The Hindu Editorial Analysis-18th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

New Delhi’s perilous recalibration with the Taliban

Why in News?

•  India is contemplating the possibility of permitting the Taliban to designate a new ambassador for its embassy in New Delhi. 
•  This potential move comes in the wake of a high-level meeting that took place in January between representatives from India and officials from the Taliban. 
•  Such engagement signifies a notable shift in India's approach, which initially began when New Delhi reopened its embassy in Kabul back in June 2022. 

Allowing a New Taliban Envoy in India

• The discussions between India and the Taliban in January have paved the way for considering the appointment of a new Taliban envoy in New Delhi.
• This development reflects a significant change in India's policy towards the Taliban, indicating a willingness to engage more directly with the regime.

Concerns Over Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

• Despite the potential for increased engagement, there are serious concerns regarding the Taliban's treatment of women in Afghanistan.
• The regime has been criticized for denying education to approximately 1.4 million school-age girls and imposing strict restrictions on women's employment, including bans on working in beauty parlours and national parks.
• The United Nations has described this situation as "gender apartheid," highlighting the severity of the human rights crisis under Taliban rule.

China’s Strategic Moves in Afghanistan

• China has taken a more proactive approach in Afghanistan by accepting a Taliban envoy and investing in various infrastructure projects within the country.
• Additionally, China is considering incorporating Afghanistan into its Belt and Road Initiative, which would further extend its economic influence in the region.

Strained Relations Between Afghanistan and a Neighboring Country

• A neighboring country that previously supported the Taliban is now experiencing a deteriorating relationship with the regime.
• This shift is partly due to the Taliban's inability to control terrorist activities within its borders, leading to Afghanistan becoming a hub for terrorism.
• The Taliban is seeking to strengthen its ties with countries like China, Russia, and various Central Asian nations as it distances itself from its former allies.

Threats Against India

• India is facing security concerns related to a terrorist group that previously targeted an Indian consulate in Afghanistan, resulting in casualties.
• A United Nations report has indicated that this group is actively recruiting individuals for potential large-scale attacks in India, raising alarm bells for Indian authorities.

India’s Need for Caution

• India has consistently stressed the importance of a terrorism-free Afghanistan in any future engagements.
• The Taliban's commitment to combating terrorist organizations within its borders will be a critical factor in determining the extent of India's involvement.
• Given the challenges faced by other countries in their engagements with Afghanistan and the historical threats of terrorism, India must carefully assess the risks and benefits of increased involvement in the region.
• The decision to engage further should be contingent on tangible actions by the Taliban against terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan.

The barriers faced by construction workers

Introduction

The construction sector is a vital part of India’s economy, contributing significantly to the national GDP and providing employment to millions. However, the industry is currently facing a severe labour shortage, which is impacting its growth and productivity. This shortage is not merely a result of workers unwilling to relocate, but is deeply rooted in systemic issues that affect the livelihoods and welfare of construction workers.

Growing Importance of the Construction Sector

• The construction sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in India, currently contributing about 9% to the national GDP.
• Projections indicate that this sector could reach $1.4 trillion by 2025 and employ around 3 crore workers by 2030.
• However, there are concerns about labour shortages, with some claims suggesting that workers are reluctant to relocate due to the inadequacies of welfare schemes that are supposed to provide financial security.

Challenges Faced by Construction Workers

• Frequent Relocation and Job Insecurity. Migrant construction workers often move from one site to another, leading to high job insecurity and unstable incomes. Their employment is usually temporary, making it challenging to access consistent welfare benefits.
• Difficulties in Accessing Welfare Schemes. The Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996 was established to protect workers, but many find it difficult to access the benefits. Although around 5.65 crore workers are registered under State construction boards, with nearly ₹70,000 crore collected in cesses for worker welfare, about 75% of this amount remains unutilised due to bureaucratic hurdles.
• Documentation Barriers. Workers need various documents such as identity proof, birth certificates, and residence proof to access welfare schemes. Due to their migratory nature, many workers lack permanent addresses and struggle to provide the necessary documentation. A crucial requirement is an employment certificate proving 90 days of work in a year, which many contractors are unwilling to provide.
• State-Specific Issues. Different States have varying rules for verification, leading to inconsistencies in welfare access. Migrant workers moving from one State to another lose access to welfare schemes, as there is no system for portability. For instance, a worker registered in Haryana cannot access benefits in Delhi, disrupting their welfare support.
• Seasonal Employment and Emergency Support Issues. Construction workers face challenges related to seasonal employment, such as job losses during heat waves. When construction bans are imposed due to air pollution, workers lose income but find it difficult to receive timely financial relief because of slow administrative processes. The lack of digital infrastructure further delays welfare disbursement, exacerbating their financial hardships.

Proposed Solutions

• Creating a Unified Labour Identification System. Implementing a nationwide system for worker identification, akin to the One Nation One Ration Card scheme, is essential. Linking BOCW registrations with the Universal Account Number (UAN) on the e-Shram platform would enable workers to access welfare benefits irrespective of their location.
• Improving Digital Infrastructure. State governments should embrace digital platforms to enhance the efficiency of welfare schemes and minimize delays. Establishing a centralised portal can facilitate real-time tracking of benefits and utilize Aadhaar-based verification for streamlined processes.
• Simplifying Documentation Requirements. Accepting alternative forms of proof can ease the process for workers seeking to access benefits. States should organise on-site registration camps to ensure that workers are enrolled in welfare schemes without unnecessary hurdles.
• Investing in Skill Development. Strengthening skill development programs is crucial for addressing long-term labour shortages and enhancing worker productivity. Construction firms should prioritise training initiatives and ensure safe working conditions to retain skilled workers effectively.

Conclusion