Context: The Department of School Education & Literacy, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has introduced 'Prerana: An experiential learning program.' This initiative is geared towards providing a profound, distinctive, and motivational experience to its participants, with the ultimate aim of nurturing leadership qualities among them.
About Prerna, a learning initiative:
'Prerana’, is headquartered at the vernacular school (established in 1888 in Vadnagar), Gujarat.
This weekly residential program will host 20 students from different parts of the country on a rotational basis.
Aims and objectives:
The essence of Prerana lies in its unwavering commitment to integrate the principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education, which serves as a fundamental pillar of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
This thematic framework aims to inspire the youth, fostering a deep respect for Bharat's unity in diversity and embodying the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family).
The overarching goal is to empower these students to become catalysts for positive change,inspiring others with the transformative teachings of 'Prerana.'
Nine-core value-based themes:
The curriculum of 'Prerana' has been developed by IIT Gandhinagar.
This unique program is built upon nine core value-based themes: self-respect and humility, courage and determination, hard work and dedication, compassion and service, diversity and unity, truthfulness and cleanliness, innovation and curiosity, faith and trust, and independence and responsibility.
Activities under Prerna:
The meticulously planned schedule of the program feature activities such as yoga, and meditation sessions, coupled with experiential learning, thematic discussions, and engaging hands-on educational endeavours.
The sessions promise visits to historical and heritage sites, inspirational film screenings, creative activities related to mission life, talent shows, and more, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
Additionally, students will actively participate in diverse activities encompassing indigenous knowledge systems, cutting-edge technologies, and insights derived from inspirational figures.
Mentors from prestigious institutions will guide the participants in this transformative initiative.
Selection process:
It is designed for students in Classes 9 to 12.
Interested students can register online through the portal prerana.education.gov.in, where they will undergo a selection process outlined on the platform.
Additionally, applicants can partake in the selection procedure at the school/block level during designated 'Prerana Utsav' days, participating in activities aligned with Prerana's ethos to assess their well-rounded personalities, eager to shape the nation's future.
Once selected, the 20 participants, consisting of 10 male and 10 female students, are expected to carry the ethos of 'Prerana' into their respective communities.
Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee advocates for increased representation in the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC). Currently, only 2 out of the 15 Directors on the Board are from Scheduled Castes.
About NSFDC
Set up in 1989 as a Company “not for profit" under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 (earlier under Companies Act, 1956). Its functioning exclusively for the development of the Scheduled Castes
Objectives: To finance the income generating activities of SC beneficiaries having annual family income up to Rs. 3.00 lakh.
Financial assistance of target group: By way of loans, Skill Training, Entrepreneurship Development Programmes and providing Marketing Support through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs), RRBs, Public Sector Bank & other institutions.
Managed by: Board of Directors with representation from Central Government, State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations, Financial Institutions and non-official members representing Scheduled Castes.
Share Capital: Rs 1500 crores and the Paid up Capital is Rs. 1500.00 crore (as on 2021).
Context: Researchers and doctoral students from about 30 universities across the country have written separate letters to the Union Minority Affairs Minister to increase the scholarships under Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF).
About Maulana Azad National Fellowship:
Launched in: 2009
Nodal ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
Implementing agency: University Grants Commission (UGC).
Aim: For educational empowerment of students belonging to minority communities.
Beneficiaries: Six notified minority communities viz. Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Muslim, Parsi and Sikh.
Scope: The Fellowship will cater to the minority community students pursuing regular and full time research studies leading to award of M.Phil/Ph.D degree within India only.
Mode of selection: On the basis of UGC-NET and CSIR-NET merit list.
Fellowship: A monthly fellowship amount of INR 31,000 for initial two years to Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). A fellowship amount of INR 35,000 per month for remaining tenure to Senior Research Fellowship(SRF).
Duration of fellowship: The fellowship is usually provided for a duration of two years for M.Phil. students and five years for Ph.D. students, with certain relaxations available.
Objective: To provide five year fellowships in the form of financial assistance to students from six notified minority communities, notified by the Central Government, to pursue M. Phil and Ph.D.
It covers all Universities/Institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as under :
Central/State Universities (including constituent and affiliated institutions).
Deemed Universities.
Institution fully funded by State / Central Government and empowered to award degrees.
Institutions of National Importance as notified by Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Context: Central government has notified that from January 01, 2024, all wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme must be paid through an Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS). However, some state governments have opposed this move.
About NREGA Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS):
It is a method of disbursing payments to MGNREGA workers using their unique 12-digit Aadhaar number as their financial address.
Under this system, workers’ Aadhaar numbers are linked with their job cards as well as their bank accounts, this account must be connected to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) mapper.
Under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, APBS is in use since 2017.
The system was initially made mandatory from February 1, 2023. However, through several extensions, the Centre allowed this requirement to persist until December 31, 2023. As no further extensions were granted to states beyond December 31, the ABPS became mandatory from January 1, 2024.
The government grant exemptions on a "case-by-case basis" if any gram panchayat experiences "technical issues" or Aadhaar-related problems until the resolution of the underlying issue.
Aim is to streamline wage payments and ensure transparency, reducing the chances of fraud.
Benefits of ABPS:
Ensuring that payments are made to the rightful beneficiaries, reducing the chances of fraud and corruption and eliminating intermediaries.
Reduces paperwork, minimizes delays, and ensures a faster and more streamlined disbursement of wages.
Digital records make it easier to track and audit payments.
Challenges associated with ABPS:
Deletion of job cards: 7.6 crore job cards deleted since April 2022 due to discrepancies between the two documents, the Aadhaar and the job card, such as different spellings of workers’ names.
Right to work (Article 41): Compelling the use of ABPS with more than one-third of the total MNREGA registered workers rendered ineligible will inevitably lead to the denial of the right to work.
Exclusion of workers: Till December 2023, 12.7% of these active workers are still not eligible due to technological adeptness or a lack of proper documentation.
Active workers are those who have worked for at least one day over the last three financial years.
Privacy concerns: Mandatory linking of Aadhaar to NREGS payments raises privacy concerns, as it involves collecting and storing biometric and personal information.
Context: According to the Health Ministry, women account for approximately 49% of the total Ayushman cards created and approximately 48% of total authorised hospital admissions.
About Ayushman card:
The national health authority(NHA) issues the Ayushman card, which offers access to a network of public and private hospitals across India.
The health cards are given to the beneficiaries families and individuals. The family health folders are kept at the Health Wellness Centres (HWC) or nearby Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) in paper and/or digital format.
Beneficiaries can use this card to avail cashless treatment and hospitalisation at these network hospitals.
This ensures that every family knows their entitlement to healthcare through both HWC and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana or equivalent health schemes of state and central government.
Aadhar card is not mandatory for availing services under this scheme.
About National Health Authority (NHA)
It is the successor of the National Health Agency.
It is an attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with full functional autonomy.
Governed by a Governing Board chaired by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
It is headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), an officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, who manages its affairs. The CEO is the Ex-Office Member Secretary of the Governing Board.
It is an apex body for implementation for AB PM-JAY and National Digital Health Mission.
To implement the scheme at the State level, State Health Agencies (SHAs) in the form of a society/trust have been set up by respective States.
SHAs have full operational autonomy over the implementation of the scheme in the State including extending the coverage to non SECC beneficiaries.
Context: In this article authors have opined on the debate of the pros and cons of shifting from World Health Organization child growth standards to a nationally compiled standard.
Background on Child Undernutrition in India
Child undernutrition is a significant and persistent issue in India, influenced by multiple determinants such as food intake, dietary diversity, health, sanitation, women’s status, and poverty. The primary anthropometric standards used to measure childhood undernutrition are height-for-age (stunting/chronic undernutrition) and weight-for-height (wasting/acute undernutrition).
Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS)
The MGRS takes a prescriptive approach with the specific aim of setting growth ‘standards’ i.e. how children ought to grow, provided they have a healthy environment and not growth ‘references’ i.e. how children of the reference group grow.
World Health Organisation uses following indicators for the study
Length/Height for age
Weight for age
Weight for length/Height
Body Mass Index for Age
Head circumference for Age
Arm circumference for Age
Subscapular skin fold for age
Triceps skinfold for age
Motor development milestones
Weight velocity
length velocity
Head circumference velocity
Issues in using Multicentre Growth Reference Study as a base:
Data pool
The sample for India in the MGRS was drawn from a set of privileged households living in South Delhi, of children who met all the eligibility criteria for the study, like having a ‘favourable’ growth environment, being breastfed and having non-smoking mothers etc.
Indian researchers contest the idea with an argument that such pool set overestimates the undernutrition.
However, such comparisons with other large datasets would only be valid if these could provide samples that meet all the criteria of a favourable environment for growth, as defined by the MGRS. For ex. even among children (six23 months) in households of the highest quintile in National Family Health Survey (NFHS)5 (201921), only 12.7% meet the requirements of a ‘minimum acceptable diet’ as defined by WHO. Secondly, While almost all mothers in the MGRS sample had completed more than 15 years of education (in 200001), 54.7% of women in NFHS5 had completed 12 or more years of schooling.
Genetic Growth Potential and Maternal Height
Another issue lies in MGRS missing out to capture the difference in genetic growth potential of Indians vis-a-vis other countries along with lacking in capturing influence of maternal height on child growth.
However, researchers contest these narrative by stating that a number of countries with similar or even poorer economic conditions, including those in the South Asian region, have shown higher improvements in stunting prevalence using the same WHOMGRS standards.
Implications of High Standards
There is concern that high standards might lead to overfeeding children misclassified as undernourished, contributing to obesity. However, given dietary gaps and the quality of government nutrition programs, these concerns may be unfounded.
Way Ahead
Multi-Sectoral Interventions and Development Goals
Improving diets alone is not sufficient; interventions in sanitation, healthcare, childcare, and women’s empowerment are crucial for better nutritional outcomes. These interventions are tied to the country’s overall development and equitable resource distribution.
Role of WHO Standards and National Growth Charts
While it is understood that children grow uniquely, WHO standards are important for understanding population trends and making international comparisons. The Indian Council of Medical Research has considered revising growth references for India to reflect national trends accurately.
In conclusion, India faces challenges in accurately measuring child undernutrition due to multiple factors. While there is a debate on the suitability of WHO growth standards for India, considering genetic potential and environmental influences, the WHO-MGRS standards are still seen as a useful tool for international and intra-country comparisons.
Context: As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Women participation in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) was the highest in 10 financial years.
Women participation in MGNREGS:
The rates of participation of women in the MGNREGS, defined as women person-days out of the total in percentage.
The proportion of women person-days in the total touching 59.25% in 2023-24, 57.47% in 2022-23 and 54.82% in 2021-22.
The lowest percentage of women participation in the NREGS over the last 10 financial years was recorded in 2020-21 at 53.19%.
The southern states like Kerala (89%), Tamil Nadu (86%), Puducherry (87.16%) and Goa (72%) have recorded women participation rate of over 70%, it has been hovering around 40% or below in northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh over the years.
In 2023-24, 5 states/UTs with the lowest women participation rate under NREGS are: UTs of Jammu and Kashmir (30.47%) and Lakshadweep (38.24%), Uttar Pradesh (42.39%), Madhya Pradesh (42.50%) and Maharashtra (43.76%).
In rural areas, the female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), increased to 30.5% in 2022-23 from 18.2% in 2017-18.
Impact of MGNREGA on Women Empowerment
Economic Independence: It has provided women in rural areas with opportunities for wage employment, that contributed to their economic independence as MGNREGA provides at least 100 days of wage employment.
Social Empowerment: Women have gained visibility and recognition in their communities, increased social standing can contribute to a positive shift in societal attitudes towards the role and capabilities of women.
Health Benefits and Skill Development: Income generated through MGNREGA can be invested in improving the health and education of women and their families.
Reduction in Distress Migration: It has helped in mitigating distress migration by providing employment opportunities locally. This is particularly significant for women who may have been left behind in rural areas while male family members migrate in search of work.
Reason for low participation of women in several states:
Absence of safe transportation facilities :The distance between work sites and women's homes can be a deterrent, especially in the absence of reliable and safe transportation facilities.
Lack of Childcare Support: The absence of childcare facilities at work sites may pose a challenge for women with young children, making it difficult for them to participate.
Lower Wage Rates: MNREGA wage rates (set by centre) of at least 17 of the 21 major states are even lower than the state minimum wage for agriculture, discouraging women from participating in the scheme.
Delayed payment of wages: Delayed payment of wages, particularly for women who may face financial constraints.
Socio-cultural Norms: Deep-rooted gender norms and stereotypes in certain regions may limit women's mobility. Further, Women often have significant domestic responsibilities, which can limit their ability to participate in MGNREGA. These may include childcare, eldercare, and household chores that are traditionally ascribed to women.
Safety Concerns: Concerns about safety and harassment at work sites can deter women from participating.
Health Issues: Health-related constraints like being Anaemic can also impact women's ability to engage in labour-intensive work typically offered under MNREGA.
Suggestive measures to ensure high participation of women in MGNREGS:
Recommendations given by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj:
The long-standing demand for increasing wages must be address through suitable linkage to the inflation index.
The committee has suggested that the government must take measures for better promotion of “women-centric works” through creation or linking of existing livelihood projects under the scheme.
Ministry of Rural Development needs to bridge the wage disparity among states by notifying a uniform wage rate structure.
It recommended increasing the guaranteed days of work under the scheme from 100 to 150 days to deal with exigencies arising from natural calamities.
About Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act:
Introduced in: 2005.
Nodal ministry: Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
Aim: For improving the purchasing power of the people living in rural areas. Primarily semi or unskilled work was given to people living below the poverty line in rural India. Also aims to guarantee the 'right to work' (Article 41).
Mandate: To provide at least 100 days of guaranteed employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage.
Key features of the act:
It is a demand-driven wage employment programme and resource transfer from the Centre to the states is based on the demand for employment in each state.
Adult members of rural households submit their name, age and address with a photo to the Gram Panchayat, for job card.
The registered person can submit an application for work in writing (for at least fourteen days of continuous work) either to Panchayat or to Programme Officer.
If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, applicants are entitled to an unemployment allowance.
The employment will be provided within a radius of 5-km. And if it is beyond 5-km, extra wage will be paid.
Women are guaranteed one third of the jobs made available under the MGNREGA.
The people in coordination with local administration conduct the social audits, whose objective is to ensure public accountability.
Context: Report of the Parliamentary Standing on Labour, Textiles And Skill Development Committee highlighted the gaps that remain in achieving the objective of elimination of child labour by 2025.
Meaning of child:
Child and Adolescent Labour (prohibition and regulation) Act 1986 defined child as, a person who has not completed the age of 14 years.
Meaning of Child labour:
ILO defined child labour, as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.
Child labour in India:
According to Census 2011: 1.26 crore working children in the age group of 5-14 as compared to the total child population of 25.2 crore.
Causes of Child Labour in India
Impact of prevalence of Child Labour:
Negative impact on health: Especially children are working in hazardous industries such as lead mining, brassware and beedi making etc. For example, in industries like lead mining, exposure to toxins can result in lead poisoning, affecting the nervous system and causing developmental problems.
Impact on education & skills: The time spent working in labour-intensive jobs detracts from opportunities for formal education and skill-building activities, limiting the child's future prospects.
Permanent disabilities and premature death: Approximately 250 million children aged 5-14 worldwide are engaged in child labour, facing health issues like dangerous working conditions, malnutrition, fatigue, and anaemia. These conditions heighten the risk of work-related hazards, potentially resulting in permanent disability and premature death (UNICEF).
Risk of drug abuse: Due to factors such as vulnerability to exploitation, limited access to education, psychosocial stress, and exposure to peer influences.
Undermining adult labour: It can depress wages for adult workers, as employers may prefer to hire cheaper child labour instead, can contribute to unemployment among adults.
Perpetuating discrimination and inequality: Children engaged in labour may be seen as inferior or less deserving of opportunities, perpetuating discrimination and inequality.
Demographic challenges: It can contribute to demographic challenges by affecting the health and well-being of children, potentially leading to higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy, that can impact population growth and demographic structures.
Inter-generational poverty: Families in impoverished conditions may resort to sending their children to work due to economic necessity, this perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as the lack of education and skills hinders the children's ability to escape poverty in the future.
Government initiative for protection of child:
Constitutional provisions:
Article 15 (3) permits positive discrimination in favour of children
Article 21A which makes education free and compulsory between the ages of 6-14 years;
Article 23 states that children should not be forced to work at cheap wages due to their economical or social disadvantage.
Article 24 that prohibits employment of children in factories and mines.
Article 39, which requires the State to direct its policies to ensure the tender age of children is not abused.
Legislative initiatives:
National Policy on Child Labour, 1987. To adopt a gradual & sequential approach with a focus on rehabilitation of children working in hazardous occupations.
National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme ,1988: For running of special schools for child labour withdrawn from work.
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, (CALPRA ) 2016: Prohibits the employment of children below 14 years.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000: It includes the working child need of care and protection, without any limitation of age or type of occupation.
The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976: Aimed at eradicating bonded labour, a form of modern-day slavery where individuals are forced to work in deplorable conditions due to economic exploitation.
Pencil: To ensure effective enforcement of child labour laws and end child labour.
Judiciary Approach:
Unni Krishnan Vs Andhra Pradesh: The SC held that children up to the age of 14 had a fundamental right to free education.
Neeraja Chaudhary Vs State of Madhya Pradesh: SC stated that the Child Labourers should be rescued and provision for their rehabilitation should be made.
U.P. Bandhua Mukti Morcha Vs Union of India: SC stated that if no steps are taken under Bonded Labour System Act 1976 by the Government, then it would be a violation of Article 23 of the Constitution.
Sheela Barse Vs Secretary, Children Aid Society and Others: SC held, If there be no proper growth of children of today, the future of the country will be dark. It is the obligation of every generation to bring up children who will be citizens of tomorrow in a proper way.
M. C. Mehta Vs State of Tamil Nadu: SC has not allowed children to work in a prohibited occupation.
Challenges to eliminate child labour:
Definitional issue: According to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (CALPRA), the panel noted, ‘child’ is defined as someone between 14-18 years and Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, child’ is defined as someone between 6-14 years.
Issues with Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016: Allows child to be employed in “family or family enterprises”.
Employment of children in the CALPRA Act is a cognizable offence, whereas under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, it is a non-cognizable offence, leads to ambiguity as well as delay in justice to the aggrieved children.
Age identification of children: Difficult task in India due to the lack of identification documents like school registration certificates and birth certificates, creating loophole in the law to exploit.
Informal economy: A significant portion of child labour is found in the informal economy, making it harder to regulate and monitor due to weak regulatory oversight.
Acceptance among society: Deep-rooted cultural norms, economic pressures, and historical traditions can contribute to the acceptance of child labour in some communities.
Corruption and poor enforcement of law: Widespread corruption can undermine efforts to enforce existing laws against child labour, allowing exploitative practices to persist.
Lack of proper rehabilitation of children saved from child labour
Way forward to eliminate child labour:
Ensure uniformity in the definition of child.
Institute district-level funds, through collected fines from child labour employers, allocating an appropriate amount for the rehabilitation of child laborers. This initiative should follow the provisions outlined in the Central Sector Plan for the rehabilitation of bonded laborers, ensuring immediate relief and rehabilitation for child laborers.
Establish a national-level child tracking mechanism to facilitate coordination among the states/Centre.
Similar provisions should be introduced for the CALPRA Act, as mentioned in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, for taking action against the police for not registering FIRs.
The responsibility of reporting children selling goods or begging at traffic lights should be assigned to the traffic police, and they should also be held accountable for not reporting such instances.
The government should make positive list of occupations for non-hazardous industries and processes where adolescent can work.
There should be an increase in the amount of the fine to 3-4 times the current value, and stricter punishments should be incorporated, such as the cancellation of licenses and attachment of property.
According to Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs data, around 19 million households have a shortage of decent housing in cities leading to a slum population of 65.5 million living in 13.7 million slum households in million-plus cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, etc.
Reasons for the Urban housing crisis in India
Urban Housing shortage exists due to a big gap between demand and availability of housing in the cities, both in terms of number and quality.
High population density- Rural distress has led to huge out-migration towards million-plus cities causing a crunch of housing space.
Sub-Optimal Utilization of Urban Land: paradoxically land parcels of high urban densities co-exist with those which are sub-optimally utilized. Because,
Fragmented and poorly recorded ownership of urban land
Multiple public sector organizations—ports, railways, ULBs, etc.— own land under their jurisdictions
Restrictions on Floor Space Index/Floor Area Ratio create an artificial scarcity of land, pushing up prices.
Rent control regime: rental laws have lowered returns on rental properties and made eviction of tenants particularly difficult, it has led to the stagnation of new investment in rental housing and thereby creating a shortage of affordable housing in the city.
Inadequate housing finance: Inadequate housing credit to Low-Income groups (LIG) because of their weak creditworthiness and low disposable incomes, since urbanisation in India is associated with growing informal employment, which failed to provide social security or formal credit to the growing urban population.
Challenges associated with the Housing Crisis:
The challenges of the housing crisis are far-reaching and impact individuals, communities, and the overall well-being of cities.
1) Shortage of Affordable Housing: There is a significant gap between the demand and supply of affordable housing. A 2012 report by India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs indicated a housing gap of about 19 million units throughout Indian cities, with low-income groups forming the majority of this deficit.
The cost of construction has risen, and there is an absence of a viable rental market. The increased cost often gets transferred to the buyer, making housing less affordable.
Lower-income groups often cannot access cheaper loans or formal lending options, and the benefits of subsidies do not reach them effectively, making it difficult to secure formal shelter.
2) Pressure on Urban Resources due to Rapid Urbanization: Urban areas are under pressure from the rapid influx of migrants from rural areas, which contributes to the housing shortage. Urban India’s population is projected to nearly double between 2018 and 2050, further exacerbating the housing crisis.
Urban services are constrained, and infrastructure is often not in place to support new housing developments. This leads to a lack of basic amenities such as water supply, sewage, and electricity in many housing projects.
Homelessness and inadequate housing strain public services such as healthcare, infrastructure. Governments and taxpayers bear the burden of providing support and resources to those affected, further stretching already limited budgets. It also led to Environmental degradation: Due to urban heat islands, rising pollution, inadequate drainage and persistent water crisis. Eg- Chennai floods in 2015 due to encroachment of lakes and riverbeds makes for a prime example in this regard.
3) Slum Proliferation and Informal Settlements: Many migrants end up living in slums and informal settlements due to the lack of affordable formal housing.
Now there are population without stable shelter and such Homelessness leads to numerous social, health, and economic challenges, as those affected struggle to find employment, access healthcare, and maintain social connections.( The 2011 Census of India reveals that the urban population of the country stood at 31.16% where there are about 4.5 lakh homeless families and a total population of 17.73 lakh is living without any roof over their heads.
4) Gentrification and Displacement: Gentrification occurs when wealthier residents move into low-income neighbourhoods, leading to increased property values and rent hikes. This process often results in the displacement of long-term residents who can no longer afford to live in their neighbourhoods, eroding community cohesion and cultural diversity.
5) Housing Insecurity and Stress: The lack of affordable and stable housing creates significant stress and uncertainty for individuals and families. Constantly worrying about eviction, rising rents, or inadequate living conditions has a detrimental impact on mental and physical health, as well as overall quality of life.
Also Enhanced sense of relative deprivation: Gives rise to urban crimes such as human trafficking, sexual assault, child labour, Juvenile delinquency, prostitution, drugs and suicides.
6) Growth of unplanned suburbs: Due to degrading environment of urban areas people start to out-migrate towards nearby rural areas. Often this outmigration and settlement is unplanned, which give rise to problematic future expansion plan along with the changing the rural landscape permanently.
Steps taken by the government
1) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All – Urban)
Objective: The Mission addresses urban housing shortage among the EWS/LIG and MIG categories
Beneficiaries: Economically weaker section (EWS), low-income groups (LIGs) and Middle-Income Groups (MIGs). The annual income cap is up to Rs 3 lakh for EWS, Rs 3-6 lakh for LIG and Rs 6 -18 lakhs for MIG.
2) Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM): This program, which was launched in 2005, aims to provide financial assistance to urban local bodies for the development of infrastructure and services.
3) National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy (2007): This policy aims to provide affordable housing and improve living conditions for urban residents, particularly for low-income groups.
4) Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): This program, launched in 2015, aims to improve basic services and infrastructure in urban areas, including water supply and sewerage systems.
5) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Launched in 2013, this program aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability of urban poor households by providing them with opportunities for skill development and self-employment.
Way Forward
To address the problems associated with urban housing in India, a multifaceted approach is required. Here are some suggested steps with examples:
Robust rural development: By improving employment opportunities, amenities, and overall living standards in rural areas, there would be less compulsion for mass migration to cities. This can be achieved by creating multiple growth centers across the country, strategically positioned to distribute economic activities more evenly. Such a decentralized approach would alleviate the intense pressure on megacities like Delhi and Mumbai. In turn, this would reduce urban congestion and demand for housing, allowing for more sustainable urban expansion and better quality of life in both rural and urban settings. Developing rural areas not only mitigates the strain on urban infrastructure but also ensures a more balanced and equitable national development.
Enhance Urban Planning and Governance: Strengthen urban planning to keep pace with the rapid urbanization. This includes updating master plans, investing in urban infrastructure, and enforcing land use regulations like Implement single-window clearance systems for housing projects to reduce bureaucratic delays. This can significantly bring down the time and cost of construction, as seen in the ease of doing business reforms in places like Gujarat.
Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage collaboration between the government and private developers to create affordable housing. The government can offer incentives like tax benefits or provide land at subsidized rates to make projects financially viable for private developers.
Revise Rent Control Laws: Modernize rent control legislation to protect both landlords and tenants, encouraging landlords to rent out vacant houses. Maharashtra’s Rental Housing Scheme aimed at creating five lakh rental housing units is an example where amendments to rent control can stimulate the rental market.
Encourage Use of Innovative Building Technologies: Promote the use of cost-effective and sustainable construction methods, such as prefabricated buildings, to reduce the cost and time of construction. Examples include the use of precast technology in mass housing projects.
Expand the Scope of Affordable Housing Programs: PMAY should be broadened to cover not just the construction of houses but also the development of the surrounding infrastructure to ensure holistic development of the area.
Incorporate Inclusionary Zoning: Mandate a percentage of new developments to be allocated for affordable housing. New York City’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program requires developers to include affordable housing in new buildings in rezoned areas.
By taking these steps, the goal of providing affordable, sustainable, and inclusive urban housing in India can be progressively achieved. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By addressing housing, India also contributes to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities, echoing the holistic vision of the SDGs for a better future.
Context: In India, unhealthy eating habits are rapidly growing, and there is a need for higher taxes on High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods to help reduce their consumption.
About HFSS foods:
It may be defined as foods (any food or drink, packaged or non- packaged) which contain low amounts of proteins, vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals and dietary fiber but are rich in fat (saturated fatty acids), salt and sugar and high in energy (calories) that are known to have negative impact on health if consumed regularly or in high amounts (Ministry of Women and Child Development).
Need to tax HFSS foods:
Public health concerns: According to a World Bank report of 2019, worldwide, 70% of all overweight and obese people live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Economic burden: Obesity’s cost in India was $23 billion in 2017, potentially rising to $480 billion by 2060. This highlights the economic impact of unhealthy diets.
Revenue generation: Can generate revenue for governments, which can be allocated to development of social sector.
Growing consumption: India, the world’s largest sugar consumer, has seen snack and soft drink sales triple, exceeding $30 billion. This indicates a worrying rise in HFSS food consumption.
Initiative taken to reduce consumption of HFSS foods:
Eat Right Movement, 2018 : Launched by FSSAI, to improve public health in India and combat negative nutritional trends to fight lifestyle diseases.
GST rates on ultra-processed foods: Tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) with a 28% GST rate and 12% compensation cess.
Kerala’s Fat Tax: In 2016, Kerala introduced a ‘fat tax’, which later merged into India’s Goods and Services Tax in 2017, which later got subsumed into India’s Goods and Services Tax in 2017.
Global Initiative:
Colombia’s “junk food law” on ultra-processed foods, providing a model for other nations.
Over 60 countries have implemented taxes on sugary drinks.
Countries like Denmark, France, Hungary, Mexico, South Africa, the UK, and the US have specific HFSS food taxes.
Way forward:
HFSS taxation in India should prioritize enhancing public health rather than being perceived solely as an economic or fiscal policy.
The promotion of nutrition literacy and effective food labelling is crucial.
There is a need for a nutrient-based tax model, involving higher taxes on products high in fat, sugar, and salt.
HFSS food tax can be both non-regressive and fiscally neutral.
On May 1, the world commemorates International Labour Day to honour the dignity of work and workers’ rights. However, the stories of millions trapped in bonded labour in India cast a dark shadow.
India abolished bonded labour in 1975. The government plans to release and rehabilitate 1.84 crore bonded labourers across the country as part of its 15-year vision extending until 2030.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Bonded Labour: Reasons for Persistent Bonded Labour in India; Government initiatives to end bonded labour.
About bonded labour
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976, defines ‘bonded labour system’ as the system of forced labour under which a debtor enters into an agreement with the creditor that he would render service to him either by himself or through any member for a specified or unspecified period, either without wages or for nominal wages.
The traditional form of bondage or forced labour in India are known as Adiyamar, Baramasia, Kuthia, Lakhari, Munjhi, Mat, Munish system, Nit-Majoor, Sewak, Sewakia, Seri, Vetti.
Bonded labour in India:
According to Global Slavery Index, In 2021, around 11 million people in India were in modern slavery, which includes forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, other slavery and slavery-like practices, and human trafficking.
National Crime Records Bureau data, in 2021, 592 cases (96% against SC/ST) were registered under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.
According to 2018 data from the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, of the 3.13 lakh bonded labourers rehabilitated in the country, 1,404 were from Maharashtra.
The top three States on the list were Karnataka (66,281), Tamil Nadu (65,573), and Uttar Pradesh (42,279).
Article 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour.
Article 39: State to secure the health and strength of workers, men and women, and to see the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength.
Government’s initiative:
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976: This act, which renders bonded labour a form of modern slavery, is illegal in India.
It establishes Vigilance Committees at the district, sub-division, and block levels to oversee the implementation of the act.
Vigilance committees advise District Magistrate (DM) to ensure the provisions of this Act are properly implemented.
Under the Act, it is the responsibility of State governments to identify, release and rehabilitate the bonded labour.
Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourer, 2016: To provide financial and non-financial support once they are issued bonded labour release certificates by district magistrates or sub-divisional magistrates (DM or SDM).
Provide immediate financial support of Rs 30,000 to the rescued labourer. It also includes Rs 1 lakh for a male worker, Rs 2 lakh for each woman and child, and Rs 3 lakh for transgender persons or women and children in extreme cases.
The beneficiaries are also entitled to non-cash assistance including land allotment for a house, allocation of agricultural land. etc.
Preparation of Fifteen - Year Vision Document (2030),Seven Year Strategy Document (2017-18 to 2023-24) and Three-Year Action Plan (2017-18 to 2019-20) of the Ministry of Labour & Employment on Total Abolition of Bonded Labour:
To identify, release and rehabilitate an estimated 1.84 crore Bonded Labourers.
To strengthen the prosecution machinery and reaching 100% conviction rate.
To deal with the altered forms of bondage such as organized begging, forced prostitution, forced marriage, forced recruitment for insurgency activities, domestic service, etc. under the BLS (A) Act.
Code on Wages, 2019: Makes universal the provisions for minimum wages and timely payment of wages for all workers in India.
Ratification of ILO Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957: Aimed at eliminating all forms of forced or compulsory labour.
Initiatives of the National Human Rights Commission: Organized a National Level Seminar and Workshops conducted in Bonded Labour prone States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Reason for persistent bonded labour in India:
Migration and informal sector job: Laborers migrate from rural to urban areas and in the informal economy, where labour protections are often lacking, they become vulnerable to exploitation and forced labour.
Low wages: According to Report of the National Commission on Labour, 2002, if earnings and wages are below the statutory minimum wage and workers have to live by borrowing, the condition of the workers slide into bondage.
Caste system: The deeply entrenched caste system in India has contributed to social hierarchies and discrimination makes them more susceptible to exploitation and bonded labour.
Debt bondage: Trapped in bonded labour due to poverty, individuals accrue debts owed to employers with exploitative interest rates and unfair working conditions can make it impossible for them to repay the debt, leading to a cycle of bondage and passes on to family members.
Lack of education and awareness: Limited access to education and awareness about labour rights contribute to the perpetuation of bonded labour.
Under-resourced judiciary & police force: Lack the manpower, infrastructure, and training required to effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate cases of bonded labour, this resource deficit creates loopholes in the implementation of anti-bonded labour laws.
Landlessness: By limiting economic opportunities, reducing bargaining power, and ineffective implementation of laws.
Measures to end the bonded labour:
Establish National Portal on Bonded Labour for welfare entitlements and monitoring mechanism of rehabilitation, irrespective of the jurisdictional aspects (Parliamentary committee).
Increase corpus funds for sensitive districts by centre and timely issuance of release certificates by state government to access rehabilitation assistance.
Regular surveys in sensitive districts to identify and eradicate bonded labour and awareness campaigns
Convergence of bonded labour rehabilitation scheme with others schemes like MGREGA, at the Union and state levels to monitor benefits to workers.
Encourage businesses to incorporate anti-bonded labour policies into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Modifying the working conditions by implementing robust legal frameworks that prohibit and penalise bonded labour practices, while also adhering to minimum wage standards.
Neerja Chaudhary v State of M.P (1984), where the Supreme Court expressed anguish over the indifference of the government towards the rehabilitation of released bonded labourers.
India has sufficient laws and policies to address the issue of the Bonded Labour System, eradicating this social scourge requires changing the psyche of society and dispelling feudal thinking that unfortunately still persists. This shift will contribute to achieving Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to end forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour.
Context: Underlining the risks associated with vaping or e-cigarettes, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to categorize them akin to tobacco, advocating for the prohibition of all flavors and immediate interventions.
What are E-cigarettes?
There are numerous sizes and shapes for e-cigarettes. The majority feature a heating element, a battery, and a liquid-holding capacity.
To create an aerosol, e-cigarettes heat a liquid that typically contains nicotine, the addictive substance found in normal cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products, as well as flavourings and additional compounds. Individuals breathe in this aerosol.
There are several names for e-cigarettes like "electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)," "tank systems," "e-cigs," "e-hookahs," "mods," "vape pens," and "vapes."
Vaping is another term for using an electronic cigarette.
What is in e-cigarette aerosol?
The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:
Nicotine
Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
Volatile organic compounds
Cancer-causing chemicals
Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
What are the concerns related to using e-cigarettes?
Nicotine dependence: The most addictive ingredient in traditional cigarettes, nicotine, is also present in most e-cigarettes. Dependency on nicotine can result in cravings, symptoms of withdrawal, and trouble quitting.
Affects brain development: Nicotine has a particularly negative effect on memory, learning, and attention in the growing brains of teenagers and young adults.
Lung damage - EVALI (lung injury related with vaping or e-cigarette use): This dangerous illness may result in scarring, inflammation, or even death. Chest pain, exhaustion, coughing, and shortness of breath are some of the symptoms.
Long-term lung issues: The aerosol from e-cigarettes contains dangerous substances such diacetyl, which has been connected to the deadly lung condition bronchiolitis obliterans. Additionally, vaping exacerbates pre-existing lung diseases like asthma.
cardiovascular disease: Since e-cigarettes can harm blood vessels and the heart, they raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Mental health: Nicotine usage has been shown to exacerbate depressive and anxious symptoms.
Secondhand aerosol exposure: The aerosol from e-cigarettes includes nicotine and other dangerous substances that can hurt onlookers, particularly young children and expectant mothers.
Are e-cigarettes less harmful than regular cigarettes?
The aerosol from e-cigarettes typically has less harmful compounds than the lethal mixture of 7,000 chemicals found in traditional cigarette smoke. Aerosol from e-cigarettes is not harmless, though. It may include chemicals that cause cancer, heavy metals like lead, nicotine, volatile organic compounds, and other potentially dangerous things.
Regulation of E-cigarettes:
In India, the possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices is a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act (PECA) 2019, according to the Union Health Ministry.
All producers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors, advertisers, transporters including couriers, social media websites, online shopping websites, shopkeepers/retailers etc. not to directly or indirectly produce or manufacture or import or export or transport or sell or distribute or store e-cigarettes, whether as a complete product or any part thereof.
