RPSC Monthly Current Affairs: November 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs RPSC - RPSC RAS (Rajasthan) PDF Download

Shiva Temple in Ajmer Dargah

A local court in Ajmer has recently issued notices to three parties regarding a civil suit that alleges the existence of a Shiva temple within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti.

Key Points

• The civil suit, filed in September 2024, claims that there is a Shiva temple within the dargah and seeks to restore worship at the temple.
• Notices have been sent to the Ajmer Dargah Committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in New Delhi, asking for their responses.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti:

• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was born in 1141-42 CE in Sijistan, which is present-day Sistan in Iran.
• He began living and preaching in Ajmer after Muhammad bin Sam of Ghor defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192 and established his rule in Delhi.
• His spiritual teachings attracted people from all walks of life, including local residents, kings, nobles, and the poor.
• Rulers such as Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Dara Shukoh, and Aurangzeb visited his shrine in Ajmer.
• Sher Shah Suri, another ruler, also visited the shrine.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the leading organization for archaeological research and the protection of India's cultural heritage.
• Its functioning is governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
• ASI administers over 3,650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
• Its activities include surveying antiquarian remains, exploring and excavating archaeological sites, and conserving and maintaining protected monuments.
• ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, who was its first Director-General and is known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology.”

Cultural Connections Between Kashmir and Central Asia

Recently, artisans from Kashmir reconnected with master craftspeople from Central Asia after a gap of 500 years at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar. This event celebrated Srinagar’s recognition as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council (WCC) in June 2024, acknowledging the city’s rich craft heritage.

Historical Background :

• In the 15th century, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir introduced Central Asian wood-carving techniques, leading to significant craft exchanges with regions like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Persia. 
• However, these interactions diminished after his death and nearly ceased by 1947 due to political border changes.

Reviving Lost Crafts :

• To revive these lost crafts and cultural links, 17 artisans from Iran, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Russia visited Srinagar. 
• Their exchange aimed to restore the rich craft traditions that once flourished between Kashmir and Central Asia.

Cultural Exchange Highlights :

• During the cultural exchange, Kashmiri artisans and their Central Asian counterparts explored their shared roots in handicrafts.
• Iranian woodcarvers noted differences in wood carving techniques, with Kashmir using a chisel and hammer, while Iran employs a single chisel for detailed patterns.
• Central Asian artisans admired the traditional processes preserved by Kashmiri craftspeople, emphasizing the art, rather than craft, central to Iranian art forms.
• Uzbekistani delegate Aziz Murtazaev highlighted the craft similarities between Uzbekistan and Kashmir, focusing on the preservation of traditional techniques.
• Both Kashmiri and Central Asian artisans found common ground in intricate designs and techniques, particularly in suzani and sozni work, which share similar aesthetics.
• The rich history of Kashmiri carpets, often named after Iranian cities, reflects the region’s historical ties to Iran’s carpet-making tradition.

Srinagar’s Craft Heritage

• Srinagar is one of the ancient cities in South Asia, with a continuously recorded history of about 1,500 years. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage-Kashmir (INTACH-Kashmir), founded in 1984, plays a crucial role in heritage awareness and conservation in India. Today, INTACH is recognized as one of the world’s largest heritage organizations.
• The city is globally known for its cashmere and paisley motif. Crafts such as Zanjan and Filigree were introduced by Iranian artisans five centuries ago. Srinagar’s carpet tradition, which began in the late 14th century with Sufi Saint Sayyid Ali Hamdani, highlights the region’s rich craft history. In 2021, Srinagar was recognized as a UNESCO Creative City for crafts and folk arts, further solidifying its reputation as a hub of craftsmanship.

Child Marriage Free India Campaign

Recently, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development launched the "Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign" to combat child marriages and help girls reach their full potential.

Campaign Details

• The campaign focuses on seven states with high rates of child marriage: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.
• It targets 300 districts where child marriage rates are above the national average, aiming to reduce these rates to below 5% by 2029.

Objectives of the Campaign

• Legislative Changes: The campaign advocates for making 18 the minimum age for marriage without exceptions.
• Legal Protection: It aims to provide legal safeguards for children to prevent child marriages effectively.

Role of the Child Marriage Monitoring Portal

• Improved Supervision: The portal will enhance the monitoring of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs).
• Reporting Tools: It will offer user-friendly tools to encourage reporting by victims and witnesses.
• Information Access: The portal will facilitate easy access to information for better communication and support.

Multi-Pronged Approach

The campaign will focus on integrating child marriage prevention into various sectors, including:

• National Education Policy
• Health and Financial Security
• Social Awareness Campaigns

Citizen Participation and Gender-Inclusive Initiatives

• Citizen Pledges: Citizens are encouraged to pledge to prevent child marriages and report cases to authorities.
• Nari Adalats: The government has introduced women’s courts to address such issues.
• Gender-Inclusive Communication: A guide has been launched to tackle gender biases in communication.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: This initiative aims to change societal perceptions towards the girl child and is part of the broader campaign efforts.

Global Recognition and Decline in Child Marriages

• India has received global recognition for its efforts in reducing child marriages, with reports indicating a decline from 47.4% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21.

Supreme Court’s Role

• The Supreme Court upheld the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, stating it overrides personal laws.
• Recommendations: The court recommended community-driven approaches, multi-sectoral coordination, and capacity building for law enforcement to prevent child marriages.

Vision for a Developed India by 2047

• The campaign is part of the larger vision for a developed India by 2047, with a focus on women-led development and empowering girls.

Integrated Clean Energy Policy in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan government is preparing to launch an integrated clean energy policy that will introduce various new incentives in the energy sector. This includes emerging areas such as pump storage, battery storage, green hydrogen, and bio-energy. Recently, in Jaipur, the State government signed agreements worth Rs 6.57 lakh crore with investors in the energy sector. During the energy pre-summit, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan expressed the government's ambition to make the state an energy-surplus region capable of meeting its own energy needs and assisting others.

Transition to Renewable Energy

• The Chief Minister emphasized the shift to renewable energy as part of the new clean energy policy. 
• Rajasthan plans to leverage its world-class solar park, with a capacity of 2,245 MW and over 325 days of annual sunshine, to capitalize on its potential in renewable sources like solar, wind, and hybrid technologies.

Pre-Summit and Investment Proposals

• The energy pre-summit was held ahead of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit-2024, scheduled for December. 
• Various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, proposing projects in areas such as solar, wind, green hydrogen, hybrid systems, pump storage, battery storage, and green ammonia.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

• The investment proposals are expected to create approximately 70,000 new jobs in Rajasthan through on-ground implementation, contributing to the state's economic growth and development.

Core Cold Wave Zone

The NPCCHH under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a public advisory regarding cold wave conditions for Rajasthan and 16 other states and Union Territories.

Cold Wave Season and Core Cold Wave Zone

• A cold wave is defined as a rapid drop in temperature within 24 hours to a level that requires significantly increased protection for agriculture, industry, commerce, and social activities.
• The cold wave season lasts from November to March, with December and January experiencing the most severe cold events.

Affected Regions

The states and Union Territories affected by the cold wave advisory include:

• Telangana
• Punjab
• Himachal Pradesh
• Uttarakhand
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Ladakh
• Delhi
• Haryana
• Rajasthan
• Uttar Pradesh
• Gujarat
• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• West Bengal
• Odisha

Vulnerable Groups

The advisory identifies specific populations that are particularly vulnerable during cold wave conditions, including:

• Homeless individuals
• Elderly people
• Economically disadvantaged individuals
• Pregnant and lactating women
• Children
• Outdoor workers and farmers
• Managers of night shelters

Definition of a Cold Wave by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

• For plains: A cold wave is defined as a situation where the minimum temperature is ≤10°C.
• For hilly regions: A cold wave is identified when the minimum temperature is ≤0°C.

Potential Health Issues

• Hypothermia : Prolonged exposure to very low temperatures can lead to hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
• Frostbite : Frostbite occurs when skin and tissues freeze due to extremely low temperatures, causing damage to the affected areas.
• Non-freezing Cold Injuries : Conditions such as Immersion Foot can occur due to prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions, leading to damage of the affected tissues.
• Fatalities : In severe cases, lack of precautions during cold exposure can result in fatalities.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• The IMD was established in 1875 and is an agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India. It is responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology, and plays a crucial role in providing weather-related information and advisories.

Findings on Parsa Mine Clearance in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) has raised concerns about the validity of a report by the Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission (CSSTC). The report highlighted irregularities in the environmental clearances for the Parsa coal mine located in the Surguja region of Chhattisgarh.

Previous Findings

• In 2023, the CSSTC cleared the RRVUNL of allegations regarding the Parsa mine after a thorough investigation by the Surguja district administration.
• However, in 2024, the Commission reversed its stance and recommended the cancellation of forest clearances for the Parsa mine.
• The Commission alleged that these clearances were obtained using forged gram sabha consent documents.

RRVUNL's Position

• RRVUNL argued that the issue of approvals is currently under judicial review and there are no negative court observations regarding the alleged irregularities.
• The Parsa coal mine, originally allotted to RRVUNL, is being developed and operated by the Adani Group, despite ongoing opposition from activists and certain local community members.

Legitimacy of the CSSTC Report

• RRVUNL questioned the legitimacy of the CSSTC report, stating that it was based on inputs from a small group of individuals.
• RRVUNL emphasized that the issue involves thousands of local stakeholders, and the report does not reflect the views of the broader community.

About the Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission

• The Chhattisgarh government established the Tribal Advisory Council to propose policies concerning Scheduled Tribes.
• Some of the tribes in Chhattisgarh include the Gonds, Baiga, Muria, Pahari Korwa, Abhuj Maria, Bison Horn Maria, Halbaa, Birhor, Bhatra, and Dhurvaa.
• The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh chairs the Council, with the Minister of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department as a member.

Hasdeo Arand Forest

• Hasdeo Arand is a vast forest in northern Chhattisgarh, known for its rich biodiversity and coal reserves.
• The forest spans across the Korba, Sujapur, and Surguja districts, which have a significant tribal population.
• The Hasdeo River, a tributary of the Mahanadi, flows through this forest.
• Hasdeo Arand is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India, featuring pristine Sal and teak forests.
• The forest is an important migratory corridor and is home to a substantial population of elephants.

Avian Botulism Outbreak in Rajasthan

Recently, around 600 migratory birds were reported dead in Rajasthan due to Avian Botulism, as per the Centre for Avian Research Institute. The outbreak is believed to have been triggered by high temperatures and reduced salinity levels, creating favorable conditions for the bacteria responsible for this neuro-muscular illness.

Understanding Avian Botulism

• Avian Botulism is caused by a natural toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which is commonly found in soil, rivers, and seawater.
• The bacteria thrive in anaerobic conditions (absence of oxygen) and do not grow in acidic environments.
• The toxin affects the nervous system of birds, leading to paralysis in their legs and wings.
• Bacterial spores are prevalent in sediments and are often found in wetland habitats, as well as invertebrates like insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and even healthy vertebrates, including birds.

Conditions for Outbreak

• Outbreaks of Avian Botulism are more likely when average temperatures exceed 21 degrees Celsius and during drought conditions.
• The recent deaths began on 26th October 2024 and continued for about two weeks.

Environmental Factors Contributing to the Outbreak

• Jaipur district, located 70 km from Sambhar Lake, experienced above-average temperatures throughout October.
• Sambhar Lake faced reduced oxygen levels due to the lack of rainfall, further exacerbating the situation.

Vulnerability of Migratory Birds

• Migratory birds arriving at Sambhar Lake are often weakened from their long journeys, making them more susceptible to diseases like Avian Botulism.

Impact on Ecosystem

• Decaying bird carcasses attract maggots, which further contaminate the water and infect other birds or animals.

Management and Challenges

• Avian botulism cannot be treated, but immediate removal and disposal of affected birds are recommended to limit the spread.
• Sambhar Lake experienced a similar die-off in 2019, resulting in the deaths of nearly 18,000 birds.
• Outbreaks are hard to predict as they depend on specific environmental conditions aligning, such as a shift from high to low salinity coinciding with the arrival of migratory birds.

Global Perspective

• Spores of Clostridium botulinum can survive for years but produce toxins only under favorable environmental conditions.
• Similar outbreaks have been observed in Australia and the United States during periods of reduced salinity.
• Globally, around 57 diseases have been reported among wild birds, highlighting the broader ecological risks.

Sambhar Lake

Location: Jaipur

Situated about 80 km southwest of Jaipur, in east-central Rajasthan.

Features: Aravalli Range

• It is the largest inland salt lake in India.
• It represents the depression of the Aravalli Range.
• The lake’s salt supply was worked by the Mughal dynasty (1526–1857) and it was later owned jointly by the Jaipur and Jodhpur princely states.
• Ramsar Site: It is a wetland of ‘international importance’ under the Ramsar Convention, declared in 1990.
• Rivers: It receives water from six rivers, namely Samaod, Khari, Mantha, Khandela, Medtha, and Roopangarh.
• Vegetation: The vegetation present in the catchment area is mostly xerophytic type.
• Xerophyte is a plant adapted for growth under dry conditions.

The Central Avian Research Institute of India (CARI)

• It is a research institute located at Izzatnagar near Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.
• It was established in 1979 under the administrative control of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• It studies poultry science, including avian genetics, breeding, nutrition and feed technology, and avian physiology and reproduction, for the betterment of the Indian poultry industry.

International Pushkar Fair 2024

The annual International Pushkar Fair 2024 is being hosted by the Department of Tourism and Department of Animal Husbandry of the Government of Rajasthan. The fair features daily sports competitions and cultural programs that delight participants.

Sports Activities: A cricket match was held at the Pushkar fairground between domestic and foreign tourists, promoting mutual trust and friendship among people.

Unique Competitions:

• The ‘Shan-e-Mooch’ (grandeur of mustache) competition captivated the audience showcasing the pride of the mustache.
• The ‘Safa and Tilak’ competition aimed to connect foreigners with Rajasthan’s folk culture and to spread awareness about the local dressing culture.

Sahakar Kisan Kalyan Yojana

Recently, the Rajasthan government launched the Sahakar Kisan Kalyan Yojana, a pioneering initiative for long-term cooperative agricultural and non-agricultural loans. This scheme aims to enhance farm productivity and improve the income levels of farmers.

About the Scheme:

• Under this scheme, farmers can obtain loans from primary cooperative land development banks and Central cooperative banks in Rajasthan.
• The scheme encourages timely loan repayments by offering lower interest rates through interest subsidies.

Interest Subsidies:

• Farmers will receive a 7% interest subsidy on agricultural loans if they repay on time.
• A 5% subsidy will be provided for timely repayment of non-agricultural loans.

Purpose:

• Farmers often use cooperative loans for various purposes, including:
• Deepening tube wells
• Drip irrigation
• Land levelling
• Greenhouse setup
• Solar installations
• Vermicompost production
• Silkworm rearing
• Beekeeping

Financial Provisions and Interest Rates:

• An allocation of Rs 39.75 crore has been made for the interest subsidy.
• With the subsidy, farmers will benefit from reduced interest rates of 4% on agricultural loans and 3.5% on non-agricultural loans.

Kayakalp Scheme in Rajasthan

The Rajasthan College Education Commissionerate has directed 20 government colleges to paint the front facades and entry halls of their buildings in orange as part of the Kayakalp scheme. This initiative aims to foster a positive environment within educational institutions.

The Kayakalp Scheme:

• Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Kayakalp scheme aims to improve cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control in public healthcare facilities across India.

New Directive for Government Colleges:

• First Phase:
• Includes two colleges from each division level, totaling 20 colleges.
• Objective of Rejuvenation:
• Emphasizes creating a positive, clean, healthy, and educational environment for students.
• Aims to encourage students upon entering college campuses.

Pollution in River Sutlej

Residents of Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan are becoming increasingly angry about alleged pollution in the Sutlej River, which they believe is caused by factories in neighboring Punjab. In response to this, markets across Sri Ganganagar district were closed as residents protested against the pollution.

Sewage Treatment Efforts

• Despite the efforts of the Punjab government to improve the water quality with Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) facilities, the water remains harmful.
• Residents claim that the polluted water is causing health issues in local communities.

National Green Tribunal Actions

• In 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a Rs 50 crore fine on the Punjab government for “uncontrolled industrial discharge” into the Sutlej and Beas rivers.
• In 2021, the NGT reprimanded Punjab again and directed both Punjab and Rajasthan to submit quarterly compliance reports to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, detailing measures to curb industrial effluent discharge into the rivers.

Sutlej River

• The ancient name of the Sutlej River is Zaradros (Ancient Greek) or Shutudri/Shatadru (Sanskrit).
• It is the longest of the five tributaries of the Indus River, which gives Punjab its name (meaning “Five Rivers”).
• The main tributaries of the Indus River are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
• The Sutlej River rises on the north slope of the Himalayas in Lake La’nga, located in southwestern Tibet.
• It flows northwestward and then west-southwestward through Himalayan gorges, entering and crossing Himachal Pradesh before flowing through the Punjab plain near Nangal.
• Continuing southwestward, the Sutlej River receives the Beas River and forms part of the India-Pakistan border before entering Pakistan. It flows another 220 miles (350 km) in Pakistan to join the Chenab River west of Bahawalpur.

Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project

• The Luhri Stage-I Hydro Electric Project is situated on the River Sutlej, spanning the Shimla and Kullu districts in Himachal Pradesh.

Mahendra Singh Mewar from Mewar Royal Family Passes Away

Maharana Pratap

• Background: Rana Pratap Singh, known as Maharana Pratap, was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan. He was the 13th King of Mewar and the eldest son of Udai Singh II, who ruled the kingdom of Mewar with its capital at Chittor and was also the founder of Udaipur city.
• Battle of Haldighati: The Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber, a general of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Despite Maharana Pratap's bravery, he was defeated in this battle. Legend has it that his loyal horse, Chetak, died heroically as the Maharana was leaving the battlefield.
• Reconquest: After 1579, the pressure from the Mughals on Mewar eased, and Pratap regained control over Western Mewar, including Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, and Gogunda. During this time, he also established a new capital, Chavand, near modern Dungarpur.
• Death: Maharana Pratap passed away on January 19, 1597. His son, Amar Singh, succeeded him and eventually submitted to Emperor Jahangir, the son of Akbar, in 1614.

Pratap Gaurav Kendra

• Located at Tiger Hill in Udaipur city, Rajasthan, Pratap Gaurav Kendra is a tourist destination that aims to inform visitors about Maharana Pratap and the historical heritage of the area using modern technology.

New Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan

An expert committee has recommended immediate habitat conservation and prey base development before officially designating the Kumbhalgarh-Todgarh Raoli sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve.

National Tiger Conservation Authority

• In August 2023, the Union government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority gave in-principle approval for this designation. 
• The committee will continue its work to define core and buffer areas to protect biodiversity.

Habitat Limitations:

• The current area proposed for the reserve does not have the capacity to support a sustainable tiger population.
• The report suggests expanding the boundaries to include additional areas that can support a larger tiger population.

Village Relocation:

• A strategic plan for the voluntary relocation of sparsely populated villages within the proposed reserve area is recommended.
• This relocation aims to secure undisturbed habitats for wildlife while improving the quality of life for villagers through sustainable resettlement options.

Invasive Species Control:

• Removing invasive weed species and planting native, palatable grasses are crucial steps to restore suitable habitats for wild herbivores.
• This restoration will also promote overall biodiversity in the area.

Prey Base Development:

• The relocation of 1,000 to 2,000 spotted deer (chital) is recommended to enhance prey availability in the reserve.
• This increase in prey will benefit predator populations, including tigers.

Anti-Poaching and Infrastructure:

• Strengthening anti-poaching measures, improving wireless communications, and developing patrol roads are essential for effective management of the reserve.

Geographic Scope:

• The proposed Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve would cover approximately 1,397 square kilometers, spanning across Rajsamand, Udaipur, Pali, Ajmer, and Sirohi districts in Rajasthan.

Spotted Deer (Chital)

• The chital, commonly known as the spotted deer or axis deer, is a graceful herbivore native to the grasslands and forests of India and Sri Lanka.
• These deer prefer open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and lightly forested areas, where they can easily graze on vegetation.

IUCN Red List:

• The chital is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not facing significant threats to its population.

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:

• Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 in India, the chital is classified as Schedule II, which provides it with legal protection due to its status as a wild animal.

Missing Tigers in Ranthambore National Park

• According to Rajasthan's Chief Wildlife Warden, a number of tigers have gone missing in Ranthambore National Park since 2023.
• The park is currently home to 75 tigers, including cubs, within a 900-square-kilometer area, leading to territorial conflicts among the big cats.
• A study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India between 2006 and 2014 estimated that the park can sustainably support around 40 adult tigers.
• This incident of multiple tigers being reported missing in a single year is unprecedented.
• Efforts to alleviate pressure on the park by relocating villages from buffer zones have been slow, with the last relocation occurring in 2016.

Overview of Ranthambore National Park

• Location: Ranthambore National Park is situated at the confluence of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges in eastern Rajasthan, specifically in the Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts.
• Declaration: The area was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973, recognizing its importance for tiger conservation.
• Composition: The park includes the Sawai Mansingh and Keladevi Sanctuaries.
• Forest Type: The predominant forest type is tropical dry deciduous, with the 'dhak' tree (Butea monosperma) being the most common species. This tree is well-adapted to withstand prolonged drought conditions.
• Wildlife: Ranthambore is rich in wildlife, with tigers at the top of the food chain among mammals. Other animals found in the park include:
• Mammals: Leopards, striped hyenas, rhesus macaques, caracals, blackbuck, common or Hanuman langurs, jackals, jungle cats, black-naped hares, and chinkaras.

Supreme Court Guidelines to Eliminate Child Marriages

• The Supreme Court has recently issued guidelines aimed at completely eradicating child marriages in Rajasthan, providing a significant boost to civil society groups working towards this goal.
• According to the National Family Health Survey-5, 25.4% of women aged 20-24 in Rajasthan were married before the legal age of 18, highlighting the prevalence of child marriages in the state.
• The Just Rights for Children Alliance (JRCA), a non-governmental organization, is committed to intensifying efforts on the ground to eradicate child marriages in Rajasthan by 2030, supported by the Supreme Court's new guidelines.
• The Supreme Court's guidelines hold village panchayats, school authorities, and child protection officers accountable for preventing child marriages, emphasizing a "prevention, protection, and prosecution" model for effective implementation.
• In 2024, the Rajasthan High Court mandated village sarpanches to restrain child marriages under the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, and directed the State government to inform and sensitize village leaders about their accountability in preventing such marriages.
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 aims to prevent child marriages by making certain actions punishable and appointing authorities responsible for their prevention and prohibition.
• Under the Act, a "child" is defined as a male under 21 years of age and a female under 18 years of age, and "child marriage" refers to a marriage involving either party who is a child.
• Child marriage is a cognizable offence punishable with rigorous imprisonment of up to 2 years, a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both, and the offences under the Act are non-bailable.
• Persons who can be punished under the law include those who perform, conduct, direct, or abet any child marriage, a male adult marrying a child, and any person having charge of the child, including parents or guardians, promoting or participating in a child marriage.