Standing Committees as Prime referred to it by order of the Minister concerned of
Minister may specify. Cabinet.

• Secretarial assistance to cabinet committees is WAY FORWARD

provided by Cabinet Secretariat, headed by Cabinet 1. Each of the Cabinet Committees should be supported
Secretary. by a Secretaries Committee so that issues which can
• Ad hoc committee of ministers may be appointed by be solved at Secretary level do not consume time of
the Cabinet, Standing Committee or Prime Minister on ministers.
such matters as may be 2. Between the Cabinet Committees all important
• Rationale for Cabinet Committees: matters should be covered.
o Help in taking decisions where multiple ministries 3. Each Cabinet Committee should meet regularly so that
are involved sustained attention is given to complex problems and
o Help in horizontal consultation and coordination the process of implementation of important policies
and dialogue between different ministries and programmes is kept under constant review.

CABINET COMMITTEES 4. The office of Cabinet Secretary should be given more

manpower and support for aiding these committees.
Head of the
5. Apart from Standing Committees, the provision to
Name of the Cabinet Committee Cabinet
form Ad hoc committees should be explored for
Committee
subject specific issues.
1. Appointments Committee of the Prime Minister

26
 RESIGNATION OF
5. Other constitutional provisions related to Council
of Ministers:

UTTARAKHAND CM (a) Ministers hold office during the pleasure of

President in case of Union Government and of the
Governor in case of State Government.
(b) Limitation on size of Council of Ministers: In case
of Union Government, total number of Ministers,
including Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers
shall not exceed 15% of the total number of members
of the House of People (Lok Sabha). In case of State
Chief Minister of Uttarakhand had to resign as the by-
Government, total number of Ministers, including
election to be conducted was postponed due to COVID
Chief Minister in Council of Ministers shall not exceed
pandemic and this could have exceeded the six months
15% of the total number of members of Legislative
window allowed to become a minister as per Article 164(4)
Assembly of the State. (This provision was included
of the Indian Constitution.
by 91st Amendment Act).
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO
(c) Anti-Defection Law: A member of Parliament who
MINISTERS
is disqualified under the Tenth Schedule shall also
1. Constitutional Provisions related to Union Council of be disqualified to be appointed as a Minister from
Ministers are laid down in Article 74 and 75 while that the date of his disqualification till the date on which
for State Council of Ministers is laid down in Article the term of his office would expire or where he gets
163 and 164 of the constitution. re-elected to the house.
2. According to the Constitution, Prime Minister is
appointed by the President (Article 75) while the
Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor (Article CODIFICATION OF
PARLIAMENTARY
164). In case of Union, other Ministers are appointed
by the President on the recommendation of Prime
Minister while in case of States, other Ministers are
appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief
PRIVILEGES
Minister.
3. In case of Union, Council of Ministers is collectively
responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha)
(Article 75 (3). In case of States, Council of Ministers is
collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of
the State (Article 164 (2)).

The Supreme Court has ruled that legislative privilege cannot

4. Since India follows a parliamentary democracy, the be extended to provide legal immunity to criminal acts
ministers must be members of Parliament or State committed by lawmakers. Legislators charged with unruly
Legislative Assembly. However, a person can be made behaviour that results in offences under penal laws cannot
a minister (in Parliament or State Assembly) even if be protected either by their privilege or their free speech
they are not member of either Parliament or State rights.
Assembly. Article 75(5) and 164(4) gives a grace UNDERSTANDING PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES
period of 6 months for such ministers who are not
• Parliamentary privilege is the sum of certain rights
members of either Parliament or State Assembly. So,
enjoyed by each House collectively... and by members
it means that such ministers must become members
of each House individually, without which they could
of Parliament or State Assembly within a period of 6
not discharge their functions, and which exceed those
months, else they fail the constitutional requirement
possessed by other bodies or individuals. Some
to remain as Minister, in centre or state.

27
 privileges rest solely on the law and custom of • Article 105 (3) has avoided direct reference to House
Parliament, while others have been defined by statute. of Commons but effectively such privileges continue
• Certain rights and immunities such as freedom from till Parliament frames a law.
arrest or freedom of speech belong primarily to • Parliament has not yet codified its privileges.
individual members of each House and exist because FREEDOM OF PUBLICATION - ARTICLE 361-A
the House cannot perform its functions without th
• Article 361-A was added by the Constitution 44
unimpeded use of the services of its members.
Amendment which says that no person shall be liable
• Other rights and immunities, such as the power to to any proceedings, civil or criminal in any Court of law
punish for contempt and the power to regulate its in respect of any publication in a newspaper of a
own constitution belong primarily to each House as a
substantially true report of any proceedings of either
collective body, for the protection of its members and
House of Parliament or Legislative Assembly, unless
the vindication of its own authority and dignity. the publication is proved to have been made with
• Fundamentally, however, it is only as a means to the malice. A similar immunity is extended to broadcast
effective discharge of the collective functions of the on air. Newspapers were not immune to publications
th
House that the individual privileges are enjoyed by of parliamentary proceedings prior to 44
members. Amendment.
• A breach of privilege is a violation of any of the • In the famous Searchlight case, Supreme Court ruled
privileges of MPs/Parliament. Among other things, any that publication of inaccurate or mashed version of
action 'casting reflections' on MPs, parliament or its speeches delivered in the House or misreporting the
committees could be considered breach of privilege. proceedings amounts to breach of privilege. The
This may include publishing of news items, editorials Court held that publication of those parts of
or statements made in newspaper/magazine/TV proceedings by a newspaper which were expunged by
interviews or in public speeches. the House amounts to breach of privilege of the
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS House and the offending party can take action inspite
of protection from Article 361A.
• Parliamentary privileges (Art 105 & 194) are special
rights, immunities, exceptions enjoyed by the • Supreme Court also held that House can impose
members of the two houses of Parliament and their prohibition on publication of any debates,
committees. proceedings even if such prohibitions amounted to
violation of freedom of speech and expression under
• These rights are also given to those individuals who
Article 19 (1)(a).
speak and participate in any committee of the
Parliament, which includes the Attorney General of INTERNAL AUTONOMY
India and the Union Ministers. • Article 122 (1) grants immunity on the same lines to
• President, who is integral part of the parliament, internal functioning of the House. The validity of any
does not enjoy these privileges. proceedings in Parliament cannot be called into
th question on the ground of alleged irregularity or
• Article 105 (3) was amended by the Constitution 44
procedure.
Amendment and now has two aspects.
1. Powers, privileges and immunities of each Houses • Article 122 (2) further says that officers of Parliament
of Parliament, its Members and Committees shall who regulates its procedure and maintains order is
not subject to jurisdiction of any court while exercising
be such as may be defined by Parliament by law in
time. those powers. Thus, House of Parliament is free from
judicial control in its functioning.
2. Till such powers, privileges and immunities are
defined by Parliament, shall be the same as that • Speaker cannot be sued for damages for any action
was enjoyed by House of Commons as on 26
th taken against a member including that of arrest. A
High Court or Supreme Court cannot issue a writ
January 1950.
under Article 226 or Article 32 to restrain the
functioning of the House or legislation even though

28
 the subject of legislation is ultra vires. Only when a Bill • India mostly follows British conventions with
becomes a law after President’s assent, the Courts can respect to privileges enjoyed by the House and its
decide upon its constitutionality. members. Since independence, the jurisprudence on
• Thus, the House enjoys immunity from judicial privilege has evolved and various important case laws
process and such courtesy is also extended to have shown the pathway.
Committee of the House as a committee is one of its • Need to Streamline Parliamentary Privileges -
part through which a House functions. However, Parliamentary democracy functions on the pillars of
illegality or unconstitutionality of a procedure can be freedom of speech and criticism. Every government
enquired into by a Court of Law. should profit by the criticism faced by it during its
INQUIRIES tenure as such criticisms helps in streamlining and
improving quality and effectiveness of governance.
• A House has power to make inquiries and order
attendance of witnesses. A person charged with WAY FORWARD
contempt or breach of privilege of the House can be • Need to Codify Parliamentary Privileges - Thus,
summoned to be present and answer the questions there is a stringent need to codify privileges, powers
relating to disobedience. The House can even order and immunities of the House. It will provide proper
the person’s custody in extreme cases. guidelines to be followed and remove uncertainties
• The Committee of Privilege can order for persons, which currently prevail. In a democracy free speech
records and to administer an oath or affirmation to a and rule of law should be the norm, not the exception.
witness before it. If such orders are not obeyed will • Justice Subba Rao in Searchlight case strongly
also be considered as breach of privilege of the pleaded for codification of privileges instead of
House. following conventions.
DISCIPLINARY POWERS OVER MEMBERS The framers of the constitution felt that privileges of the
House must not be framed in hurry but should be
• A House of Parliament has power to enforce
discipline, to punish its members for their offending allowed to grow and nurture with time and then
or obstructive behaviour, to suspend or even to expel legislated. Thus, time has come to codify the privileges,
powers and immunities as it will not only provide a
a member for unfit behaviour or misconduct in the
House. proper road map to be followed but shall also be a
safeguard against any misuse of powers, privileges and
• The Courts do not interfere with the power of the
immunities.
House to impose disciplinary proceedings. The House
also has the power to terminate the suspension at
their discretion.
DELAYS IN CASES OF ANTI-
• Lok Sabha Speaker has suspended five members of
opposition for their unruly behaviour in the past as it DEFECTION
brought disrepute to the House of Parliament.
NEED FOR CODIFICATION OF PARLIAMENTARY
PRIVILEGES
• Parliament has yet not codified privileges available A petition was filed in Supreme Court to look into the
to members inspite of its mentioning in the practice of mala-fide delays on the part of the
constitution under Article 105(3) and 194(3). Speakers/Chairmen of both houses of the Parliament & State
Legislative Assembly in deciding cases of defection under
• Misuse of Privileges - This has led to misuse of
Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. In this backdrop,
certain privileges accorded to the members of
let us go through the important highlights of SC Judgment in
Parliament and State Legislatures. Privilege motions
the case of Keisham Meghachandra Singh.
are misused in India to fulfill political ambitions. Such
actions need to be avoided by the office bearers. IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JUDGEMENT

29
• Decision on anti-defection operates independently • Thus, it is time for Parliament to rethink on whether
(in Speaker’s capacity as an independent Tribunal): disqualification petitions ought to be entrusted to
The decision of Speaker under Tenth Schedule is not Speaker as a quasi-judicial authority when such
the decision of the House, nor is it subject to the Speaker continues to belong to a particular political
approval by the House and the decision operates party either de jure or de facto.
independently from the functioning of the House. 2) Permanent Tribunal – Amending the Constitution
• Immunity only from parliamentary procedure: • Parliament may consider amending the Constitution
Decision of Speaker on anti-defection can be judicially to substitute the Speaker with a PERMANENT
reviewed and only the procedure followed cannot be TRIBUNAL headed by a SC judge for adjudication of
judicially reviewed. anti-defection matters. This would ensure that such
• Speaker/Chairman quasi-judicial authority - disputes are decided both swiftly and impartially, thus
Speaker or the Chairman acting under the Tenth giving real teeth to the provisions contained in the
Schedule is a Tribunal. Speaker is a quasi-judicial Tenth Schedule.
authority who is required to take a decision within 3) Inherent bias cannot be ruled out
a reasonable time.
• Supreme Court observed that Speaker continues to
• Judicial power of Speaker/Chairman - The power to belong to a particular party and there is inherent bias
resolve such disputes vested in the Speaker or in their ruling. The convention that speaker does not
Chairman is a judicial power. belong to a particular political party needs to be
• No blanket ban of judicial review of Speaker’s adopted in India. Speakers should be asked to quit
decision for disqualification under Tenth Schedule their political parties while they remain in the estimed
– Judicial Review by High Court and Supreme Court is office.
allowed on Speaker’s decision of disqualification
under Tenth Schedule on grounds of infirmities based
on violations of constitutional mandates, mala fides, VACANCY OF SPEAKER’S
OFFICE
non-compliance with rules of natural justice and
perversity. However, judicial review cannot be
available at a stage prior to the making of a decision
by the Speaker/Chairman.
• Speaker to decide the case in reasonable time –
Supreme Court quoted Kihoto Hollohan case where Maharashtra Assembly has been functioning without a
it held that Speaker while deciding case of anti- Speaker. Lok Sabha has been functioning without a Deputy
defection must decide within reasonable time and Speaker. In this respect, let us analyze the election of
should not take more than three months. The Court speaker and deputy speaker.
said that period of three months has been kept in
CONSTITUTIONAL SCHEME
mind considering life of Lok Sabha and State
Legislative Assemblies which is 5 years. • Article 93 (for Lok Sabha) and Article 178 (for State
Legislative Assemblies) of the Constitution says that
Suggestions & Recommendations of Supreme Court
the office of speaker and deputy speaker should be
1) Need for Parliament to re-think on role of Speaker occupied 'as soon as may be'.
to decide cases of defection
• Therefore, the constitution does not clearly specify the
• As per Article 93, Lok Sabha shall choose two duration in which the office of speaker or deputy
members of the House to be respectively Speaker and speaker should be occupied.
Deputy Speaker. The Speaker is a constitutional
• In the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, the
authority and his tenure is dependent on the will of
President/Governor sets a date for the election of the
the majority. So, likelihood of suspicion of bias could
Speaker.
not be ruled out as mostly Speaker belongs to the
ruling majority. • Date for the election of Deputy Speaker is decided by
the Speaker.

30
• Assemblies of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have fixed a IMPORTANCE OF OFFICE OF DEPUTY SPEAKER
time line for the election of speaker and deputy
1. Deputy Speaker is independent of the Speaker, not
speaker. subordinate to him as both are elected from among
• The Constitution envisages that the office of Speaker the members of the House.
should never be vacant, therefore he continues in
2. Deputy Speaker presides over the house in the
office until the beginning of the next House. absence of Speaker. He ensures continuity of the
IMPORTANCE OF OFFICE OF SPEAKER Speakers office by acting as the Speaker when the
Speaker is principal spokesperson of the Lok Sabha. He office becomes vacant.
represents its collective voice and is its sole 3. Deputy Speaker chairs various committees of Lok
representative to the outside world. Sabha. Earlier Deputy Speakers have chaired the
1. He presides over the house proceedings and joint Committee on MPLAD Scheme and Lok Sabha
sittings of two Houses of Parliament. Committee on Private Members' Bills.

2. He decides whether a Bill is money Bill or not. 4. Deputy Speakers also chairs various committees
formed under the aegis of conference of presiding
3. He has the power to appoint the chairpersons of
officers of legislative bodies in India.
Parliamentary Standing Committees.
5. When a resolution for removal of Speaker is being
4. He also decides cases of anti-defection.
discussed, Constitution specifies that the Deputy
5. Even though speaker speaks rarely in the house he Speaker presides over the proceedings of the House.
speaks for the House as a whole.
6. Earlier, Deputy Speaker and Speaker both came from
6. Speakers actions are bound by the Constitution and ruling party, however, gradually a tradition developed of
Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok appointing the deputy speaker from opposition parties.
Sabha.

KRISHNA RIVER WATER KRISHNA RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD &

GODAVARI RIVER MANAGEMENT BOARD
SHARING – THE UNENDING • Section 84 of the Reorganisation Act constituted an
Apex Council for the supervision of the functioning of
PROBLEM the Godavari River Management Board and Krishna
River Management Board.
• The Apex Council consist of:
(a) Minister of Water Resources, Government of
India—Chairperson
In a fresh dispute, Andhra Pradesh government has alleged (b) Chief Minister of State of Andhra Pradesh—
that Telangana has been drawing Krishna water from four Member
projects — Jurala, Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and
(c) Chief Minister of State of Telangana—Member
Pulichintala — for hydropower generation without
FUNCTIONS OF THE APEX COUNCIL INCLUDES:
approvals from the Krishna River Management Board
(KRMB). KRMB along with Godavari River Management (i) Supervision of the functioning of the Godavari River
Board (GRMB) was constituted under Section 85 of the Management Board and Krishna River Management
Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 to regulate supply Board
of water from the projects to the successor States. (ii) Planning and approval of proposals for construction
of new projects on Godavari or Krishna river water

31
(iii) Resolution of any dispute amicably arising out of the IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS – INTER-STATE RIVER
sharing of river waters WATER DISPUTES ACT, 1956
(iv) Reference of any disputes not covered under • States requests Central government to refer their river
Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, to a Tribunal to be water sharing dispute to the Tribunal.
constituted under the Inter-State River Water
• Within 1 year of the request received, Central
Disputes Act, 1956.
Government notifies in the official gazette a Water
Despite these measures taken by the central
Dispute Tribunal specific to the river water in question
government, disputes have again arisen.
(For ex. Cauvery River Water Dispute).
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS ON
• Tribunal then investigates and submits their report to
ADJUDICATING RIVER-WATER DISPUTES the Centre and disputing States.
Article 262 of the Constitution provides for the • Central Government then publishes the decision of
adjudication of inter-state water disputes. It has two the Tribunal in the Official Gazette. The decision of the
provisions:
Tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the
i. Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication dispute.
of any dispute with respect to the use, distribution
• After the decision of Tribunal, Central Government
and control of waters of any inter-state river
may notify schemes in the official gazette to
ii. Parliament may also provide that neither the implement the Tribunal’s award.
Supreme Court nor any other court is to exercise
• Supreme Court or any other Court shall not have
jurisdiction in respect of any such disputes.
jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which may
So, this means that till the dispute is being heard by the
be referred to a Tribunal under this Act.
Tribunal, party to the disputes (states) cannot approach
• Central Government dissolves the Tribunal after it has
the Supreme Court for any intervention or final hearing.
forwarded its report and as soon as the Central
Water under VII Schedule
Government is satisfied that no further reference to
• Water is included in Entry 17 of State List under the Tribunal in the matter would be necessary.
Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. It can be
Concerns with Inter-State River Water Disputes Act,
subject to the Centre’s arbitration if, and only if, it
1956
involves a clear case of conflict or dispute as
mentioned under Entry 56 of Union List. • No timeline has been provided in the Act for
completion of the Award.
• As per Entry 17 of the State List, States have
competence over water supplies, irrigation and canals, • Does not provide for mechanism of negotiation prior
drainage and embankments, water storage and water to constitution of Tribunal.
power subject to the provisions of entry 56 of Union • Delay in notifying of awards by the Centre – this
List of the Constitution. continues the dispute for perpetuity
• Whereas Entry 56 of Union List relates to regulation • Water sharing disputes due to its long-lasting nature
and development of Inter-state rivers and river valleys to
becomes an emotive issue and fuels regionalism
the extent to which such regulation and development
between disputing states.
under the control of the Union is declared by
• Formation of new states (in this case Telangana)
Parliament by law to be expedient in the public
further aggravates river-water sharing as all well
interest.
settled sharing agreements are demanded to be
Based on Article 262, Parliament has enacted:
renegotiated
• The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act (1956)
• Centre at times hesitates in forming Tribunal and
• The River Boards Act (1956)
judicial intervention becomes necessary to set up the
tribunal under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act.

32
 Example – Tribunal constituted to settle Mahadayi • Permanent Tribunal: The central government will set
River water dispute. up a Permanent Inter-State River Water Disputes
• Non-adherence of Award by the Tribunal is another Tribunal, for the adjudication of water disputes. This
concern as hardly states agree on the award and Tribunal can have multiple benches to look into
approach Supreme Court for final hearing. multiple disputes. (Earlier adhoc tribunals were
constituted as and when the dispute arises. This often led
• Awards of Tribunals do not emphasise on water
to delay in constitution of tribunals)
conservation practices such as drip irrigation, water
harvesting that will increase water use efficiency. • Appointment of Experts: The proposed Bill also
provides for appointing experts known as Assessors
Sarkaria Commission – Inter-State Water Disputes
as they will provide technical support by furnishing
The Sarkaria Commission recommended amending the
relevant data and information which shall be helpful
1956 Act for the following:
in the adjudication of water disputes.
• To empower the Union Government to appoint a
• Fixed Time frame: Tribunal must give its decision on
Tribunal (without a reference from the State
the dispute within 2 years, which may be extended by
government) when the Central Government is
another year.
satisfied that such a dispute actually exists.
• Centre to Maintain Data Bank for each River Basin:
• Constitute Data Bank and information system at the
States shall furnish relevant data, information or any
national level and states to give necessary data to the
details to the Central Government or agency
Tribunal for adjudication of disputes.
authorised to collect such data by the Central
• The award of the Tribunal to be effective within five Government.
years from the date of constitution of the Tribunal.
• Decision of the Tribunal: The decision of the Bench
• Tribunal’s Award to have the same force and sanction of the Tribunal will be final and binding on the parties
behind it as an order of the Supreme Court. involved in the dispute.
Based on these recommendations, central government However, the sustainable solution to these disputes
earlier introduced the Inter-State River Water Disputes depends upon how effective the tribunal award is
(Amendment) Bill 2017. However, the Bill was not passed implemented. For this purpose parliament had enacted
and now the government has introduced the Inter-State the River Boards Act (1956).
River Water disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 to amend
RIVER BOARDS ACT (1956)
the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 with a view
to streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water • It provides for the establishment of river boards by

disputes and make the present institutional architecture the Central government for the regulation and

robust. development of inter-state river. A River Board is

established on the request of state governments
THE INTER-STATE RIVER WATER DISPUTES
concerned to advise them.
(AMENDMENT) BILL 2019:
• These river boards were supposed to prevent conflicts
• Dispute resolution: by advising on the integrated development of inter-
 when a state puts in a request regarding any water state river basins and implementing the tribunal
dispute, the central government will set up a awards
Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC), to • However, no such water board has ever been created
resolve the dispute amicably. under this act. This act has remained a dead letter till
 If a dispute cannot be settled by the DRC, the now.
central government will refer it to the Inter-State
River Water Disputes Tribunal.

33
 97TH CONSTITUTION
securing social and economic justice and equitable
distribution of the fruits of development. Some of the

AMENDMENT challenges facing the cooperative sector are:

• Regional disparity in cooperative development:
Cooperative structure has managed to flourish only in
a handful of States like Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Karnataka etc. Currently, central government provides
equity and credit support to cooperative societies.
The Supreme Court using the ‘Doctrine of Severability’ has This benefits thus gets concentrated in few states
th
struck down parts of Constitution 97 Amendment which where cooperatives have developed. Regions where
deals with co-operative societies as it did not follow the cooperatives are developed are already relatively well-
process laid down in Article 368(2) of the Indian off states, there is a need to focus on development of
Constitution. cooperatives in poorer parts of the country.
CONSTITUTION NINETY SEVENTH AMENDMENT • Issues of membership: Inability to ensure active
Following provisions were introduced in the Constitution membership, speedy exit of non-user members, lack
with respect to Co-operatives: of member communication and awareness building

• Article 19(1)(c): Freedom to form cooperatives measures

• Article 43B in DPSC (PART IV) cast duty on state • Governance challenges: Serious inadequacies in

promotion of voluntary formation, autonomous governance including that related to Boards’ roles and

functioning, democratic control and professional responsibilities

management of co-operative societies. • Cooperatives not seen as economic institutions: A

• PART IXB – was added in the constitution which general lack of recognition of cooperatives as

provided for Article 243ZH to Article 243ZT for economic institutions both amongst the policy makers

professional management of co-operative societies by and public at large

state legislature, determining the functioning and • Inability to attract and retain competent
tenure of members of Board along with their regular professionals leading to poor services and low
election, audit and accounts, maximum number of productivity.
directors in each society, reservation for seats for SCs, • Lack of efforts for capital formation particularly
or STs, and women, multi-state co-operatives and that concerning with enhancing member equity and
application of Part IX-B to Union Territories. thus member stake
• Did not define cooperatives. • Lack of cost competitiveness arising out of issues
REASON TO ENACT CONSTITUTION 97TH such as overstaffing, a general top-down approach in

AMENDMENT forming cooperatives including the tiered structures

In the Constitution, cooperatives are expressly provided • Politicization and excessive role of the

in State List and kept expressly outside the realm of government chiefly arising out of the loop holes and

Union List. It was expected that cooperatives will restrictive provisions in the Cooperative Acts

function under the State Laws. • Irregular elections make office bearers remaining in

Cooperatives were seen as an alternative model of office indefinitely, reducing their accountability and

economic growth as a middle path between the private increase corruption.

sector and public sector. Its growth was envisaged for

34
 Thus, need was felt for fundamental reforms in the • This saves the entire law as the entire law or provision
functioning of co-operatives to: is not declared invalid but only the part considered
 Revitalize the institutions to ensure their invalid or unconstitutional.
contribution in the economic development of the • Thus, only the offending provision is declared void by
country. the Court and not the entire statute or entire part.
 Serve the interests of members and public at large. SUGGESTIONS FOR STRENTHENING OF
 Ensure their autonomy, democratic functioning and COOPERATIVES
professional management. 1. States should amend their cooperative legislations in
SC JUDGEMENT IN RAJENDRA N SHAH CASE the spirit of Model Cooperatives Act proposed by
Brahm Prakash committee. Such a law should be
• Earlier Gujarat High Court had ruled that, “co-
operative societies” are placed under Entry 32 of the member centric and based on cooperative principles.

State List and hence was within state’s jurisdiction to 2. For enhancing member participation: Definition of
legislate. So, any change in that status by the centre ‘Active members’ should be introduced in cooperative
would require the ratification by at least one-half of legislations, right to vote and contest should be given
the state legislatures as per Article 368(2) of the only to active members and enabling provision for
Constitution. It also affected federal principles and speedy exit of non-user members.
was against the basic structure of the Constitution. 3. Effectiveness of Boards: Cooperative legislations
th
Thus, 97 Constitutional Amendment was invalidated. should clearly define role and responsibilities of
• Supreme Court upheld the Gujarat High Court cooperative’s board vis-à-vis that of paid
judgment but did not strike down Part IXB in its executives/managers.
entirety. The Court by applying Doctrine of 4. Enhancing Professionalism: Cooperatives should be
Severability held Article 243ZI to 243ZQ as enabled for cooption of experts, subject matter
unconstitutional leaving aside Article 243ZR and experts. Also, any person elected as a Director on the
243ZS. Board should undergo a set of prescribed training
• Supreme Court struck down part IX B of the programs.
Constitution related to cooperative societies but 5. Checking Politicisation: Cooperatives law should
declared the part related to multi-State cooperative provide for rotational retirement of Board members
societies both within the various States and in the and restriction on contribution to political and
Union territories of India as valid. religious organisations.
• The Court also referred Kihoto Hollohan judgment 6. Enhancing competitiveness: Cooperatives should
where Doctrine of Severability was applied on Tenth have freedom to decide their organizational structure
Schedule to render Paragraph 7 of Tenth Schedule of and staffing policies, they should be enabled to form
the Indian Constitution as invalid. joint ventures, partnerships etc. with cooperatives
• However, the minority judgment questioned the and other corporates and have flexibility in business
independent workability of Article 243ZR & 243ZS decisions, mobilizing funds etc.
without other provisions of PART IXB and declared the 7. State Governments should put in place a policy
entire PART IXB as constitutionally invalid. framework for facilitating the functioning
DOCTRINE OF SEVERABILITY ofcooperatives with free and fair means. States
should refrain from deputing officers to occupy key
• The doctrine of Severability is also known as the
positions in cooperatives.
Doctrine of Separability. This Doctrine is applied to
remove certain part of a statute, or provisions of law 8. Full income tax exemption is therefore recommended
when declared invalid. for all cooperative societies. This will be a major
incentive for the cooperatives to strengthen their
capital base.

35
 nd
9. The office of registrar of cooperatives should be Concurrent List by the Constitution 42
restructured as a developmental office which Amendment.
handholds and guides cooperatives. BENEFITS OF CREATING AIJS
A well-functioning cooperative sector can work • Timely Recruitment: In some of the states, the
wonders especially in agricultural and rural exams for the appointment for the appointment for
development sector. The example of Amul needs to the lower judiciary have not been held every year
be kept in mind. Steps need to be taken to empower leading to huge vacancies. Once the AIJS is
cooperatives further. established, exams will be conducted annually to fill
up regular vacancies.
• Uniformity in Judicial Administration: Conduct of
ALL INDIA JUDICIAL judicial services examination is not uniform and this

SERVICE results in increasing vacancies and also increment in

pending cases. A uniform All India Examination
conducted periodically will help in solving both the
issues as the candidates would be allocated to the
different states based on vacancies. This will ensure
uniformity in judicial administration.
• Improvement in Efficiency of Judicial
Administration: AIJS would attract the best talent in
Creation of All India Judicial Service (AIJS) common to Union the country and hence it would be able to maintain
and States was added in Article312 through Constitution high standards of Judicial administration.
nd
42 Amendment way back in 1976. Even NITI Aayog in its • Promote National Integration: AIJS would be able to
Report - "StrategyforIndia@75", has supported promote all-India outlook and promote the national
constituting AIJS to bring judicial reforms and improve the integration. This will allow the talented Judges of AIJS
judicial administration. However, the service has not been officers to function beyond their regional and
created due to number of oppositions and hurdles. linguistic interest.
IMPORTANT CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS - • Beneficial to the states: Some of the states that are
AIJS poor in human resources may not be able to find the
• Article 312(3) - The all-India judicial service referred best talent within their state for the recruitment of the
shall not include any post inferior to that of a district judges at the lower judiciary. The AIJS would be able to
judge as defined in article 236. solve this problem by conducting all India Exams and
appointing the best talent from other states in such
• Article 312(4) – any amendment made in CHAPTER VI
resource poor states.
of PART VI due to enactment of legislation setting up
TH
an AIJS would not be deemed to be amendment of the CONCERNS HIGHLIGHTED IN 116 LAW
Constitution for the purpose of Article 368. COMMISSION REPORT
• Why would amendment of Chapter VI of Part VI be • Inadequate knowledge of regional language would
needed – Chapter VI pertains to States and Chapter VI corrode judicial efficiency both with regard to
pertains to Subordinate Judiciary where conditions of understanding and appreciating evidence &
appointment of District Judge is defined. pronouncing judgments as most of work of district
• Article 233 – A person shall only be eligible to be and sessions courts in done in vernacular language.
appointed a district judge if he has been for not less • Promotional avenues of the members of State
than seven years an advocate or a pleader and is Judicial Service would be severely curtailed.
recommended by the High Court for appointment. • Erosion of the control of the High Court over
• To facilitate creation of AIJS, “administration of Subordinate judiciary would impair independence of
justice” was transferred from State List to the judiciary.

36
• Stiff opposition from various state governments and
their respective High Courts.
• Judiciary cannot be compared with the executive as
far as service is concerned – on holding examination
by UPSC Supreme Court’s upholding of biocentric principles of
• AIJS will bring the thin wedge of executive as the coexistence in M.K. Ranjithsinh Case has given new life to
service will be brought under political control. the idea of biocentrism over anthropocentrism. In this

OTHER CONCERNS ON CREATING AIJS context, there is a need to recognize constitutional right of
“Nature” within the contours of Article 21.
• Goes against the Federalism: Presently, it is the
responsibility of the state Governments to appoint the CONTEXT OF THE JUDGEMENT
Judges at the lower Judiciary. Hence, any changes in • This case was filed for the protection of Great Indian
the Judicial structure have to be approved by the State Bustard in the state of Gujarat and Rajasthan which is
Legislatures. However, the AIJS can be established “Critically Endangered” as per IUCN Red List and
without any constitutional amendment wherein the Lesser Florican.
prior approval of the State legislature is not needed. • Overhead power lines have become a threat to the life
• Problem of Promotional Avenues – When AIJS will of these birds as they frequently tend to collide with
be implemented, three category of judges will be these power lines and get killed.
appointed – 1. AIJS 2. State Judicial Service/High Courts • The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has stated that
(Lower & Higher Judiciary) and 3. Practicing Advocates every year 1 lakh birds die due to collision with power
appointed from the bar. There is a concern among line and unless power line mortality is mitigated
these members that promotional avenues will reduce urgently, extinction of GIBs is certain.
as much of the seats in higher judiciary will be
SC’S OBSERVATION AND DECISION
manned by members of AIJS.
• SC held that wherever the overhead powerlines exist
• Unequal Representation from States – As
in habitat zones of Bustard, the governments of
candidates will compete at an all-India level.
Rajasthan and Gujarat shall take steps to install bird
• Problem of Cadre Allocation – This problem arises diverters pending consideration of the conversion of
from the language issue. overhead cables into underground power lines.
• Creation of National Judicial Appointment • In protecting the birds, SC has emphasised on the
Commission to conduct AIJS Exam - Supreme Court biocentric values of eco-preservation.
has declared NJAC Act as unconstitutional. So,
• The Court has asked states to use funds from the
government again has to bring fresh legislation in the
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 for
Parliament whereby executive or legislative
protection of the two species and also to improve the
interference must be avoided in the functioning of
wildlife habitat of the region.
judiciary.
• The Court has asked a committee chaired by Dr. Rahul
CONCLUSION
Rawat (Scientist) to explore the feasibility of
Creation of All India Judicial Services is the need of the underground power line to save the Great Indian
hour and the government must try to solve the hurdles Bustard and Lesser Florican from becoming extinct.
of language, promotional avenues, creating National
UNDERSTANDING BIOCENTRISM
Judicial Appointment Commission and others in creating
AIJS for administration of Justice. • The philosophy of biocentrism holds that all life
deserves equal moral consideration and has equal
moral standing and extends inherent value to all living
BIOCENTRICISM AS PART things. It is an understanding of how the earth works,
particularly as it relates to its biosphere or
OF ARTICLE 21 biodiversity.

37
• Thus, biocentric ethics calls for a rethinking of the o The court pointed to two salutary principles
relationship between humans and nature. This government environment. They are:
perspective is contrary to Anthropocentricism which is  Principle of sustainable development i.e. to
a human-centred system. pursue balanced development taking the needs
• Biocentrism consists of at least two qualitatively of present and future generation in stride.
distinct attitudes:  Precautionary principle i.e. err on the side of
o First, biocentrism can stem from a desire to avoid caution when making changes to environment.
hurting sentient beings (e.g., harboring concerns • Centre for Environmental Law, World Wide Fund –
about killing animals). India case: SC observed that Article 21 of the
o Second, biocentrism can stem from a desire Constitution of India protects not only the human
to uphold purity in nature (e.g., harboring concerns rights but also casts an obligation on human beings to
about violating the sanctity of nature). protect and preserve species becoming extinct.
• Avoiding harm and preserving purity have been Therefore, conservation and protection of
identified as two separate forms of moral concern environment is an inseparable part of right to life
that rely on functionally distinct systems of cognitive under Article 21.
and emotional processing. • SC while dealing with environment has relied Article
• Therefore, the concept of biocentrism potentially 47 and Article 48A present in DPSP along with
obscures a psychologically important distinction in Fundamental Duties under Article 51A(g).
environmentalist attitudes. Article 47 - Duty of the State to raise the level of
ANTHROPOCENTRISM VERSUS BIOCENTRISM nutrition and the standard of living and to improve
• Anthropocentric concerns for the environment are public health - The State shall regard the raising of the
narrowly aimed at preserving the welfare of humans, level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people
while biocentric concerns are oriented toward and the improvement of public health as among its
protecting non-human organisms and nature as a primary duties and, in particular, the State shall
whole. endeavour to bring about prohibition of the
consumption except for medicinal purposes of
• While anthropocentrism can sometimes lead to pro-
intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to
environmental attitudes and actions, biocentrism is
health.
more reliably and robustly related to
environmentalism, both for abstract values and for Article 48A - Protection and improvement of
concrete behaviors. environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life
— The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the
• So, we can say that anthropocentrism promotes the
environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life
preservation of the environment as a means to an end
of the country.
rather than an end in itself. However, biocentrism
treats environmentalism as a moral imperative Article 51A(g) - It shall be the duty of every citizen of
independently of its impact on human flourishing. India to protect and improve the natural environment
including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have
OTHER IMPORTANT CASES HIGHLIGHTING
compassion for living creatures.
BIOCENTRISM
TIME TO MOVE TO BIOCENTRIC APPROACH BY
• T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad case:
GIVING CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO NATURE
o SC highlighted the need to move away from
principles of anthropocentric to ecocentric. • It is to the credit of the judiciary that it has fished out
enduring principles of sustainable development and
o The Court held that many of our principles like
read them into the precepts of Article 21 of the
Sustainable Development, Polluter Pay Principle,
Constitution which ensures right to life and personal
Inter-generational equity have their roots in
liberty.
anthropocentric principles whereby humans take
precedence over non-humans.

38
• However, Indian Constitution is silent on binding legal associated in preparedness activities, subject to
obligation of humans against Nature. certification regarding cause of death from
• We can learn from countries like Ecuador and Bolivia appropriate authority.”
as they seek to travel away from an anthropocentric • COVID-19 was declared as ‘Notified Disaster’ by Union
basis of law to a biocentric one. Ministry of Home Affairs in March 2020. MHA directed
o In 2008, Ecuador became the first country in the States to use State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for
world to recognise “Rights of Nature” in its COVID-19 relief. However, MHA did not specify
Constitution. payment of ex-gratia to families of deceased.

o Bolivia has also joined the movement by OBSERVATION OF SUPREME COURT

establishing Rights of Nature laws too. • Supreme Court has mentioned that it is the statutory
o In 2010, the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania duty of NDMA to recommend guidelines for the
became the first major municipality in the United minimum standards of relief to be provided to
States to recognise the Rights of Nature. persons affected by disaster, which shall include the
reliefs as per Section 12 of DMA.
• As a first step, these laws empower people in a
community to “step into the shoes” of a mountain, • Accordingly, the Court has directed NDMA to
stream or forest ecosystem and advocate for the right recommend guidelines within six weeks for ex gratia
of those local communities”. to family members of those who lost their lives during
the COVID pandemic.
WAY FORWARD
Supreme Court’s judgment in M.K. Ranjithsinh upholding
SECTION 12 OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT
the biocentric principles of coexistence is a shot in the It allows NDMA to recommend guidelines for the
arm for nature conservation. There is a need to extend minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons
the idea of right to life to our ecosystem without which affected by disaster. Guidelines for minimum standards
life on earth will not be possible. of relief to be provided by NDMA must include:
(i) Minimum requirements to be provided in the relief
camps in relation to shelter, food, drinking water,
COMPENSATION FOR medical cover and sanitation;

COVID DEATHS (ii) Special provisions to be made for widows and

orphans;
(iii) Ex-gratia assistance on account of loss of life as also
assistance on account of damage to houses and for
restoration of means of livelihood;
(iv) Such other relief as may be necessary.
IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT NDMA
A petition in the Supreme Court is seeking compensation for • It is statutory body under the Disaster Management
deaths caused due to COVID-19 as the novel disease was Act, 2005 with Prime Minister as its head.
declared as a “notified disaster” under the Disaster
• NDMA shall lay down policies, plans and guidelines for
Management Act. disaster management for ensuring timely and
DECLARATION FOR COMPENSATION UNDER effective response to disaster.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT • NDMA shall approve National Plan or plan prepared
• In 2015, Disaster Management Division of the Ministry other departments or ministries
of Home Affairs (MHA) notified a revised list of “norms • Lay down guidelines to be followed by the State
of assistance” to all state governments. Under “ex Authorities in drawing up the State Plan
gratia payment to families of deceased persons”, it
• Coordinate the enforcement and implementation of
specified to pay Rs. 4 lakh per deceased person the policy and plan for disaster management.
including those involved in relief operations or

39
• Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of • State Executive Committee - Chief Secretary to the
mitigation State Government - Chairperson
• Provide such support to other countries affected by • State Plan - There shall be a plan for disaster
major disasters as may be determined by the Central management for every State to be called the State
Government. Disaster Management Plan. The State Plan prepared
• Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the by the State Executive Committee and shall be
functioning of the National Institute of Disaster approved by the State Authority.
Management. • District Disaster Management Authority - Collector
or District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner shall
PRELIMS POINTERS – THE DISASTER
be the Chairperson, the elected representative of the
MANAGEMENT ACT, 2005
local authority who shall be the co-Chairperson; In the
• NDMA Chairperson of National Disaster Tribal Areas, as referred to in the Sixth Schedule to the
Management Authority - Prime Minister Constitution, the Chief Executive Member of the
• National Executive Committee to assist NDMA - District Council of autonomous district, shall be the
chairperson - Secretary, Disaster Management; co-Chairperson.
National Executive Committee can constitute sub- • District Plan - There shall be a plan for disaster
committee for the efficient discharge of its functions. management for every district of the State.
• National Plan - plan for disaster management for the • National Institute for Disaster Management
whole of the country to be called the National Plan
• National Disaster Response Force - specialist
• The National Plan shall be prepared by the National response to a threatening disaster situation or
Executive Committee having regard to the National disaster.
Policy and in consultation with the State Governments
• National Disaster Response Fund - to meet any
and expert bodies or organisations in the field of
threatening disaster situation or disaster; an amount
disaster management to be approved by the National
deposited after due appropriation made by
Authority.
Parliament by law.
• SDMA Chairperson - Chairperson of State Disaster
Management Authority (SDMA) - Chief Minister

1. Category U/A will be subdivided based on age into U/A

AMENDMENT TO 7+, U/A 13+ and U/A 16+.

CINEMATOGRAPHY ACT, 2. Validity of the certification issued by Central Board of

Film Certification (CBFC) to be valid till perpetuity.
1952 3. Power to Union Government to direct CBFC to re-
examine the certificate it has issued to a film.
4. Film piracy causes huge losses to film industry and
government exchequer. In most cases, illegal
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has duplication in cinema halls is the originating point of
introduced Cinematography (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which piracy. Presently, there are no provisions in
aims to make the process of sanctioning of films for Cinematography Act, 1952 to check film piracy. The
exhibition more effective and curb the menace of piracy. Amendment proposes to prohibit unauthorized
recording of films in theatres and proposed penalties
Amendments Proposed:

40
 for the same. Monetary fine which can amount up to 5. Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) should
5% of gross production can be imposed. be reinstated, as it enables affordable legal remedies
ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO to film makers. This was removed by the Tribunals
Reforms Ordinance, 2021. FCAT gave film makers
CINEMATOGRAPHY ACT
access to justice at nominal cost.
1. Government can overturn decision of CBFC - In a
6. Clear definition of 'public' exhibition should be
constitutional democracy, it is generally accepted that
introduced and only those venues should be
executive shall respect a judicial decision. The
considered that cater to mass publics such as cinema
decision of CBFC to award a film certification to a film
halls and theaters. This should not include sites
is akin to a judicial decision. SC in the Shankarappa
where non-commercial videos are screened for
case, held that once a certificate has been issued by
educational and informational purposes such as film
CBFC it cannot be revoked. Thus, proposed power to
clubs, research seminars etc.
central government to re-examine a film certificate
goes against separation of powers, adds one 7. Other suggestions of Shyam Benegal Committee on
additional layers of censorship and violation of CBFC such as:
freedom speech under Article 19. (a) Reforms of appointment of members to CBFC
2. Amendments against Film Piracy Insufficient: (b) Reforms of 1991 guidelines for film certification
(a) Proposed amendments to address film piracy are aiming at artistic freedom for film makers,
insufficient as they merely create one additional empowerment of audience and a certification
law against piracy. Piracy is already criminalised process responsive to social change should be
under the Copyright Act, 1957 and Information pursued.
Technology Act, 2000. The need is effective

EMIGRATION BILL, 2021

implementation and enforcement of these
provisions.
(b) These provisions are open to misuse as they can
be used against
(i) general public who can share some portions of
film for non-commercial purposes especially on The proposed Emigration Bill of 2021 seems better than the
social media Emigration Act 1983, but more reforms are needed to
protect Indian workers abroad. The Bill presents a renewed
(ii) filmmakers use small portions of films/songs
opportunity to reform the recruitment process for nationals
(iii) The bill should not make criminals out of seeking employment abroad.
ordinary citizens.
EXTENT OF EMIGRATION FROM INDIA
(c) Punishment proposed is vague and overbroad,
• According to UN, India has the highest number of
especially with respect to fine.
international migrants in the world. It found that 18
WAY FORWARD million Indians were living abroad, followed by Mexico
1. CBFC should only be a body which certifies film (11 million), Russia (11 million), China (10 million), and
content for public exhibition and not as a censoring Syria (8 million), as of 2020.
body to dictate excision, modification or amendments • There are two types of international migration
to films under review. from India: first, workers who are categorised as
2. Amendment proposing revisionary powers to Union ‘unskilled’ or ‘semi-skilled’ and who migrate mostly to
Government should be dropped. the Gulf countries. Second, the semi-skilled workers,
3. Exceptions on fair use, de minimis use (pertaining to professionals, students who migrate to the advanced
minimal things) and derivative work specific to films capitalist countries.
must be created in the proposed amendment. • Importance of Emigration: Emigration for a labour
4. Systemic solutions with better law enforcement needs surplus company is very important. India currently
to be introduced. does not produce enough job opportunities for

41
 employ all skilled and semi-skilled citizens. Emigrants • protect the emigrants,
once they go out send back remittances which is an • inspect emigrant conveyance which includes a vessel,
important resource for us. India is the largest recipient vehicle, country-craft and an aircraft,
of remittances in the world today. Also, these
• enquire about emigrant’s residence in foreign
emigrants learn the global best practices on their
countries and their voyage,
foreign job postings and once they come back Indian
• put up check post for illegal emigration
economy benefits from their skill and expertise. India
has been demanding liberalised regime for movement Registration of Recruiting Agents
of professionals across borders (Mode-4 under TRIPS • Recruiting agents shall register themselves with
agreement of WTO) leading to removal of bottlenecks Protector General of Emigrants
that limit movement of people across countries. Also, • Registered Recruiting Agents to have a Valid Certificate
many countries across the world are currently of Registration
experiencing old age problem and dearth of working
Recruitment by employers to be through recruiting
age population, they can benefit from the expertise of agent or under permit
Indian labour. For ex. Japan, China, Europe etc. Thus,
• Recruiting Agents shall conduct due diligence of
sustainable and legal emigration is a win-win
prospective employers, sets up a cap on service fees,
proposition for the world.
and establishes a government review of worker travel
CHALLENGES FOR MIGRANT INDIANS TO SETTLE and employment documents.
ABROAD THE EMIGRATION BILL, 2021 – IMPORTANT
• High cost of international migration is a challenge HIGHLIGHTS
for unskilled and semi-skilled people.
• Proposes to establish Bureau of Emigration Policy
• Loans from institutional & non-institutional and Planning & Bureau of Emigration
sources to cover cost of migration often leads to Administration.
families falling in debt trap.
• Bureau of Emigration Policy and Planning -to
• Gap between the migration expenditure incurred formulate effective policies through periodic
and remittances made by international migrants assessment, undertake consultation with relevant
makes life difficult. This also results in flow of capital stakeholders and carry out analysis with regard to
outside India. emigration and allied matters.
• Exploitation by employer: This includes large • Bureau of Emigration Administration: It has been
recruitment charges, contract substitution, deception, given the following functions:
retention of passports, non-payment or o Maintain digitised records of Indian emigrants
underpayment of wages, discrimination and other
o Ensure welfare & protection of emigrants by
forms of ill-treatment.
provision for insurance, skill upgradation, pre-
• Recruitment agencies make false promises to people departure orientation, counselling etc.
and extract money from them. Need to be regulated.
 Indian Embassy/ Consulate may establish a
• Poor working conditions especially for unskilled & Labour and Welfare wing to coordinate all issues
semi-skilled people without proper guarantee or related to Indian emigrants.
medical benefits.
 The Indian Embassy/ Consulate may establish
• Death of migrant workers -majority of migrant Emigrants Welfare Committee to oversee,
worker deaths in the Arab Gulf States/West Asia are review, direct, aid and address the grievances of
attributed to heart attacks and respiratory failures, Indian emigrants.
whose causes are unexplained. Need to take feedback
• Regulating Human Resource Agencies & Recruiters
about their wellbeing after regular interval.
o Give ratings for employers, Human Resources
THE EMIGRATION ACT, 1983 – IMPORTANT
Agencies
HIGHLIGHTS
o Maintain list of blacklisted foreign employers,
Emigration Authorities – Protectors of Emigrants fraudulent Human Resources Agencies

42
 o Establish a shared database among concerned cancelling or suspending their passports and imposing
stakeholders in the government to maintain a heavy fines. This can be used against workers
comprehensive approach towards emigration. migrating through unregistered brokers or via
o Periodically inspect any register or records irregular arrangements such as on tourist visas. This
maintained by the Human Resources Agencies runs contrary to the principles of protection and
welfare of migrants.
o Advise the Nodal Authorities in respect of matters
relating to prosecution of illegal Human Resources • Recruiters and agencies could misuse the law in
Agencies. favour of select recruiters.

o Register, suspend or cancel the certificate of • Gender insensitive – The Bill does not also
Human Resources Agencies adequately reflect the gender dimensions of labour
migration where women have limited agency in
o Provide Accreditation of employers
recruitment compared to their counterparts and are
• Helping Indian Emigrants Going Abroad likely to be employed in marginalised, informal sectors
o Prevent illegal emigration, irregularity in in isolated occupations in which labour, physical,
recruitment procedures and misuse of visa psychological, and sexual abuse are common.
o Establish help desks in India and abroad • Limited Scope for civil society engagement for
o Undertake awareness programmes to ensure safe, workers’ representation.
orderly and regular migration
o Monitor situation, circumstances and activities
affecting overseas Indians
ANTI-TRAFFICKING BILL
• Punishments & Penalties
o For furnishing false information by Human
Resource Agencies
o For taking Accreditation by Employers by furnishing
false details The Ministry of Women and Child Development has released
o For Emigrants – if it is proved that they are not the draft ‘Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and
emigrants or lack certain criteria to work abroad – Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021’.
penalty from Rs 10,000 to 50,000 – competent
AIM OF ANTI-TRAFFICKING BILL, 2021
authority can suspend or cancel passport.
• Prevent and counter trafficking in persons, especially
CONCERNS AGAINST THE BILL
women and children,
• Charging fees from workers by agencies against
• Provide for care, protection, and rehabilitation to the
international standards: The Bill permits manpower
victims, while respecting their rights,
agencies to charge workers’ service fees. This goes
against ILO Private Employment Agencies Convention • Creating a supportive legal, economic and social
No. 181 and the ILO guidelines for fair recruitment. As environment for them, and
per international regulations, it is the employer (and • To ensure prosecution of offenders
not worker) who bears recruitment cost including the • It will apply to every offence of trafficking in persons
costs of their visas, air travel etc. with cross-border implications
• Makes families vulnerable through loans - ANTI-TRAFFICKING BILL 2021 SHALL APPLY TO:
Employment charge (reflected as service fee) makes
• All citizens of India within and outside India;
the families of workers vulnerable to indebtedness
and exploitation. Non-formal credit taken by most of • Persons who commit offence under this Act beyond
the workers for going abroad for work comes at high India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests
interest rates. of Indian citizens or of India;
• Authorities can cancel passport – The Bill permits • Persons on any ship or aircraft registered in India
government authorities to punish workers by wherever it may be or carrying Indian citizens;

43
• Foreign national or a stateless person who has his or District Anti-Human District Magistrate
her residence in India at the time of commission of Trafficking Committee
offence under this Act.
AGGRAVATED FORM OF TRAFFICKING
• Every offence of trafficking in persons with cross-
border implications. • Aggravated offences include cases that may result in
the death of the victim or where the victim suffers
ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMITTEES
grievous injury (in cases such as acid attack), organ
• The Bill constitutes a National Anti-Human mutilation or removal of organs, or where the victim is
Trafficking Committee, State Anti-Human a child.
Trafficking Committees and District Anti-Human
• Provision for punishment (Imprisonment + Fine) for
Trafficking Committees.
trafficking and severe punishment of life
• Functions of the Committees – imprisonment along with monetary fine for
o prevention and combating of offences, aggravated forms of trafficking.
o rehabilitation and relief services including ROLE OF NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY
compensation, repatriation, reintegration to the (NIA)
victims • Operation of NIA Act - NIA shall prevent and combat
o providing protection and rehabilitation homes to trafficking in persons.
enable immediate and long-term sustainable • Jurisdiction of NIA - NIA shall also be responsible for
rehabilitation of victims. investigation, prosecution and coordination in cases of
o protection and dignity of victims including trafficking in persons including cases of inter-state or
prevention of re-trafficking or re-traumatisation of international nature.
victims CONCERNS AGAINST ANTI-TRAFFICKING BILL
o effective co-ordination between concerned • Role of NIA questioned - for investigating cases of
authorities – within & outside India anti-trafficking as the Bill allows for overreach and
• State Anti-Human Trafficking Committee shall misuse of law by law enforcement agencies.
advise the State Government and District Anti-Human • Stringent Penal Provisions - Stringent provisions for
Trafficking Committees. imprisonment, fine and denying the accused the right
• District Anti Human Trafficking Committees or the to anticipatory bail are considered to be violative of
Child Welfare Committees shall be responsible for fundamental rights.
repatriation and reintegration of victims into society • Presumption of Innocence Removed - Removal of
and family. the presumption of innocence directly impacts the
• Role of District Legal Services Authority - shall crucial fundamental right to life and liberty
award immediate relief to the victim and dependent guaranteed in Article 21.
including aid and assistance for medical and • Abetment liable for same punishment as that of
rehabilitation needs after due assessment. the offender.
• Offences and Penalties – The Bill provides for • Ill defined terms – such as ‘promotion’, ‘procurement’
conviction and fine for any person who is accused and ‘facilitation’ and increases scope for misuse of
under the law. power.

Committees Chairperson • Adverse impact on Adult sex workers – Adult sex

workers already a vulnerable section, will be adversely
National Anti-Human Secretary, Union impacted, as the Bill treats victims of human
Trafficking Committee Ministry of Home trafficking on par with adult persons in sex work.
Affairs Trafficking of persons into forced or coerced labour
(including sexual exploitation) should not be equated
State Anti-Human Chief Secretary of
with sex work undertaken by consenting adults. This
Trafficking Committees State
conflation could lead to misuse of law.

44
 MIDDAY MEAL SCHEME ABOUT MIDDAY MEAL SCHEME
• From 1st April, 2008, the programme covered all
REDUCES STUNTING children studying in Government, Local Body and
Government-aided primary and upper primary
schools and the Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS)
and Alternative and Innovative Education (AIE) centres
A study published in the journal Nature Communications
including Madarsa and Maqtabs supported under
titled 'Intergenerational nutrition benefits of
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) of all areas across the
India’s National School Feeding Program’ has studied the
country.
impact of mid-day meals support on intergenerational
• Nutritional Norms –
improvements in a child’s linear growth. The study highlights
those girls who received free food in primary schools as part Level Calories Grams of
of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) program, were found to give Proteins
birth to children who have better growth.
Primary 450 Calories 12 grams
Stunting
Upper Primary 700 Calories 20 grams
• Stunting is the impaired growth and development that
This energy and protein requirement for a primary child
children experience from poor nutrition, repeated
comes from cooking 100 g of rice/flour, 20 g pulses and
infection, and inadequate psycho-social stimulation.
50 g vegetables and 5 g oil, and for an upper primary
• A stunted child is too short for their age, does not fully
child it comes from 150 g of rice/flour, 30 g of pulses and
develop and stunting reflects chronic under-nutrition
75 g of vegetables and 7.5 g of oil.
during the most critical periods of growth and
MDM has helped over the years to
development in early life.
• Avoid hunger & malnutrition
• Stunting is defined as the percentage of children, aged
• Increase enrollment in schools
0 to 59 months, whose height for age is below minus
• Improve school attendance and reduce drouout rates
two standard deviations (moderate and severe
stunting) and minus three standard deviations (severe • Improve mixing of students from different

stunting) from the median of the WHO Child Growth castes/religions

Standards. • Improve girl education & health

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT

• Correlation of Stunting & MDM Exposure – The
report highlights - Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ) -
among children born to mothers with full MDM
exposure was greater than that in children born to
non-exposed mothers.

45
• State Variability in MDM Rollout - Data shows that even ten years after the central mandate.
substantial state variability in MDM rollout existed

• Stunting was lower in states having high MDM prevalence of stunting in 2016 suggests that a
Coverage - Empirical exploration of the mother’s exposure to the program during primary
intergenerational benefits of the MDM scheme was school may have future returns for her children.
motivated by the observation that stunting prevalence HAZ correlations with Socio-economic status & MDM
was lower among children aged 0–5 years in 2016 in Coverage - HAZ in children also increased with later
states where MDM coverage was higher in 2005. The mother’s birth year and was higher in non-poor
ability of historical MDM coverage to predict the
households compared to poor households.

Q1. Which of the following statements about Q3. Consider the following statements:
“Midday Meal Scheme” is/are correct? 1. National Disaster Management Authority is chaired
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme. by Union Home Minister.
2. It aims to enhance enrollment and improve 2. National Board for Wild Life is chaired by Prime
nutrition of children. Minister.
3. Students studying only in primary level in Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
government schools get food under the scheme. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the above Q4. Consider the following statements:
1. Krishna River Management Board & Godavari River
Q2. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court Management Board has been constituted under
for providing compensation to victims who died the River Boards Act, 1956.
due to COVID-19. This compensation is claimed 2. “Regulation and development of Inter-state rivers
under which of the following legislations? and river valleys” is part of State List under Seventh
(a) Consumer Protection Act Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
(b) Epidemic Diseases Act 3. Inter-state River Water Disputes Act, 1956 provides
(c) Disaster Management Act for a Permanent Tribunal to adjudicate river-water
(d) National Food Security Act disputes within fixed time frame of two years.

46
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. UPSC will conduct examination for All India Judicial
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only Service as per the constitutional mandate.
(c) 1 and 2 only (d) None of the above Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Q5. Consider the following statements: (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Creation of All India Judicial Service was added
th
through Constitution 44 Amendment.

Q1. Highlight the benefits and challenges in creating an All India Judicial Services common to states and Union
Territory. (250 Words)

Q2. In light of recent Supreme Court judgment, examine the decision taken with respect to declaring Constitution
Ninety Seventh Amendment as partially unconstitutional. (150 Words)

Answers: 1 (b), 2 (c), 3 (b), 4(d), 5(d)

47
 AFGHAN ISSUE CONCERN OF REGIONAL POWERS W.R.T RISE OF
TALIBAN IN AFGHANISTAN
Concerns of Central Asian Republics:
• Connectivity: Land locked Central Asian countries
can access Indian ocean through Afghanistan.
US forces are withdrawing from Afghanistan and it is Afghanistan is also the connecting bridge for Central
followed by increased violence between Afghan army and and South Asia.
Taliban. Taliban is making rapid territorial gains in
• Safety: Instability in Afghanistan can spill over to
Afghanistan. In this context, it is imperative for India to not
Neighbouring central Asian countries like Tajikistan,
only secure its Interests in the Afghanistan in case of Taliban
Turkmenistan etc. They also fear against increased
takeover but also to find a long-lasting solution to the
radicalisation of their societies.
Afghan problem.
• Refugee crisis: Civil war in Afghanistan may lead to
CONCERNS OF INDIA
refugee crisis in Central Asia.
• Growing Pakistan Shadow: Pakistan Army will now
Concerns of other important countries:
play a major role in the power dynamics within
• China fears about the spillover of Taliban movement
Afghanistan. Most of the senior Afghan leadership is
in its Xinjiang province where ETIM (East Turkestan
believed to be in Pakistan, in close contact with the
Islamic Movement) had earlier deep ties with Al-
Pakistani Army.
Qaeda and Taliban.
• Strengthening of terrorist groups at the border:
• Russia fears that instability would spill over in
Terror groups inimical to India like Lashkar-e-Taiba
Central Asia which Russia is very sensitive about.
and Jaish-e-Mohammed are likely to be bolstered with
Russia also fears about re-emergence of Taliban will
victory of Islamic fighters over a superpower and may
increase the threat of terror groups such as Chechen
take this opportunity to push for heightened levels of
rebels.
insurgency in J&K.
• For Iran, which is a Shia theocratic country, a Sunni
• Risk to India's economic interests: India has already
dominated Taliban will continue to remain an
invested deeply in infrastructure, education, power
ideological, sectarian and strategic challenge.
generation and irrigation development projects. New
projects like the building of the Shahtoot dam near
Hence, there is a convergence of interests among India,
Kabul, may get delayed or scrapped.
Central Asian countries and key regional players (China,
• Receding Diplomatic Influence in the region: Since
Russia and Iran) in seeing a political settlement in
India could does have any substantial linkages with
Afghanistan.
the Taliban, any take-over in Kabul by Taliban will
leave India out of its diplomatic influence in the DEBATE ON ENGAGING TALIBAN
region.
There has been a debate on whether India should

48
engage Taliban or not and if engage whether this Mohammad etc.
engagement should be direct or backdoor. • Taliban is an insurgent force, it does not have air-
What is the present status? power. While the Afghan forces are a modern

India has started engaging with Taliban through military with modern equipment, training and

backchannel. airpower they received from America. Thus, the

claim that Taliban will takeover Afghanistan easily,
• India had sent non - official delegation of retired
seems to be a propaganga.
diplomats to Moscow where Taliban were present.
• Having tasted the fruits of freedom and
• India’s External Affairs Minister joined the inaugural
development, the people of Afghanistan are not in
session of the intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha.
support of Taliban. Talking to Taliban will reduce the
Reasons’s for India’s non-engagement with Taliban: trust, friendship and connect that India has
• Engaging with Taliban gives recognition to them and developed with them.
similar groups which resort to violence. India’s stand Reasons for India to engage with Taliban
has always been that Taliban abstains from violence
• Taliban will have a significant presence in
and then peaceful engagement can start.
Afghanistan in near future. Even in case of a political
• Taliban currently is very closely aligned with Pakistan settlement they will be part of any future afghan
and is often seen as its puppet. Even if we engage dispensation.
Taliban, India will always be second fiddle to
• Taliban is looking for regional and global partners for
Pakistan.
recognition and legitimacy.
• Taliban’s record on human rights has not been
• To secure the investments and assets worth $3
encouraging especially its treatment of females.
billion, India should engage with all parties in
• Taliban has over the years been central player in Afghanistan.
international terrorism network. To believe that the
• If India does not engage now Russia, Iran, Pakistan
new Taliban is different is not right. Taliban’s rise can
and China will emerge as the shapers of
embolden terror groups which target India such as
Afghanistan’s geopolitical destiny, which will be
JeM and LeT.
detrimental to Indian interests.
• Giving legitimacy to Taliban will weaken the morale
• India’s engagement with the Taliban may or may not
of the democratically elected Abdullah Ghani
achieve much, but non-engagement will definitely
administration which continues to have good
hurt Indian interests.
relations with India. President Ghani will thus be
forced to look towards other powers and India will WAY FORWARD ON ENGAGING TALIBAN
lose the support of its only backers in Afghanistan.
• Engagement with Taliban: It is said that there are no
• Taliban has been resorting to illegal cultivation of permanent friends and no permanent enemies in
poppy cultivation which is illegally exported international relations and the only aim is to secure
worldwide. This finances their war against Afghan one’s national interest. As Taliban’s rise to power is
National Defence Forces. eminent, it will be better to have some diplomatic
• The Agreement between US and Taliban does not engagement with them.
take into account India’s security interests. While • Thus, India should be accommodative in opening its
they bar Taliban from developing ties with Al-Qaeda, door to the Taliban leadership. Continued talks with
it does not take care of Taliban’s linkages with them would allow New Delhi to seek security
insurgent groups such as Hizbul Muzahideen, Jaish-e- guarantees from the insurgents in return for
continued development assistance.

49
• Keep investing in Afghanistan: India must continue conversation made near the device, without the
its investments in Afghanistan. Development leads to target’s knowledge.
stability. Even, Taliban has been in favour of India’s • However, controversy has started because of its illegal
supportive role. use by the governments to track and put on
• Intelligence sharing and training exercises: surveillance of their political opponents.
Militarily strong Afghanistan civilian government will • This has brought to light the surveillance laws that
have better bargaining power at the table in Intra exist in India and how they stand the scrutiny of Right
Afghan- peace talks with Taliban. to Privacy recognised by the Puttaswamy
Judgement.
• Enhancing bilateral trade: It will help India retaining
its diplomatic leverage irrespective of who is in power. IMPACT OF THIS REVELATION
• Forging cooperation with other regional powers like 1. India has denied any wrong doing and misuse of
Russia, Iran and China. state-surveillance.

• India should continue to support Afghan owned 2. Israel has launched an investigation of this matter and
Afghan led political solution in Afghanistan. has said that technology is sold to countries for legal
use to tracks terrorists, if governments are found to
• India should facilitate Inter-Afghan dialogue and
misusing this technology, the license of those
reconciliation.
countries will be cancelled. Thus, if India is client of
NSO, then relations between Israel and India can be

PEGASUS AND THE strained.

3. Many names on the list include that of Delhi based
SURVEILLANCE LAWS diplomats of other countries. If the message goes that
India has snooping on international diplomats it will
tarnish India’s image.
4. If it is found that India has been snooping on
opposition leaders, journalists it will harm India’s
According to an international investigation, mobile phones
image as a democracy.
of various Indian politicians, journalists and activists were
infiltrated by the use of a malicious software called the 5. It shows that India for its intelligence needs is
Pegasus. dependent on foreign technology suppliers despite
having one of the most advanced software industry. It
ABOUT PEGASUS
is time that India develops its own indigenous and
• Pegasus is a surveillance spyware that enables the inhouse capabilities in security and defense sphere.
remote surveillance of mobile phones. It has been
6. It also shows that India’s intelligence agencies are
created by the Israeli tech company NSO.
misused for domestic political needs and have to be
• NSO provides this product to governments and their made accountable to Parliament. A law for regulation
agencies to boost their national security by tracking and parliamentary oversight is required.
the communication of terrorists and criminals. This
7. Currently, domestic surveillance can be done only for
suggests if the list is real these people were under
limited number of purposes which is done after lots of
surveillance by governments.
control mechanisms. If the surveillance on such wide
• Pegasus is so powerful as a cybersurveillance tool that range of people was being done, it requires
it is classified as a weapon goes through export investigation for breach of law and dilution of right to
clearances as a lethal weapon would from Israel. privacy of citizens.
• Once it infects a phone it can read every message and
call, it can turn on the phone remotely to record every

50
 • It states that surveillance needs the sanction of the
INDIAN LAWS RELATING TO THE
Home Secretary at the Central or State level, but in
SURVEILLANCE “unavoidable circumstance” can be cleared by a Joint
Despite the revelations by international agencies about Secretary or officers above, if they have the Home
the infiltration of cell phones in India, the government Secretary’s authorisation.
has neither confirmed nor denied that it has purchased • Time Bound: Direction of interception can remain in
the NSO software at any point of time. In order to force for not more than 60 days.
legaglly use the software Pegasus the government has to • There is an established oversight mechanism in the
invoke the surveillance laws that exist. They are: form of a review committee headed by the Union
THE INDIAN TELEGRAPH ACT, 1885 Cabinet Secretary. In case of state governments, such
cases are reviewed by a committee headed by the
• It states that the government can intercept a
Chief Secretary concerned. The law also provides an
“message or class of messages” when it is “in the
adjudication process for those adversely affected by
interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the
any incident.
security of the state, friendly relations with foreign
states or public order or for preventing incitement to RIGHT TO PRIVACY JUDGEMENT - PUTTASWAMY
the commission of an offence”. 2017
• These are the same restriction that are allowed under • Surveillance should be legally valid and serve a
Article 19(2) of Constitution ‘reasonable restrictions’. legitimate aim of the government.
• Reasons for ordering interception has to be recorded • The means adopted should be proportional to the
in writing by the officials concerned. need for surveillance, and there should be
INDIAN TELEGRAPH RULES, 1951 procedures to check any abuse of surveillance.

• Rule 419A was added in 2007, when Supreme Court INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT 2000
stated that telephonic conversations are covered • Section 69 allows government “interception or
by the right to privacy, which can be breached monitoring or decryption of any information through
only if there are established procedures. any computer resource” if it is in the interest of the
“sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India,
security of the State, friendly relations with foreign

51
 States or public order” or for preventing or WAY FORWARD
investigating any cognizable offence.
1. India should carry out the long-awaited intelligence
• By allowing the surveillance for investigating reforms by enacting a legislation which makes
cognizable offence, this law widens the ambit of Intelligence Agencies answerable to parliamentary
surveillance beyond the one provided for in the scrutiny. This will stop the misuse of intelligence for
Telegraph act 1885 and the Article 19(2). political ends and direct them to secure India against
• Spyware is illegal because it does activities which are internal and external risks.
cyber-crimes according to the section 66 of the IT Act 2. India should develop indigenously developed
2000. capabilities for surveillance and not outsource its
ARGUMENTS FOR SURVEILLANCE security to be dependent on third party softwares.

• National Security: National security is one of the 3. Comprehensive legislation for data security as advised
responsibilities of state. Thus, surveillance is justified by B N Sri Krishna Committee should be enacted.
because of threats to National security by the terrorist

DRONE ATTACK
organizations, drug cartels and foreign States.
• Past success - Many terror attacks have been
thwarted because of intelligence gathered by the
means of surveillance.
• Law abiding citizens need not worry - also there are
checks and balances in the form of laws that exist to Recently, two explosives-laden drones crashed into the
regulate the instances of surveillances. Indian Air Force (IAF) station at Jammu airport. The attack is
ARGUMENTS AGAINST SURVEILLANCE believed to be the first-ever offensive use of drones to target
• Creates an Orwellian state - State by the means of an Indian military facility — has raised serious security
surveillance tries to curb dissent. If proper checks do concerns.
not exist, the government acquires totalitarian DRONE USE IN THE PAST
tendencies. • Drones are being used for military purposes since
• Surveillance laws provide minimal protection - The 1990s. Instances of Drone Usage: Used in Gulf War
restrictions provided under such laws are sometimes by USA, used against Al-Qaeda by US, Islamic State
vague and are often interpreted by the governments used drones in Iraq and Syria, Houthi rebels used
to bypass the limitation imposed. drones to attack oil facilities in Saudi Arabia etc.
• Impacts civil liberties - Adversely impacts the Right • However, the new threat is the use of drone by non-
to Privacy of the citizens and at the same time state actors for terrorism.
intrudes into the political and social ideology of the INDIA AND DRONES
citizens.
• In the past, weapons have been dropped into J&K
• Disparity between state and the citizen: state is
using drones. They have also been used for
often powerful, and it creates the risk of harms, such
surveillance and providing cover to terrorists.
as discrimination, coercion.
• In the recent years there have been an estimated 100-
INTERNATIONAL NORMS RELATED TO 150 sightings of suspected drones near India’s
SURVEILLANCE western border annually, most for surveillance.
• Surveillance should be necessary for legitimate aim CHALLENGES POSED BY DRONE ATTACKS
• Surveillance should be proportionate to aim it wants • It is a low-cost easily accessible tool in the hands of
to achieve terrorists and have become a key component of
• There should be legal authorisation for surveillance, modern-day warfare.
the law should be fair. • Types of rogue drones:
• The motives behind surveillance should be legitimate

52
 o Autonomous drones: Drone controlled by VIP protection etc. For ex. Counter drone systems have
onboard computers programmed to navigate to a been routinely employed during Independence Day and
fixed target and don’t require real time human Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.
control. There are two components of Counter-Drone systems: 1)
o Drone swarms - where hundreds of drones try to Detection & 2) Interception
confuse the system is another challenge that needs 1) Detection: Early detection and identification is the key
to be tackled. to effective neutralization of the UAV threat which can
o Stealth drones: Drones designed to reduce their be undertaken by a combination of sensors. Some of
radar signature and can be operated in patterns the detection and identification systems being
making them difficult to detect. To evade acoustic employed for counter drone measures are:
detection, rotors can be modified to dampen a) Radar: These systems can pick-up drones of the
drone’s engine noise. size of small birds using very low transmitted
• Drones can be used to smuggle arms and drugs, power.
targeting VVIPs, reconnaissance & surveillance, b) Electro-optical/InfraRed: They monitor for drones
electronic attacks, delivery of weapons of mass in visible light and infrared spectrum.
destruction, messaging etc.
c) Radio Frequency: Most drones are linked with the
• Conventional Radars cannot detect the drones. If operator on the ground using a radio link. External
calibrated for small objects, radars confuse them for properties of the data link’s signal can be used for
birds. approximate position of the drone and operator.
• Indian forces use eyesight to trace and shoot such d) Acoustic sensor: These sensors detect noise
drones. However, drones flying at heights are signatures created by UAV motors and propellors.
difficult to target. However, these have limited range and suffer from
• Technologies to disable and shoot drones like - high nuisance (false) alarm rates (especially in
interfering with their radio frequency, shooting them urban environments).
with energy beams have not been fully successful. e) Passive coherent locator system: It is a passive
• Besides cross border drones, challenge also lies in radar system, which utilizes third-party transmitters
tackling the drones that attack from within the like Television broadcasts, FM Radio or Mobile
national boundary. Telephone to detect a target and provide location,
• Anti-drone systems are expensive for the heading and speed information. A PCL system is
defenders, while drones are cheaper for the capable to detecting extremely small signal
attackers who use the drone to attack. changes scattered by micro drones.

• It provides Pakistan opportunity to use them 2) Interception: This deals with response and
clandestinely, which saves it from being blamed for neutralization of drones by focusing on denial of
terror attacks in India. mission of rogue drones and their destruction. The
options for response range from diverting the UAV in
• Drones could also pose a threat to essential civilian
a different direction, capturing it, or to destroying it
infrastructure such as dams, power plants and
broadly. Neutralization measures being utilized by
bridges.
counter UAV system are:
• Threat of air collision between drones and manned
a) Kinetic kill: Currently, the most relied and
aircraft.
preferable option for neutralizing rogue drones. Ex.
COUNTER-DRONE TECHNOLOGIES Shooting down with sniper rifles, using anti-aircraft
These are systems that are used to detect and intercept guns and missiles, deploying fighter aircrafts,
unmanned aircraft. These technologies have already depending on the situation. However, high level of
been extensively used in civil arena and combat zones skill and expertise is required from the shooter.
including base protection, airspace protection at airports, b) High Power Electromagnetic Weapons
security during large events and major sports gatherings, (HPEM)/Lasers: This can be used in scanning and

53
 neutralization. It utilizes high energy beams • However, it’s range is very limited between 1 to 3 Kms.
focused on the drones to physically burn the drone INDIA'S OFFENSIVE DRONE CAPABILITY
or a part of it. However, lasers are affected in
• India has Heron surveillance drones developed by
adverse weather conditions, can cause hazard to
Israel. India also has Harop Loitering Munition
humans. Also, it is difficult to keep them focused on
systems which is an attack weapon system designed
the UAV.
to locate and precisely attack targets.
c) Radio Jamming: Rogue UAV is identified and
• India is looking to acquire MQ9 Reaper drones from
targeted with an electromagnetic signal strong
the USA. The MQ9 Reaper, also called a 'Predator'
enough to overwhelm the system’s controls.
drone, can detect targets using its inbuilt sensors and
However, UAVs are specifically encrypted to
radars. US forces have used in Afghanistan.
withstand these attempts.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's is developing CATS
d) GPS Spoofing: In this, drone is confused to forget
Warrior drones.. It will have a mother vehicle - a
its waypoints and go into auto-pilot mode and in
fighter jet operating 700 km away that will be able to
this stage using power transmission, it is directed to
strike enemy targets through unmanned drones. The
obey new commands. Thus, this system removes
fighter jets guiding the unmanned drones can remain
the threat and also gives access to adversary’s
150 km behind and control and give directions to four
technology for analysis.
unmanned vehicles called the CATS Warriors.
e) Drone Capture Nets: Capture nets can be used
• HAL is also developing rotary unmanned aerial
from ground as well as a hunter-killer drone. The
vehicle or 'drone helicopter', which can operate at
net encompasses the drone and causes it to cease
15000 feet. It will be crucial for speedy transportation
flying by disrupting the propulsion system.
of supplies in harsh high-altitude areas
However, range of these capture nets are limited.
Variants of this system like Drone-on-Drone and • Indian Army placed an order for indigenous Switch
Bird-on-Drone are also used to bring the rogue UAVs meant for day and night surveillance of high-
drone down. altitude areas.

GLOBAL COUNTER DRONE SYSTEMS • India has developed a National Counter Rogue
Drone Guidelines by Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Rafael which has developed the Iron drome for
Israel has also built a Drone Dome technology. It SALIENT FEATURES OF NATIONAL COUNTER
offers a 360-degree coverage. It can jam the signals ROGUE DRONE GUIDELINES:
and the visuals being sent out by the drone. It has 1. Need to devise an automated UAS Traffic
high precision in shooting the drone with high Management (UTM) system for low-altitude airspace
powered laser beams. to provide hyper-local and real-time information for
• US based Fortem technologies uses interceptor managing UAS induced traffic. This would ensure that
drone technology - "Drone Hunter". It fires a net to only authenticated UAS could operate in airspace.
catch the drone mid-air. 2. The UTM architecture needs to have surveillance,
• An Australian company also claims to have navigation, communication, traffic de-confliction
developed a "Drone gun" which can pin point and and emergency assistance aids to regulate drone
shoot the drone. traffic on real time basis.
3. To prevent drones from straying towards notified vital
INDIA'S PREPAREDNESS FOR SUCH ATTACKS
installations, dynamic Geo-fencing may be
• DRDO has developed a detect-and-destroy implemented by permitting UAS to operate only
technology for drones. It was deployed for VVIP along permitted trajectory in the airspace and
protection on Republic Day parade, Independence prohibiting of use of drones in certain areas.
Day and the Namaste Trump event. It has capabilities
4. All UAS manufactured, imported or operating in India
of both:
to be mandated to be equipped with appropriate
o Hard kill - destroying a drone with lasers. navigation and communication software and
o Soft kill - jamming a drone’s signals. hardware for live telemetry and data exchange. UAS

54
 INTEGRATED THEATRE
must allow for operational command to be
transferred to UTM service provider, at any time and
capable to executing manoeuvres.
5. Deploying counter UAS infrastructure at vital target
COMMANDS IN INDIA
systems. Towards this end, airspace regulators and
security agencies shall be required to enhance
capabilities to track, detect, identify and engage
hostile drones in real time.
Chief of defense staff is discussing the idea of having Unified
6. Multi-agency drone regulatory body to be developed or integrated theatre command in the military to have
with involvement of Air Force and Ministry of Civil unified approach to fighting any future war.
Aviation for deployment of counter drone measures.
WHAT IS THEATRE COMMAND?
7. Implementation of stringent airworthiness criteria
• The word ‘theatre warfare’ means “the entire land, sea
and drone pilot training along with certification.
and air areas are involved directly in war operations”.
8. Registration of drones as well as the vendors that are
selling drones in India. • “Theatre command” refers to unified command under
which all the resources of the Army, the Navy and the
9. Vulnerability analysis of drone needs to be identified
Air Force are pooled, depending on the threat
by security agencies based on Drone impact
perception.
assessment
• Currently, commands are set up service wise, so for
10. A legal framework for authorised use of Counter
instance in case of war against Pakistan on Western
drone systems by security agencies should be put in
Border, the army will lead the fight on the ground
place.
under leadership of Army Commander and Air Force
11. Interaction of R&D organisations and academia to
will take care of air-warfare under leadership of Air
develop systems for development of futuristic
Force Commander. For a joint strategy, the Army
technologies.
Commander and Air Force Commander will need to
SALIENT FEATURES OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT coordinate efforts. Thus, there is limited jointness.
SYSTEMS RULES 2021 • In case of integrated theatre commands, there will be
• UAS categorised as airplane, rotorcraft and hybrid one commander who will control all the assets and
with further categorisation as remotely piloted forces of Air Force and Army. This will lead to greater
aircraft, model remotely piloted aircraft and jointness and coordination in response.
autonomous unmanned aircraft system. • The commands could be geographical — like looking
• UAS classified as nano, micro, small, medium and at a border with a particular country — or thematic,
large unmanned aircraft like a command for all maritime threats.
• Mandatory for individuals and companies to obtain HOW IT WORKS?
approval from the DGCA to import, manufacture,
• India currently has 19 military commands vertically
trade, own or operate drones
split into
• No Permission- No Take-off (NPNT) policy adopted
o Army (7 commands)
for all UAS except for those in the nano category
o Air Force (7 commands)
• Micro and small UAS are not permitted from flying
above 60m and 120 m, respectively. o Navy (3 commands)

• UAS prohibited from flying in strategic and o A Tri-Service Command at Andaman and Nicobar
sensitive location, including near airports, defence o A Strategic Forces Command (SFC) to look after the
airports, border areas, military installations/facilities country’s nuclear stockpile
and areas earmarked as strategic locations/vital
• The plan is to bring all the 17 service commands
installations by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
(Army, Airforce and Navy) into 5 unified or theatre
• Penalties have also been provided. commands

55
 o Northern Land Theatre (Jammu and Kashmir, • The need for jointness and integrated theatre
Ladakh and Central sector) commands has been highlighted by various
o Western Land Theatre (Pakistan centric) committees. For ex. 1) Kargil review committee
recommended creation of post of Chief of Defence
o Eastern Land Theatre,
Staff (CDS) with a particular focus on adopting an
o Maritime Theatre Command, and
integrated approach in defence management. 2)
o Air Defence Command Shekatkar committee also recommended Theatre
IDEA OF THEATERISATION command to integrate land-sea-air defence
capabilities.
• It was first proposed after the Kargil war. The
appointment of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and CONCERNS AGAINST THEATRE COMMANDS
creation of the Department of Military Affairs • Lack of consensus over basic structure of Theatre
(DMA) within the Ministry of Defence can be seen as command itself, that is, who reports to whom and
steps towards achieving greater synergy and fusion how does the chain of command flow. These involve
between the three branches of the armed forces. issues of operational command and control over
NEED FOR THEATRE COMMANDS assets

• Enhanced coordination between the armed forces • Existing mismatch between the assets of the army,
for prompt and effective military response. navy and air force. With fewer perceived resources,
the Indian Air Force has concerns about its limited
• Bringing down costs
assets getting spread out thinly over the different
o Having a unified approach during defence theatre commands.
acquisition will reduce the cost of procurement. For
• Theatre commands will lead dilution of office of three
example, Army and IAF acted in silos during
service chiefs.
procurement of Apache helicopters which
increased their cost. • Indian Air force has expressed its reservations about
the idea of integrated theatre command. There is a
o A big chunk of the annual defence budget goes into
feeling that Air Force will be reduced to a support
paying salaries and pensions while outlays do not
force in case theatre commands come into being.
always grow in line with the actual needs of the
armed forces. The theatre command system will • There is a feeling that theatre commands will lead to
help remove redundancies, reducing duplication of superiority of Army over other forces.
resources and bring greater focus in the allocation • There is also a concern how will other security forces
of resources. such as BSF, ITBP, Assam Rifles and CRPF will be
• Unified approach to fighting any future war: A integrated into theatre commands.
potential conflict with a major military power like • Concerns have been raised about the operational
China may extend well beyond the typical theatres efficacy of such integrating the existing three Indian
into the domains of cyber, space and nuclear, which Navy commands into one.
requires a more integrated response from the Indian • Theatre commands are based on the idea of tackling
armed forces convention armed conflicts. However, in an age of
• Integrated training of armed forces nuclear overhang, the possibility of full-fledged
• Currently, Andaman & Nicobar Command is an warfare is very less. Today, sub-conventional warfare,
integrated command. So, India has some experience terrorism and cyberwarfare poses most threat to
in operating an integrated theatre command. India. Theatre commands will not be suitable to meet
these.
• All major countries of the world have already
restructured their armed forces on the lines of Integrated theatre commands is a long pending reform.
Integrated Theatre commands. For ex. China, US, UK, However, we need to tread cautiously taking all armed
Russia etc. forces and relevant stakeholders on board before
proceeding with it.

56
 Term /
Organization/ In news Pointers
Location

It is a term that is being used by It refers to the at least 55% emission reduction target which the
Term – “Fit

European Union under its EU has set for 2030.

for 55”

ambitious green deal. The European Commission’s plan, “Fit for 55,” calls for its 27
member states to cut their output of greenhouse gases by 55%
by 2030, compared with 1990 levels.

It is an India – US partnership. In its new nationally determined contribution, the United States
and Clean
Climate

Agenda

has set an economy-wide target of reducing its net greenhouse

Energy

2030

gas emissions by 50–52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030.

As part of its climate mitigation efforts, India has set a target of
installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

It is a unique project that Aim of the project:

Indentured Labour Route

connects countries with shared 1. Bring together all countries having experienced migration of
histories and experiences of the indenture and other forms of contract labour in 19th and
indentured labour system. This 20th century.
Project (ILRP)

project is an initiative of
2. Contribute to nation building efforts and a greater
Government of Mauritius. The
understanding among societies across indentured diaspora
initiative is supported by
as well as within the countries themselves.
UNESCO.
3. Give voice to indentured labourers and their descendants
Participants: Mauritius, France,
and share their experiences.
Reunion, India, Australia,
Malaysia, Suriname, South 4. Setting up of an International Database on indenture

Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, 5. Synergies with UNESCO Slave Routes Project
UNESCO
th
11 Mekong Ganga cooperation The MGC initiative was
was held in July 2021. (20 years of launched in the year 2000
MCG) with the aim of boosting
cooperation in tourism,
Mekong Ganga
Cooperation

connectivity and culture and

other range of areas.
Members - India, Myanmar,
Laos, Thailand, Cambodia
and Vietnam.
MGC takes its name from the Ganga and the Mekong, the two
civilisational rivers in Southeast Asia.

57
SYMPOSIUM The 7th edition of Indian Ocean Initiative conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008.
Naval Symposium (IONS), a
INDIAN
OCEAN
NAVAL

(IONS) It seeks to enhance maritime cooperation among Navies of the

biennial event, was hosted by littoral states of the IOR.
the French Navy at La Réunion
It aims to provide an open and inclusive forum for discussion of
in July 2021.
regionally relevant maritime issues.

This location in Afghanistan is in

news because of the fighting
that is going on between the
government troops and the
Qala-I-Naw

Taliban.
It is the capital city of Badghis
province of Afghanistan which is
located on the western border.

Taliban has claimed that it has

captured two important
bordering towns of Afghanistan.
• Torghundi crossing

Islam Qala - located in

• Islam Qala

Afghanistan bordering Iran, and

Torghundi - located in
Afghanistan bordering
Turkmenistan.

The USA used this base for 20

years in the Afghanistan war.
Bagram Airbase

It has come into the news

because of the withdrawal of the
US forces from this base.

58
 Shir Khan Bandar of
Afghanistan is a key route to
Central Asia.
It connects Afghanistan with
Tajikistan.
• Shir Khan Bandar

The Taliban is in control of

• Spin Boldak

Afghanistan's main crossing with

Tajikistan.
Spin Boldak
The Taliban captured the
strategic border crossing of Spin
Boldak on the frontier with
Pakistan.

Taliban fighters took control of

this key district in Afghanistan's
northern Kunduz province and
encircled the provincial capital.
Imam Sahib - Kunduz

The highway runs along Khash

Zaranj Delaram Highway

Rud river to Delaram to the

northeast of Zaranj, where it
connects to a ring road that links
Kandahar in the south, Ghazni,
and Kabul in the east, Mazar-i-
Sharif in the north, and Herat
in the west. India is developing
this highway.

59
 U.S. Deputy National Security
Adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-
Kharshi - Khanabad
base in Uzbekistan.

Randall and U.S. Special

Representative on Afghanistan
Zalmay Khalilzad are discussing
the possibility of an American
military base in one of the
Central Asian countries,
including in Uzbekistan, where
the U.S. had shut down its
Karshi-Khanabad base in 2009.

Turkey plans to reopen Cyprus

town of Varosha amid Greek
objection.
Varosha is an abandoned
Varosha – Cyprus

southern quarter of the Cypriot

city of Famagusta. Before 1974,
it was the modern tourist area
of the city. Its inhabitants fled
during the Turkish invasion of
Cyprus in 1974 when the city of
Famagusta came under Turkish
control, and it has remained
abandoned ever since.

It is witnessing protests after the

President has removed the
Prime Minister and has
suspended the legislature for 30
days, allegedly for the
mismanagement of COVID- 19
Tunisia

pandemic.
Arab Spring 2010 a democratic
movement in the Arab world
originated from Tunisia.

60
 Demchok Sector is located in
Ladakh along the LAC.
Chinese nationals displayed
Demchok Sector – Ladakh

banners in protest from across

the Indus river, close to the Line
of Actual Control (LAC), when
Indian villagers were celebrating
the birthday of the Dalai Lama in
Demchok in eastern Ladakh.

It is a disputed territory between

Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Armenian Prime Minister said he
would request the deployment
of Russian border guards along
his country’s frontier with
Nagorno Karabakh

Azerbaijan to prevent further

escalation after new clashes.
Last year Armenia and
Azerbaijan fought a six-week
war over the breakaway region
of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Internationally this region is
recognized as a part of
Azerbaijan, but most of it is
governed by the unrecognized
Republic of Artsakh (formerly
named Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic (NKR)) since the first
Nagorno-Karabakh War.

Q.1) Which of the following countries are members 3. Pakistan 4. Tajikistan

of SCO and share border with Afghanistan? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Turkmenistan 2. Iran (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only

61
(c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) The North Sea is bordered by which of the
following countries?

Q.2) Which of the following released “Fit for 55 1. Ireland 2. England

package”? 3. Denmark 4. France
a) ASEAN b) BRICS Select the correct answer using the code given below:
c) G20 d) EU (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q.3) Mekong River passes through which of the
following countries? Q.5) Consider the following statements:
1. China 2. Bhutan 1. The 7th Indian ocean naval symposium was
3. Myanmar 4. Malaysia hosted by French Navy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security.
(a) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q1. Do you think India can manage regional challenges emanating from withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan?

What are the options available to India in this context?

Q2. “India’s defence preparedness is facing challenges emanating from the threat of two-front war”. In this context

discuss the need for defence reforms and explain how the proposed ‘Integrated Theatre Commands’ will help India

improve its defence preparedness.

Answers to above MCQs: 1 (c), 2 (d), 3 (b), 4(c), 5(c)

62
 UTTAR PRADESH AND
• Subsidy towards purchase of plot or house site or
built house.

ASSAM MANDATE TWO • Rebate on charges for utilities such as water,

electricity, water, house tax
CHILD POLICY • Preference to single child in admission in all
education institutions
• Preference to single child in government jobs.
• Free health care facility and insurance coverage to the
Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled its New Population
single child till he attain the age of twenty years
Policy 2021-30 to reduce maternal and infant deaths in a
• The violation of the policy is penalised with
time-bound manner. In the draft of the Uttar Pradesh
measures such as barring for elections.
Population (Control, Stabilization, and Welfare) Bill-
2021 issued by the State Law Commission, 'Bacche Do He ASSAM’S TWO CHILD POLICY
Acche' has been highlighted. Assam has also brought a The Assam government has decided to apply
similar policy. “population norms” in all government schemes. The
ABOUT UTTAR PRADESH POPULATION POLICY State government has already implemented the
Population and Women Empowerment Policy of
Aims of the Policy
Assam that makes any person with more than two
• Decrease the total fertility rate
children ineligible for government gobs and election to
• Increase modern contraceptive prevalence the panchayats and civic bodies.
• Increase male methods of contraception use FACTORS AFFECTING POPULATION GROWTH
• Decrease maternal mortality rate • Infant mortality: Higher infant mortality results in
• Decrease infant mortality rate parents having more children as they are not sure of
• Decrease under 5 mortality rate their survival.

Five key targets • Early Marriage increases likelihood of more children

being born to a female.
• Population control
• Level of education especially that of women:
• Ending curable maternal mortality and illnesses
Fertility usually declines with increase in education
• Ending curable infant mortality and ensuring
levels of women. Education leads to empowerment of
betterment in their nutrition status
women and greater control over their bodies.
• Betterment of sexual and reproductive health-related
• Use of contraceptives helps to prevent unwanted
information and facilities among the youth
pregnancies and also helps in spacing between
• Care of elders children.
The proposed policy announces several incentives and • Abortion policies: Making it easier to abort children
disencentives for parents who follow the two-child will give women more control over their reproductive
policy or have only one child: rights. This will result in prevention of many
• Two additional increments during service period. unwanted pregnancies. However, the issue of sex
selective abortion should be balanced with this.

63
• Son-Meta Preference: The belief that a boy child will • It goes against India’s commitment to a rights-based
take care of a couple during their old age, ritualistic approach to family planning.
needs in Hinduism. • Most of the present growth in India’s population is
• Poverty: Poor people especially in rural areas think currently due to population momentum i.e. the high
more children as more working hands for the future. percentage of population in the child bearing age.
Also, as they do not invest on child education the cost Thus, despite having only two children India’s
of raising a child is low for them. population will continue to grow. To accelerate
• Population Momentum: India has high bracket of population stabilisation what is needed is not two
population in reproductive age group. child policy but different sets of policies which delay
child birth and lead to greater spacing between
IMPACT OF HIGH POPULATION GROWTH
children.
• Pressure on limited resources especially in rural areas
• Already factors like higher education among females,
and environmental degradation. For ex. Land parcels
late age of marriage and nuclearization of family,
get distributed in each generation reducing their
increased cost of raising a child, increasing access and
economic feasibility.
acceptability of contraceptives and changes in values
• Inadequate attention to children’s health and towards individualisation have led to total fertility
education. Such a child is not given opportunity to rates falling across India.
realise its full potential and often results in child
• States having high TFR such as Bihar, Assam and UP
delinquency.
are also expected to reduce their TFRs in the coming
• Impact on women: Women are worst hit, due to decade and reach replacement level.
frequent child births from an early age most of their
ARGUMENTS FAVOURING TWO CHILD POLICY
productive age is lost in giving birth, taking care and
raising a child. Along with this, the burden of running • Precedence of such policies pursued in various
a household and her professional commitments takes States: Various states have framed laws that set the
a heavy toll on her health and psyche. two-child limit as a criterion for certain government
jobs and elected posts. For ex. In Rajasthan, Madhya
EFFICACY OF LINKING POPULATION NORMS TO
Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra.
GOVT JOBS/BENEFITS
• Constitutionally allowed: Population control and
• Lack of evidence that coercive disincentives control family planning are in the Concurrent List, permits
population. In fact, States that provided better both Union and state legislatures to enact laws on
healthcare services have achieved population
population control and family planning.
stabilisation eg: Kerala
• India population in 2021 is estimated to be 1.39
• Women lack reproductive agency: Denying jobs or Billion (139 Crores) while China is inhabited by nearly
govt benefits to women who do not meet the
143 crore. Which means soon, India will overtake
population norms will end up disempowering them. China.
lack reproductive agency as females have children
• High fertility rate leads to undue burden on females
under pressure from other members of family. The
who are denied education and employment
choice to have or not have children is seldom that of
opportunities and sometimes forced to raise children
the female.
from a late adolescent age.
• Socio-economic reasons of population growth
remain unaddressed by disincentive measures.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST TWO CHILD POLICY
Factors that lead couples to have more children such • Programme of Action of the International
son-metapreference, son to take care during old Conference on Population and Development (UN
age and ritualistic needs etc needs to be addressed 1994) to which India is a signatory, strongly affirms
by proper communication, women empowerment against coercion, incentives and disincentives.
and creating a welfare state looking towards needs of • National Population Policy 2000 supports a target-
old age. free approach and explicitly focuses on education,
maternal and child health and survival, and the

64
 availability of health-care services, including the mandate to review, monitor and give directions
contraceptive services, as key strategies for for implementation of the National Population Policy.
population stabilisation. • Constitution (84th Amendment) Act, 2002
• Union government has maintained that family welfare extended the freeze on the state-wise allocation of
programme in India is voluntary in nature and it is seats in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to 2026.
the prerogative of the clients to choose a family • Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (National Population
planning method best suited to them as per their Stabilization Fund) under MoH&FW with a mandate
reproductive right. to undertake activities aimed at achieving population
• Economic Survey notes that India is set to witness a stabilization
“sharp slowdown in population growth in the next • Focus on institutional deliveries, strategies to reduce
two decades”. By the 2030s, some States will start IMR and MMR etc by programs such as Janani
transitioning to an ageing society as part of Suraksha Yojana (JSY), NRHM, ICDS etc.
“demographic transition” which sees nations slowly
• Addition of new contraceptive choices like Injectable
move toward a stable population as fertility rates fall
Contraceptive DMPA (Antara) Centchroman pill
with an improvement in social and economic
(Chhaya) and Progesterone only pill (POP) in the
development indices over time.
National family planning programme.
• India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is declining. It is
• Mission Parivar Vikas for substantially increasing the
now 2.2 per woman, nearing the Replacement Rate
access to contraceptives and family planning services
(RR) of 2.1. Currently, as many as 23 States and
in the 145 high fertility districts of seven High Focus
Union Territories, including all the States in the
States (HFS) with a TFR of 3 and above. These are the
south region, already have fertility below the
states of: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya
replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Assam.
• Coercive policies in a society with high preference for
• Subsequent finance commissions have incentivised
male children will impact child sex ratio.
states to control population.
• Population control laws could lead to problems of
imbalance. China one-child norm enforced in 1980s India’s Demography transition
was abandoned after it resulted in skyrocketing of India is said to witness a rapid demographic transition in
aged dependents, insufficient people of working age, the next 2 decades with demographic dividend expected
and a huge excess of aged people needing costly to peak by 2041. Coupled with the declining share of
medical care. young and increasing old age population, India will need
• Any limiting of children forces people to disown to reorient its socio-economic policies in accordance
children especially disabled children etc. with the changing demography as shown below

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO CONTROL Population (Age-Group) 2011 2041

POPULATION 0-19 41% 25%
• India was one of the first country to form a
20-59 51% 59%
comprehensive policy on population control. During
the 1970s, government launched mass sterilisation Greater than 60 8% 16%
campaigns, which were very unpopular. However,
Thus, India is experiencing a unique phase in its
following the Cairo Declaration on Population and
demographic history, when the percentage of
Development government moved towards a rights
population in India’s working age group is particularly
based family planning oriented strategy to stabilise
high. This ‘youth bulge’ is expected to last till 2041 after
population.
which age profile of India’s demographic will start
• National Population Policy 2000 gave a focused ageing. Also, as the major economies of the world such
approach to the problem of population stabilization. as China, Japan and Europe age and face a shortage of
The National Commission on Population was labour and working age people India with its educated
formed which is chaired by the Prime Minister. It has

65
and young labour force can satisfy their needs. • Increasing access to information and reproductive
This demographic dividend is particularly important in a health services, delaying age of marriage, first
country’s developmental journey. Due to the youth pregnancy and empowering the women to take
bulge, countries have been able to expand their informed decisions on spacing between children.
economies by setting up manufacturing facilities, • Focus on women empowerment should be central to
expand service sector. However, to reap the this effort. Female education and higher labour force
demographic dividend this population needs to be participation should be promoted.
educated, healthy and equipped with necessary skills to • Economic survey has suggested that India needs a
make a difference. Following policies are advocated by diversified approach to the population issues. At one
analysts: are states which have high TFR (ex. Assam, Bihar, UP)
• Focus of job creation: While around 60% of India is and other end are states where TFR has already fallen
projected to be in the working age (20-59), the labour below TFR level (ex. Kerala, TN, Karnataka etc.). In this
force participation today is at meagre 53%. Thus, we regard, it has suggested:
need to have a sustainable long-term vision for job
For States with TFR For States with
creation
<RR TFR >RR
• Skilling and Reskilling: Being at the cusp of 4th
industrial revolution the 21st century jobs require Old age population – Young population –
skilling and reskilling. Thus social-economic policies increasing dependency education and skill
targeting skill development should be designed such ratio – old age policy development policy
that they are in a continuum with education that
Investment in health; Job creation
focuses on enhancement of learning capabilities
palliative care
• Consolidation of schools: With decline in share of
young (0-19) to about 1/4th, policies targeting Increased migration Sustainable development
consolidation of schools need to be promoted (internal and external) threat

without affecting access Suggestion – Increase Suggestion – Merging of

• Upgradation of health facilities: With an abysmal retirement age schools – focus on quality
hospital beds per 1000 population of 0.7, India needs – 100% enrollment
to upgrade health care facilities particularly in the (Rajasthan model)
tertiary sector keeping in view of the increasing share
• Further, to hasten the drop to replacement levels of
of old age population.
fertility, states should tackle the socio-economic
• Retirement Age: Given the increase in healthy life issues confronting India’s largely youthful
expectancy beyond 60, India should increase its demography rather than seeking neo-Malthusian
retirement age at least up till 65 as has been approaches on population control.
contemplated by developed countries.
• Push for mode-4 labour agreements: This will allow
Indians to service in the advanced economies which HUMAN TRAFFICKING: A
are facing labour shortages. This in turn will let Indian
earn more remittances.
SOCIAL EVIL
Thus, in order to become a $5 trillion economy, India
needs to employ an inclusive approach that focuses on
each section of the population structure that is
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has relased
witnessing a change.
draft ‘Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and
WAY FORWARD Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021’. This has brough Human
• Population control strategy should be voluntary, right Trafficking in highlight.
oriented and choice based.

66
• Human Trafficking refers to buying and selling of the • Trafficking in Human Beings or Persons is prohibited
human beings for illegal and unlawful purposes. under the Constitution of India under Article 23 (1)

• A 2014 report stated that approximately 16 million • The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA)
women are victims of sex trafficking in India a year. for prevention of trafficking for commercial sexual
According to NCRB data Mumbai and Kolkata had the exploitation.
highest cases of trafficking in women and children, • Criminal Law (amendment) Act 2013 added section
mainly for forced marriage, child labour, domestic 370A IPC which provide for comprehensive measures
help and sexual exploitation. to counter the menace of human trafficking
• Protection of Children from Sexual offences
(POCSO) Act, 2012 to protect children from sexual
abuse and exploitation
• Other specific legislations like Prohibition of Child
Marriage Act, 2006, Bonded Labour System (Abolition)
Act, 1976; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation)
Act, 1986; Transplantation of Human Organs Act,
1994 .

India has ratified:

• United Nations Convention on Transnational
Organised Crime (UNCTOC)
• SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating
Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution

COVID AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

• A study by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) revealed the devastating impact of COVID-
19 on victims and survivors of human trafficking. It
has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities
• Dramatic increases in unemployment and reductions
in income, especially for low wage and informal sector
workers increased the vulnerability to Human
trafficking
• COVID-19 impacts the capacity of state authorities
and NGOs to provide essential services to the victims
of this crime
• Women and Children are more vulnerable to
trafficking for Sexual exploitation and forced labour
due to loss of jobs and shut down of schools
• COVID-19 is making the task of identifying victims of
human trafficking even more difficult. They are also
more exposed to contracting the virus, less equipped
to prevent it, and have less access to healthcare to
CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS ensure their recovery.
RELATED TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN INDIA

67
 • Direct Discrimination – is characterised by the intent
KERALA MODEL OF ANTI- to treat less favourably a person or a group.

DISCRIMINATION LAW o Eg: An employer refuses to interview a candidate

because he belongs to a scheduled caste. This is
direct discrimination in relation to caste.

o Eg: An employer fires a female employee after her

Kerala has introduced a draft legislation to deal with
marriage because he makes a stereotypical
increasing practices of discrimination in the society. Similar
assumption that married women do not make
legislation can be enacted by other states leading to
efficient workers. This is prima facie direct
expansion of civil rights covered under the legislation.
discrimination in relation to gender.
SALIENT FEATURES OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY
• Indirect Discrimination - Discriminatory practices
LAW DRAFTED BY KERALA may also be indirect in nature, whereby policies that
• Prohibits Discrimination - which are beyond the seem neutral and not expressly targeted at a
control of an individual or those that constitute a particular group, still cause a disproportional adverse
fundamental choice. impact on disadvantaged sections of society.

• Recognize various kinds of discrimination such as o Eg: An employer pays part-time workers at a lower
direct, indirect, aggravated discrimination, hourly rate than full-time workers, for doing the
harassment, and victimization. Therefore, legal same work. A majority of part-time workers in his
prohibition against harmful social practices is establishment are women but a majority of full-
introduced. Boycotting persons and targeted violence time workers are men. This is prima facie indirect
also fall within the umbrella of the proposal. discrimination in relation to gender.

• Impose an anti-discrimination duty on private • Intersectional Discrimination - Intersectional

employers, landlords, service providers and persons Discrimination happens when two or multiple
holding significant social and economic power. grounds operate simultaneously and interact in an

• Provide for civil remedies against the perpetrators inseparable manner, producing distinct and specific

of discriminatory practices and grant remedies. forms of discrimination.

• Affirmative Action - whereby public authorities are o Eg: Discrimination on the basis of the intersection

obliged to progressively realise diversification of their of personal characteristics, such as that faced by

workforces by recruiting members of disadvantaged Dalit women as Dalits, as women and in the unique

sections excluded from society, such as transgender category of Dalit women.

persons or persons with disabilities. NEED FOR NATIONAL LEGISLATION TO TACKLE

• State Equality Commission - to adjudicate DISCRIMINATION
complaints and to provide policy recommendations to
• To tackle the dimensions of discrimination being
the State government.
practiced in the society, legal remedies in the form of
DISCRIMINATIONS IN INDIAN SOCIETY comprehensive anti-discrimination legal framework is
required to fill the existing legal gap.
• Discriminations practiced in India operate on various
levels and can be categorised as direct discrimination, • Discrimination compromises human dignity which is
indirect discrimination or intersectional basic structure of Constitution under Article 21 of the
discrimination. Constitution.

68
• Organisations and individuals will be more cautious WAY FORWARD
against implicit discrimination.
• Thus, if this Bill is enacted, it will be the largest
• The legislation will give easy legal recourse against expansion of civil rights in the State of Kerala since
discrimination the commencement of the Constitution and can be a
• Most often the targets of such discriminatory model for other States to follow.
practices are vulnerable sections such as SC, ST, • States have an important role in promoting right to
Minorities, LGBT community and women etc. They equality. If States take the lead and introduce anti-
need protection of law for a full life. discrimination laws, national anti-discrimination law
• Article 15 of the Constitution does not take care of (Anti-Discrimination and Equality Bill, 2016) that
discrimination practiced by a private person or covers services and institutions under the Union
corporation. Also, does not tackle discrimination on government’s jurisdiction could have greater support.
the ground of language, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
disability status etc.

• Declaration on principles of Equality calls for

RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT
universal right to equality. It demands equality as an
entitlement and human right. It also calls for right to
non-discrimination as a free-standing autonomous Unified district information system for education (UDISE)
right. plus 2019-20 report by Ministry of Education revealed that
most of the schools in the country didn’t meet the RTE
• Anti-Discrimination and Equality Bill was
mandated Pupil teacher ratio (PTR).
introduced in Parliament in 2016 but it lapsed.
SALIENT FEATURES OF RTE, ACT, 2009
• Entry 8 (Actionable Wrongs) of Concurrent List of
Seventh Schedule can introduce an ANTI- • Free and Compulsory education

DISCRIMINATORY LAW that attracts civil penalties for o Every child in the age group of 6-14 has the right to
those engaging in discriminatory practices. free and compulsory education in a
neighbourhood school, till the completion of
• In 2006, the Sachar Committee recognized the
elementary education.
necessity for anti-discrimination legislation. The
• No screening procedure
Expert Group on Equal Opportunity Commission,
o Prohibits donation, capitation fee, screening
led by Prof. N.R. Madhava Menon reaffirmed this.
test/interview of child or parents for admissions.
CHALLENGES WITH ENACTING LEGISLATION • Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)
AGAINST DISCRIMINATION o It mandates Continuous and Comprehensive
Evaluation to assess and evaluate student’s
• It is a social problem. Using laws to remedy a social
learning instead of conventional examinations.
problem often does not bring anticipated results.
Moves away from exam centric approach to
Thus, the issue of discrimination should be handled comprehensive year round assessment.
by public education and morality.
• Infrastructure and Teacher norms
• The legislation can lead to many cases. Already courts o The Act lays down the norms for Pupil Teacher
suffer from high pendency of cases. Thus, justice Ratios (PTR is 30), buildings and infrastructure.
might not necessarily flow. • 25% Quota for poor
• Such a law may be open to misuse. o RTE Act mandates unaided and non-minority
• Not a clear and objective definition of discrimination private schools to keep aside 25% seats for

will reduce the impact of law.

69
 underprivileged children of society through a o RTE act focuses on education of children in the 6-
random selection process. 14 age group. The responsibility of early childhood
• Role of Parents and Community education was given to anganwadi centres.
However, a realisation has dawned that lack of
o The act insists upon schools to constitute School
focus on Early childhood education is responsible
Management Committees (SMCs) comprising local
for weak foundational skills which reflect in poor
authority officials, parents, guardians and teachers.
learning outcomes for children later.
The SMCs shall form School Development Plans
and monitor the utilization of government grants • RTE Act visualise education Input centric
and the whole school environment. o The RTE Act is very input centric and goes in great
• Mechanism available if RTE is violated: detail about these. However, it is silent on aspects
of pedagogy, learning outcomes etc.
o The National Commission for the Protection of
Child Rights(NCPCR) shall review the safeguards for • Amendment to No detention Policy
rights provided under this Act, investigate o The policy of holding back children who obtained
complaints and have the powers of a civil court in poor marks was a major reason for Dropout rate.
trying cases. So, RTE strictly prohibited this detention policy.

ACHIEVEMENTS o However, the recent amendment to RTE in 2018

revocated this policy citing the poor learning
• Improvement in Gross Enrollment Ration (GER):
outcomes as a reason for it. But the poor learning
GER increased to 89.7 percent at Upper Primary level,
outcomes are due to failure in implementation of
97.8 percent at Elementary Level.
Continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE).
• Improved Infrastructure and Teacher ratio: Pupil-
• Issues with 25% quota
Teacher Ratio improved at all levels of School
Education o Most of the states did not achieve the 25% quota
for disadvantaged sections in private schools
o PTR for Primary became 26.5
o Delay in reimbursement of fee by the government
o PTR for Upper Primary became 18.5
o Discriminatory behaviour towards these children
• Improved facilities like toilets has reduced drop-out
and difficulties experienced by students to blend in
rates of Girls and reduced the Gender gap in the
with a different socio-cultural environment
attendance.
WAY FORWARD
• Decreased Child Labour: Child labour in 2011 has
decreased by around 20 percent from 2001 census • Focus of the RTE Act must shift from enrolment to
figures attendance and quality. There is no database on
• Compulsory education till 14 years of age has attendance of students. So, the local authority must
reduced the incidents of Child Marriages in India: maintain a database of student attendance within its
NHFS data revealed a significant decline in the jurisdiction
prevalence of child marriage from 2005-06 to 2015-16 • Time to move from Right to education to Right to
(47%to 27%) Quality education

SHORTCOMINGS OF THE RTE ACT • Ensuring teachers to complete their basic teacher
training
• Poor Learning Outcomes
• Using digital technologies in teaching and innovations
o Though RTE improved the GER, the learning
in pedagogy such as use of toys and audio-visual
outcomes of children remained poor. ASER survey
mechanism.
found out that nearly 50% of the 5th standard
children are unable to read and write basic text • Expanding the ambit of the Act to all children
and cannot solve basic arithmetic between the ages of three to 18 years, thus including
early childhood education and secondary education.
• Blind towards early childhood education

70
• Change the curriculum framework: The current • Religious segregation: Indians’ commitment to
structure of school education to be restructured tolerance is accompanied by a strong preference for
based on the development needs of students. keeping religious communities segregated. Most of
• Development of curriculum in mother tongue for them said they do not have much in common with
primary education. members of other religious groups, and majority
• Rationalisation of schools: Small single teachers people in the six major groups say their close friends
unviable schools should be merged with larger come mainly or entirely from their own religious
schools with provision for free transport service. community.

The new Education Policy 2020 has made many changes • National Identity: Nearly two-thirds of Hindus (64%)
in this direction. Hope this policy will bring quality and say it is very important to be Hindu to be truly Indian.
inclusive education to Children of India. Among Hindus who say it is very important to be
Hindu to be truly Indian, 80% also say it is very
important to speak Hindi to be truly Indian
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM • Dietary laws are central to Indians’ religious
identity: Majority of Hindus and Muslims say that
following customary dietary laws (Hindus can’t eat
beef and muslins can’t eat pork) are central to their
Pew Research Centre, a non-profit organisation based in
religious identity
Washington DC, has conducted a survey on religious
attitudes in India. • Religion based national identity and customary
dietary laws are less prevalent in South India

CONSEQUENCES OF THESE RELIGIOUS

ATTITUDES
• Religious tolerance: Broadly, there is religious
freedom and tolerance in the country as most people
are allowed to practice their religions.
• Communalism: These attitudes will lead to a belief
that people belonging to different religions would
have different social, political and economic interests
• Ethno-Nationalism: Linking religion with national
identity results in ethnocentric nationalism. Indian
nationalism is not based on common religion,
language or ethnicity. This kind of ethnic-nationalism
KEY FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY may lead to development of tendencies like Anti-
1. Positives that point towards religious tolerance globalisation, Xenophobia and discrimination
• Religious freedom: People in all six major religious against minority religions etc.
group overwhelmingly say they are very free to • Infringement of Individual rights: Individual’s
practice their faiths, and most say that people of choices of food and marriage (Inter-faith) will be
other faiths also are very free to practice their own infringed upon
religion.
• Fundamentalism: These attitudes may result in
• Religious tolerance: Most of the people believe that fundamentalism or religious revivalism.
respecting all religions is not only important part of Fundamentalists believe that all the other aspects of
their religion but also very important to being a true life- social, political ,cultural and economic should be
Indian
governed by religious doctrines. It is against reason,
2. Worrying signals of religious intolerance rationality, humanism and secularism.

71
NIPUN BHARAT PROGRAM
• Intensive capacity building of teachers
• Holistic development of child by focusing of physical
and motor development, socio-economic
development, literacy and numeracy development,
cognitive development, life skills etc. These will be
• NIPUN Bharat stands for National Initiative for reflected in a Holistic Progress Card.
Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and • Steeper learning trajectory for children
Numeracy (NIPUN- Bharat).
• Since almost every child attends early grades, thus,
• It is a program launched by Union Ministry of focus at that stage will also benefit socio-economic
Education. The mission has launched under the disadvantageous groups. This will ensure access to
centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha. equitable and inclusive quality education.
• The program aims to ensure that every child in the
country necessarily attains foundational literacy and
numeracy by the end of Grade 3, by 2026-27. SCHOOL INNOVATION
FOCUS AREAS OF THE SCHEME AMBASSADOR TRAINING
• Providing access and retaining children in
foundational years of schooling PROGRAM
• Teacher capacity building: A special package
• Development of high quality and diversified student
and teacher resources/learning materials.
• It is a scheme launched by Union Ministry of
• Tracking the progress of each child in achieving
Education and Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
learning outcomes: Goals of the mission will be in the
form of Lakshya Soochi or Targets of Foundational • The program aims to train 50,000 school teachers on
Literacy and Numeracy. The Targets have been innovation, entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property
developed from nursery to class 3 and based on Rights, design thinking, product development, idea
learning outcomes developed by NCERT. generation etc.

OUTCOMES EXPECTED • The program has been designed by the Innovation

Cell of the Ministry of Education and AICTE for school
• Foundational skills enable to keep children in class
Teachers based on its “Innovation Ambassador
thereby reducing dropouts and improve transition
Training Program for Higher Educational Institution’s
rate from upper primary to secondary stages.
faculty members”.
• Activity based learning and conducive learning
• The training will be delivered in online mode only.
environment
• Innovative pedagogies such as toy based and
experiential learning

Q1. Consider the following statements: 2. Trafficking in Human Beings is prohibited under
1. India has ratified the United Nations Convention the Constitution of India under Article 29.
on Transnational Organised Crime (UNCTOC). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

72
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q4. Antara and Chhaya programs are related to
Q2. According to Economic Survey, India’s which of the following:
demographic dividend is expected to peak by (a) National Family Planning Programme
which of the following year? (b) Digital India Programme
(a) 2021 (b) 2041 (c) National Rural Drinking Water Programme
(c) 2061 (d) 2081 (d) National Mental Health Programme

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Q5. Consider the following statements:
Right to Education Act, 2009: 1. Population control and family planning is a
th
1. 86 Constitutional Amendment introduced Article Concurrent List subject.
21A making education a Fundamental Right for all 2. All states of India have successfully achieved the
children in the age group 6-14 years. replacement rate of population.
2. Private schools shall admit at least 25% of the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
children in their schools without any fee. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only

Q1. Covid-19 has exaggerated the problem of human trafficking in India. Discuss the constitutional and legislative
measures that have been undertaken in this regard. (15 marks)
Q2. More than a decade in implementation, discuss how successful has Right to education Act 2009 been in extending
free education to all. (10 marks)

Answers: 1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-a, 5-a

73
 NATIONAL GREEN
protection and conservation of forests and other natural
resources including enforcement of any legal right

TRIBUNAL relating to environment and giving relief and

compensation for damages to persons and property.
Chairperson of NGT can be judge a of the Supreme Court
or Chief Justice of a High Court.
National Green Tribunal remains in news throughout the The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid
year. Its activism has on the one hand yielded some very down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall
timely judgments, but it also faces a lot of challenges. be guided by principles of natural justice.
Recently, the Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to a It is mandated to make endeavour for disposal of
National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on the sale and use of applications within 6 months of filing.
firecrackers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the National New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal
Capital Region (NCR) and all cities where the ambient air with benches at Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.
quality is in the poor or above categories.
Jurisdiction of NGT is over the following legislatons:
RATIONAL BEHIND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NGT 1. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
• Increasing complexity of the environmental litigations. 2. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act,
• Need to involve experts in adjudication process. 1977
• Increasing pendency in Courts 3. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
• Rigidity imposed by the existing court system 4. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
• To maintain proper balance between sustainable 5. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
development and environment regulation. 6. Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The ‘tribunalisation’ of environmental justice is driven by 7. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
the recognition that justice would be cost-effective,
accessible and give scope for utilising expertise in the Note: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is out of the
respective fields. jurisdiction of NGT.

ABOUT NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL ISSUES WITH NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL

The National Green Tribunal has been established under • Insufficient administrative support supplied by
the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and the Government of India: Absence of basic
expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental infrastructure and human resource.

74
 GREEN SOHRA
• NGT has never functioned in full capacity: NGT Act
prescribes that the tribunal shall consist of a full-time
chairperson and not less than 10 judicial and 10
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
expert members.
o In the last nine years, the NGT has never got the
minimum strength of ten judicial and ten expert
members to address the increasing number of
environmental litigations across the country. The Union Minister of Home Affairs launched the 'Green
Currently, with only four judicial and two expert Sohra Afforestation Program' under which multi-level
members, the NGT appears paralysed. farming will be adopted for the afforestation of Cherrapunji
• Closure of the regional branches: Four zonal region.

benches have been completely shut over the past one Sohra is the name of Cherrapunji region in Meghalaya.
year. Cherrapunji region once used to receive rainfall all year
round however due to deforestation this situation has
• Inability to hire expert members: As the
changed.
environment related matters become increasingly
• Under the program, Assam Rifles will lead efforts of
complicated, NGT requires more and more
afforestation in the region. 80% of land area will be
specialized expert members. But govt. has not
planted with traditional and long lifespan trees while
shown any interest in this regard. the remaining 20% will be used for animal feed,
• In the absence of variety of expert members, ornamental plants and nursery which will meet the
decisions, especially those related to the quantum of needs of people and help reduce felling of long
compensation amount to be paid by the polluter are lifespan trees.
arrived at without any scientific basis. This has MULTI-LEVEL FARMING
resulted in an increasing number of appeals against • It is a farming system in which trees or crops of
the NGT’s decisions in the Supreme Court. varying heights are grown together in a field at the
• Issues related to implementation of the orders: same time. It is also known as multi-tier or multi-
storied cropping system. It is a kind of intercropping
There is no institutional mechanism to ensure that the
farming system.
environmental regulatory authorities comply with the
• This system is mostly used in orchards and plantation
orders of the tribunal.
crops for maximum use of solar energy. Crops and
• No jurisdiction over Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
plants of varying height, rooting pattern and duration
handicaps NGT to act to protect the flora and fauna. are cultivated together.
This shows efforts in India have been directed towards • In this system, tallest components have foliage of
diluting the role and function of the NGT. Given the strong light demand and shorter components with
current state of the NGT, it is reasonable to claim that foliage requiring shade.
the multiple objectives of access to justice, efficiency, • ICAR has been pushing for Multi-Level Farming as it
cost-efficiency, and protection of the environment can lead to doubling of farmer income.
through the NGT Act, have been defeated. BENEFITS OF MULTI-LEVEL FARMING
The NGT deserves more attention today than what it has • Higher income per unit area and more even
been hitherto. The Government of India must realise the distribution of income and employment throughout
risk of pending of thousands environmental litigations in the year.
zonal benches to its ambitious economic growth target • Steady supply of farm and forest products all year
and policy to lure investors. The government needs to round.
provide adequate financial and human resources — if it
does not want the NGT to wither away.

75
• Maximisation of land use: All growing space is used as o The more CO2 the world emits into the atmosphere,
crop fit together vertically, horizontally and the warmer will be the air temperature. Warmer air
underground. holds more moisture and results in excess rainfall,
• Reduces impacts of hazards like high intensity rainfall, which leads to flooding.
soil erosion and landslides. o Additionally, increasing temperatures at the poles
• Efficient use of soil moisture at different depths of soil result in slower movement of storms in the mid-
and catch solar energy at different heights. latitudes. As a result, storms linger longer at a
specific place. The combination of a slow-moving
• Effective weed control
storm and the presence of surplus moisture in the
• Prevents water from evaporation atmosphere results in intense rainfall in one
• Effective utilization of leaching materials location within a short period of time.
• Provide micro-climate conditions that benefit crops o Climate change might also have resulted in the jet
underneath. stream becoming more erratic, which could lead to
• It allows forests to grow 30 times faster and after 3 more frequent extreme weather phenomena.
years no maintenance is required.

FOREST RIGHTS ACT

EUROPEAN FLOODS

A “Joint Communication” was signed between Ministry of

• In July this year, several European countries have been Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), and
affected by floods causing deaths and widespread Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) pertaining to effective
damage. implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 and
• Floods affected several river basins across northern and for harnessing the potential for livelihood improvement of
central Europe including UK, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDSTs) and other
Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).
Italy. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
These floods have followed unprecedented heat • Tribals and other traditional forest dwellers have been
waves in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Europe, residing in deep forests since eternity.
prompting scientists to evaluate a possible connection to • Along with their stay, they have also come to develop
climate change. unique mutualistic relationship with the forest in
CONNECTION BETWEEN FLOODS & CLIMATE terms of their dependence on forest resources.

CHANGE • As the British rule started hunting for resources, they

constrained the entry of Indians, especially tribals into
• Scientists had warned that extreme weather events
the forests. Hence, fury of acts and policies such as
would become more common as a consequence of
the Indian Forest Act of 1927 curtailed centuries‐old,
climate change. Examples of such extreme events
customary‐use rights of local communities.
would include
• This continued even after independence till much later
o Heavy rainfall; until enactment of The Scheduled Tribes and Other
o An increase in the atmosphere's temperature Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
allows it to absorb more water vapour, resulting in Rights) Act, 2006.
more precipitation. FOREST RIGHTS ACT, 2006
• Explanation: • The act recognize and vest the forest rights and
occupation in Forest land in forest Dwelling Scheduled

76
 Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Importance
(OTFD)who have been residing in such forests for • Recognized and provided the rights of Tribals and
generations. OTFD over forest resources.
• The act also establishes the responsibilities and • The Act has also helped in the reduction of Naxal
authority for sustainable use, conservation of problems. Because Land (Jameen) has been one of the
biodiversity and maintenance of ecological balance of three demands of this movmenet.
FDST and OTFD.
• Recognising the community rights over forest
• It strengthens the conservation regime of the forests resources paves the way for management of forest by
while ensuring livelihood and food security of the the dwellers.
FDST and OTFD.
CHALLENGES
• It seeks to rectify colonial injustice to the FDST and
• Administrative Apathy:
OTFD who are integral to the very survival and
sustainability of the forest ecosystem. o The existing laws related to Environment and
Wildlife protection are not compliant with FRA,
THE ACT IDENTIFY FOUR TYPES OF RIGHTS
2006
• Title rights: It gives FDST and OTFD the right to
o Many incidents where Supreme Court had to
ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers
intervene to enforce the provisions of the act.
subject to a maximum of 4 hectares. Ownership is
only for land that is actually being cultivated by the • Lack of Awareness:
concerned family and no new lands will be granted. o Specially among the tribals. This creates a demand
• Use rights: The rights of the dwellers extend to reduction for the rights.
extracting Minor Forest Produce, grazing areas, to o The forest bureaucracy has misinterpreted the FRA
pastoralist routes, etc. as an instrument to regularise encroachment
• Relief and development rights: To rehabilitate in instead of a welfare measure for tribals.

case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to • Reluctance of the forest bureaucracy to give up
provide basic amenities, subject to restrictions for control
forest protection o As more and more people legally settle on forested
• Forest management rights: It includes the right to lands, the forest officials fear loss of control over
protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any these lands.
community forest resource which they have been • Institutional Roadblock
traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable o Rough maps of community and individual claims
use.
are prepared by Gram Sabha which at times often
WHO CAN CLAIM THESE RIGHTS? lack technical knowhow and suffers from
• Members or community of the Scheduled Tribes who educational incapacity.
primarily reside in and who depend on the forests or o Intensive process of documenting communities’
forest lands for bona fide livelihood needs. claims under the FRA makes the process both
• It can also be claimed by any member or community cumbersome and harrowing for illiterate tribals.
who has for at least three generations (75 years) prior Way Forward
to the 13th day of December, 2005 primarily resided • Tribals have been living in harmony with forests and
in forests land for bona fide livelihood needs. the biodiversity therein. The MoU recognises
• The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the process important role tribal and forest dwellers can play in
for determining the nature and extent of Individual protection of forests and biodiversity.
Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR) • Government views MFP rights as a means to curb
or both that may be given to FDST and OTFD. Naxalism since states most affected by Naxalism are
also home to people dependent on forest produce.

77
• Recognition of CFR rights would shift forest
governance towards community conservation that is
more food security and livelihood oriented.
• Large-scale awareness campaigs are required at local
level informing both tribal and lower-level officials.
• Developing a detailed strategy of training and capacity
building of people responsible for implementing the
FRA, such as Panchayats, Gram Sabha, village level
Forest Rights committee etc.
• Relevant maps and documents should be made
available to the Forest rights committee and claimants
to simplify the task of the Gram Sabha in identifying
and filing claims for individual and community rights. • It is located in Bundi district of Rajasthan. It was

• Providing clarity on the time limit for settling claims notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1982. It is adjoining
the act does not specify any time limit for resolving the buffer area of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
claims. In most of the areas, both the officials and • It is home to a large number of wild animals, including
beneficiaries are unaware of this fact. sambhars, chitals, wild boards, caracals, chinkara,
• Centre should take more proactive role in pushing nilgai and striped hyena.
states to honour a law that could change the lives of
• Its flora consists of Dhok, Khair, Salar, Khirni trees with
millions.
some Mango and Ber trees.

OTHER TIGER RESERVES IN RAJASTHAN

TIGER CORRIDOR IN • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur
RAJASTHAN • Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar

• Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota

Rajasthan government has planned to develop a tiger

GANGA POLLUTION
corridor connecting Ranthambore tiger reserve, Ramgarh
Vishdhari tiger reserve and Mukundra tiger reserve.

• It will be a functional corridor which will help in

dealing with the issue of overpopulation of tigers
which Ranthambore is facing currently. Rapidly increasing population, rising standards of living and
• Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary will link exponential growth of industrialization and urbanisation
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in the Northeast & have exposed rivers to various forms of degradation. River
Ganga is no exception. The deterioration in the water quality
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve on the southern side.
impacts the people’s health. Ganga, in some stretches,
ABOUT RAMGARH VISHDHARI SANCTUARY particularly during lean seasons has become unfit even for
bathing. The threat of global climate change, the effect of
• It will be the 4th Tiger reserve of Rajasthan
glacial melt on Ganga flow and the impacts of
and 52nd Tiger Reserve of India.
infrastructural projects in the upper reaches of the river,
raise issues that need a comprehensive response.

78
 Sources of pollution of Ganga River

ISSUES FACED IN CLEANING GANGA RIVER Kanpur city are significant sources of industrial
pollution. The major contributors are tanneries in
• Inadequate Sewage treatment: As opposed to
Kanpur, distilleries, paper mills and sugar mills in the
around four thousand MLD treatment capacity
Kosi, Ramganga and Kali river catchments.
available, Ganga basin produces around twelve
thousand MLD sewage. • Pollution from Agriculture: The cumulative use of
pesticides has doubled in the last one decade and
• Industrial Effluents: The contribution of industrial
most of it runs off in our rivers.
pollution, volume-wise, is about 20 per cent but due to
its toxic and non- biodegradable nature, this has much • Disruption of e-Flow: Many interruptions in the flow
greater significance. of the river lead to the reduction in the flow which
results in reduced velocity and siltation. This also
• Pollution from tributaries: The industrial pockets in
increases the pollutant concentration. The decrease in
the catchments of Ramganga and Kali rivers and in

79
 flow has led to an increase in groundwater extraction (Department of Water Resources, River Development
for various uses. and Ganga Rejuvenation).

• Challenges of Swachch Bharat: About 180 mld 3. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
sludge would be generated in five Ganga basin states 4. State Ganga Committees
when they become ODF and if proper faecal sludge
5. District Ganga Committees in every specified
management is not in place, it would invariably
district abutting river Ganga and its tributaries in the
pollute the Ganga.
states.
• Inadequate focus on biodiversity: River Ganga and
• NMCG has a two-tier management structure and
its tributaries are home to various species such as
comprises of Governing Council and Executive
Gangetic Dolphin, Gharial etc. Funds should be made
Committee. Thus, the newly created structure
available for their conservation.
attempts to bring all stakeholders on one platform to
• Financing take a holistic approach towards the task of Ganga
o Escalating costs due to delays in setting up of cleaning and rejuvenation.
STPs.
WAY FORWARD
o Inability to utilize funds out of the Clean Ganga
• Multi-dimensional approach: Many of the separated
Fund due to non-finalisation of action plan.
approaches like river-linking, riverfront development
• Lack of coordination: projects, access to toilets, making villages open
o The cleaning of the Ganga requires seamless defecation free, piped water supply in rural areas,
coordination between the agencies responsible for need to integrate long-term ecological and
carrying out different tasks. sustainability goals.

NATIONAL MISSION FOR CLEAN GANGA (NMCG) • Organic agriculture: Agriculture along the entire
riverbed should be organic.
• It acts as implementation arm of National Ganga River
Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was constituted under • Liquid Waste Management:

the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act o Decentralization of STPs: at the colony level.
(EPA),1986. NGRBA has since been dissolved, o Reuse treated wastewater for irrigation and empty
consequent to constitution of National Council for into natural drains. For all upcoming cities, smart
Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River cities and for those, whose master plans are not in
Ganga (referred as National Ganga Council). place, earmark land for STPs.
• A five-tier structure at national, state and district level • Develop and restore local storages (ponds, lakes,
to take measures for prevention, control and wetlands) as permanent solutions to both floods and
abatement of environmental pollution in river Ganga droughts. Only 10 per cent of water received during
and to ensure continuous adequate flow of water has monsoon rainfall is harvested. Restoration of ponds,
been put in place. lakes and wetlands should be an integral part of river
1. National Ganga Council under chairmanship of restoration and conservation strategy
Prime Minister of India. • Restoring lower order streams and smaller
2. Empowered Task Force (ETF) on River Ganga under tributaries in the Ganga Basin.
chairmanship of Union Minister of Jal Shakti • A comprehensive legislation for the river and
establishment of river board for the entire river.

80
81
 GROSS ENVIRONMENT
PRODUCT

The Uttarakhand government recently announced it will

initiate valuation of its natural resources in the form of
‘Gross Environment Product’ (GEP), said to be along the lines
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
There is a general agreement among the policy makers that
the economic concepts of GDP, GNP or per capita income Ecosystem Services
do not reflect the correct state of economic development of BENEFITS OF INTEGRATING GEP IN THE
a state or country as these concepts do not reflect on the ACCOUNTING SYSTEM
status of environment of the state/country impacted by
• It is a better way to measure the status of ecosystem
economic growth.
and can help us gauge our progress towards
Humans derive so much from resources and processes sustainable development.
that are supplied by ecosystem, collectively termed as
• It can be utilized as an indicator to assess the
“Ecosystem Services”. They include all the tangible and
performance of officials.
non-tangible assets or products which human get from
• It can be used as a rationale for compensation
nature like food, recreation, clean water, air and
purposes. For example: Finance Commissions
processes such as decomposition.
Horizontal revenue sharing.
GROSS ENVIRONMENT PRODUCT • It will help us in our assessment of state of stress
Ecosystem products and services are essentials for created by anthropogenic factors on eco-system and
human survival and development. Gross Ecosystem natural systems.
Product (GEP) aims to specific indicators to measure the Problems with in the implementation of GEP
total economic value of all ecosystem products and approach
services.
• Policy Failure
GEP is the total value of final ecosystem goods and
o Lack of recognition of ecosystem services in
services supplied to human well-being in a region
economic decision making, development planning
annually, and can be measured in terms of biophysical
and resource allocation. Value of ecosystem
value and monetary value. Ecosystems that can be
services is either ignored or poorly understood.
measured include natural ecosystems such as forests,
grassland, wetland, desert, freshwater and ocean, and • Market Failure
artificial systems that are based on natural processes like o Inadequate or missing market for many ecosystem
farmland, pastures, aquaculture farms and urban green service.
land, etc. • Institutional Failure
GEP summarizes the value of ecosystem services in a o Insufficient compensation for ecosystem services .
single monetary metric. For instance, total value of forest
• Knowledge gaps
ecosystem services flowing from Uttarakhand is about
o Challenges to provide economic value of ecosystem
$2.4 billion / year. At the Indian Himalayan-level, it is Rs
services, regulating and supporting services
94,300 crore / year.
o Lack of baseline data
In some cases, the GEP could be more than the GDP. E.g.,
GEP was greater than GDP in Qinghai (China) in 2000 and So we can easily comprehend how GEP tries to balance
was three-fourths as large as GDP in 2015. economy and ecology. If Uttarakhand is able to pull of a
scientific and rational mechanism to calculate the GEP,

82
that would lead to radical changes in our policy domain. Characteristics: It is polygynous, with males and
However, there is a need for real-time data to better females exhibiting different morphologies and adult
understand GEP. It is on the basis of this data that a lifestyles. It is the largest living land animal in Asia.
future for the GEP could be determined.
Habitat: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Laos, Malay,
Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Sumatra, Sri Lanka.
ASIAN ELEPHANTS Types: Three recognised subspecies of the Asian
Elephant.
• Sri Lankan Elephant
• Indian Elephant
• Sumatran Elephant
JNCASR, an autonomous institute of the Department of
Science and Technology, has recently studied the social IUCN Status: Endangered
structure of male Asian elephants. Protection: Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
This study examines male associations in species in which 1972. It is also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on
males rove between social groups. It provides an example of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
how ecological differences could possibly drive differences Fauna and Flora (CITES).
in male societies in related species with similar male Threats: Human-Elephant conflicts like deforestation,
reproductive strategies. human encroachment, and retaliation for crop
The field study was carried out in Nagarahole and destruction by elephants, illegal poaching for elephant
Bandipur National Parks and Tiger Reserves. skins and tusks, abusive handling methods when young
calves that are illegally captured for the tourism industry
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY
are starved, tortured to ‘break them’.
• The time spent by male Asian elephants in all-male
PROJECTS RELATED TO ELEPHANTS
and mixed-sex groups depends on the age of the
male. • Gaj Yatra which is a nationwide awareness
campaign to celebrate elephants and highlight the
• Adult Asian male elephants preferred to spend their
necessity of securing elephant corridors.
time alone than in mixed-sex or in all-male groups.
• Project Elephant was initiated by the Government of
• Males were found mostly in the company of their age
India in 1992 to provide financial and technical
peers and less frequently with young males (15 to 30
support for the preservation of the wild elephants in
years of age). Also, young males did not
India.
disproportionately initiate associations with old
males. • The Monitoring the Illegal Killing of
Elephants (MIKE) programme, launched in 2003, is
• Adult male Asian elephants are less social than
an international collaboration that tracks trends in
females. They enter musth -- a mate-searching
information related to the illegal killing of elephants
strategy for old (above 30 years of age) males,
from across Africa and Asia, to monitor effectiveness
annually.
of field conservation efforts.
• All-male groups (in the absence of females) were
• The Great Indian Bustard, Asian Elephant and Bengal
rare and small.
Florican have been included in Appendix I of UN
• Social learning from older males did not seem to play
Convention on Migratory Species in
a big role in male associations.
13th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the
ABOUT ASIAN ELEPHANTS Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in
Gandhinagar (Gujarat).

83
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AFRICAN AND ASIAN Andamans and Nicobar Islands. They can also be
ELEPHANTS found across Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
IUCN: Least Concern
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
CITES: Appendix I

They can be differentiated most easily by their ears, their

head shape, and their tusks.
►GHARIAL
• African elephants have much larger ears while Asian
elephants have smaller, round ears. Characteristics: It is among the longest of all living
crocodilians. It has a distinct boss at the end of the
• African elephants have rounded heads, while Asian
snout, which resembles an earthenware pot known as
elephants have a twin-domed head.
a ghara, hence the name "gharial".
• Both male and female African elephants can have
Habitat: Once inhabited all major river systems of the
tusks, but only male Asian elephants can grow
Indian Subcontinent, from the Irrawaddy River in the east
them. It’s important to note, however, that not all
to the Indus River in the west. Their distribution is now
male Asian elephants nor all African elephants
limited to only 2% of their former range.
necessarily develop tusks.
India: Girwa River, Chambal River, Ken River, Son
River,Mahanadi River, Ramganga River.
CROCODILES IN INDIA Nepal: Rapti-Narayani River
IUCN Status: Critically endangered
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
CITES: Appendix I
Crocodile species in India. Odisha is the only state where all
three species of Crocodiles are found in India. Sites: The gharial reserves of India are located in three
States of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
CROCODILES IN INDIA
National Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary is in Chambal.
• Saltwater
• Gharial
• Mugger

►SALTWATER
Characteristics: It is the largest living reptile. It has a
wide snout compared to most crocodiles. However, it
has a longer snout than the mugger crocodile.
Females are much smaller than males.
Habitat: In India, it inhabits Odisha’s Bhitarkanika
National Park, the Sundarbans in West Bengal and the

84
►MUGGER ABOUT BLACK-NECKED CRANE
Characteristics: It is a medium-sized broad-snouted Habitat:
crocodile native to the freshwater habitats. • This species is found in India, China and Bhutan.
Mugger crocodile hatchlings are pale olive with black High altitude marshes and lakes of Tibetan Plateau
spots, the adults are dark olive to grey or brown. and Sichuan (China), and eastern Ladakh (India) are
Habitat: Iran, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the known breeding grounds. A small wintering
Bangladesh (extinct in wild), Bhutan (extinct), Myanmar population is also found in Sangti and Zimithang
(probably extinct). valleys of Arunachal Pradesh in India.

IUCN: Vulnerable Characteristics: This bird is held sacred by Monpas, a

major Buddhist groups of Arunachal Pradesh.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Threats: Human and climate change induced habitat
CITES: Appendix I
loss, food shortage in wintering areas, and damage to
Site: Vadodara is the only city in India where crocodiles
the eggs and chicks, caused by feral dogs.
live in their natural habitat amidst the human
Conservation:
population.
IUCN: Near Threatened
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 : Schedule 1
ABOUT SNOW LEOPARDS
Habitat: They live in the mountainous regions of
central and southern Asia. In India, their geographical
range encompasses a large part of the western
Himalayas including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh,
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and
STATE ANIMAL & BIRDS IN Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas.

LADAKH
Characteristics: They act as an indicator of the health of
the mountain ecosystem in which they live, due to their
position as the top predator in the food web.
Threats: Poaching and illegal trade in body parts along
with habitat destruction due to global warming.
Ladakh pitches for a new state bird and animal after getting Conservation:
union territory status.
IUCN: Vulnerable
MORE ABOUT THE NEWS CITES: Appendix I
• The bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 : Schedule 1
2019 led to the creation of two separate union
ABOUT HANGUL
territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Habitat: It is found in dense riverine forests in the high
• Former state of J&K had the Black-necked Crane and
valleys and mountains of the Kashmir Valley and
Kashmir stag as its State Bird and State Animal.
northern Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. It is
• The black-necked crane is found only in Eastern found in Dachigam National Park, Sindh
Ladakh and Hangul is found only in Kashmir Valley. Valley, Rajparian wildlife sanctuary, Overa Aru wildlife
• So black-necked crane could no longer be the State sanctuary and in forests of Kishtwar and bhaderwah.
Bird for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Only surviving species of red deer in India.
Hangul could no longer be the State Animal of Ladakh.
Threats: Habitat fragmentation; very low fawn-female
• Local wildlife bodies in Ladakh are batting strongly ratio; influx of livestock herds of nomadic communities in
for the black-necked crane and the snow leopard to Dachigam National Park; excessive predation of fawns by
be named as the State Bird and State Animal.

85
the Common Leopard, the Himalayan Black Bear and IUCN: Critically Endangered
nomads’ dogs. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 : Schedule I

Q1. Consider the following statements with 2. It will link Ranthambore Tiger Reserve &
respect to National Green Tribunal (NGT): Sariska Tiger Reserve.
1. It has been established under the National Green Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Tribunal Act 2010. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. It is bound by the procedure laid down under the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
3. It is mandated to dispose of cases within 6 months Q4. With respect to “Forest Rights Act,2006”,

of filing. consider the following statements:

Which of the statements given above are correct? 1. These rights can be claimed only by the members
of the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
2. Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the process
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3
for determining forest rights.
Q2. Consider the following statements about Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Hangul or Kashmir stag: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. It is the only surviving species of red deer in India. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. It is listed as “vulnerable” under IUCN’ red list.
Q5. Consider the following pairs:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Snow leopards: Vulnerable
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. Black-necked crane: Endangered
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Gharial: Critically Endangered
Q3. With respect to “Ramgarh Vishdhari Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
Sanctuary”, consider the following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only
1. It will be the 4th Tiger reserve of Rajasthan. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q1. The dilution in the role and function of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) is detrimental to environmental
protection in India. Examine. (10 Marks)
Q2. What is Gross Environment Product? Discuss its utility for sustainable development. Also highlight the challenges
in the evaluation the Gross Environment Product. (15 Marks)

Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-a, 4-b, 5-b

86
 EOS-03 AND SMALL
• Heritage of proven design practices.

SATELLITE LAUNCH
VEHICLE

ISRO is planning to launch EOS-03 earth observation

satellite by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle.
ABOUT EOS-03
It is geo-imaging satellite for earth observation
developed by ISRO. It will be launched in third quarter of
2021.
It would enable real-time monitoring of natural disasters
like floods and cyclones.
EOS03 can also monitor changes in water bodies, plants,
vegetation conditions and forest cover.
It will be launched by ISRO's Small Satellite Launch
Vehicle.
ABOUT SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE
(SSLV)
Developed by ISRO to cater to emerging global small
satellite launch service market. It is designed to meet
'Launch on Demand' requirements in a cost-effective BLACK HOLE AREA
manner.
Manufacturing of SSLV will be through Indian industry
THEOREM PROVEN RIGHT
partners led by New Space India Limited, ISRO's
commercial arm.
It would help in: ‘Black Hole Area Theorem’ by physicist Stephen Hawking
• Reduced Turn-around time stated that it is impossible for the surface area of a
• Launch of Demand i.e it can be launched on a short black hole to decrease over time i.e. area of their event
time based on the demand for launch services.
horizons — the boundary beyond which nothing can ever
• Cost optimisation for realisation and operation
escape — should never shrink. This has been proven right.
• Flexibility in accomodating multiple satellites (Ride
Sharing)
• Minimum launch infrastructure requirements

87
Black hole area theorem was derived from Einstein's • These gravitational waves were detected by the Laser
theory of general relativity that defines gravitational Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
waves and black hole. (LIGO) in the United States, and by Virgo in Italy. LIGO
Einstein's general theory of relativity holds that the force is world's largest gravitational wave observatory
of gravity arises from the curvature of space and time. comprising of two enormous laser interferometers.
The theory of special relativity argued that space and • There are 3 LIGO's sisters' facilities: Virgo in Italy,
time are inextricably connected, but it didn't GE0600 in Germany and KAGRA in Japan. LIGO-India
acknowledge the existence of gravity. is a planned Joint India-US detector at Hingoli District
Scientists used Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave in Maharashtra.
Observatory (LIGO) to study the merger of two • Neutron stars are formed when a massive star runs
blackholes by studying gravitational waves coming from out of fuel and collapses.
the event. Scientists observed that post the merger the GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
area of the event horizon did not shrink.
• Gravitational waves are 'ripples' in space-time
BLACK HOLE travelling at speed of light caused by some of most
• Black hole is a place in space where gravity pulls so violent and energetic processes in Universe. They
much that even light cannot get out. The gravity is so carry with them information about their cataclysmic
strong because matter has been squeezed into a tiny origins as well as invaluable clues to nature of gravity
space. This can happen when a star is dying. • Gravitational waves were first detected in 2015 by
• There are four types of black holes: Stellar, LIGO, located in US.
intermediate, supermassive, and miniature. The • Gravitational waves are created when
most commonly known way a black hole forms is by o Objects move at very high speeds
stellar death.
o When a star explodes asymmetrically (called a
• Stellar black holes are made when the center of a very supernova)
big star falls in upon itself, or collapses. When this
o When two big stars orbit each other
happens, it causes a supernova.
o When two black holes orbit each other and merge.

SUBORBITAL FLIGHT

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson became the first

billionaire to fly to the edge of space and back, riding
aboard Virgin Galactic spacecraft in a suborbital flight.
ABOUT SUBORBITAL FLIGHT
• A Suborbital space flight is a spaceflight in which the
spacecraft reaches outer space, but comes back to
earth before completing one orbital revolution.
• Usually, the Karman Line (located above 100 km
from the surface of the earth is considered to be
boundary of space).
• When an object travels with a speed of more than
28,000 km/hr, the object is said to have attained
escape velocity. Such an object will start to orbit

88
 earth. Satellites need to sustain speeds more than
this threshold to orbit earth.
• However, if an object has speed less than this but
enough to reach about 100 km of height, it is
considered to sub-orbital spaceflight. As such an
object will return to Earth due to Earth’s gravity.
• Sub-orbital flights will allow passengers on board to
experience weightlessness.

DELHI GETS ITS OWN

• Chromosomes are located in the nucleus within each
cell.

GENOME SEQUENCING • Within our chromosomes, sections of DNA are "read"

together to form genes.
CENTRE • Genes control different characteristics such as eye
colour and height.
• All living things have a unique genome.
• Human genome is made up of 23 chromosome pairs
Genome sequencing means revealing the order of bases with a total of about 3 billion DNA base pairs. Some
present in the entire genome of an organism. DNA parts of genome are outside these chromosomes and
nucleotides, or bases —Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines, and are stored in the Mitochondria.
Thymine make up an organism's DNA. A genome is an
IMPORTANCE OF GENOME SEQUENCING
organism’s complete set of genetic instructions.
Sequencing the genome is an important step towards
Our bodies are made up of millions of cells, each with their
understanding it. It will help us:
own complete set of instructions for making us, like a recipe
book for the body. This set of instructions is known as our • Find genes much more easily and quickly. A genome
genome and is made up of DNA. Each cell in the body, for sequence does contain some clues about where
example, a skin cell or a liver cell, contains this same set of genes are, even though scientists are just learning to
instructions. interpret these clues.

• The instructions in our genome are made up of DNA. • Understand how the genome as a whole works—how
genes work together to direct the growth,
• Within DNA is a unique chemical code that guides our
development and maintenance of an entire organism.
growth, development and health.
• Study the parts of the genome outside the genes. This
• This code is determined by the order of the four
includes the regulatory regions that control how
nucleotide bases that make up DNA, adenine,
genes are turned on and off.
cytosine, guanine and thymine, A, C, G and T for short.
• Understand diseases including genotyping of specific
• DNA has a twisted structure in the shape of a double
viruses to direct appropriate treatment
helix.
• In the identification of mutations linked to different
• Single strands of DNA are coiled up into structures
forms of cancer
called chromosomes.
• Understand the design of medication & more
accurate prediction of their effects, in the

89
 advancement of forensic applied sciences, biofuels, • It revealed that there were about 20,000 human
animal husbandry, etc. genes. According to the HGP, humans share 99.9%
• Understand evolution much more accurately. genes with each other.

• Forensics and crime investigation, paternity disputes, 3. Genome India Project

new technologies such as DNA Barcoding, DNA • India’s gene-mapping project that aims to form a grid
Computiing etc. after collecting 10,000 samples in the first phase from
WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING across India, to arrive at a representative Indian
genome
• Exome, the portion of the genes responsible for
making proteins occupies just about 1% of the actual • Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and
gene. Rather than sequence the whole gene, many Technology will lead the project.
geneticists rely on “exome maps”. However, the non- • It will enable new efficiencies in healthcare, medicine
exome portions also affect the functioning of the and life sciences. However, GIP also raises concerns
genes. pertaining to medical ethics, political misuse, etc.
• Hence to know which genes of a person’s DNA are 4. Genome mapping in Indian ocean
“mutated” the whole genome sequencing is required. • National Institute of Oceanography is going to launch
• Whole genome sequencing is the process of a project for Genome Mapping in the Indian Ocean.
determining the complete DNA sequence of an • Aim of the project:
organism’s genome at a single time.
o To gather samples for genome mapping of
• This entails sequencing all of an organism’s microorganisms in the Indian Ocean
chromosomal DNA as well as DNA contained in the
o To understand the biochemistry and the response
mitochondria and, for plants, in the chloroplast. of the ocean to climate change, nutrient stress and
• In practice, genome sequences that are nearly increasing pollution
complete are also called whole genome sequences.
• Significance of the project
PROGRAMS FOR GENOME SEQUENCING o Mapping of DNA and RNA will show the nutrients
1. IndiGen programme present in them, and also those lacking in different
• Aims to undertake whole genome sequencing of a parts of the ocean.
thousand Indian individuals representing diverse o Give holistic understanding about nutrient cycling
ethnic groups from India. and productivity of the oceans.
• Funded by the CSIR under the Ministry of Science o Generate new information about trace metals from
and Technology. underexplored regions of the Indian Ocean.
• Objective: Create a pilot dataset to enable genetic o Show the presence of which these microbes have
epidemiology of carrier genetic diseases towards adapted to, in addition to their reaction to
enabling affordable screening approaches in India. atmospheric carbon dioxide.
• Found that there is 32% genetic variations in Indian
genome sequences, unique as compared to global
genomes.
WORLD’S FIRST
2. Human Genome Project (HGP) CONJUGATE VACCINE FOR
• It was the international research effort to determine
the DNA sequence of the entire human genome. COVID-19
• The HGP gave us the ability, for the first time, to read
nature's complete genetic blueprint for building a
human being.
BioFarma, a Cuban company, has stated that its Soberana
• It was coordinated by the National Institutes of
2 vaccine has 91.2% efficacy against COVID-19 in phase III
Health, USA and the Department of Energy, USA.
trials. Earlier, the company had announced that its Abdala

90
vaccine had 92.8% efficacy against COVID-19 in late-stage • Both are subunit vaccines, meaning that a part of
trials. the virus forms the antigen and is hitched on to
TYPES OF VACCINES another construct.
• In Abdala the spike protein of the coronavirus is
• Greater than 90% efficacy puts them in a select
combined with a chemically manufactured adjuvant.
league with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines
which too have a efficacy of more than 90%. Both the • In Soberana 2, the spike protein is chemically linked
Soberana and Abdala are three-shot vaccines. to the tetanus toxoid, making it a conjugate vaccine.
• This vaccine can be stored in regular refrigeration
settings of 2–8 degree Celsius.

Type of vaccine Description Diseases covered

• It contains a version of the living microbe that has been weakened in Measles, mumps, rubella
the lab so it can’t cause disease. (MMR combined vaccine)
Live attenuated
• These vaccines will replicate in a vaccinated individual and produce Varicella (chickenpox)
vaccines
an immune response but usually can cause mild or no disease. Influenza (nasal spray)
• Immune response is excellent. Rotavirus

• The virus is first killed with chemicals, heat, or radiation and then
used to make the vaccine. No threat of disease. Don’t require
Inactivated refrigeration are easy to store and transport. Hepatitis A, Influenza,
vaccines • May not always induce an immune response and response may not Polio, Rabies
live longer. Several doses of whole cell vaccines may be required to
evoke sufficient immune response.

A piece of the virus (antigen) that is important for immunity, like the Human papillomavirus
Sub-unit vaccine
spike protein of COVID-19, is used to make the vaccine. vaccines

It contains a toxin or chemical made by the bacteria or virus. They make

Toxoid vaccines a person immune to the harmful effects of the infection, instead of to Diphtheria and tetanus
the infection itself.

Biosynthetic It contain manmade substances that are very similar to pieces of the
HIV
vaccines virus or bacteria.

SUBUNIT VACCINES • Subunit vaccines do not contain live components and

are considered as very safe.
• Like inactivated whole-cell vaccines, they do not
contain live components of the pathogen. They differ PROTEIN BASED SUBUNIT VACCINES
from inactivated whole-cell vaccines, by containing • Present an antigen to the immune system without
only the antigenic parts of the pathogen. viral particles, using a specific, isolated protein of the
• These parts are necessary to elicit a protective pathogen.
immune response. This precision comes at a cost, as • Weakness: Isolated proteins, if denatured, may bind
antigenic properties of the various potential subunits to different antibodies than the protein of the
of a pathogen must be examined in detail to pathogen.
determine which particular combinations will produce
POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINES
an effective immune response and guarantee that
immunological memory will be formed. • Some bacteria when infecting humans are often
protected by a polysaccharide (sugar) capsule that

91
 helps the organism evade the human defense • Various protein carriers are used for conjugation,
systems especially in children. including diphtheria and tetanus toxoid.
• They create a response against the molecules in the • Conjugate subunit vaccines, can prevent common
pathogen's capsule. These molecules are small, and bacterial infections for which plain polysaccharide
often not very immunogenic. vaccines are either ineffective in those most at risk
• As a consequence they tend to: (infants) or provide only short-term protection
(everyone else).
o Not be effective in infants and young children
o Induce only short-term immunity (slow immune RATIONALE FOR CONJUGATE COVID VACCINE
response, slow rise of antibody levels, no immune • Soberana-2 vaccine is the only coronavirus vaccine
memory). that relies on the conjugate vaccine technology.
• Example: Vaccines against Meningococcal disease. • Subunit vaccines are most economical and Cuba has
experience in development of sub-unit vaccines.
CONJUGATE SUBUNIT VACCINES
• Spike protein - the antigen or part of the SARS-CoV2
• Conjugate subunit vaccines create a response against
virus that all COVID vaccines target because it induces
the molecules in the pathogen's capsule.
the strongest immune response in humans.
• In comparison to plain polysaccharide vaccines, they
• However, the Cuban vaccines are based only on the
benefit from a technology that binds the
part of spike protein that is involved in contact with
polysaccharide to a carrier protein that can induce a
the cell’s receptor: the RBD (receptor-binding domain)
long-term protective response even in infants.
which is also the one that induces the greatest
• Carrier protein - A protein linked to a weak antigen number of neutralising antibodies.
to increase its immunogenicity when used as a
• There is no disadvantage of using conjugate vaccines
vaccines.
against COVID-19. However, they have generally been
used against bacteria and not viruses.

DOPPLER RADARS
• Larger the object deflecting the beam, the more is the
quantity of electricity that the radar gets in return.

• Observing the time required for the beam to be

transmitted and back to the radar permits weather
forecasting departments to “see” raindrops in the
India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Doppler Radar in
atmosphere, and measure their distance from the
Mumbai, which surveys weather patterns and forecasts,
radar.
stopped working after heavy rainfalls.
MECHANISM OF DOPPLER RADAR SIGNIFICANCE

• They are based on Doppler Effect observed in sound • It gives an idea about the location of targets along
with their motion. Thus, it's makes it feasible track the
waves. In radars, a beam of electricity– known as
orientation of rain drops and clouds.
radio waves– is emitted from an antenna.
• Doppler radars assist to track climate structure, cloud
• When this beam moves an object in the atmosphere, bands and gauge rainfall in an area of 500 km.
the electricity scatters in all directions, with a few • Guide meteorologists in instances of severe climate
reflecting waves returning to the radar. activities like cyclones, thunderstorms, lightening and
heavy rainfall.

92
ABOUT DOPPLER EFFECT source, the incoming sound waves stretch, registering
a fall in frequency.
• As an object comes closer to the source, the
frequency of incoming sound waves increases due to • This explains why as an object approaches we hear
compression. As an object travels farther from the louder sound while when a object moves away from
use we hear fainter sound.

o Easy to apply as when nano urea is sprayed on

LIQUID NANO UREA leaves Nano Urea
o Reduced transportation cost
o Easy to store
IFFCO has entered into an MoU with public sector fertiliser o Reduced import of conventional urea saving
manufacturers National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) and precious foreign exchange.
Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Ltd (RCF) for 'transfer of
o Increased income for farmers.
technology' aimed at increasing production Liquid Nano
Urea.
ABOUT LIQUID NANO UREA UV-C TECHNOLOGY
• Developed by IFFCO. India will be first country to start
commercial production of Liquid Nano Urea.
• It is a nanotechnology-based fertiliser. It contains
The Ministry for Science and Technology has informed that
nanoscale nitrogen particles which have more surface
Ultraviolet-C or UV-C Disinfection Technology will soon be
area and number of particles, which make it more
impactful. installed in Parliament for the mitigation of airborne
transmission of SARS-COV-2.
• Benefits of Nano Urea:
o As compared to conventional urea, uptake of Nano UV-C AIRDUCT DISINFECTION SYSTEM
Urea is more than 80%. It is thus required in lesser • Developed by CSIR-CSIO (Central Scientific
amounts as compared to the conventional urea
Instruments Organisation).
fertiliser to fulfil plant's nitrogen requirement.
• The system is designed to fit into any present air-
o Cheaper than conventional urea
ducts. Virucidal dosages, usage of UV-C depth and
o Reduced input costs to farmer.

93
 BITCOIN HARDWARE
house time may be optimized in keeping with the
prevailing space.

• Using the system, virus can be deactivated in any WALLET

aerosol debris using calibrated ranges of UV-C light.

• May be utilized in auditoriums, malls, academic

Institutions, AC buses, and railways. The device is Payments firm Square would soon build a hardware wallet
specifically developed to disinfect non-living things. to store bitcoin.
ABOUT ULTRAVIOLET (UV) • The pockets could be in the form of a plug-in device,
• Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of light or radiation naturally just like a USB pen drive that stores, manages and
emitted by the Sun. It covers a wavelength range of secures a user’s crypto assets.
100-400 nm. The human visible light ranges from • Each virtual asset is connected to a cryptographic
380–700 nm. password referred to as a ‘personal key’ to permit
• UV is split into 3 bands: UV-C (100-280 nm), UV-B (280- customers to access it. This key safeguards
315 nm) and UV-A (315-400 nm). cryptocurrencies from robbery and unauthorized
access.
• UV-A and UV-B rays from the Sun are transmitted via
our environment and all UV-C is filtered with the aid • The asset owner, with the assist of a steady hardware
of using the ozone layer. pockets, can access the personal key to shop for and
promote crypto assets from anywhere.

• Most hardware wallets permit customers to control a

couple of accounts; a few even permit customers to
connect with their Google or Facebook accounts.

• Popular hardware wallets encompass Trezor, Ledger,

KeepKey and Prokey.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A SOFTWARE

WALLET?
• Cryptocurrency keys can be saved in 2 types of
wallets – software and hardware.

• Software wallets are like cell phone apps that digitally

CAN UV-C KILL CORONAVIRUS?
save non-public keys. Most software program wallets
• UV-C radiation (wavelength around 254 nm) has been
don’t charge customers to save non-public keys.
used to disinfect the air in hospitals, laboratories, and
However, they can additionally gather a fee for buying
in water treatment. But those traditional germicidal
and selling through the app. Software wallets may be
remedies are completed in unoccupied rooms as they
susceptible to malware.
are able to cause health problems.
• Hardware wallets and gadgets act like cold storage for
• UV-C can destroy the outer protein coating of the
private keys. The passwords are covered via way of
SARS-Coronavirus. However, UV-C radiation used in
means of a PIN, making it hard for hackers to extract
this device could be harmful to the skin and eyes of
non-public keys because the records aren’t uncovered
living beings.
to the Internet.

94
 • About NAUKA: 'NAUKA' is multipurpose laboratory module of the International Space Station.

Nauka Nauka has been developed by Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos. Nauka means science in
Russia. It is largest space laboratory commissioned by Russia. The module was launched by
& Proton rocket, which is Russia's most powerful rocket.

• About ERA: It is a robotic arm similar to the human arm. It also has an elbow, shoulders and
European even wrists. The ERA is the first robot able to 'walk' around the Russian segment of the

Robotic International Space Station. ERA has been developed by European Space Agency. The
European Robotic Arm will assist transportation to the newly integrated NAUKA module in
Arm International Space Station.

• International Space Station is modular space station in low Earth Orbit. Five space agencies are
participating in the program: NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe) and
CSA (Canada).

95
 • Hubble Space Telescope has discovered evidence of water vapors in the atmosphere of
Jupiter's moon Ganymede. This water vapor forms when ice from the Ganymede's surface
sublimates - that is turns from solid to gas. Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system.

• Research has revealed that Ganymede holds more water than all of Earth's oceans. However,
Water on temperatures there are so cold that water on the surface is frozen solid. Ganymede's ocean

Ganymede would reside roughly 100 miles below the crust; therefore, the water vapor would not
represent the evaporation of this ocean.

• European Space Agency has planned for JUICE Mission, to be launched in 2022. JUICE stands
for Jupiter Icy moons Explorer. This mission will explore Jupiter and three of its largest moons,
with emphasis on Ganymede as a planetary body and potential habitat.

• The aim of this project is to search for extraterrestrial technological signatures of

Extraterrestrial Technological Civilisations. This ground based project searches for physical
objects, and not electromagnetic signals, associated with extraterrestrial technological
Galileo equipment. (search for signatures of life outside earth).

Project • Astronomers in 2017 had discovered the first interstellar object from outside the solar system
called 'Oumuamua'. The object did not resemble any comet or asteroid observed before.

• The project will be financed by philanathropic efforts and is led by Harvard University
Professor Avi Loeb.

• Scientists have discovered these novel DNA sequences in wetland soil. These elements have
been named 'Borgs' after a character from Star Trek movie, which has the ability to assimilate
genes from other organisms.

• Borgs are DNA sequences found outside the chromosomes. Other examples of
'Borg' DNA Extrachromosomal elements are plasmids.

• Borgs are novel Borgs have been found to share genes and proteins with organisms that
oxidize methane, called methanotrophs, belonging to genus Methanoperedens.
Methanotrophs are important from perspective of climate change, as they reduce atmospheric
methanes.

Q.1) Which of the following statements is/are 2. UV-B rays can only reach the outer layer of human
correct? pores and skin.
1. UV-A ray’s accounts for more 70 present of the UV 3. UV- C rays are found in man-made sources of
radiations that reaches the earth surface. radiations like- mercury lamps.

96
Select the correct answer using the code given below. Q.4) Which of the following technologies is/are
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only developed as part of Small Satellite Launch
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Vehicle (SSLV)?
1. Flexible nozzle control

Q.2) Doppler radar is used in which of the following 2. Electro-mechanical actuators for all stages
processes? 3. Velocity trimming module
1. Weather Select the correct answer using the code given below.
2. Aviation (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
3. Healthcare (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only Q.5) Consider the following statements about Liquid
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Nano Urea:
1. This urea has to be applied in the root zone of
plants.
Q.3) Nauka module on the International Space
Station (ISS) used as a docking port for 2. Urea used for fertilization will reduce, if Liquid
spacecraft and as a door for cosmonauts to go Nano Urea is used.
out on spacewalks. It is related to which Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
country? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) India (b) USA (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) China (d) Russia

Q1. Write a short note on various types of vaccines available and their relative effectiveness and concerns. (15 Marks)

Q2. Write a short note on the SSLV launcher being developed by India. How will it allow the Indian space program to

capture a greater share in the global satellite launch market? (10 marks)

Answers: 1-d, 2-d, 3-d, 4-d, 5-b

97
KAKATIYA RUDRESHWARA
finish with its lustre intact even after 800 years of
construction.

TEMPLE AS WORLD • Sandbox technique: The foundation of the temple is

built using sand-box technique which is unique to
HERITAGE SITE Kakatiyan temple architecture. They understood the
need for utilising sand as a material for the
foundation.
• Other important Kakatiyan period structures:

• UNESCO has inscribed the Ramappa temple as a o Keerthi Thoranas of Warangal

th
World Heritage Site. India’s 39 World Heritage site. o Temple of Thousand Pillars at Hanumakonda

• Rudreshwara temple, popularly known as Ramappa ABOUT KAKATIYAS (1123-1232 AD)

Temple (Kakatiyan Style of temple architecture), is
• Important Rulers: Ganpatideva, Rudrama Devi
located in Palampet, close to Hyderabad in Telangana.
(Considered to be the first female monarch of
• The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is built India), Prataparudradeva
during the Kakatiya period (1123-1232 AD) under
• Marco Polo visited Kakatiyan kingdom during the
rulers Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra.
reign of Rudrama Devi. He also mentioned about
SALIENT FEATURES: KAKATIYAN ARCHITECTURE Motupalli port. He also highlighted that the Kakatiyan
• The base of the temple is in stellate pattern and not kingdom was famous for diamonds.
square as in Dravidan or Nagara style. • Their capital was located at Orugallu, near Warrangal
• The took the Vesara style of Kalyan Chalukyas and in Telangana.
evolved it suitable to local needs. CONTRIBUTION OF KAKATIYAS
• Masterful material selection: Temple is constructed • Development and growth of Telugu Language
using sandstone. The temple has decorated beams
• Religion: Kakatiyas gave patronage to Saiva siddhanta
and pillars of carved granite and dolerite. The temple
• Irrigation: They constructed a network of dams for
is located close to Ramappa Cheruvu, a Kakatiyan-built
irrigation and drinking water. Telanagana
water reservoir.
• Promoted regional dance and music traditions.
• Distinctive Vimana: The temple has pyramidal
Vimana which appears like horizontally stepped tower
made of lightweight porous bricks, called as 'floating
bricks', which helped reduce the weight of the roof.
DHOLAVIRA AS WORLD
• Floating bricks: Kakatiyas had pioneered a unique HERITAGE SITE
brick making technology by which high-strength bricks
of very low weights could be manufactured. These
bricks are called floating bricks.
• Sculptures: Temple's sculptures are of high artistic
UNESCO has inscribed the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC)
quality. They illustrate regional dance customs and
site of Dholavira as a World Heritage Site. Dholavira will be
Kakatiyan culture. The sculptures have a metal like th
40 site from India which has been accorded the World

98
Heritage Status by UNESCO. Apart from India, Italy, Spain, • Dholavira signboard: The Dholavira signboard is the
Germany, China and France have 40 or more sites as World largest IVC written inscription known. It is located
Heritage. It is only IVC era site from India to get World close to the gate of the city.
Heritage Status. • Cemetry: Dholavira has a large cemetery with
cenotaphs of 6 types. However, there have been no
ABOUT DHOLAVIRA
discovery of human skeletons from Dholavira.
• Dholavira is located on the Khadim Bet island in the
• Bead processing workshops and artefacts
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
• Copper smelter has been discovered
• Dholavira is one of the very few large Harappan
settlements where an entire sequence spanning from
early Harappan town / pre-urban phase to the height
of the Harappan expansion and the late Harappan is
TIPU SULTAN (1750-1799)
observed.
• Evidence of stratified society: The homes in
Dholavira suggest that IVC was a stratified society
Popularly known as the Tiger of Mysore and Tipu Sahib. He
with different social status for different class of
people. was son of Hyder Ali and succeeded his father in 1782 and
th
• 6 largest Indus Valley Civilisation site. ruled for about 17 years.

• It consists of two parts: a walled city and a cemetery. In Fourth Anglo-Mysore War between 1798-99, however, he

• Unlike Harappa and Mohen jo Daro which have two was defeated when the forces of the British East India
divisions (Citadel and Lower town), Dholavira consists Company, the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad came
of three divisions: together. He was killed on May 4, 1799 while defending his
o A fortified castle with attached fortified Bailey fort of Srirangapatna, in Karnataka.
(residence for higher officials) and Ceremonial
CONTRIBUTIONS OF TIPU SULTAN:
Ground
o A fortified Middle Town • Military reforms: He was a pioneer in the use of

o A Lower Town rocket artillery this was called Cushoon. He

commissioned the military manual Fathul Mujahidin.
• Building Material: Unlike other IVC sites where burnt
bricks have been used, construction is done by He organised his army along the lines of modern army
stone. of France. He decided to develop a navy and

• Expansive Water Management: Dholavira located in established the office of Mir Yam (Head of Navy) and
a water scarce region developed an expansive system built dockyards at Mangalore, Molidabad and
letting them thrive in harsh environment. Wajidabad.
• Dholavira has two stadium like structures which would • Land Revenue reforms: Introduced a land revenue
have been used for dance performances, gatherning
system (eliminating middlemen) which gave a boost to
etc.
the Mysore silk industry and helped in establishing
• A series of reservoirs are found to the east and south
Mysore as a major economic power. He introduced a
of the citadel. The water management system here is
designed to store every drop of water in the new coinage system
reservoirs. • He established the 40-acre Lalbagh Botanical Garden
• Few rock-cut wells are discovered here which are in Bengaluru.
amongst oldest examples of well.
• Tipu established banking networks and cooperatives,
• Hemispherical memorials: Dholavira has some where capital was raised from the public (similar to
hemispherical structures. Archaeologists have traced
banks inviting deposits), the principal held on an
the origin of Buddhist stupa in these memorials.
annual basis and returned with interest (or `nafa').

99
• He established trading houses for Mysore products • Laxmi Narayan Temple exhibits a unique architectural
worldwide, including places like Puducherry, Kutch, style, which is a mix of a fort and a temple.
Karachi, Oman, Baghdad and Constantinople • Chattris of Orchha are cenotaphs that were
constructed in honour of its erstwhile rulers.
• International relations: Tipu was also associated
ABOUT GWALIOR
with the revolutionary ideas of France and was a full
• Capital of Central India before reorganisation of states
supporter of Republican polity setup. He helped found
in 1956.
the Jacobin club of Mysore.
• The city is known for Rajput (Raja Man Singh Tomar)
and Maratha (Scindias) ruling dynasties.

HISTORIC URBAN • Historical significance:

o The city was founded by Suraj Sen in 8th Century
LANDSCAPE APPROACH AD.

(HULA)
o Gwalior inscription of Mihirkula reveals that Hunas
also ruled the region.
o Later the city came under the Gurjana Pratihara
dynasty.
o Later the city came under the control of Tomar
Madhya Pradesh has launched UNESCO’s ‘Historic Urban dynasty, who made Gwalior its capital.
Landscape’ project for Gwalior and Orchha cities of State. o Scindias made Gwalior their capital in the 1830s
HISTORIC URBAN LANDSCAPE APPROACH and remained princely state during the British rule.
• UNESCO's approach to managing historic urban • Architectural significance
landscapes is holistic by integrating the goals of urban o Gwalior Fort: The city is named after Gwalior Fort
heritage conservation and those of social and located on top of a Hilltop.
economic development. This method sees urban
o Teli ka Mandir: It is a hindu temple located within
heritage as a social, cultural and economic asset for
the Gwalior fort. The temple is famous for hybridity
the development of cities.
of Nagara and Dravida styles of architecture in a
• This approach moves beyond preservation of physical Rajput temple. The shape of the roof is pyramidal
environment and focuses on the entire human displaying characteristics of Dravidian influence
environment with all its tangible and intangible whereas ornamentation is done in Northern Indian
qualities. style.
• It seeks to increase sustainability of planning and o Chaturbhuj Temple: It is a 9 century AD temple
design interventions by taking into account the located inside Gwalior Fort constructed by Gurjara-
existing built environment, intangible heritage, Pratihara dynasty. The temple contains an
cultural diversity, socio-economic and environmental inscription of ‘0’ or zero. It is one of the earliest
factors along with local community values. incriptions of zero found in India.
ABOUT ORCHHA: o Man Mandir Palace: The temple has been
• It is situated on the bank of Betwa river in the Niwari constructed by Man Singh Tomar. It is often
district of Madhya Pradesh. referred as a painted palace because of painted
th
• Town was founded in the 16 century by the Bundela effect due to styled tiles.
Rajput Chief, Rudra Pratap. • Cultural significance
• Famous places in Orchha: Orchha fort (Blend of Rajput o Famous for Music: Gwalior gharana is the oldest
and Mandu architecture style), Orchha wildlife of Khayal Gharanas in the country.
Sanctuary, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Chhatris, o Raja Man Singh Tomar was a patron of Dhrupad.
Chaturbhujj Temple, Ram Raja Temple, Sheesh Mahal. Tansen and Baiju Bawara belong to Gwalior.
• Ram Raja temple is the only place where lord Ram is Tansen Music Festival is celebrated here.
worshipped both as a God and as a King.

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 RAKHMABAI CASE DURING EXCAVATION IN
ODISHA
Recently, the controversy around 'Restitution of Conjugal
Rights' has brought the focus back to the famous
Rakhmabai Case, which was the first case in India on the • Archaeologist have found distinct traces of three
'Restitution of Conjugal Rights'. cultural phases at Durgadevi Site in Balasore district
of Odisha. The finding belongs to three cultural
ABOUT RAKHMABAI RAUT
phases including Chalcolithic (2000 to 1000 BC), Iron
• She was one of the first women doctors to practice Age (1000 to 400 BC) and Early Historic Period (400 BC
medicine in British India. to 200 BC).
• The was the major cause behind the enactment of Age • The site has a circular mud fortification and lies
of Consent Act, 1891 which was the first check on child between Sona river and Burahabalang river.
marriage in India.
• Rakhmabai was married at the age of 11 to Dadaji
Bhikaji. However, she continued to stay with her SHYAMA PRASAD
family. This led to the famous Dadaji Bhikaji vs
Rakhmabai case of 1885, in which Bhikaji asked for
MUKHERJEE
'restitution of conjugal rights'. The judge ruled in her
favour stating that Rakhmabai was married in
'helpless infancy' and hence cannot be forced.
th
• This initiated a lot of discussion in the society around • Recently, 120 birth anniversary of SP Mukherjee was
the rights of women and child marriage. Later the Age celebrated.
of Consent Act, 1891 was enacted. • He was the youngest vice-chancellor to Calcutta
University.
• He was against the communal politics of the Muslim
DR KADAMBINI GANGULY league and other anti-national and disruptive forces
resulted in his active association with the All India
Hindu Mahasabha, where he ended up being
President in 1944.
• He was part of the Constituent Assembly.
• She is the first woman to be trained as a physician in
India. She was the first woman to get admission to • He strongly backed for the partition of Bengal after
Calcutta Medical College, from which she graduated in the Noakhali riots. He launched the Bengali Hindu
1886. Homeland Movement which was a movement of
Bengali Hindu people for the Partition of Bengal in
• She was also active in India's women's rights
1947 to create a West Bengal in India, in the wake of
movement. She was also one of 6 women to form the
Muslim League’s proposal to include entire province
first all-women delegation of the 1889 Indian National
of Bengal within Pakistan.
Congress.
• He served as the Minister for Industry and Supply,
he served in the first cabinet of PM Jawahar Lal Nehru.
4000, YEAR-OLD However, he later resigned in protest to Nehru-
Liaquat Pact.
SETTLEMENT FOUND • Post-Independence, he devoted his time towards the
cause of refugees and made extensive tours for their

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 relief and rehabilitations. He was against the special • According to him, the crux of problem of poverty in
Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir. He thought it India was because of centuries of oppression,
would lead to balkanisation of India. downtrodden masses had lost faith in their capacity to
• He was the founder of Bhartiya Jan Sangh in 1951, improve their lot. Therefore, it was necessary to infuse
which is the predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party. faith in their own capacities.

• Through Maha Bodhi society, he strengthend India’s • Vivekanand believed that principle of Atman i.e.
cultural ties with other nations. doctrine of potential divinity of soul, taught in Vedanta
could ameliorate the condition of the poor people.
Thus, the masses needed two kinds of knowledge:
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA secular knowledge to improve their economic
condition and spiritual knowledge to infuse in them
faith in themselves.
• He preached ‘neo-Vedanta’, an interpretation of
Hinduism through a Western lens, and believed in
• Born in Kolkata in 1863, he was known as Narendra
combining spirituality with material progress.
Nath Datta in his pre-monastic life.
• He is known to have introduced the Hindu
• He was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Parmahansa and
philosophies of Yoga and Vedanta to the West. In
a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India. He
1893, he took the name ‘Vivekananda’ after Maharaja
pushed for national integration in colonial India, and
Ajit Singh of the Khetri State requested him to do so.
his famous speech remains as the one that he gave in
Chicago in 1893 (Parliament of the World Religions). • He formed the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 “to set
in motion a machinery which will bring noblest ideas
• He established a new monastic order in Baranagar in
to the doorstep of even the poorest and the meanest.”
Kolkata and went to explore India.
In 1899, he established the Belur Math, which
• During his travels, he was deeply moved by appalling became his permanent abode. He also wrote books
poverty and backwardness of the masses. He was the like Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Raja Yoga etc.
first religious leader who highlighted that real cause of th
• In 1984, the Government of India declared that 12
India’s downfall was the neglect of masses and
January, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, will be
highlighted the immediate need to provide food and
celebrated as National Youth Day.
other necessities. He emphasised on improved
methods of agriculture, village industries etc.

Q1. This city was founded in the medieval era, Q2. Consider the following statements with respect
showcase blend of Indo-Islamic architecture to Tipu sultan.
feature, and houses a famous temple of 1. He was last ruler to fight Anglo-Mysore war.
Chaturbhuj in Central India and Jahangir Mahal. 2. He was the Indian ruler to employ rocket
Which of the following cities matches the above technology in warfare.
features?
3. During his reign Mysore had close relations with
(a) Orchha (b) Jaipur France.
(c) Mandu (d) Ahmedabad Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

102
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only 1. It is situated in the dry region of Kutch.
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Evidence of bead making, large water reservoir,
and stone architecture was founded here.
Q3. With respect to City of Gwalior, consider the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
following statements. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. It was founded by the Mughal rulers in Malwa (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
region.
2. First evidence of written zero was founded here. Q5. Which of the following are not world heritage
3. Unique style Saas-Bahu temple is situated in the sites in India?
city. 1. Ghats of Varanasi
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Ramappa Temple
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only 3. Bodh Gaya
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 4. Temples of Kanchi
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q4. Consider the following statements with respect (a) 2 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
to Dholavira. (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q1. Write a short note on the Kakatiyan Temple Architecture. (10 marks)

Q2. Write a short not on any one of the Harappan sites present in India. (10 marks)

Answers to above MCQs: 1(a), 2(d), 3(b), 4(c), 5(b)

103
Coverage from varied sources
 HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS AND VALUES

All the questions given below are connected with different shades of consciousness and values, and the answers for
all these require deep insight about oneself, surroundings and their inter-relationship.
To answer these, this section is containing thoughts shared by people on human personality, consciousness and
values.
So, by reading them, try to figure out the answers.

Q. “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he

thinks he becomes.” – M.K. Gandhi (UPSC 2019) Giving, not hoarding, is the only hope in an
increasingly violent world….
Q. “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct
understanding. “ - Mahatma Gandhi (UPSC 2018) Contrasting approach

Q. One of the tests of integrity is complete refusal to Many years ago, when we stopped at an isolated spot on
be compromised. Explain with reference to a real life a highway running through Mandya in Karnataka, an old
example. (UPSC 2017) farmer came to us carrying sugarcane. I was so used to
Q. The crisis of ethical values in modern times is being accosted by hawkers and sellers that I began to
wave him away politely as he approached. He smiled and
traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.
continued walking wearily up the slope from the fields to
(UPSC 2017)
the road. Even though everything about his appearance
Q. All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you
spoke of his poverty, it became clear that his goal was
agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with
not to sell but to give his sugarcane to my children who
examples. (UPSC 2014)
had stepped out of the car. He wanted nothing in
Q. The current society is plagued with widespread return.
trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this
I have forgotten many things, but not that unknown
situation for personal well-being and for societal well-
peasant who wanted to give something to a stranger and
being? What can you do at the personal level to make
sought nothing in return. Recently, another example
yourself trustworthy? (UPSC 2014)
made me think about another philosophy of life.
Q. What do you understand by the following terms in
Asha and her cousins triumphantly brought mangoes
the context of public service?
and guavas to their grandmother. They were holidaying
a. Integrity b. Perseverance c. Spirit of service
at their village homestead and had lain in wait for the
d. Commitment e. Courage of conviction
children from the village who used to raid their family
(UPSC 2013)
orchard. The city children had pounced on village
children of the same age, challenged them, and
ASSESSMENT TIME successfully retrieved all the “stolen goods.”

Let us start by reading, and pondering on the text Contrasting thought process
given below.
Their grandmother looked at the fruits on the verandah
-------------------------------------------------------------- and was not impressed.
1. SHOULD WE CARE TO SHARE?
(# share)

105
“What’s the matter with you children? Don’t you get to eat beginning of the only kind of wisdom that might one
sufficient mangoes and berries from what is stored indoors day save the world. Humans have survived successfully
for the family?” everywhere not because primitive societies fought each
other over resources but because we suppressed our
“Yes, but this too belongs to the house.”
selfishness and learned to cooperate.
“It belongs to your compound, grandmother.”
In the history of time, our industrialised age is as yet only
“It belongs to us.” a blip. It is not too late to teach the values of mutual

“They have no right to it.” progress and co-operation in order to look beyond the
self.
The chorus of voices did not have an impact on their
grandmother. But we are also living in times when technology is
persuading people to become more and more self-
“Listen to me. After we eat well, the rest is to be left on those oriented. Sensitising large populations may never come
trees for those children to help themselves. It belongs to through; but if pockets of understanding and perception
them. It is their right to raid the tree which has so much to are created, there might still be hope for an increasingly
give. Go and give all the fruits back to them and apologise violent world whose leaders have forgotten that sharing
for your rudeness.” — not possessing — is the foundation of our
The city cousins were astounded at their grandmother’s existence.
philosophy. It was contrary to everything they had What does sharing provides?
learnt so far about what they felt they owned. The Ans. It gives us the right to live.
world was something to be understood in order to be
conquered. Marks were to be won; likewise, games and 2. SHOULD WE ALWAYS BE TRUTHFUL?
quizzes. “My” lunch, “my” seat and desk and “my” toys (# Be truthful)
and books.
Why do we ruin our peace by not being truthful?

What is man but a fragment of the universe? Yet, we

have pitted our puny selves against the infinite silence of
space and dared to disturb the Moon, Mars and Saturn.
Though taking a flight is now far more common than it
used to be 40 years ago, I’m unfailingly impressed by our
technological triumph every time I’m strapped down in a
slender cigarillo of metal and glass as it roars down the
runaway before it lifts off, carrying hundreds of
passengers and their luggage.

Consider our skills and deft manipulation of our

external environment!

Many social philosophers feel that if children were raised

differently, there might be a real change in world politics
and conflicts. That the collection and codification of
information is only the beginning of education seems to
have passed many peoples’ understanding. Education to
refine the mind, to help young people to accept and We drill through mountains, make deserts bloom and get
give of themselves rather than hoard, is the drinking water from the sea. School texts beautifully

106
illustrate our watery planet protected by small hands and When the motives are unclear even to the one who lies (7%)
fingers reminding children that we literally hold the
Most psychologists say that the truth comes naturally
planet in our hands. Is it not wondrous that the
to everyone and that it takes a clever and flexible mind
components that make up every single item that has
to lie consistently.
smoothed our lives — from a wooden cot to a tube of
toothpaste to a pair of scissors — has emerged from the What about the half-truth? “Yes, he did borrow from me.”
great cornucopia that is Earth? From the humble grass That the borrower returned what he took might be
that feeds our cattle to the materials needed to carry out suppressed in the telling. The problem with this is that
intricate surgeries and help us communicate with people the teller often forgets where he put the other half of the
thousands of miles away? One only needs to read a novel truth.
set in the 18th century or the logbook of a ship’s captain When honesty is not only the best policy but also the
of that time to learn that not so long ago, it took six best sleeping pill, why are we ruining our inner
months to get a message across to another country or to environment the way we have the external?
the origin of contact of a ship as it sailed the vast oceans.

All these images crossed my mind as I thought of our 3. SHOULD WE PRAISE AND REWARD?
complex relationship with the truth. Why would such (# Appreciate)
a successful species want to hide behind falsehood?
Does this sound familiar?
Demonstration: Last year, in a class, the teacher
“I hope you won’t forget that you got this chance because
pointed out the damage falsehood inflicts on one’s
of me. It was I who introduced you…I who recommended
physical and emotional health. “They are incalculable,” he
you…if I hadn’t spotted this opening you may never have
said, drawing our attention to the lie-detector or
made it…”
polygraph. The slightest resistance from the brain to the
truth/lie challenge sets the machine leaping. So think Common trait
how seriously a lie (even a social fib meant to enhance Most people not only want to succeed but wish to take
our personal status) can affect one’s long-term health. credit for someone else’s success.
A chart prepared by Ryan Morris and Shelley Sperry Vanity and self-seeking attended even the first
for an article in National Geographic Magazine shows recitation of Kamban’s Ramayana in the temple at
a wide pattern of lies and how not all lies are the same. Srirangam. The poet had to satisfy various conditions
These are: demanded by the priests who asked for approval from a
Personal transgressions to cover up a mistake or misdeed wide spectrum of society. This included the learned and
(22%) influential Jains in the village of Tirunarunkontai, who
wanted to know if they had been mentioned in the book.
For economic advantage and financial gain (16%)
Kamban quoted verse 2-27-56 to satisfy them.
To avoid a tough situation or escape from people or to
Even a great Chola-period poet could not ignore the
evade them (14%)
realities of social ambition for being given credit or
Personal advantage for different sorts of benefits (15%) acknowledgement.

For our own self-image (8%) Perhaps, it is a deep mammalian trait — this longing for
acknowledgement — which is synonymous with
To make people laugh (5%)
insecurity and identity in a group. When a corporate
To help others (5%) group surges ahead and wins a portion of the market,

For the sake of politeness (2%) everyone wants a share of its financial success. “We
thank all our employees for making this happen…”
To hurt others (4%) speeches are peppered with such sentiments but only a
To disregard reality, to fantasize ( 2%) few people are rewarded for the work of many. Those

107
who study the behaviour of primates recognise a cornered and absorbed without acknowledgement by
number of traits they share with human societies. seniors or peers who dishonestly take the credit for
Chimps compete continuously with one another, even those very ideas. Of course, with collaborative work it is
while they live together and survive as a group. When the not always clear who did what; but an effort must be
mother of a young chimp is not around, other adult made to reward, or at least openly praise, the one who
females even try to harm her baby — so envious are they put it forward in the first place
of any potential rival for food, space or attention. This
partiality and meanness is a manifest part of life in a joint
4. SHOULD WE SPEAK UP AGAINST WRONG DEEDS?
family of humans where some children are favoured
(# Speak against wrongs)
above others. And so, the wheels of pride and prejudice
Life is everyone’s business. Standing up and
are held firmly in place by the spokes of vigilant
expressing your feelings is best!
shareholders in credit and benefit-sharing.
In schools, colleges, offices and at home, how often
Contrast
do we stay silent because, speaking up would cause
an uproar?

Perhaps, a big factor is knowing when to assert yourself,

either on your own behalf or on behalf of someone else.
Despite the risks, here are a few reasons why standing
up and expressing your feelings is best.

One, silence is often seen to be a sign of approval. You could

be seen as collaborating with a situation.

Two, it is selfish to take

care of your own
comfort and allow the
The opposite view is taken by emotionally mature people wrong thing to happen.
or those who are more philosophical in their outlook. “Let’s wait and watch” is
They do not expect to be singled out for praise or reward a poor response when
for work undertaken because they see themselves as you know something
part of a larger plan. bad might be averted if

Do we know who really wrote the marvellous prayers and someone important

devotional poems we recite or teach our children to heard the truth from

memorise? you.

They say that this king or that queen built this monument or Three, honesty is a

bridge or fort. Really? What about the engineers and virtue which is in short

masons, the load-bearers and the artisans who did not even supply. With it goes

have artificial light to do the work? trust, especially when combined with tact and sensitivity. It is
crucial to demonstrate that you are not afraid to speak the
How many of us think of the electricians who manage the truth.
lights and microphones at a complex performance of dance
or music? Without them, would the performances be as Four, sharing and communicating is a sign of confidence.

effective as they usually are? No. No one else may know precisely what you do. So, your
contribution might make a small difference to adjusting the
Giving credit for the labour and time spent on team work big picture to everyone’s benefit. Never withhold
is a ticklish thing. Years of grievance attend those who information.
come up with good ideas and projects, but whose work is

108
Lastly, when you speak up, it will almost certainly Who decided what roots and leaves one might eat safely?
encourage others to do so too. Group silence, when
Who found out which tubers and fruits are poisonous?
everyone knows something wrong is being done, is as great
an offence as a single person doing the wrong thing. Who spread the word about which animal’s flesh is suitable
for humans and which ones should be avoided?
The next time you are face-to-face with something that,
either through ignorance or lack of information, is Who discovered dyes, resins and gums that are
hurting someone or a process — speak up! You have a commercially produced today?
duty to yourself and to your friends, family and It was the adivasis. They were our first teachers. They
colleagues to right a wrong by registering your protest. It shared their knowledge by passing it on through stories
might be loud music in the neighbourhood which and songs. The adivasis (original inhabitants) were the
disturbs everyone, particularly infants and the elderly. It earliest occupants of our country. They spread across the
might be harassment of a domestic worker which you Indian subcontinent; living in forested hills far away from
witness but hesitate to challenge, believing it is none of the plains and
your business. It might be injustice or dishonesty which viewing their
goes unchecked because no one thought it was his or forest homes
her business. as sacred.
Speak up! Life is everyone’s business. Many years
ago, when
5. SHOULD WE BE OPEN TO LEARNING FROM ANYONE? social worker
(# open to learning ) Sudha Murthy
visited a tribal

Basking in a life of comfort and convenience, have settlement in

we forgotten the wisdom of the tribal communities Karnataka,

and the role they played in ensuring our survival? she spoke
with an elder of the community. She could not help
In nearly every culture, there exists the notion that noticing that he had beautiful teeth, his skin was barely
cultural refinement is city-based. Dwellers in the woods wrinkled and his hair was still black. Unable to contain
and forests are seen to be uncouth, undeveloped and far her curiosity, she asked about his youthful appearance.
from ‘civilized’. Organised economy, defence and He smiled and said that he ate only forest products and
learning are available only in cities which are considered never added salt to his food. He also pointed out that
safer than forests. And so it follows that moving away there were several medicinal plants in the forest which
from ‘kaadu’ or the ‘van’ is a move in the right direction. his forefathers had originally spotted. Many fruits now
In some cultures, the forest is the equivalent of grown on the plains were originally identified by the
wilderness — again, undesirable, and the opposite of tribals. The collection of wild honey for medicinal
security which assures pleasing gentility, polish and artful purposes was also started by them. He told her that it
speech. Tribals are viewed with some degree of was the adivasis who found out that the fruit of the
disdain, as peoples who were bypassed by civilization tomato plant may be eaten, but not its leaves which are
and its benefits. toxic. Through trial and error, the adivasis cultivated
Are we confusing comforts and convenience with progress? useful foods and rejected the harmful ones. Imagine
that! Our taste buds were honed by our tribal ancestors.
How has the human race survived?
India has one of the largest tribal populations in the
How did India, for instance, evolve its food culture? Because
world — 90 million. There are 624 Adivasi communities
for thousands of years, we have eaten the right food.
who constitute 8 per cent of the population.
Who selected and developed the natural food Indians eat?
Other contributions of tribals:

109
Several Indian languages are a mix of mainstream chance of improving the quality of governance and
languages and tribal dialects. Many art forms also draw hence create a better society.
inspiration from tribal art and crafts as they speak deeply
In recent years in India, there has been a gradual change
to the origins of our sense of aesthetics. Rich in a
in perspective of the people regarding their
vibrant tradition but impoverished and marginalised
governments. While some of them are a very good sign
due to prejudice against them, tribal society is
of a progressive society, some of them are quite
distinguished by the absence of two things: obesity
worrying too. There is a common notion among some
and the caste system. Tribals do not exploit other
citizens that if they speak something against the actions
people’s labour, they do not ignore their widows,
of their government, then it’s probably against the nation
stigmatise raped women or leave their orphans to beg.
too.
Nor do they destroy nature to build edifices to human
pride. This idea which is significant in numbers need to be
thoroughly assessed. Chances might be there that some
Therefore, not only should we respect the adivasis as we
of the criticism may not be on the right note, but many of
are historically indebted to them, but also because we
it if considered by the governments can be helpful in the
have much to learn from them.
real-time assessment of the needs and expectations of
In short: the people from the government. Unfortunately, there is
a decline in these voices nowadays. People who voted for
Sharing; being truthful; praising others; taking a stand
the current government think that it's wrong to speak
against wrongs; and learning from others inspire ethical
against the government which they elected to power.
approach, promote integrity, and nurture right aptitude.
People should realise that it is not the driving force of

6. SHOULD WE BECOME PARTICIPANT IN IMPROVING praise and overwhelming support which keeps the
wheels of a government moving but also the steering
GOVERNANCE?
(# become active non-state actor) force of people’s participation which keep a check on
government, and modify it, if the policies fail to meet
It is something which keeps the true essence of
the expectations of society as a whole. If people’s
democracy alive in a country
criticism reaches the government’s ear at an appropriate
Supporting one’s country policies and decisions is one time and in significant numbers, then a lot of resources
part of keeping it on the path of prosperity and of the governmental machinery can be utilised wisely for
development, while keeping track of government some other activities which are brought to notice by the
activities, being vigilant about them and highlighting people itself.
loopholes in policies are also needed in a democracy.
Some experts believe that praise and support of people
In our country, we have people with different ideologies are very crucial for maintaining efficient governance as it
— some criticise the government policies and some keeps leaders and bureaucrats motivated to work more
support it, while others remain at the top of it to increase the overall output of governmental activities
appreciating the good policies and highlighting the on the ground. This is true in practice too but it should
drawbacks to improve governance. It’s common be kept in mind that the power vested in the hands of
nowadays to see society divided into segments each with people in a democracy is not only utilised for blindly
a different perspective about the policies undertaken by praising the government but it should be used as an aid,
their governments; it is something which keeps the true to advise and correct the government whenever required
essence of democracy alive. There are many instances in so that the efficiency and quality of governance is
the past of governance and society improving because of maintained.
the positive criticism by some people or group of them.
Note: Above consideration on improving governance
These examples give democracies around the world a
through people’s participation is also asked in a question
by UPSC:-

110
UPSC Question: “Effectiveness of the government system at most others, it is sheer apathy and carelessness that
various levels and people’s participation in the governance makes them litter.
system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship with
When a toilet is not available, what does a person do? He
each other in context of India. uses any public place to ease himself. I observed a
person soiling a wall. I asked his companion why he was
7. SHOULD WE HAVE APATHY TOWARDS CLEANLINESS? doing so. “Maybe, he couldn’t have waited till he found a
Contributing in cleanliness) toilet,” replied his friend. That person after finishing his
business came near me, “Sir, you are right. But I couldn’t
A culture of cleanliness and tidiness must be
help it. Please provide a toilet nearby.” I kept quiet as I
inculcated from an early age
had no answer.
Those who have travelled overseas are struck by the
orderliness and cleanliness of public places in sharp
contrast to what is happening back home. No one tells a
child to keep the surroundings clean and not to litter. It is
the way a child is brought up that inspires a desire for
cleanliness.

That is the reason it is difficult to find even a scrap of

paper or plastics on the streets or outside homes in
many foreign countries. That applies to cleanliness on
board trains, buses and trams that are in public service.
No one throws anything outside a running train or bus as
it is considered taboo.

We adopt a dual standard. We tend to keep our house

A few public toilets are maintained badly with poor
and neighbourhood clean, but have no compunction in
cleanliness. These go out of water soon leaving a stinking
throwing dirt and discarded objects outside. The logic is
mess. No wonder only a few persons patronise public
someone is there to clean up and pick up the discard.
toilets. However, ‘pay and use’ toilets maintained by
People in general hold rivers in respect but do not
attenders are better. While I was on a tour of Paris, I
hesitate to throw things in the river. That is the reason
found a men’s toilet was cleaned by a woman who used
our rivers, lakes and other waterbodies are far from
to dart in and out when there was no person inside. She
clean. Even the piped treated water that is supplied by
was also in charge of the women’s toilet. “Unisex” toilets
municipal authorities is not fit for drinking. Most homes
are still not popular.
have some sort of filter to clean the water before use.
Others may boil the water before use. In sharp contrast, The Swachh Bharat programme was launched
a few cities round the globe claim proudly that their city throughout the country with big fanfare. After six years,
water supply is fit for drinking straight from the tap. many toilets were built in villages and towns. Some of
them were substandard that kept patrons away.
I was away in a remote part of Japan waiting for a
Unfortunately, open defecation, especially in villages, is
connecting train at a small wayside station. A young girl
still going on. A similar sad story applies to the
was also waiting for the train. I watched her taking out a
programme to clean the major rivers like Ganga and
candy from her bag and eat it. Afterwards, she walked
Yamuna. Thousands of crores of money are already
briskly to a nearby waste bin provided on the platform to
spent with poor results. The major issue remains leakage
deposit the wrapper. Such is the level of awareness to
of sewage water into the rivers. The priority should have
keep surroundings clean from a young age. It is the
been first to build treatment plants and then lead the
culture of cleanliness and tidiness which is inculcated
clean water into the river. Such simple priorities are
from an early age. It is not that our youngsters are not
being overlooked in the enthusiasm to achieve
aware of the need to keep surroundings clean. But for
something big. It has become more of publicity rather
than actual work.

111
It is becoming clear that the cleanliness drive has to system, honour killings, mob lynching and so on?
start with the people. The government and other Tolerance for criticism and dissent vary substantially
agencies should act as facilitators to help plan and across time and space. Our own level of tolerance, while
execute the work. Consultation with the people far below that of the majority of developed countries, is
concerned goes a long way in the success of any still higher than that of many West Asian countries,
cleanliness drive. A cleanliness plan should be China, and so on.
community based rather than as a diktat from the A few decades ago, our own tolerance level was arguably
government. “Start early in life,” is a good piece of higher than it is today. Consider, for example, how
advice for creating awareness of cleanliness. It is the duty
Jawaharlal Nehru reacted to certain political caricatures
and responsibility of every citizen to take care of criticising him, done by cartoonist R.K. Laxman. One
cleanliness. morning, Laxman was surprised to receive a call from
Nehru. The Prime Minister told him he had so enjoyed
his cartoon that morning, and asked if he may have a
8. SHOULD WE ADMIT OUR MISTAKES?
signed copy of it.
(# open to self-examination)
Tolerance for criticism, introspection, learning from
Admitting and learning from mistakes should be the mistakes and feedback loops are indeed hallmarks of
right way to go, and Indians need to learn that
logic and scientific methodology. If we don’t criticise
A few months ago, I visited a museum of history in Berlin other people’s mistakes and our own past acts, and,
called the Topography of Terror. The exhibits in this more important, learn from the mistakes, how can
indoors-and-outdoors museum portray heinous crimes we progress? If Germans can criticise their own past
committed by the Nazis. Here, the thought that came to actions and make remarkable progress in terms of
me was of tolerance and conflicts of interest. education, health and standard of living, why can’t we do
Topography of Terror is funded and managed by the it too? Let’s accept that we have made mistakes in the
German government — proof that Germans are fine past (and make them in the present time, too), in order
with self-reflection and criticism. to move forward by learning from the mistakes, to march
towards a better India.
In many leading democracies, such introspection and
criticism are tolerated. Consider the recent Boeing 737 ASSIGNMENT FOR SELF-PRACTICE
MAX aircraft crashes. It was the U.S. media — including
Q. Did you find answers to the UPSC questions given
The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA
at the top? If yes, then try to answer them.
Today — that were in the forefront of debates on certain
technical flaws in the software used in the aircraft that Q. Do you have a plan to inculcate and develop all the
could have led to the accidents. An article in The New qualities mentioned above? If yes, then design
York Times even said it was Boeing’s relentless approach/approaches for yourself.
competition with its European rival Airbus for orders
from America’s own airlines that led to security lapses.
Q. Have you ever displayed the above qualities in
American airlines were considering placing orders for demanding situations? If yes, then share those with
hundreds of jet aircraft with Boeing’s European rival apt examples.
Airbus, which forced Boeing into a frenzied rush, and in
record time it developed and deployed the 737 MAX 8,
GET STARTED !
even overlooking certain key safety features. Americans,
like Germans, aren’t afraid of such self-criticism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can I even imagine a museum in Delhi portraying some

of the mistakes Indians have committed, in line with
Topography of Terror? A museum on sati, the caste

112
Case 1: Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who If Mr. Rakesh accommodates the old couple without
fulfilling the criterion then significant difference in the
enjoys the trust of his higher officials. Knowing his
honesty, the government entrusted him with the quality of their life will happen. It will also amount to
distributive justice of John Rawls. It will fulfill the spirit of
responsibility of identifying the beneficiaries under a
equity of our constitution. State will also seem to oblige
health care scheme meant for senior citizens.
the social contract by helping citizens in need.
The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following:
However accommodation under the scheme without
(a) 60 years of age or above.
fulfillment of criterion will destroy objectivity of Mr.
(b) Belonging to a reserved community. Rakesh. He will also breach the trust reposed on him by
(c) Family income of less than 1 Lakh rupees per superiors. Taking Adhoc decision will destroy work
annum. culture and objectivity in decision making. It may also
(d) Post-treatment prognosis is likely to be high to make create discontentment in reserved category for whom
a positive difference to the quality of life of the the scheme has been formulated. This will impact the
beneficiary. image of civil service as being impartial and non-partisan.
The decision will also go against the idea of Max Weber
One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office with their
model of bureaucracy.
application. They have been the residents of a village in
his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed Mr. Rakesh must use emotional intelligence to deal with
with a rare condition that causes obstruction in the large the situation. He must express the foundational values of
intestine. As a consequence, he has severe abdominal empathy and compassion within the contour of legal and
pain frequently that prevents him from doing any rational bureaucracy. Hence he can adopt following
physical labour. The couple has no children to support course of action –
them. The expert surgeon whom they contacted is willing a) Recommend to the concerned ministry/authority to
to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the amend the criterion of the scheme to fully or partially
couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, accommodate unreserved category as well.
such as medicines, hospitalization, etc., to the tune of b) For this he can prepare a detailed report highlighting
rupees one lakh. The couple fulfils all the criteria except the need among unreserved category as a tool of
criterion ‘b’. However, any financial aid would certainly persuasion.
make a significant difference in their quality of life.
c) On immediate basis he can arrange for some financial
How should Rakesh respond to the situation? (250 help to the old couple from self, family and friends,
words) NGO’s working in health sector, Philanthropist etc.
The case presents conflict between two foundational This will save Mr. Rakesh from possible crisis of
values of civil services, objectivity and empathy & conscience and inner dissonance.
compassion. On this account Mr. Rakesh will face ethical Mr. Rakesh must show attitude of committed bureaucrat.
dilemma. Following are other values and issues involved He must work with dedication to fulfill the constitutional
in the case – promise of justice and support to senior citizens.
a) Trust reposed by higher officials on Mr. Rakesh to
implement the scheme with responsibility.
Case 2: As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have
b) Maintaining the integrity of criterion of the scheme.
access to important policy decisions and upcoming big
c) Socio-economic justice to old couple in unreserved
announcements such as road constructions projects
category. before they are notified in the public domain. The
Ministry is about to announce a mega road project for

113
which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care f) To fulfill my above duties I must muster courage and
was taken by the planners to make use of the determination. I must protect myself from any
government land with the minimum land acquisition internal hedonistic tendency and temptation through
from private parties. Compensation rate for private yoga, meditation and drawing motivation from
parties was also finalized as per government rules. Care literatures and life of great leaders and civil servants.
was also taken to minimize deforestation. Once the I will use Gandhiji’s Talisman to take final decision. I will
project is announced, it is expected that there will be a work in the interest of weak and vulnerable, farmers,
huge spurt in real estate prices in and around that area. environment and efficiently use public money to
Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you complete the project.
realign the road in such a way that it comes closer to his There are various conflicts of interest in the case –
20 acres farmhouse. He also suggests that he would
a) Professional interest of the concerned minister is in
facilitate the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife
efficient execution of the road project. This will
name at the prevailing rate which is very nominal, in and
create social capital and increase trust and credibility
around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to
of government. However his personal interest is
convince you by saying that there is no harm in it as he is
alteration of the project and increase in price of his
buying the land legally. He even promises to supplement
farmhouse.
your savings in case you do not have sufficient funds to
buy the land. However, by the act of realignment, a lot of b) For me as a bureaucrat, it is in my professional
agricultural lands has to be acquired, thereby causing a interest to have cordial relation with my minister.
But professional values, accountability and
considerable financial burden on the government, and
also the displacement of the farmers. As if this is not responsibility to nation is more important.
enough, it will involve cutting down of a large number of c) For my wife there is opportunity to buy new asset,
trees denuding the area of its green cover. however not at the cost of my integrity, dignity and
Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically reputation.
examine various conflicts of interest and explain what Following are my responsibilities as a public servant –
your responsibilities are as a public servant. (250 a) Safeguarding mine and my organisational values. I
words) have to protect probity of my office, work culture of
This is a case of political corruption and test of my organisation and reputation of my ministry.
integrity and uprightness as a senior bureaucrat. The b) I am responsible to guide my minister and persuade
situation challenges my morality and professional ethics. him against any act of corruption that will be
In this situation I have to fulfill my duty and responsibility subsequently known after audit or whistle blowing.
as a senior bureaucrat – c) I am responsible to fulfill fiduciary responsibility of
a) I have to work with integrity, honesty & truthfulness government to complete the project cost effectively.
and diligence. I will make my intention clear for not d) In the spirit of ethical governance I must ensure
being party to any form of corruption. minimum land acquisition, farmer’s suffering and
b) I must give free and fair advice to political executive deforestation and loss to environment.
without any fear to usher in good and ethical e) Trust reposed by people in government must be not
governance. be breached.
c) I must also guide my minister against ills of First Cabinet Secretary of independent India N.R. Pillai
corruption for him and society. said, “the public servant of the day, and still more of
d) I must act in the interest of farmers, poor, tomorrow, should be one rich in human sympathy and
environment and society as a whole. with a fully awakened social conscience.” I will try to live
upto his expectation.
e) I must protect myself and my wife from any potential
loss of reputation and dignity on account of charges
of corruption.

114
 of

Selected essays from Rau’s GSI students

 SUBMITTED BY: ANKUR PANDEY
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly supernatural boon but by constant introspection and
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study perseverance in hard work.
Circle is to present the write-up in its original form, hence A case in point can be Gautama Buddha. He had a
the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any thoughtful mind since childhood. He left home at the
viewpoint in the submission. The purpose is only to age of 29 and spent the next seven years introspecting
showcase the manner of writing. and finding the truth. He got many setbacks in the
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use process, but he displayed great perseverance and, at the
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. age of 36, attained success by getting enlightenment.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was rightly said the Similar to Gautam Buddha, Ashoka, in the war of
people’s president. He used to participate Kalinga, introspected that it is wrong to kill so many
in events and communicate with people in people for territorial conquest. After the war, he
general and youngsters in particular. In adopted the policy of Dhamma and spread his message
one such event in Chennai, a small boy asked him in by using stone pillars. Despite the enormous moral
2002 that how can India become great again, as it used baggage of the past, he continued to do hard work,
to be in the past? Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam replied that it is which ultimately led to an informed citizenry and good
the people like you, with ignited minds, who will make governance (a success for any king).
the nation great. Moreover, the practice of meditation and the rich text of
Another student asked as to what we should do to make Aranyaka (books written in the forest) is a clear
the nation great. Dr. Kalam gave the four-point formula indication of the importance of constant introspection in
– First, there should be a great vision. Second, you living a happy life.
should continuously acquire knowledge. Third, you The power of perseverance can be seen in the recurrent
should work hard. Fourth, you should display incursions and large-scale loot by Turkish invaders. In
perseverance. This is the mantra of success, he said. 1000-1025 A. D., Mahmud of Ghazni invaded India 17
In this essay, we will try to understand the message of times. Temples were destroyed, treasuries looted, and
Dr. Kalam, how introspection and perseverance can lead villages burnt. It was a testing time for India. In 1033 A.
to success. After that, we will apply these abstract ideas D. Sohail Deopasi, a ruler of Bharuch in Central UP
to demonstrate the present situation and ultimately defeated a large army led by a nephew of Mahmud. This
how we can make the nation great again. sent a clear message that India is not weak and can
Introspection and Perseverance: A civilizational idea respond. Interestingly, no foreign invasion happened
after the battle of Bharuch, and there was a period of
Introspection refers to be aware of oneself. It means
peace for the next 150 years.
evaluating oneself and assessing our actions. At the
same time, perseverance is our ability to display Introspection and Perseverance – Success stories in
persistence and handle setbacks. Recent times

Since ancient times, India was a land of great scholars After getting Independence in 1947 from colonial rule,
and rishis. They became great not because of some we have started our collective journey to make the
nation great again.

116
At the time of Independence, India was a developing India is a water-scarce nation. This water crisis is going
country characterized by shortages of food, medicine, to be aggravated in the coming years. How can we shift
and other essential things. Five-year Plans gave the to less water-consuming lifestyles? What policies should
vision and committed leadership, along with the people the government adopt? Can we learn from other
of India, have worked hard despite so many obstacles. similarly situated nations? These are the key questions
Constant introspection of our weaknesses led to GREEN that need to be introspected.
REVOLUTION, which made India self-sufficient in terms It is rightly said that success often requires breaking our
of food grains. Similarly, we have achieved great strides habits. We need to move from this business as usual
in nuclear technology, space science, and other sectors. attitude. We cannot continue to waste food when there
This was possible only because we were determined to are so many hungry people in our country.
do hard work despite the constraints of resources. Thus, after acknowledging that many issues need to be
Building on this tradition, the government of India has resolved, a start can be made by setting up and bringing
brought several economic reforms like GST, IBC, RERA, sensible reforms in our institutions like Election
Jam trinity, MPC, etc. These reforms are a step in the Commission, Judiciary, and Parliament. Strong
direction of India becoming a $5 trillion economy. These institutions are not only drivers of economic growth but
reforms would not have been possible if it were not for also protectors of democracy.
proper introspection and perseverance. Inefficient fund We need constant introspection in every field and learn
delivery led to the introduction of JAM. Shortcomings in from others. E.g., we should introspect why we cannot
SARFAESI Act led to the introduction of IBC etc. attract businesses that are moving out of China, why we
The government of India is working hard to build upon are importing 80% of our toys from China, despite so
these reforms and amending them wherever required much potential. Similarly, we should learn from
constantly. Singapore, which has become a great transshipment
After understanding the role of introspection and hub just under 30 years of Independence.
perseverance in hard work, let us now look into some of No doubt, we have great potential and a rich heritage. If
the renewed challenges faced by our nation. properly utilized, we can dominate the world landscape.
Renewed Challenges – Need for Introspection and Coherent vision has been set up in the form of New
Hard wok India and Aatmanirbhara Bharat. Now we should build
upon this and follow the mantra of success given by our
India needs to enhance its discussions on critical topics
people’s president. We should become the ignited
if we want to become a great nation. Today majority of
minds and fulfill the trust that has been put upon us by
our people are young. How to use these people as a
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam by making the nation great again
demographic dividend by proper skilling and investment
within our lifetime.
in health care? We should work hard on there reforms
as there is a limited window of opportunity.

SUBMITTED BY: MUSKAN ARYA

Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly Circle is to present the write-up in its original form, hence
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint

117
in the submission. The purpose is only to showcase the of superior quality seeds locally, extending formal farm-
manner of writing. based credit, insurance coverage at low premium rates
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use (micro-insurance), and certainty of procurement by the
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. government on MSP (crops other than rice) will boost the
confidence of farmers to shift their pattern. Adopting
Agriculture has always been vital to India. Agriculture agriculture suitable to climate will help us reduce
with its allied sectors is the largest source of livelihood in resource exploitation, improve our soil condition and
India. 70% of the rural households still directly depend crop diversity, ultimately improving the nutritional intake,
on agriculture. India has been blessed with a varied especially by pulses.
climate structure and a wide variety of soils. Land is
naturally suitable for cultivating a number of crops to Majority of farmers being small and marginal, they can
add diversity to our food basket. Yet this sector suffers be organized in the Joint Liability Group (JLG). The
from both structural and implementation problems, concept is similar to that of self-help groups, where like-
which have deterred it as a source of profitable minded people come together to progress together.
employment. In India, 82% of farmers are small and Such JLGs would enhance the credit procurement power
marginal farmers (1-2 hectares of landholding). Their of the group, machines lent can be used effectively, and
heavy dependence on rainfall (seasonal), indirect credit, ultimately it will help in better bargaining power while
and dependence on intermediaries for foodgrain selling in the market. Collective sharing of the loans and
procurement make it a complex mix. A further problem the liability to pay will keep all members accountable and
of high input costs, lack of availability of technology, less reduce the excessive burden on one. The timely
diversification, heavy dependence on pesticides and repayment of loans will lead to better credit trust among
fertilizers make the industry unsustainable. The distress the banks and farmers. There has been a rise of 38%
can be seen in the number of farmer suicides witnessed NPAs in agricultural loans; this problem will be effectively
in India. According to NCRB 2019 data, farming is the tackled. Further, once JLGs are successfully operating,
cause of 7% of suicidal deaths in the country. On they can be formally registered with State Governments
average, 28 farmers end their lives every day in India. and upgraded to farmer producer groups or companies.

The problem of making agriculture from a mere A major cause of distress among the farmers is the
subsistence model to a revenue-generating one requires repayment of loans taken from informal sources.
a multi-prolonged strategy—issues from procurement of Farmer's land in a debt trap due to no document
seeds and inputs to the final selling. 'Ashok Dalwai's availability and spiraling interest rate. There are only
report on Doubling of Farmer's income laid a major 48,000 rural bank branches for 6 lakh plus villages in
emphasis on input cost reduction. Along with this, India. Further, the branches are skewed-greater
sustained credit support from the formal sector and presence in green revolution success areas. To make
effective implementation of schemes with timely formal credit accessible, bank branches, especially of
disbursements are necessary. Small Finance Banks (SFBs) should be opened. SFBs have
a 75% priority lending commitment to agriculture.
India has been bestowed with a variety of climates. The Furthermore, microfinance institutions and post office
first step towards making farming sustainable should be banks should be encouraged. In areas that are far off,
to adopt agro-climatic condition-based farming. The mobile banking should be adopted. This will also benefit
majority of farmers take a decision to sow the crop farmers who cannot visit the branches often. PMGDISHA
depending on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a scheme of government by which it aims to train
announced by the government and prevailing market members from rural households to use the internet,
conditions. To induce farmers to adopt sustainable including basic banking features. To enhance the
agricultural practices, the government should increase coverage, bank applications should have regional
procurement of other crops on MSP. Climate suitable language options. Further, the group of youth in the
crops should be adopted by increased MSP as incentive villages can be trained as Bank Mitras and act as a linking
for such crops. A positive step in this direction has been pin in the model. This will enhance rural employment
taken by Haryana Government, where they will pay ₹ generation as well.
7000 per hectare for non-paddy crops. Ensuring a supply

118
Further, research and development by agricultural brings in high chances of crop failure due to less rain.
universities in terms of seeds, practices, and crop Sources of non-crop incomes are dairy, poultry,
protection should be encouraged. A gradual shift to sericulture, agriculture, aquaculture, jatropha plantation,
organic inputs like biopesticides and biofertilizers should sea-weed cultivation, etc. The government has been
be encouraged. Under the Soil Health Card Scheme of productive in introducing a number of initiatives like
the government, at least twice a year, testing of soil Apiary on wheels to train farmers in beekeeping, but a
should be done. Farmers should be explained about the regular and sustained approach is required. Recently, the
condition of their soil and ways to enhance production. government has introduced Shaphari Scheme to make
Continuous research in the development of superior shrimp production regulated and antibiotic-free. Such
quality seeds will help to make agriculture a more initiatives to check the quality, ensure pricing, and
sustainable option. In West Bengal, 'Muktoshri' arsenic- preventing farmers from being exploited are required to
resistant variety of paddy was grown. This will help to be carried on a large scale.
tackle bioaccumulation. Such seeds should be available
Further, a biogas plant can be set up by aggregating 2-3
to farmers efficiently and effectively. For this community,
villages with the help of the government to utilize the
seed banks can be set up. Such banks can be maintained
agriculture residue, get biogas as a cleaner fuel, and use
at Panchayat Level, and agro-climatic suitable crop seeds nd
the residue cultured as manure. India is 2 largest
can be made available. Women SHGs can be roped to
producer of sugarcane in the world. To prevent distress
take charge. Further pooling of good-quality seeds by
selling and revive the sugar industry, ethanol production
farmers can also be a solution.
from it should be encouraged. This will further
Agriculture in India accounts for maximum use of water, supplement the trending of the fuel program of the
accounting for 75% of water used, both from government.
underground and surface water. Further, the subsidized
Lastly, training farmers to adopt such practices and
electricity and diesel pump sets worsen the exploitation.
making them understand the benefits holds the key to
Subsidy of the government here is a huge burden on the
bring change. Regional languages should be used to
exchequer as well. For this, a community partnership for
communicate with farmers through local newspapers,
managing water resources, especially by raving
community radios, street plays, mobile apps, etc. NGOs,
traditional sources-baolis, tanks, ponds, should be
student groups from agriculture and science
undertaken. MGNREGA has reaped success stories in
backgrounds can be referred to spread information.
various pockets of the country to make villages
sustainable in water consumption by building Revival of rural income will help to improve the socio-
infrastructure. Rainwater harvesting, agroforestry (Har economic conditions of people residing in rural areas
Medh Par Ped) and sustaining water use is the effective (majority). It will keep a check on urban migration, open
way forward. Further, gradually the government can opportunities for better access to health and education,
lower subsidy and divert it towards setting up of drip and improve the country's social fabric. The dream of
irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems can be done. economic and social justice in Preamble should keep the
rural area in focus. In this way, we will realize the dream
In order to make agriculture a revenue-generating
of Atmanirbhar Bharat through Atmanirbhar Villages.
model, it is necessary to reduce its crop dependence
nature. Agriculture in India is majorly rainfed, and this

119
 SUBMITTED BY: KABIR SAINI

Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly Secondly, consider the economic sphere. As per the
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study Credit Suisse report top, 1% of people holds almost 40%
Circle is to present the write-up in its original form, hence of the global wealth. In developing countries also
the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint inequality is increasing at a rapid pace. In India, too,
in the submission. The purpose is only to showcase the inequality is rising, which affects our developmental
manner of writing. aspects. This is a grim situation. Aggravating this
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use situation are Multi-National Companies who evade taxes
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. worth billions of dollars through manipulative practices
like round-tripping, treaty shopping. Here selfishness
All of us (Homo Sapiens) are born as human beings.
prevails over humane nature. These billions of dollars
Before assigning any identity like male, female, white,
could have been utilized for welfare programs in
black primarily, we are human beings. On the other
developing countries.
hand, being humane means having a set of
humanization values like empathy, compassion, kindness Furthermore, consider at the individual level. In Indian
in oneself. These values also include constitutional values society, we see that domestic work is considered to be
like equality, liberty, fraternity. A human being is born the duty of women only. This hinders women's
with an empty mind which converts into an open mind participation in the labor force, as is evident from the
which is in harmony with existence after being humane. Periodic Labour force Survey report. If both husband and
wife are working, it's the equal responsibility of both of
An individual born as a human being must strive hard to
them to do domestic work and raise children. Expecting
be humane. Her life is a journey from being human
women to be solely responsible for household chores
beings to a humane being. Whether it's long or short
and at the same time go out and compete professional
journey depends upon the individual. Also, it's not
isn't a humane attitude. This results in India's low
necessary to be compassionate all time. It has some
performance on various indicators like Global Hunger
effects on circumstances and past experiences. We can't
Index, Global Environment Index, etc. So we have seen
lead ideal life all time. Let us see how humanity had
how being inhumane attitude costs us.
suffered when it went away from its humane nature.
Now, let us see examples of humane behavior which
To begin with, consider World War II (WWII), the First
have made this world a better place to live.
World War had demonstrated divastating impacts of
chemical weapons. Millions lost lives mercilessly. But To start with, consider the example of the Indian
human beings didn't learn from it. Along with chemical National Movement. It showed how one human being
weapons, biological war started. Japan invested heavily in could make a big difference. Indian National Movement
developing biological weapons. A new competition under the leadership of M. K. Gandhi was based upon
started to create more dangerous bioweapons. Millions humane values of truth and non-violence.
of animals lost their lives due to tests being done on Had it not been a non-violent movement, we wouldn't
them. Had humanity been more humane than, we would have been in a democratic setup today. These values on
have been on a more developed stage of civilization which we fought for independence played a crucial role
today. This one example demonstrates why everyone in the drafting of the constitution. This lead to the
must try to be compassionate.

120
adoption of humane values like liberty, equality, development work. We can start this at a small level like
fraternity, due to which we are a free society today. a traffic signal or railway platform. If we develop our
Dr. APJ Kalam is a brilliant example of transformation system in such a way that an individual already knows
from human being to being humane. Seeing his career, that violation of traffic signal will undoubtedly lead to
we can see humane values like compassion, empathy punishment in the form of managing traffic for next
that he possessed. For example, when Dr. Kalam noticed hour, then she wouldn't dare for violation. This will
broken pieces of glass were used at the top of the reduce many road accidents. Similarly, there must be
compound walk of the DRDO facility as a banner, he certainty of praise for those individuals impacting society
immediately asked to remove them. His motive behind in a positive way. This will lead to a cohesive community
this was to save birds from getting injured. with humane values.

All these examples that we discussed make us realize the Last but not the least step is the realization of goals
importance of being humane and why everyone must mentioned in the preamble that is political, social, and
strive to be compassionate. economic justice along with environmental justice. We
have achieved political justice through reservation for
Let us shift our attention to inculcating humane values in
weaker sections in central and state legislature. But we
an individual which ultimatey will lead to a society with
are still away from achieving the remaining three, as
humane values. This will ultimately result in a peaceful
evident in our global ranking on various indices. This is
world if every country follows it. Let us discuss this in the
why we initially stated that it's not possible and
Indian context.
necessary to be humane all time. We cannot expect
The essential tool which can transform a human being humane attitude from a socially backward class
into a humane person is education. Real education is oppressed for thousands of years. Also, we cannot
that which makes our life in harmony with existence. expect a single mother of two children, harassed by
National Education Policy 2020 will have a crucial role dowry demands, faced discrimination at various stages
here. The present Indian education system is solely of life to be humane. For her and her children's sake, she
based upon rote learning. Student's cognitive ability, has to be selfish as per circumstances. Therefore, the
practical knowledge aren't tested. All-time students are state must strive hard to realize these constitutional
in the mode of competition and in fear of lagging behind goals. Without this, we cannot expect all to be humane at
others. Such students can't possess humane values all times.
easily who are only taught about marks and competition
After all, things considered, we can certainly say that life
at the school level. So, the various facets of NEP 2020,
is a journey between human beings and being humane.
like 6% GDP expenditure on education, less importance
Everyone must try to make this journey short. We also
to rote learning, introduction to vocational courses,
saw how the human nature of humankind had saved the
teachers training programs need to be implemented
world till now. But we also need to understand we can't
speedily.
expect all to be humane all the time. The state must
Secondly, we must adhere to the principles of 'Certainty strive hard to achieve social, economic, political, and
of Punishment' and 'Certainty of Praise". Those environmental justice. Despite this, we must strive hard
individuals in a society whose inhumane behavior is to fulfill our life by being humane.
harming our society need to be punished with certainty.
And best punishment is awarding (giving) community

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