Large-scale workers’ protests recently erupted across Noida and Greater Noida industrial hubs over demands for wage hikes and improved labour conditions. The protests turned violent in some areas, involving arson, stone-pelting, and clashes with police, disrupting traffic and factory operations.
The incident has renewed attention on labour welfare, wage security, and the condition of informal workers in India.
Workers’ Major Grievances
Wage Insecurity
Many workers earn only around ₹11,000–₹13,000 per month, which is insufficient to cope with inflation and rising living costs.
High Informalisation
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 90% of India’s workforce is employed in the informal sector without formal contracts or legal protections.
Poor Working Conditions
Workers often face:
Long working hours,
Unsafe workplaces,
Inadequate occupational safety measures.
Weak Social Security
A large section of workers lack access to:
Provident Fund (PF),
Health insurance,
Pension benefits,
Healthcare facilities.
Labour Law Implementation Gaps
Weak enforcement of labour laws and labour codes leads to denial of statutory rights.
Declining Unionisation
Reduced collective bargaining power weakens workers’ ability to negotiate fair wages and conditions.
Government Response
High-Level Committee
The Uttar Pradesh government formed a multi-stakeholder committee to investigate the unrest and facilitate dialogue.
Wage Revision
The government announced an increase in minimum wages to address workers’ concerns.
Stakeholder Consultation
Authorities engaged with labour unions and industrial associations to restore peace.
Measures to Strengthen Labour Welfare
Timely revision and strict enforcement of minimum wages under the Code on Wages, 2019.
Promotion of formal employment through digital registration platforms like e-Shram.
Expansion of social security coverage to informal and gig workers.
Technology-driven labour inspections and monitoring.
Institutional mechanisms for collective bargaining and tripartite dialogue.
Fast-track labour dispute resolution systems.
Skill development, reskilling, and upskilling initiatives.
Government Initiatives
e-Shram Portal: Database for unorganised workers with UAN cards.
PM Shram Yogi Maandhan: Pension scheme for unorganised workers.
Four Labour Codes: Simplify labour laws and improve social security.
Skill India Mission: Enhances employability through training.
One Nation One Ration Card: Food security portability for migrant workers.
Conclusion
Balancing industrial growth with workers’ welfare is essential for sustainable economic development. Strong labour protections, social security, and effective dialogue mechanisms can help reduce industrial unrest and ensure inclusive growth.
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union and State governments to frame a practical, uniform, and time-bound Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to effectively tackle human trafficking cases. The Court stressed that the SOP must be actionable at the local police station level, ensuring immediate response in missing person and trafficking cases.
The Court observed that delay in investigation often leads to loss of crucial evidence and increases the risk to victims, especially women and children. It emphasised that police authorities must actively pursue cases on the ground instead of merely keeping them pending on paper.
Human Trafficking in India
Human trafficking remains a serious governance and human rights challenge in India.
Around 2,183 trafficking cases were registered in 2023 according to NCRB data.
Women and children constitute the majority of victims.
Conviction rates remain extremely low at nearly 10%, despite high charge-sheeting rates.
Many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, poverty, and weak institutional support.
Trafficking networks often operate across states through organised criminal groups involved in:
Forced labour,
Sexual exploitation,
Child trafficking,
Beggary,
Illegal migration and organ trade.
Legal and Constitutional Framework
India has multiple legal safeguards against trafficking:
Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation\text{Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation}Article 23: Prohibits human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita defines trafficking involving force, coercion, fraud, or inducement for exploitation.
Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act addresses trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act provides safeguards for children against sexual exploitation.
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act abolishes bonded labour.
Juvenile Justice Act ensures care and rehabilitation of trafficked children.
India is also a signatory to the UN Palermo Protocol.
Government Initiatives
Key measures include:
Ujjawala Scheme for prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficking victims.
Mission Shakti for women protection and support services.
Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) for specialised investigations and rescue operations.
National Plan of Action focusing on prevention, protection, and prosecution.
Challenges
Major challenges include:
Poor inter-state coordination,
Weak victim protection,
Lack of trained investigators,
Judicial delays,
Inadequate rehabilitation mechanisms.
Way Forward
The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the need for:
A victim-centric and trauma-informed approach,
Faster police response and investigation,
Strengthened AHTUs with proper funding and training,
Better interstate and international coordination,
Strong regulation of labour recruitment and migration systems.
A robust SOP backed by accountability and institutional coordination can significantly improve India’s fight against human trafficking and safeguard vulnerable populations.
A Tamil Nadu court recently awarded the death penalty to all nine policemen convicted in the 2020 Sattankulam custodial murder case, reviving national debate on custodial violence and police accountability in India.
Custodial death refers to the death of a person in police or judicial custody due to physical assault, torture, psychological pressure, or medical negligence.
Status of Custodial Deaths in India
The issue remains a serious human rights concern:
The NHRC reported 2,739 custodial deaths in 2024, rising from around 2,400 in 2023.
FY 2025–26 recorded 170 custodial deaths, compared to 140 in FY 2024–25.
Bihar recorded the highest police custody deaths, followed by Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Despite 2,253 police custody deaths between 1999 and 2023, only three convictions took
place, highlighting a severe accountability gap.
Major Causes
Colonial Policing Structure
The Indian Police Act, 1861 continues a colonial model focused more on control than citizen protection.
Police Brutality
Use of “third-degree” torture methods for extracting confessions remains prevalent due to weak forensic and scientific investigation practices.
Prison Overcrowding
Indian prisons function at 120.8% occupancy, resulting in poor living conditions and neglect.
Legal and Institutional Gaps
India signed the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) in 1997 but has neither ratified it nor enacted a separate anti-torture law.
Further, Section 218 of BNSS requires prior government sanction before courts take cognisance of offences against public servants, often delaying prosecution.
Constitutional and Judicial Safeguards
Articles 20, 21 and 22 protect individuals from arbitrary arrest, self-incrimination and illegal detention.
NHRC Guidelines (1993) mandate reporting of custodial deaths within 24 hours.
In Hansura Bai Mandate (2025), the Supreme Court directed that investigations be transferred to independent agencies if local police are involved.
Section 196 of BNSS provides for magisterial inquiry into custodial deaths.
Important Judicial Precedents
D.K. Basu vs State of West Bengal (1997): Laid down 11 guidelines regarding arrest and detention.
Prakash Singh vs Union of India (2006): Ordered creation of Police Complaints Authorities.
Paramvir Singh Saini vs Baljit Singh (2020): Directed installation of CCTV cameras with
audio in police stations.
Way Forward
India needs police reforms, independent investigations, scientific policing methods, prison reforms, and a comprehensive anti-torture law to ensure accountability and protection of human rights.
India has made remarkable progress in expanding electricity and clean cooking access in rural areas. However, mere access does not guarantee energy security. Affordability constraints, unreliable electricity supply, dependence on biomass, and regional disparities continue to undermine effective energy utilisation in rural India. Thus, rural energy insecurity remains a major governance and development challenge.
Key Dimensions of Rural Energy Insecurity
Affordability Constraints
Although more than 10 crore LPG connections have been provided under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), over 50% of beneficiaries reportedly did not refill cylinders even once due to high refill costs. Consequently, households revert to traditional fuels.
Rising Energy Burden
Rural Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) on energy increased from ₹174 (12%) in 2011–12 to ₹536 (13.8%) in 2022–23, indicating increasing pressure on household incomes.
Unreliable Electricity Supply
Despite near-universal electrification under Saubhagya Scheme, frequent power cuts, voltage fluctuations, and weak rural grids reduce effective utilisation of electricity.
Continued Biomass Dependence
Around 46.7% of rural households still depend on firewood and crop residue for cooking. The dependence is particularly high in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Health and Environmental Risks
About 56.1% of rural households continue using solid fuels, while nearly 94.8% rely on traditional chulhas. This causes severe indoor air pollution, respiratory diseases, and environmental degradation.
Infrastructure and Income Gaps
Weak last-mile delivery systems, inadequate energy infrastructure, and low rural incomes compel households to prioritise cheaper but polluting fuels over cleaner alternatives.
Major Government Initiatives
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM): Promotes solar pumps and decentralised renewable energy for farmers.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY): Strengthens rural power infrastructure and feeder separation.
GOBARdhan Scheme: Promotes biogas generation from cattle dung and organic waste.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Expands LPG access among poor households.
Case Studies
Manki Village, Madhya Pradesh
Low incomes and unreliable electricity force households to rely heavily on free forest firewood due to limited LPG access.
Kunjwan Village, Bundelkhand
Despite nearly 90% LPG coverage, households continue “fuel stacking” by using both LPG and firewood because refill costs remain high.
Way Forward
Strengthen Reliable Electricity Supply
Investment in rural grids, maintenance systems, and decentralised renewable energy such as solar mini-grids is essential.
Promote Clean Cooking Alternatives
Expansion of electric cooking, biogas plants, and improved cookstoves can reduce dependence on biomass fuels.
Improve Rural Energy Infrastructure
Efficient LPG refill delivery systems, stronger distribution networks, and affordable pricing mechanisms are necessary for sustained clean energy usage.
Adopt Localised Energy Solutions
Policies must consider local income levels, resource availability, and socio-cultural practices instead of relying on a uniform national approach.
Conclusion
Rural energy security is not merely about providing connections; it is about ensuring affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access. Addressing rural India’s energy crisis is crucial for improving public health, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, and achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
Digital governance has emerged as a crucial pillar for strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. In rural India, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a central role in delivering governance and implementing development programmes at the grassroots level. Recognising the need for technology-driven decentralised governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has introduced transformative initiatives such as eGramSwaraj and SabhaSaar.
These initiatives aim to modernise rural administration through digital planning, transparent financial management, and AI-enabled documentation systems. Together, they represent a major step toward achieving the vision of Digital India and strengthening participatory democracy in villages.
About eGramSwaraj Portal
The eGramSwaraj portal is a unified web-based portal and mobile application developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to enhance e-governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions across India.
It acts as an integrated digital platform for planning, accounting, monitoring, and implementation of rural development activities.
Key Features of eGramSwaraj
Decentralised Planning
The portal supports the preparation and monitoring of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). Gram Panchayats can digitally prepare annual development plans based on local needs and priorities.
This ensures:
Participatory governance
Need-based development planning
Better utilisation of funds
Increased public accountability
The plans are publicly accessible, thereby improving transparency in local governance.
Transparency and Financial Accountability
eGramSwaraj is integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), enabling online fund transfers and payments directly to vendors and beneficiaries.
This integration helps in:
Reducing delays in payments
Minimising leakages and corruption
Ensuring real-time financial tracking
Improving accountability in expenditure management
The platform has facilitated transparent digital payments worth more than ₹3 lakh crore.
Geo-tagging and Asset Verification
The portal allows geo-tagging of village assets using GPS technology. Infrastructure assets such as roads, water tanks, schools, and community centres can be digitally mapped and verified.
This feature improves:
Monitoring of developmental works
Verification of public assets
Prevention of duplication and misuse
Transparency in implementation of schemes
Digital Procurement through GeM
The integration of eGramSwaraj with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) enables Gram Panchayats to purchase goods and services online.
Benefits include:
Competitive and transparent pricing
Reduced procurement-related corruption
Standardisation of purchases
Improved efficiency in local administration
Massive Outreach and Adoption
Currently, more than 2.59 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions are using the platform across India. This reflects the increasing penetration of digital governance at the grassroots level.
About SabhaSaar
SabhaSaar is an AI-enabled voice-to-text meeting summarisation tool launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in 2025.
The initiative aims to simplify and modernise documentation of Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings through Artificial Intelligence and language technologies.
Key Features of SabhaSaar
AI-based Meeting Documentation
SabhaSaar automatically converts spoken discussions into written records and summaries. It reduces dependence on manual note-taking and ensures accurate documentation of meetings.
This helps in:
Faster record preparation
Improved efficiency in administration
Better maintenance of official records
Enhanced institutional memory
Integration with BHASHINI Platform
The tool is integrated with the BHASHINI platform, India’s AI-powered language translation ecosystem.
It supports transcription and translation in 23 Indian languages, thereby promoting:
Linguistic inclusivity
Accessibility for local communities
Greater citizen participation
Effective communication in multilingual settings
Secure Digital Infrastructure
SabhaSaar operates securely through the IndiaAI Compute Portal under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
This ensures:
Data security and reliability
Scalable AI infrastructure
Secure storage of meeting records
Efficient digital processing
Widespread Adoption
More than 1.15 lakh Gram Panchayats are already using SabhaSaar for automatic documentation and meeting summarisation.
Significance of These Initiatives
Strengthening Grassroots Democracy
The initiatives empower Panchayats through greater transparency, participatory planning, and easier access to information.
Promoting Good Governance
Digital records, online payments, and AI-driven documentation reduce corruption and improve efficiency in local administration.
Bridging the Rural Digital Divide
By introducing digital governance tools in villages, the government is expanding technological access and digital literacy in rural areas.
Enhancing Service Delivery
Real-time monitoring, geo-tagging, and digital procurement improve implementation of welfare schemes and infrastructure projects.
Supporting Digital India Mission
These initiatives align with the broader goals of Digital India, e-governance, and technology-driven public administration.
Challenges
Despite their achievements, certain challenges remain:
Digital illiteracy among rural populations
Poor internet connectivity in remote regions
Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns
Requirement of regular training for Panchayat officials
Language and technological adaptation challenges
Addressing these concerns is essential for ensuring inclusive and effective digital governance.
Conclusion
The eGramSwaraj and SabhaSaar initiatives represent a major transformation in rural governance in India. By integrating digital planning, financial transparency, AI-enabled documentation, and multilingual accessibility, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has strengthened grassroots democracy and administrative efficiency.
These initiatives demonstrate how technology can empower local self-government institutions and make governance more transparent, participatory, and citizen-centric. With continued digital infrastructure development and capacity-building efforts, rural India can become a strong pillar of India’s digital governance ecosystem.
The Supreme Court of India recently invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to issue wide-ranging directions on highway safety after two fatal road accidents. This intervention highlights the growing concern over road safety in India and the constitutional obligation of
the State to protect life.
Article 142 and the Concept of Complete Justice
Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary to ensure “complete justice” in a case before it. This provision is unique in its scope, allowing the Court to go beyond existing statutory frameworks where laws are inadequate or silent.
Over the years, Article 142 has been used in diverse areas such as environmental protection, governance reforms, and public safety. While the power is discretionary, it must remain consistent with constitutional principles and cannot override substantive rights. Its invocation in road safety reflects the urgency of addressing systemic failures where executive action has been insufficient.
Link with Right to Life under Article 21
The Court’s intervention is closely tied to Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. Judicial interpretation has expanded this right to include the right to live with dignity and safety.
In the context of road safety, the Court has repeatedly held that:
Safe road infrastructure is a positive obligation of the State
Preventable accidents amount to a violation of the right to life
Administrative negligence cannot be justified when human lives are at stake Thus, road safety is no longer merely a policy issue but a constitutional mandate.
Road Safety in India: Structural Concerns
India continues to record one of the highest numbers of road accidents globally. A striking statistic reveals that National Highways constitute only about 2% of total road length but account for nearly 30% of road fatalities. This indicates deep structural deficiencies in highway management.
Key challenges include:
Weak enforcement of traffic regulations
Unsafe parking practices, especially by heavy vehicles
Lack of real-time surveillance and monitoring
Inadequate infrastructure such as poor lighting, absence of signage, and limited emergency response systems
These issues collectively create hazardous conditions, turning highways into high-risk zones.
Background of the Case
The Court’s suo motu intervention was triggered by two major accidents in November 2025:
Rajasthan: A bus collided with a stationary trailer on the Bharatmala Expressway, killing 15 people
Telangana: A lorry hit a bus while attempting to avoid a pothole, resulting in 19 deaths
These tragic incidents exposed serious lapses in road safety management and prompted judicial scrutiny.
Observations of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court strongly criticised agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India and State Public Works Departments for negligence.
Key observations included:
Highways must not become “corridors of peril” due to administrative failures
Illegal parking of heavy vehicles near roadside establishments significantly increases accident risks
Authorities have failed to ensure basic safety standards despite repeated warnings
The Court underscored that road safety cannot be compromised due to bureaucratic inefficiency.
Key Directions Issued by the Court
Regulation of Parking
Complete prohibition on parking of heavy/commercial vehicles on highways
Allowed only in designated areas like lay-bys and wayside amenities
Technology-Driven Monitoring
Deployment of Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS)
Use of GPS-enabled systems for real-time violation detection
Emergency Response Mechanism
Mandatory deployment of ambulances and recovery vehicles at intervals of 75 km
Aim: Reduce response time and fatalities
Identification of Black Spots
Authorities must identify accident-prone areas within 45 days
Installation of safety measures such as lighting, cameras, and warning signs
Regulation of Roadside Activities
The Court also addressed unsafe roadside practices:
Prohibited construction of new dhabas and commercial establishments within the Right of Way (ROW)
Ordered demolition of unauthorised structures
Imposed restrictions on land use near highways
These measures aim to reduce congestion and minimise accident risks caused by roadside encroachments.
Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms
To ensure effective implementation, the Court directed:
Creation of dedicated highway surveillance teams involving police and transport departments
Round-the-clock monitoring of highways
Integration of surveillance systems with e-challan mechanisms for strict enforcement This reflects a shift toward technology-driven governance in road safety.
Significance of the Judgment
The judgment marks an important evolution in constitutional jurisprudence:
Reinforces Article 21 as a tool for ensuring public safety
Expands the scope of Article 142 in governance-related issues
Highlights judicial activism in filling administrative gaps
Pushes for accountability of public authorities
It also signals that failure to ensure road safety may invite judicial intervention.
Challenges Ahead
Despite strong directives, several challenges remain:
Implementation gaps due to federal structure (Centre–State coordination)
Resource constraints in deploying technology and emergency systems
Resistance to removal of roadside establishments
Need for behavioural change among drivers and enforcement agencies Without sustained effort, directives may remain ineffective.
Way Forward
Strengthen institutional coordination between central and state agencies
Invest in smart infrastructure and surveillance technologies
Promote road safety awareness and strict enforcement
Establish accountability mechanisms for lapses
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention represents a decisive step toward safer highways in India. By invoking Article 142, the Court has reaffirmed that road safety is integral to the right to life. However, long-term success depends on effective implementation, institutional accountability, and public cooperation. The judgment serves as a reminder that governance
failures affecting human life cannot be ignored and will invite constitutional scrutiny.
Recently, the Punjab & Haryana High Court reaffirmed that government employees possess a fundamental right to be considered for promotion under Articles 14 and 16(1) of the Constitution. However, the Court clarified that there is no fundamental right to actual promotion, only a right to fair consideration.
Constitutional Basis
Article 14 guarantees equality before law, while Article 16(1) ensures equal opportunity in matters of public employment. Together, they require the State to adopt a fair, transparent, and non-arbitrary process while evaluating employees for promotion.
The principle was first recognised by the Supreme Court in Ajit Singh vs State of Punjab (1999), where the Court held that eligible employees have a right to be considered for
promotion. More recently, in Bihar State Electricity Board vs Dharamdeo Das (2024), the Supreme Court reiterated that consideration does not guarantee promotion.
Kulwant Singh Case
The issue gained attention after the Punjab & Haryana High Court heard the case of Kulwant Singh, a junior engineer who was excluded from the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) due to a wrong interpretation of eligibility rules. The Court held that such exclusion violated his fundamental rights.
The Court ordered:
Notional retrospective promotion,
Timely holding of DPC meetings, and
Fair consideration of eligible employees.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite judicial safeguards, several issues weaken the effective implementation of this right:
Administrative delays due to irregular DPC meetings.
Procedural lapses in maintaining records and interpreting eligibility.
Bureaucratic inefficiency and lack of accountability.
Arbitrary decisions and biased discretion by authorities.
Weak monitoring mechanisms for detecting violations.
These challenges often demoralise employees and reduce administrative efficiency.
Measures for Strengthening the Right
To ensure fairness in promotions, the following reforms are necessary:
Conducting regular and time-bound DPC meetings.
Adopting digital and transparent systems for eligibility tracking.
Strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms.
The Delhi High Court recently heard a recusal plea filed by Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, alleging bias against Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. The case has once again highlighted the importance of judicial impartiality and the concept of recusal in India’s legal system.
What is Recusal of a Judge?
Recusal refers to a situation where a judge voluntarily withdraws from hearing a case due to a possible conflict of interest, bias, or circumstances that may affect impartiality.
Objective of Recusal
Ensure a fair trial,
Protect judicial neutrality,
Maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
The principle is based on the idea that “Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.”
Grounds for Recusal
A judge may recuse in situations involving:
Personal Bias: Relationship or hostility toward a party.
Financial Interest: Direct or indirect monetary interest in the case.
Prior Involvement: Earlier participation as lawyer, advisor, or witness.
Recusal may also arise when there exists a reasonable apprehension of bias in the mind of a fair-minded observer.
Legal Framework in India
No Codified Law
India has no specific statute governing judicial recusal. The practice is largely based on judicial ethics, conventions, and case law.
Nemo Judex Principle
The doctrine of “nemo judex in causa sua” means that no person should act as a judge in their own cause.
Judicial Discretion
The decision to recuse rests solely with the concerned judge and cannot ordinarily be dictated by litigating parties.
Judicial Precedents
The Supreme Court has evolved principles regarding recusal through various judgments to uphold fairness and institutional credibility.
Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct
The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct were adopted in 2002 by the Judicial Group on Strengthening Judicial Integrity and later endorsed by the United Nations in 2006.
The principles provide global ethical standards for judges and emphasise:
Independence,
Impartiality,
Integrity,
Propriety,
Equality,
Competence and diligence.
Significance of Recusal
Recusal protects the credibility of courts, prevents conflict of interest, and reinforces citizens’ trust in the justice delivery system.
The Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, declaring Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment replaces the placeholder provision in Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, with the phrase: “Amaravati shall be the capital.”
Key Provisions of the Amendment
Permanent Capital Status
Amaravati has been legally designated as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment came into effect retrospectively from June 2, 2024.
End of Joint Capital Arrangement
Hyderabad functioned as the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 2014 to 2024 after state bifurcation.
The amendment ensures continuity in governance after the end of this arrangement.
Override of Three-Capital Model
The law nullifies the earlier proposal of:
Visakhapatnam – Executive Capital
Kurnool – Judicial Capital
Amaravati – Legislative Capital
The state will now follow a single-capital model.
Significance
Administrative Stability
A single capital can improve coordination among executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
It may reduce administrative fragmentation and policy uncertainty.
Legal and Constitutional Importance
This is the first instance where Parliament has enacted a law explicitly naming a city as a state capital.
It highlights Parliament’s powers under Article 3 regarding state reorganisation.
Economic Implications
The decision is expected to boost infrastructure development and investor confidence in Amaravati.
Planned urban development may generate employment and improve connectivity.
Governance Perspective
The move seeks to ensure policy clarity after prolonged debates over capital location.
However, concerns remain regarding balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.
Challenges
Large financial requirement for developing Amaravati’s infrastructure.
Regional imbalance concerns from Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Need for sustainable urban planning and environmental safeguards.
Way Forward
Ensure inclusive regional development alongside Amaravati’s growth.
Strengthen transport and institutional connectivity across all regions.
Adopt transparent and sustainable urban governance practices.
The Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, declaring Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment replaces the placeholder provision in Section 5(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, with the phrase: “Amaravati shall be the capital.”
Key Provisions of the Amendment
Permanent Capital Status
Amaravati has been legally designated as the exclusive capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The amendment came into effect retrospectively from June 2, 2024.
End of Joint Capital Arrangement
Hyderabad functioned as the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 2014 to 2024 after state bifurcation.
The amendment ensures continuity in governance after the end of this arrangement.
Override of Three-Capital Model
The law nullifies the earlier proposal of:
Visakhapatnam – Executive Capital
Kurnool – Judicial Capital
Amaravati – Legislative Capital
The state will now follow a single-capital model.
Significance
Administrative Stability
A single capital can improve coordination among executive, legislative, and judicial institutions.
It may reduce administrative fragmentation and policy uncertainty.
Legal and Constitutional Importance
This is the first instance where Parliament has enacted a law explicitly naming a city as a state capital.
It highlights Parliament’s powers under Article 3 regarding state reorganisation.
Economic Implications
The decision is expected to boost infrastructure development and investor confidence in Amaravati.
Planned urban development may generate employment and improve connectivity.
Governance Perspective
The move seeks to ensure policy clarity after prolonged debates over capital location.
However, concerns remain regarding balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.
Challenges
Large financial requirement for developing Amaravati’s infrastructure.
Regional imbalance concerns from Rayalaseema and North Coastal Andhra regions.
Need for sustainable urban planning and environmental safeguards.
Way Forward
Ensure inclusive regional development alongside Amaravati’s growth.
Strengthen transport and institutional connectivity across all regions.
Adopt transparent and sustainable urban governance practices.
The latest 80th Round Survey on Household Social Consumption: Health (2025) released by the National Statistical Office presents a mixed picture of India’s healthcare sector. The survey highlights significant progress in health insurance coverage, healthcare access, and institutional deliveries. However, it also reveals persistent financial distress due to rising out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), increasing dependence on private healthcare, and unequal access to benefits.
The findings underline the complex challenge of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India.
Overview of the 80th Round NSO Health Survey
The survey was conducted between January and December 2025 and compares healthcare trends with the previous 75th Round Survey (2017–18).
Key Improvements
Expansion in health insurance coverage
Better access to healthcare services
Increase in institutional deliveries
Wider availability of medicines and diagnostics
Major Concerns
Rising OOPE despite insurance coverage
Growing reliance on private healthcare
Limited increase in public hospital utilisation
Unequal benefits across income groups
Thus, the survey reveals a paradox: healthcare coverage has improved, but financial protection remains weak.
Rising Health Insurance Coverage
The survey indicates substantial growth in insurance penetration:
47.4% of rural households covered under health insurance
44.3% of urban households covered
This increase has largely been driven by Government-Financed Health Insurance (GFHI) schemes such as:
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
State-level health insurance schemes
Employees' State Insurance Scheme
Central Government Health Scheme
Government records show that GFHI coverage increased more than two-and-a-half times between 2017–18 and 2025.
This reflects India’s rapid movement toward universal health assurance.
Expanding Healthcare Access
The Union Health Ministry has highlighted the survey findings as evidence of improved healthcare access.
Key Government Interventions
Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiatives
The Free Drugs and Diagnostics Initiatives (FDSI and FDI) launched in 2015 expanded access to essential medicines and diagnostic services.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)
India has established nearly 1.84 lakh AAMs, strengthening primary healthcare services focused on:
Preventive care
Promotive healthcare
Curative treatment AMRIT Scheme
The Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment programme provides discounted medicines through pharmacies across India.
These interventions have improved early detection and management of non-communicable diseases such as:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Cardiovascular diseases
This reflects India’s ongoing epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases.
Persisting Challenges
Despite expanded coverage, important structural problems continue.
Limited Increase in Hospitalisation
Hospitalisation rates have not increased significantly since 2017–18 and remain below 2014 levels.
This suggests that:
Insurance coverage alone does not guarantee healthcare utilisation
Financial and accessibility barriers still persist
Rising Dependence on Private Healthcare
The survey shows growing preference for private healthcare facilities, especially in urban areas.
Key concern:
57% of insured individuals sought hospitalisation in private hospitals
This increases treatment costs and reduces the effectiveness of public insurance schemes.
Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
Independent analysis of NSO data indicates that OOPE on hospitalisation has more than doubled between 2017–18 and 2025.
Hospitalisation Costs
Median OOPE per hospitalisation: ₹11,285
Median OOPE in public hospitals: ₹1,100
However, specialised treatments in private hospitals significantly raise average expenditure.
Causes of Continued OOPE
Even in public hospitals, patients often pay for:
Medicines
Diagnostics
Transport
Incidental expenses
This occurs due to shortages and infrastructural gaps.
Inequities in Healthcare Utilisation
The survey reveals unequal access to benefits under insurance schemes.
Uneven Distribution of Benefits
Among urban beneficiaries using insurance-linked hospitalisation:
Only 13% belonged to the poorest income group
This indicates that wealthier households disproportionately benefit from government-financed insurance schemes.
Fiscal Burden on States
States such as Haryana and West Bengal reportedly spend nearly:
15% of their health budgets on GFHI schemes
Large public funds are increasingly flowing toward private healthcare providers through insurance reimbursements.
Public Health Equity Concerns
The survey highlights that:
Coverage indicators have improved
Financial risk protection remains inadequate
Rural vs Urban Divide
Rural low-income households show some decline in OOPE
Urban households continue facing heavy financial stress due to reliance on private care
This demonstrates the limitations of insurance-led healthcare models without strong public healthcare infrastructure.
Way Forward
Strengthening Public Healthcare
India must prioritise:
Public hospitals
Primary healthcare systems
Health workforce expansion
Focus on Preventive and Primary Care
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs can become the backbone of Universal Health Coverage if adequately funded.
Better Regulation of Private Sector
Stronger regulation is needed to:
Prevent overcharging
Improve transparency
Ensure quality standards
Improve Drug and Diagnostic Availability
Consistent supply of free medicines and tests can reduce OOPE significantly.
Outcome-Based Health Financing
Healthcare financing should focus on:
Quality outcomes
Preventive healthcare
Affordability
rather than volume-based reimbursements.
Conclusion
The NSO Health Survey 2025 highlights both the achievements and limitations of India’s evolving healthcare system. While insurance coverage and healthcare access have improved substantially, rising out-of-pocket expenditure and growing dependence on private healthcare continue to undermine financial protection.
India’s experience demonstrates that insurance expansion alone cannot guarantee equitable healthcare outcomes. A strong, accessible, and adequately funded public healthcare system remains essential for achieving universal health coverage, reducing medical impoverishment, and ensuring inclusive development.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently been granted the status of a “Deemed to be University” under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956. The move marks a significant shift in India’s educational landscape, as NCERT will now be able to expand beyond its traditional role of curriculum development and school education research.
NCERT, established in 1961 as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, has played a central role in shaping school education in India. It develops the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), prepares NCERT textbooks, conducts teacher training programmes, and undertakes educational research and policy support.
What is a “Deemed to be University”?
A deemed university is an institution that is granted university status by the Central Government on the advice of the UGC under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
Key features include:
Autonomy in designing courses and syllabus.
Authority to conduct examinations and award degrees.
Freedom in academic and research activities.
Mandatory compliance with UGC norms and standards.
Unlike regular universities, deemed universities are not established through a separate Act of Parliament or State Legislature.
Significance of the New Status
The new status allows NCERT to:
Offer undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and research programmes.
Expand into higher education and teacher education.
Strengthen educational research and innovation.
Collaborate with national and international institutions.
Further, NCERT must now participate in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), obtain NAAC accreditation, and implement the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), aligning it with the objectives of the National Education Policy.
Concerns and Challenges
Despite the advantages, concerns have been raised regarding NCERT’s institutional autonomy.
Increased UGC oversight may affect NCERT’s flexibility in policymaking.
Expansion into higher education could dilute its core focus on school education.
Academic commercialisation concerns persist despite the non-profit clause.
There are also apprehensions that bureaucratic regulation may slow curriculum reforms and innovation.
Way Forward
The development presents an opportunity to transform NCERT into a premier multidisciplinary educational institution. However, maintaining a balance between autonomy and accountability will be essential. NCERT must continue prioritising quality school education while leveraging its new academic powers to improve teacher training, educational research, and policy innovation in India.
The move ultimately reflects India’s broader push toward institutional strengthening and holistic educational reforms under NEP 2020.
