RAMLEELA
1. Context
As far as traditions of folk theatre go, Ramleela is one of India’s most famous, performed across north India during the autumnal Navratri celebrations.
2. Ramleela Art
- Ramleela, also spelled as Ram Lila or Ramayana, is a traditional performance art and dramatic reenactment of the epic story of Lord Rama, based on the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana.
- It is a popular and widely celebrated form of folk theater in India, particularly during the festival of Navaratri, which culminates with the holiday of Dussehra.
- Variations aside, it basically is a dramatic re-enactment of Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas, telling the story of Lord Ram.
- Major incidents in the epic are covered in an episodic way, with an interplay between dialogue and musical verses. Performances last days, and culminate on Dussehra with the burning of the effigy of Ravan, representing the victory of good over evil
- In this broad form, Ramleela has travelled to distant corners of the world with the Indian diaspora. Here we look at one such instance that of Trinidad, an island in the Caribbean with a significant Indian population.
3. Ramleela and its Culture
- Ramleela is performed to depict the life and adventures of Lord Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism. It is a form of religious storytelling and a way to convey moral and ethical lessons to the audience
- The Ramleela typically spans multiple nights, with each night featuring a specific episode or incident from the Ramayana. The performance includes dialogues, songs, and music to engage the audience
- The main characters in a Ramleela include Lord Rama, Sita (Rama's wife), Lakshmana (Rama's brother), Hanuman (the monkey god and Rama's devotee), Ravana (the demon king), and various other gods, goddesses, and mythological characters.
- Elaborate costumes and makeup are used to depict the characters accurately. For example, Ravana is often depicted with ten heads, and Hanuman with his distinctive monkey-like appearance
- Traditional music and songs are an integral part of Ramleela performances. Musicians and singers accompany the actors, enhancing the emotional impact of the storytelling.
- Ramleela is often performed in open-air spaces, with makeshift stages or platforms, allowing a large audience to watch the reenactment
- The climax of many Ramleela performances culminates with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad (Ravana's son), and Kumbhakarna (Ravana's brother) on the day of Dussehra. This symbolizes the victory of good over evil, as Lord Rama defeated Ravana.
- Ramleela performances can vary across regions in India and even within local communities, reflecting regional cultures and artistic interpretations.
4. How did Ramleela reach Trinidad?
Ramleela, the traditional Indian performance art and dramatic reenactment of the Ramayana, made its way to Trinidad through the Indian indentured laborers who were brought to the Caribbean island during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Here's how Ramleela reached Trinidad:
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Indian Indentured Laborers: In the 19th century, British colonial authorities in Trinidad and other parts of the Caribbean began importing indentured laborers from India to work on sugarcane plantations. These laborers came from various regions in India, bringing with them their cultural traditions, including religious and artistic practices.
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Preservation of Culture: The Indian indentured laborers, despite the difficult conditions of plantation life, made efforts to preserve their cultural and religious heritage. Ramleela, being a significant and popular cultural and religious practice in India, was one of the traditions that they sought to maintain.
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Community Gatherings: The Indian community in Trinidad organized themselves into local communities, and they continued to perform Ramleela as part of their religious and cultural gatherings. These performances provided a sense of connection to their homeland and their faith.
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Adaptation to Local Context: Over time, Ramleela in Trinidad evolved to incorporate local elements and cultural influences. The performances in Trinidad may include aspects of Caribbean culture and traditions, making it a unique blend of Indian and Trinidadian influences.
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Community Events: Ramleela performances in Trinidad are often community events that bring people together, promote cultural exchange, and educate newer generations about their cultural roots and the story of Lord Rama.
5. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Ramlila is a form of intangible cultural heritage deeply rooted in India. It represents a series of dialogues among deities, wise sages, and devoted individuals, marking the saga of the legendary battle between Rama and Ravana. The compelling impact of Ramlila is derived from a carefully orchestrated sequence of symbolic elements that serve as markers of each scene's resolution.
Ramlila was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. It is a performance of the Ramayana epic that includes song, narration, recital, and dialogue. It is performed across northern India during the festival of Dussehra, which is held each year in autumn
6. Way forward
Ramleela remains an important cultural and religious practice within the Trinidadian Indian community. It is celebrated during festivals and occasions, and the performances have become a means of passing down the rich traditions and stories of the Ramayana to future generations, while also fostering a sense of unity and identity within the Trinidadian Indian community
Source: indianexpress
INDENTURE LABOUR SYSTEM
1. Context
In his autobiography, Munshi Rahman Khan wrote about the sudden meeting with two strangers on the platform of a railway station in Kanpur that would mark the beginning of the journey of a lifetime, taking him to the South American country of Suriname.
2. The Indian Indentured Labor System
- A brief overview of the indentured labor system, initiated after the abolition of slavery in 1833.
- The British recruited Indians from the lower castes and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, using famines as justifications.
- Indians were required to sign agreements to work abroad for a minimum of five years, primarily on sugar estates.
- The harsh conditions and conflicts with the local communities led to widespread protests against the colonial government in various colonies like South Africa, Trinidad, Mauritius, and Fiji.
Image Source: Dhara3. The Nationalist Struggle to End Indenture
- The role of the anti-indenture emigration league in Bengal, Bihar, and UP.
- The influence of pamphlets and firsthand accounts in raising awareness about the plight of indentured labourers.
- The movement to end the indentured labour system began with concerns about discrimination faced by wealthier Indians who moved to these colonies for trade.
- Mahatma Gandhi's 1906 satyagraha campaign in South Africa marked the early stages of the struggle against British rule in India.
- Initially, Gandhi's focus was on the disenfranchisement of Indians, but he later showed concern for indentured Indians in 1913.
- Gandhi's call against racism was accompanied by other movements in India and abroad against the indenture system.
4. The Abolition of the Indenture System
- Madan Mohan Malviya's resolution in the Indian Legislative Council in 1916 called for the abolition of the indenture system, which was formally banned by the British government in 1917.
- Despite the ban, migration for indentured labour continued until the 1920s.
- India's celebration of 100 years since the end of the indentured labour system in March 1917.
- A two-day conference organized by the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, featuring prominent scholars.
5. The Legacy of Indian Indentured Labor
- The Complex relationship between descendants of indentured labourers and their native country, India.
- The descendants often have a patchy connection with India and have developed a unique cultural identity through integration with the host country.
- While multiculturalism has flourished, the relationship with the indigenous population in these countries has sometimes been strained, leading to instances of anti-Indian sentiments.
6. Indian Indentured Labor in Suriname
The shortage of labour in Suriname's sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery led to the drafting of the Suriname immigration treaty in 1870, which paved the way for the arrival of the first ship carrying Indian labourers in 1873. This immigration had a profound impact on the formation of the Hindustani community in Suriname.
- The indentured labour system is viewed positively by many in Suriname as a historical legacy that provided opportunities for the Hindustani community. Cultural elements, language, and traditions have been preserved in Suriname, despite the challenges faced by indentured labourers during their journey and their early years in the country.
- Indian labourers were recruited using various methods, including deception and coercion. They faced many challenges during their voyage to Suriname, including harsh conditions, diseases, and fear of the sea. However, strong bonds and relationships were formed among labourers during their sea journey.
- The harsh conditions during the sea journey led to a breakdown of caste and religious divisions among labourers. A casteless Hindustani community emerged in Suriname, where religious obligations were also difficult to observe. The absence of caste and religious barriers contributed to the decision of many labourers to stay in Suriname.
- Several factors influenced the majority of labourers to choose not to return to India after the expiration of their contracts. Comparative advantages in living conditions in Suriname and the policy of land allocation to labourers were key factors. Additionally, the lesser racial violence in Dutch and French colonies compared to British colonies facilitated integration. The Hindustani community also made significant cultural contributions to Surinamese society.
- The Hindustani community in Suriname has risen to become the largest ethnic group in the country, exerting significant political influence. Political parties like the Progressive Reform Party (formerly the United Hindustani Party) have played a key role in representing the Indo-Surinamese community. Recently, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has made efforts to strengthen relations with India.
- The Hindustani community has transitioned into Surinamese society while maintaining their Indianness. Bhojpuri and chutney music, as well as Indian folk dance forms, have gained global recognition in Suriname. Cultural cross-pollination between different communities in Suriname has led to artistic innovation.
7. Conclusion
The legacy of the Indian indentured labour system is marked by a rich tapestry of cultural integration, struggles, and complexities. The story of indentured labourers and their descendants serves as a reminder of a less sophisticated past and the challenges they faced while contributing to the development of the host countries.
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For Prelims: Indenture Labour System, Gandhi, South Africa, Munshi Rahman Khan, slavery, Trinidad, Mauritius, Fiji, satyagraha campaign, British colonies, Madan Mohan Malviya, Indian Legislative Council,
For Mains:
1. How did Mahatma Gandhi's involvement in the struggle against racism in South Africa influence his views on the indentured labour system? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'.
2. In Lord Chelmsford's 'war Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian People, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
2. The Gandhian Principles or Philosophy have been enumerated in the: (OPSC OAS 2019)
A. Fundamental Rights B. Preamble
C. Directive Principles of State Policy D. Fundamental Duties
Answer: C
3. With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014)
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
4. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (UPSC 2020)
A. Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
B. Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
C. Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
D. Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
Answer: A
5. According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following is correct? (UPSC 2022)
1. A person could be a slave as a result of judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
6. Choose the correct option. (MPSC Rajyaseva 2022)
(a) Deon Lendore of Trinidad and Tobago died in a car accident in January 2022.
(b) He won a Bronze medal in the London Olympics, 2012.
(c) Deon Lendore was a Chess Player.
A. Only (a) is correct
B. (a) and (b) are correct
C. (a) and (c) are correct
D. All the three statements are correct
Answer: B
7. Out of the following Indian dignatories who was the special guest at the 45th Independence Day function of Mauritius on March 12, 2013? (UPPSC 2013)
A. Minister of External Affairs B. President C. Prime Minister D. Vice President
Answer: B
8. In which ocean is the island country Fiji situated? (SSC CPO 2019)
A. Indian Ocean B. Arctic Ocean C. Atlantic Ocean D. Pacific Ocean
Answer: D
9. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya is credited with popularising the slogan '______'. (SSC MTS 2021)
A. Vande Mataram B. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan C. Satyameva Jayate D. Inquilab Zindabad
Answer: C
10. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. The Legislative Council of a State in India can be larger in size than half of the Legislative Assembly of that particular State.
2. The Governor of a State nominates the Chairman of the Legislative Council of that particular State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
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Source: The Indian Express
KOKBOROK
1. Context
Union Home Minister Amit Shah ruffled feathers in the Northeast by suggesting that the Devanagari or Hindi script be introduced for oral languages in the region, and that Hindi be made compulsory till Class 10 there. Now, an incident at a school is threatening to revive the row in Tripura
2. About Kokborok Language
- Kokborok is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken by the Tripura people in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura, as well as in some neighbouring areas of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Indian states of Assam and Mizoram.
- It is the native language of the Tripura community and holds significant cultural and historical importance for them
- The primary speakers of Kokborok are the Tripura people in Tripura state, India. However, there are also speakers in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, as well as in some areas of Myanmar, Assam, and Mizoram.
- Kokborok is integral to the cultural identity of the Tripura community. It is used in their traditional songs, dances, and rituals, and it plays a vital role in preserving their cultural heritage.
- Kokborok traditionally did not have a script of its own, and the language was primarily spoken. However, efforts have been made to develop a script for the language, and today, it is written in the Bengali script in India. The Kokborok script, created in the 1970s, is also used to a limited extent
- Kokborok has a long history and is recognised as the official language of the state as per the three-language policy, but it does not have a script. While Bengali or Roman (English) script has mostly been used to write Kokborok
3. Efforts on Kokborok Language
- Kokborok was first recognised as the official state language of Tripura in 1979, when the first Left Front government was in power.
- The government set up two commissions under former legislator Shyama Charan Tripura and linguist Pabitra Sarkar to decide the script for it
- Their reports were made public and while both Commissions gave a mandate in favour of the Roman script, including the Sarkar Commission which was instituted by the Left Front government, the latter didn’t implement the Roman script and chose the Bengali script, while keeping options open for Roman as well.
- While the Left Front government voiced its preference for the Bengali script, an organisation called ‘Roman Script for Kokborok Choba (RSKC)’ opposed saying most tribal groups favoured the Roman one
4. North Eastern States and their Languages
Mizoram
The Mizo language or Mizo Tawng belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family. During British rule, Christian missionaries who visited the Lushai hills introduced a Mizo alphabet based on the Roman script. The first alphabet was devised in 1894, by Reverend J H Lorrain and Reverend F W Savidge, and the script came to be called ‘A Aw B’.
Manipur
- Manipur has the Meitei Mayek or Manipuri script, which is around 2,000 years old and is recognised by the state government.
- As per Mutua Bahadur of Mutua Museum, the language can be seen in coins dating back to the 6th century
- While a stone inscription found in Khoibu village is said to be the earliest epigraphic record of the Meitei script, it has evolved over the years, with different groups even squabbling over the same.
- The original script that was 18 letters is now a 36-letter script, having remained so since the 17th-century regime of Meidingu Pamheiba, it is believed
- However, by the time of The Manipur Official Language Act, 1979, Bengali script had taken over, with the Act defining Manipuri language as “Meiteilon written in Bengali script and spoken by the majority of Manipuri population”
- Since 2005, the Manipur government has been trying to revive the Manipuri script, re-introducing it in schools and making it part of the course at university level.
Arunachal Pradesh
- The case of this Northeast state is different. The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) admits that the numerous tribes that make up the state do not have a script of their own, but remains against any imposition of Hindi.
- AAPSU leaders say while Hindi is already a bridge language of sorts between the many tribal communities of the state, enforcing it “through an official Act” would also stir language tensions there. He cites the official language movement in the 1960s in Assam as a lesson
- During a recent UNESCO survey, around 33 languages of Arunachal were identified as endangered and four as critically endangered
Assam
- Given that Assamese script is used widely and commonly in the state, there are no apprehensions about introduction of Devanagari here. However, there are many other linguistic groups in the state like the Bodos, Rabhas, Misings, Tiwas, Karbis, whose languages are taught either till Class 6 or, in case of some, till Class 10
- While reiterating that Hindi or Devanagari script debate isn’t an issue in Assam, All Assam Students’ Union chief Samujjwal Bhattacharyya had said during the Hindi language row last year:
- “Literary bodies of languages should decide the script issue. From our side, we want that all tribal and ethnic languages be developed. We are in touch with all the literary bodies of Assam.”
Source: indianexpress
KADANGEE SAREES
1. Context
Tamil Nadu has got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kandangi Sarees under Sub-section (1) of Section 13 of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
2. Kandangi Sarees
Kandangi sarees, also known as Karaikudi Kandangi sarees, are a traditional type of handwoven silk sarees that originate from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, India. These sarees are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and high-quality silk fabric. They are often worn on special occasions and are considered a symbol of elegance and tradition.
Key Characteristics:
- A distinctive feature of Kandangi sarees is the "temple border," a wide and ornate border that runs along the length of the saree. The temple border typically features traditional motifs and designs
- These sarees are meticulously handwoven by skilled artisans in the Chettinad region, which is known for its rich textile heritage
- They are often worn at traditional South Indian events and ceremonies, including weddings and festivals
- Kandangi sarees are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Chettinad region and are considered an important traditional attire
- Kandangi sarees feature intricate and traditional designs that are handwoven into the fabric. The designs often include motifs like peacocks, geometric patterns, and floral elements
3. About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
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- A Geographical Indication (GI) is a label that is applied to products that have a specific geographical origin and that have characteristics related to that particular location.
- For Example, a GI tag for Amroha Dholak indicates that the dholaks must be made in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, using traditional methods and materials.
3.1.. Importance of GI Tag
- GI tags are important because they help to produce the reputation and authenticity of products from a particular region.
- They also help to promote fair trade and sustainable practices. In the case of the seven products from Uttar Pradesh that have received GI tags, these tags will help to ensure that these products are made using traditional methods and that they are of high quality.
- This will benefit the artisans who make these products and it will also help to preserve the unique cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh.
4.Way forward
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has an Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) that includes provisions related to the protection of Geographical Indications. Different countries may have their own laws and regulations regarding GIs, and some may have bilateral or multilateral agreements recognizing and protecting GIs
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For Prelims: Geographical Indication Tag, Uttar Pradesh, Amroha Dholak, Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip, Manipuri Tarkashi, Sambhal Horn Craft, Baghpat Home Furnishings, Barabanki Handloom Product, Kalpi Handmade Paper,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the potential economic and cultural benefits of obtaining GI tags for regional products in terms of enhancing their market value and preserving traditional knowledge. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? (UPSC 2015) 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C
2. India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (UPSC 2018)
A. ILO B. IMF C. UNCTAD D. WTO
Answer: D
3. On the basis of 'one district one product' programme in Uttar Pradesh, which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched? (UPPSC Combined State Exam 2022)
A. Gautam Buddh Nagar - Readymade Garments
B. Amethi - Moonz Products
C. Agra - Leather Products
D. Baghpat - Wooden Toys
Answer: D
4. In which of the following states was the Monpa handmade paper making unit inaugurated in December 2020? (SSC CHSL 2021)
A. Manipur B. Tripura C. Assam D. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: D
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Source: indianexpress
ETHICS COMMITTEE
1. Context
ACCUSING Mohua Moitra of accepting money to ask questions in Parliament, BJP Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey has hauled Trinamool Congress (TMC) parliamentarian Mahua Moitra before the House Ethics Committee, and now approached the Lokpal. Dubey accuses Moitra of taking “bribes” from businessman Darshan Hiranandani to ask questions against the Adani conglomerate, in return for “favours”.
2. What is the procedure for raising the questions?
- The procedure for raising questions is governed by Rules 32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” and Directions 10 to 18 of the “Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha‟.
- To ask a question, an MP has to first give a notice addressed to the lower house’s Secretary-General, intimating their intention to ask a question
- The notice usually contains the text of the question, the official designation of the Minister to whom the question is addressed, the date on which the answer is desired, and the order of preference, in case the MP tables more than one notice of questions for the same day
- According to 'Question Hour in Parliament' - “A Member is allowed to give not more than five notices of questions, both for oral and written answers, in all, for any day. Notices received in excess of five from a Member for a day, are considered for the subsequent day(s) concerning that Minister(s) during the period of that session only,”
- Usually, the period of notice of a question isn’t less than 15 days.
- There are two ways through which MPs can submit the notices of their questions. First, through an online ‘Member’s Portal’, where they have to enter their ID and password to get access. Second, through the printed forms available in the Parliamentary Notice Office
- The next stage is when the Speaker of Lok Sabha examines the notices of the questions in the light of the laid out rules. It is the Speaker, who decides if a question, or a part thereof, is or isn’t admissible
3. What are the different types of questions?
- There are four different types of questions: starred, unstarred, short-notice questions and questions addressed to private Members
- A starred question is asked by an MP and answered orally by the Minister-in-charge.
- Each MP is allowed to ask one starred question per day. Starred questions have to be submitted at least 15 days in advance (so that the Minister-in-charge has the time to prepare the answers) and only 20 questions can be listed for oral answers on a day. When a question is answered orally, supplementary questions can be asked thereon
- An unstarred question receives a written reply from the Ministry. These also need to be submitted at least 15 days in advance. Only 230 questions can be listed for written answers in a day. Unlike starred questions, unstarred questions don’t permit any follow-up questions
- While starred questions are better suited to inquire about the government’s views on issues and its policy inclination, unstarred questions are more conducive for getting answers to queries related to data or information, according to a report by PRS Legislative Research.
- Short notice questions are ones pertaining to a matter of urgent public importance. They can be asked with less than 10 days’ notice, with reasons for the short notice. Like a starred question, they are answered orally, followed by supplementary questions.
- The question to a private Member is addressed to the MP themselves. It is asked when the subject matter pertains to any Bill, Resolution or any matter relating to the Business of the House for which that MP is responsible
4. What exactly is the Parliamentary Ethics Committee?
A Parliamentary Ethics Committee is a committee within a parliamentary system of government that is responsible for overseeing and enforcing ethical standards and rules of conduct among members of the parliament. The specific responsibilities and powers of a Parliamentary Ethics Committee can vary from one country to another, as they are often determined by the rules, regulations, and laws of the specific parliament in question.
4.1. Role and Functions of Ethics Committee
- Drafting and maintaining a code of conduct or ethical guidelines for members of parliament. This code outlines expected behavior, such as avoiding conflicts of interest, financial transparency, and proper use of parliamentary resources
- Investigating allegations of ethical violations by members of parliament. This could involve cases of corruption, misuse of power, conflicts of interest, or breaches of the parliamentary code of conduct.
- Recommending sanctions or penalties for members found to have violated ethical standards. Sanctions may range from warnings and reprimands to suspension or expulsion from parliament, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Promoting transparency in the financial affairs of members of parliament, such as disclosure of financial interests, assets, and liabilities
- Reporting the committee's findings and recommendations to the parliament for further action or debate
5. Way forward
The specific name of the committee and its authority can vary from one country to another. For example, in the United Kingdom, the House of Commons has a Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards who oversees ethical matters related to members of parliament. In the United States, the House Committee on Ethics and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics are responsible for enforcing ethical rules in the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively.
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc
For Mains: General Studies II: Parliament and State legislatures structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
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Previous Year Questions
1.Consider the following statements: The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (UPSC CSE 2013)
1. consists of not more than 25 members of the Lok Sabha.
2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of the Government.
3. examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 and 3
C. 3 Only
D. 1, 2, 3
Answer (B)
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Source: indianexpress
GENDER GAP EARNINGS
1. Context
The Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) have been diligently tracking the gender earnings gap from April-June 2019 to 2023, offering a deeper perspective on this critical issue. The latest round of surveys has brought into focus the importance of considering weekly hours worked in addition to total earnings when discussing gender disparities. Women, on average, work fewer hours than men, influenced by societal pressures and individual choices, highlighting the intricate interplay between societal norms and personal decisions in shaping gender disparities in the workforce. Claudia Goldin's groundbreaking research on the factors driving inequalities between men and women in the United States finds resonance in the Indian context. Indian scholars have extensively studied the disparities in work participation and wages affecting working women.
2. Gender Earnings Gap Across Different Forms of Employment
- Earnings for all types of workers have been converted to weekly figures.
- Table 1 presents the ratio of weekly earnings for men and women at the all-India level, encompassing both rural and urban sectors, from the second quarter of 2019 to the same period in 2023.
- A ratio exceeding 1 signifies higher earnings for men relative to women. For example, a ratio of 1.24 indicates that men's earnings are 24% greater than women's.
- Men earn more than women in all forms of work, with the most significant gap observed in the self-employed sector.
- In 2023, male self-employed workers earned 2.8 times more than their female counterparts.
- Conversely, male regular wage workers earned 24% more than women, and male casual workers earned 48% more.
- The gender gap in earnings remains a persistent issue, but trends vary. The gap has widened for self-employed workers while narrowing for regular wage workers.
- Male regular wage workers earned 34% more than women from 2019 to 2022, with the gap decreasing to 24% in 2023.
3. Analyzing Average Weekly Work Hours
- The gender earnings gap does not provide a complete understanding of earnings per unit of work effort, as women typically work fewer hours than men across all forms of employment, as illustrated in Table 2.
- In 2023, the largest gap in work hours was observed among self-employed workers, with men working 50% more hours than women.
- Regular wage workers exhibited the smallest gap, with men working 19% more hours.
- Both men and women in regular-wage jobs had the longest work hours, at 51 and 43 hours per week, respectively.
- The ratio remained relatively stable for regular-wage workers but increased significantly for self-employed workers.
- The growing gender gap in hours worked, particularly among self-employed women, necessitates an explanation.
- Labor force participation rates (LFPRs) for rural women have risen, with a notable increase in the proportion of self-employed women.
- Simultaneously, the average hours worked per week for rural self-employed women decreased from 37.1 in 2019 to 30.1 in 2023, indicating that much of the increased employment for rural self-employed women has been part-time, in contrast to men's full-time work.
- Meanwhile, the ratio of hours worked for regular-wage workers remained relatively constant.
4. Analyzing the Gap in Hourly Earnings
- Evaluating earnings per hour, the gender gap significantly narrows for regular wage workers.
- In 2023, men in this sector earned 24% more than women over the week but worked 19% more hours.
- Consequently, the gap in hourly earnings reduced to only around 4%, down from 11% in 2019.
- On average, women in regular work earned less per week but approximately the same when considering earnings per hour.
- Inequality in hourly earnings is higher in other forms of work, though not as high as when considering total earnings.
- In 2023, male casual workers earned 23% more per hour than women, a reduction from 33% in 2019.
- The gap has slightly increased for self-employed workers, from 84% in 2019 to 87% in 2023.
5. Factors Influencing Work Hours
- Lower inequality in hourly earnings for regular-wage workers does not imply that women choose to work fewer hours.
- The availability of longer working hours may not always be a choice. Social norms that require women to attend to domestic and child-rearing duties may limit their options and push them toward jobs with shorter hours.
- It's crucial to understand not only the factors affecting pay differences but also those influencing total hours of work.
- Policymakers must work to eliminate barriers restricting women's working hours, ranging from workplace interventions like mandating creches and extended maternity leave to broader changes in societal norms regarding childcare and domestic responsibilities.
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For Prelims: The Periodic Labour Force Survey, Gender Earnings Gap, Labor force participation rate, Claudia Goldin,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the factors that influence work hours for women in the labour market, considering the role of social norms and responsibilities. What policy measures can be implemented to address these factors and increase women's working hours? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which of the following statements about the employment situation in India according to periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2020)
1. Construction sector gave employment to nearly one-tenth of the urban male workforce in India
2. Nearly one-fourth of urban female workers in India were working in the manufacturing sector
3. One-fourth of rural female workers in India were engaged in the agriculture sector
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 2 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
2. Disguised unemployment generally means (UPSC 2013) (a) large number of people remain unemployed Answer: C 3. Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (UPSC 2017) (a) World Economic Forum Answer: A 4. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). (UPPSC Civil Service 2019)
Assertion (A): The labour force participation rate is falling sharply in recent years for females in India.
Reason (R): The decline in labour force participation rate is due to the improved family income and an increase in education.
Select the correct answer from codes given below:
Codes: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer: C Mains1. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (UPSC 2023) |
Source: The Hindu
