Synopsis: India needs to look beyond the traditional concept of marriages to recognise marriages irrespective of gender identity and sexual orientation. Thus, India can recognise the marriage rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Background: Recently, a case related to the question of same-sex marriages came up before the High Court of Delhi. But the Union Government… Continue reading Marriage Rights of the LGBTQIA+ community
Tag: SOC_7
“ELDERLINE” is providing assistance to thousands of elderly persons
What is the News? The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment has said that the Elderline is providing assistance to thousands of elderly persons. This was said on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Read Also :-Increasing old age population of India About ELDERLINE: ELDERLINE was launched by the Ministry of… Continue reading “ELDERLINE” is providing assistance to thousands of elderly persons
Aspirational District Programme – Achievements and Suggestions – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) India has released a report titled ‘Aspirational Districts Programme: An Appraisal’. The report calls the program a global example of leveraging local structures of governance and bureaucracy. It applauds the multi-stakeholder partnership for ensuring localization of the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP marks the Aspirational Districts Program as a… Continue reading Aspirational District Programme – Achievements and Suggestions – Explained, Pointwise
Madras High Court guidelines for mainstreaming LGBTIQA+ community
What is the News? The Madras High Court has issued guidelines aimed at mainstreaming LGBTIQA+(Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual) persons. What was the case? A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court by a lesbian couple whose relationship was being opposed by their parents. They have asked the Court to provide protection… Continue reading Madras High Court guidelines for mainstreaming LGBTIQA+ community
Need to ban the Conversion therapy of the LGBTQIA+ community
Synopsis: The recent order of the Madras high court presents an opportunity to ban the inhuman conversion therapy of the LGBTQIA+ community. The therapy subjects them to immense physical and mental stress leading to occurrence of depression, anxiety and suicide cases amongst the community. Background: The Madras High Court called for a ban on the… Continue reading Need to ban the Conversion therapy of the LGBTQIA+ community
Govt launched (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) “SAGE Initiative and SAGE Portal”
What is the News? The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) SAGE Initiative and SAGE portal for elderly persons. About SAGE Initiative and SAGE Portal: SAGE Initiative and SAGE Portal have been launched with an aim to provide “one-stop access” for elderly care. The portal will provide… Continue reading Govt launched (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) “SAGE Initiative and SAGE Portal”
Kerala’s “Bell of Faith Scheme” for elderly
What is the News? Kerala’s ‘Bell of Faith’ scheme will be expanded to the villages to reach senior citizens staying alone. Earlier, the scheme was successfully implemented in a number of urban households in Kerala. About Bell of Faith Scheme: Firstly, Bell of Faith Scheme was launched by the Kerala Police in 2018. It aims… Continue reading Kerala’s “Bell of Faith Scheme” for elderly
SC Guidelines to Decongest Prisons
Synopsis- The Supreme Court has issued a slew of directions to decongest jails in light of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduction- In order to protect prisoners’ right to life, the SC has ordered States to examine releasing inmates [convicted or facing trial in non-serious charges] on bail or parole to prevent… Continue reading SC Guidelines to Decongest Prisons
Mandatory online certification for Persons with Disabilities through “UDID portal”
What is the News? The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(DEPwD) has issued a notification for all States/UTs. In that, the DEPwD made the use of online mode as mandatory to grant certificates of disability using the UDID portal. Note: Firstly, the Central Government notified the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017 under… Continue reading Mandatory online certification for Persons with Disabilities through “UDID portal”
India needs to Focus on Universal Social Scheme
Synopsis: The pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of India’s Universal social welfare. The country failed to provide adequate social welfare services to the marginalized during the pandemic times. This calls for focusing on universal social welfare. Background: The Covid-19 pandemic struck the country in 2020 and brutally impacted the lives of the Indian masses especially… Continue reading India needs to Focus on Universal Social Scheme
Need of Granting Interim Bail to Pregnant Women Undertrials
Synopsis: Even though Pregnant women and children cannot get the Covid-19 vaccination, they continue to remain in prisons. The court has to provide interim bail to women, children and other vulnerable sections in prison. Introduction: Long pending prison reforms, overcrowded prisons made the situation of prisoners in India very cruel. The state of women’s prisons… Continue reading Need of Granting Interim Bail to Pregnant Women Undertrials
Need to Enact Siras Act on the Lines of Alan Turing law
Synopsis- Ex-post facto pardon to the convicts of homosexuality will serve justice to them. Alan Turing law is a perfect example in this case. Government should consider enacting Siras Act on the same line. Introduction On September 6, 2018, India’s Supreme Court ruled that consensual homosexual acts would no longer constitute a crime. The historic move reversed… Continue reading Need to Enact Siras Act on the Lines of Alan Turing law
Empowerment of Transgender community in India
Synopsis: The introduction of 13 members of the Empowerment of Transgender community into the Chhattisgarh police is an encouraging step. Introduction 13 members of the transgender community selected as constables under the Chhattisgarh police. This move is truly historic and exciting for this community. The Tamil Nadu police also welcomed a few transgender earlier. Their… Continue reading Empowerment of Transgender community in India
PMAY-Gramin achieved 92% target in 1st Phase
What is the News? PMAY-Gramin (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin) achieves 92% of its target under the 1st phase (i.e. from 2016-17 to 2018-19). Target under PMAY-Gramin: PMAY-G scheme aims to construct 2.95 crore houses with all basic amenities by the year 2021-22. However, the number of beneficiaries reduced from 2.95 crores to 2.14 crore.… Continue reading PMAY-Gramin achieved 92% target in 1st Phase
Only 5.4% of houses under “PM Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G)” Completed this year
What is the News? The Ministry of Rural Development has informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee about the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin. Progress under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G): PMAY-G Scheme has a target of providing housing for all by March 2022. However, the completion of the construction target was only 55%. Even… Continue reading Only 5.4% of houses under “PM Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G)” Completed this year
Issue of Pension System in India – Explained, Pointwise
Introduction As per a United Nation’s report, the Population Share of the 60+ age group in India will increase to 20% by 2050 from the present 8%. This segment of the population is unable to work either due to age-related restrictions or health-related reasons. Thus, they require adequate financial support from the government for living… Continue reading Issue of Pension System in India – Explained, Pointwise
Appointment of Police officers for Prison Management
Synopsis: The appointment of Police officers for Prison management is not right. It is against strengthening the criminal justice system. Background Recently, the Uttarakhand government issued a notification to post IPS officers as superintendents of Prisons. A PIL has been filed against the government’s decision before the Uttarakhand High Court. What are the reasons for Posting… Continue reading Appointment of Police officers for Prison Management
“Sugamya Bharat App”
What is the News? Union Minister for Social justice and Empowerment is going to virtually launch the “Sugamya Bharat App”. About the Sugamya Bharat App: It is a mobile application developed to sensitise and enhance accessibility within the 3 pillars of the Accessible India Campaign. These pillars namely- the transportation sector, building an accessible environment… Continue reading “Sugamya Bharat App”
Vaccination of manual scavengers must be prioritised
Synopsis: The government is focussing on the vaccination of frontline sanitation workers. However, the most vulnerable among them, Manual scavengers, did not gethe attention they deserve. Introduction India is far behind in understanding sanitation workers and their different categories. Manual scavengers belong to the lowest strata of unprotected sanitation workers. Many people in India believe… Continue reading Vaccination of manual scavengers must be prioritised
Most Public buses are not accessible to PwDs
What is the News? According to government data, less than 7% of public buses in the country are fully accessible to PwDs as of December 2020. Target under Accessible India Campaign for Public Buses: Under the Accessible India Campaign, the deadline for making at least 25% of public buses fully accessible was March 2018. However,… Continue reading Most Public buses are not accessible to PwDs
Every fourth senior citizen in India rates health as poor: LASI
Why in News? The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has released the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) Wave-1 Report. Facts: About LASI: About the study: It is a full-scale national survey of scientific investigation. It investigates the health, economic and social determinants and consequences of the ageing population in India. It was commissioned… Continue reading Every fourth senior citizen in India rates health as poor: LASI
Need and ways of Decongesting Indian prisons
Synopsis: Health Experts are calling federal prisons a “breeding grounds for uncontrolled transmission” of the virus. There is an urgent need of decongesting them. What are the ways to decongest Indian prisons? Background In India there are around 1,400 prisons, ‘housing’ over 5 lakh prisoners. These prisoners are facing the threat of Covid pandemic, with… Continue reading Need and ways of Decongesting Indian prisons
NHRC recommends measures against manual scavenging
News: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has made a series of recommendations to the Centre to eradicate manual scavenging. Facts: Manual scavenging: It is the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or handling human excreta. According to the 2011 Census, there are more than 26 Lakh insanitary latrines in the country and the… Continue reading NHRC recommends measures against manual scavenging
Government released Longitudinal Ageing Study in India(LASI)
News: Union Health Ministry has released the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India(LASI). Facts: LASI: It is a full scale national survey of scientific investigation of the health, economic, and social determinants and consequences of population ageing in India. Study conducted by: National Programme for Health Care of Elderly, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has… Continue reading Government released Longitudinal Ageing Study in India(LASI)
PM lays foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) across six states
News: The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of Light House Projects (LHPs) at six sites across six states in the country. Facts: LightHouse Projects(LHPs): These are model housing projects with houses built with shortlisted alternate technology suitable to the geo-climatic and hazard conditions of the region. The projects are being constructed under Global Housing Technology Challenge-India… Continue reading PM lays foundation stone of Light House projects (LHPs) across six states
State of our prisons today
Synopsis: The under trial prisoners in the Bhima-Koregaon case had to move the courts for the basic requirements such as to get a sipper cup and a straw because the prisoner is an 80-year-old man with Parkinson’s and the other to take a pair of glasses to replace a broken pair. Introduction The prisons should be… Continue reading State of our prisons today
“Swachhata Abhiyan” – Mobile Application
Source: PIB News: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a Mobile Application “Swachhata Abhiyan”. Facts: Swachhata Abhiyan: It is a mobile application developed to identify and geotag the data of insanitary latrines and manual scavengers so that the insanitary latrines can be replaced with sanitary latrines and rehabilitate all the manual scavengers to provide dignity… Continue reading “Swachhata Abhiyan” – Mobile Application
National Centre for Divyang Empowerment(NCDE)
Source: Click here News: The Minister of State for Home Affairs has inaugurated the National Centre for Divyang Empowerment(NCDE). Facts: National Centre for Divyang Empowerment(NCDE): It has been set up by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Objective: To skill, re-skill and rehabilitate Divyang warriors of the force suffering from disability that occurred in line of duty. Location: Rangareddy, Telangana.
India’s 1st LGBT+ workplace equality index launched
Source: Click here News: India’s 1st LGBT+ workplace equality index has been launched. Facts: India Workplace Equality Index: It is the country’s first comprehensive benchmarking tool for employers to measure their progress on LGBT+ inclusion at the workplace. Launched by: It was launched by non-profit Keshav Suri Foundation, partnered with Pride Circle, Stonewall UK and FICCI. Parameters: The index measures… Continue reading India’s 1st LGBT+ workplace equality index launched
Sanitation in India- Cultural stigma
Context- The problem with sanitation in India is not lack of infrastructure but the social and cultural stigma attached to it. What is the state of sanitation in India? Lack of proper toilets– the lack of proper restrooms makes long distance journeys an ordeal for women. However, NHAI maintains one restroom every 40-50 Km, but their… Continue reading Sanitation in India- Cultural stigma
Disability – policy and challenges
Context: 3rd dec is the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities, established by the United Nations in 1992. More on news: International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. Increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every… Continue reading Disability – policy and challenges
Impact of COVID-19 on tribal communities
Context – The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on forest community and their spirited efforts to tackle it. What are the problems faced by forest community during COVID-19? Losses of livelihood and shelter-Due to sudden lockdown, the forest-dwelling communities who got stuck in the cities without any support system, shelter, food or water. The lockdown measures have badly affected wage employment… Continue reading Impact of COVID-19 on tribal communities
PRISON REFORMS IN INDIA | 21st November, 2020
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) had invited research proposals from academics and legal experts in 2018. Among those two topics were shortlisted for further research by the Ministry of Home Affairs recently. The topics were “Status of radicalisation in India: an exploratory study of prevention and remedies” “Functioning and impact of open… Continue reading PRISON REFORMS IN INDIA | 21st November, 2020
Machine hole- Technology led initiative
Context – Centre announces new measures to end manual scavenging by august 2021. What is manual scavenging and step taken by government to eliminate manual scavenging? Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excrement from toilets, septic tanks or sewers by hand. More than 375 workers died while cleaning septic and sewer tanks between 2015… Continue reading Machine hole- Technology led initiative
Custodial Violence in India | 13th Nov. 2020
What is Custodial Violence? Custodial violence primarily refers to violence in police custody and judicial custody. It may be mental or physical in nature. Types of Custodial Violence: Physical: This includes methods of physical torture on the victim Physiological: It includes mental torture. For instance, depriving a person of food. It also includes threat and… Continue reading Custodial Violence in India | 13th Nov. 2020
GST levy on mobility aids
Context: The GST levy on mobility aids places a prohibitive burden on the ability of disabled citizens to lead a dignified life Background Recently, in Nipun Malhotra vs. Union of India case the Supreme Court of India heard brief arguments on the constitutional validity of the levy of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on mobility aids used… Continue reading GST levy on mobility aids
LGBT community rights
Context- Issues and Challenges of same sex marriages in India. What is Solicitor General Verdict on same sex marriage? Same-sex marriages are neither a part of “our culture” nor a part of the law, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Delhi High Court Monday, opposing a petition demanding marriage rights for the gay community under the Hindu Marriage Act… Continue reading LGBT community rights
Repopulation of prisons during pandemic is dangerous
Context: Recently, the Delhi’s high-powered committee (HPC) for the decongestion of prisons directed that the undertrials and convicts must return to prisons from early December. Background of the issue Given the contagious nature of COVID-19 and overcrowding in prisons, the court ordered for depopulation of prisons. The court ordered state governments to form HPCs to… Continue reading Repopulation of prisons during pandemic is dangerous
