Indian Society & Social Justice - 5 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Report on Atrocities Against SCs and STs

Context

•  A recent government report highlighted that a staggering 98.91% of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes (STs) in 2022 were concentrated in just 13 states.

Key Facts About the ReportCases for SCs:

•  Uttar Pradesh reported 23.78% of total cases registered under the law for Scheduled Castes (SCs) in 2022. 
•  Other states with significant cases included Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar (13.16%), Odisha (6.93%), and Maharashtra (5.24%). 
•  These six states accounted for nearly 81% of total cases. 

Cases for STs:

•  The majority of cases against Scheduled Tribes (STs) were concentrated in 13 states. 
• Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of cases (30.61% ), followed by Rajasthan (25.66%) and Odisha (7.94%). 
•  Other states with significant cases included Maharashtra (7.10%) and Andhra Pradesh (5.13%). 

Declining Conviction Rates:

•  The conviction rate under the Act dropped to 32.4% in 2022, down from 39.2% in 2020. 

Lack of Special Courts:

•  The report highlighted the inadequate number of special courts set up to handle cases under the law. 
•  Of 498 districts in 14 states, only 194 had established special courts to expedite trials. 
•  Special police stations for registering complaints of offenses against SCs and STs have been set up by five states: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh. 

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

•  The SC and STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a crucial law in India aimed at preventing atrocities and discrimination against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). 
• Definition of Atrocities: The Act defines specific acts considered atrocities, including physical assault, coercion, and economic exploitation. 
• Cognizable Offence: All offences listed in the Act are cognizable, allowing police to arrest offenders without a warrant and initiate investigations without court orders. 
• Punishments: The Act prescribes both minimum and maximum punishments, with most cases having a minimum of six months imprisonment and a maximum of five years, along with fines. In some cases, the minimum is increased to one year, with maximum punishments ranging from life imprisonment to death sentences. 
• Fast Track Courts: The Act mandates the establishment of special courts for the speedy trial of offences. 
• No Anticipatory Bail: The Act includes provisions preventing anticipatory bail for accused persons, ensuring the seriousness of complaints. 
• Implementation: State governments are responsible for the implementation of the Act, including the appointment of special public prosecutors. 

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. 
• Article 17: Abolishes "untouchability" and forbids its practice in any form. 
• Article 46: Promotes the educational and economic interests of SCs and STs and protects them from social injustice. 
• Article 338: Establishes the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to investigate and monitor the implementation of safeguards for SCs. 
• Article 339: Empowers the President to intervene in the administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes for their welfare. 

Need for the Safeguards to SC and ST in India

• Historical Injustice: SCs and STs have a long history of systemic oppression and discrimination, leading to significant social and economic inequalities. 
• Persistence of Untouchability Practices: Despite the legal abolition of untouchability, practices associated with it continue in some regions, necessitating ongoing legal protections. 
• Vulnerability to Atrocities and Violence: SCs and STs are disproportionately affected by various forms of violence and atrocities, including physical and sexual violence, as well as economic exploitation. 
• Social Stigma and Ostracism: Members of SC and ST communities often face social stigma and ostracism, making them more vulnerable to further acts of violence and discrimination. 
• Political Marginalization: Historically, SCs and STs have had limited representation in political and administrative positions, highlighting the need for affirmative action policies to ensure their representation and protection. 
• Promotion of Social Inclusion: Safeguards for SCs and STs are crucial for fostering social harmony, reducing caste-based discrimination, and promoting an inclusive society. 

Challenges in Implementation of the Act

• Lack of Awareness: Many individuals from SC and ST communities are unaware of their rights under the Act, leading to underreporting of atrocities and a lack of access to justice. 
• Fear of Retaliation: Victims often fear retaliation from perpetrators or their communities, which deters them from filing complaints and seeking justice. 
• Social Isolation: Reporting atrocities can result in social ostracism, further discouraging victims from coming forward and seeking help. 
• Corruption: Corruption within law enforcement agencies can lead to biased investigations and inadequate action against perpetrators, undermining the effectiveness of the Act. 
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Many states lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to effectively implement the Act, including the establishment of special courts and the training of personnel. 
• Manipulation of Provisions: There are instances where the provisions of the Act are misused against individuals from non-SC/ST communities, leading to resentment and calls for the repeal of the Act. 
• Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted caste prejudices and societal norms can create resistance against the implementation of the Act, complicating enforcement efforts and creating challenges for victims seeking justice. 

Conclusion

• Collaborative Effort: The inclusion of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes requires a joint effort from the government, civil society, and the communities themselves. 
• Focus Areas: Emphasis should be placed on education, economic empowerment, legal protections, and social awareness to uplift SC and ST communities. 
• Goal: The aim is to build a more equitable society that respects and uplifts all communities, ensuring their rights and promoting social harmony. 

Gender-Responsive Climate Policies

Why is it News? 

A recent synthesis report by the UN Climate Change secretariat indicates a global increase in gender-responsive climate policies. Since the initial adoption of the UNFCCC Lima Work Programme on gender in 2014, and its enhancement in 2019, the integration of gender considerations in reports and communications, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), has improved in both quantity and quality. The Lima Work Programme on Gender (LWPG) aims to advance gender balance and incorporate gender considerations into the work of Parties and the secretariat in implementing the Convention and the Paris Agreement, fostering gender-responsive climate policy and action. 

What are the Main Highlights of the Report? 

Key Highlights:

• ​Increase in Gender References: Approximately 81% of Parties to the Paris Agreement have now included references to gender in their NDCs. This marks a significant improvement from 2015, when very few NDCs mentioned gender. 
• Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms: About 62.3% of Parties highlighted efforts to enhance institutional mechanisms for integrating gender considerations into climate action. 
• Gender Balance Initiatives: Approximately 11.5% of Parties detailed initiatives aimed at increasing gender balance and diversity among stakeholder groups involved in monitoring and evaluating adaptation efforts, particularly in agriculture, forestry, and water resources. 
• Commitment to Gender Equality: Around 55.7% of Parties affirmed their commitment to gender equality in climate action, indicating a growing recognition of its importance. 
• Impact on Food Security: The report identifies how climate change threatens food security across availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. Women, responsible for 45-80% of food production in developing countries, are disproportionately affected, particularly as traditional food sources become unreliable and food prices rise. 
• Vulnerability Considerations: While the report emphasizes women’s heightened vulnerability to climate change, it also notes that men in vulnerable situations are often overlooked in policy planning. 

Recommendations and Future Aspects

• Enhancing Climate Initiatives: Stakeholders view gender-responsive strategies as essential for improving the ambition and effectiveness of climate initiatives. Most Parties reiterated their commitment to promoting gender equality as a fundamental aspect of climate action. 
• Global Stocktake Outcomes: The outcomes of the first Global Stocktake, agreed upon at the 28th Conference of Parties to UNFCCC, encourage Parties to implement gender-responsive climate policies and actions. 
• Next Round of NDCs (NDCs 3.0): The upcoming submission of NDCs in 2025 presents a critical opportunity to strengthen collaborative efforts towards achieving gender equality and effective climate outcomes. 

India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

•  India has pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030. 
•  This updated NDC is a significant step towards India's long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. 
•  A new framework for transitioning to cleaner energy from 2021 to 2030 aims to increase green jobs, boost the manufacturing of low-emission products like Electric Vehicles and super-efficient appliances, and promote innovative technologies such as green hydrogen. 
•  The country has also committed to stronger adaptation targets, enhancing investments in development programs focused on sectors vulnerable to climate change, and building capacities for the rapid diffusion of cutting-edge climate technology. 

Importance of Gender Equality in Climate Action

• Impact on Agriculture: Women are crucial to agricultural production but often lack equal access to resources, services, and decision-making processes. If women smallholders had the same access to resources as men, farm yields could increase by 20-30%, potentially alleviating hunger for 100-150 million people and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2.1 gigatons by 2050. 
• Land Ownership and Resource Control: Women constitute a third of the global agricultural workforce but own only 12.6% of land. This disparity limits their access to agricultural aid and increases their vulnerability due to insufficient information on adaptation techniques and cropping patterns. 
• Decision-Making and Climate Leadership: Involving women in climate-related decision-making is vital for formulating effective climate policies. However, women often bear 75% of unpaid care work globally, which restricts their participation. Climate-induced disasters further burden women, especially as they assist in household and community recovery. 
• Impact on Education and Employment: Climate stressors can hinder access to education and labor markets for women and girls, perpetuating disempowerment. In disaster scenarios, the risk of gender-based violence escalates, underscoring the need for access to quality services and meaningful participation in decision-making. 

 Examples of Gender-Responsive Climate Action 

• Bhutan: The country has trained Gender Focal Points in various ministries and women's organizations to coordinate and implement gender equality and climate change initiatives. 
• Zimbabwe:. renewable energy fund has been established to create entrepreneurship opportunities for women. 
• Uzbekistan:. pilot green mortgage scheme provided low-carbon energy technology access to rural households, with 67% of the mortgages being taken out by women-headed households. 
• Uruguay: The country has set up a gender-responsive monitoring, reporting, and verification system to track the impact of NDCs on gender equality. 

Improving Gender-Responsive Climate Policies

• Conducting Gender Analysis: Assessing the differential impacts of climate change on men and women helps identify inequalities and gaps in resource distribution and opportunities. Gender analysis facilitates tailored, evidence-based climate policies addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of all genders. 
• Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Ensuring equitable distribution of climate action funding is crucial for mobilizing all available skills, resources, and leadership capacities to combat climate change. This budgeting approach considers the varying impacts of climate change on men and women, fostering inclusive and effective climate solutions. 
• Integrating Gender Equality Objectives: Climate policies aligned with gender equality goals are more likely to achieve the structural changes necessary to address the climate crisis and promote social justice. Tackling the root causes of gender-based vulnerabilities leads to more resilient communities and sustainable climate outcomes. 
• Promoting Gender Balance in Stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging gender diversity in monitoring and evaluating climate actions can enhance the overall effectiveness of climate initiatives. Involving women and other underrepresented groups in decision-making ensures a broader range of perspectives and experiences are considered. 
• Supporting Developing and Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Developing countries and LDCs have demonstrated leadership in integrating gender considerations into climate policies. Developed nations should adopt this approach to foster a global framework for gender-responsive climate action. Collaborative efforts are essential to integrate gender equality into international climate policies and strategies. 

•  Communal violence refers to violent conflicts between communities based on religious or ethnic differences. It involves acts of violence where individuals are targeted due to their group identity. 

•  This type of violence can manifest in various forms, including riots, clashes, and other aggressive actions between groups with different religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds. 

Definition of Communalism

 Communalism refers to loyalty or allegiance to one’s own ethnic or religious group over the broader society. It involves a strong commitment to the interests of one’s communal group, often at the expense of societal unity. In its extreme form, communalism can lead to hatred and hostility toward other groups. 

Vulnerability of India

•  India’s identity as a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural society makes it inherently prone to communal tensions. 
•  Factors such as caste-based politics, religious animosity, and the criminalization of politics contribute to this vulnerability. 
•  Economic issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequitable growth further exacerbate communal tensions. 
•  The widening gap between the affluent and the less privileged also plays a significant role in fostering discontent. 

Classification of Communal Violence 

Communal violence can be classified into the following categories: 

•  Political Communal Violence: This type of violence is often instigated or exacerbated by political parties or groups for electoral gain or to assert dominance. 
•  Economic Communal Violence: Economic disparities or competition over resources can lead to communal clashes, especially in areas where resources are scarce. 
•  Social Communal Violence: Differences in social practices, customs, or lifestyles can trigger violence between communities, particularly in mixed-population areas. 
•  Religious Communal Violence: Disputes over religious practices, places of worship, or ideological differences often lead to violence, particularly in regions with diverse religious populations. 

Constitutional Provisions and Communalism 
The Constitution of India contains several provisions aimed at promoting secularism and preventing communalism: 

• Preamble: The Preamble declares India as a secular state, ensuring liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. 
• Article 25: Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health. 
• Article 26: Allows religious denominations to manage their own affairs in matters of religion. 
• Article 29: Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, language, or any of them. 
• Article 30: Grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. 
• Fundamental Duty (Article 51A): Promotes harmony and common brotherhood among all people, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional diversities, and renouncing practices derogatory to the dignity of women. 
• Article 51A (h): Values and preserves the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture. 

Legal Provisions to Deal with Communal Violence

 The Indian Penal Code (IPC) contains various provisions to address communal violence, such as: 

• Section 153A: Punishes acts promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc. 

• Section 153B: Punishes imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration. 

• Section 295A: Punishes deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings. 

• Section 505: Punishes statements conducing to public mischief. 

Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005

 This bill aims to prevent and control communal violence and ensure rehabilitation of victims. It includes provisions for: 

• Definition: Communal violence includes any violence motivated by religious or ethnic animosity. 

• Prevention: Measures to prevent communal violence, including early warning systems and community engagement. 

• Control: Empowering authorities to control violence and ensure public order. 

• Rehabilitation: Provisions for rehabilitation of victims, including financial assistance, housing, and legal support. 

Factors Responsible for Communal Violence in India

1.  Historical Factors: The impact of British rule, the two-nation theory, and the partition of India based on religion have fostered communal consciousness. The British policy of divide and rule and the communal electorate established by various Government of India Acts (1909, 1919, 1935) further aggravated communal tensions. 
2.  Socio-Economic Factors: Backwardness, lack of opportunities, and a pervasive feeling of deprivation contribute to the growth of communalism. 
3.  Educational Factors: The absence of modern education has hindered the adoption of liberal and progressive values, making society more susceptible to communal ideologies. 
4.  Conflicting Religious Ideologies: Incompatible religious beliefs and practices can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between communities. 
5.  Hostility and Apathy: Widespread hostility and indifference towards other communities can exacerbate tensions and lead to violent outbreaks. 
6.  Psychological Factors: Long-standing grudges and feelings of resentment among communities, coupled with fears and anxieties of minority groups, can escalate into communal violence. 
7.  Cultural Factors: The perception among Hindu and Muslim communities of being distinct entities with unique cultural patterns, thought processes, and personal laws can foster a sense of otherness and lead to conflicts. 
8.  Identity Crisis: Orthodox elements within both Hindu and Muslim communities may resist the secular character of the Indian state, advocating for a state aligned with their religious identity. 
9.  Political Factors: The intertwining of religion and politics, particularly through religion-based vote bank politics, contributes to communal tensions. A weak criminal justice system, corruption, and collusion among police, politicians, and criminals facilitate organized communal crime. 
10.  Demographic Factors: In certain regions, demographic changes have been manipulated to incite communal sentiments, as seen in states like Assam, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir. 
11.  International Influences: Pan-Islamic movements and radical groups, such as the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have been known to stoke anti-India sentiments and communal discord within the country. 
12.  Social Media: The role of orthodox groups on social media platforms in spreading rumors, disinformation, hate speech, and inciting violence is increasingly significant in communal conflicts. 
13.  Lack of Action: The inadequate punishment mechanisms for offenders of communal violence create an environment of impunity, encouraging potential troublemakers. 

Immediate Causes for Riots

1. Gender Offences: Allegations of gender-based violence, such as rape and sexual harassment, against members of one community by another, often disrupt social harmony. Issues like "love jihad" also contribute to communal tensions. 
2. Festival Celebrations: Disputes between communities during the celebration of festivals, such as Holi or Muharram, can escalate into communal violence. 
3. Land Disputes: Conflicts over land ownership and usage among different religious groups can trigger violent confrontations. 
4. Governance Issues: Various commissions have identified shortcomings in governance, such as ineffective conflict resolution mechanisms, lack of timely action, and inadequate intelligence regarding potential communal tensions. 
5. Administrative Issues: Delays and partisan actions by police and administration in responding to early signs of communal violence, along with weak leadership and community links, contribute to the escalation of violence. 
6. Post-Riot Management Deficiencies: Inadequate rehabilitation efforts for victims, lack of accountability for officials involved in the rehabilitation process, and neglect of grievances breed resentment and anger among affected communities. 

Fake News and Communal Violence

•  The circulation of fake news on social media platforms can disrupt social peace and foster hostility towards government institutions. 

•  The spread of fake videos and misinformation can incite mob lynchings and communal violence. 

Mob Lynching: Overview

•  Mob lynching refers to a form of extrajudicial punishment where a mob, acting on the presumption of guilt, subjects an alleged offender to severe torture, often resulting in death. 

•  The term "lynch" denotes a self-appointed group imposing a sentence without following legal procedures. Mob lynching is considered a crime against humanity and a violation of constitutional principles. 

•  In 2018, the Manipur government was the first to enact a law against lynching, aligning with Supreme Court guidelines to combat this issue. 

• Cow Vigilantism: Vigilante groups masquerading as cow protectors have contributed to an atmosphere of fear and violence in various parts of India. 

Measures to Deal with Communal Violence

Citizen Oriented Measures

• Building Trust Among Religious Groups: Promoting a sense of nationalism by emphasizing the collective struggle of all religious groups for India’s independence. 
• Establishing Secular Peace Committees: Forming peace committees in every area, engaging actively with district administration to foster communal harmony. 
• Community Policing Initiatives: Involving citizens in policing efforts to ensure peace and security, with examples like Friends of Police and Nenu-Saitham program. 
• Imparting Liberal Values in Education: Educating students about tolerance and liberal values to promote unity and understanding in society. 

Administrative Measures

• Area Planning and Profiling: Demographic profiling and historical analysis of areas prone to communal disputes to aid in proactive measures. 

• Crisis Management Planning: Developing fixed protocols for managing communal conflicts effectively. 

• Intelligence and Police Sensitization: Strengthening intelligence mechanisms to prevent communal violence and building trust with minority communities. 

• Police Training and Manpower Enhancement: Providing special training to police in sensitive areas and addressing manpower

Undertrial Prisoners in India 

 Undertrial prisoners in India are individuals who are held in judicial custody while awaiting their trial. Despite the legal principle that they are presumed innocent until proven guilty, a significant number of these individuals end up spending years in prison. This is often due to the lengthy legal procedures involved in their cases and their inability to secure bail. 

Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)

•  Section 479 of the BNSS permits the release of certain undertrial prisoners based on the time they have already served. 
•  First-time offenders who have served one-third of their maximum sentence and other undertrials who have served half of their maximum sentence are eligible for release under this section. 
•  This provision is similar to what was previously outlined in Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). 

Current State of Undertrial Prisoners 

•  Indian prisons are facing severe overcrowding issues, with an occupancy rate of 131%. 
•  There are 5,73,220 inmates in prisons that have a capacity of only 4,36,266. 
•  A staggering 4,34,302 of these inmates are undertrial prisoners, constituting nearly 75.8% of the total prison population in India. 
•  As of December 31, 2022, about 8.6% of undertrial prisoners had been incarcerated for more than three years. 
•  This overcrowding leads to inhumane living conditions, insufficient medical care, and a heightened risk of violence and disease. 
•  It also obstructs the rehabilitation and reformation processes for prisoners. 

Prolonged Detention

•  Many undertrial prisoners are held in detention for periods that exceed the maximum sentence for the crimes they are accused of. 
•  This prolonged detention is often a result of delays in the judicial process, lack of adequate legal representation, and various administrative inefficiencies. 

Impact on Vulnerable Groups

•  Women, juveniles, and individuals from marginalized communities face disproportionate challenges within the undertrial system. 
•  Women undertrial prisoners, particularly those with young children, encounter additional difficulties due to the lack of appropriate facilities and support systems tailored to their needs. 

Reforms Related to India’s Undertrial Prisoner System 

•  The Supreme Court has recently directed jail authorities to identify and release undertrial prisoners who are eligible for release under Section 479 of the BNSS. 
•  This section applies to those who have served a significant portion of their maximum sentence. 

Special Drives

•  The Supreme Court has mandated special drives to identify undertrial prisoners who are eligible for release. 
•  This includes a focus on vulnerable groups such as women and those with young children, ensuring that their release is expedited. 
•  The aim is to prevent eligible prisoners from remaining incarcerated due to administrative delays. 

Fast-Track Courts

•  To tackle the backlog of cases and expedite trials, the government is considering the establishment of fast-track courts. 
•  These courts will prioritize petty offences and cases that have been pending for extended periods, contributing to a reduction in the number of undertrials and alleviating prison overcrowding. 

Legal Aid and Representation

•  Enhancing access to legal aid and representation is crucial for undertrial prisoners. 
•  Organizations like the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) are working to provide free legal services to undertrials, ensuring they receive timely and fair trials. 

Policy Reforms

•  The government is contemplating broader policy reforms to address the underlying issues causing prolonged detention. 
•  This includes revising bail laws, improving prison management, and fostering better coordination between the judiciary and prison authorities. 

Bail Law Reforms

•  The need for comprehensive bail law reforms has been underscored by the Supreme Court. 
•  In the case of Satender Kumar Antil vs CBI, the Court provided guidelines for the timely disposal of bail applications and emphasized the principle of “bail not jail.” 
•  Effective implementation of these reforms requires a deeper understanding of the socio-economic barriers that hinder undertrials from securing bail. 

Judicial and Administrative Efficiency

•  Addressing the backlog of cases through judicial reforms is essential to expedite trials and reduce the duration of pretrial detention. 
•  Increasing the number of judges and improving court infrastructure are critical steps in this direction. 
•  Additionally, implementing guidelines to prevent arbitrary arrests can help minimize unnecessary detentions. 

Conclusion 
The situation of undertrial prisoners in India underscores significant shortcomings within the criminal justice system. However, recent initiatives and directives from the Supreme Court provide a glimmer of hope for substantial improvements. By effectively implementing these measures, India can ensure timely justice and uphold the rights of undertrial prisoners.

SC Calls for Reform to Empower Women Leaders

•  The Supreme Court (SC) of India has emphasized the need for governance reforms to empower female elected representatives and protect their autonomy. 
•  The court highlighted systemic gender bias, bureaucratic overreach, and discriminatory practices that undermine women in leadership roles. 

 The SC urges for introspection and structural changes to promote gender equality in governance. 

Challenges Faced by Women Leaders in Governance

• Systemic Discrimination: Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in India’s Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) often face discrimination, being treated as subordinates to bureaucrats. Bureaucrats may overstep their roles, making unilateral decisions without consulting elected representatives, undermining the democratic process. This power imbalance stifles the decision-making capabilities of elected representatives, particularly women. 
• Sarpanch-Patism: Also known as pradhan-pati, this practice involves the husbands of elected women panchayat leaders exercising power on their behalf, undermining women’s autonomy and leadership. This reinforces patriarchy and weakens the intent of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which aims to empower women through reservation in panchayats. 
• Political Barriers: Women leaders often face limited financial support and fewer political connections compared to their male counterparts. Political parties may allocate fewer resources to female candidates, making it more difficult for them to run for office and gain recognition. Most female leaders in PRIs serve only a single term due to these limitations, hindering their ability to participate again. 
• Violence and Intimidation: Female leaders may face threats, harassment, and violence, which can prevent them from fully engaging in their roles. Administrative authorities and panchayat members may team up to take revenge against female leaders, further discouraging their involvement. 
• Neglect of Principles of Natural Justice: The removal of elected female representatives often occurs without a fair hearing, undermining democratic norms and perpetuating discrimination. Opaque decisions in their removal contribute to biased practices in governance. 
• Structural Barriers: Delayed work orders and procedural hurdles obstruct women’s developmental initiatives, discouraging their participation in governance. These structural issues create additional challenges for women leaders trying to implement their agendas. 

Role of Women in Governance

Women play a crucial role in governance by promoting gender equality, enhancing policy outcomes, encouraging grassroots participation, addressing gender-based violence, and supporting democratic values. Their involvement ensures diverse perspectives, transparency, and the formulation of gender-sensitive policies, contributing to a more inclusive and effective governance system. 

• Promotes Gender Equality: Women’s participation in governance addresses long-standing gender disparities, promoting equality in decision-making processes. It challenges societal norms that limit women’s roles to the private sphere, ensuring representation in public and political domains. 
• Enhances Policy Outcomes: Women bring diverse perspectives rooted in their lived experiences, leading to more comprehensive and empathetic policymaking. For instance, EWRs in Rajasthan have been actively promoting environmental sustainability through initiatives aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and efforts to curb plastic usage, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Women leaders are often perceived as less corrupt and more committed to their responsibilities, fostering transparency and trust in public administration. Their inclusion ensures the formulation of gender-sensitive policies, addressing issues like maternal health, workplace equity, and education. 
• Encourages Grassroots Participation: Women’s involvement in local governance inspires other women to participate, creating a ripple effect of empowerment. This involvement also assists in the growth of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), thereby improving livelihoods. India’s above 44% participation of EWRs in local governance demonstrates the success of seat reservations and women-centric policies. 
• Addresses Gender-Based Violence: Women leaders play a critical role in addressing domestic violence, child marriage, and other gender-based issues. For instance, according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, 2 lakh child marriages were prevented in 2023, with EWRs intervening to stop abuse reported by women in their constituencies. 
• Supports Democratic Values: Women’s involvement strengthens democratic principles by ensuring that half the population has a voice in policy-making. It upholds social justice and the right to equal representation in political processes. 

Women’s Representation in India’s Governance

• Parliament: In the Lok Sabha, women’s representation has increased from 5-10% until 2004 to 13.6% in the 18th Lok Sabha (2024-Present). In the Rajya Sabha, women’s representation stands at 13%. The number of women contesting elections has risen significantly, from 45 women candidates in 1957 to 799 (9.5% of total candidates) in 2024. 
• State Legislatures: The national average of women’s representation in State Legislative Assemblies is just 9%, with no state exceeding 20% female legislators. Chhattisgarh has the highest representation at 18%. 
• Panchayati Raj Institutions: According to a 2024 report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), 45.6% of the total representatives in PRIs are EWRs. 
• Urban Local Bodies: In India, 46% of councillors are women, with over 60% in 19 of 21 capital cities with active urban local bodies. 
• Global Scenario: India ranks 143 out of 185 countries in terms of women’s representation in the lower house of Parliament. 

India’s Efforts to Promote Women in Governance

• Reservation in Panchayats: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 mandates that one-third of the seats in Panchayats (local government bodies) are reserved for women, including the positions of chairpersons. 
• Reservation in Urban Local Bodies: Similar to the Panchayats, the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 ensures one-third reservation for women in urban local bodies, such as municipalities. 
• Women’s Reservation Act, 2023: The legislation under the 106th Constitutional Amendment (2023) mandates the reservation of one-third of all seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. The reservation will be implemented after the first census following the commencement of the 106th Amendment Act, including a delimitation exercise. 
• National Commission for Women (NCW): Established in 1992, the NCW works to protect and promote the interests of women, including those in governance roles. 
• Supportive Legislation: Laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, provide a safer environment for women to participate in governance. 
• Initiatives:Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA): Launched in 2018, RGSA aims to strengthen the capacity of PRIs for responsive rural governance, using technology and resources to promote sustainable solutions and incentivize women’s participation. Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP): GPDP guidelines promote women’s empowerment through active participation in budgeting, planning, implementation, and monitoring, including Mahila Sabhas before Gram Sabhas. 

Way Forward

• Structural Reforms: Redesign governance frameworks to ensure equal treatment of elected representatives and bureaucrats. Strengthen accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse of administrative power. 
• Technology Integration: Utilize digital platforms to monitor attendance and engagement of women leaders. Develop mobile applications for voicing women’s issues and ensuring grassroots accountability. 
• Promotion of Women’s Leadership: Encourage capacity-building initiatives for female leaders, especially in rural areas. Provide mentorship and support to help them navigate systemic challenges. Increase female representation in Panchayat roles (e.g., Panchayat Secretary) by selecting candidates from forums like Self Help Groups. Implement monitoring mechanisms to limit male interference. 
• Inclusive Governance Practices: Ensure fair representation of women in decision-making bodies at all levels. Foster a culture of collaboration between elected representatives and administrative authorities. 
• Legal Safeguards: Introduce stringent penalties for violations of principles of natural justice in cases involving elected representatives. Develop grievance redressal mechanisms to address systemic harassment promptly. 

EAC-PM Report on Domestic Migration

About the Report

•  The report titled ‘400 Million Dreams’ focuses on the changing patterns of migration in India since the 2011 Census. 
•  It highlights the internal or domestic migration within the country, which involves the movement of people from one region to another within India. 

Migration Dynamics

• Short-Distance Migration: Short-distance migration is now the most common form of migration. The distance from the place of origin negatively impacts labour mobility, meaning that people are less likely to move long distances for work. 
• Urban Centre Migration: Migration often originates from areas surrounding major urban centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. This indicates that people are moving from peri-urban or rural areas near these cities. 

Major Migration Routes

• Uttar Pradesh to Delhi (UP-Delhi):. significant migration route where people move from Uttar Pradesh to the national capital. 
• Gujarat to Maharashtra (Gujarat-Maharashtra): Migration from the state of Gujarat to Maharashtra, likely driven by economic opportunities. 
• Telangana to Andhra Pradesh (Telangana-AP): Movement between these two southern states. 
• Bihar to Delhi (Bihar-Delhi):. notable route where migrants from Bihar move to the capital city for better opportunities. 

Increase and Decrease in Migrant Shares

• Increase in Migrant Share: States like West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have experienced an increase in the percentage of arriving migrants, indicating these states are becoming more attractive to migrants. 
• Decrease in Migrant Share: On the other hand, states such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have seen a reduction in their share of total migrants, suggesting a decline in their attractiveness as migration destinations. 

Reasons for Decline in Migrant Numbers

• Improved Infrastructure: There has been significant improvement in infrastructure such as roads, education, healthcare, and public transport in many areas. This has made these places more viable for residents, reducing the need to migrate. 
• Localized Economic Growth: Economic growth is becoming more localized, with job opportunities being created closer to rural and peri-urban areas. This reduces the necessity for long-distance migration as people can find work nearer to their homes. 

Steps Taken for Welfare of Domestic Migrants in India

• Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979: This act aims to prevent human rights violations among migrant workers by regulating their employment and working conditions. 
• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): This scheme provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh for secondary and tertiary health benefits to migrant workers, ensuring they have access to necessary healthcare services. 
• One Nation One Ration Card Scheme: This scheme enables ration card portability nationwide, allowing migrants and their families to access food rations from anywhere in the country, thus ensuring food security.