Society & Social justice

All (4265)Current Affairs (4243)Mains Practice (77)Mains PYQs by Subjects (40)

Crime in India 2024: NCRB Report Highlights Emerging Security and Social Challenges

Why in News?

The National Crime Records Bureau released the Crime in India 2024 and Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) 2024 reports, presenting important data on crime trends, cyber offences, suicides, crimes against vulnerable groups, and internal security challenges across the country.

The reports reveal that while India witnessed a decline in overall cognisable crimes in 2024, there has been a sharp rise in cybercrime, economic offences, suicides, and drug overdose deaths, reflecting deeper socio-economic and technological challenges confronting governance institutions.

Overall Crime Trends in India

India recorded 58.86 lakh cognisable crimes in 2024, compared to 62.41 lakh cases in 2023, marking a decline of nearly 6%.

Similarly, the national crime rate declined from 448.3 per lakh population in 2023 to 418.9 in 2024.

Out of the total registered crimes:

35.44 lakh cases were registered under the IPC/Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
23.41 lakh cases were registered under Special and Local Laws (SLL)

The decline indicates some improvement in policing efficiency and law enforcement mechanisms. However, experts caution that emerging forms of digital and economic crimes are increasingly replacing conventional crimes.

Surge in Cybercrime

Cybercrime emerged as the fastest-growing category of crime in India.

Cybercrime cases increased by 17.9%, rising from 86,420 cases in 2023 to 1,01,928 cases in 2024. The cybercrime rate also increased from 6.2 to 7.3 per lakh population.

The majority of cybercrime cases were related to cyber fraud, accounting for nearly 72.6% of total cyber offences.

Other major categories included:

Sexual exploitation
Extortion
Identity defamation
Personal revenge

State-wise Trends

Telangana recorded the highest number of cybercrime cases, followed by Karnataka.

Metropolitan cities alone registered nearly 35,000 cybercrime cases in 2024.

The NCRB data also highlights serious institutional weaknesses:

Over 1.2 lakh cybercrime cases remain pending investigation.
Nearly 75,000 cases are pending trial.

The findings underline India’s growing digital vulnerability and the urgent need for:

Cyber policing reforms
Digital forensic capacity
Interstate coordination
Cyber awareness programmes

Rise in Economic Offences

Economic offences increased by 4.6%, rising from 2,04,973 cases in 2023 to 2,14,379 cases in 2024.

The largest component was:

Forgery, cheating and fraud, accounting for nearly 90% of economic offences.

The increase reflects:

Expansion of digital financial frauds
Growth of online scams
Weak consumer cyber protection systems

The report highlights the need for stronger:

Fintech regulation
Digital governance
Financial monitoring mechanisms

Crimes Against Women

Crimes against women declined marginally from 4.48 lakh cases in 2023 to 4.41 lakh cases in 2024.

The crime rate against women declined from 66.2 to 64.6 per lakh women population.

Major categories included:

Cruelty by husband or relatives
Kidnapping
Assault with intent to outrage modesty
Crimes against minors

Despite statistical improvement, structural concerns remain serious:

Domestic violence
Patriarchal social structures
Underreporting
Low conviction rates

The data suggests that legal reforms alone remain insufficient without broader social transformation and gender sensitisation.

Crimes Against SCs and STs

Cases registered against Scheduled Castes (SCs) declined slightly, while crimes against Scheduled Tribes (STs) witnessed a sharper decline.

States reporting the highest cases included:

Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Bihar
Rajasthan
Maharashtra

However, experts caution that a decline in registered cases does not necessarily imply reduction in caste discrimination. It may also indicate:

Fear of social backlash
Weak access to justice
Poor reporting mechanisms

Child Safety and Juvenile Concerns

Missing children cases increased by 7.8%, reaching 98,375 cases in 2024.

Girls constituted the overwhelming majority of missing children cases.

The NCRB report also highlighted rising concerns regarding:

Child trafficking
Urban vulnerability
Juvenile delinquency
Children in conflict with law

Delhi recorded the highest number of juvenile crime cases among metropolitan cities.

The trends point toward the urgent need for stronger child protection systems and social support mechanisms.

Suicides and Social Distress

According to the ADSI report, India recorded 1,70,746 suicides in 2024.

Most Vulnerable Groups

Agriculture Sector

More than 10,500 suicides were linked to the agriculture sector, including:

Farmers/cultivators
Agricultural labourers

Other Vulnerable Sections

Daily wage workers
Students
Homemakers
Unemployed persons

The figures reveal:

Economic insecurity
Agrarian distress
Mental health crisis
Social isolation
Financial instability

The growing suicide burden reflects broader socio-economic stress within society.

Drug Overdose Deaths

Drug overdose deaths increased sharply by nearly 50% in 2024.

States reporting the highest deaths included:

Tamil Nadu
Punjab
Madhya Pradesh

The trend highlights:

Expanding narcotics networks
Weak rehabilitation systems
Growing youth vulnerability

The issue is increasingly emerging as both a public health and internal security challenge.

Crimes Against the State

Cases categorised as “crimes against the state” increased by 6.6% in 2024.

Major laws involved included:

Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)

The rise reflects continuing concerns regarding:

Extremism
Internal security
Public order challenges

Key Challenges Highlighted by NCRB Data

Institutional Challenges

Judicial delays
Cyber investigation pendency
Low conviction rates
Forensic infrastructure gaps

Social Challenges

Gender violence
Mental health crisis
Drug addiction
Agrarian distress

Governance Challenges

Weak inter-agency coordination
Inadequate rehabilitation systems
Lack of cyber awareness

Way Forward

India requires a comprehensive approach involving:

Expansion of cybercrime police infrastructure
Fast-track courts for cyber and economic offences
Technology-enabled policing
Stronger mental health support systems
Women and child protection mechanisms
Drug rehabilitation programmes
Greater public awareness and digital literacy

Conclusion

The NCRB’s Crime in India 2024 report presents a complex picture of India’s internal security and social landscape. While conventional crime rates have declined, the rapid rise in cybercrime, economic fraud, suicides, and drug abuse indicates the emergence of new-age governance challenges. The findings underscore the urgent need for modernised policing, stronger cyber governance, social protection mechanisms, and inclusive development policies to ensure justice, security, and public trust in an increasingly digital society.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G)

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister for Rural Development released more than ₹10,000 crore to 12 states under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), reaffirming the government's commitment to achieving housing for all in rural India.

About PMAY-G

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) is the flagship rural housing scheme of the Government of India. It was launched in 2016 by restructuring the erstwhile Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) to address the housing needs of the rural poor in a more targeted and transparent manner.

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to eligible rural households for the construction of pucca houses with basic amenities. It primarily targets houseless families and those living in dilapidated kutcha houses with zero, one, or two rooms.

Objectives

The key objectives of PMAY-G are:

Ensuring “Housing for All” in rural areas.
Improving the quality of life of rural households.
Providing safe, durable, and disaster-resilient housing.
Promoting dignity, social inclusion, and better living standards.

Key Features

Target Coverage

The Government initially targeted the construction of 2.95 crore houses during FY 2016–17 to FY 2023–24.

Recognizing the continued demand for rural housing, the scheme has been extended for another five years (FY 2024–25 to FY 2028–29) with an additional target of 2 crore houses.

Minimum House Size

Each house constructed under PMAY-G must have a minimum carpet area of 25 square metres, including a dedicated hygienic cooking space.

Beneficiary Selection

Beneficiaries are selected through a transparent process based on housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria identified under the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), 2011. The selection process minimizes discretion and enhances accountability.

Financial Assistance

The scheme provides direct financial support to beneficiaries:

₹1.20 lakh per house in plain areas.
₹1.30 lakh per house in hilly and difficult areas, including North Eastern states, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Funding Pattern

The financial burden is shared between the Centre and States as follows:

60:40 in plain areas.
90:10 in North Eastern and Himalayan states.
100% Central funding for Union Territories without a legislature.

Technology and Monitoring

PMAY-G employs digital governance tools for transparency and efficient implementation:

AwaasSoft: Online Management Information System (MIS) for monitoring progress.
AwaasApp: Mobile application used for geo-tagging and real-time verification of houses.

Significance

PMAY-G has emerged as one of the world's largest rural housing programmes. It contributes significantly to poverty alleviation, social empowerment, sanitation, and rural development. The scheme also generates employment opportunities in rural areas through construction activities while improving access to basic amenities.

By providing secure and dignified housing to millions of families, PMAY-G plays a crucial role in achieving inclusive growth and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction and sustainable communities.

Conclusion

PMAY-G represents a transformative step towards rural development and social welfare. Through targeted assistance, transparent beneficiary selection, and technology-driven monitoring, the scheme has substantially improved housing conditions across rural India. Its continued expansion reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that every rural family has access to a safe and dignified home.

National One Health Mission: Strengthening India’s Integrated Health Security

Recently, the Fifth Meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee on the National One Health Mission was held in New Delhi. The meeting focused on strengthening coordinated surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and integrated disease management across human, animal, and environmental sectors.

About National One Health Mission

The National One Health Mission (NOHM) was launched in 2024 as a collaborative and multidisciplinary initiative aimed at integrating human, animal, and environmental health systems.

The mission is based on the “One Health” approach, which recognizes that the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems is deeply interconnected. Diseases such as COVID-19, Nipah, Avian Influenza, and Zoonotic infections have demonstrated the importance of coordinated surveillance and response mechanisms.

Objectives of the Mission

The mission seeks to:

Strengthen pandemic preparedness
Improve integrated disease surveillance
Enhance early warning systems
Prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks
Promote coordinated research and data sharing
Develop robust public health infrastructure

It aims to unify surveillance systems across:

Human health
Animal health
Environmental monitoring

Nodal Agency

The mission is coordinated by:

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

It functions under the:

Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.

Governance Structure

The National One Health Mission follows a two-tier governance framework.

1. Executive Committee

Composition

Chaired by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)
Principal Scientific Adviser serves as Vice-Chair
Member (Health), NITI Aayog is a permanent invitee
Includes Secretaries of stakeholder departments and representatives from two states on a rotational basis

Functions

Provides overall policy guidance
Reviews mission implementation
Coordinates inter-ministerial collaboration

2. Scientific Steering Committee

Composition

Chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA)
Includes Secretaries and Directors General of stakeholder departments and states

Functions

Provides scientific oversight and direction
Guides surveillance and research priorities
Supports evidence-based policymaking

Importance of One Health Approach

Zoonotic Disease Control

More than 60% of infectious diseases affecting humans are zoonotic in nature. Integrated monitoring helps detect outbreaks early.

Pandemic Preparedness

The mission strengthens India’s capability to respond rapidly to emerging public health threats.

Environmental Health

Climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss influence disease transmission. The mission integrates ecological factors into health planning.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The initiative supports coordinated action against AMR emerging from human and veterinary antibiotic misuse.

Food and Livestock Security

Healthy livestock systems contribute to nutrition, rural livelihoods, and food security.

Stakeholder Ministries and Agencies

The mission involves coordination among:

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Department of Biotechnology
ICMR
ICAR
State governments and research institutions

Challenges

Key challenges include:

Inter-departmental coordination
Data sharing mechanisms
Lack of integrated surveillance infrastructure
Shortage of trained manpower
Funding and technological gaps

Conclusion

The National One Health Mission marks a significant step toward building an integrated and resilient public health framework in India. By linking human, animal, and environmental health systems, the mission can improve disease prevention, strengthen pandemic preparedness, and support sustainable health security for the future.

Medical Negligence Claims and Survival of Legal Actions

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that medical negligence proceedings do not automatically end with the death of the accused doctor.

A bench comprising:

J. K. Maheshwari
Atul S. Chandurkar

held that legal heirs of a deceased doctor can be impleaded in proceedings involving financial claims recoverable from the doctor’s estate.

However, purely personal claims such as:

pain and suffering,
reputational injury,
emotional distress

would lapse upon the death of the accused person.

Background of the Case

The dispute arose from an eye surgery conducted in Bihar in 1990.

Suresh Chandra Roy approached Dr. P.B. Lall after his wife experienced severe eye pain.

Following surgery:

her condition deteriorated,
vision in both eyes was affected,
another surgery became necessary in 1994.

The family filed a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 seeking compensation for:

medical expenses,
travel costs,
loss of vision,
mental agony.

Decisions of Consumer Forums

District Consumer Forum

The forum held Dr. Lall negligent and awarded compensation in 2003.

Bihar State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

The State Commission overturned the decision, holding that glaucoma — rather than negligence — caused the vision loss.

The matter was later appealed before the:

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)

During proceedings, Dr. Lall died in 2009, after which his wife and son were impleaded as legal heirs.

Core Legal Issue

The main question before the Court was:

Does a medical negligence claim survive after the death of the accused doctor?

The legal heirs argued that:

medical negligence actions are personal in nature,
therefore proceedings should abate upon death.

Doctrine: Actio Personalis Moritur Cum Persona

The Court examined the traditional common law maxim:

Actio personalis moritur cum persona 
(“A personal action dies with the person”)

Historically:

personal injury claims ended upon death of either party.

However, Indian law has gradually modified this rule.

Evolution of Indian Law

Legal Representatives Suits Act, 1855

Allowed continuation of claims involving:

pecuniary loss,
property-related claims.

Fatal Accidents Act, 1855

Created rights to sue in cases involving:

wrongful death.

Section 306 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925

This provision states that legal rights survive against legal representatives except in cases involving:

defamation,
assault,
personal injuries not causing death.

Thus:

claims involving financial loss may survive,
purely personal claims lapse.

Role of Order XXII CPC

Order XXII of the Civil Procedure Code

Deals with:

substitution of parties after death.

If the “right to sue survives”:

legal heirs may be impleaded.

Otherwise:

the suit abates.

Consumer Protection Act and Medical Negligence

Section 13(7) of the Consumer Protection Act applies procedural provisions of the CPC to consumer disputes.

However, the Court clarified:

procedural law explains how proceedings continue,
substantive law determines whether the claim survives.

Supreme Court’s Interpretation

The Court drew a distinction between:

Personal Rights

These relate to:

dignity,
emotional suffering,
reputation.

Such claims end upon death.

Proprietary / Pecuniary Rights

These relate to:

economic loss,
compensation recoverable from estate.

Such claims survive against legal heirs, but:

only to the extent of inherited estate.

The Court therefore held that:

compensation claims involving financial loss may continue,
but heirs are not personally liable beyond inherited assets.

Significance of the Judgment

The ruling is important because it:

balances consumer rights and fairness,
protects compensation claims,
clarifies survival of legal actions,
distinguishes substantive and procedural law.

It also strengthens accountability in:

medical negligence disputes,
consumer protection jurisprudence.

Concerns and Criticism

Legal experts have raised certain concerns:

Liability of Legal Heirs

Questions remain regarding:

heirs inheriting no estate,
apportionment of liability among multiple heirs.

Impact on Medical Practice

Some experts believe the ruling may:

increase litigation pressure on doctors,
encourage defensive medicine,
lead doctors to avoid high-risk cases.

There are concerns that:

smaller hospitals may increasingly refer complex patients to larger institutions with stronger legal support systems.

Broader Legal Importance

The judgment clarifies:

survival of claims after death,
distinction between personal and proprietary rights,
scope of consumer law in medical negligence cases.

It also reinforces the principle that:

procedural law cannot expand substantive legal rights.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks an important development in Indian consumer and tort jurisprudence. By allowing financial compensation claims in medical negligence cases to survive against a deceased doctor’s estate, the Court has sought to balance fairness to victims with limits on personal liability. The judgment also provides much-needed clarity regarding the relationship between substantive rights, procedural law, and survival of legal claims in India’s justice system.

Acid Attack Victims Under RPwD Act: Supreme Court Expands Definition

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India recently expanded the definition of acid attack victims under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 to include survivors who were forced to consume acid and suffered severe internal injuries even without visible external disfigurement.

The ruling came in response to a petition filed by acid attack survivor Shaheen Malik highlighting gaps in legal recognition, rehabilitation, and state support for such victims.

Background

The RPwD Act, 2016 recognises acid attack survivors as persons with disabilities, enabling them to access:

Disability certificates
Financial assistance
Reservation benefits
Medical rehabilitation
Welfare schemes

However, the law primarily focused on victims suffering visible external disfigurement due to acid attacks.

As a result, victims forced to ingest acid — leading to severe internal injuries — were excluded from the disability framework despite facing lifelong medical complications.

Gap in the Existing Law

Narrow Interpretation of “Disfigurement”

The RPwD Act recognised disability mainly in cases involving:

Facial burns
Skin deformities
Visible bodily disfigurement

Survivors who consumed acid often lacked visible scars but suffered:

Damage to the mouth and throat
Burn injuries to the food pipe and stomach
Difficulty in eating and swallowing
Permanent digestive complications

Thus, the disability assessment mechanism failed to adequately recognise internal injuries.

Constitutional Concerns

Violation of Article 14

The petition argued that the law created an arbitrary distinction between:

Victims on whom acid was thrown, and
Victims forced to ingest acid

This amounted to “under-classification” because both categories suffered similar physical and psychological trauma.

The Supreme Court held that all victims of acid violence form a single class deserving equal protection under law.

Article 21: Right to Dignity

Exclusion from disability recognition denied survivors:

Compensation
Rehabilitation support
Medical care
Social welfare benefits

This affected their right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Court observed that welfare legislation must be interpreted in a manner that advances constitutional morality and substantive equality.

Conflict Between Criminal Law and Welfare Law

The petition highlighted inconsistency between:

Welfare law (RPwD Act), and
Criminal law under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita treats:

Throwing acid, and
Administering acid

as the same offence carrying identical punishment.

Therefore, excluding ingestion survivors from disability protections was considered legally inconsistent.

Supreme Court’s Key Observations

The Supreme Court ruled that:

Internal injuries caused by acid ingestion can amount to disability.
The RPwD Act must be interpreted broadly and inclusively.
The clarification would apply retrospectively from the date the Act came into force.

The Court also expressed concern that existing punishments have failed to deter acid attacks effectively.

It suggested stronger measures such as:

Shifting burden of proof onto the accused in certain situations
Making illegal acid sellers co-accused
Strengthening monitoring of acid sale regulations

Rising Acid Attack Cases and Pendency

The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over increasing acid attack incidents and delays in prosecution.

States with High Pendency:

Uttar Pradesh – 198 pending cases
West Bengal – 160 cases
Gujarat – 114 cases
Bihar – 68 cases

Lower Pendency:

Uttarakhand – 3 cases
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh – 5 cases

The Court termed prolonged trials a “mockery of the system” and stressed the need for speedy justice.

Significance of the Judgment

The judgment is significant because it:

Expands the scope of disability rights
Promotes substantive equality
Strengthens victim-centric justice
Aligns welfare laws with criminal law protections
Recognises invisible and internal disabilities

It also reflects the judiciary’s broader role in ensuring social justice and constitutional protection for vulnerable groups.

Way Forward

Reform disability assessment guidelines to include internal injuries.
Ensure speedy trial of acid attack cases through fast-track courts.
Strictly regulate retail acid sale.
Strengthen rehabilitation, counselling, and compensation mechanisms.
Increase public awareness regarding acid violence and gender-based crimes.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a progressive step toward inclusive justice by recognising that the suffering caused by acid violence is not limited to visible scars alone. By extending protection to survivors of acid ingestion, the Court has reinforced constitutional values of equality, dignity, and social justice while addressing a major gap in India’s disability and victim protection framework.

International Booker Prize 2026 – Celebrating Global Literature in Translation

Why in News?

Recently, Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated into English by Lin King, won the International Booker Prize 2026.

The award highlights the growing global recognition of translated literature and the important role played by translators in connecting cultures across languages.

About the International Booker Prize

The International Booker Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards for translated fiction.

Establishment

Established in 2005
Originally known as the Man Booker International Prize

Nature of the Award

It is awarded annually for:

Long-form fiction
Collections of short stories

The works must be:

Translated into English
Published in the United Kingdom and/or Ireland

Objective of the Prize

The prize aims to:

Promote world literature
Encourage reading of translated fiction
Recognise literary excellence across languages
Highlight the contribution of translators

It plays an important role in making non-English literature accessible to global readers.

Prize Money

The total prize amount is:

£50,000

Distribution

The prize money is equally shared between:

Author
Translator

Shortlisted Candidates

Each shortlisted:

Author
Translator

receives £2,500.

This unique structure recognises translators as equal creative contributors.

Importance of Translation

Translation acts as:

A bridge between cultures
A medium for literary exchange
A tool for preserving linguistic diversity

The International Booker Prize has significantly increased global readership for works originally written in:

Asian languages
African languages
European languages
Latin American languages

2026 Winning Work

Winning Book

Taiwan Travelogue

Author

Yáng Shuāng-zǐ

Translator

Lin King

The novel was recognised for its literary depth, cultural exploration, and high-quality translation.

Indian Winners of the International Booker Prize

India has made significant contributions to global translated literature.

1. Tomb of Sand (2022)

Author

Geetanjali Shree

Translator

Daisy Rockwell

Significance

First Hindi-language work to win the prize
Brought international recognition to Hindi literature

2. Heart Lamp (2025)

Author

Banu Mushtaq

Translator

Deepa Bhasthi

Significance

First Kannada-language work to win the prize
Highlighted regional Indian literature globally

Significance for India

The success of Indian works in the International Booker Prize demonstrates:

Richness of Indian regional literature
Importance of translation in cultural diplomacy
Global interest in Indian storytelling traditions

It also encourages:

Preservation of regional languages
Literary translation initiatives
International publication of Indian literature

Broader Cultural Importance

The International Booker Prize:

Promotes multilingualism
Strengthens literary diversity
Encourages cross-cultural understanding
Expands global literary markets

It reflects the growing importance of translated literature in an interconnected world.

Parliament Passed Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Context

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.

NAMASTE Scheme – Ensuring Dignity and Safety in Sanitation Work

Why in News

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
Worker Rehabilitation: Providing long-term livelihood alternatives

Way Forward

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.

Media Reporting of FIR and Right to Fair Trial

Context

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.

LS Passes Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026

Introduction

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.

CBSE Introduces Third Language & Skill-Based Curriculum Reforms

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced major curriculum reforms for secondary education to implement the vision of the National Education Policy. The reforms aim to transform India’s education system from rote memorisation toward multidisciplinary, competency-based, and skill-oriented learning.

The new curriculum emphasises multilingualism, vocational education, digital literacy, and ﬂexible subject choices, aligning school education with 21st-century requirements.

Key Features of the New Curriculum

Three-Language Formula

Under the new framework:

A third language will become compulsory from Class 6.
It will be included in Class 10 board examinations by 2031.
Students must study at least two Indian languages.
English will be treated as a foreign language rather than the primary medium of identity.

CBSE will offer all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion.

Vocational Education

Vocational education will become compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from the 2027–28 academic session.

Students will be assessed through:

Board examinations, or
Annual evaluation systems.

The reform seeks to bridge the gap between education and employability by introducing practical and industry-relevant skills at an early stage.

Two-Level Subjects

Mathematics and Science will be offered at:

Standard level, and
Advanced level.

This ﬂexibility allows students to choose subjects according to their aptitude, reducing academic pressure while encouraging deeper learning for interested students.

Artiﬁcial Intelligence and Digital Skills

AI and computational thinking will be introduced from Classes 3–8 and gradually expanded. By 2029:

AI will become a compulsory board subject in Class 10.

The curriculum also promotes coding, problem-solving, and digital literacy to prepare students for emerging technological demands.

Phased Implementation

CBSE has adopted a phased roadmap extending up to 2031 for complete implementation of NEP-aligned reforms.

The gradual transition aims to:

Train teachers,
Develop infrastructure,
Revise textbooks and assessment methods,
Ensure smooth adaptation across schools.

Signiﬁcance of the Reforms

The reforms are signiﬁcant because they:

Promote holistic and multidisciplinary education,
Encourage experiential and skill-based learning,
Strengthen linguistic diversity,
Improve employability and digital readiness,
Reduce dependency on rote learning.

They also align with India’s objective of building a knowledge-based economy and preparing students for global competitiveness.

Challenges

However, implementation challenges remain:

Teacher training and availability,
Infrastructure gaps in rural schools,
Language-related political concerns,
Unequal digital access,
Need for updated assessment systems.

Conclusion

The CBSE curriculum reforms represent a major step toward transforming India’s education system in line with NEP 2020. Successful implementation will require coordinated efforts among governments, schools, teachers, and parents to ensure inclusive, ﬂexible, and future-ready education for all students.

Access to Justice in India

Context

Justice Surya Kant highlighted major gaps in justice delivery while inaugurating Phase III of the e-Courts Project, emphasising the need for a citizen-centric digital judiciary.

He stressed that despite constitutional guarantees, a signiﬁcant gap remains between legal entitlements and citizens’ lived realities.

Issues with Access to Justice in India

Triple Barrier

Access to justice is hindered by:

Distance,
Delay,
Implementation gaps.

Massive Case Pendency

Over 5 crore cases are pending across Indian courts, with nearly 85% pending in subordinate courts.

Judicial Vacancies

According to the India Justice Report 2025:

More than 5,600 judicial vacancies exist,
Around 33% vacancies are in High Courts.

Low Judge-to-Population Ratio

15 judges per 10 lakh population15\ judges\ per\ 10\ lakh\ population15 judges per 10 lakh population

India has only around 15 judges per 10 lakh population, far below the Law Commission’s recommended 50 judges.

Undertrial Crisis

Nearly 76% of prisoners in India are undertrials, reﬂecting delays in criminal justice delivery.

Procedural Delays

Frequent adjournments, complex legal procedures, and weak case management systems slow adjudication.

Courts Project

The e-Courts Project is a ﬂagship initiative launched in 2005 under the National e-Governance Plan to modernise the judiciary.

Objectives

Improve access to justice,
Reduce delays,
Increase transparency through technology.

Key Features

e-Filing,
Virtual hearings,
Online case tracking,
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG),
Integration with e-Prisons and police systems.

eSewa Kendras

These centres help digitally excluded citizens access court services.

Other Important Initiatives

Legal Aid & Outreach

National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
Tele-Law Programme
Nyaya Bandhu

Speedy Justice

Fast Track Courts,
Lok Adalats,
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Transparency Measures

Live streaming of proceedings,
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG),
Recognition of electronic evidence under BNS, BNSS, and BSA, 2023.

Measures to Improve Access to Justice

Strengthening Judicial Capacity

Increase judge strength and ﬁll vacancies to reduce pendency.

Digital Transformation

Expand e-ﬁling, virtual hearings, and digital infrastructure in rural areas.

ADR Mechanisms

Promote mediation, arbitration, and Lok Adalats to reduce court burden.

Legal Aid Expansion

Strengthen NALSA and legal awareness programmes for vulnerable groups.

Judicial Infrastructure

Improve court infrastructure and expand Gram Nyayalayas.

Conclusion

Ensuring access to justice is essential for strengthening the rule of law and constitutional democracy in India. Judicial reforms, technological integration, and inclusive legal aid mechanisms are critical for delivering timely, affordable, and equitable justice to all citizens.