FREEBIES TO WELFARE
1. Context
Criticising the culture of “freebies”, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday called for a Parliament debate on it, saying there was an urgent need for a national policy so that all investments of the government were used in a structured manner
2. About Freebies
- Freebies in politics are goods or services that are given away for free by political parties or candidates to win votes.
- They can be anything from free food and drinks to free laptops and smartphones.
- Freebies have become increasingly common in political campaigns in recent years.
- The freebie culture is not new to India. It has been around for many years, but it has become more prevalent in recent years.
- There are several different reasons why the freebie culture has become so popular. Some people believe that freebies are a way to help the poor, while others believe that they are a way to buy votes.
- The freebie culture has several negative consequences. It can lead to unsustainable debt levels, it can distort the economy, and it can harm the poor.
- The prime minister is not the only one who has spoken out against the freebie culture. Several economists and policymakers have also expressed concerns about the dangers of this culture.
- There are several different ways to address the freebie culture. The government could focus on providing essential services, it could use technology to target welfare programs more effectively, or it could simply raise taxes.
3. The Perils of the Freebie Culture
- They can lead to unsustainable debt levels. When governments give away free stuff, they have to find a way to pay for it. This often means increasing taxes or borrowing money. In the long run, this can lead to a debt crisis.
- Freebies can distort the economy. When people get free stuff, they have less incentive to work and save. This can lead to lower economic growth.
- Freebies can harm the poor. Often, freebies are not targeted at the people who need them the most. Instead, they are given to everyone, regardless of their income level. This means that the poor may not benefit from freebies at all, while the rich may benefit disproportionately.
4. Types of Freebies and Welfare Schemes
- Political parties in India often promise a range of freebies and welfare schemes, such as free healthcare services, subsidized or free education, subsidized housing, free electricity or water, and distribution of essential commodities.
- These schemes are designed to directly benefit certain sections of society, such as farmers, women, students, or low-income households.
5. Impact on Election Outcomes
- Freebies and welfare schemes can have a significant impact on election outcomes, as they appeal to voters who may see immediate benefits from such promises.
- Parties strategically target specific voter groups based on their needs and interests, aiming to secure their support and votes.
6. Criticism and Concerns
- Critics argue that the distribution of freebies and welfare schemes can create a culture of dependency on the government, hinder economic growth, and lead to unsustainable fiscal policies.
- There are concerns about the long-term impact on the economy, such as increased fiscal deficits, inflationary pressures, and a potential burden on future generations.
7. Effectiveness and Implementation
- The effectiveness of freebies and welfare schemes varies. While some schemes have successfully reached their intended beneficiaries and improved their well-being, others have faced challenges in implementation, including corruption, mismanagement, and targeting issues.
- Evaluating the implementation and impact of these schemes is crucial to assess their effectiveness.
8. Role of the Election Commission
- The Election Commission of India plays a crucial role in monitoring election campaigns and enforcing the Model Code of Conduct.
- It aims to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, including monitoring the distribution of freebies during elections and taking action against any violations.
9. Conclusion
For freebies and welfare in Indian elections, it is essential to analyze the potential benefits and drawbacks of such initiatives, their impact on the economy and society, and the role of responsible governance in ensuring their effective implementation while maintaining long-term sustainability.
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For Prelims: freebies, Election Commission of India, Political Parties
For Mains:
1. Discuss the impact of the freebies culture and welfare schemes on Indian elections. How do these promises influence voter behaviour and election outcomes? (250 Words)
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Source: The Indian Express
EL NINO AND LA NINA
1. Context
It’s that time of the year again. India waits eagerly for the summer monsoon forecast, tinged with some anxiety about whether it will be ‘normal’. The fate of the monsoon also raises the question of whether 2025-2026 will be an El Niño year or a La Niña year
2.What are El Niño and La Nina?
- El Niño and La Niña, translating to “little boy” and “little girl” in Spanish, are climatic events arising from interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. They influence water temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, thereby affecting global weather patterns.
- The Earth's rotation from east to west causes winds between 30 degrees north and south of the equator to tilt in their paths. This results in winds flowing southwest in the northern hemisphere and northwest in the southern hemisphere, a phenomenon known as the Coriolis Effect.
- Consequently, trade winds blow westward on either side of the equator. Typically, these winds move west from South America towards Asia, leading to upwelling, where cold water from beneath the ocean surface rises, replacing warmer surface waters.
- Occasionally, weakened trade winds shift back towards South America, preventing upwelling. This leads to warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific Ocean, marking the onset of El Niño conditions.
- In contrast, during La Niña, stronger trade winds push warm water towards Asia, enhancing upwelling and bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to South America.
- Thus, El Niño and La Niña represent opposite phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which also includes a neutral phase.
- El Niño events are more common than La Niña ones, occurring every two to seven years when neutral ENSO conditions are disrupted by either phase. Recently, La Niña conditions were observed from 2020 to 2023
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3.How could the incoming La Nina impact global weather?
- Due to ENSO and the associated changes in ocean temperatures, air circulation in the region is also influenced. This, in turn, affects precipitation levels in nearby areas and has an impact on the Indian monsoon.
- The current El Niño event, which started last June, has weakened considerably. It is anticipated that by June, neutral ENSO conditions will be in place. Following this, La Niña conditions are expected to develop, potentially starting to have an impact by August
4.La Nina’s impact on the world
- Like India, countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and their neighbors experience abundant rainfall during a La Niña year. This year, Indonesia has already experienced flooding.
- Conversely, droughts are common in the southern parts of North America, where winters tend to be warmer than usual.
- Canada and the northwestern coast of the United States face heavy rainfall and flooding. Southern Africa experiences above-average rainfall, while the eastern regions of the continent receive below-average rainfall.
- ENSO significantly influences hurricane activity over the Atlantic Ocean, with La Niña years typically seeing an increase in hurricanes. For example, in the La Niña year of 2021, the Atlantic Ocean saw a record 30 hurricanes
5.Is climate change affecting ENSO?
- In India, El Niño is known to reduce southwest monsoon rainfall, leading to higher temperatures and more intense heatwaves, as seen this summer.
- Historically, monsoon seasons following an El Niño, such as in 1982-1983 and 1987-1988, saw abundant rainfall in 1983 and 1988. A similar pattern may occur this year.
- From 2020 to 2023, the longest La Niña event of the century took place. This was followed by ENSO neutral conditions, which transitioned to El Niño by June 2023.
- However, El Niño has been weakening since last December. According to Rajeevan, this rapid shift to La Niña is a natural occurrence and has happened many times in the past.
- Scientists suggest that climate change will impact the ENSO cycle. Various studies indicate that global warming may alter the average oceanic conditions in the Pacific Ocean, leading to more frequent El Niño events.
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also predicts that climate change will likely affect the intensity and frequency of extreme weather and climate events associated with El Niño and La Niña
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For Prelims: Indian and World Geography
For Mains: GS-I, GS-III: Important Geophysical phenomena and environment
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Source: Indianexpress
DATA PROTECTION ACT 2023
1. Context
In early January this year, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (Rules) under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (Act). Several criticisms of this draft have emerged, which include the Union government’s discretion to appoint members to the Data Protection Board (DPB or Board)
2. Key provisions of the act
- Consent: Individuals will have the right to give or withhold consent for the collection, use, and sharing of their personal data.
- Data minimization: Data fiduciaries (organizations that collect and process personal data) will be required to minimize the amount of personal data they collect and process.
- Data security: Data fiduciaries will be required to take appropriate measures to protect the security of personal data.
- Data breach notification: Data fiduciaries will be required to notify individuals and the government if there is a data breach.
- Right to access: Individuals will have the right to access their personal data and to request that it be corrected or deleted.
- Right to be forgotten: Individuals will have the right to request that their personal data be deleted if it is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected.
3. The key benefits of the DPDP
- It will give individuals more control over their personal data.
- It will help to protect personal data from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure.
- It will promote the responsible use of personal data by organizations.
- It will help to build trust in the digital economy.
4. Scope and Application
- The proposed law covers the processing of digital personal data within India.
- It also applies to data processing outside India if it involves offering goods or services or profiling individuals in India.
- Data fiduciaries are required to maintain data accuracy, and security, and delete data once its purpose is fulfilled.
5. Enforcement and Penalties
- The bill allows entities violating its provisions to enter voluntary settlements with the data protection board.
- Repeat offences may lead to higher financial penalties.
- The highest penalty for failing to prevent a data breach is set at Rs 250 crore per instance, subject to interpretation by the data protection board.
6. Concerns with the Draft Bill
- The retained provisions from the November 2022 draft include wide-ranging exemptions for the central government and its agencies.
- The control of the central government in appointing members of the data protection board raises concerns.
- Protection of personal data of government functionaries under the bill may impact the Right to Information Act.
7. Expected Changes
- The bill may adopt a 'blacklisting' mechanism for cross-border data flows instead of a whitelisting approach.
- Global data flows would be allowed by default to jurisdictions, not on the specified 'negative list.'
- The provision on "deemed consent" may be reworded to be stricter for private entities while allowing government departments more leeway based on national security and public interest.
8. Comparison with Other Countries
- The GDPR serves as the template for most data protection legislation worldwide, focusing on comprehensive data protection.
- The US model emphasizes individual liberty protection but has been criticized for being narrow in focus.
- China has recently implemented laws on data privacy and security, including the Personal Information Protection Law and Data Security Law.
9. The Way Forward
- The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, if enacted, will have far-reaching implications for data protection in India.
- While concerns regarding exemptions and the data protection board persist, the bill aims to align with global standards and facilitate trade negotiations.
- The final version of the bill is expected to address key issues raised during public consultations and strike a balance between privacy and national interests.
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For Prelims: data privacy law, Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022, Parliament's Monsoon Session, European Union, Digital India Bill, Indian Telecommunication Bill, non-personal data governance policy, Right to Information Act,
For Mains:
1. Analyze the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, and discuss its significance in India's technology regulatory framework. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as 'General Data Protection Regulation' in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May 2018? (UPSC 2019)
A. Australia B. Canada C. The European Union D. The United States of America
Answer: C
2. Read the following: (DSSSB TGT 2018)
1. In India, parliament has 4 sessions in a year.
2. Budget session is presided over by the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, that is the Vice-president of India.
3. During the monsoon session, the President of India addresses the Parliament. Select the correct code:
A. Only 2 B. Only 1 C. Only 3 D. None of the above
Answer: D
3. There are usually three Parliamentary sessions in India, viz, the Budget session, the Monsoon session, and _______. (SSC CHSL 2018)
A. the Autumn session
B. the Summer session
C. the Winter session
D. None of these
Answer: C
4. Which of the following is NOT a routine session of the Indian Parliament? (RRB JE 2019) (HTET TGT Social Studies 2013 - 2014)
A. Summer Session B. Budget Session C. Winter Session D. Monsoon Session
Answer: A
5. Find out the odd in relation to the Indian Parliament. (NTPC Tier I 2016)
A. Budget Session B. Summer Session C. Monsoon Session D. Winter Session
1. A 2. C 3. D 4. B
Answer: 4
6. The interval between two sessions of parliament must not exceed ________. (IB ACIO Grade II 2017)
A. 3 months B. 6 months C. 4 months D. 100 days
Answer: B
7. The period between the prorogation of a House and its reassembly in a new session is called ______ (SSC JE CE 2021)
A. recess B. zero hour C. quorum D. question hour
Answer: A
8. In terms of Article 85(1), the President must summon each House of Parliament within _____ between the date of its last sitting in a session and the date of the first sitting in the next session. (DSSSB TGT 2018)
A. Six months B. Four and a half months C. Four months D. Five months
Answer: A
9. In which session of the year, President addresses both the Houses of Parliament? (IB ACIO Grade II 2012)
A. First session (Budget) B. Second session (Monsoon)
C. Third session (winter) D. none of the above
Answer: A
10. Consider the following statements about European Union: (MPSC 2019)
(a) It is a Political and Economic Union.
(b) It was formally established by the Maastricht Treaty.
(c) In 2007 Austria and Sweden became the members of European Union.
(d) In 2012 the European Union received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Which of the above statements are correct?
1. (a), (b), (c) 2. (c), (d) 3. (a), (b), (d) 4. All above
Answer: 3
11. The headquarters of the European Union (EU) is at: (UKSSSC Forest Guard 2020)
A. Paris B. London C. Berlin D. Brussels
Answer: D
12. Which among the following European Union countries is the first to officially recognize the State of Palestine? ( BPSC 2015)
A. Sweden B. Denmark C. Norway D. Italy
Answer: A
13. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? (UPSC 2018)
1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
14. In India, which one of the following is responsible for the implementation of the Government of India's policy in all matters concerning telecommunications? (CDS 2022)
A. Digital Communications Commission
B. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
C. Telecom Advisory Committee
D. Telecommunications Consultants India Limited
Answer: A
15. With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? (UPSC 2019)
1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE are commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
16. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting the financial inclusion in the country.
2. NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme 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: C
17. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review.
2. The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of the judiciary.
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
18. Which of the following statements are correct? (MPSC 2018)
a. Parliament can increase a tax.
b. Parliament cannot reduce a tax.
c. Parliament can abolish a tax.
d. Parliament cannot increase a tax.
e. Parliament can reduce a tax.
1. a, c and e 2. b, c and d 3. c, d and e D. c and d
Answer: 3
19. According to the Right to Information Act 2005, if a person seeks information that concerns the life and security of a person, it shall be provided within a period of _______ from the time of receipt of the request. (Kerala SET 2017) (UP Police SI 2017)
A. 24 hours B. 48 hours C. 3 days D. 7 days
Answer: B
20. The Right to Information Act was passed by parliament on (TNPSC Group 4 2019)
A. 18 October 2005. B. 12 May 2005 C. 25 October 2005 D. 12 October 2005
Answer: B
1.Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (GS2, 2017)
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Source: The Indian Express
COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA
1. Context
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) raided the offices of media agencies, including GroupM, Dentsu and IPG Mediabrands, as well as the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), an apex body of broadcasters, over alleged fixing of ad rates and discounts, industry sources told FE.
2. Competition Commission of India
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a regulatory authority established in India to promote and protect fair competition in the marketplace.
- It was established under the Competition Act, 2002, and became fully functional in 2009.
- The primary objective of the CCI is to prevent anti-competitive practices, ensure a level playing field for businesses, and promote consumer welfare
- The Competition Commission of India (within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs) has been established to enforce the competition law under the Competition Act, 2002.
- It should be noted that on the recommendations of Raghavan committee, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act) was repealed and replaced by the Competition Act, 2002
- The Commission consists of a Chairperson and not more than 6 Members appointed by the Central Government
- It is the statutory duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having an adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade carried on by other participants, in markets in India as provided in the Preamble as well as Section 18 of the Act.
- The Commission is also mandated to give its opinion on competition issues to government or statutory authority and to undertake competition advocacy for creating awareness of competition law.
- Advocacy is at the core of effective competition regulation. Competition Commission of India (CCI), which has been entrusted with implementation of law, has always believed in complementing robust enforcement with facilitative advocacy. It is a quasi-judicial body.
3. Key functions and responsibilities
Here are some key functions and responsibilities of the Competition Commission of India:
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Competition Advocacy: The CCI engages in advocacy and education activities to promote competition awareness among businesses, government agencies, and the public.
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Antitrust Enforcement: The CCI investigates and takes action against anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominance by companies, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. It can impose penalties and remedies on entities found to be in violation of competition laws.
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Merger Control: The CCI reviews and approves or disapproves mergers, acquisitions, and combinations that may have an adverse impact on competition in the Indian market. It assesses whether these transactions are likely to cause a substantial lessening of competition.
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Market Studies and Research: The CCI conducts studies and research to understand market dynamics, competition issues, and emerging trends. This information helps in formulating policies and recommendations to improve competition.
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Competition Advocacy: The commission engages in advocacy efforts to promote competition principles and practices among businesses, government agencies, and the public.
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Consumer Protection: While primarily focused on promoting competition, the CCI also indirectly promotes consumer welfare by ensuring that markets remain competitive and that consumers have choices and access to fair prices.
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Regulation of Anti-Competitive Practices: The CCI addresses practices such as price-fixing, bid rigging, and abuse of market power that can harm competition and consumers.
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Legal Proceedings: The CCI has the authority to conduct investigations, hold hearings, and pass orders. Its decisions can be appealed to higher courts in India.
4. What is the Competition Act?
- The Competition Act, 2002, as amended by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007, follows the philosophy of modern competition laws.
- The Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements, and abuse of dominant position by enterprises and regulates combinations (acquisition, acquiring of control and M&A), which causes or likely to cause an appreciable adverse effect on competition within India
- In accordance with the provisions of the Amendment Act, the Competition Commission of India and the Competition Appellate Tribunal have been established
- The government of India replaced Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in 2017
- The provisions of the Competition Act relating to anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant position were notified on May 20, 2009
| Competition is the best means of ensuring that the ‘Common Man’ or ‘Aam Aadmi’ has access to the broadest range of goods and services at the most competitive prices. With increased competition, producers will have maximum incentive to innovate and specialize. This would result in reduced costs and wider choice to consumers. A fair competition in market is essential to achieve this objective. Our goal is to create and sustain fair competition in the economy that will provide a ‘level playing field’ to the producers and make the markets work for the welfare of the consumers |
5. What is Cartelisation?
Cartels can be difficult to define. According to CCI, a “Cartel includes an association of producers, sellers, distributors, traders or service providers who, by agreement amongst themselves, limit, control or attempt to control the production, distribution, sale or price of, or, trade in goods or provision of services”
The International Competition Network, which is a global body dedicated to enforcing competition law, has a simpler definition. The three common components of a cartel are:
- an agreement;
- between competitors;
- to restrict competition.
6. Way forward
CCI needs to revisit its definition of ‘relevant market’. In the age of digital world, defining relevant market has been a tough task for regulators world-wide. Technological developments like Web 3.0, AI, IoT, Blockchain and issues like data protection and privacy, search bias, platform neutrality, confidentiality, etc, have created a need for a robust competition law. Such a law should meet the demands of the technological era we live in.
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For Prelims: Statutory board, Constitutional body
For Mains: 1.Discuss the role and functions of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in promoting and ensuring fair competition in the Indian market
2.Examine the challenges and limitations faced by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in effectively regulating and promoting competition in the digital economy
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Previous year Questions
1. Competition Commission of India is which kind of body? (RSMSSB Sanganak 2018)
A. Statutory body
B. Constitutional.
C. Single Member
D. Private
Answer (A)
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Source: indianexpress
UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION AUTHORITY OF INDIA (UIDAI)
1. Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will work with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to link its voter records with the Aadhaar database, while the Law Ministry will amend Form 6B to clarify that providing Aadhaar details remains voluntary, though voters declining to share this information must explain their reasons
2. Aadhar fingerprint technology work
- The technology uses a combination of both finger minutiae and finger image to check the liveness of the fingerprint captured
- The measure was implemented after instances of people creating fake fingerprints using silicone to syphon off money from unsuspecting individuals’ bank accounts were reported
- Aadhaar fingerprint technology works by using a scanner to capture the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on a person's finger.
- The scanner converts the fingerprint image into a digital algorithm, which is then stored in a database.
- When a person's fingerprint is scanned again, the algorithm is used to compare it to the stored fingerprint. If the two algorithms match, the person is authenticated.
- The Aadhaar fingerprint technology is very accurate, with a false acceptance rate of less than 0.0001%.
- This means that there is a very small chance that someone else's fingerprint will be mistakenly matched to yours
3. Payment frauds
- According to the Home Ministry, in the financial year 2020-21, 2.62 lakhs financial crimes, such as money laundering, bribery, corruption and different kinds of frauds, were reported
- The number jumped to 6.94 lakhs in 2022, a report, released by the Standing Committee on Finance
- Citing data it received from the supervised entities of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the committee noted that payment-related frauds are on the rise in India
- In FY21, the volume of such frauds was a little over 700,000, which by FY23, increased to close to 20 million.
4.Can technology solve fraud problem
Deploying technological measures to curtail financial frauds has its own limits, though.
For instance, they have failed to thwart a number of frauds related to AePS, in which a business correspondent, a key member in the payment supply chain, is the culprit
A business correspondent (BC) is an informal bank agent equipped with a biometric Point-of-Sale (PoS) machine, which works like a micro ATM
5. About the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
- The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established in January 2009 by the Government of India under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016. UIDAI is responsible for issuing unique identification numbers, known as Aadhaar numbers, to residents of India
- The primary objective of UIDAI is to provide a unique and verifiable identity to every Indian resident, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status
- The UIDAI is responsible for issuing Aadhaar, a 12-digit unique identification number to all residents of India.
Aadhaar is a proof of identity and address, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Accessing government services
- Opening bank accounts
- Making payments
- Traveling
- Enrolling in school
6. Way forward
Aadhaar has been integrated into various welfare schemes and government services, making it an essential part of India's digital identity infrastructure. However, it has also raised concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misuse of personal information. The Indian government has taken steps to address these concerns and improve the security and accessibility of Aadhaar services
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For Prelims: UIDAI, Aadhar, Cybercrime
For Mains: 1.Discuss the potential cybersecurity risks and challenges associated with the Aadhaar biometric authentication system in India. What measures should be taken to mitigate these risks effectively?
2.Analyze the role of Aadhaar in combating cybercrimes in India. How can Aadhaar's unique identification system be leveraged to enhance cybersecurity and protect individuals from online threats?
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Previous year Questions
1. Consider the following Statements (UPSC CSE 2018)
1. Aadhar card can be used as proof of citizenship or domicile
2.Once issued, the Aadhar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the issuing Authority
Which of the statements given above is/ or Correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- D
2.Consider the following statements
1. Aadhar card data cannot be stored more than three months
2.State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing Aadhar data
3.Aadhar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products
4. Aadhar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated fund of India
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct
A. 1 and 4
B. 2 and 4
C. 3 Only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer - B
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Source: indianexpress
SUB-CATEGORISATION OF SCHEDULED CASTE
1. Context
The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Bill, 2025, paving the way for SC sub-categorisation in reservation
2. What is the issue?
- Caution is needed when considering the sub-categorization of SCs and STs due to various complexities.
- Unlike OBCs, SCs and STs do not have a creamy layer, and addressing backwardness among them involves dealing with untouchability issues.
- Sub-categorization may exacerbate differences within these communities and lead to competition for affirmative action.
- There is already a demand for OBC status from groups like Marathas, Patels, and Jats, making the situation more challenging.
- Some SC communities, like Madigas in Telangana, feel marginalized and seek a separate quota.
- Key Ministries are discussing the proposal, which would require amending Article 341 of the Constitution.
- Legal options include waiting for a larger Supreme Court bench to rule on the matter or going ahead with the amendment.
- Sub-categorization has a contentious history, with earlier attempts in states like Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu on hold.
- The idea has both supporters and opponents within the government.
- Concerns include encroachment on states' powers, the potential for the creamy layer issue, and its applicability to STs and new entries in the list of SCs and STs.
- The issue remains complex and politically sensitive.
3. What is the Presidential list?
- In India, the term "Presidential list" typically refers to the Presidential Orders issued under Articles 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution.
- These articles deal with the recognition and classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), respectively.
- The President of India, upon the advice of the Governor of a state, can issue a notification specifying which communities or groups within a state are to be recognized as Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
- These notifications are known as Presidential Orders, and they are crucial for determining eligibility for various affirmative action programs, reservations in government jobs, educational institutions, and other benefits for SCs and STs.
- The process involves recommendations from the State Government, scrutiny by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at the central level, and finally, the issuance of the Presidential Order by the President of India.
- The Presidential list is, therefore, a list of communities or tribes that have been officially recognized as Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes in a particular state or union territory of India.
- This list can vary from state to state based on the demographic composition and historical background of each region.
4. Who are Madiga community?
- The Madiga community is a Scheduled Caste (SC) community in India, primarily found in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and parts of Tamil Nadu.
- Scheduled Castes, also known as Dalits, historically faced social and economic discrimination and were considered the lowest in the caste hierarchy in India.
- The Madiga community, like other SC communities, has historically experienced social and economic marginalization, including discrimination and exclusion from various aspects of social life, such as education and employment.
- As a result, they have been beneficiaries of affirmative action policies and reservations provided by the Indian government to uplift marginalized communities.
- It's important to note that within the broader category of Scheduled Castes, there are various subgroups and communities with their distinct identities, histories, and challenges.
- The Madiga community is one of these subgroups within the Scheduled Caste category in South India.
- Over the years, there have been movements and demands within the Madiga community for greater recognition and rights, as well as for a separate quota within the SC category to address internal disparities and inequities.
5. What is a Mala community?
- The Mala community is another Scheduled Caste (SC) community in India, primarily found in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- As with other SC communities, the Mala community has historically experienced social and economic discrimination and has been subjected to various forms of marginalization and exclusion.
- The Mala community, like the Madiga community and other SC groups, has been a beneficiary of affirmative action policies and reservations provided by the Indian government to address historical injustices and uplift marginalized communities.
- These policies aim to provide opportunities in education, employment, and political representation to SCs.
- It's important to understand that within the broader category of Scheduled Castes, there are numerous subgroups and communities, each with its unique identity, history, and socio-economic conditions.
- The Mala community is one of these subgroups within the SC category in the southern regions of India.
- Like other SC communities, the Mala community has also had its share of social and political movements advocating for their rights and addressing disparities within their community.
6. What is a creamy layer?
The "creamy layer" refers to a threshold of economic and social status within a particular reserved category that is deemed to be relatively privileged and not in need of affirmative action benefits, such as reservations in educational institutions and government jobs. The concept of the creamy layer was introduced to ensure that the benefits of reservations reach those who are genuinely disadvantaged and economically deprived within the reserved categories.
For example:
- In the case of OBCs, the creamy layer concept is applied to exclude individuals or families within the OBC category who have achieved a certain level of income or social status. These individuals are considered part of the creamy layer and are not eligible for OBC reservations in higher education and government jobs.
- For SCs and STs, there is typically no creamy layer concept. Reservations for these categories are intended to benefit all members, regardless of their economic status, due to the historical discrimination and social disadvantages they have faced.
The idea behind the creamy layer concept is to prevent the reservation benefits from concentrating among the relatively well-off individuals or families within a reserved category, thereby ensuring that the most economically and socially disadvantaged individuals receive the intended benefits of affirmative action policies. The specific criteria and income thresholds for determining the creamy layer can vary and are periodically revised by the government.
7. What are the arguments for and against sub-categorisation?
Sub-categorization of reservations in India, especially within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), is a complex and contentious issue. Various arguments exist both for and against sub-categorization:
Arguments in Favor of Sub-Categorization:
- Addressing Internal Disparities: One of the primary arguments for sub-categorization is that it helps address internal disparities within SCs and STs. By identifying specific groups or communities within these broader categories that are more marginalized or disadvantaged, sub-categorization can ensure that the benefits of reservations reach those who need them the most.
- Equitable Distribution: Sub-categorization can lead to a more equitable distribution of reserved seats and benefits. It can prevent dominant groups within SCs and STs from monopolizing the advantages of reservations, ensuring that smaller and more vulnerable subgroups receive their fair share.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: Sub-categorization can help in efficient resource allocation by targeting government resources, such as scholarships and welfare programs, toward the neediest subgroups, thereby maximizing the impact of affirmative action policies.
- Social Justice: Proponents argue that sub-categorization aligns with the principles of social justice by addressing historical injustices and ensuring that the most marginalized communities receive support to uplift themselves.
Arguments Against Sub-Categorization:
- Complexity: Critics argue that sub-categorization introduces complexity into an already intricate system of reservations. Determining which subgroups should receive how much benefit can be administratively challenging and lead to disputes.
- Divisiveness: Sub-categorization can sometimes lead to divisions and conflicts within the SC and ST communities. It may create rivalries among subgroups competing for reserved seats and benefits, potentially undermining solidarity among these communities.
- Administrative Burden: Managing multiple subcategories may pose an administrative burden on the government, including the need for data collection and constant revision of subcategories.
- Legal Challenges: The constitutionality of sub-categorization has been a subject of legal debate. While some judgments have upheld its validity, others have sought further clarification from larger benches of the Supreme Court.
- Political Factors: The issue of sub-categorization is often influenced by political considerations. Decisions to subcategorize or not can be influenced by electoral dynamics and political interests.
The arguments for sub-categorization focus on addressing internal inequalities and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, while the arguments against it emphasize the potential complexities, divisiveness, and administrative challenges it may pose. The decision to implement sub-categorization is a nuanced one and requires careful consideration of its potential impact on marginalized communities and the broader social fabric.
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For Prelims: The Presidential List, Article 341 of the Constitution, Creamy layer, Sub-Categorization, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST). For Mains: 1. Discuss the concept of sub-categorization of SCs in India. What are the key arguments in favor of and against sub-categorization? Assess the implications and challenges associated with implementing sub-categorization as a policy measure for social justice. (250 Words). |
Previous year question1. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? (UPSC 2013) A. State Forest Department B. District Collector/Deputy Commissioner C. Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer D. Gram Sabha Answer: D |
Source: The Indian Express
