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.
India’s approach towards women’s empowerment has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Moving beyond a welfare-centric framework, policy initiatives now aim at structural empowerment by placing women at the centre of economic growth, governance, and social development. This shift reflects the vision of “Nari Shakti” as a key pillar of inclusive and sustainable national development.
The reforms focus on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, political representation, social welfare, and digital empowerment, while also addressing long-standing gender inequalities.
Major Pillars of Nari Shakti Reform
Financial Inclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has significantly expanded women’s access to formal banking services.
Over 57 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened.
Around 55% of these accounts are held by women.
This has enhanced women’s participation in formal finance, direct benefit transfers (DBT), savings, and digital transactions.
Self-Help Group (SHG) Revolution
Women-led Self-Help Groups have emerged as major drivers of grassroots entrepreneurship and rural development.
Nearly 10 crore women are associated with around 90 lakh SHGs.
SHGs strengthen:
Financial independence
Collective bargaining
Livelihood generation
Community participation
Clean Energy Access
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided LPG connections to more than 10.5 crore households.
The scheme has:
Reduced indoor air pollution
Lowered drudgery for women
Improved health outcomes
Reduced dependence on firewood and biomass
Credit and Entrepreneurship
Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, nearly 70% of loans have been sanctioned to women borrowers.
This has promoted:
Women-led enterprises
Small businesses
Self-employment opportunities
Financial independence
Rising Workforce Participation
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has increased to around 37%, reversing earlier declining trends.
This improvement reflects:
Expansion of rural employment
Growth in self-employment
Better economic participation of women
However, participation levels still remain below global averages.
Political Representation
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
The reform is expected to:
Enhance political participation
Improve gender-sensitive policymaking
Strengthen women’s leadership in governance
Challenges in Nari Shakti Reforms
Awareness and Access Gap
Many women, especially in rural and marginalised communities, remain unaware of welfare schemes and institutional benefits.
Structural Employment Barriers
Despite improvement, women continue to face:
Wage inequality
Informal employment
Limited childcare support
Workplace discrimination
Uneven Inclusion
Women from vulnerable communities often face greater barriers due to caste, poverty, geography, and social norms.
Output-Oriented Governance
Policies frequently focus on coverage numbers rather than actual improvements in empowerment, income, health, or decision-making capacity.
Leadership Barriers
Patriarchal social structures continue to limit women’s representation in leadership positions. Women currently constitute only around 13.6% of Lok Sabha members.
Way Forward
Ensure Last-Mile Inclusion
Use the Aspirational Districts Programme and DBT mechanisms to ensure saturation coverage of eligible women beneficiaries.
Strengthen Capacity Building
Expand leadership, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training under initiatives such as Mission Shakti.
Shift to Outcome-Based Monitoring
Leverage digital dashboards such as Poshan Tracker and Ayushman Bharat IT systems to assess measurable outcomes in nutrition, health, and income.
Deepen Financial and Digital Inclusion
Strengthen women’s participation through the JAM Trinity:
Jan Dhan
Aadhaar
UPI
This can improve credit access, savings, and digital entrepreneurship.
Promote Women in Emerging Sectors
Encourage women’s participation in STEM, digital economy, and high-growth industries through:
Skill India Mission
Digital India
India already has around 43% female enrolment in STEM education, providing a strong foundation for future workforce participation.
Conclusion
India’s Nari Shakti reforms represent a transition from welfare-based support to structural empowerment and inclusive nation-building. Financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, clean energy access, and political representation have strengthened women’s agency across sectors. However, achieving true gender equality requires deeper institutional reforms, greater awareness, improved workforce participation, and stronger representation in leadership roles. Sustained focus on outcome-based empowerment will be essential for transforming women into equal partners in India’s developmental journey.
The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment recently highlighted that the NAMASTE Scheme has shown measurable impact in eliminating hazardous manual cleaning practices and improving the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
About NAMASTE Scheme
The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming the lives of Sewer and Septic Tank Sanitation Workers (SSWs) in India.
It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The execution is carried out by the National Safai Karmacharis Finance Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
The scheme is operational for a three-year period (FY 2023–24 to FY 2025–26).
Objectives of the Scheme
The NAMASTE Scheme is designed with a strong human-centric approach:
Zero Fatalities: Eliminate deaths during sewer and septic tank cleaning
End Manual Scavenging: Remove direct human contact with hazardous waste
Mechanisation: Promote the use of machines and modern equipment
Skill Development: Train workers in safe sanitation practices
Dignity and Inclusion: Improve social status and working conditions
Key Features
Profiling of Workers: Identification and database creation of sanitation workers across urban areas
Skill Training: Capacity building in mechanised sanitation techniques
Provision of PPE Kits: Ensuring safety through protective gear
Entrepreneurship Support: Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and access to financial assistance
Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs): Strengthening rapid response systems
for hazardous situations
Significance of the Scheme
Social Justice: Addresses historical marginalisation of sanitation workers
Public Health: Reduces exposure to toxic gases and harmful pathogens
Urban Governance: Improves efficiency and safety of sanitation systems
Legal Backing: Supports the objectives of eliminating manual scavenging in India
The scheme aligns with broader national missions like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and contributes to achieving SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Challenges
Implementation Gaps: Ensuring uniform adoption across all urban local bodies
Behavioural Change: Transition from manual to mechanised systems requires mindset shift
Funding and Maintenance: Sustaining equipment and infrastructure
Strict Enforcement of Laws prohibiting manual scavenging
Increased Budget Allocation for mechanisation and worker welfare
Technological Innovation in sanitation equipment
Awareness Campaigns to eliminate social stigma
Monitoring and Evaluation through real-time data systems
Conclusion
The NAMASTE Scheme represents a crucial step toward ensuring dignity, safety, and empowerment of sanitation workers in India. By focusing on mechanisation, skill development, and social inclusion, it seeks to eliminate one of the most inhumane practices while strengthening urban sanitation systems.
The Sikkim High Court dismissed a petition seeking restrictions on media reporting of FIR contents and naming of accused persons.
The Court held that reporting based on an FIR does not amount to a violation of privacy, as an FIR is a public document accessible under law.
FIR as a Public Document
Legal Status
Under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, an FIR is treated as a public document open to inspection.
Access to Information
Any individual can obtain a copy of an FIR for legal remedies, public awareness, or reporting purposes.
Media Reporting
Media organisations are permitted to report FIR contents, including the identity of the accused, when based on official public records.
Right to Fair Trial
Constitutional Protection
Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to a fair trial.
Limits on Media Reporting
While reporting is permissible, media coverage should:
Avoid declaring the accused guilty before trial
Prevent media trials and sensationalism
Ensure judicial proceedings remain unbiased
Judicial Intervention
Courts may restrict reporting if:
It prejudices ongoing investigations or trials
Selective leaks are used to influence public opinion
Reporting becomes defamatory or violates due process
About FIR
Meaning
First Information Report (FIR) is the first official information recorded by police regarding a cognizable offence under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Purpose
It initiates criminal investigation and sets the legal process into motion.
Who Can File an FIR
An FIR may be filed by:
Victim
Witness
Any person aware of the offence
Cognizable Offence
Applicable only to cognizable offences where police can investigate without prior court approval.
Zero FIR
A Zero FIR can be filed at any police station irrespective of territorial jurisdiction and later transferred to the appropriate police station.
Key Issues Involved
Freedom of Press vs Fair Trial
Balancing media freedom under Article 19(1)(a) with the accused’s right to fair trial under Article 21 remains crucial.
Risk of Media Trial
Excessive or sensational reporting may influence public perception and judicial neutrality.
Privacy Concerns
Public disclosure of identities may affect reputation even before conviction.
Way Forward
Develop ethical media-reporting guidelines for criminal cases.
Ensure responsible journalism without compromising judicial fairness.
Strengthen safeguards against selective leaks and misinformation.
The Lok Sabha recently passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, aimed at promoting “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living” by decriminalising minor and technical offences across multiple laws.
The Bill marks one of the largest legal reform exercises in independent India, amending 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts under 23 Ministries. It seeks to reduce unnecessary criminalisation, improve regulatory compliance, and create a more trust-based governance
framework.
The legislation reflects the government’s broader effort to modernise India’s legal and regulatory ecosystem and encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and administrative efficiency.
Background and Rationale
India’s regulatory framework has historically contained numerous criminal penalties for procedural and technical defaults.
Examples include:
Filing delays
Documentation errors
Licensing irregularities
Minor compliance lapses
Such criminal provisions often led to:
Regulatory burden
Fear of prosecution
Increased litigation
Delays in business operations
Harassment of individuals and enterprises
The Jan Vishwas reforms aim to replace excessive criminalisation with civil and administrative penalties.
Key Provisions of the Jan Vishwas Amendment Bill, 2026
Large-Scale Decriminalisation
The Bill decriminalises 717 provisions involving technical and procedural defaults.
Nature of Offences Covered
Minor procedural violations
Documentation-related lapses
Compliance delays
Non-fraudulent administrative defaults
The reform focuses on offences that do not involve:
Fraud
Public safety threats
Serious financial crimes
Environmental harm
Significance
Reduces burden on criminal justice system
Encourages voluntary compliance
Reduces fear among businesses and citizens
Improves investor confidence
Shift from Criminal Courts to Administrative Adjudication
Instead of criminal courts, designated Adjudicating Officers such as Deputy Commissioners and other officials will decide penalties for covered offences.
Powers of Adjudicating Officers
They may:
Conduct inquiries
Summon evidence
Examine documents
Impose penalties
This creates a faster and less adversarial dispute-resolution mechanism.
Benefits
Reduces court pendency
Faster disposal of cases
Lower compliance costs
Administrative efficiency
Administrative Empowerment of Ministries
The Bill authorises Central Ministries to appoint designated officers for implementation and enforcement.
This decentralised administrative framework allows ministries to:
Handle sector-specific compliance issues
Improve monitoring and enforcement
Reduce procedural delays
The reform strengthens executive capacity in governance and regulation.
Compounding of Offences
The Bill permits compounding for certain violations.
Meaning of Compounding
An individual or entity can settle specified offences by paying a prescribed amount instead of undergoing criminal prosecution or trial.
Importance
Saves time and legal expenses
Reduces litigation burden
Encourages quick dispute settlement
Improves ease of compliance
Compounding is widely used in taxation, corporate, and financial regulations.
Inflation-Based Penalty Revision
To preserve the deterrent value of penalties, fines will automatically increase by:
10% of the prescribed minimum amount every three years
Purpose
Prevents penalties from becoming ineffective over time
Ensures penalties remain economically relevant
Reduces need for repeated legislative amendments This introduces a dynamic and modern penalty structure.
Warning Mechanism for Minor Infractions
The Bill introduces warning notices for:
First-time offenders
Minor procedural lapses
Before imposing financial penalties, authorities may issue warnings to encourage voluntary correction.
Benefits
Promotes trust-based governance
Reduces harassment
Encourages compliance culture
Supports small businesses and startups
Significance of the Bill
Improving Ease of Doing Business
The Bill reduces criminal liability for businesses and entrepreneurs, making India’s regulatory environment more investment-friendly.
This can:
Encourage entrepreneurship
Improve investor confidence
Reduce compliance burden
Support MSMEs and startups
Strengthening Ease of Living
Citizens often face legal complications for minor procedural errors.
The Bill simplifies compliance and reduces unnecessary criminal prosecution for ordinary citizens.
Reducing Judicial Burden
India’s courts face massive pendency of cases.
By shifting minor violations to administrative adjudication, the Bill can:
Reduce burden on courts
Speed up justice delivery
Improve judicial efficiency
Promoting Trust-Based Governance
The reform reflects a transition from:
“Punitive governance” to “facilitative governance”
The government aims to build a regulatory ecosystem based on trust, transparency, and voluntary compliance.
Supporting Economic Growth
Simplified regulations and reduced legal uncertainty can enhance:
Domestic investment
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Business expansion
Economic competitiveness
Concerns and Challenges
Despite its benefits, certain concerns remain.
Risk of Administrative Overreach
Giving extensive powers to adjudicating officers may lead to:
Arbitrary decision-making
Lack of accountability
Excessive executive discretion
Reduced Judicial Oversight
Replacing courts with administrative mechanisms could weaken procedural safeguards and independent scrutiny.
Need for Capacity Building
Effective implementation requires:
Proper training of adjudicating officers
Digital systems for transparency
Standard operating procedures
Ensuring Fairness and Transparency
Administrative adjudication must ensure:
Natural justice
Transparency
Appeal mechanisms
Non-discriminatory enforcement
Way Forward
To ensure successful implementation, the government should:
Develop transparent digital adjudication systems
Establish clear appellate mechanisms
Ensure periodic review of decriminalised provisions
Strengthen accountability of adjudicating officers
Promote awareness among businesses and citizens
Balanced implementation is essential to prevent misuse while improving compliance.
Conclusion
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 represents a major reform in India’s regulatory and governance framework. By decriminalising minor offences, introducing administrative adjudication, and promoting trust-based governance, the Bill seeks to create a more efficient, business-friendly, and citizen-centric legal system.
If implemented effectively, the reforms can significantly improve India’s ease of doing business, reduce judicial burden, and strengthen economic growth while ensuring better governance and regulatory compliance.
Maternal mortality remains a critical public health and governance challenge in India. Although the country has achieved one of the world’s largest declines in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), progress has slowed in recent years. A study published in The Lancet highlights that India still faces major challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR below 70 by 2030.
MMR refers to the number of maternal deaths per one lakh live births due to pregnancy-related causes. India contributes nearly 10% of global maternal deaths, underlining the need for sustained policy intervention.
Status of Maternal Mortality in India
India’s MMR has declined significantly from 508 in 1990 to around 116 in 2023, reflecting improvements in maternal healthcare infrastructure, institutional deliveries, and public
health interventions.
According to the Sample Registration System (SRS), MMR reduced from 122 during 2015–17 to 88 during 2021–23. However, differences remain between national and UN estimates, with UN estimates placing India’s MMR at around 80. Such data gaps create challenges in accurate policy assessment and monitoring.
Despite overall progress, interstate disparities remain severe. States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu have achieved relatively low MMR levels due to better healthcare systems and higher institutional deliveries. In contrast, states like Assam and Uttar Pradesh continue to report high maternal mortality, reflecting inequalities in healthcare access, nutrition, and infrastructure.
Further, the pace of reduction in maternal deaths has slowed, making the SDG target increasingly difficult to achieve within the remaining timeframe.
Causes of High Maternal Mortality
Haemorrhage
Severe bleeding during or after childbirth remains the leading cause of maternal deaths in India. Delayed emergency obstetric care significantly increases fatalities.
Sepsis and Infections
Poor hygiene during delivery and delayed treatment of infections contribute to maternal mortality, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Unsafe Abortions
Limited access to safe abortion services often forces women to undergo unsafe procedures, resulting in serious complications and deaths.
Anaemia and Malnutrition
Iron deficiency, undernutrition, and poor maternal health weaken women during pregnancy, increasing vulnerability to complications during childbirth.
Hypertensive Disorders
Conditions such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia can cause seizures, organ failure, and maternal death if not diagnosed and treated on time.
Delays in Healthcare Access
The “three delays” model remains a major challenge:
Delay in deciding to seek care
Delay in reaching healthcare facilities
Delay in receiving timely treatment
These delays are often linked to poverty, poor transport infrastructure, and weak healthcare systems.
Government Initiatives
India has launched several schemes to improve maternal healthcare:
Janani Suraksha Yojana promotes institutional deliveries through conditional cash transfers.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram provides free delivery, medicines, diagnostics, transport, and food for pregnant women.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan ensures free antenatal check-ups and early
detection of high-risk pregnancies.
Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan guarantees respectful and quality maternal healthcare services.
LaQshya Programme focuses on improving labour room and maternity care quality.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides maternity benefits to support nutrition and healthcare needs.
Way Forward
Improving maternal health requires strengthening primary healthcare systems, especially antenatal, institutional delivery, and postnatal services in rural and high-burden states.
Special attention must be given to states such as Assam and Uttar Pradesh through better infrastructure, trained medical staff, and continuous monitoring.
Preventing major causes of maternal deaths requires timely management of haemorrhage, hypertension, and infections through emergency obstetric care and skilled birth attendants.
Further, improving maternal nutrition, promoting family planning, and increasing awareness regarding reproductive health can significantly reduce maternal risks and early pregnancies.
Conclusion
Reducing maternal mortality is essential for achieving gender justice, public health, and sustainable development goals. While India has made substantial progress, regional disparities, healthcare gaps, and slowing improvements remain serious concerns. A comprehensive approach focused on quality healthcare, nutrition, awareness, and equitable access is crucial to ensure safe motherhood for every woman in India.
The Madras High Court recently clarified the constitutional position of the Governor under Article 161 by ruling that the Governor is bound by the advice of the State Cabinet while deciding prisoner remission pleas. The judgment reinforces the parliamentary nature of India’s constitutional system, where real executive authority lies with the elected Council of Ministers.
Constitutional Position of the Governor
Under Article 161: Governor may grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions, or commute sentences under State law\text{Article 161: Governor may grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions, or commute sentences under State law}Article 161: Governor may grant pardons, reprieves, respites, remissions, or commute sentences under State law
the Governor possesses the power to grant pardon, remission, reprieve, or commutation for offences against state laws. However, this power is not personal or absolute.
The Court held that:
The Governor acts only on the “aid and advice” of the Council of Ministers under Article 163.
Independent discretion cannot be exercised in remission matters.
The “bias exception” evolved in the 2004 M.P. Special Police Establishment case does not apply to Article 161 powers.
The Perarivalan Case had already affirmed that the Governor is merely a constitutional head in executive matters.
Thus, the decision strengthens the principle of cabinet responsibility and democratic accountability.
Constitutional Framework
Key constitutional provisions governing the Governor include:
Article 154: Executive power of the State is vested in the Governor but exercised through subordinate officers, i.e., the Council of Ministers.
Article 163(1): Governor is generally bound by ministerial advice except in matters requiring discretion.
Article 163(2): The Governor’s decision regarding discretionary matters is final.
Article 163(3): Courts cannot inquire into ministerial advice.
However, the Nabam Rebia Judgment clarified that discretionary powers are still subject to judicial review if exercised arbitrarily.
When Can the Governor Act Discretionarily?
The Constitution permits limited discretionary powers in situations such as:
Reserving Bills for the President under Article 200.
Recommending President’s Rule under Article 356.
Appointment of a Chief Minister in a hung Assembly.
Dismissing a government that loses majority support.
Special responsibilities in states like Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Sixth Schedule matters in northeastern states.
Further, the Supreme Court in the State of Punjab v Governor ruled that Governors cannot indefinitely delay assent to Bills and must act “as soon as possible”.
Significance of the Judgment
The ruling is significant because it:
Prevents misuse of gubernatorial office for political purposes.
Reinforces cooperative federalism.
Upholds the supremacy of elected governments in executive decisions.
Clarifies constitutional morality and limits on gubernatorial activism.
The judgment ultimately strengthens India’s parliamentary democracy by reaffirming that Governors are constitutional heads, not parallel centres of executive authority.
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of
₹18.4 lakh crore, including ₹5 lakh crore procurement in FY 2025–26. The platform has emerged as a major pillar of India’s digital governance and public procurement reforms.
About GeM
Launch and Administration
Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Operated by the GeM Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
Replaced the earlier Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) system.
Objective
GeM aims to ensure:
Transparency in procurement
Competitive pricing
Efficient bidding
Timely delivery of goods and services
Legal Basis
Procurement through GeM is mandated under the amended General Financial Rules (GFRs) for government departments.
Key Highlights
Rising Procurement Volume
GeM has crossed ₹18.4 lakh crore GMV.
Procurement worth ₹5 lakh crore was recorded in FY 2025–26 alone.
MSME Participation
MSMEs account for nearly 68% of total orders.
They contribute around 47.1% of total GMV.
More than 11 lakh MSMEs are registered on the platform.
Increasing State Participation
Procurement by States and Union Territories increased by 38.3%, indicating wider adoption.
Inclusive Growth
Participation of women-led enterprises, startups, and SC/ST entrepreneurs has significantly increased.
Technology Integration
GeM uses:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Machine Learning (ML)
Data analytics These tools help in:
Fraud detection
Price monitoring
Efficient bidding and vendor assessment
Significance
Promotes Transparent Governance
Reduces human discretion and corruption in procurement processes.
Enhances accountability and auditability.
Boost to MSMEs and Startups
Provides direct market access to small businesses.
Encourages formalisation and digital inclusion.
Fiscal Efficiency
Competitive bidding lowers procurement costs and improves value for public money.
Strengthening Digital Governance
Supports India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem through paperless and cashless procurement.
Challenges
Digital literacy gaps among small vendors.
Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns.
Need for faster dispute resolution and grievance redressal.
Way Forward
Expand digital awareness among rural enterprises.
Strengthen cybersecurity architecture.
Improve logistics integration and vendor support systems.
